Idstein is a charming and remarkable old town that makes for a wonderful day trip! Also you have the opportunity to see the sites from the top of the Witch Tower (Hexenturm)!
I had a simple day planned, to get some coffee and walk around Idstein. However it turned into an adventure where, to my surprise, I actually swapped my car key for the key to the Witch Tower!
Idstein is a place that visitors quickly fall in love with because it is a fascinating and historic city. It was mentioned in documents for the first time in 1102 and the city was given charter in 1287! It is an incredible feeling to walk around and admire the half-timbered houses are from the 15th to the 18th century. The architecture is rich with colorful carvings and impeccable detail.
This adventure starts in the gardens right below the Witch Tower. Parking is available in the area or you can park at the Hexenturm car park. Above is the Idstein Castle and the Witch Tower. Located next to the tower is this sign with information on how to visit inside.
The tower sign tells you to go to the tourist office to get information about getting into the tower. I thought that someone would come open it for me or there would be a group going inside on a tour. To get there you must, walk around the corner into the courtyard of Idstein. Walking into the arched tunnel is such an enchanting experience and when you come out of the tunnel, it is one of my favorite views in Germany!
The tourist office is in the center square and it is a beautiful building!
The woman inside was very friendly and of course spoke English. I expressed that I would like to go inside of the tower and then she asked me for my car key as a deposit. I couldn’t believe the awesome old skeleton key she handed me in return for my boring Ford car key!! They ask you to lock yourself inside when you go in (GULP!) and to return in about 45 minutes.
So key in hand, off I went to the (mine, for 45 mins,) tower!
As I walked in, there were some people outside watching me and I felt pretty important with my big key. I stepped inside and then locked the door behind me. Yes that felt kinda creepy!
The stairs go up and lead to more stairs, with nice window views along the way.
Then you come to a tunnel and you are in the wide part on top of the tower.
Looking up!
Here is the final staircase so you can look out from top window of this 42 meter tower!
Beautiful Idstein from high above, all alone in (temporarily) my tower!
Time to head back to the office, walk back down the step and triple check that I locked the tower properly.
In the tourist office I learned a lot about the history of the Witch Tower. It was originally built as a watchtower for the city of Idstein. Between the years of 1449 to 1779 it was used to lookout for enemy strangers and also to alert the town of any fires in the area. The name "Hexenturm" emerged from locals only since the year 1900 because of the town’s history with witch hunts in the late 1600’s.
Almost 20 years before Salem, Massachusetts had their Salem witch trails, Idstein also experienced witchcraft accusations on their citizens. From 1676 and 1677, a total of 35 women and 8 men were accused of witchcraft and executed in Idstein. This is where the nickname of ‘Witches Tower’ comes from. There is a remembrance plaque for the victims of the witch hunts located below the tower.
All this tower climbing and witch hunt history has made me hungry and I need coffee. The best place to go is the Bäckerei Huth Café right in the center of the town next to the tourist office.
This bakery is so relaxing and welcoming! As an added bonus they have free WiFi and also a children’s play area. I might just stay here all day!
Across the street is a lovely shop, TrendHaus where you can find unique gifts and seasonal decorations.
You can even celebrate your achievement of walking up the Witch Tower by buying a miniature version of your own!
For a bigger hunger, in the same square there are several welcoming restaurants with amazing aromas wafting from inside!
Idstein a purely wonderful all year around! Surely do not miss their Christmas Market from only 4-6 Dec 15!
Also the very popular Idstein Jazz Festival is from 08-10 Jul 16!
About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/AJerseyBroadAbroad/
No comments:
Post a Comment