Castle ruins, dense forest and silver sand are all words that can be used to describe what you’ll find in the town of Kirkel. Doesn’t seem like a whole lot until you start breaking it down piece by piece, visiting every nook and cranny.
First off, Germany has a love for Wurst (sausage) and beer. So, it’s not a wonder that you’ll find a Wurstmarkt (with a beer festival) taking place every year on the first weekend of August. Sounds like some good summertime fun to me.
That is just as popular as the Middle Ages Market in September at the ruins of Burg Kirkel. The castle is Kirkel’s landmark and rises high above her city, only a few hundred meters from the center of town.
The Mittlealtermarkt is only a tidbit of an entire Summer series of events that take place at the castle, which was built almost a thousand years ago in 1075.
Before you leave the old part of town, don’t miss the Glockenturm. Just as a reference, it’s nowhere near as old as the castle.
The countryside of the surrounding Saarland is equally as beautiful as her castle and areas are set aside as rare bird breeding grounds. Pretty cool, if you ask me. Along the 7km Kirkeler Rock Path, you’ll be walking through the forest and checking out plenty of rock formations. Another cool treat!
There are plenty of camping sites available if you want to continue with the outdoor theme. And, there is a municipal swimming pool (with other activities) and a swimming lake within the forest. Finish your day of aquatic fun with some beach volleyball, table tennis, or miniature golfing. Regulation sized tennis courts can be found in town, too.
All this playing can sure make you hungry — I’m going to go check out some of that good German Wurst and wash it all down with a beer. Care to join me? :-)
