You might have heard about Mainhardt before, it’s a town listed to visit on Section 5 of the German Limes Road (speaking of UNESCO).
Not only that, it’s a town that’s known as a health resort, lies on the Idyllic Route, and lies in the Swabian-Franconian Forest in Baden-Württemberg. How’s that for a start?
It is because of Mainhardt’s location on what was once the end of the Roman Empire (not to be confused with the Holy Roman Empire), it seemed like the right spot for a Roman Watchtower.
You’ll find a reconstructed tower of what it might’ve looked like in the 2nd century A.D.; as well as the outline of an old Roman fort. In keeping with the Roman theme, there’s the Limes Trail, complete with information boards that detail the lives of the Romans who were so far from home; and there’s even a Roman Museum to learn more.
As much as the Italians were running things way back then, it’s all German these days. Either way, you’ll certainly manage to have a blast here just about any time of year.
You’ve got Nordic Walking trails, that do double duty as jogging ones too. And along the Fuxi-Naturerlebnis-Pfad, you’ll find all sorts of info boards and “view tubes” about life in the forest.
One of the best ways to enjoy the countryside is by either a horseback or covered wagon ride; and by skis on one of the cross-country skiing trails. Yikes, I almost didn’t mention the totally refreshing mineral pool.
It wouldn’t be right not to tell you about Die Räuber vom Mainhardter Wald, or simply The Outlaws of the Mainhardt Forest. Their 18th century tale is told over Mainhardt’s Outdoor Theater’s seven stages.
Wow, you’ve got theater and outdoor recreation, history and health — what more can anyone expect? Um, how about festivals? You’ve got your choice to do the Easter Market, the Fensterblümlesmarkt, the Spring Festival, the Krämermarkt (pig & cattle market), the Hüttener Feuerwehrfest (1st weekend of August), and a Christmas Market.
This doesn’t even scratch the surface of everything you’ll find to see and do here — ain’t Mainhardt magnificent?
