Saxony-Anhalt might not be as popular as Bavaria or Lower Saxony in terms of visitors. But, between us, they don’t know what they’re missing when they don’t come see Gommern.
The town is only a few kilometers southeast of religious Magdeburg and is easily reached in only minutes. What might surprise you once you arrive is the town has a variety of gardens. No, before you ask, they aren’t your everyday run of the mill gardens. Gommern has its own rock garden, made with quartz stones weighing up to three tons.
Gommern’s Rose Garden is a delight to both the eyes and nose; and anything found in the Herb Garden will tempt the palatte. A Heath Garden, with more flowers and plants, is close to the Rock Garden and the Exhibition at the Kulk.
Not only does the Exhibition at the Kulk have an outdoor theater for concerts and other performances, it’s like an outdoor museum detailing some of the more important points in Gommern history. One is a replica of a prehistoric Teuton grave from 5000 years ago.
The real Teuton grave was found in the 1990’s with household items that date to the 3rd century B.C.
That’s much older than the 10th century Wasserschloss Gommern. OK, the original is long gone; but, a castle has stood on the spot for that long. It’s been used over the years as a detention center, a hotel, and a brewery (which it is to this day).
Gommern does have a party side, too. One of the more interesting one is the Cucumber Market in August, a Village Celebration in July, an Oktoberfest (in October, this isn’t Munich) and a Christmas Market in December.
When the great outdoors calls you, there’s a forested recreational area in town with a few walking trails; and the Quarry Lake (once a quartz quarry) is frequented by local residents.
Without so many visitors, it’ll seem like you’ve almost got the place to yourself. Or, at best, it’ll seem like you’re a local yourself. ;-)
