For anyone who doesn’t know what a market town is, let me explain. Back during the Middle Ages it was some sort of municipal law in the Bavarian and Austrian region. Today it stands as a term defining a place that’s sort of in the middle of a “town” and a “city.”
Either way, welcome to Hutthurm, a town very close to both Austria and the Czech Republic, as well as the city of Passau.
Hutthurm had its start sometime at the turn of the 12th century, but its too bad that not all that much remains from its medieval beginnings.
In all fairness, a fire had something to do with that — but the town did rebuild its Church of St. Martin, in the popular Baroque style of the day. You can’t miss it, its tower rises some 51 meters skyward.
You’ll find the church right on the Marktplatz, right by the 19th century Mariasäule, or column of Mary. Another of Hutthurm’s must-see churches is the Rococo St. Magdalena from the year 1739.
Hutthurm did have a castle at one time (can you seriously be a medieval town without one) — you’ll find the remains of one right on Leoprechtinger Str. 5.
If you absolutely need to see a castle, there is Schloss Wolfstein in nearby Freyung.
You could spend half your time indoors looking around the interiors of Hutthurm, but then again, this is Bavaria. Just tramping willy-nilly around its 44 villages (yup) could be a good time. You’ll find 18th century farmhouses, religious markers (like Baroque crucifixes), and little bridges crossing the Ilz River.
Picturesque probably isn’t the right word. This is a place of chalets and quaint guesthouses, and where you can wander around the Bavarian Forest National Park and be perfectly content.
Of course, if you want something more active then let me suggest renting a bicycle for some time on one of the many bike trails, or play some tennis and golf, go swimming, and if weather conditions are right — do some skiing.
You know, Hutthurm might be in the middle of a town and city, but I think it belongs at the top of great places list. ;-)
