I might not speak Sorbian, but I know enough the Saxon town of Oderwitz’s Sorbian name is Wódrjeńca.
One thing to know, it’s easier to find things to see and do than try to even attempt to pronounce that. ;-)
Whether you want to call it by its German or Sorbian name doesn’t change the fact that Oderwitz truly is a fun and festive town. It doesn’t have too much in the traditional sightseeing department, though what it lacks in “attractions,” it makes up for it with a mighty good party.
For anyone with a penchant for windmills, this might be the right place for you. The youngest of all Oderwitz’s mills is the Neumann Mill, built in 1867; however, it is the Birkmühle that’s popular for weddings these days. And one of the oldest is the Berndtmühle, a mill that’s been around for more than 200 years.
Hmm, no wonder the Deutscher Mühlentag (German Mill Day) is a popular holiday around these parts. You can join in the Mill Day celebrations if you’re in town on Whit Monday, usually in May.
Other celebrations in Oderwitz can be found just about any other time of year. The year starts off with the Vogelhochzeit, or Bird Wedding, a fabulous way to break up those long winter nights. Walpurgis Night is another biggie, usually celebrated with a big old bonfire. One of the biggest events though is the Volksfest, usually held on the second weekend of June, followed by the Gründelfest in July.
Autumn brings some other great festivals, like the ever popular Oktoberfest; and around this part of the country, keep a look out for intricately carved gourds for Flenntippl right around Halloween. The year ends nicely with a charming Christmas Market, where you’ll find just the right gift to bring home.
As if this isn’t enough to keep you quite busy, a horse ride through the Upper Lusatian region is just what you need for some serious stress reduction. Or go camping, hike the Spitzberg, or careen down over 39 meters along a summer toboggan track.
Oderwitz’s Tourist Office can do a much better job of explaining anything else I’ve missed — just as they might explain how to pronounce Wódrjeńca. ;-)
