I wouldn’t be taking anything away from Nuremberg if I suggested you venture out a bit to visit the town of Schwanstetten.
C’mon, it’s only a day trip — then you can happily head off on your merry way.
The first thing you would need to see in Schwanstetten is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John in the village of Schwand (one of seven villages that makes up Schwanstetten). Surprisingly, it was built out of wood in the 12th century (’cause stone Romanesque church were all the rage at that time), but the one you’re looking at comes from the 1547. It’s open to visitors everyday from 9am-4pm, so there’s ample time to see it.
Schwanstetten’s other church to see is the Evangelical Sts. Peter & Paul in the village of Leerstetten. This too was built in the 12th century, and again in the 14th — it’s pretty in pink, and available to see on weekends.
Since you’re already in Leerstetten, go see the Schleuse. This sluice is considered to be one of the biggest in Europe, and leads out to the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers — the best of Germany’s rivers, yes?
How about the best of Germany’s historical buildings? That would be the Erbschänke zum Schwan — originally a 14th century tavern whose good times ended during the Thirty Years’ War. Well, for a short time anyway. It was rebuilt, and again was a tavern/hotel that residents could be proud of. It still is, after undergoing 4 years of renovation a few years back.
If you can’t slip back to Nuremberg on the same day, you can always stay here.
Good idea, actually, since you’re close to the Franconian Lake District where you’re able to have a bit of beachside fun at the Brombachsee, the Altmühlsee, the Igelsbachsee, or the Rothsee.
Have at it, enjoy all of them — you deserve it.
With a bit of luck, you’ll also get to see the Kohle & Kohlemeiler — which has been making charcoal for 800 years. It’s hot and sweaty work, so maybe you should check that out first before splashing (hiking, biking, you get the point) around the Franconian countryside, huh? ;-)
