Food. Castles. Food. Castles. This is why we Germans plan, plan, plan. We’re always trying to get in as much action as we possibly can.
No, it’s ’cause I can’t make up my mind in the town of Neuenstein (Hohenlohe).
Maybe I should go back to the beginning…
You see, Neuenstein has this totally fantastic castle, that used to be a medieval one, but’s not a 6-story Renaissance design. So beautiful are its 4 “wings” that you’ll find it on the Castle Road. A castle tour will show you its fully-functional kitchen and Imperial Hall.
Then there’s the food. Neuenstein lies right along the Swabian-Franconian Forest, so there are all sorts of regional dishes that just taste so good. Plus, there’s all the sausages, fruit & veg, and cheeses at the Weekly Market held every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 to 5:30.
Do you see why I can’t make up my mind on what to do first?
Strike that, I’m going to hit up the streets of Neuenstein instead. The Fräuleinsbau is a plain, gritty building from the 17th century — but for all its rustic simplicity, it’s truly beautiful.
And along the City Park you’ll find what remains of its 14th century Stadtmauer, or defense wall. On the Schloßstrasse you’ll find a narrow street framed by rustic half-timbered houses. It wouldn’t be right to leave out a visit to the Stadtkirche, with its medieval frescoes from around 1499.
Considered to be the most beautiful building in Neuenstein is the Old Hospital, built way back in 1474, with graceful arches with a half-timbered design.
A bicycle tour is a great way to get around to see it all. Just make sure you follow the map to the Bürgerturm, built in 1620 at 26 meters high. It’s been used for many things, from a poor house to the digs of the town’s Nightwatchman.
Still, I wouldn’t mind living in Neuenstein’s castle, or having a picnic under the Eiche am Emmertsdorf — a 750 year old Oak tree.
Ugh, I thought I solved this whole food or castles thing… ;-)
