Local legend says that there was once a castle on what is known as the Kapellenberg, or Chapel Hill, in the Lower Bavarian town of Ergoldsbach.
No, that’s not the best part. The best part is the former master of the castle was a pretty rotten, mean, nasty kind of guy; and the castle sunk right down into the dirt with him in it.
Whether that part is true or not, the Kapellenberg does have the remains of a fortress wall (called a Wallfestung).
This castle isn’t to be confused with Jellenkofen Castle (built around 1720) that was once used as a poorhouse run by nuns, then a hospital for nuns. It’s private property today; and I sure hope the new owners aren’t rotten — you heard what happened to the other guy. ;-)
That’s not all you’ll find on the Kapellenberg, there are a number of viewpoints that have some of the best views around town.
It should, Chapel Hill is 464-meters above sea level. And it’s aptly named because Chapel Hill has a chapel; the Lourdes Chapel built in 1825. From the Lourdes Chapel you can follow the fourteen Stations of the Cross along a tree lined passage, or just chill out over the Chapel Hill Park.
Ergoldsbach does have a War Memorial, and a story of Max Mauer who saved 13 Jewish Concentration Camp inmates during the last days of World War II. He was also honored by Yad Vashem in Jerusalem for his heroic deeds.
You might have noticed that much of what’s to see in Ergoldsbach centers around the great outdoors. And you can add swimming in the town’s outdoor pool, golfing, and shopping at the annual Winter Market to the list of things to do.
However, if being indoors is necessary most of the activities take place at the Multifunktionshalle or Multipurpose Hall, venue to all sorts of concerts and exhibitions.
You just better behave yourself while you’re here… you don’t want the ground to eat you. ;-)
