Folklore says that back in the day when Germans were fighting against Napoleon (the 19th century short-statured, feisty French emperor) a general asked where his recruits were from.
Unlike modern day Germany where Saxony, Prussia, and Westphalia are all united under one flag — each was its own kingdom. A young lad yelled he was from the Kingdom of Flieden, not knowing whose kingdom the town belonged since the borders were always changing.
Afterwards the town forever became known as Königreich Flieden. Although, today it technically belongs to the federal state of Hesse — and no part of Germany is a kingdom.
History lesson over, now it’s time to enjoy the kingdom, err, town that’s near the Vogelsberg Mountains for what it is. A super fun place that’s got everything from concerts to castles!
Usually I start my virtual town tours with the historical side of town. Not this time, Friends! I got myself a trusty bicycle and explored the countryside & along the Hessian Cycle Trail R3.
I passed hikers and regular old walkers, even stopping to take a dip in Flieden’s outdoor swimming pool (open from May-September). I did more than that really, as the pool complex has a waterslide & diving platform, tennis courts, chess, and a restaurant. Sorry, I got hungry. ;-)
I ambled around the Wildpark Gersefeld (it’s a little distance away) and stopped in to see the Heimatmuseum Lenzis (the local history museum). It’s housed within an old peasant’s house — a nice pace from always looking at the homes of the nobility.
Oh yeah, as for them — in Flieden the Castle Steckel is now in ruins. You can either wander around on your own or take a guided tour to find out all sorts of “nitty gritty” dirty details about its inhabitants.
My virtual tour around the kingdom ended with a visit to the 15th century Parish Church at the Sebastian Chapel, the Parish Church St. Josef Magdlos, and the Baroque Catholic Church St. Goar. Old churches like these are always a sure bet for stunning artwork.
The virtual tour around and through Flieden might have ended with the churches, but my trip here doesn’t. It’s hard to resist not staying for Flieden’s Christmas concerts and fantastic Christmas Market, filled with all sorts of crafts & stuff. I think they served mulled wine so that you’re a bit tipsy and buy more. ;-)
However, if you come at the end of August for the Fountain Festival (or the Parish Festival, too) there’s not much buying — just loads of fun, tons of food, and lots (and lots) of drinking (especially at the town’s Oktoberfest and Midsummer Night Party).
While it might be good to be king, in the case of Flieden it’s great to be a kingdom!
