At first I felt bad for Nordheim, a town in Baden-Württemberg that borders the city of Heilbronn. I mean, can you imagine having to be the “little sister” of a (relatively) large city?
But, as I got to know Nordheim I found it to be quite refreshing from the confines of big city life.
It’s quiet here in Nordheim, a perfect place to relax and just camp out under the stars. With a number of RV sites available, you don’t actually have to camp outside. ;-)
Besides, with frequent train service (hourly!) to/from Heilbronn and Stuttgart. If you change your mind about sleeping outdoors you can easily make your way back to the city.
I wouldn’t rush off yet. Nordheim sits along some pretty amazing real estate where wine is king. There’s a reason that Nordheim’s on the Württemberger Weinstraße (Württemberg Wine Route). The vineyards around the countryside are fantastic for just a leisurely stroll or a more arduous hike (you’ll find marked hiking and biking routes that range from 15 to 31km, in case you’re interested).
Either way, these activities aren’t as grueling as the Trollinger Marathon that takes place every year in May. You don’t have to participate with the actual running, just come along and cheer for those who are actually do.
The marathon isn’t Nordheim’s only “festival” event. Every year at the end of April there’s a traditional Maypole Festival, and a 3-day Park Festival at the end of August. Think of it as another excuse to try some of the many red wines made from the region’s grapes.
Nordheim’s also got more traditional sightseeing, with a beautiful half-timbered Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) that is now the town’s library (a proper, gorgeous setting for books, I must admit), the New Town Hall (built 1854), the Parsonage Building (its Rococo), and its St. Bartholomew Church (which had to be rebuilt like four times over its history — the last one being in 1945).
No, I don’t feel sorry for Nordheim one bit. It’s great just the way it is. :-)
