Before you think you’ve entered some weird alternate universe, you might often see the town of Stetten am kalten Markt written as: Stetten a.k.M. Rest assured you’re still in the right place.
And where would that be, you ask? Ahh, in the Swabian Alb, near the Danube, right next to Sigmaringen to narrow it down some more.
Some people might know it as a “military town,” home to thousands of German soldiers, but that’s just a teeny-tiny part of it all. And between all the castles, old churches, and outdoorsy stuff to do — you’ll be lucky to get it all in on one visit.
Oh, who am I kidding — there’s no way to get it all done in a short period of time. ;-)
It’s hard to figure out what (and where) to go first, so I’d say start at one of the old churches. The lovely St. Zeno Church has been a beacon for the faithful for almost 900 years. However, the St. Martin Chapel is hundreds upon hundreds of years older — the original has been here from the year 889.
You know that saying about April showers bringing May flowers? Well, medieval churches bring on medieval castles — so it’s off to see Burg Weckenstein. Pardon me, it’s off to see what’s left of this mid-12th century castle, because it was destroyed some 600 years ago.
Just don’t get things twisted, just because Stetten am kalten Markt is old when it comes to architecture, doesn’t mean the place isn’t young at heart. You’d be hard pressed to find another fun loving town anywhere in this state.
Want to have some fun? Then come for the Dreitrittenfest (on Fronleichnam (Corpus Cristi)), or the Sichelhenke Festival in September, the Rockfest in November, or the two Summer Festivals (both in June/July, one being a multi-day event).
You’ll most certainly eat heartily during these events, but probably none better than around Shrovetide (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), where you can fill up on the yummy cream-filled pastries of chocolaty and cherry goodness.
No wonder there are kilometers upon kilometers of hiking and cycling trails around here — ya gotta work off those desserts somehow. Then again, you’re smack-dab in the middle of the Upper Danube Nature Park (Naturpark Obere Donau), so it’s a treat for the eyes as well as being good for you.
Thank your lucky stars you’re not in some weird alternate universe — but the wonderful world of Stetten am kalten Markt.
