Alsfeld

Alsfeld's market square holds a run of timber-framed buildings from several centuries together: the town hall of 1516 with two pointed towers on a stone arcade, the Weinhaus of 1538 in stone, and the Hochzeitshaus of 1571. In 1975, European Architectural Heritage Year, the town was designated a European model town for the preservation of its historic centre, and over four hundred listed buildings survive. The Brothers Grimm collected tales in the region, and the local Schwalm women's costume, with its small red cap, is often cited as a source for the image of Little Red Riding Hood, though the connection is a later association rather than documented.

Background

Alsfeld lies in the centre of Hesse, about 100 kilometres north of Frankfurt, with Lauterbach about 15 kilometres to the east, and it is one of the two main towns of the Vogelsbergkreis district. The town blends a historic burgher centre with the farming country around it, and its old town of hundreds of timber-framed houses is part of the German Timber-Frame Road. The municipality covers 129.71 square kilometres in 16 districts at 260 to 290 metres, and it is twinned with New Mills in England.

Source: Wikipedia, "Alsfeld"

Highlights

• The 1516 town hall - twin-towered timber above a stone arcade.
• The model town status - a designation earned in 1975 for preservation.
• The Hochzeitshaus - a 1571 Renaissance building on the square.
• The Schwalm costume - the red-capped regional dress in the museum.

When to go

April to October; museums close Mondays. The town is quiet and rarely crowded. Christmas markets fill the square in December.

What to expect

The Red Riding Hood link is an association, not documented fact. The town is small, a couple of hours. Museums keep short hours.

Nearby

Marburg lies west; Fulda is southeast.

Key facts