When thinking about a visit to Germany most likely you’ll want to come to Bavaria, because of places like Dorfen. As this is where you’ll find small towns and villages that have been around for countless centuries; filled with churches with priceless works of art, pictorial countryside, and delectable local yummies and incredible beer.
Certainly, Dorfen fits the bill and a day spent here would be time well spent. :-)
Dorfen’s only about 50 km or 35 miles east of Munich which makes getting here quite easy.
Medieval Pilgrims made regular trips here to visit the Klassizisti Pilgrimage Church and very much still visited by tourists. There’s another beautiful church here (though not a pilgrimage church) which is St. Vitus located right on the Market Square since the 15th century.
At least you’ll have an easier time getting here than earlier Pilgrims, only having to hop on the Munich Mühldorf Rail Line.
To get to the Market Square you can enter the original old part of town through one of the three remaining tower gates. The tower gates make a great photo-op, but it’s so much more than that. You’ll really feel as though you’re walking through a portal to another time.
Tradition is important here and Dorfen’s weekly market, held on Fridays, has been held here on the square for what seems like a bazillion years, but actually since the 19th century. The market offers a chance to buy some delicious local goodies like fresh fruit, cheese, bread, and wine. You’ll also have ample opportunity to buy some Weißbier, the white beer, made according to the German Purity Laws but with wheat and barley.
It’s probably best to forage around the Bavarian countryside before you start drinking too much of the good stuff. Dorfen has an abundance of walking, hiking, and cycling trails through some incredibly beautiful lush landscape. Unless, you’re the type that feels lifting a liter of a fine beer is workout enough. ;-)
