A big hearty thanks goes out to the people who designed the German Fairy Tale Road, for without them places like Großalmerode might get passed on by without a second glance.
Which would be a shame, by the way.
Two things really stand out here in Großalmerode. One: its beautiful countryside. And, two: eight hundred years of history. What a way to start the day, huh?
Let’s start with the historical side of Großalmerode first, as we work our way towards the Meißner-Kaufungen Wald Nature Park.
A city tour is one good idea, as this way you’ll learn all about the tales of the Brothers Grimm, including how Wilhelm had his Confirmation at the local church. Großalmerode’s Evangelical Church, BTW, is an eclectic blend of Baroque and Neo-Gothic architecture, if you’re so interested.
I’m only going to suggest going indoors one more time. This would be to the Glass & Ceramics Museum, which details the history of ceramics production to the local economy.
Now it’s time to give the outside a chance. Wouldn’t you just love the chance to see a whole bunch of half-timbered houses all at one time? Go ahead, take a couple of snapshots — I’ll wait for you.
Time to move on to the Bilsteinturm, an observation tower that’s found along one of the many hiking trails. There are a couple of hiking trails (3 actually) that might interest you, known as the Technisch-Historische Lehr- und Wanderpfad (Technology & History Trail). Oh geez, are we in love with long names…
What’s great about Großalmerode is you can take a 3, 5, or 8 day hike with a guide through the area — all the while camping out in the Kaufunger Wald and along the Gelster River.
Not me, I’m going where there’s room service. All right, at least where I can wake up to a fresh, hot cup of coffee.
Fuel up, today we’re going horseback riding, fishing, bicycling, and throwing in a game of tennis (or two) for good measure. Wait… we better stay another night — I forgot all about the mountain biking trails. And how every year Großalmerode hosts the annual Bilstein Bike Marathon in the early part of May.
This is just one event held throughout the year, the Village Festival is late June, the Ferienspiele are in early July, and in August is an annual tennis tournament.
So what if it ain’t Wimbledon? Großalmerode has the Brothers Grimm and so much more.
