I thought long and hard about what to say about Großrosseln. I mean this is a town of Santa Claus and the village of Karlsbrunn (one of its six hamlets) is the hometown of an ancestor of a man who went on to become the President of the United States!
You know what, let’s start with the president…
In 1741, a man by the name of Hans Nicolaus Eisenhauer emigrated to Pennsylvania in the United States. That name rings a bell, doesn’t it? It should, because I’m sure you’ve heard of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. And Dwight, long before becoming president, was a United States General who was stationed here in Germany during the Second World War.
Speaking of World War II, Großrosseln’s village of Dorf im Warndt was originally a Nazi settlement. The other shires, however, are much older than only the 20th century.
Which brings us to Santa Claus. Yes, we all know that Santa (or good old St. Nick as he’s otherwise known) lives in the North Pole with his elves. However, his mail goes to the Christmas Post Office in the village of St. Nicholas. ;-)
Most of the other villages of Großrosseln are very forested areas; and even border the country of France. Figuratively speaking, if you cross the street, you’re not even in Germany any more… you’re in the French town of Petite-Rosselle. So, if you’re gonna Sprechen Sie Deutsch you might want to parlez Francais, too. ;-)
Besides a U.S. president, Santa, and a Nazi Settlement the town loves a good time. At the end of April there’s a huge Music Festival and a large Garden Without Borders Fest in early June. Also in June is a fantastic guided Wildlife Expedition along the many hiking trails.
But, between us, anytime is great to wander around the trails. Just make sure you take at least the one that takes you past the 19th century Evangelical Church. Now your trip is complete!
