Ha haha ha, I love a town with a sense of humor — and Wilthen is one of ’em.
What makes me say that? Any place who’s landmark is a big wooden statue of someone named Martin Pumphut has a sense of humor.
Who was Martin Pumphut? He was a local guy known as the “Warlock of Wilthen,” but many just called him a master magician. Mr. Pumphut’s presence is still felt all around this Saxon town; and you can even hike along the Pumphutsteig if you want.
Whether you’re hiking in the footsteps of the magic man, or not, you’ll love the beautiful Upper Lusatian mountain scenery. And just to give you an idea of where you are, Bautzen is a mere 9 km away (northeast), Dresden is just 50 km (west), and one more town over, to the south, is the border to the Czech Republic.
In keeping with Wilten’s wickedly funny humor, they host the annual Das Wilthener Bettenrennen. This “Bed Race” along a 500 meter track is the highlight of the City Festival; and where a Miss Bed is crowned.
The other must-do event around here is the Oberlausitzer Hunderter, a group hiking event that takes place every October. Ohh, an utterly fantastic time to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Maybe Wilthen’s humor comes from the Wilthener Goldkrone (Gold Crown), a locally made brandy. Distillery tours are available if you’ve got a group, if you want to see how the stuff’s made.
Forget that, let’s see how the stuff tastes. ;-)
No group is necessary to visit Wilthen’s Heimatstube (Local History Museum). The town used to be really big in the textile industry, so it’s only right that you’ll find looms and what-not as exhibits.
Another terrific event held in Wilthen is the Hexenbrennen. Held on April 30th, this is a Walpurgis Night event that thankfully isn’t about burning witches at the stake, but celebratory bonfires.
What’s great about Wilthen is its wonderful humor, its outstanding countryside, and fun events — yea, I love towns like this.
