The Hessian town of Butzbach lies between the Taunus Nature Park and the Wetterau and is also known as the ‘Pearl of the Wetterau’. Since 2011, the town, which was the town of the Hessentag 2007, has officially been able to call itself the ‘Friedrich Ludwig Weidig Town’. It was named after the Protestant theologian and educationalist Friedrich Ludwig Weidig. Weidig, who lived in Butzbach, is regarded as one of the masterminds of the Vormärz movement. He was a pioneer of the German Revolution of 1848/49. You can discover many interesting places on a walk through Butzbach’s old town centre. These include the Roman tower on the Schrenzerberg. You can also visit the market square with the market fountain. Equally impressive is the town wall from the 14th and 15th centuries with its half-timbered building from the 18th century.
Sightseeing: One of the most beautiful market squares in Hesse
The centre of Butzbach’s old town is the market square. It is impressively large and is surrounded by long rows of beautiful half-timbered houses. In the centre of the square you can see the sandstone market fountain man. He carries a market flag, which has symbolised market peace for many centuries. He was mentioned as early as 1435, but the current figure was only added later. If you are looking for a particularly beautiful photo motif, you can use the fountain in the foreground. You can combine it with the half-timbered houses in the background. Butzbach’s market square is home to inviting cafés, restaurants and shops. You can linger here for a while and enjoy the scenery.
History: Knight Philipp von Falkenstein – Butzbach’s town charter since 1321
Butzbach’s favourable location for traffic was already used by the Romans as a north-south route. The history of Butzbach as a settlement therefore goes back a long way: Butzbach was first mentioned in writing as early as 773. At the beginning of the 14th century, the knight Philipp von Falkenstein developed the village of Butzbach. He promoted both economic and political development. As a result, Butzbach became a regional centre and was granted town rights in 1321. In the 15th century, Butzbach grew and attracted new inhabitants. During this time, no fewer than 181 different professions were practised. Many of the half-timbered houses that you can admire today were built during this time.
Things were very lively in the densely populated medieval town of Butzbach. Markets were held regularly. Imagine the hustle and bustle in the old town centre of Butzbach as you stand on the market square. As the market visitors needed accommodation, numerous hostels and inns were built. There were also drinking establishments for thirsty throats. Almost every second house in Butzbach’s old town was used in this way at some point, often for generations.
Special tips: Festivals and Hessen’s largest open-air cinema in summer
The market square in the historic centre of Butzbach offers an ideal backdrop for markets and atmospheric festivals. And the people of Butzbach take advantage of this. Some of them have a long tradition. The Katharinenmarket, for example, which takes place regularly in autumn, is, believe it or not, more than 700 years old. The Butzbach Faselmarkt in spring has also been around for 500 years. The Old Town Festival in September was added just over 40 years ago. And of course the Christmas market is a must. Here you can enjoy the illuminated half-timbered houses in a special atmosphere. Special tip for film buffs: In summer, the largest open-air cinema in Hesse is held in the courtyard of the Landgrave’s Castle.
Surroundings: Butzbach the gateway to the Taunus and an excursion paradise
Butzbach is idyllically situated on the edge of the Taunus, a partly wooded low mountain range with the Feldberg as its highest peak. There are numerous hiking opportunities here. For a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area and a successful excursion, a visit to the local mountain is a good idea. The 23.25 metre high Hausberg tower was built there. If you climb it, you have a fantastic panoramic view of the entire panorama. In keeping with the medieval flair of Butzbach’s old town, you can also take a trip to the ruins of Münzenberg Castle. Built in the middle of the 12th century, the castle is still in ruins. It gives you a feeling of what it was like back then. If you like Butzbach with its charming half-timbered houses and you still have time, it’s worth making a detour to Wetzlar, around 20 kilometres away. Here you will find another enchanting old town.
