Germany: Budingen
Many people exploring Germany flock to well-known towns and attraction and miss some absolutely hidden gems. Like the town of Budingen, northeast from Frankfurt – a full fortified medieval town with massive walls and towers and the old town inside packed to the rim with old half-timbered houses. Spectacular doesn’t even begin to describe this properly! The town was first mentioned in 847 AD, and several churches and many buildings and the fortress date to 11t-12h century. Strolling through Budingen’s cobblestone streets, you can admire the intricately decorated facades of its old houses and explore the small shops and cafes that line the town center. We got lucky to come during a festival celebrating the town’s emblem – the frog – with a parade and old tractor procession. The Budingen Frog, or “Budinger Frosch” in German, represents the town’s history and folklore. Legend has it that during the construction of Budingen Fortress, a giant frog inhabited the moat and terrorized the workers until it was defeated by the castle’s master builder. The frog has since become a symbol of strength, resilience, and community spirit in Budingen, and it can be found throughout the town in statues and artwork.
