In 2007 Cadolzburg turned 850 years old, which is probably why you’ll find many remnants of the Middle Ages in town. It somehow all comes together in this Franconian town in Bavaria.
Speaking of Franconia, I found a little talked about tourist route through this outstanding region — and its wonderful! Stay here in Cadolzburg and you’ll be able to see (or eat) a good portion of it.
Like any good medieval village, it has a castle. But, the only way you’re going to be able to see it is getting in on one of its guided tours that meet at the castle’s bridge at 2pm. That, and paying the couple Euro entrance fee which is worth paying to see this 14th century burg and Burgtor (Castle Gate).
You won’t have to pay to see the 18th century Baroque Evangelical Lutheran Parish Church or to climb the Oberservation Tower that looks out in all directions. From this height try to find all the remaining parts of the town’s 15th century fortification wall (called a Stadtmauer). Not all visitors to Cadolzburg were considered friendly tourists — there had to be something to keep out those pesky invaders and mauraders. ;-)
Cadolzburg’s history is explained in more detail at its Local History Museum (called Heimatmuseum on signs), located in a piece of the town’s history itself — a half timbered building built in 1668. That’s not the only one of them here, they are scattered throughout the entire town.
After you’ve got all that covered, it’s time to branch out a bit. Throughout the Romantisches Franken or Romantic Franconia region, you can see the best of the region with theater performances, walking trails (including a part of the pilgrimage route of the St. James’ Way), and horseback riding.
When you’re hungry, there’s never any end to the locally made cheeses, wine, and beer. Don’t be so shocked, Franconia is known for more than just its beer.
Now excuse me, while I go over to Cadolzburg’s Trim Path to work off all those totally delicious and scrumptious calories I just ate… ;-)
