Egypt gets to boast its Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, but the Saxon town of Fraureuth and the Vogtland surrounding it gets to boast its in the Valley of Castles.
This, however, brings me to my dilemma. And I would loathe to insult such a lovely town as Fraureuth, but its Burg Schönfels is so ugly it’s actually beautiful. I know that totally makes no sense, but the blend of three building periods (13th century medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance) seems to make a construction hodge-podge of the castle; but when you take into consideration the building techniques and its age, the castle is stunning.
Listen, it’s a museum these days — so you come see for yourself; and let me me know if you think I’m correct. OK?
Now there’s no debating the beauty of Schloss Blankenheim, a graceful building along the water’s edge. Don’t let its more modern Baroque facade fool you, inside this old castle beats a medieval heart from the 12th century.
As lovely as it would be to visit castles all gosh-darn day, it would be wrong of me not to tell you about the rest of Fraureuth. Like what? Oh, I don’t know, maybe you’ll want to ramble along the hiking trails within the nature reserve area of the Werdauer Forest; or perhaps treat yourself to a spa treatment at the Forest Pool.
The pool area, by the way, is the venue for an outdoor rock event. Wait… how’s that gonna work, I’m trying to get my relaxation on when the music’s blasting? Heaven help me, the music’s too loud — I’m getting old.
Oh well, forget the spa for peace & quiet (did I really just say that?), it’s off to the Village Church (Lutheran) then. Or, maybe the Church of St. Anne, built around 1513. Hey, at least these look like traditional churches, the Our Lady Chapel (built 1869) reminded me of a barn.
What? I’m not saying anything wrong — it is what it is. Again, you come to Fraureuth yourself, and get back to me. ;-)
