Just when you think your love affair with Swabia was over you stumble upon the town of Elchingen — a town famous for a pretty big battle during the 19th century.
But, I think it should be known for more than some icky war stuff. This place is pretty great-enough to bring you back to your Swabian love. ;-)
I mean your Baden-Württemberg love. No, I mean Bavaria. Confused?
Possible indeed, considering you simply take a walk over to another farmer market just to find yourself over in Baden-Württemberg. Funny, yes? What can I say, I find these things hilarious, but the town really is in Bavaria.
The Kloster Elchingen is a more somber affair (so get all your giggles out now). This monastery is said to have been built in 1128, but a fire at the end of the 14th century destroyed all evidence of its real age. I think, that just like any grand lady — you should never ask her age — just enjoy her. ;-)
Kloster Elchingen’s Baroque Church is so grand with its white walls, gold ornamentation, and frescoes that it’s dedicated to not only the Virgin Mary, but the Saints Peter and Paul, too. This church was originally a 3-aisle Romanesque Basilica, a architecture style popular in the 12th century, so maybe the Kloster is as old as they say. ;-)
When you’re ready to get out and enjoy the Swabian sunshine, walk or bike along the Quellenweg or any one of the other foot or bicycle trails. Then again, a hot air balloon ride is also a fantastic idea. So is swimming in the town’s lake (and not to be confused with the mighty River Danube that flows right by here). Sweet!
After you dry yourself off, come visit Elchingen’s art galleries and its puppet theater. Or, party at the Fishing Festival (1st weekend in July) or the Thalfinger Village Festival (one of the town’s hamlets).
If this isn’t enough for you, Legoland is only 20 minutes away (by car, that is; or 4 hours hiking). But, it’s really easy to get distracted by the natural beauty of the nearby Swabian Alb in the opposite direction, so you might not make it. ;-)