Amidst the pretty vineyards in the very pretty state of Baden Württemberg, you’ll come to the lovely town of Ingersheim.
For the most part, I think you’ll enjoy this little German town on the banks of the Neckar River, just mere minutes from bigger towns like Bietigheim-Bissingen and Stuttgart.
What’s not to like? It’s got history and a castle; a medieval mill, and a nature reserve to lose yourself in. Ready to get started of a “tour” around Ingersheim?
Where to start? Well, a town with a wine history dating to the Middle Ages surely must have some medieval sites or two, right?
How about the Old Town Hall (built around 1570), a building that once belonged to a medieval convent. The Middle Ages were very good to Ingersheim, right from its Frankish-Merovingian beginnings. Two of Ingersheim’s churches got their start during this time.
You can’t really tell from the looks of the light and bright St. George Church — this structure you’re looking at today didn’t come along until 1601; and is known for its frescoes. Before that, St. Georges’ was an 11th century chapel.
That actually makes it older than the (formerly) fortified St. Martin Church, whose southern wall is more than 700 years old. Its choir got a Gothic overhaul, but it has retained much of its earlier medieval look. Plus, it’s grey tower was known for welcoming in those in need, while keeping out the marauders.
Not too much of that these days, so everyone is welcome to come indoors.
After the Middle Ages came the Renaissance; and along comes Schloss Kleiningersheim. If you think you’d like to hear a summer concert in a castle setting, this is the place to do it — and its 14th century mill makes it partly from the Middle Ages.
I like to play Lord of the Manor in my head, and everyone’s there for my amusement. ;-)
What about your amusement? Speaking of cultural events, like the Spring Festival in May; the community grilling events; the Garden Festival in July; and the Community Festival every November.
Like any good King or Queen (or regular German for that matter), you also need time to think in some peace & quiet. So, off to the Altneckar Nature Reserve for a spell. The plants, flowers, and wildlife are just the right advisors to keep you sane.
Then again, some of the vino produced by some of the local wineries can do the same thing. Which is why I’m choosing the Vineyard House as your last stop on the tour of Ingersheim — just the perfect place to keep you happy.
Last stop, already? No!
You see, for just about 900 years Ingersheim has been known for wine-making. That’s a mighty long time to be known for just one thing, but there are many more layers to this town — as anyone who’s ever been here can tell you.
Still, because it’s known for its manicured landscapes of grapes, it’s only right to go on, because…
The Württembergerischer Weinwanderweg (follow the grapes on the white background) is a wonderful hiking route that brings you to so many of these towns where wine is the drink of choice. A Riesling, a Pinot Noir, it doesn’t matter — just have a taste and you’ll see why German wines deserve some respect.
So, let’s raise our glass and toast the magic Ingersheim makes with those grapes. Salute!
