HK Independent Traveller Blog

  Büdingen: a fairytale old town in Hesse Büdingen is one of the most charming historic towns in Hesse, Germany, and its biggest draw is simple: it survived the centuries almost untouched. Unlike many other German towns, Büdingen was never bombed to ruins, so today visitors can still enjoy a remarkably well-preserved medieval old town with half-timbered houses, fortifications, and a castle atmosphere that feels almost cinematic. Why Büdingen stands out The town’s appeal begins as soon as you cross into the historic center. An old guard tower and stone house beside the Seemenbach create one of the best photo spots in Büdingen and they immediately set the mood for the walk ahead. A little farther on stands the Schlaghaus , a massive late medieval gatehouse from the early 14th century that later became known as the slaughterhouse and now houses the Butchers’ Museum . Büdingen Castle and history The real highlight of the visit is Büdingen Castle , which dates back to the 12th cent...

  A Hidden Gem in Aschaffenburg Schönbusch Palace and Park , is the oldest of Bavaria’s English-style landscaped parks established in 1775. The Park covers approximately 160 hectares, lies about three kilometers west of Aschaffenburg 's city center.   Turn Artificial Nature to Real Beauty The Archbishop and Elector of Mainz, Friedrich Carl von Erthal , transformed the former electoral game preserve (a deer park) into a park. Artificial lakes and waterways were excavated, hills were built up, and a winding ring road was laid out.   Sweet Indulgence Before the Stroll It’s easy to park our car at Schönbusch. Close to the entrance of the park are Kulinarischer Schönbusch and a self-service beer garden . Here were the crowds where food and drink were provided. The Kulinarischer Schönbusch has an exquisite interior seating and outer seating with expansive views of the park. Cakes were super delicious. We three had four pieces! The Neoclassical Palace A neoclassical pal...

  Johannisburg Palace: Bavaria’s Regal Jewel After visiting the splendid Pompejanum in Aschaffenburg , we walked towards the Johannisburg Palace by passing through the lovely palace gardens , all the way enjoying magnificent views over the Main River, scenic surroundings and the Pompejanum. The path took us under a leafy pergola walkway along a section of the former town wall up to the palace terrace. A bit further ahead is the awesome red sandstone Johannisburg Palace in Renaissance style.   Rebuilding the Johannisburg Palace Johannisburg Palace was built from 1605 to 1614 under Archbishop-Elector Johann Schweikard von Kronberg . The Palace was built on the site of a medieval castle, which had been mostly destroyed in 1552. Architect Ridinger created a symmetrical four-winged complex with a square inner courtyard and four corner towers, and incorporated the 13th-century keep in the new building. The windows, gates and doors of the exterior and interior courtyard façades ...