It’s always a pleasure to spend a day or two in Bavaria, especially when you’re in towns like Erbendorf. While many of you loyal readers may never have heard of it, you’ll find it full of delightful outdoorsy stuff to do, as well as offering history lovers something to talk about for months.
The hardest thing to do in this Upper Palatinate town is deciding whether to do all the outdoor recreational stuff, or visiting the many churches and chapels dotting the countryside.
You’re even able to see what’s below the surface, so maybe it’s best to start there. Centuries before there was refrigeration, Erbendorf townsfolk used the rock cellars below ground to keep food and beer fresh.
Nothing like a cold brew to get you through the day, right? Just remember to bring along a flashlight on this subterranean tour, OK?
Carving out rock was done in other ways around here, as mining was once Big Business. The history of the town’s mining is found at exhibits at the Mining & Heritage Museum — as well as tanning, weaving, and even shoemaking.
As for shoes, remember to pack some comfy ones because you’re gonna need them to hike, cycle, or e-bike through the Steinwald. Better bring warm clothes, too, if you’re here during the winter. How else are you going to tackle the cross-country ski trails, or do the night runs down the slopes?
If you get cold, that’s a right proper time to come inside to see the Pfarrkirche Mariä Himmelfahrt. The church’s marble and ornately decorate main altar is a stunning example of Baroque art, even though the church is more than 700 years old.
A simple, but beautiful, church is the Peterskirche in Wäldern. It might look totally nondescript from the outside, but its interior is bright, light, and airy.
Braving the cold is a good idea if you want to experience a true Bavarian Christmas Market. There’s even one at Schloss Wildenreuth. Great, a market held at a castle — how perfect is that?
However, if warm weather events are what you want, then come for the Starkbierfest (March), the Maifest (May), the Hofffest (June), and/or the Dorffest (August). I’d best say you’ll need a warm jacket for November’s Martinimarkt.
Ahh, a small price to pay for the splendors of Erbendorf, wouldn’t you say? ;-)
