Pocking sits just on the German side of the Austrian border, tucked into the lower hills of the mountains. For more than 2,000 years it has been a formal settlement, occupied by Romans, Russians, and Germanic tribes. All of these different populations shaped the layout and architecture of the community.
You can see several different architectural styles on display in the churches of Pocking. It can be a very rewarding day for a photographer to catch shots of onion dome churches, tombstones in the Hungarian Memorial cemetery, and half timbered homes around the main square. On every side will be the mountains, creating the image of a picture perfect southern idyll.
Of course, the discerning traveler knows that Pocking is much more than a sleepy little border town. The first clue, of course, will be the sound of revving engines. The motorbike track is a popular local playground and raceway destination.
Vehicle related fun doesn’t end there, however. You can also check out the Toyota Museum and the Rottau Vehicle Museum. The Toyota Museum has 120 of the cars made in Germany over the years, while the Rottau museum includes nationally famous cars as well as military vehicles on display. Both museums have hours that vary seasonally, so check ahead to sure they will be open when you arrive (afternoons are good year round!).
Finally, there is Pocking’s big secret. Though you can see it plainly, it blends in well with the hills. The Pocking Solar park is a newly constructed 10 megawatt energy site, created in the abandoned military training zone. It was built in 2006, and you may be forgiven for thinking it is some kind of strange farm.
Sheep graze on the grass and you can hike nearby for a better look at an example of Germany’s commitment to renewable energy!
