Höchstadt an der Aisch is one of those places in Middle Franconia that most people imagine what life is like in a small German town.
It might also be confused with another town of the same name, also within Bavaria. However, this Höchstadt lies on the border of the city of Bamberg.
Of course, as in just about every county of Bavaria you’ll find a castle or palace of some sort. Schloss Höchstadt is in the other town, so not to confuse anyone-the castle you really want to visit is nearby Schloss Geyerswörth. If you can manage to climb to the top of this 16th century palace, you’ll be richly rewarded with a view of stunning Bavaria countryside.
Geyerswörth isn’t Höchstadt’s only medieval sight. The old original fortification wall (Stadtmauer) still lines the old part of town. That’s also where you’ll find Höchstadt’s old City Hall right by the town’s Catholic Church.
For something of more recent history with a touch of science check out the Spix Museum, the life’s work of the scientist Dr. Johann Baptist of Spix.
One good thing about Bavaria is that its steeped in tradition and food and a place like Höchstadt makes the most of it. Every year the entire town gets involved with “Culture Weeks,” including its Schülerfestival — the largest school festival in all of Germany. One year over 40 thousand revelers came to town for the festivities!
No doubt those same partygoers came to drink some of the best locally brewed beer around. There are also plenty of local cakes and other fine Bavarian cuisine to enjoy. If you’re of the adventurous sort, try the Spiegelkarpfen — a baked carp dish that’s quite popular with the locals.
After all that beer and food you might want to work some of those calories off. Good thing Höchstadt has some wonderful walking trails within the countryside, as well as an ice skating rink, and a swimming pool.
Better yet, work out extra hard then go back to eat and drink some more. ;-)
