Just between the Swabian-Franconian Forest and the Swabian Alb is the cute lil’ town of Lorch (Württemberg).
Many medieval monks used to call this place home at the Monastery Lorch which is the town’s main attraction. Any art lover will appreciate the reliefs and “reliquien” found within the complex. The artwork in the former Benedictine monastery spans centuries. As it should, the doors opened to religious vocation in 1102.
Before the monks came the Romans. They built the Castellet Lorch in the 2nd century A.D. and a replica of a Roman Tower stands in town today.
Only one other site needs to be seen, the Schillerhaus. The famous German poet Friedrich Schiller lived here for only two years of his life, but you can’t fault Lorch for being proud of a local boy.
Since Schiller didn’t live here very long he probably didn’t swim in Lorch’s Excavator Lakes, created from mining. But, you can! You can also shop at the Löwenmarkt or Lion’s Market (end of May/beginning of June), the Martinimarkt, or enjoy a good glass of wine at the Harvest Festival.
Wine goes great with many hearty Swabian dishes and to eat in Lorch is a treat. Most dishes are created from a few simple, yet fresh, ingredients and are usually covered with some sort of broth or sauce. Don’t be shocked to see many different kinds of wursts sliced into cold cuts or thrown in a salad.
You’ll be giving yourself the energy you need to tackle the walking and bicycling trails through the Swabian Frankish Forest. It’ll be quite easy spending an untold number of hours wandering around and through it.
Life in Lorch today is much easier than it was when the Romans and monks called this place home. The food, for sure, is much better.
