Here I am on a cold winter afternoon in the town of Sulzberg admiring the snow covered streets and castle. Now I could have gone on a 3-hour snowshoe hike they often have going on here, but let’s face it… not gonna happen. I’d much rather sit here with a hot coffee admiring the view.
Don’t judge me, you have no idea the splendor of the Alps located just to the south of here. So it’s no wonder Sulzberg often has plenty of winter activities going on. Go ahead, take your pick: cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing, and I already mentioned the snowshoe hiking (meeting up at the Rathaus (Town Hall) on Wednesdays).
Now I should have planned to come when the weather was warmer, but with so many towns in Germany to explore that’s not always possible. Now had I come in the summer, I’d have been treated to swimming and fishing, a game of beach volleyball, and pedal boating at the Rottachsee. Pedal boating can be done at the Sulzbergersee, too, by the way. Plus, there’s the beautiful Öschle See for you campers out there (hey!).
And winter isn’t the time to visit the Burgruine Sulzberg. Sorry, but it’s only open on Sunday from May 1st to October 31st. And, it’s crumbling grey stone walls are still gorgeous from a distance. On the first weekend of September is the 12th century castle’s Medieval Burgfest, and there are often “Knight Adventures” for the kids. What a fun way to teach them history, huh?
Another thing that’s open between May and October is the Kreislehrgarten, a delightful garden filled with thousands and thousands of plants. The entire display has free admission, so please donate generously.
Other ways to enjoy Sulzberg would be on one of its hiking routes — and with 140km of trails, there are plenty to choose from. Some are relatively easy, like the Heinrichweg’s Green Trail or Red Trail. They measure 10.5km and 10.2km respectively, and both begin at the Town Hall. The Burgweg is kinda short, only 2.3km, taking you about a half hour to ramble.
Even if you’re just wandering around town you’ll see such beautiful gems like the Pfarrkirche Heiligste Dreifaltgkeit, a Catholic Church whose construction began in the 15th century.
The wonderful architecture of Sulzberg doesn’t end here. You’ll find little chapels (like the Josepfskapelle), chalets, and half-timbered houses throughout the town’s little villages.
The splendor isn’t just above ground either. Underneath your feet is the Jodbadquelle Salzbrunn, a totally unique experience that does take proper conditions to be able to visit (oxygen levels in the tunnels, that kinda stuff). So if you’re interested in visiting you’re gonna have to check with Tourist Office first (located at Rathausplatz 4).
Back above ground, Sulzberg has quite a number of cultural events, like the Bockbierfest and Maibaum celebrations. And the town is home to a Fire Service Museum with two centuries of firefighting history. It also has an exhibit on military hats — I guess to keep things even more interesting.
Puhleeze, as if Sulzberg isn’t interesting enough — even if all you do is admire the Alpine view with a good coffee. :-)
