The whimsical town of Lauterbach, very close to the volcanic thermal springs town of Herbstein, has lots of little sightseeing treats. You’ll be delighted by what you’ll find at every turn.
The incredibly beautiful and scenic Vulkanradweg or Volcano Cycle Track is close by so rent a bicycle and enjoy! A stop over at the High House Local History Museum is a good place to start your trip here before you go riding off into the distance.
When you’re in the center of Lauterbach you’ll find that the town looks like something straight from a fairytale with a few fabulous little festivals held throughout the year.
A few of the biggest ones are the Lauterbacher Stadtfest (City Celebration, 2nd weekend in September), the Herbstmarkt or Autumn Market on the 1st Sunday in November, the Prämienmarkt (Upper Hesse’s largest festival, one day before Corpus Christi), and the Romantische Nacht an der Lauter (Romantic Night at the Lauter, 1st Saturday in July).
But, not to worry, Thursdays are regular market days where you’ll get the chance to buy some great locally grown fruits and veggies.
Try the locally brewed beer! Lauterbacher Bier (established 1527) is the oldest beer you’ll find in all of Hesse. Just don’t have a few before you try the Schrittsteine a.k.a. Stepping Stones, the original shortcut to the town’s old water fountain. It’s going to take some real balance not to fall right in the water. ;-)
At least you’ll stay dry when you visit one of the most beautiful sites in all of Lauterbach, Schloss Eisenbach. It’s a huge foreboding castle that’s still home to one of the region’s old barons (lucky guy, ’cause this place is GORGEOUS).
Schloss Sickendorf is another beauty that’s now home to the town’s Golf Club with both an 18 hole and short 6 hole course. There’s nothing wrong with practicing your swing on a driving range at a centuries old manor house, or is it? :-)
There are more medieval sites to see in town (besides old castles), such as the Ankerturm, the only remaining tower left from the original fortification wall that was also used as a prison. Then take a tour around the beautiful Michaelskirche to see some amazing 14th century artwork.
For an old town Lauterbach feels young and fresh with plenty of fun activities that many can enjoy. Of course there’s history, but combine that with a good local beer and you’ve got yourself one heck of a good time.
