Maxhütte-Haidhof isn’t your typical Bavarian town. No old town hall with a half timbered design. Not too many old churches or anything like that.
But, notice I didn’t say that it wasn’t a fine town to visit and have a good time. It sits right on the border of the rich Bavarian Forest with is just plain awesome in its own right. The forest is part of a low mountain range, so you better bring along some SUPER comfortable walking, hiking, or sneakers.
Flatter ground when you go see Schloss Pirkensee is easier to walk on. This castle has been here since 1062, though you wouldn’t know it because there’s always some count or duke (countess or duchess-cause women are usually the decorating gurus) adding new features on like the “bulb” towers, which weren’t added until 1734.
A couple other indoor pursuits and then you’ll be good to go enjoying that fresh Bavarian air in the forest. Come see the City Church of St. Barbara (Catholic services); it’s not that old — built only in the 1920’s. Although, the Evangelical Lutheran Church isn’t much older, built in 1887.
Unfortunately, Maxhütte-Haidhof doesn’t have an old town hall, but the new facility has some pretty awesome things going on inside. This Rathaus can hold balls, concerts, lectures, and all sorts of celebrations.
Maxhütte-Haidhof always has stuff like that going on with folk theater, comedies, and literary readings, too. Who gives a hoot if German isn’t your first language. Fake it and have a good time! ;-)
Interestingly enough, with all the hiking and cycling within the Bavarian Forest the town of Maxhütte-Haidhof only has one hotel. So, you better book early if you know you’re coming to visit.
If you can’t get a reservation, bring a tent and rough it out in the forest.
