Between the Schönberg and the Black Forest lies the small-scale town of Merzhausen, measuring just 2.76 square kilometers in southern Baden-Württemberg.
Now, don’t let its size fool ya — this place is pretty awesome, especially if you add it in with its collective municipality known as the Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Hexental.
Wow, that’s a mouthful to get out — and all I did was type it. ;-)
Besides, did you notice that collective municipality’s name is bewitched? ;-)
Anyway, what’s really great about the town of Merzhausen are its vineyards. It might not sound like much, but the 15 hectares that grow Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling grapes to make fine German wines add to its visual appeal. C’mon, you know you’re gonna visit one of its wineries while you’re here — ya have to.
And you could also hike along the Bettlerpfad, or Beggar’s Path. Just follow the yellow diamond markers, they’ll take you on a route once used by monks. At least that’s the legend.
The monks, by the way, used to own the Jesuitenschloss. They lived here back in the mid-17th century when they taught over at the nearby University of Freiburg — although the building standing before you is almost a century younger than the original.
Funny, that’s about the same time the Church of St. Gallus was being constructed. Just don’t get it twisted, a church has been on this spot for more than twelve centuries.
It’s too bad nothing’s left of Burg Au (in the village of Au), the medieval castle fell into ruin more than 500 years ago. Although you’ll find some pretty old churches in the village of Sölden and Horben.
Horben, by the way, lies in the Black Forest Nature Park — so you’ll want to check out some of its amazing hiking trails.
You’ll be even luckier if you’re visiting when one of Merzhausen’s many cultural events is going on. The Autumn Festival is grand enough, held every year at the end of September. The Christmas Market at the end of November is also a good one, as is the Summer Festival in July. This isn’t even counting all the events going on at the Forum Merzhausen, the community Cultural Center.
What I love most about Merzhausen (and the Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Hexental) is that it proves you don’t have to be gigantic to pack a powerful punch. Less really is more, isn’t it?
