Whoa, party animals of the world, have I found the ultimate best place for you to be. Snuggled ever so nicely in the northwest corner of Bavaria, in an area known as Lower Franconia, is the town of Kolitzheim.
Never heard of it? That’s a shame, because, between me and you, this place totally rocks.
Oh, don’t be fooled by its historical side — you know, like its old Baroque Schloss Zeilitzheim (built 1679), or how people have lived here for more than 5,000 years.
And it isn’t to say Kolitzheim doesn’t have a serious side, like the Military History Museum — with exhibits on World War II, a divided East/West Germany… that kind of thing. The town even has its religious side, a visit to the St. Sebastian Church (built 1786) over in Unterspiesheim is a good one to see.
Let’s not forget we’re talking about Bavaria here, so you’re treated to some of the best scenery along any one of the town’s Nordic Walking trails, its bike paths (ranging from only 1.7 km to a whopping 42 km), or just hopping from one Weingut to another.
Ohhh, that explains the whole party attitude, doesn’t it? That’s right, I’m blaming it on the wine. ;-)
Well, at least I can blame it on the wine during the town’s Wine Festival — which is only part of the fun you’ll find around here. Over in Unterspiesheim (remember this village, that’s the place with the Baroque church), they have a wonderful Beer Festival to enjoy.
I’m gonna take a deep breath to give you the rest of numerous cultural events throughout the year. Ok, I’m gonna try doing them in order — but I make no promises. Here goes…
There’s an Ostermarkt (Easter Market), a Gemeindefest (Community Festival), Maibaum celebrations, a Summer Festival (June), a Pfarrfest (Church Festival) in June, the Straßenfest (Street Festival, also in June), the Fischfest, and a religious Kirchweih in Zeilitzheim that’s always held on the last weekend of June.
Oh, I ain’t done yet, either. July’s the month for the Pfarrfest in Unterspiesheim, a multi-day Brunnenfest (Fountain Festival), another Pfarrfest in Herlheim, and another multi-day festival known as the Straßenweinfest in Stammheim.
The village of Lindach holds their multi-day Straßenweinfest in August, followed by the Pfarrfest in Kolitzheim proper, and the year ends nicely with the Erntekankfest in October, another Kirchweih (Lindach) in November, and the obligatory Christmas Market.
From what I’ve seen, Kolitzheim has got to be one of the funnest towns anywhere in the world — wouldn’t it be nice to party forever? ;-)