A Word on this Destination...
Contrary to popular belief, Santa Claus does not live at the North Pole, rather in this town about 45 minutes north of Stuttgart, Germany. Here you will find an incredibly well preserved fortified town originating from the 1200's that has been used as a location for several films including Chitty Chitty Bang Bank and some Japanese film (you'll observe loads of Japanese tourists here because of this film).
You will also find a tourist snack called a schneeballen, which is basically a fried knot of wontons dipped in chocolate or cinnamon sugar or whatever this could be dipped in. The town is known for their many Christmas shops which are open year round (except at Christmas as we unfortunately discovered). Nevertheless, I would recommend this for a one night stopover if you find yourself on a road trip through this part of Germany.
Hotels
65 is the minimum age to qualify for employment at this hotel apparently. We were greeted by a very sweet holder lady dressed in a 'traditional' bavarian housedress. The hotel is located on the foundation of the fortress wall about 3 minutes walk to the central square. In spite of the central location it was somehow tucked away in a quiet nook.
Bottom Line: very charming, 135 euros for a large room including breakfast, spic and span thanks to old timer work ethic.
Sites
Rathaus Belltower
Must do: climb the tower of the town hall in the main square. This is not handicap friendly by any means given that it is the original medieval tower with a tiny wooden staircase and stop and go lights for high traffic days since it is only wide enough for single file passage. What a laugh to get to the top and discover a lady in a booth taking 2 euros to climb the ladder that takes you outside onto the 1 foot wide walkway that surrounds the bell. The view of the town and surrounding countryside is well worth the 2 euro and the schlep up.
Walk on the Fortification Wall
The town is surrounded by a high stone wall that has a covered walkway. There are numerous access points on the perimeter and from this 1.5 miles walk you will have yet another interesting vantage point of the town. There is no end to life-sized gingerbread houses with red tile roofs.
St. Jacob's Church
Very near the Burg Hotel and pretty much impossible to miss, a typical gothic church but with a couple of interesting things inside worth checking out. 1) the alter at the front of the church is carved and painted by a well known carver of medieval times; but walk around the backside to see up close the story of Jesus' last days. 2) the 5,500 pipes pipe organ - not old but incredible if you can hear it played.
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