Alsfeld

Alsfeld is a town in Vogelsbergkreis in Hesse known for its historic center. The core contains rows of half-timbered houses built across different centuries, interrupted by small squares and narrow cobblestone lanes.

A document from 1069 mentions the settlement for the first time, when it stood under the rule of Thuringian landgraves. In the 15th and 16th centuries the settlement grew through trade and craft, which led to the construction of many of the buildings visible today.

The name comes from Old High German and means field by the floodplain, referring to its position along the Schwalm river. Today visitors notice the carved wooden beams on many half-timbered houses, decorated with motifs that local craftsmen left behind over the centuries.

The center is easy to explore on foot, with most points of interest within 20 minutes of each other. Marked circular routes lead through the old town and display information boards about individual buildings and squares.

On Marktgasse several houses still show original painted wooden beams from the 16th century, featuring animal motifs and geometric patterns. These decorations were once much more common but have faded or been painted over on most other buildings over time.