Copyright by: www.together-magazine.com ©
If you are a treasure hunter like me, this is definitely the place to go. Founded in 1975 the Homburg Antique and Flea Market is the biggest of its kind in southwest Germany and draws in people by the thousands.
Copyright by: pixabay ©
The hot summer months are fast approaching, and one of the most popular things to do in Germany is spending those days at one of the many pools or lakes. Thousands flood the lawns in public pools every year, and most communities have at least one outdoor pool.
Most of the outdoor only pools open by mid to end of May and stay open all the way through September. They all offer at least an Olympic style pool and often have a kiddie pool and or fun pool in addition with slides and spouts.
The outdoor pools “Freibad” often are equipped with playgrounds and bistros and have big lawn areas for relaxation and tanning. You can also bring your own food and drink.
Horb, along the Neckar River, presents its 21st annual medieval spectacle on June 16-18
Horb, on the A81 35 miles south of Stuttgart, is proud to share their 21 year old tradition every year on the 3rd weekend in June. The city takes you on a trip back in time, and you can take their word for it, they mean serious business. During the Maximilian games the city and participating factions and guilds go absolutely crazy! The historic backdrop of the city with its half-timber houses, cobblestone streets and tight alleyways does its best to take you right back into the medieval times. This summer the spectacle is to be held on June 16-18.
The main attraction of the fair in Horb has to be the jousting tournament, where knights will battle against each other wielding lances, high up on their armored battle horses. This year, for the first time, the matches will be held on the historic Horb marketplace – a picture perfect background for the occasion! The fair weekend will feature six tournaments held by brave, professional stuntmen on their mounts. There will be over 600 seats on wooden bleachers available for spectators to enjoy the show. The city center will be decked out with over 200 vendors and traders praising their wares and offering glimpses into old world productions and crafts. If you can manage to resist the charm of the traders, I can promise you, you won’t be able to resist the culinary delights that are prepared for the fest. Who wouldn’t want to try honey med, dragon’s blood or a witch’s potion?
One of the things that makes this market so authentic is the great effort that is being put into dressing the part. Most of the participants will be dressed in historic garments before hitting the streets. Meet knights in full plate armor, jesters in their colorful garb, hunters in leather armor and, of course, the many townsfolk and royal citizens in the beautiful dresses. Before you head home be sure to check out the camp of the Swabian lansquenets. It gives visitors the chance to take a glimpse into everyday life 500 years ago. Their camp will hold over 100 tents and over 250 participants and will show off attractions like sparing with weapons or cannon shooting.
The 21st medieval knights games and market offers a wide program including, but not limited to, medieval music, tavern acts, a parade, children’s games and much, much more.
One of the German's favorite past times during the warm summer months has to be visiting fairs and markets. The medieval markets are particularly popular though.
Many of the old city centers are transformed into something from times far, far away. It's like stepping through a time portal, right into the busy hours of a crowded 12th century market complete with jesters, traders and the many treasures they brought along with them.
Immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the old times, minus the inconvenience of the old world Donnerbalken - thunder planks, or what toilets used to be called back then. Just like the regular fairs, the markets offer modern conveniences like bathrooms, parking and the bigger ones often have websites set up to study the program and promote special events or guests.
Often the markets charge an admission fee, but most wave that or at least give a discount if you are dressed in appropriate attire, like medieval or fantasy garb.
Vendors set up booths all over the market praising their goods. Marvel blacksmiths working their metals on set up forges, tanners and carpenters, or just your local herbalist offering fresh herbs and cures for small ailments. You may encounter an ale brewer or beekeeper selling local honey or gem cutters and jewelers with precious stones for sale. Tailors often show up with fantasy robes and armor and even weapons and chain or plate armor are available.
May markets have shows for entertainment, like jugglers, or jousting. They also have special kids programs or booths to bring the old times to the children. Things like bow and arrow shooting, gem or treasure digging or wooden sword fighting are popular at the fairs.
Be sure to visit all the yummy food vendors that offer long forgotten recipes, bake fresh breads in stone ovens, grill oxen over a fire or smoke fish and meats. If you prefer the more traditional fest foods, you won't be disappointed either.
My favorite part has to be browsing all the amazing wares. I love watching the craftsmanship that goes into these treasures and haggling for that one find is always fun. Second is definitely the different foods. I am especially fond of the ancient recipes and baked goods with honey and dried fruits. If asked, my husband would probably prefer the ales, liqueurs and spirits that are home brewed and often much more potent then the stuff you can find in your local grocery store. He is also a big fan of the old style grilled or smoked meats and cheeses.
We‘ve created this card in hopes of saving you money, so please read below to find out how it works. The Together Card is a prepaid dining card that is given out by restaurants that work together with our magazine. This card is only given out to Americans living in Germany on official military or government orders and their affiliates—as it can only be filled up in conjunction with a VAT form! The Together Card has our logo on one side and the restaurant’s logo on the other.
For example, here you can see the Schwabengarten‘s Together Card:
The Schwabengarten, located in 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen, is one of the first, of hopefully many, restaurants to join us! This card offers you the possibility of eating your meals at the Schwabengarten tax free. Just bring your VAT form with you and ask for the Together Card at the register. Here you can fill up your card with varying amounts (100 € / 150 € / 200 € / 250 € / 300 € / etc.). Therefore you can use your credit card (Visa and MasterCard).What this means is that all future snacks, meals and drinks at the Schwabengarten will be tax free when purchased with your Together Card. Even if you‘re just buying your kids an ice cream, or you are stopping in for the occasional weekend beer; why not get every-thing 19% of!