Beerfelden, town in Odenwaldkreis in Hesse, Germany
Beerfelden is a small town in the Odenwald region of Hesse nestled quietly among forests and hills. The town comprises several neighborhoods including Olfen, Airlenbach, and Hetzbach and features traditional stone and wooden houses clustered on slopes near the Katzenbuckel mountain, with the historic Freienstein castle ruins lying in the nearby Gammelsbach Valley.
Beerfelden was first mentioned in 1032 as Burrifelden and received town rights from Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian in 1328, making it an important trading center between the Rhine, Main, and Neckar rivers. After the devastating Thirty Years War and a major fire in 1810, the town was rebuilt multiple times while maintaining its importance as a community of prosperous farmers and craftspeople.
The name Beerfelden originates from the medieval name Burrifelden, reflecting the town's deep historical roots from over a thousand years ago. Visitors can experience this living tradition today through local festivals like the Kerwe in October and the July horse and cattle market, where crafts, regional goods, and community gatherings remain central to town life.
The town center is easily walkable and the streets are manageable, allowing visitors to explore the area without difficulty and at a relaxed pace. The surrounding nature with forests and hiking trails offers year-round opportunities for walks and outdoor activities, providing ideal conditions for leisurely visits and nature exploration.
Beerfelden is home to one of Germany's oldest and best-preserved gallows, built in 1597 and still standing as a rare historical monument. Nearby, ancient linden trees mark the historic court site where decisions were once made, revealing layers of the town's past in ways that few other places can show.
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