Right at the border to Saxony-Anhalt is the Thuringian town of Roßleben, just 22 kilometers from Sangerhausen, along the Unstrut River. This isn’t its only grace, Roßleben has quite a bit going on for it, I must say.
First off, Bottendorf (one of its three villages) lies right along a nature reserve. Perfect for anyone wanting to leave their cubicle or indoor job behind. That’s right, come outside and enjoy the fresh air and see some local wildlife.
At one time in Bottendorf’s history, the town was known for copper smelting — which was done over at the Bottendorfer Mühle, an old mill that’s still standing to this very day.
Standing even longer is the Klosterschule, or Monastery School, originally for boys back in the 16th century. Almost half a millennium before that, there was a medieval monastery here before the school. The school was closed for sometime during the Thirty Years’ War back in the 1600s, but eventually reopened — right up to modern times.
It is believed this non-assuming school is one of the oldest educational institutions in the entire country. Now that’s impressive, I think.
A town old enough to have an old monastery is bound to have a number of old churches, right? Right. The oldest of them all is Sankt Johannes, believed to have been built sometime around the 13th or 14th century. Too bad no one quite knows, but at least they can put a date on the Church of St. Andreas (or St. Andrew, depending on who you’re asking) — it came along back in 1728. And the Church of St. Maurice (or St. Mauritius, again, depending on who you ask) was built over an old castle.
As pretty as Roßleben’s churches are, its festivals are also something to remember. There are two Kirmes celebrations in September, a third held in October, and the Summer Festival is quite fun as the whole town gets involved.
For something quieter, try cycling along the Unstrut Cycle Path, a 190 km scenic route through the Kyffhäuser Region.
I told you Roßleben has quite a bit going for it — and it’s all been wonderful, wouldn’t you say?
