Exploring Laubach: A Bavarian Gem Or Not?

Laubach is a town of approximately 10,000 people in the Gießen region of Hesse, Germany. It is a state-recognized tourist area, known for its scenic beauty and historic and colourful half-timbered buildings. Located in the time zone Central European Summer Time, Laubach uses the Euro as its official currency. Interestingly, the town is not in Bavaria, but in the Cochem-Zell district in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.

Laubach is in Hesse, not Bavaria

Laubach is a town in Germany, but it is not in Bavaria. Laubach is located in the Gießen region of Hesse, Germany, and has a population of approximately 10,000 people. The town is known for its scenic beauty, charming architecture, and historical sites, making it a popular tourist destination.

Laubach is situated 23 kilometres (14 mi) east of Gießen and is surrounded by the towns of Hungen, Grünberg, Schotten, and Lich. The dense Laubach Woods stretch into the foothills of the Vogelsberg Mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for the town. Laubach is also known as a Luftkurort, or climatic health resort, offering visitors the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in its pleasant surroundings.

One of the main attractions in Laubach is the castle, which is still owned by the count of Solms-Laubach. The castle was built in the 13th century and has been expanded over the years. It boasts one of the largest private libraries in Europe, with over 120,000 titles, including a Gutenberg Bible that is now on display in the Johann Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. The castle grounds feature a stunning park with a swan lake that is open to the public.

In addition to the castle, Laubach is home to several other notable sites, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church, formerly known as St. Maria. The oldest part of the church dates back to the 12th century, and it features a Baroque organ. The former district courthouse (Amtsgericht), the city hall, and the Heimat Museum are also located on the main street of Friedrichstrasse, offering insights into the town's history and culture.

Laubach is also known for its colourful half-timbered (fachwerk) buildings, which line the streets and add to the town's unique character. The town has a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages, as evidenced by its well-preserved historical sites. Laubach has played a significant role in the region, and its name is believed to have originated from the Middle High German words "lôbach," referring to a forest and a boggy stretch of ground.

While Laubach is not in Bavaria, it is easily accessible from Frankfurt, making it a convenient destination for travellers looking to explore the charm and beauty of this hidden gem in Hesse, Germany.

It's a small town with around 10,000 residents

Laubach is a small town in Germany with a population of around 10,000 residents. It is located in the Gießen region of Hesse, approximately 23 kilometres (14 miles) east of Gießen. The town is known for its historic and colourful half-timbered buildings, as well as its status as a climatic health resort or "Luftkurort".

Surrounding Laubach are the towns of Hungen, Grünberg, Schotten and Lich. The dense Laubach Woods stretch into the foothills of the Vogelsberg Mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for the town. Laubach's main attraction is the 13th-century castle, which is still owned by the count of Solms-Laubach. The castle boasts one of the largest private libraries in Europe, with over 120,000 titles, including an original Gutenberg Bible now on display in the Johann Gutenberg Museum in Mainz.

The town also features a Baroque organ in its Evangelical Lutheran Church, formerly known as St. Maria. The oldest part of the church dates back to the 12th century, with renovations taking place in the 18th century. Other notable sites in Laubach include the former district courthouse (Amtsgericht), the city hall, and the Heimat Museum, all located on the main street of Friedrichstrasse.

Laubach's history can be traced back to the late Bronze Age, with evidence of early settlers in the area. The first mention of Laubach was in 1455 when the court, people, and revenue were sold to the Counts of Virneburg. For centuries, the primary industry in Laubach was slate mining, with records dating back to 1695. The last slate pit closed in 1959 due to flooding.

Today, Laubach is a quiet and picturesque town, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and cultural offerings. It is accessible via Frankfurt Airport, which is about a 90-minute drive away.

It's a 90-minute drive from Frankfurt

Laubach is a town in the Gießen region of Hesse, Germany, about 90 minutes' drive from Frankfurt. The distance between the two is approximately 52-58 kilometres or 32.70 miles. Frankfurt is the closest main airport to Laubach.

The drive from Frankfurt to Laubach will take you through some beautiful scenery. The town of Laubach is surrounded by dense woods that spread into the foothills of the Vogelsberg Mountains. The town itself is known for its historic and colourful half-timbered buildings, which attract tourists.

Laubach is also home to a 13th-century castle, which is still owned by the count of Solms-Laubach. The castle grounds include a large park with a swan lake that is open to the public. The castle also houses one of the largest private libraries in Europe, boasting over 120,000 titles. An original Gutenberg Bible, now on display in the Johann Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, came from this collection.

Other points of interest in Laubach include the Evangelical Lutheran Church, formerly known as St. Maria, which features a Baroque organ and dates back to the 12th century. The former district courthouse (Amtsgericht), the city hall, and the Heimat Museum are all located together on the main street of Friedrichstrasse. The courthouse now serves as a residence for senior citizens.

With a population of approximately 10,000, Laubach offers a typical German town experience with its clean, orderly, quiet, and charming character.

The town has a rich history, including a castle and historic timber buildings

Laubach, Germany, is a town with a rich history, stunning scenery, and a population of approximately 10,000 people. It is located in the Giessen region of Hesse, 23 kilometres (14 miles) east of Gießen and 90 minutes' drive from Frankfurt. The town is known for its colourful half-timbered buildings and its castle, which are popular attractions for tourists.

The castle, built in the 13th century and expanded over the years, is the main point of interest in Laubach. Still owned by the count of Solms-Laubach, the castle boasts one of the largest private libraries in Europe, with over 120,000 titles. An original Gutenberg Bible, now on display in the Johann Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, once belonged to this collection. The castle grounds include a vast park with a swan lake, open to the public.

In addition to the castle, Laubach is home to several other historical sites. The Evangelical Lutheran Church, formerly known as St. Maria, features a Baroque organ and dates back to the 12th century. The former district courthouse (Amtsgericht), the city hall, and the Heimat Museum are all located on the main street of Friedrichstrasse. The courthouse now serves as a residence for senior citizens. The Heimat Museum–Fridericianum, originally built near the town of Gonterskirchen in 1750, is the local history museum. It was moved to its current location in 1832 and used to be a school. The museum exhibits the diary of Friedrich Kellner, Laubach's chief justice inspector during World War II.

Laubach's history can be traced back to the Middle High German lôbach, with roots in lob and laub, meaning "leaf", and ach, referring to a boggy stretch of ground. The first mention of Laubach was in 1455 when it was sold to the Counts of Virneburg. For centuries, the primary industry in Laubach was slate mining, with records dating back to 1695. The last slate pit closed in 1959 due to flooding.

Laubach has been under various rules throughout its history, including French rule starting in 1794 and assignment to the Kingdom of Prussia by the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The town has endured hardships during wars, including the Nine Years' War and the Thirty Years' War, with its population fluctuating greatly over the years.

It's recognised as a tourist area, particularly for its scenic walks

Laubach, Germany, is recognised as a tourist area, particularly for its scenic walks. It is a small town located 90 minutes' drive from Frankfurt, with beautiful scenery along the way. The town has a population of approximately 10,000 people and is situated in the Gießen region of Hesse, Germany. It is known for its dense woods, which spread into the foothills of the Vogelsberg Mountains, and its colourful half-timbered buildings.

Laubach is a state-recognised tourist area and is known as a Luftkurort, or climatic health resort. The town offers a variety of walks and things to do, including an organised walking tour. The surrounding nature includes the Laubach Woods, which provide a beautiful setting for those who enjoy hiking or simply exploring the outdoors. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as sheep, and offers opportunities for activities like sheep grazing.

One of the main attractions in Laubach is the castle, which is still owned by the count of Solms-Laubach. The castle was built in the 13th century and has been expanded over the years. It features one of the largest private libraries in Europe, with over 120,000 titles. An original Gutenberg Bible, now on display in the Johann Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, originated from this private collection. The castle grounds include a large park with a swan lake, which is open to the public.

In addition to the castle, Laubach has several other points of interest. The Evangelical Lutheran Church, formerly known as St. Maria, boasts a Baroque organ and dates back to the 12th century. The former district courthouse (Amtsgericht), the city hall, and the Heimat Museum are all located on the main street of Friedrichstrasse. The courthouse now serves as a residence for senior citizens, while the Heimat Museum Fridericianum, the local history museum, houses a permanent exhibit of the diary of Friedrich Kellner, Laubach's chief justice inspector during World War II.

Laubach also offers a variety of accommodation options, such as the highly recommended Waldhause hotel, located on the outskirts of the town. The hotel is situated opposite a forest and provides easy access to scenic walks in the area. The town's restaurants and eateries serve delicious food, and the local shop offers a refreshing ice cream to cool off during the hot summer months.

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