Schwalmstadt in the Schwalm-Eder-Kreis of Hesse, between Kassel and Marburg, lies in the Knüllgebirge, a low mountain range.
The city of Schwalmstadt only exists since 1970 when the areas of Treysa, Ziegenhain, Ascherode, Rommershausen, Florshain, Franenhain, Allendorf an der Landsburg, Ditteshausen, Michelsberg, Niedergrenz, Roeshain, Trutzhain, Loshausen, and Wiera were united.
Don’t let the fact that Schwalmstadt is actually only 40 years old fool you. The area of Treysa dates back to the 8th century and was given town rights sometime in the 13th century. The Martinkirche is now known as the Totenkirche (Church of the Dead) and dates back to 1230. When the last Count of the area died in 1450, Treysa was passed to Hesse.
There is plenty of history here, with the village’s half-timbered houses, town parish church, the town hall and Johannisbrunnen (a fountain). There’s even the Hexenturm, also known as the Witches’ Tower, that’s well worth to take snapshots from.
Ziegenhain was granted town rights in 1274 and the the castle located here was turned into a stately home in 1470. In 1537, the home was then fortified, including its very own moat.
Rommerhausen also dates back to the 13th century, though it’s name today ONLY dates back to 1419. You can learn about the area at the Local History Museum located in Ziegenhain. Rommershausen is famous for the iron meteorite that fell in the town on April 3, 1916.
Although most of these villages date back to the dark days of the Middle Ages, Trutzhain has its fair share of darker days during the years of the Second World War. It was home to Stalag IX-A, the prisoner of war camp. One famous prisoner of war was Francois Mitterand, who later became the French President. The Gedenkstätte und Museum (Memorial and Museum) is located here in Trutzhain.
One great thing about all the Schalmstadt, besides all the history, is the plethora of festivals and markets within all these communities. You’ll enjoy street festivals, sports festivals for the kids, the Johannisfeuer (or, the John’s Fire Festival — a mid summer festival), and the Fun and Christmas Markets.
Probably the most fun, since besides cars Germany’s famous for its beer, would be the Bockbieranstich, or the Bock beer tapping festival in Treysa. If that’s not reason enough to visit Schwalmstadt!