On the edge of the Segeberg Forest in Schleswig-Holstein is the lovely town of Wahlstedt. But, since Low German is spoken around these parts you might find here it’s referred to as Wohlsteed — I’m just telling you in case you get a bit confused about where you are. ;-)
It’s hard to imagine today how totally leveled the town was when it was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, then again when Napoleon came around. Today, Wahlstedt is a place with pretty pastures and wide-open meadows; and one of the best family friendly towns in Germany. Possibly even in all of Europe.
OK, so what makes Walhstedt (a.k.a. Wohlsteed) so family friendly?
Well, for starters, Wahlstedt’s library isn’t just for checking out books. The town’s library seems to have all sorts of activities going on from author readings, to films and crafts for the kids. And please, I don’t want to hear that you don’t speak High German, Low German, or whatever — some things transcend language barriers.
Then there are the group discussions and parties at Wahlstedt’s Protestant Chuch. If you choose not to join in, you can at least stay to see the church’s wonderful artwork.
One of the best sites in Wahlstedt isn’t a site at all, really. The Kleines Theater am Markt holds more than 60 productions a year from musicals, to plays like Cinderella, and operas like Die Fledermaus (yes, a German opera, of course). Add in the occasional champagne breakfast here and there and you’ve got yourself a jolly, bubbly good time.
I think the indoor/outdoor pool (located at Scharnhorst Straße 2) is just as good of a time as any, too.
But, I kind of like the Oktoberfest (in September) and the Herbstfest or Fall Festival (in October). But, then again I don’t need any excuse to have a beer, listen to music, and eat — though it’s always better to do it with friends, isn’t it?
