Where the Kupfer River meets the Kocher in the Kocher Valley of Baden-Württemberg, lies the five districts of Forchtenberg — surrounded by hilly areas and picturesque vineyards.
I’d gander to say its no wonder the Romans and Franks kinda stuck around here for years. But as far as history goes, it is the Middle Ages that have made an indelible mark on the local landscape.
All right, so what if the Stadtmauer (City Wall) is reconstructed, that doesn’t change the fact that this edifice is actually a piece of medieval history.
As for another slice of Forchtenberg’s medieval wonders, it’s the Ruine Forchtenberg you need to see. As its name implies, the original early 13th century castle is now in ruins — all in thanks to the 17th century Thirty Years’ War.
Speaking of the Middle Ages, you’ll be happy to hear Forchtenberg also hosts a medieval Christmas Market — as well as its own Pottery Market (the third Sunday in May), a Gemeindefest (November), and two more Christmas Markets.
Oops, I’m getting ahead of myself again. I left out talking about the town’s 14th century frescoes found at the local cemetery church, and the Church of St. Michael. Plus, there are tons of half-timbered houses found throughout Forchtenberg proper, as well as its other villages — like Sindringen. Some of Forchtenberg’s villages also boast things like museums — like in Wohlmuthausen that has a Mill Museum and a Heritage Museum. You’ll even find a stunning Baroque “summer house” for some lucky folks when it was built back in the 1700s.
They sure don’t build them like that anymore, do they?
Oh well, no time to give it much thought since there’s a whole bunch of hiking trails to venture off on. Ok, there’s only ten — but that’s plenty. The Kocher Cycle Path also snakes its way around here in Forchtenberg, as well as the Mundartweg, and a couple of other “themed” trails — you know, in case you’re interested in things like agriculture.
My guess is if all this was a round when the Romans and Franks were here — they’d have stuck around a whole lot longer. I know you’ll want to, that’s for sure. ;-)
