Bürstadt in Hesse, named for an old Frankish Prince, technically dates back to the 8th century when the area belonged to the Monastery Lorsch and is only about eight kilometers from the city of Worms. It’s much older really, since there are old grave hills from as far back as the Stone Age.
The Romans made the region of Bürstadt home and their old settlements sit on the outskirts of the Bürstadt forest. There’s an Archaeological Museum in nearby Worms that really gives an informative (and fun) history lesson of Roman life here in Germany.
Other than that, there aren’t too many historical old buildings or many museums here in Bürstadt (but don’t let that deter you). We could blame this on the Thirty Years’ War (1618 – 1638) when the entire town was destroyed and remained a ghost town for some ten years before anyone decided to come back.
OK… there is one museum — the town’s Local History Museum which houses in a building from 1734. It’s filled with old tractors, musical instruments, and crafts from the last few centuries. And, one old Baroque church St. Michael’s which was built in 1732.
The best thing about Bürstadt is its countryside. There are many curving tree line roads, making it popular with the motorcycle types. And, over 10km of hiking and jogging trails for those who prefer to use their legs.
Don’t worry cyclists, there’s plenty of biking trails too, so you won’t feel left out! ;-)
Tennis is big here with an indoor court, but get outside and enjoy the comfortable summer air at the outdoor courts. The outdoor pool is solar heated and has a great panorama of the surrounding forest.
Some just might prefer one of the Biergärten (beer gardens) like the Ratskeller. Shaded by trees, the garden is not touristy or overpriced, just rustic and genuine (and a bit romantic at night with candlelight on the tables) serving delectable local cuisine in a converted 18th century farm.
After everything there’s to see and do here in Bürstadt, a beer garden is a great place to end the day, isn’t it?
