The remarkable town of Dinkelsbuhl
With mighty churches, exemplary architecture, solitude environment and historical culture, Dinkelsbuhl is a town located in Central Franconia in Germany. Central Franconia is a part of Germany that comes under the state of Bavaria. The semi-timbered houses of this town and classic architecture inevitably leave one mesmerized. Being spared in the Second World War, the town maintains its look from the medieval age giving it the most romantic touch.
Art historians say that it is one of the most closely packed and best preserved medieval towns in Germany. Moreover, it is one of the only three towns with medieval walls, the other two towns being Rothenburg and Nordlingen. This unspoiled architecture gives the current visitors an idea of how these towns appeared in medieval years.
Location
Dinkelsbuhl is a former Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire. It is located in northern part of the Romantic Road and southern edge of the Franconian Heights. The town resides at 235 km to Munich and a 100 km from Nuremberg. Situated east of the A7 autobahn and 230 km from Frankfurt, the town has an area of 75.19 square kilometers.
History
In the early years, Dinkelsbuhl was situated in the heart of two very important trade routes- the north-south Germany-Italy route, and the other one from the Rhine towns passing to Eastern Europe. The town is said to be founded in the 8th century but the first ever official mention in the documents as ‘Burgus Tinkelspuhel’ was recorded in the 12th century.
In the 13th century, the town was constantly mortgaged, and the people of the town paid large sums of money to earn their freedom. As a result, Dinkelsbuhl received special privileges and became a Free Imperial Town.
In 1323, the people and the town earned its fortune by weaving and cloth manufacturing. The German King Ludwig IV allowed Dinkelsbuhl to use its own clothing measures and as a result, the town prospered.
During the middle ages, the town faced hardship due to Reformation and Counter- Reformation. The control over the town seemed to have a badminton match with control passing over to Protestant and Catholics over and over again. However, in the 17th century, even though the number of Protestants was more, a settlement was made under which strict rules were listed to ensure justice to both sections.
The Thirty Years’ War
Every summer the town of Dinkelsbuhl celebrates the city’s surrender to Swedish troops in the thirty years’ of war. The legend says that when the Swedish army attacked the town a little teenage girl took children to ask for mercy from the Swedish General. The General had recently lost his child and upon seeing a child who looked like his boy, he melted down and decided to spare the town. This event is celebrated till date with enacting the same situation. It is called ‘Kinderzeche.’
The town also survived World War II except a broken window in St. George’s Minster. This is why the city still endures its medieval looks.
Climate
To make the best out of your trip to any place, one must know when to visit. The temperature of Dinkelsbuhl is warm and temperate. It receives high precipitation every year even during the driest of months. The average temperature is 8.2 degree Celsius. The driest month here is February and July is the warmest month. It rains most heavily during June.
The Town
If one is to visit this small town, they will understand how big the heart of the town is. Dinkelsbuhl lies small only in its area, the delights it promises are immense. Anyone who visits for the first time lies spellbound due to the magnificent and colorful buildings surrounding them. Every turn and every corner is a surprise with a variety of churches and peaceful cafes and restaurants.
You can stroll around gazing at the historical monuments or even enjoy horse ridden carriages. One can check out the various hotels preserved from medieval times largely known as inns or merchants’ houses. Evening wanderings are the best, exploring the nearby towns of Ellwangen, Crailsheim and Bavaria-Fuechtwangen will give you extraordinary sites.
No doubt the townscape is best, but the delicious dishes you taste here will leave you wanting more. After all that site-seeing settle down in one of the seats and enjoy the Franconian wine and calm down your nerves. Either taste the best wine from a sommeliers’ personal store or visit a restaurant with a great challenging wine cellar, just taste the best while you can.
Traveling in the town
You can roam around the town and enjoy the view. The town is less populated, and you will not bump into anyone while walking. Alternatively, you can even enjoy the visit by roaming around against a horseback or horse-ridden carriage. Also, there are guided tours through the town.
Dinkelsbuhl does not have a railway station. The nearest station is in Crailsheim, which is 22 km away or Ansbach, which is 42 km away. You can catch a bus from these stations and reach Dinkelsbuhl.
Major Attractions
A walk in the evening is very promising. Even though the town has many restaurants and shops and places to visit, Dinkelsbuhl has less number of tourists than Rothenburg. Take any road or make any turn, you will have a remarkable time.
- George’s Minster- The massive church building is the main tourist attraction. This church is not like any other churches in your town, the core of the current structure was built in the 15th century. It is situated at the heart of Dinkelsbuhl. It stands tall along with the other older buildings. It is said that the tower of the church was not originally made for a Church. The tower was built as a free-standing structure to the west of the main building. However, later the construction was moved to the older tower, making it in late Gothic style.
The Church has beautifully decorated altars that look magnificent to the tourists. You can also climb up in the church on the weekends in the afternoon.
- Almshouse- The Church of the Holy Ghost was built in 1380 and was founded in 1280. It is a three-winged building provided with a spectacular courtyard. This place was also used as an almshouse. The walls of the Church has beautiful Gothic frescoes and reflect the elements of a Protestant Church.
- Rothenburg Gate- The monument is a resemblance of the bravery and power of Dinklesbuhl’s fortification. It has prison cells and torcher chambers on the second floor.
- Debtors’ Prison and Park Caretaker’s Lodge- The defenses of the northwest corner were protected under the guard of Debtors’ Prison. The Ruthenburg’s lake provide with one of the prettiest sceneries in Dinkelsbuhl.
- Corn Storehouse or Youth Hostel- An extraordinary timber house which was earlier used as a corn storehouse. It is now used as a youth hostel. The structure of the building is pretty impressive.
- Chapel Three Kings- It is now a war memorial chapel. The building is single-storeyed with a hipped roof.
- Wine Market-The Wine market of Dinkelsbuhl is exceptional. It has five important gabled buildings. The previously known ‘Aldermen’s Inn’ is now used as a guest house. It looks stunning with a high roof tower. Another building, the Patrician House has marvelously stepped gable. The ‘Deutsche Haus’ has exquisite statues of Bacchus- the God of wine and frivolity. The barn with curved gables and decorated pillars- the long building ‘Schranne’ was previously a corn storehouse.
- Museum of the Third Dimension
- The Museum of History- The museum is officially named ‘House of History.’ It shows various historical discoveries that were found in Dinkelsbuhl.
Why visit?
The rare custom of Night Watchman is seen nowhere else. From Easter to Halloween, each night a person dressed as a night watchman carries a lantern in one hand and a Halberd in the other. He walks along the cobbled streets of Dinkelsbuhl and sings songs while many people follow him. To have a peaceful gathering with music in the air along the Romantic Road is a must.
If one is unable to visit during the summer festival of ‘Kinderzeche’, then visit the winter’s market. Make sure to grab some of the beautiful pottery available. These are highly hand-crafted pottery that is not easily available. The old and aesthetic touch of the town will take you to an era of Dukes.
What else is around?
- The Church of St. Vincent
- Rothenburg
- Nordlingen
- Ellwangen
- Crailsheim
- Bavaria-Fuechtwangen
Plan a trip to Dinkelsbuhl and enjoy exploring the place with family and friends. With lots to explore and shop around, this place offers memories that stay in your heart forever. So visit Dinkelsbuhl soon, you won’t regret it!