A ride south from Karlsruhe on the A5 Autobahn will bring you to the delightfully surprising town of Friesenheim in Baden. Traveling this way you certainly have a much better way to get here than the Ancient Romans who called this place home almost two millenia ago.
In fact, the Roman ruins are a huge draw to the area. Friesenheim has painstakingly reconstructed the Roman’s old road and their temple dedicated to the goddess Diana.
A couple centuries later the monks of the Schuttern Monastery built their Monastic Church. After it was restored to its former glory, this church is a proud Friesenheim attraction.
If you like this church, then you’ll probably like the little Leutkirche, or Field Church, in the village of Oberschopfheim. It WAS originally built in the 12th century, but the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century caused the church to be rebuilt.
Those crafty monks were lucky enough to spend their summers over at the Heiligenzell Schloss; that’s some summer retreat! We’re not as lucky as the monks to see the inside of this 14th century manor, as its been closed for some time for renovations.
At least shopping can fill the void. Friesenheim’s weekly market, held on Saturdays, is great for finding local street food and souvenirs to bring home. If you really take shopping seriously, then the annual Star Mountain Market that coincides with the Farmer’s Market is for you; held on the 3rd weekend of September.
September also closes the camping season over at Schutterner See. Starting in April, everyone enjoys the swimming and just being in the great outdoor air. Renting a bicycle is a perfect way to appreciate the countryside with many trails that spoke off from the lake.
Better to do the riding before you start drinking the wine that’s produced locally. Wine is a big deal around here and since it has been produced for hundreds of years, vineyards have learned how to make it right. Don’t forget to take some home.
From the looks of it, Friesenheim is really worth that trip off the Autobahn, after all.
