"The Land of Beer" Oberursel by JJBlondie

I didn't realize Germany was so rural and agricultural. I found that out on my way to Oberursel (www.oberursel.de), the small village 15 km north of Frankfurt where I stayed and worked. It was not what I expected. Not sure what I expected, but this wasn’t it. Oberursel is part of Hessen, the northern part of Germany known for its forests, lakes, and rural villages. The Green Gate to the Taunus Region - that’s how the city of Oberursel likes to call itself. The forests of the Hochtaunus region reach the northern residential areas, and the western side of the city is surrounded by meadows.

I was sent to Oberursel for work for a month. And was able to enjoy the food, the people, the beer, the countryside. Oberursel, Frankfurt, Jonnisburg, The Rhein and Mosel River regions, Bavaria, The Romantic Road, Heidelburg, Rothenburg - all places I was able to stop and smell the roses, or at least drink beer in a biergarten and eat some good schnitzel.

Maypole at the Sonnen

Walking is a big part of what works in Germany. Not only does it keep you in shape, but it offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

I often went for a half hour walk to the next town over, Stierstadt, for dinner at Zur Sonne, a quaint old restaurant (known as a Gaststaette) with a fantastic view of downtown Frankfurt. I often had a very traditional dish called Zwiebelschnitzel with Bratkartoffeln (breaded port cutlets with carmelized onions and home fries) and a salad with the house dressing, which is typically an herbed yogurt dressing.

Cemetary

On my way to work everyday we walked through the cemetery. One day on one of the tombstones we noticed this little green sign. My colleague translated it and it basically said the gravesite needed care. It was overgrown with weeds and didn’t appear to have been pruned or taken care of for quite some time. We’ve decided to start a fund for the care of the Reid-Hohler Family gravesite.

I found the upkeep of the cemetary by friends and family to be not only impressive, but religious. It was a beautiful walk and a peaceful place to wander through, day or night.