Just a town south of Thuringia, along the southern edge of the Thuringian Forest, lies the Upper Franconian town of Sonnefeld and its ten other districts.
While sitting between some heavy-handed neighbors (like Coburg and Kronach), you’re not going to find a long list of attractions here. But, it more than makes up for it with other stuff to do.
I know, I know, that kind of doesn’t make sense; but it will all become clear in a minute. ;-)
As for Sonnefeld’s “attractions” (a word that doesn’t quite seem to fit), that would be its fortified church in the village of Gestungshausen, which is considered to be the oldest of all the town’s villages. And you’ll spend a good deal of time at the Klosterkirche Sonnefeld, a monastery church whose Innenhof (courtyard) gives you a sense of quiet & serenity.
Ooh, let’s not leave out a visit to the Lauterburg — a castle built in the early years of the 12th century. These days it lies in ruins, but you can still make out its arched entryways after more than 800 years.
All right, quiet time is over; time to party in fine Sonnefeld style. Do you really expect anything less? This is Bavaria. Anyway, Spring is one of the best times to be here — if only for its Maibaumfest, or its Village Festival (Dorffest) and Schützenfest taking place in June.
Summer really rocks in Sonnefeld, as that’s when a number of Summer Festivals are held, along with the Brunnenfest (Fountain Festival), another Schützenfest, and one of the town’s Kirchweih celebrations (4th Sunday in July in Wörlsdorf).
You’d think things would slow down when the weather turns colder, but no way! There are two more Kirchweihen in September, and another three in October. November brings on more fun, with yet another Kirchweih and a Wine Festival.
You might have to defer to a calendar every year to find the date for Sonnefeld’s Christmas Market, held on the second Sunday of Advent. If you’re super lucky, you’ll be here when there are Christmas/Advent concerts held at the Klosterkirche.
Now it makes sense that you’ll have plenty to do around here, doesn’t it? ;-)
