Drats, writer’s block yet again. I’m not entirely sure why, considering the town of Plaidt has more than it’s fair share of stuff to do.
For one thing, it sits in the Eifel region — you know, that lovely volcanic area of Germany. Plus, Plaidt is a stop on the German Volcanoes Route AND the Volcano Park’s Information Center is located here, so that’s likely a good place to start.
Also having to do with volcanoes is the Laacher See, created when its volcano last erupted more than 12,000 years ago. And it’s been said that an airplane bomber from World War II sits at the bottom of it. Hmm, interesting, a piece of natural and modern history all in one place.
As super-cool as volcanoes are, you can’t spend all your time in Plaidt in search of them, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy one of the town’s many festivals. The Pellenz Outdoor Festival is a 3-day affair in August, which is also the month of the town’s Summer Festival. May’s a nice time to be there, and the month Plaidt hosts the Bürger- und Familienfest.
If it were anywhere else, I’d say it I was sorry to hear Plaidt doesn’t have its own Christmas Market, but it does offer community get-togethers to some nearby; but with the Christmas caroling and other celebrations you might be too busy to notice it’s missing. The community comes together at Easter time for the town’s Easter Egg Hunt, and every March for the Spring Festival.
In between festivals is a good time to see some old buildings. In the village of Saffig is the Church of St. Cecili, a real Baroque beauty; and then you’ve got the Church of St. Dionysius. Over in Nickenich you’ll find a neo-Romanesque church, but in all fairness, it sits atop what was once a 12th century real one.
Nickenich is where you’ll also find a reconstructed 1st century Tumulus; and where archaeologists found both Celtic and Roman artifacts. The Romans also left behind a mine, too. You can see it at the Römerberg Meurin in nearby Kretz. Cool, right?
Oh, I guess I got over that writer’s block once I realized how exciting it was to tell you about Plaidt. ;-)
