Bad Hersfeld, Germany

Linggplatz is the central market square where there's always something going on. The Stiftsruine (convent ruin), the Rathausbrunnen (town hall and fountain) and the Denkmal (monument) for General Lingg are all very impressive. If you visit during the week of October 16th, be sure to participate in the Lullusfest, a week-long festival.

Quick Tips:

On one visit to Bad Hersfeld, we made the mistake of visiting on a Sunday afternoon in April and we found no eating place open. We were very hungry when we arrived back in Fulda and could hardly wait to eat something at the train station. Believe me, if you've been to Germany, the train station is the last place you'd want to eat! The food is overpriced and the choices are few. However, because we were starving after a long day of sightseeing, we had no choice. So, I guess the moral of my story would be to always carry some snacks 'just in case.'

Best Way To Get Around:

We took the train from Fulda and it was very convenient.

This hotel is a new and modern building near the bus station. There''s a coffee shop and restaurant which both serve good meals. The rooms were very clean with TV, hairdryer, and clocks. We were near the "minigolfplatz", tennis courts and pool, so we found it very convenient.

This hotel restaurant has been serving wonderful dinners for 500 years. The atmosphere in the older part of the restaurant is quite romantic with stone arches and black beams. The meals were delicious and traditional. We had a platter of assorted meats and cheeses which is served with bread. There was plenty for two.

Linggplatz is the market square where the weekly markets are held as well as the traditional Christmas Market. There are lots of cafes and walking paths which take you along the Fulda River.

The Rathaus is the town hall and is a very prominent building located near the market square. It's 1371 ornate bell tower, arched entryways and beautiful old fountain provide a tasteful and magnificent sight. The bell in the tower is a 14th century firebell and still rings to this day.

This is the oldest homeland festival held in Germany. It honors Archbishop Lull of Mainz who was a student of St. Boniface. He became a saint in 862.

It's a festival held during October. The date of Oct. 16 falls within the week of celebration as this was the date of his birth.

Seven or eight days of festivities include 180 venders selling their wares, puppet shows, childrens' theater, and lots of music in the streets. Don't miss this if your anywhere near Bad Hersfeld in mid-October.

General Lingg was instrumental in protecting Bad Hersfeld from plundering and burning by the troops of Napolean in 1807. He is therefore a hero in this town. He was later given the title "von Liggenfeld" as a gift from the Kaiser at the time. A very interesting gentleman indeed.

This 1000 year old convent is now a ruin and has been used as a site for opera and concerts under the stars for many years. The tour is very interesting as you walk along and imagine what it was like to live here so many years ago. The stone work is magnificent and provides the perfect backdrop and acoustics for the musical programs held here.

Nachtingallenstrasse 7 Bad Hersfeld 36251

Phone ahead for concert schedules: 06621/50670.