It wouldn’t be fair to tell the story of Lauffen am Neckar and only write about many of the old historical stuff about it. Of course Pre-Christian man, the Romans, the Alemmanians, and the Franconians once walked the area; but, there’s a lot more to it than that.
Any place that has survived countless wars and the Plague (in 1564, 1606, 1607, and 1626) and has come back better & stronger deserves a little respect.
For you history buffs Lauffen on the River Neckar has a good deal to keep you busy. The old castle that was built in the 11th century is now the town’s Rathaus (Town Hall). It doesn’t look too shabby considering it was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and had to be rebuilt.
The Lauffen Town Museum is housed in an old convent; but, the Regiswindis Church and Chapel are the best in town. Regiswindis Church goes all the way back to 741 A.D. and was rebuilt in 1227 and 1567. The Chapel and crypt dedicated to St. Ann is some amazing medieval architecture.
There’s also a Roman estate known as the Villa Rustica that was built here sometime in the 2nd or 3rd century A.D.
In the pedestrian zone of Lauffen you’ll pass along many framework houses from the 15th century. After that, it’s time to get down to some serious wine business.
Lauffen is quite famous for its wines and it has numerous festivals throughout the seasons to prove it. Wine Day is in April, there are two Wine Fests (one in July or August; another in September/October), and Wine Night in mid December.
Add that to the Fish Festival in May, the Book Festival on the last weekend in April, the Bridge Fest in June (held only on odd-numbered years), and the Christmas Market on the 1st weekend in December. Consider these another reason to sample some of the locally made wines and to eat many regional dishes.
Yeah, Lauffen am Neckar definitely deserves some respect and in return you’ll have one heck of a grand time.
