Drats… foiled again. Here I am all excited to be coming to the Swabian town of Durach, only to find there isn’t much to see. However, you couldn’t find a more colorful village if you tried.
At least it’s colorful during the Spring and Summer when all the plants and flowers are in full bloom.
Durach is found just south of Kempten, in the wonderful Allgäu region. Simply put, the German Alps oversee everything that goes on here. It certainly explains why flights around the area are so popular. Just head to the Kempten-Durach Airfield to hop on one.
And if you’re looking to go exploring around in the Allgäu area, you couldn’t ask for a better central location. While there isn’t all that much sightseeing, you might find yourself staying for a while. So find yourself a Holiday Home to let for a few days or weeks, and get motivated.
Motivated to do what?
Thanks for asking. How ’bout some castles? Or, should I say what used to be castles? Anyway, one to see would be the Burg Baltenstein in nearby Betzigau. This one was partially built from a boulder around the year 1200, only to be deserted some time in the 1500s.
The same kind of thing happened at the Sulzberg Ruins (in nearby Sulzberg), built in 1170 and gone because of fighting during the Thirty Years’ War. And also to the Burg Wolkenberg (in Wildpoldsried), a 12th/13th century ruin that once belonged to the famous Hohenstaufen family.
It’s not our last castle visit in or near Durach. The last one is the Burgruine Schöneberg in Betzigau. This is the oldest of all of the area’s castles, built either in the 10th or 11th century (no one knows for sure). What we do know is that it no longer existed by the 13th century, and it once had a moat.
I know you didn’t come all this way to see just castles, so let’s head to the Sulzberger See. This lake has a beach and swimming area, and the best part is that it’s free for the whole family.
Did I miss anything? It’s possible to be distracted by the Kempter Wald, an area of moors and hills — a perfect location for a hike. Just remember to stop by Durach’s 200-year old Town Hall or its 700-year old tree too.
Of course, if this isn’t enough for you, there’s always a chance to see a real working farm, attend Mass on the mountain, shop at the annual Flea Market in October, or visit the Archaeological Park Cambodunum.
Oh no… how could I possibly miss this one! Go visit the Heilig Geist Kirche (Holy Spirit Church). It’s such a blessing with all this lovely painting and art, it made me speechless!
Turns out there was more to Durach than just tree lined streets, small beer gardens, and tiny guesthouses than I thought. Then again, do you really need anything else?
