Usually I start out telling you about where you’ll find a town, sometimes getting a bit philosophical, or giving you a bit of its geography. Not this time, folks. There’s too much to see and do in the Franconian town of Schnaittach, so let’s get right to it.
Start your trip at the Rothenberg Fortress. It stands some 588 meters above Schnaittach in what’s known as the Franconian Jura.
This 18th century Rococo fortress once housed more than 400 soldiers at a time; and it’s built over top the ruins of a previous castle. It’s completely walled in; and its foundation walls stand 16 feet high. I’m thinking it was hard to consider escape when the fortress was used as a prison back in the 17th century.
Rothenberg Fortress is open to visitors from April to October, with guided tours leaving every hour on the hour. And don’t forget, this is Germany — so things start promptly.
So, do yourself a favor and don’t start drinking Bavarian beer just yet. ;-)
Save that for after you’ve visited the Frankish Hops Barn. That’s right, hops. That means beer. Yummy! Yeah, Hops!
Sorry, I forgot myself for a minute there. ;-)
Another museum in Schnaittach is the Jewish Museum of Franconia, housed in the town’s former synagogue (at Nürnberger Straße 3). It’s open on weekends (11am-5pm), but call ahead and you might get in to see it with prior arrangement.
The same could be said for the Heimatmuseum Schnaittach, which is the town’s Local History Museum.
For an outdoor learning experience, follow the green circle signs along the Archaeological Trail, which passes prehistoric and Early Middle Ages sites.
Don’t confuse this with the castle ruins of the Forest Trail, which is also a hiking trail.
Darn, I was so excited that my tour of Schnaittach was almost done so I could grab a beer — I almost forgot about the Evangelical Church Osternohe. Its Gothic winged alter is thought to have come from a Nuremberg master; but either way — the church is totally charming.
Aren’t you glad I just dove right into seeing Schnaittach? What I’d like to do is dive right into my drink — so, if you’ll excuse me. ;-)
