If you want a concrete jungle, otherwise known as a BIG city (like Heidelberg that’s only 8km away), then Oftersheim isn’t the town for you. Almost 50% of the town’s landscape is wooded. Not good if you don’t appreciate the great outdoors, either.
Please don’t think I’m telling you that when you’re visiting that you’re in some backwoods place with unpaved streets, or anything. For Heaven’s sake, this is Germany — so, it does have modern conveniences. ;-)
Although, the best (most awesome, coolest, fantastic) place to see around Oftersheim comes from the 18th century. Well, the 14th actually, but so much has been changed at Schwetzingen Castle in nearby Schwetzingen since then. This pink Schloss and its surrounding park and gardens is like a miniature city. It’s also where the annual Festival of Lights is held and the Schweitzer Festival every two.
The castle has four stories, a clock tower, tons of cherry trees, an English Garden, an Apollo Temple, an arboretum, a theater, and its own lake. It’s not rocket science to see how Friedrich Schiller, Mozart, and Voltaire might have been inspired by their visits to this captivating Schloss. Oh heck, I think the only thing missing is a small strip mall. :-)
Other sightseeing in Oftersheim would be a stop at St. Kilian Church, the Tower of the Protestant Christ Church, and the Kurpfalzhalle (for all sorts of cultural events). All are great in their own right, but after a visit to the castle it might seem like a let down. So, you should go there first.
For other outdoor fun, there is an outdoor swimming pool called Bellamar in nearby Schwetzingen (once again…) and barbecue huts for some outdoor grilling. I’m sure bratwurst tastes better grilled over some charcoal in the company of good friends.
