It’s never a dull moment here in Germany, that’s for sure; not to mention it’s always a learning experience. Why have I never heard of the Gladenbacher Bergland before coming to the town of Mittenaar? Ohh, the wonders I have been missing.
As for the Gladenbacher Bergland itself, Mittenaar finds itself located just nicely in this region of Hesse where the Westerwald hooks up with the Hintertaunus and Rothaargebirge — and it’s right near the Angelburg, a mountainous area that’s not only chocked full of amazing flora & fauna, but also boasts a prehistoric Celtic settlement area.
Fantastic, an area where nature meets history. And if you can’t get enough of the natural side of the place, Mittenaar finds itself along the Lahn Dill Bergland Nature Park — great if you’re into experiencing Nordic Walking trails. And I hardly think you’ll run of out quiet (not to mention pretty) trails (Nordic or otherwise) since more than half of Mittenaar is actually forested.
As for me, I’ll take the historical side. So I’m off to visit Burg Bicken. Well, I would have been if there was anything left of this 13th century castle that’s been gone for more than six hundred years.
At least Burg Tringenstein fared a little better, but not much. This castle too is a ruin, but there’s more left of this 14th century structure — and it survived a helluva lot longer, not falling into its ruined state until the 18th century.
What is it with all the castle ruins? The same fate befell Burg Wallenfels, another 14th century medieval castle — but at least this one had a moat; and sadly this castle was long-gone by the time the 16th century came rolling around.
It was rough times back then, I guess. Ahh, no guessing about it really — the village of Offenbach was known for its witch hunts, the villages of Bellersdorf and Ballersbach were totally ravaged by the Plague and Thirty Years’ War. These days it’s a bit more festive here in Mittenaar with such goodies as their Maypole celebrations and annual Christmas Market.
Woo-hoo, aren’t I glad I’m here in the Gladenbacher Bergland and Mittenaar these days — and believe you’ll think the same thing, too. :-)
