Burgsinn – A Gem Hidden in Europe’s Largest Forest

Categories: Family and Kids, Sightseeing, Cultural and History

Burgsinn city gate

[ source: Wikipedia]

Burgsinn is a town with beautiful old buildings, a lot of history and an atmosphere that is so peaceful and idyllic, you will never want to leave again. In short, this is another quaint small town, Germany, especially Bavaria, has so many of. This particular gem is hidden within breathtaking countryside in the Spessart in Lower Franconia. Think of all the stereotypes of picture—perfect, slightly old—fashioned and cozy villages and small towns you know about the Old Word, and you get a basic idea of what Burgsinn (Burgsinn vacation rentals | Burgsinn travel guide) is like.

The history of Burgsinn is very old. An ancient stone hatched found in Burgsinn bears witness to human presence in this place already more than 2000 years ago. In 1303 the settlement was first mentioned in an official document and finally in 1334 the Emperor Louis the Bavarian named Burgsinn a town and granted it the right to hold markets, which of course is still valid today.

This town is full of magnificent old buildings, the probably most impressive being the so-called Old Castle. It is a typical medieval fortress surrounded by a moat and with a high tower at each of the four corners. Parts of the castle can be dated back to the 12th century but the whole building was renovated and slightly converted in the 16th or 17th century. Additionally there are two lovely chateaus, which both were built in Renaissance style at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th century. Furthermore, parts of the old town wall as well as one town gate are still intact and the former catholic church, which dates back to the 17th century, was almost completely demolished and then rebuilt and developed according to neo—baroque style all throughout the 20th century. The church houses a stunning altar as well as several significant paintings and sculptures.

Burgsinn is not only an interesting place to visit for architecture and history buffs, but for nature lovers and sport fans alike. The Spessart, of which this town is a part of, is a low mountain range and the largest forest in Europe. The area around Burgsinn is filled with many hiking and biking trails of various degrees of difficulty. Of course, you can also find ski slopes for ski running and cross—country skiing in the winter. During the summer a big open air pool with slides, a playground area and a beach volleyball court is a popular place to spend your leisure time.

If you want to dine out in Burgsinn, you can be spoilt for choice. This small town currently has 13 restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional German food and home—style cooking, two cafes that severe delicious cakes and pastries, an ice cream parlor, which is open from May until October every year, and even a Turkish doner shop. Additionally, there are two traditional bakeries, several butchers, which only sell local meat and three supermarkets.

Sounds tempting? Then come on over and discover Burgsinn for yourself.

Location, Map, and Driving Directions

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About this Article

This travel guide has been written by Kathrin Wagner.

She grew up in a small town in Bavaria and then studied Media studies, Literature and History in Erlangen and Munich. As a student she already spent half a year in London and moved back there after graduation in 2006. She is still living in London, where she works in publishing.

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[ Bianca Volkert ]

This travel guide has been compiled with the help of Bianca Volkert:

Anläßlich eines der wunderschönen historischen Dorfestes, endeckten wir 2001 Burgsinn für uns. Burgsinn ist ein liebevolles Kleinod mit netten Menschen und sanften Tourismus.

Da wir uns im Denkmalschutz angagieren, wurden wir in Burgsinn schnell fündig. Ein ärmliches Denkmal, total verfallen, rief förmlich nach uns. Innerhalb 5 Tagen war bei allen Behörden klar, dass die Volkert`s das Haus zu neuem Leben erwecken sollen. Um es wirtschftlich zu sichern, entschieden wir uns bei der Nutzung zu Ferienwohnungen und einem Ladengeschäft. Nun, nach 9 Jahren sind wir in Bugsinn so verwurzelt, dass wir auf das Grundstück noch ein kleines Hotel bauen werden. Das wird die Vervollständigung der außergewöhnlichen Anlage. Eröffnung sollte spätestens März 2012 sein.
Liebe Grüße
Bianca Volkert

Where to Stay?

Vacation Apartment in Burgsinn - 344 sqft, great antique furnishings, three apartments available

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1 full bathroom, minimum stay is 3 days, great antique furnishings, three apartments available. We offer our guests a stay of a special kind in our building, which belonged to the old castle, and is situated quietly in the center, bordering the park. The house has three apartments in total. The large courtyard is open to the park and offers the…  [ + ] More Details

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