What can you possibly say about a town in Baden-Württemberg that’s been around since the Stone Age; has seen invaders from the Celts, the Romans, the Alemannics, and that pesky Napoleon? It’s a place that has seen countless wars, bouts of the plague (known as the Black Death), and the turbulent years of the Reformation.
Well, as gracious and beautiful as you’ll find Holzgerlingen, so you might never give its dark and tumultuous history a second thought. What you’ll really find is that Holzgerlingen is quite modern and located on a high elevation within a forest clearing. What you’ll think is: this place has got to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Holzgerlingen is easy enough to get to, just hop aboard the Schönbuchbahn, the ultra quick train that runs from Böblingen to Stuttgart. If you drive, take the Federal Highway B 464 from Reutlingen.
Whether you drive or taken the rails to get here, start at the beautiful St. Mauritius Church. Its tower was built over a millenia ago and remains under monument protection.
People from all over also come to see Burg Kalteneck, another throwback from the 11th century. You can’t go sightseeing at the castle in the traditional sense; it’s now available to rent for events and weddings. It’s perfect for the girl who has always dreamed of getting married in a beautiful old castle.
What’s also great about a place like Holzgerlingen is that you’re able to enjoy it, not just by car, but by the power of your own two feet (i.e., walking or bicycling). Renting a bicycle really is the best idea to meander along little tree-lined paths past emerald green meadows (Ireland isn’t the only place that’s just so GREEN! ;-).
Holzgerlingen is a town with a quiet grace with an amazingly long history. No wonder just about every invader under the sun has wanted to come here. Good thing you won’t have to go to that extreme to visit. ;-)
