How much greatness can you stuff into just eleven square kilometers? A whole bunch if you measure it by the town of Dettenhausen.
The first thing you might notice about Dettenhausen is its countryside. Not easy to miss, I’d say, considering it’s found along the edge of the Schönbuch Nature Park. You’re also close to the Schaichtal Hiking Region (and this is the Neckar-Alb Region), and a region that morphs from the Swabian Alb to the Black Forest, so no matter what direction you head off in — you’re gonna love it.
A great place to stop is by the Sulzeiche, an old, gnarled Oak tree whose truck is over six meters in circumference. Some might say this mangled tree isn’t much to look at, but think of what stories this 450-year old tree could tell.
Think of the stories the cops at the local Polizeimuseum (Police Museum) could tell, as well. Housed in an old half-timbered building itself, the museum has all sorts of exhibits on uniforms and equipment used by law enforcement over the years. Luckily it’s open from 7:30 am – 5 pm, when the police station is open.
The other must-do museum is the Schönbuch Museum. Open on Sundays and holidays, this museum delves into the history and lore of the region, with exhibits on everything from its sandstone to hunting.
As with many people who come to Germany, they wanna see castles. I wanna see castles, too. A unique looking one is the Einsiedel Castle; and before you say this doesn’t look like a typical medieval castle, you’re right — it’s not. It got its start as a 15th century hunting lodge, and now it’s a Youth Hostel.
You’re awfully close to the castle in the neighboring town of Kirchentellinsfurt, so if you got time — head over to that castle museum, while you’re at it. Just be sure you’ve gotten to see the Johanneskirche (built 1830s) in Dettenhausen first, OK?
And didn’t I tell you greatness could be packed so nicely within a small space? I knew you’d agree. :-)
