HK Independent Traveller Blog

  The Emperor’s Nomadic Palace: Discovering Germany’s Hidden Kaiserpfalz Gelnhausen Have you ever wondered how medieval emperors ruled a massive empire without smartphones, paved highways or permanent capitals? They did it by packing up their entire court - hundreds of people and horses - and constantly moving from town to town. These royal pit stops were called a Kaiserpfalz (Imperial Palace). Today, traveling to these ancient strongholds is one of the best ways to step back into the Middle Ages. While there are over 200 of them scattered across Germany - ranging from the intact palace in Goslar to the dramatic ruins of Kaiserswerth  - one of the most fascinating stops is Kaiserpfalz Gelnhausen . Here is your ultimate guide to exploring this hidden historical gem. 👑 Why Did Medieval Emperors Live Like Nomads? Life as a Holy Roman Emperor wasn't all sitting on a stationary throne. Emperors were constantly on the move for three very practical reasons: To Secure...

  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...

  Almost Two Millenniums Old Seligenstadt! Seligenstadt is over 1,900 years of history and charmingly situated on the Main River. It is a traditional and picturesque town: richly decorated timber-framed houses in the Main-Franconian style. Ancient buildings dated from 9 th , 11 th century remain and stand as witnesses of history. They are the former Benedictine abbey with its uniquely beautiful monastery garden, Einhard Basilica , the ruins of Emperor Barbarossa's imperial palace , the Romanesque House , the Einhard House and the Neoclassical town hall. Gorgeous Monastery and Garden Jane (Duong) and Matthias picked me up from Sabrina’s place. In the car they figured out to have breakfast at the Kloster (Monastery) of Seligenstadt . The former Benedictine Abbey of Seligenstadt was founded in 828 by Einhard (advisor to Charlemagne). Within the abbey walls and with the provision of water, mill and garden, the monks could provide themselves with everything that was necessary to live...