Kronach, Germany

Kronach is a place where you should have your camera ready. If you like medieval Germany, this is one of the top spots to view it. Since very little of the town was damaged in World War II, everything is just waiting for you to see it. It rises up from the junction of three rivers, like a cobble stoned and red-roofed bird. Layers of buildings wind up from the Hassblech’s banks to swirl gently toward the Rosenberg fortress. Vaulted doorways in the intact town wall help guide your steps right to it. It’s one of the largest intact medieval fortresses in the world. You have a choice when it comes to viewing Kronach. You can start at the river shores and hike away, capturing the views from a distance, or you can capture the landscape from the towers of the fortress. Either way it’s a winning combination. The smooth rivers aren’t all just for show. Kronach has history as a trade port, and you can do raft rides on the river in the old style. Or, you can leverage the other watery attraction, the Crana Mare. It’s an indoor/outdoor water playland for all ages, with heated pools, slides, splashdown areas, and spa attractions. For more high-brow culture than splashing around, you will want to hit the museums. Kronach was the birthplace of Lucas Cranach the Elder, one of Germany’s most famous local painters. His work is on display in the fortress panel gallery. You can also check out the art inside the parish church, and the local branch of the Bavarian National Museum. If you are there in the summer, try to catch one of the festivals. There is a carnival in mid-July, and a town festival in September. You can also see the re-enactment of the victory over Sweden by the town’s women, which is a fun costume event. However, don’t think that the town lives entirely in the past. The streets may be winding and narrow, but the stones are fully wired and connected. Loewe, a German television and electronics company, is based here and is the largest local employer. Kronach may relish and treasure its past, but it does have both feet headed firmly for the future. #city #cityoverlook #citytopics #cityvacation #cityneversleeps #village #architecture #tripinspired #tripaway #cityoverlook #bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders