Twelve miles north of Wiesbaden is the charming town of Idstein. We visited there shortly after touring Burg Runkel (covered in the last post).
Idstein has four things worth experiencing: quaint streets, a wonderful town square, the interesting witch's tower (Hexeturm), and a church with amazing art. We didn't know about that last one- we'll have to see it next time- but we were able to catch the rest.
Quaint Streets
If you like half-timbered homes lining quiet streets, Idstein is for you.
Town Square
More half-timbered construction, as well as the town castle/palace. The green building houses the tourist information center, which is where you need to go if you want to climb the Hexeturm.
Hexeturm
The oldest surviving building in Idstein, this dates from the 1100s. Witches never lived here or had anything to do with the tower, but the locals called the tower by that name at some point and it's stuck for at least two hundred years. (As an aside, there were women accused of being witches killed in Idstein, but it didn't involve the tower.)
The Hexeturm is open to the public, but you need the key from the tourist center. Go there, and give them your driver's license as a security deposit; they'll hand you an old metal key, with instructions to lock the door behind you and don't stay too long (I think that's what they said, at least).
Approach the Hexeturm by walking through the castle gate in the town square. Once through, you'll head towards the white palace (dating from the 1600s; today it's a school); the tower will be on your left. Climb ~260 steps- increasingly steep as you approach the top- for great views of the town. Don't forget to return the key- and retrieve your license- afterwards.
In general, I highly recommend Idstein for a wonderful half-day outing.
Idstein has four things worth experiencing: quaint streets, a wonderful town square, the interesting witch's tower (Hexeturm), and a church with amazing art. We didn't know about that last one- we'll have to see it next time- but we were able to catch the rest.
Quaint Streets
If you like half-timbered homes lining quiet streets, Idstein is for you.
Town Square
More half-timbered construction, as well as the town castle/palace. The green building houses the tourist information center, which is where you need to go if you want to climb the Hexeturm.
Hexeturm
The oldest surviving building in Idstein, this dates from the 1100s. Witches never lived here or had anything to do with the tower, but the locals called the tower by that name at some point and it's stuck for at least two hundred years. (As an aside, there were women accused of being witches killed in Idstein, but it didn't involve the tower.)
The Hexeturm is open to the public, but you need the key from the tourist center. Go there, and give them your driver's license as a security deposit; they'll hand you an old metal key, with instructions to lock the door behind you and don't stay too long (I think that's what they said, at least).
Approach the Hexeturm by walking through the castle gate in the town square. Once through, you'll head towards the white palace (dating from the 1600s; today it's a school); the tower will be on your left. Climb ~260 steps- increasingly steep as you approach the top- for great views of the town. Don't forget to return the key- and retrieve your license- afterwards.
In general, I highly recommend Idstein for a wonderful half-day outing.
No comments:
Post a Comment