Just across from Laufenburg, Switzerland on the River Rhine is the German town of Laufenburg (Baden). It’s home to one of the oldest Carnival celebrations in southern Germany; and the place is an all-around pretty town, if you like that sort of thing.
Of course you like that sort of thing; otherwise you wouldn’t be here (or, have clicked on this page). ;-)
One of the coolest characters you’ll meet in Laufenburg is Hans Graf. Who? Hans Graf is a character who takes visitors along a 2-hour guided tour of Laufenburg’s sites. Well, he does if you’re visiting from May to October. And with tours starting every 15 minutes, you’re pretty much guaranteed not a long wait. Busy guy, right? ;-)
Well, I’ll help good old Hans out and fill you in on some of Laufenburg’s highlights. After we’re done, we’ll all head over to neighboring Bad Säckingen for a massage and dip.
Hans will take you to see the Holy Spirit Church, which has been rebuilt twice (1377 & 1883) since it was built in 1314.
Even older is the Parish Church of St. Oswald and Pelagius. The part Romanesque and Gothic church’s tower stands 38 meters above the town; and on the inside is the charming St. Anne Chapel.
Some of Laufenburg’s other historical buildings can be found in the Old Town at Haupstraße 28 (built 1562) that’s been a hotel since 1933, Haupstraße 14 (built 1565), and the Rathaus (built 1801) at Haupstraße 30. Just about a hundred years later an American couple built the Schlössle, which now belongs to the town.
When Hans’ tour ends it’s time to get out into the Hotzenwald, a forest full of bicycle and walking trails. As lovely as Laufenburg’s buildings are, you sure don’t want to spend all your time inside.
Make sure you’re back in time for Fastnacht (Carnival — usually February right before the start of Lent) where the festivities are full of brightly garbed folks, food, and lots of beer. For which I’m late meeting Hans — excuse me. ;-)
