In a bit of interesting trivia there seems to be a number of towns within Germany with the same name, just located in the different 16 states of the country. Wehr (Baden) is no exception and this one in Baden-Württemberg is where you’ll want to go if you’re looking for great European castles. Oh, and that it sits along the famous Black Forest doesn’t hurt either. ;-)
The oldest of the four castles here in Wehr are the ruins of Castle Werrach, which was built around the year 1000. Only the walls of this thousand year old castle remain today.
Then there are the ruins of Castle Steinegg. It’s a hike, since the castle sits some 703 meters (approx 2600 feet) above town. Steinegg was built in the 12th century and was used up until it was destroyed sometime in the 1400’s.
Then the counts and princes of the day built the Altes (Old) Schloss Wehr in 1570. Now, it’s where Wehr holds many cultural events and concerts.
Now comes along Neues (New) Schloss Wehr, which was built a few hundred years later. Besides the fact that it was used as a City Hall for a century, today you can visit it to see the beautiful Rococo style stucco artwork.
After you’ve gotten your castle fix engross yourself within the Black Forest, as Wehr sits right on the southern edge of it. Follow any number of hiking, walking, and cycling trails past picture perfect waterfalls, like the Triberger Falls, and along some lush green countryside. If it’s winter, don’t worry as there is plenty of skiing going on within the nature park.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, look for Field Lake. There are no car roads leading to this glacier made lake, so the only way in and out is by bike or foot. All the better, since you’ll really experience the beauty of untouched nature.
When summer comes many locals head off to neighboring Switzerland but, every other year Wehr holds its Summer Celebration. Folks from all over come for the music, the merriment, and the food.
Yeah, sure, it’s not so easy to confuse Wehr (Baden) with anyplace else now!
