In the north of Germany, at the gates of Schleswig, you can find one of the most famous trading centers in Northern Europe. Haddeby, the Low German modification of the Old Norse Haithabu, the name of the old Viking town, is one of the most impressive prehistoric sites in Europe. Between the 8th and 11th centuries, numerous people crossed the seas as Vikings. They were traders, robbers and conquerors. One of the most important centers was Haithabu, the port city on the Schlei. In its heyday, Haithabu was larger than Cologne at the time.
In the footsteps of the Vikings – the Viking village of Haithabu
A replica of the settlement section of a Viking Age trading center was created at a historical location. Seven buildings and a landing bridge were reconstructed within a semicircular wall. The reconstructions provide a fascinating insight into the former life of the people in this early urban settlement. The meeting house is particularly interesting. It was the only building to be rebuilt exactly at its original location. In the Viking Village, the work of the Vikings comes to life again.
The Danewerk
The Danewerk served to protect the Viking site. It controlled the important trade routes between the North and Baltic Seas and the southern border of Denmark. From the defensive wall, which is more than 1000 years old, there is still a protective wall (10th century) in the form of a half ring as well as low wall remnants of a hitherto undated refuge. Over 25 kilometers of the protective wall are still well preserved. The associated story is impressively conveyed in the Viking Museum in Haithabu.
Fascination with history – the Viking Museum
The Viking Museum is in the immediate vicinity of the historical site. The museum opened its doors in 1985. The building was completely renovated in 2017 in an elaborate process. The spectacular exhibition is impressively dedicated to the history of Haithabu. Original rune stones, a ship’s hall and finds that illustrate everyday life in the Viking Age bear witness to the great history of the excavations.
Tip: Not far from this prehistoric settlement, a Romanesque stone church was built around 1200. A visit to the elongated ship with a round tower, which once served as a defense tower, is worthwhile.
Since July 2018, the Haithabu settlement and the Danewerk border wall have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both locations are among the most important archaeological evidence in Europe.
Rottach-Egern
One of the most famous holiday resorts on the Tegernsee
The health resort Rottach-Egern, which is known for the beneficial effects of its climate, is picturesquely located at the southern end of the Tegernsee between the confluences of Weißach and Rottach. The village is located at an altitude of around 740 meters and has a little over 5,000 inhabitants. One of the sights of the health resort is the church of St. Laurentius from 1466, which characterizes the old historical center of Egern, which hugs the Egerner Buch. The altar sheet is by Hans Georg Asam, votive tablets show, among other things, the peasant battle of Sendling. Famous people such as Olaf Gulbransson, Leo Slezak, Ganghofer and Ludwig Thoma were buried in the cemetery of Rottach-Egern.
an Eldorado for hang-gliders
The so-called Ludwig-Thoma-Stage in the Kursaal performs pieces by the author of the same name. Another attraction of Rottach-Egern is the Gsotthaberhof, in which horse-drawn sleighs and horse-drawn carriages are exhibited. Active vacationers also get their money’s worth in the picturesque spa town: Idyllic hiking trails meander along the Weißach towards Kreuth and along the Rottach to Enterrottach. The castle of the same name from 1912, in which the Max Planck Society holds its conferences, sits enthroned on the Ringberg. A popular excursion destination is the Wallberg, which rises in the southeast of Rottach-Egern and reaches a height of 1722 meters. Countless hang-gliders plunge courageously into the depths from its summit.
Wonderful hiking trails
If a hike to the Wallberg is too strenuous for you, you can take a cable car from Oberach up to the panorama restaurant. Those who march over to the Wallbergkircherl are rewarded with a wonderful view of the Alps and the Tegernsee. If you want to climb the summit, you have to plan another half an hour’s walk. The Wallberg-Autostraße, which is about four kilometers long, is one of the most wonderful mountain routes in all of Bavaria. A head for heights and surefootedness are required when hiking on the Alpine nature trail from the mountain station over the Setzberg to the Risserkogel. The tour takes around three hours. Allow another two hours for the descent to Enterrottach.
Miltenberg
Thanks to its favorable location, protected by the Mildenburg, which was built around 1200, the city on the Main, on the most important trade route between Frankfurt and Nuremberg, developed into a flourishing community. The market square and the high-gabled half-timbered houses lined up to form a closed ensemble bear witness to an eventful history.
Where the Main is most beautiful
With its half-timbered idyll, Miltenberg has magical angles. Two city gates delimit the old town to the west and east. The Würzberger Tor leads to the pedestrian zone. Just a few steps and you are in front of one of the oldest royal inns in Germany. In the “Zum Riesen” inn, built in 1590, guests enjoy a rustic ambience. The old town is wonderful. The rather steeply rising market is bounded above by the castle. The entire panorama of the city can be seen from the castle. First-class preserved half-timbered houses are grouped around the market square, also called Schnatterloch. A sandstone-red Renaissance fountain from 1583 completes the atmospheric picture.
Active in Miltenberg
On the slope of the Greinberg, the Black Quarter of Miltenberg forms the perfect backdrop for legends and scary stories. The city tours, where the viewer can discover many hidden gems, are particularly popular. The eyes wander as far as the parish church of St. Jakobus. The church, which was remodeled in the 18th century, houses valuable interior fittings. The tour continues to the city’s museum in the former official cellar. The beautiful half-timbered building dates from 1590 and has served as a museum since 1903. Last but not least, the exciting exhibitions in the vaults of the Mildenburg beckon.
Main Franconia is wine Franconia
Miltenberg is located in a small oasis of wine. Reason enough to drink wine instead of beer. In Miltenberg, the focus was on growing blue Portuguese, Pinot Noir and Domina grapes, from which delicious red wines are made.
Steamers in Miltenberg invite you to take an atmospheric cruise on the Main. During the trip, there is a wonderful view of the landmarks of the forest-rimmed city.
