Sometimes surprises are good, as is the case of what you’ll find in the Franconian town of Hersbruck. It’s one of those small hamlets you might not ever have heard of, but you’re pleasantly surprised just about every time you turn around.
There is a lot to see here in the old part of town and the ultimate place to start is right at City Hall. It overlooks the Upper Market, a major hustle & bustle spot of the Middle Ages. You’ll be following in the footsteps of medieval traders when Hersbruck was located along the Golden Route.
Look out for the Nürnberger Tor (a good photo-op) and stop in the Deutsche Hirtenmuseum. It’s the only museum of its kind in the region, totally dedicated to the life of the herdsman (a far cry from the life of a city dweller).
There are quite a few other gates scattered about with names like the Hospital Gate, the Gänsturm, and the Fraischturm (once used to house prisoners). While the Wildzirkelturm now houses documents from a 20th century subdivision of a concentration camp.
One of Hersbruck’s oldest buildings is its castle (big surprise there, huh?). The original part of Schloss Hersbruck is over a thousand years old. It was rebuilt 500 years later and its imposing towers were added in the 17th century. It’s a shame the castle isn’t reported to be haunted, because it looks like it should have at least a ghost or two in residence. ;-)
Summer is a great time to visit (OK, anytime in Franconia is a good time) because that’s when Hersbruck kicks up a really good time. July starts off with the annual Summer Celebration and on the 1st weekend in August is the Town Festival with a donkey run on that Sunday.
Who can resist a good donkey run with lots of Franconian culinary specialties served by locals in traditional garb (can you say Lederhosen)? Not me, and certainly not you either! ;-)
