It’s been a good while since I’ve spent so much time in this federal state that I forgot how remarkable it really is, especially because of towns like Waibstadt. Which, coincidentally, is part of a Collective Municipality with the same name.
An important part of Waibstadt is where its located, just to the north of Sinsheim, and a mere 20 km from the grand city of Heidelberg.
Sure it’s nice to mention the nearby “big dogs,” but you’ll find Waibstadt surrounded by some smaller towns like Zuzenhausen. So, by staying here in Waibstadt you’re centrally located to the ruins of the 12th century Burg Zuzenhausen.
That’s a win-win situation, isn’t it?
For the record, Waibstadt has its own castle ruin — Schloss Daisbacher, a water castle that was totally destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. Too bad of an ending for a 14th century castle, wouldn’t you say?
I’ll just have to drown my sorrow for the castle in a Waibschder Käskurchen, a locally made cheesecake. Delicious! :-)
After you’ve gotten your cake fix, it’s time to go see the Pfarrkirche Unserer lieben Frau; or as it’s known in English — Church of Our Lady. You really can’t miss it, its tower juts 65 meters into the sky — the tallest building in town.
As you’re wandering around town, look for the many crucifixes that were placed here from the 18th to 19th centuries. And stop by the old Jewish Cemetery, as Waibstadt once had a thriving Jewish community as far back as 1648.
Believe it or not, none of these sights are the town’s landmark. That honor belongs to the Brunnenweible, the town’s fountain. There’s a scenic bicycle route, known as the Brunnentour (Fountain Tour), that’ll take you some 42 km along the regionally famed Brunnenregion (Fountain Region). Don’t worry, it’s an easy to moderate cycle route, so you can do it.
No big deal if you’re not that ambitious, come to Waibstadt’s BBQ grill areas, or just soak in either the indoor or outdoor swimming pool. And when you’re all relaxed you can think about how exceptional Waibstadt (or all of Baden-Württemberg, for that matter) really is.
