Lucky for me, ’cause today I’m in Rheinmünster in the Upper Rhine Valley. Not only am I right across the Rhine from France, but I’m also just one town over from the posh town of Baden-Baden.
What’s remarkable is not only is Rheinmünster dominated by its natural landscape, but also its Münsterschwarzach. This medieval structure has been a Benedictine order since 826, and its 13th century church has four periods of architectural stylings. That would be Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, if you’re wondering.
A guided city tour will tell you everything you need to know about its abbey, and about the town’s 14th century St. Mauritius Church in the village of Söllingen. Oh yes, all about the Chapel to St. Wolfgang (what? this is Germany) that was built over the original in 1732.
Rheinmünster’s pretty churches might keep you busy, but you still need to get out on one of the hiking or biking trails. If you’re really adventurous, you can head to the Fremersberg, good for jogging and mountain biking.
The Fremersberg is a bit hilly, so for something flatter try playing 18-holes of golf, tennis, or swimming. Follow that up with a BBQ at one of the town’s grill huts. Invite everyone around, you’ll make all kinds of new friends.
All that’s missing is a castle. Not really — you just gotta head towards Baden-Baden for that. Schloss Hohenbaden is one of those early 12th century numbers — perfect, a medieval castle.
I don’t wanna hear that that’s not Rheinmünster — close enough to count, OK?
All right, if you’re gonna split hairs, the Arts & Crafts Market, that’s held in early October, is actually in Rheinmünster. So is the Christmas Market, Oktoberfest (in October), the Kirwe, and the Summer Festival (to name a few).
And the German-Canadian Air Force Museum is in Rheinmünster, too. Even the Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport [FKB] is in Rheinmünster! Ahh, every little boy’s dream — airplanes.
See, didn’t I tell you I was lucky to be here on the banks of the Rhine River in Rheinmünster? :-)
