Found on the left bank of the romantic Danube River, still within the exceptional Swabian Alb, is the town of Lauingen. It’s a place with more than 79 walking trails through the Pan Valley.
Walking through the Swabian countryside is always a good choice; but, it’s not the only thing a visitor has to do around here.
Lauingen is a town with lots of little surprises and sites from many different time periods. The Romans created a temple to the god Apollo and parts of the Apollo Grannus can still be seen today.
The Middle Ages were also good to Lauingen and you can walk the battlements of the original early 15th century Stadtmauer; which was the town’s defense wall. Hey, no one ever said medieval life was easy — there were all sorts of invaders and marauders up to no good.
Other medieval sites in Lauingen include the former Augustiner Kloster (a monastery) and a Cistercian Monastery dedicated to St. Agnes. St. Martin’s Church is also a good stop, people have come to worship here since the 16th century.
In true medieval and Renaissance tradition, no such town is complete without a castle. The old Schloss Lauingen isn’t used for its original purposes anymore, it’s an old age home. I don’t think you could ask for a more splendid place to grow old.
For some Lauingen revelry, come to the Hexentanz or Witch Dance. Every year on the Thursday before Mardi Gras (right before Lent) partygoers dress in traditional “witch” dress — hook nose, pointed hats, and all!
Daily life any other time of the year goes on around the Market Place (Marktplatz) with its historic City Hall; with its monument to one of its native sons, Albert Magnus, who went on to become a Dominican Bishop in the 13th century.
For a bit of something different, most towns in Germany are filled with old churches — this one has a mosque. It’s a new addition to the town (1996) built for the many Turkish immigrants who now live here. Everyone is welcome to visit and learn more about Islamic history and art.
Who knew that in the German town of Lauingen in the Swabian Alb you could learn about Islamic history, Roman history, and medieval history all in one place? Pretty cool, huh! :-)
