Germany is a weird place. I say this because the town of Frankenhardt wasn’t actually “created” until 1975, but with a number of medieval churches — it’s a whole lot older than it admits to.
Before I go off about all the (gorgeous) churches found around town, its countryside in the Hohenlohe area is nothing short of spectacular. You’ll find six circular hiking trails (relatively short, only 6-10 kilometers), and a few easy enough bike trails (15-22 kilometers), that’ll give you an excellent chance of seeing it. You can also join in on one of the community bike rides, too.
Now that I think about it, climbing the Burgbergturm, a 28-meter high observation tower from the mid-1800’s, is a great way to appreciate the glorious countryside. Another way is to take a carriage ride, which sounds like a good idea to me.
And while we Germans often have a reputation for being a tad standoffish (which is sooo untrue), we sure do know how to have a good time — and Frankenhardt doesn’t disappoint. Not only can you enjoy stuff like the Moonlight Bazaar, but also things like their Oktoberfest and Volksfest.
In between festivals and events, you can visit those churches I mentioned earlier. Wait, start at the castle first.
The Wasserschloss Honhardt is a real moated castle, whose original parts date back to some time in the 11th century. Yup, this partially half-timbered castle is a bona-fide medieval one. It’s even better that, while the castle is privately owned, you can see it if you make proper arrangements.
Ok, now on to the churches of Frankenhardt — and with some 39 villages and hamlets, there are quite a few. Believe it, or not, I don’t really have a favorite, but the Church of Saints Peter & Paul is a medieval one from the mid-1100’s — although it did get a renovation about six centuries later.
The Church of St. Martin is also more than five hundred years old, and had to be rebuilt a few centuries later, only to be destroyed in World War II.
All right, maybe the St. Lukas Kapelle is my favorite, probably because of its Romanesque and Gothic architecture blended with its half-timbered construction; although some have said the Lauentius Chapel is the “most beautiful in all of the Hohenlohe area.” You might prefer the Chapel of St. Dionysius, a small church with an old fashioned sundial instead.
Speaking of time, it’s time for me to leave Frankenhardt — but I sure did love it here. So will you.
