Mindelheim is one of those old towns in Bavaria that you could just fall in love with. This Swabian village has been around for the better part of several thousand years, yet is incredibly modern and an all around great place to hang out for a few days (or longer). Besides the fun festivals and astonishing Bavarian countryside, the museums here are just aces.
Don’t be fooled by the name, the Swabian Crib Museum isn’t a museum with dedicated to a baby’s sleeping arrangements. It’s a fantastic museum filled with Christian religious art from Southern Germany. Every other year the museum holds a special gallery for the Unterallgäu district’s contest winners in four categories.
In keeping with the religious theme, the Textile Museum has a relatively new exhibit on religious garments from the Middle Ages to modern day. Another exhibit takes a look at clothing trends from the late 19th century to the early 20th; great for the fashionista in all of us.
One of the more unique museums you’ll find in all of Germany is the Swabian Tower Clock Museum. Housed in the old Silvesterkirche are some of the oldest watches and other instruments of time telling, the oldest dates to the 16th century. Mindelheim’s Local History Museum is filled with other displays of cultural life, including traditional Bavarian costumes, and art.
The South Swabian Archaeological Museum has exhibits on life here in the Alb during the days of the last Ice Age, when the Romans traveled the area, and daily life of the early Middle Ages.
In sticking with Mindelheim’s medieval feel, the Frundsbergfest is a fun way of looking at medieval life (fun now, but life was hard back then) and a celebration to Knight and Field Captain George von Frundsberg. Held every three years, there are plenty of historical costumes, local food, concerts, and all out revelry for a few days around town.
At least the Spring Jazz Festival is held annually; no waiting three years for that. :-)
And what medieval town is complete without a castle? Mindelheim’s castle is a striking 12th century beauty that was once used as an army hospital. Sorry, there’s not too much visiting the inside, it’s now the offices of a book publishing company, but at least you can have all the “Kodak Moments” you want outside.
It’s true that the city of Mindelheim isn’t as well known as some larger cities in Germany, that just adds to her appeal. Take your time getting to know her; it won’t be long before you’ve fallen in love with her.
