I have to say that when it came to the town of Hilzingen it reminded me of a class I took in college. Not that Hilzingen is a college town… it just triggered something in my head.
Before I sound like a babbling idiot, I’ll try to explain. Hilzingen is within an area known as the Hegau. Within the Hegau are quite a few castles, like Castle Riedheim, the ruins of Castle Gebsenstein, the Staufenburg, Castle Hilzingen, Castle Homboll — you get my point…
FYI, there’s a map available for sale that shows you where to find them all.
Well, with all these castles I thought about a college class that taught about all the -isms. You know, capitalism, socialism, and all that jazz. So, when it came to all those Burgs I thought about feudalism, where knights and serfs pledged their loyalty during medieval days.
Besides, what’s a little bit of feudalism without peasants? So, over at the Hilzinger Museum you can see exhibits highlighting Germany’s Peasants’ War (which happened in 1524/1525). This 16th century “war” isn’t the only thing you’ll learn about — other eras are mentioned, too. Ask about the 4th century Roman coins that were found.
Hilzingen is also a place that throws a great party — yet another college throwback. Every two years it’s the Hördöpfel, a festival that’s all about the potato.
Luckily, the Harvest Festival on the 1st weekend of October happens every year. Then two weeks later is the Patron Festival, a religious & Thanksgiving affair with art exhibitions and market.
In August there’s the Barn Party (third Sunday in August) with lots of music and drinking.
Speaking of drinking, Hilzingen also holds an annual Wine Festival in August and October (weather permitting, of course). Whoa, that also reminds me of my college days! ;-)
