The English translation for the town of Kuchen is cake. Sweet tooth that I have, any place that’s got a name like that has my heart, that’s for sure. All I need now to go with me on this trip of cake (I mean Kuchen), located right next door to Geislingen an der Steige, is a cup of strong coffee. ;-)
Figuring out where to go first in Kuchen is the hardest part of any trip here. Do you go meandering along the banks of the Fills River? Or, do you venture out to an area known as Orchards Paradise? The latter is comprised of a few villages with thousands and thousands of fruit trees.
Fruit lovers, this truly is paradise.
No doubt history lovers will enjoy a visit to the ruins of Burg Spitzenberg. At this point in time, this 11th century castle has been in ruins longer than it stood intact from it 665 meter high vantage point — destroyed more than 700 years ago in 1311. Say what you want, but I think there’s something tragically romantic about a castle ruin.
Another one of Kuchen’s medieval sites is its Jakobuskirche, known for its Romanesque reliefs in the town’s oldest intact building — because technically the Cathedral of St. James is younger than Burg Spitzenberg, having not been built until 1220.
Another one of Kuchen’s historical sites to see is the Arbeitersiedlung, or Historical Workers Settlement, from the late 1860s. Guided tours are available by appointment, giving you an insiders look into this community.
When history isn’t what you’re looking for, perhaps you might want to try coming for one of Kuchen’s festivals. You’ll find many of them throughout the year, with the Pfingstmarkt in May, Lampionfest (Lantern Festival) in July, the Autumn Festival in September, and the Christmas Market in December, to name just a handful.
Since man can’t live by cake alone, if you get hungry there are all sorts of international cuisines to choose from — right down to Chinese, Italian, traditional German, and even Mongolian.
Err, I take that back, I can live by cake alone — so long as it’s this kind of Kuchen. ;-)
