Deep inside our hearts – right at the center – is to be found a level of purity that has no parallel. A similar situation exists inside the heart of Germany – a fairy tale town in its largest state, Bavaria. The town is called Lauf an der Pegnitz.
As is characteristic of the heart’s center, the town has retained its purity despite the overflow of tourists in other parts of Germany. It remains one of those exotic places waiting to be discovered by those who seek inspiration. There is a diverse amount of things to do in Lauf an der Pegnitz which will help satisfy the appetite of every traveler.
If you’re planning to travel there soon, read on to find out all the things you shouldn’t miss out on!
Things to do in Lauf an der Pegnitz
Be it any part of the year, there are always fun things to do in Lauf an der Pegnitz.
Industriemuseum Lauf (Industrial Museum)
For lovers of history, visiting this museum is a must. The key advantage of a place that has remained pure from alterations is that it gives a perspective which is closer to the truth. This is what makes the “Industriemuseum” more special than others. It tells the story of urban workers and craftsmen who worked in these factories from 1900 to 1970. The visitors are able to visualize the working conditions which were prevalent in these times.
Lauf Castle
Germany is known for its castles. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the town of Lauf an der Pegnitz hosts its own castle. Like many castles, the Lauf Castle was once an ancient fortress. The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, commissioned it in 1356. It was chosen as a site because of its strategic location between Prague and Nuremberg. After a period of over 650 years, the castle continues to stand strong.
Balloon Rides
Lauf an der Pegnitz is a beautiful place. However, the beauty is expanded multifold when viewed from up above in the sky. There are air balloon rides ranging from aerial views of the city of Nuremberg to the vast countryside. The rides are bound to be one of the most exciting experience of your life. It is this feature that makes this place a bucket list destination.
Hiking
The town of Lauf an der Pegnitz is a hiker’s paradise. This is because it has a total of eighty-nine adventurous hikes.
The most famous routes are the following:
- Klingender-wasserfall-rundweg-haimendorf
- Neunhof-simonshofen
- Lauf an der Pegnitz-Schnaittach (Loop)
With wonderful waterfalls, lakes, rivers, sinter terraces, hills, and mountains, these hiking trails are a must-visit. Even in winters, when the water is frozen, the waterfall is a beautiful sight. Additionally, the landscape is filled with lush green scenery which is a delight to the eyes.
The hiking trails provide a chance for the travelers to see and appreciate nature from up close. Information boards are placed alongside the hiking trails which help in ensuring a smooth hiking experience. It is also common to see people coming with their bicycles instead of being on foot. Even though at times the terrain can be challenging, bicycling in Lauf an der Pegnitz is an experience an outdoor enthusiast will always remember fondly.
Nightlife
It would be fair to say that Bavaria is the beer capital of the world. Fortunately, Lauf an der Pegnitz also lives up to the reputation harbored by the state of Bavaria. The town has a number of pubs and clubs which have a wide collection of wine and beer. While the large pubs are not budget friendly, they are a great place to socialize and party with friends. This is because of the great ambience and good-quality beer.
Local hits like ‘Schneemab’ and ‘Bumper’ are never out of stock. The most popular club in the area is Black Horse Saloon. Also note, the main hotels have their own bars which means that the distance for acquiring beer is never a problem.
Day Trips to Nearby Cities Including Nuremberg
The town of Lauf an der Pegnitz is a small universe in terms of population. However, in spite of a population of just 27,000 people, it has an incredibly sound infrastructure. It is connected with the rest of Germany with a train network as well as well-maintained roads. There are regular bus routes which make it highly convenient to travel to nearby cities.
In fact, many buses going to other cities make a brief stop at Lauf an der Pegnitz and allow their passengers to explore the town. Likewise, it is always a good idea to explore cities like Nuremberg during your stay at Lauf an der Pegnitz. It must be noted here that the city of Nuremberg is a meagre 20 minutes’ drive from the town.
The Main Market Square
The town’s central square is not grandiose, yet it inspires due to its architectural beauty, neatness, and lack of congestion. It was originally constructed in the late 12th century and later rebuilt. Today, the central square of the town boasts a town hall and a number of restaurants and cafes (including ice-cream parlors).
When it comes to food, the town has a diverse collection of options. Whether you are looking to eat Asian food, Italian food or you have French cuisine in mind – all types of food are available. Additionally, the town hosts some famous restaurants which attract not only people from the town but also people from nearby cities.
Some of the most famous restaurants include:
- Restaurant Zwinger Melber
- Old Town Hall
- Padelle d’Italia run
Conclusion
To conclude the article without mentioning the hospitality of the Lauf people would be a grave mistake. The people in Lauf an der Pegnitz are generally high spirited and are welcoming of tourists. Therefore, it would be a good idea to interact with locals and come out with more friends than you had before.
Goodbye – or as the local would say “Servus”
