OK, I’m a German in love with the automobile — so sue me. But, when it comes to the lovely town of Kämpfelbach, driving might be a good idea.
Why, you ask? You see, I bring up driving because Kämpfelbach lies right on the Bertha Benz Memorial Route. On the other hand, Kämpfelbach is also easily reached by train to/from Pforzheim and Karlsruhe. So no need to worry about driving, gas prices, and all the rules that come with driving in Germany in order to enjoy this place.
Do you think the Romans that lived here had cars? No, they didn’t. And do you think medieval peasants had cars? Nope, not them either. Besides, Kämpfelbach is just over 13 square kilometers, so it’s comparably small.
You can’t drive to the Alte Eisinger Loch, a natural landscape that the Romans used as a quarry. You also can’t drive the many hiking trails through the countryside, either. This is where the Kraichgau meets up with the Northern Black Forest, a particularly striking region.
See, didn’t I tell you driving wasn’t a good idea? A walk around Kämpfelbach’s Hallstatt era (circa 900-400 B.C.) grave mounds is though. So is a visit to see the Mount of Olives sculpture at one of Kämpfelbach’s Gothic churches.
There’s a museum here too, if you’re interested. Housed in an old Tithe Barn, there are all sorts of exhibits that detail a good bit of Kämpfelbach’s history. You’ll learn how some Scottish monks built a church here as far back as the 7th century.
Tradition is important here, and no more is that evident than on September 7th every year. This is Gelübdetag, a day when folks head off to church — a religious day that’s has been going on for more than 650 years, all in part because of the plague.
While this is a bit solemn, Kämpfelbach’s Carnival is a hoot, as it hosts a super fun festival in the middle of winter. So important is Carnival that this teeny-tiny town is home to no less than six Carnival Clubs.
Yet another reason why driving isn’t such a good idea — it’s good to party and not have to worry about getting home. Thankfully there are a number of guesthouses and inns in town so you can stick around to see more.
