The Best City in Germany - Nördlingen
Many of you might not know that I lived in Germany for almost 8 years. During that time, I traveled quite a bit and got to see some amazing sites - From Oktoberfest in Munich, Christkindlmarkt in Nuremburg and of course Rothenburg od der Tauber. All three are definitely in my Top 5 cities, they should be stops for anyone interested in History or Gaming, but only one city takes the #1 Spot - Nördlingen
Nördlingen is a charming town located in the southern part of Germany, in the state of Bavaria. It is a small but beautiful town with a population of around 20,000 people. What makes Nördlingen unique is that it is one of the few towns in Germany that is located within a meteorite impact crater.
The town is situated in the Ries Crater, which was formed around 15 million years ago when a meteorite struck the Earth. The impact created a large crater, which over time filled with sediments and turned into a fertile valley. Today, the Ries Crater is one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth and has become a popular tourist destination.
One of the main attractions in Nördlingen is the town’s medieval wall. The wall was built in the 14th century and still surrounds the town to this day. Visitors can walk along the wall and enjoy stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside. The wall is also home to several towers and gates, which add to the town’s medieval charm. The town even employs a Town Crier, a position that has been maintained there since the 30yrs War.
Another must-see attraction in Nördlingen is the St. George’s Church. The church was built in the 15th century and is one of the most impressive Gothic churches in Germany. Its tall spire can be seen from all over the town and is a defining feature of Nördlingen’s skyline. One of the unique features of the church and many other buildings is that the stone contains Nördlingen diamonds, also known as suevite diamonds. Suevite diamonds, are small, spherical diamonds that were formed during a meteorite impact event around 15 million years ago in the region of Nördlingen, Germany. These diamonds are unique in their formation and composition, as they were created through the extreme heat and pressure generated by the impact of the meteorite with the Earth's surface.
For those interested in history, the Ries Crater Museum is a must-visit attraction. The museum is located inside a former monastery and showcases the history of the impact that created the Ries Crater. Visitors can learn about the science behind meteorite impacts, as well as the cultural impact that the event had on the people who lived in the area at the time. You can even see a moon rock there, brought back by the Apollo Astronauts to thank the city for hosting them during training.
Finally, what about movie buffs? I bet you have seen the city of Nördlingen and you just do not know it.
In the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Great Glass Elevator busts out over the city and you get some great aerials as it flys away.
As an added bonus, as Willie Wonka is telling Charlie he is giving him the factory, they fly by Ruine Flochberg,
Still not inspired to visit Nördlingen, well - are you an Attack on Titan fan? Many believe the city to be the inspiration behind the making of Eren’s hometown, “Shiganshina”. While this has been debated, confirmed and debunked over the years, one does have to wonder once you have seen them side by side.
Overall, Nördlingen is a fascinating town that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in meteorites, medieval history, movies or simply want to soak up the charm of a small Bavarian town, Nördlingen is definitely worth a visit.
