What struck me as odd, was the town of Riedenburg isn’t on one of the Nibelung Routes — scenic routes dedicated to the medieval tale.
I don’t know who makes these decisions, but if it were up to me — I’d have thrown in the town as, at least, an honorable mention.
Before I go spouting off any more, let me explain… The unknown author’s tale of Siegfried, and his wife, Kriemhild, is told time and time again at Burg Prunn — a medieval castle from the mid-11th century, perched high up on a steep cliff; even better that admission to this menacing castle is free from April to September.
As with the Nibelungenlied, many of Germany’s castles come from the Middle Ages, and Schloss Rosenburg is no different. This castle has seen a lot over the last 900 years — some not so good-like being destroyed during the Peasants’ War, and being plundered again during the Thirty Years’ War. Today it’s open from March to October, where you can learn all about the art of falconry.
Long before the Middle Ages made their mark on German society, the Celts were here. A trip over to the Archaeological Park Altmühl is where you’ll learn how these prehistoric folks ate, slept, and worked. More Celtic exhibits can be found at Schloss Eggersberg, too; and old graves from around 600 B.C. were found in these parts, known as the Grabhügel von Riedenburg Haidorf.
Riedenburg’s got a lot of history to take in, so it might benefit you to get in on one of the town’s guided history tours. They meet at the Marktplatz on Mondays at 6 pm from April to October. And if it’s food you love, take a Culinary City Tour on Saturdays — also meeting up at the Marktplatz.
Want another good way to eat your way around Riedenburg? How about at one of its many festivals — like the Fisherman’s Festival, the Medieval Children’s Festival, or the Volksfest — each multi-day affairs. Oooh, and think of all the goodies you’re able to get at the Farmer’s Market.
When you’ve totally satisfied your hunger, you’ve got energy to visit some old churches. Make sure you see the St. John the Baptist Church, a Baroque one from 1739. And the Church of Our Lady — while it might look like a proper Baroque church now, it is a medieval one at heart from the 12th century.
Speaking of hearts, Riedenburg, and its love of the Nibelungenlied, have managed to steal mine — and I truly believe it’ll take yours as well.
