MyGermanCity.com has plenty of information all typed neatly on web pages ranging on everything from German food, to its cities and towns, German cars, and its long history.
What I should do is make a page dedicated to German writers, so that you’ll learn more about some amazing authors who lived (and died) in places like Rechen in Baden-Württemberg.
I would save writing about German writers for another day, but one of the country’s most famous writers died here in 1676. Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen (known as just Grimmelshausen from here on out) work of Adventurous Simplicissimus Teutsch was his most famous novels, set during the Thirty Years’ War.
Who better to have written about it, than someone who lived it.
In honor of Grimmelshausen, close to the town church you’ll find a red sandstone obelisk. You’ll also find a museum with more information on his life and works. Every two years, towns associated with Grimmelshausen hold a literary contest with a 10,000€ prize.
In the interim, there’s a good bit to discover around Renchen. The town has its very own Weinbrenner Church (built 1817), little alleyways framed by charming framework houses, vineyards that produce the most delicious wines, and darling fruit trees.
It’s picture postcard perfect, don’t ya think?
What it also is, is pretty fun. Renchen hosts an Oktoberfest (that’s really held in October) with an Herbstfestival soon afterwards, and the obligatory Weinachtsmarkt starting at the end of November. Also through the Autumn season are Renchen’s Culture Days, with all sorts of cabaret, puppet theater, and many other events held during this time.
Seems appropriate in this writer-inspiring land. But, I’m pretty sure that games like tennis, miniature golf, beach volleyball at the outdoor waterpark, and basketball weren’t around when Grimmelshausen lived around these parts.
I’m also positive that all the hiking trails and bicycle paths didn’t exist in Grimmelshausen’s days either. Good thing you’re not living in those days. This way you get to experience it all, plus learn about the works of Grimmelshausen.
Speaking of his work, maybe I should really think about those Web pages on the best of German writers…
