In the 21st century, we’ve all gotten the point that smoking is bad for your health. Not that smoking is a requirement to visit the town of Mahlberg, but it does come to mind.
The reason being, the Oberrheinisches Tabakmuseum, or Upper Rhine Tobacco Museum. Long before the warnings and dangers came to light about the effects of smoking, tobacco was a huge boost to the economy.
The museum (open Sundays & Holidays) details the history and economics of the plant (with these odd looking mannequins, but that’s another story), and even has exhibits on tobacco accessories.
What’s not odd, are the countless bike trails throughout the countryside. Friends, Mahlberg sits at the foot of the Black Forest region, so you know it’s stunning around here. A portion of the thirty or so Sagen und Mythen der Ortenau, or Legends and Myths of the Ortenau, bike trails run through here. They’re combined 1,500 kilometers long, so I doubt you’re gonna see the whole thing while you’re here.
Let’s go back to odd for a minute again, shall we? Spend a little time here and you’re bound to see these buildings, called the Radbrunnenhof. These uniquely designed “houses” are kind of a blend between barn and half-timbered house — whatever they are, they’re some of the last of their kind.
Right outside the houses is the Radbrunnen, a well from the Middle Ages. Did you expect less? Hello, the houses of the Radbrunnenhof are found on old Frankish farmland.
As for the modern town of Mahlberg, you’re only about 8km from Europa-Park, Germany’s biggest amusement park with rides and shows and all kinds of thrill seeking entertainment.
For cultural entertainment, look no further than Mahlberg’s Stadtfest every October. Can’t go wrong with a keg tapping, music, dancing, and children’s events.
The Christmas Market is also entertaining, held every year on the second Monday in December. Held on the Rathausplatz, the Market has a life-sized Nativity scene, lots of food, caroling, and (of course) shopping.
And the partying isn’t limited to just these two events, ya know. There’s the Museumsfest (June); the Hoffest (also in June); the Sommerfest (Summer Festival, August); the Herbstfest (Autumn Festival, September); and an Oktoberfest that’s really in October.
Now I’m not sure about the smoking with all these…but I’m pretty sure there’s a whole lotta drinking. ;-)
