Oh hell yeah, I found myself a town that’s centrally located that I can see some of my favorite castles. Where is this medieval mecca for massive castles?
The Hessian town of Leun, located on the Lahn River right between Limburg and Wetzlar.
Before you go running off to see some of the best castles in Germany (ex., Braunfels Castle, or the double towered Burg Greifenstein), you might want to sightsee around the historic Town Center (here in Leun) with lots of half-timbered houses. Many of them are along Limburger Str., if you’re curious.
Each of Leun’s villages have something to show off as well. Biskirchen is known for its picturesque Protestant Church and Jewish cemetery; while Bissenberg has its very own Romanesque church.
Bissenberg, by the way, was a contender for Unser Dorf soll schöner werder, or the Our Village is Beautiful award. I think they should’ve won.
If you really like those framework houses, come to Lahnbahnhof — they have some. The town also has an old mine, too. Not a castle, per se, Stockhausen has an old Jadgschloss — or Hunting Lodge in English.
You ever know anyone who stayed in digs like these while out hunting? I sure don’t. ;-)
Much of Leun’s history can be learned over at the City Museum, but to see it live is another thing altogether. Walk along Wetzlar Str. and Obertor Str. to see what I’m talking about — there are more of those historical half-timbered houses to scope out.
BTW, the medieval Kloster Altenberg is just a town over if you want to see it.
It is easy to get wrapped up in the old buildings, but don’t lose sight of the countryside. Camping near the Taunus Mountains and the Westerwald is the stuff people dream about; and canoeing along the Lahn River is good clean fun.
If you find time, there are still more castles in the region. Burg Beilstein from the early 12th century is a good one, as is yet another visit to the Dracula-movie looking Braunfels Castle.
Leun might be right next to some heavy-hitter towns, but it can certainly hold its own.
