Germany’s a country of spectra; a place where you’ll find two extremes with everything in-between. For example, there were the aristocracy and there were peasants, old that sits right alongside the modern, a place plundered by war and rebuilt itself in finer fashion.
So, it’s not shocking that’s exactly what you’ll find in the Upper Franconian town of Hirschaid.
This northern Bavarian town has been inhabited since the Stone Age and there’s been found evidence of Celtic culture. Visitors to the Museum Alte Schule, which acts like a local history museum, are able to see some of the prehistoric and later day finds. The museum does double duty as a cultural meeting place, too.
Museum Tropfhaus (that’s only open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday 1pm-5pm from April to October) is a tiny outdoor museum that looks at simple rural life in Germany of the 1800’s.
From the rural to the more upscale (see, spectra) is the Schloss Sassanfahrt; a grand manor house built in the 1780’s. It has beautiful gardens and the castle is open to the public for meetings and other events.
Then there’s the modern. Frankenlagune is a large indoor/outdoor pool complex with a children’s pool, whirlpool, waterslide, sauna, fitness center, and massage facilities. It’s got everything under the sun to keep the whole family busy.
A good example of a blend of present day and of years past are the two local breweries in Hirschaid. Beer’s made in more modern facilities, yet, the stuff’s still made the good old fashioned way (thank you, German Purity Laws). Try pairing one of those brews with a good Bavarian bratwurst; they go so well together. :-)
Even if you only get to visit Hirschaid for a short time you’ll see that it’s a fine town with friendly people, good food and good beer. And it doesn’t get any better than that!
