Ask a thousand people who either live in, or have been to, Bavaria, and almost the entire percentage would probably tell you that October is probably one of the best months to visit.
I’d probably have to agree with them, mostly because of the weather’s a bit crisper. And probably because a whole lotta festivals are going on.
Such is the case of the Swabian town of Thannhausen, located along the Mindel River.
That’s right, I’m starting this whole thing off on Thannhausen’s festivals. There’s not a whole lot, but that doesn’t matter, because what it doesn’t have in quantity — it’s got in quality.
October’s Wine Festival is as good of a place to start as any; and if you’re hungry for some locally grown goodies, checkout the Farmers Market.
Throughout the rest of the year Thannhausen’s got everything from Advent festivities to Chamber Music concerts. Simple, yet effective, in giving you a glimpse into the cultural life in a simple Swabian town.
I really shouldn’t say simple — super, stupendous, spectacular — they’re better words to use for Thannhausen since its on the Swabian Baroque Route. The former courthouse is one of those Baroque gems in town, which has been here since 1673. The Stadtpfarrkirche (City Parish Church) Mariä Himmelfahrt is all about the Baroque, and most famous for its frescoes. I’d have to say the St. Leonard Chapel (built 1600) on Augsburgerstraße would be good to see while you’re out here.
Many of Germany’s towns have lots of churches on their sightseeing itinerary, this town’s got a Mosque too; so added because of its decorative Turkish tiles — so add that to your must-do list.
Thannhausen’s outside is just as lovely as what you’ll find indoors. Look out for the Bierbrunnen (Beer Fountain), that doesn’t spring forth Broyhann, but water. And there are some 1,200 square kilometers of the Augsburg – Westliche Wälder Nature Park to conquer, ya know.
Anyone wishing for something more, ah, active — there’s swimming at either Thannhausen’s indoor or outdoor pools. Tennis at one of the town’s courts would work just as good for some exercise — as will trekking around the Naturerlebnispfad im Hansenhohl (that’s a hard word to type) and a cycle around any one of the town’s bike trails.
The majority of people might tell you that October’s an exciting month to spend in Bavaria, but I think anytime of year is great to be in Thannhausen — better yet that it’s in Bavaria. ;-)
