By Judy McEuen, Travel Writer
WEIKERSHEIM, Germany,
Biking from Weikersheim to the next town of Rothenburg is such a delightful experience. The landscape is beautiful, with the Tauber River on one side and the beautiful expanse of vineyards on the other. Scenery such as this converts an otherwise exhausting ride into an exhilarating experience.
Waiting just around every twist and turn of the meandering road are enchanting surprises: a picturesque little town that transports you back in time; a charming local vineyard that offers a free glass of wine; a beautifully kept garden that will keep you occupied for quite awhile.
Schloss dates back to 1587
Weikersheim is most proud of its Renaissance Palace, called the Schloss, which dates back to 1587. What is most interesting about the Palace is that the artist worked on it for six years as a penalty for his crime of killing the palace alchemist.
True to its historical background, there is a good collection of alchemy instruments and devices on display for public viewing. You will love the Palace’s Baroque Gardens and Orangery, although not as large as the other grand palace gardens you may visit it is certainly as beautiful and impressive. If you are planning on a romantic wedding, the Orangery can be the perfect setting. By chance, we were lucky to happen upon a captivating evening concert in the Knights of Hall of the Palace (also known as Rittersal) during our visit.
Don’t miss the Marktplatz or the market place on your way to the entrance of the Schloss. Because it is so centrally located it is surrounded by major attractions in Weikersheim.
To the west is the entryway to the palace, followed by the Tauberlander Dorfmuseum to the north, the Saint Georg Church to the east and the Rathaus or the Town Hall to the South. Take note that all these structures are centuries old, having all been built within the span of 14th to the 17th century.
The marketplace also features several al fresco cafés where you can relax and observe life as it happens in Weikersheim. A beautiful large fountain in the middle of the Marktplatz (built in 1768) completes the old world charm of this picturesque town. If you are lucky, you just might happen upon a town festival or an antique-flea market in the area.
A picnic at the Karlsberg Nature Park is a must. We bought fruits, cheese and some bread from the Marktplatz and headed to the top of the hill where the park is located. The site offers an overlooking panorama of the Weikersheim. A forest museum can also be found in the area. With the fresh smell of grass, the shade of trees and the gentle blowing of the breeze, it was indeed a perfect lunch. You can also explore the many hiking trails in the park if you feel like walking off your indulgent meal.
Take a detour to Laudenbach
If you have time to spare, make a detour to the town of Laudenbach. It is a picturesque little town complete with an ancient castle and “round” tower dating from the Middle Ages. A little further up the woods of Laudnebach you can find the Bergkirche or the Mountain Church with the most beautiful antique windows you will ever see. Almost all that you see inside the church dates back hundreds of years!
After Laudenbach, we returned to the town of Weikersheim and on to the Romantic Road once more. Next stop is Rothenburg with a short visit at the Creglingen Region.
