Wow, this is hard. Maybe I should flip a coin to say what region of Germany is the most beautiful. Could it be the Black Forest, or could it be Swabia? OK, heads its the Schwarzwald and tails Swabia… Alright, here goes! Oh, tails it is — so Swabia wins (this time), and funny enough this is exactly where you’re going to find the town of Diedorf!
Diedorf is only about 9km west of Augsburg and is surrounded by a nature park along the Western Forest with many small brooks dotting the landscape. While you’re out there look for the 19th century Lourdesgrotte that was built as a thank you by a local man who survived Tuberculosis.
Most of the other sites in Diedorf that are worth seeing are its churches. With eight local villages that make up the entire town, you’ll find a church just about in every one.
It seems that St. Bartholomäus is one of the most frequently visited. It might be because it’s one of the oldest — even though the structure you see standing wasn’t built until 1736 — although its foundations date back to the Romanesque period (think 11th/12th centuries).
The church of Saints Leonhard & Wolfgang was built around the same time, in 1766. So many churches that were built in that time period are so ornate and the details so intricate, that they should be appreciated for those reasons alone.
I’ll give credit to St. Andreas in Biburg as the oldest one, though. This church was built at the turn of the 12th/13th centuries and still stands today; and has weekly services.
After church service, you need to do something. So, why not come to the Schmutterhalle? Not only is it a gymnasium — it’s a sports center and a culture center, as well. Just as the Diedorfer Community Center is — just minus the sports stuff. Although it does have overnight accommodations for anyone who needs to stay the night.
Might be a good idea to sleep it off there after a day of drinking at Diedorf’s Wine Celebration (held in October). But, if you got a hangover (oh, that red wine will do it every time ;-), find one of the quiet areas of the Citizen Park. Otherwise you won’t be able to handle all the music playing at the park’s concert area.
Oh, I’m so glad I picked tails — the Swabian Alb and got to see Diedorf!
