At this point in having written about so many German towns, it’s not any wonder that I’m starting to repeat myself. Not only have I (most likely) kept on going with the same corny jokes, but I’m actually coming back around to places I’ve been before.
But no, there’s no other town of Ochtendung in the Rhineland-Palatinate that I’m aware of — it’s just part of the Verbandsgemeinde Maifeld, which is also where you’ll find the larger town of Polch.
This is what I remember, volcanoes. Not active lava-flowing volcanoes these days, but there used to be. Really, I swear, the volcanoes are long extinct — but you will find evidence of their existence dotting the landscape. Hmm, no wonder such delicious goodies like asparagus and potatoes grow so nicely around here.
After eating good, you’ll have plenty of energy to trek the countryside to see such wonders as Burg Wernerseck. So what if this late medieval castle is now in ruins; its 22-meter high donjon is well worth the trip.
And the Burg Wernerseck isn’t the only one you’ll see. You’re situated very near places like the haunted Burg Eltz, one of Germany’s most famous castles. Plus, there’s Burg Pyrmont (west of Münstermaifeld), another castle from the Middle Ages.
Here in Ochtendung you’ll also get a bit of the medieval mixed with those famous volcanoes, because one of its Romanesque churches from the 13th century has some grave markers made entirely from basalt lava. Ingenious, wouldn’t you say?
If you want to keep the volcano theme going, travel along the Vulkanpark — the Karmelenberg is “station #21”; and let’s not forget about the Tönchesberg, another one of the region’s famous volcanic cones.
With no worries of magma falling on your head, you’re free to enjoy all of Ochtendung’s festivities. The Christmas Market is always a fun time, as is the Easter Bazaar, the Masquerade Ball, and even the community chess events are a good time.
Hmm, I just wonder why they don’t have a Volcano Festival???
