Windelsbach: Local History and Nature
Accommodation in Windelsbach
Windelsbach combines a historic centre with a landscape shaped by lakes, wooded hills, meadows and small streams. The main village lies between two lakes, and hiking trails lead through the surrounding area for relaxing excursions. The village also has a long history: its historic centre dates back to the 8th century. At that time, the village, then known as Binoldsbach, was a junction for two long-distance trade routes.
History and Crafts in the Main Village
The historic centre includes, among other places, the Margrave’s Castle. Windelsbach’s St. Martin’s Church houses a precious altar from the workshop of Nuremberg artist Michael Wohlgemuth. Visitors are welcome in the church and at services. The main village thus brings together a range of cultural points of interest: a testament to local history, a remarkable altar and a place for community life.
You can learn about another local craft at Martin Kost’s workshop. Visits, guided tours and group tours are available by prior arrangement. Martin Kost is considered one of the last comb makers in Germany. If you are interested in this craft, be sure to arrange your visit in advance; it is not possible to visit at any time without an appointment.
The Landscape and Trails Around the Municipality
The municipality of Windelsbach is located in the Frankenhöhe Nature Park, which offers numerous hiking and cycling routes as well as walking trails. The European Watershed Trail also passes through the municipality. The upper reaches of the Altmühl offer another aspect of the natural landscape: the stream is largely unaltered and lined with alder trees and tall-herb vegetation. The flat floodplain is characterised by grassland and, in places, wet meadows.
The municipality also has a 1.5-kilometre barefoot and nature trail. When planning, you can choose between longer routes and a trail with a clearly stated length without treating the different paths as equivalent. When looking for a holiday apartment, it may help to first decide whether you want to focus mainly on the main village, hiking and cycling routes, or individual attractions around the municipality.
More Places and Experiences
In Nordenberg, a village within the municipality, a ruin with massive ramparts recalls Nordenberg Castle. It was the seat of the Imperial Kitchen Masters from the mid-12th century until 1383 and was destroyed in 1408. Nordenberg is also home to a natural bathing area with a “Water Experience” section. Check whether this area is available before you travel.
St. Nicholas’s Church stands on a hill in Preuntsfelden. A predecessor chapel in what was then known as “Brungartsfelden” was first mentioned around 1330. Preuntsfelden also offers horse riding with Knabstrupper horses and vaulting. The local contact details may be useful when planning these activities.
Festivals and Holiday Plans to Suit You
Festivals in Windelsbach include the church fair, Advent market and Landjugend festival. Preuntsfelden hosts a vintage tractor rally every two years; check for the next date before you travel. The local festivals, historic St. Martin’s Church and attractions in the other villages within the municipality offer different experiences. When choosing a holiday apartment, tailor your search to which side of Windelsbach you would like to shape your stay. Keep in mind where each attraction is located: the historic centre is in the main village, while the castle and natural bathing area are in Nordenberg, and the church and horse-riding activities are in Preuntsfelden.
Discover more destinations: Steinsfeld, Ohrenbach, Reichelshofen, Neusitz.
Go to the main travel overview: Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
