If you did a literal translation of the name Speichersdorf, an Upper Franconian town of 31 districts, no less, you’d get Memory Village.
What’s remarkable is that somehow the folks that gave it its moniker somehow knew the place would be, well, memorable.
Duh, tell me you didn’t see that word coming. ;-)
It’ll take a while to get through all of Speichersdorf’s villages — with an area just short of 53 square kilometers. Good thing you’ve still got me around to tell you all about some of the best of Speichersdorf’s best.
Do you like castles? That’s great, because Speichersdorf has a few. Pardon me, only the castle wall remains of the 12th century Castle Frankenberg though. There’s an old castle at Haidenaab 15 from the 18th century, and also there’s Castle Göppmannsbühl and the 18th century Castle Guttenthau.
With so many villages you’ll find about just as many village churches. The frescoes at the Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) in Kirchenlaibach are great to see, as is the 19th century St. Giles Church, and the same-century church over in Plössen.
Because this is Franconia, any time you’re spending in the great outdoors is time well spent. Which is why I think that hiking along Speichersdorf’s Nature Trail is just dandy. It’s known for its wetland and orchids, if you’re into that sort of thing.
The Nature Trail is located near the Tauritzmühle, an early 20th century mill. Even better that there’s a beer garden close to it.
And let’s suppose it’s winter… Should that stop you from enjoying Speichersdorf? Heck no, that’s when everyone’s out on the cross-country ski trails.
What’s also nice about this part of Franconia is it likes to celebrate with MayPole Events. Two days of fun on April 30th and May 1st with men in lederhosen, drinking, and listening to music.
You’ll have to wait for the second weekend of October to join in the festivities of the town’s Kirwa, or church festival.
All of this does make Speichersdorf memorable, doesn’t it?
