Wasn’t it John Lennon who sang “imagine there’s no countries,” or something like that? Thanks, Mister Lennon, for letting me paraphrase when it comes to the town of Wutöschingen that’s just on the other side of Switzerland.
Switzerland isn’t why I said (sang?) about there being no counties — but because of the Dolmen of Degernau, found along Route 163. You see, there really weren’t any “countries” as we know ’em back when these megalithic graves were created.
Is that the right word for that? Used? No, that won’t work. I know, when these graves were necessary. ;-)
These prehistoric dolmen aren’t the only ones. There’s also the Menhir in Degernau, a 2 meter high stone out in the middle of a meadow.
Jumping ahead quite a few centuries (when borders were established, bummer) will bring you to the late 18th century Baroque church of St. John the Baptist. And Wutöschingen’s St. Magdalene building of today might come from 1955, but before that it was just a simple chapel from the late 16th century.
One chapel that hasn’t really changed is the Antoniuskapelle from 1695. Every year on the Fest des heiligen Antonius (St. Anthony’s Feast Day, January 17th), the chapel has special services.
It seems like it’s all about the religious sites in Wutöschingen; but when you’ve got a medieval Benedictine order now residing in a 14th/15th century castle — how could it not?
The castle, BTW, was once Schloss Ofteringen; and the monastery is Kloster Marienburg.
At least Schloss Willmendingen isn’t another religious site, but it is privately owned. Too bad, I wouldn’t mind a glimpse inside this early 17th century gem.
I’ll have to just bide my time at one of Wutöschingen’s festivals, like the Tanz in den Mai (Dance into May), or shop at one of the Flea Markets.
Don’t judge… one man’s trash is another’s treasure. ;-)
Better yet, I’ll try to finagle a judge’s seat during one of the town’s baking competitions. I’m a sucker for a good cherry cheesecake.
Other cultural activities in Wutöschingen include cabaret performances, art exhibitions, concerts, and just picnicking. I’m a sucker for good wurst and cheese, too.
With all that eating you and I are gonna have to hit up those marked hiking and biking trails. Too bad I’m not a sucker for lots of exercise, but I’ll enjoy it out here in the Upper Rhine region, just for the scenery alone.
