The Hessian town of Grävenwiesbach might not be so easy to say, but it certainly is easy on the eyes — considering it lies in the Eastern Hintertaunus. What’s that mean for you?
Oh, that’s a simple answer; all you need to know is Grävenwiesbach is right in the heart of the Taunus Nature Park, so it’s wonderful for doing all sorts of outdoorsy things, like hiking.
You’ll find four well-marked circular trails, the longest being Trail #1, stretching through the countryside for some 17 km. This trail affords a wonderful view of Grävenwiesbach’s most noticeable landmark, it’s Village Church.
All right, more on that in a minute. You still have three other trails to learn about. The shortest of trails is Trail #3, a short 2 km hike that’ll take you less than an hour. Trail #4 is just a bit longer (3 km), but takes you along the pretty forest and meadows of the area.
Now it’s time to come back into town. First stop: the Evangelical Church; you know, the one you just saw from the distance. It’s been said this gorgeous Classical styled building is too big for such a small village, but I don’t think so.
What I do think is, the peachy/pink & cream colored exterior (along with its onion dome) work harmoniously with deep green of the surrounding countryside.
Ahhh, here I go getting all romantic again. And nothing says romantic these days like a castle. Good thing you’ll find two in the area, first being the Usinger Schloss (over in Usingen), which is now a school.
Wait, there’s nothing romantic about a school, so let’s go see Schloss Neuweilnau (in Weilrod), whose tower is part of the original 14th century castle. Some parts of Neuweilnau Castle came from much later, like the Gatehouse — not put here until 1566.
When you’re not visiting nearby castles, or hiking though the Taunus Nature Park, then I’d have to suggest coming to one of Grävenwiesbach’s many festivities. Come for a Carnival Parade, or the Spring Festival (April), or maybe the Wine Festival in June.
The Dorffest (Village Festival) is another goodie, since it’s a 2-day event; although the Kartoffelfest (Potato Festival) sounds as if you’ll eat fantastically; and come early December, you’ve got not one, but two, Christmas Markets.
With all the great festivals, the pretty castles, and gorgeous countryside, Grävenwiesbach is easy enough to love — albeit not so easy to pronounce. ;-)
