Pfungstadt has a very off-the-beaten path look that draws you into the heart of the town. The old buildings date back to 735 and tend to be done up in red, pink and white brick. The hills of the Odenwald loom in the distance and all seems serene and pastoral.
Walk through the hills and look down at the town, taking in all the towers and cobblestones. The river keeps it all green and the buildings seem to be peacefully settled into the landscape. Up on the far hills are ruins of past glories, with falling wall and towers to attract hikers and photographers.
Hard to believe monsters lurk here, isn’t it? And very bloody murder to boot. The main monster is old, but famous. You probably know Frankenstein from books and movies. In Pfungstadt you can see the original ruined castle for yourself. No one is allowed in… it is a ruin, after all. Nothing to see here, move along, move along… and don’t venture up at night! ;-)
Newer monster murder stories have also been created by the town as a group, as a civic project where everyone contributed material to make two books. Naturally they did murder mysteries! You can buy copies of “Red Cherries – Asparagus Dead” or “Murder and Blood Sausage” in the local shops and they will enjoy telling you about it.
Stroll through the old town with the book and then settle in at one of the brew pubs to enjoy it along with the beer. You can have the joy of tasting history. Some of Germany’s very first bottom brewed beer was made here, and the brewery has been operating continuously for more than 175 years.
Pfungstädter is the name of the local quaff, available throughout the world. It is brewed in town and tours of the brewery are available. It is one of the largest private breweries in the country. They also produce the Köthener brand of beer, and host festivals in the fall for tastings.
For more novelty, you can visit the Hesse Small Zoo or check out the community swimming pool. It may seem odd to recommend a visit to the municipal pool, but the Pfungstadt one has a twist. There is a wave generator built into the pool, providing a change from the norm and a chance for light surfing in Frankenstein land!
