Not too far from the French border in what’s known as the Hanauerland is the town of Willstätt. It’s a town that belongs on a postcard (or a huge poster) because the countryside is really lovely all year round. But, I think that when the snow blankets the town in winter, it’s even more postcard-perfect.
Now I know not all of you out there think that the white stuff is all that grand. But, c’mon! Come Christmas time there’s something a tad bit unnatural about lights hung up on Palm trees. OK, maybe it’s just me who thinks this way. ;-)
Whether warmer or cooler weather is your cup of tea, you’ll just enjoy Willstätt for all its worth.
Like camping? Good. There are camping facilities available; and it’ll only cost you a few Euro a night to do it. There’s even a restaurant and playground within the campgrounds so you don’t have to wander off too far.
But, if you got the meandering bug come see all the half-timbered houses scattered about town. And, if you want to actually stay in one, forget the campground and head over to the Engel Hotel.
At least you’ll be a bit closer to the Kinzigfad, a 20-stop scenic walk along the Kinzig River with information on the plants, the water, and the people.
One such person is Johann Michael Moscherosch, a Baroque author and satirist. There’s a monument in the middle of town and where the Village Festival takes place.
Other festivals in Willstätt include the Hexen Kinderfastnacht (the Witches Children’s Carnival) held around the end of February/early March. Just about a week later is the Waldsee Hexen Fastnacht, which would be the Forest Lake Witches Carnival. They must have something with those ol’ witches…
During the warmer times of the year, the Waldsee is a swimming lake with BBQ grills and a playground for the kids.
When music got your soul, come to any one of the concerts held in one of the town’s churches; like the only Baroque Church left in the Hanauerland. Maybe you’ll get lucky and hear musical stylings of the 16th-19th centuries on the guitar & lute. And at least you won’t be outside in the snow if it’s winter. ;-)
