If you like the great outdoors with bright sunshine and fresh air, Franconia is for you. If you like a bit of the vino (or beer), Franconia is for you. If you like learning about German history, then Franconia is for you. But, if you love all of it and you’re looking for it all in one place, Elsenfeld is for you.
Now, as much as we Germans are in love with our automobile; this isn’t the best mode of transportation in town. Why? Because a a great deal of what’s to see revolves around wine. So, driving’s not recommended.
This is why you’re better off using your own two feet to get around a portion of the 55km Fränkischer Rotwein-Wanderweg. For you English speakers out there in cyberworld, that would the be Franconian Red Wine Hiking Trail.
Who cares what you call it, just make sure you pour me a hearty glass ;-)
Even the nearby Himmelthal Monastery gets in on the wine action. Originally it was a 13th century nunnery; now it offers wine sampling on the second Sunday of the month. During the summer, the Kloster’s church offers some wonderful musical concerts. Oh, the acoustics are superb!
There are other concerts (as well as celebrations, lectures, and conferences) at the Bürgerzentrum.
When you’ve got the history bug, the Heimatmuseum (local history museum in English) is a great place to go. The museum itself is housed in the oldest framework house in town, located at Hauptstraße 21. Of course, you’ll want to see the historical Johannis Church and the Old Parish Church of Sankt Gertraud, too.
But, man and woman can’t live by artistic and historical pursuit alone. So, good thing Elsenfeld has some wonderful outdoor activities. Oh, what am I saying — this is Franconia, so saying wonderful outdoor activities is a serious understatement, as there are plenty of walking paths, cycling lanes, and hiking trails to conquer.
Elsenfeld’s outdoor pool isn’t just for lounging, either. It has six volleyball courts, a half-pipe, badminton, table tennis, a huge chessboard, a wading pool, and a playground for the kids. Oh, and it has a festival square for beachside parties and whatnot!
With all this amazing sightseeing, I think I’ve earned that glass of wine now! No, I think I’ve earned two, pass the bottle! ;-)
