Inasmuch as I love a castle as much as the next person, even I have to say that I didn’t really miss not seeing one in the Franconian town of Gerolzhofen. They have just about everything else, so it’s not like there would’ve been a whole helluva lotta time to see one anyway.
Maybe it’s the wine talking. ;-)
Yes, wine instead of beer in Franconia. More precisely, this is Unterfranken, or Lower Franconia, after all; and wine’s the drink of the day. Especially at the Asparagus and Wine Market that’s an annual April event in addition to the Wine Festival Steigerwald in July.
Oh yes, the Steigerwald — perfect for hiking and biking. Did you know Gerolzhofen lies within the Steigerwald Nature Park? No? You do now.
Where was I? Yes, festivals. Gerolzhofen also hosts an annual Spring Festival in March, Vineyard tours during another Wine Festival on May 1st, a Fall Festival in October, and an Advent Market.
When you’re not partying until you can’t party no more, walk along Gerolzhofen’s old fortification wall and towers. One is the Weißer Turm (White Tower), which you can see from a distance if you’re standing at the Gasthof Wilder Mann; the other is the Hexenturm, or Witches Tower.
Of all of Gerolzhofen’s churches, it’s the St. Johns Chapel Museum with its Gothic art, and the St. Vitus Church (built 1402) that are a must-see. Sorry, add in the St. Mary of the Rosary church, too.
The Alte Rathaus (Old Town Hall, 1475) is another must. You can’t miss it, standing three-storeys high. Inside is a City Museum with exhibits on clothing and the machines that make them.
Rather be outside than inside? Take some time along one of Gerolzhofen’s jogging paths, visiting the old Jewish cemetery (from 1639), or the outdoor pool (it’s an indoor one too) with a sauna.
Look at that — no castle is necessary when visiting Gerolzhofen. Trust me, you won’t even notice.
