There wasn’t any inclination of what I was going to find on my epic quest to detail and write about each and every German town and village. What I do know is that if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t find places like Neuffen (and you likely too).
Located just 28km southeast of Stuttgart and 9km east of Metzingen (yup, the Outlet City), most little towns and villages like this one often get overlooked by its bigger or better known cousins. Not this time, Baby. Not this time.
And what’s even better is that Neuffen is located within the Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb. This simply means the scenery is terrific on just about any hiking and biking trail you’ll find.
You will also find castle ruins. The ruins of Hohenneuffen are here, a castle built around the middle of the 1100s, and rebuilt before succumbing to the ravages of time. The vistas from atop are stunning, no less.
And if you think the ruins are old, try to imagine the original 6th century Church of St. Martin that stood on the spot where the present church is now. The 14th century church was damaged by a fire in the 1634, but the 1504 Mt. of Olives artwork was spared.
Throughout Neuffen you’ll find all kinds of architectural gems. The Große Haus, a Noble’s house, is from around 1270; and the medieval Town Square even has its own half-timbered Town Hall.
It isn’t all serious architecture around here, in case you’re wondering. Neuffen knows how to let its hair down for a good time. The Krämermarkt kicks off twice a year in March and November; the City Festival goes on the third weekend of August, followed by the Crafts Market at the end of the month; and preceded by the Rockheads Festival at the beginning.
The annual Wine Festival in September is one event that’s widely anticipated, as is the Christmas Market in December.
In between events like these, and those like the Festival of Lights (November), be sure to walk along the medieval Stadtmauer with its gates like the Ludwigstörle; and a visit to the Deutsche Ordernmuseum.
Talk about an epic quest — I’d say Neuffen is epic all in itself. Don’t you agree?
