Burbach (Siegerland) is a little bit of natural heaven just off the Autobahn A 45.
The community is a mix of smaller towns linked by trails and open space. You can explore just one corner or dedicate a weekend to exploring it all.
In the summer months, you’ll want to come out with your walking stick and hit the valleys. Volcanic basalt boulders jut out from the flower-filled hills, reminding you that quiet surfaces don’t always tell the whole story.
Indeed, the mining culture just underground is a novel of its own, but you won’t see it marking up the surface or the trails.
Instead, you can learn more about the historic mines in the main town of Burbach. The most famous exhibition center in the region is here in the building they call Old Bailiwick. It hosts information and demonstration sessions for mining history and the local crafts culture.
In fact, the craft displays here are regional draws. On demonstration days, you can see shoes being made by hand or watch traditional blacksmithing in action. It’s a nice step back from modern conveniences, and if you are traveling with kids its a good way to keep them entertained.
Burbach’s cultural festivities peak in August. The last weekend of the month is the local historical festival, and there are vendor and performers all over. You can buy crafts made locally and have a chance for photographs with costumed locals.
Finally, just to be sure you don’t miss a thing while you’re in town, you need to go up. Way up. Book a ride in a hot-air balloon so that you can get the best view of the ancient Celtic ruins, some of which are 2500 years old. You can’t quite appreciate them on the ground like you can in the air, and the view over the whole area will be an excellent finish to a relaxing day. :-)
