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Home | German Location | Freyburg, Germany
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It is the northernmost wine growing region in Germany and Europe and has a wine festival called the "Winzerfest" every year in September. It is famous for its Rotkäppchen sparkling wine and the Neuenburg castle, built in the 11th century. Rotkäppchen has been one of the great economic success stories of the region, having acquired other prestigious rivals such as Mumm. The reason why Freyburg is able to grow wine commercially when other regions of similar latitudes in Europe cannot is because of the high concentration of heat-retaining calcium in the soil and a micro-climate that make it significantly warmer than nearby Berlin and Leipzig. The river Unstrut runs through it, and is home to large pike and carp. In the hills surrounding the town, there are deer, wild boar and fox. There are many working farms scattered around the region, offering a wide range of fresh produce. Thanks to the combination of vines, sunshine, castle and a medieval town centre, Freyburg has acquired the nickname of 'Tuscany of the North'. Notable people who have lived in or visited Freyburg include 10th century German king Henry I, 11th century Count of Thuring Ludvig the Leaper, 12th century Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, Napoleon Bonaparte and the 18th century gymnastics educator Friedrich Ludwig Jahn. |