If you ask people “where in Germany would you like to visit” the most obvious answers would be Berlin or Munich. Rarely someone ever says, “I want to go to Meuselwitz.” Which is too bad, because this Thuringian town should be called the “festival town” of Germany!
It’s totally amazing how many festivals this cute place manages to throw every year; and it certainly doesn’t let the cooler stop it, either. In fact, one of the best festivals, Carnival, taking place deadsmack in the middle of winter.
Springtime brings on the Spring Festival (mid April), the May Day, and there always seems to be some sort of street party going on. Early August is the Summer Festival and towards the end of September is the Fischerfest.
October brings on the Wine Festival — a shy different from the beer tents of Meuselwitz’s Oktoberfest (which is really held in October)! Add in the November Autumn Concerts and you’ve got yourself a year’s full of fun! Don’t ya think?
Meuselwitz’s festivals aren’t the only reason to come, though, as there is some wonderful sightseeing to be done, too. No, you won’t find a castle here… the only remainder of it is the Orangerie which was built in 1724. In case you didn’t know, an Orangerie was a garden used for citrus trees or exotic plants. Think of it as greenhouse for plants that wouldn’t survive Germany’s elements. However, now it’s a restaurant and cafe.
There’s also a Heritage Museum on Neugasse 1-3, a half-timbered building that was once a former weavers cottage built in 1700.
Afterwards, a ride on the “mining train” is a good idea. These coal carrying cars once went as far as Altenburg — now they’re used to show tourists all about the coal mining industry.
The last place in Meuselwitz is a pretty awesome one. The Hainbersee, feed by an underground spring, is the best place to go fishing or birdwatching. No, scratch that, it’s the best place to take a dip. I’ll meet you there with the beer, if you bring the wine! ;-)
