Kronberg im Taunus makes official maps for its music festivals.
Every two years, the town plays host to the Kronberg Academy Cello Festival, which is also open to violinists. Every four years, it jointly hosts the Pablo Casals Cello Competition with the Berlin University of the Arts. Yet the town is much more than the sum of its strings.
While musicians may have put it on the map, Kronberg im Taunus is home to a number of other artistic endeavors. The one you may enjoy the most visually will be the Painter’s Colony, which is in permanent residence at the Dispute Church. You can see their work showcased at the colony itself or in the streets as a part of the Picture and Wine Market held each August.
Of course, the August market is just one of the town’s market festivals. Starting with the massive two day Thäler Kerbe party in July, there is a festival every month until December, which is the Christmas craft season. The Autumn Festival in August and the Apple Market in October are particularly delicious.
Be sure to get some of the sweet chestnuts and strawberries, even if you aren’t in town on a festival day. Kronberg is well-known among gourmands for their local produce. These are also portable snacks, so you won’t feel any hunger pains as you explore the history of the town, which is best done on foot.
The Old Town area sits on top of a hill, and you can go in the Kronberg Castle to overlook the rest of the area. You’ll want to get the legends behind the town battles here — be sure to ask about the knight on a donkey before walking past the old town gates! ;-)
From the Old Town you can wander through the half-timbered houses and massive central park to the Schlosshotel, famous as a widow’s retreat for former Empresses. It’s a good place to end a day out with a coffee and a sampling of the local fruit pastries.
