Schlitz Christmas Candle: Germany’s Illuminating Grace
Standing 42 meters tall, the Schlitz Christmas Candle is the largest non-wax candle in the world, which is unveiled in the town of Schlitz in Hessen, Germany. Every year during Christmas, a tower in Hessen known as Hinterturm is draped in red cloth. Topped with an electric flame, it appears just like a Christmas Candle, only taller and bigger. Since the Hinterturm is located at the center of the town, the candle can be witnessed by spectators from long distances.
Location
The Schlitz Christmas Candle can be seen at Schlitz, a small town in Hessen, Germany.
Weather
Hessen has a central European climate with long winters that last from November to March as well as long summers that last from June to September. The season of spring is relatively shorter in the span. The average temperature in summer is approximately 24 degrees Celsius and winter months witness a drop in the temperature from 0 degrees Celsius to 2 degrees Celsius.
History
It is the fifth largest regional state in Germany. Hessen is one of the most important financial centers of Germany and hence one of the strongest economies in the country.
Hessen’s earliest ancestors, known as the Chatten tribe, date back to 2000 years ago. In 1814, Hessen was divided into three main regions: The Duchy of Nassau, The Electorate of Hessen-Kassel, and The Grand Duchy of Hessen-Darmstadt. However in 1914, due to the fall of the royal houses, The House of Hessen-Darmstadt faded away in 1937, but Hessen-Kassel remains as it is to this day. During the Weimar Republic, that is between the years 1919-1933, The Duchy of Nassau became a part of Prussia while Hessen-Darmstadt became a part of Hesse, a Republic state.
It was in the year 1945 that the US forces brought together Hessen-Nassau and Hesse together to form the federal state of Hessen.
Schlitz Christmas Candle: The Legacy of Schlitz
The tradition of lighting a Schlitz Candle in the town of Schlitz in Hessen began on 28th November 1991. Since then, the tower serves as not only the foundation for the candle but also a Christmas market where shops are located. Here, various entertaining activities during the Christmas takes place with special appearances from Santa Claus.
Due to such novel concept of turning a 14th-century tower into a Christmas candle, the town of Schlitz becomes the center of attraction in various newspaper clippings in the month of January.
Traveling in Hessen
Perhaps the best way to travel around in Hessen is to explore the region through hiking around in its natural mountainous ranges. Discover a multitude of cultural heritage while walking through the forests of Hessen. A range of hiking options namely The Odenwald, Vogelsberg, Rhon, Spessart, Burgwald and much more await your footsteps.
If adventure is not on your list, you can also explore the region on a bicycle. And if you crave solitude, try some fishing activities with various watersports as well. During snowfall, you can make beautiful memories in Hessen by indulging in some cross-country skiing and sledding. Or you can just simply walk around Hessen and discover fairy tale monuments and picturesque historic buildings on foot to witness wonders that Hessen has to offer. A visit to Fairy Tale Road and Idyllic Road is the option to do so. You can explore this place freely and locals are one of the best people you’ll ever find. They are amiable and always willing to help.
Why visit?
A region filled with more than five castles, three hundred museums and a very popular football stadium, what more can one ask for from a state in Germany? Hessen is a place that will be whole-heartedly admired by people of all ages- children, youngsters, adults and old ones alike. So, if you are planning a vacation, Hessen is the ideal place to visit.
Don’t forget the hiking part! If you crave adventure coupled with natural beauty, you can choose from among the many hiking options in Hessen to fulfill your cravings. Also, Hessen is filled with tourists from all over the world, all year round. So, you will not feel like an outsider in Hessen at all.
All you have to do is make a decision to visit Hessen, and the most vibrant state of Germany will take care of everything else!
Major Attractions
- Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe: The park is one of the largest parks in the whole of the European continent. The magnificent palace that is a part of the park, accompanied by a statue of Hercules on the unique landscapes filled with wonderful water displays makes it even more significant.
- Roman Limes: Europe’s largest monument, Roman Limes is a wall that is 5,500 kilometers This 1,800-year-old monument served as a frontier wall that defended the states from the German tribes. Spanning four states in all, Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, Hessen and Rhineland- Palatinate, the monument is not just limited to a wall; as one can also witness 900 watchtowers and 120 forts from the wall even today.
- Messel Fossil Pit: At the time of the Eocene Epoch, an old forest lake was situated where the fossil pit now exists. During a volcano, the lake dried up. Here, one can witness the document of the first stages of a human’s evolution. Most of plants and animals in the oil shale have survived since 50 million years. Due to this very reason, The United Nations has declared Messel Fossil Pit as a World Heritage Site.
What else is around?
- Goethe House
- Stadel Museum
- Palmengarten
- Alte Oper
- Main Tower
- Commerzbank- Arena
- Vogelsberg Mountains
- Odenwald
Visiting this place is truly a surreal experience for tourists from all parts of the world. So, the next time you’re planning your holiday trip, Hessen is a place that should be on your list. This place will keep you enchanted for the times to come. So, visit Hessen with your family and friends and enjoy the rich experience this place has on offer.