Whoo-hoo, if the town of Otzberg was built atop an active volcano, it sure would be hot. Good thing the volcano has long been extinct, making this dream town a place everyone can enjoy.
The outdoorsy types really win out in that regard, as Otzberg lies within the Odenwald. Ahh, beautiful trees as far as the eye can see.
And one of the best views comes from the top of said volcano, along the Otzberg mountain itself, 368 meters above sea level. Aah, you can even see the Taunus from here. But, don’t head off, closer up is an old 13th century fortress — known as the Veste Otzberg.
Go ahead, climb on up so you can enjoy the view and a beer at the Castle Tavern. And speaking of the Odenwald, Otzberg is home to the Museum of Odenwald Folk Culture.
Don’t rush inside just yet, it really is best to be outside. Come see the basalt columns, and the UNESCO Geo-park all found in and around Otzberg.
I hope I haven’t missed anything else to do outdoors. Oh, maybe the Hofgut Habitzheim, an medieval estate from the 12th century.
Of course, a place this old has got to have some of those half-timbered houses everyone loves, right? Yes it does, like the Burgmannenhaus in the village of Hering (one of Otzberg’s seven villages) and the Alte Rathaus (Old Town Hall) in both Nieder-Klingen and Lengfeld (the latter was built in 1717).
With this many villages you’ll have just about that many village churches to see. I’ll make it kinda easy… there are two Catholic Churches and five Protestant ones.
So much more of Otzberg’s history can be found at its Museum Otzberg, open Saturday – Monday. Still, it’s nice to see castles up close and personal.
I’m just sorry to say that not all that remains of the original Wasserburg (Water Castle) except its gatehouse and gate tower.
You can always console yourself about the castle situation by buying something at either the Easter or Christmas Markets. Some of you might prefer to take in a Chamber Music concert instead.
Thankfully you won’t have to strain to hear it over the roar of lava. ;-)
