Bad Frankenhausen Tour: A Personal Anecdotal Review

Bad Frankenhausen, this little spa town resting at the foot of the Kyffhäuser mountains in Thuringia, Germany, so it may not exactly top every traveler’s bucket list, yet, but it has got a certain unassuming charm. You know, it’s the kind of place that slowly gets into you, like your favorite comfy sweater. I thought I would share what sticks out from my time spent wandering around there, as well as some insights to assist plan a trip.

The Leaning Tower: More Than Just a Tilt

Of course, Bad Frankenhausen is arguably most famous for its leaning tower, which, honestly, sort of gives Pisa a run for its money, just without all the crowds and fanfare. The Oberkirche, it is locally named, tilts at a rather dramatic angle, visibly so, really. In fact, very experts believe that it leans even more than the tower of Pisa these days! I was kind of amused to hear from a local guide that ground instability on which is sitting is, like, very what’s causing the tilt. The guide, she chuckled and talked about the town’s salt springs and ground composition issues. This also revealed something very interesting regarding local character and humour to be discovered in a spot.

As a matter of fact, more or less standing under it feels a bit surreal. You just kind of look up, don’t you, and your brain almost has a small moment where it can’t figure out how the whole thing is still standing. This moment of distorted perspective is really well worth the small entrance fee of 4 euros to scale the tower, allowing panoramic views across the region.

Kyffhäuser Monument: Legends and Views

Just a little ways up the road from Bad Frankenhausen sits the Kyffhäuser Monument. First, if history and impressive views are what you enjoy, like your history and panoramic views, that is, it is a place to see. By the way, the monument kind of commemorates Kaiser Wilhelm I, and it perches on the remains of a medieval castle. Basically, but it is that statue of Barbarossa located in the center which most of all captures the imagination.

Anyway, Barbarossa, he’s like a legendary emperor said to be sleeping inside the Kyffhäuser mountain. According to folklore, as I was saying, he will awaken when Germany requires him. It adds some kind of a cool, mythical feeling to the location. Anyway, so I climbed to the very best of the monument, that is where I spent some time simply gazing out over the Golden Aue, that extends as far as one could see. The sweeping vistas, more or less on their own, really make the trip worth it. The place definitely comes alive when you consider the number of hands that built the monument. I actually got to look at a set of interesting black and white photos in the souvenir shop showcasing some of those that put in the work. That alone will give one perspective.

The Town Square: A Relaxed Vibe

The town square in Bad Frankenhausen, honestly, so it is a pretty chill place to sit and just watch daily life go by. With its, you know, pretty architecture plus cafes, which, actually, you can really post up and enjoy the vibe of it.

Honestly, you may wish to just spend, like, some time at one of the little cafes with some good local Thüringer Rostbratwurst or one of the neighborhood beers available. Okay, alright, a tiny museum, that is the Regionalmuseum, just off of the square, offers a really fascinating insight into the history and art in the region. So if you are lucky, you might catch a neighborhood fair or marketplace celebration during your visit.

Panorama Museum: A Different Perspective

Just a short walk from the town square, alright, actually lies the Panorama Museum, and, literally, it is house to the gigantic early circular painting done by Werner Tübke. It is called “Early Bourgeois Revolution in Germany” and, I mean, the massive, realistically detailed artwork portrays pretty pivotal scenes from 16th-century Germany. You’re practically totally engulfed in the painting because it encircles the audience fully. It could be very challenging to understand and view but it is impressive, alright, to behold.

Arguably, anyway, the museum displays modern perspective of art. As a matter of fact, it encourages deep thinking to visitors about events or experiences from past. So, literally, spending the few hours it may require could really be very beneficial on such rainy days or perhaps when in need of quiet reflection from life.

Local Cuisine: Hearty and Delicious

Just a bit, so exploring Bad Frankenhausen means definitely having to test what’s available with regional dishes. I am talking, such as your hearty German cooking, which will give you what you require after a time spent checking historical locations.

And by the way, Bratwurst I did already mention is something really crucial. I mean, obviously it’s an absolute must, in case you’re a meat eater. You can often grab it right from road stalls or neighborhood restaurants, or in order to enjoy it while relaxing near your area, have some brots bought for later snack consumption needs too. The local food really can differ regarding which region we look at, like what is available for one may change given what is offered else-where. Very Thuringia is really all about standard German cuisine with their versions; from sausages, potatoes and meats being a main draw to your trip there with options from which one might make tasty foods.

• Leaning Tower of Bad Frankenhausen: Visit for views.
• Kyffhäuser Monument: Visit for history and nature.
• Town Square: Ideal to take it easy watching city’s day to day happening.
• Panorama Museum: Offers great experience through its distinctive work pieces
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out regional recipes.