This is it, my last town for the week, and I’m exceptionally excited to spend it in and around Schliengen.
I love being surrounded by the Margraves’ Land. Plus, the town extends into the mighty Black Forest. And this small town boasts not only one but three castles!
Hmm, the first one gives me an indication that wine will be on tonight’s menu with dinner. They say to try a Chasselas, a white grape cultivated in only a handful of countries — Germany being one of them. I’m partial to a dry red, so I’ll take the winemaker’s word for it. ;-)
Whether you like reds or whites, walking around the Weinlehrpfad (Wine Trail, 3.4 km) is a definite must. I wouldn’t pass up trekking on the Obstlehrpfad or Fruit Trail (2.5 km, yummy, cherries) either, although it’s the Waldlehrpfad (Forest Trail, 1 km) that’ll take you to see one of Schliengen’s famous castles — Schloss Bürgeln. You might have a hard time determining this castle’s real age, its present Baroque exterior belies its medieval origins.
The Wasserschloss Entenstein is kind of in the same boat; another medieval (water) castle whose present appearance came along in the 16th century. As much as I love dark, dreary, and frightening castles of the Middle Ages, there’s something to be said for the bright and light Baroque architecture; which might explain why I loved Schloss Liel, too.
If a town is old enough to have a medieval castle (make that two or three), it’s a sure bet there’ll be a few old churches to visit, too. For a glimpse of Romanesque, Gothic, and Rococo art and architecture, I’d say a trip over to the Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) St. Leodegar should be on your itinerary.
And you might want to schedule a trip to the Church of St. Nicholas around December 6th, the date of the Patronatsfest. For me, it’s about the Church of St. Vincent in Liel. Sure it has a Romanesque tower, but inside it’s got pretty Renaissance art; and the oldest church in town — Kirche Niedereggenen, built in 1080.
At this point I’ve spent too much time indoors, best find sometime to explore the great outdoors. From up here at the lookout tower, I believe I can see as far as the deep Black Forest and the Alps.
Ahh, forget France, I’ll stay right here. ;-)
