What’s so special about the Hessian town of Hüttenberg? It’s got four (4) cheese factories. Please don’t think I’m a bit loopy and think — OH YEAH, CHEESE!
This cheese is special, made only in this area of Hesse, which is found right at the foot of the Taunus Mountains (which are amazingly beautiful in their own right). Handkäse is a yellow cheese with a real pungent odor that some don’t find all that appealing.
They’ve been making the stuff around here forever, so it can’t be all that bad. It’s usually served with apple wine or spiced with Kümmel and eaten with bread.
Other pieces of Hüttenberg’s history can’t be eaten, but found at the old Goethe House (that’s in an old half timbered building) that doubles as a Local History Museum (called Heimatmuseum on signs). It’s only open on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 2pm to 6pm, so plan this particular trip accordingly.
Another local history museum is in the next village over at the Gottfried House.
When you’ve got the urge to see an old church (or two) then go visit the 13th/14th century Volpertshausen Old Church which sits so peacefully within an open meadow. Additionally, there’s a 13th century church in the neighboring Reiskirchen that shouldn’t be skipped past.
This only leaves us to visit the fantastically famous nearby Taunus Mountains. There are plenty of forest paths that lead around little babbling brooks; with a chance to see some pretty rare plants. Within the forest area are quite a few farms, so make nice with the farmers and maybe they’ll let you try some of the freshest veggies you’ll ever wrap your lips around.
Don’t tell them I told you — we’ll keep that a secret between us because all that walking and cycling works up a mighty appetite. I bet you won’t turn your nose up at that stinky cheese now, will you?
