This week it seems like I’ve spent a good amount of time in Baden Württemberg. But, that’s OK because it brings me to snazzy places like Waldstetten in the northeastern part of the classy Swabian Alb.
Cheers for the Swabian Alb! Not only is this exceptionally beautiful landscape the perfect place to hike or bicycle, it is the location for the annual Albmarathon in October. You better be in tip-top shape for this; it’s an ultramarathon, which means its a 50km race instead of 26.
Yeah, I ain’t doing that anymore. ;-)
It’s the Nordic Walking Trails for me. You’ll find four tracks that range from 2.8km to 8.2km, and in varying degrees of difficulty. Of course, the longer track is demanding, while the middle ones are “moderately challenging.” You can even rent equipment if you didn’t bring your own.
Still too much work? OK, I got a walking trail for you. The Glaubenswege is a series of 27 trails known as Faith Paths to my English friends. Whether you’re here for spiritual reasons or just to clear your head of life’s daily stresses, you can do it at an easy pace.
I must insist that you save your epic journeys into the Alb for days when there aren’t any festivals going on. October seems to be the busiest month with the Dorffest (Village Festival), the Herbstfest (Fall Festival), and the Oktoberfest all taking place.
November’s great for the Advent Bazaar, where you can get a jump on your Christmas shopping. Maybe you’d rather do a waltz, and the Autumn Ball is the perfect place.
These Fall events means winter’s on its way, as well as the snow. Waldstetten is a snowy wonderland, and just as pretty whether the flowers are in bloom or the trees are coated with the white stuff.
Snow doesn’t let anyone stop them from moving. There’s South Germany’s highest Indoor-Kletteranlage (indoor climbing area), as well as a fitness and squash center. When the weather’s better you’re always welcome to try the Hochseilgarten (High Ropes Course) that has 25 “tasks” to accomplish.
One task that I need to accomplish is getting to Waldstetten’s Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum), but it’s only open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month — filled with all sorts of fossils and artifacts from the area.
Again, cheers for the Swabian Alb — with an extra shoutout for Waldstetten! :-)
