Bad Säckingen was our most visited little town while living in Othmarsingen. We were about 25 minutes away. Heading out there was never an issue. Loved going there all the time! Their locals call it their Kleinstadtperlen in Baden-Württemberg. It decorates the river bank of the Rhein, so strolls around these paths are insanely a treat.
The Rhein
This Altstadt forms part of the Black Forest region and borders Switzerland. It’s history dates back to the 3rd century AC when its patron saint, St. Fridolin, founded the first town’s church around the 6th century. Despite previous military occupations (during the Austrian War of Secession, during the French Revolution and during World War II), its preserved simplicity and personal austerity is appreciated, at least by me.
The Cathedral
In the 1200’s, the little city suffered a major fire that destroyed nearly everything, including the church founded by St. Fridolin. That fire let them to rebuilt the city again, including the new church. Today, the Fridolinmünster stands tall for everyone to admire. Built right in the center of the town, it has become one of my old time favorite cathedrals to visit (and confess my little hurtful actions, thoughts, what ifs…if any). It’s interior frescoed ceilings, its gloriously huge resonate organ that plays during mass service, its ornate altar and decor are all breathtaking.
The Old Town
The Old Bridge
Who knew that the little town of Bad Säckingen holds the record for the oldest roofed wooden bridge in Europe. I guess you can say, that is technically speaking, Switzerland can claim not one but 2 oldest wooden bridges in their country. At least one of them can be partially claimed. Nah! Not really. Switzerland will always have Kapellbrück in Lucerne and Germany the Holzbrücke in Bad Säckingen.
Needless to say, it is incredibly well preserved. Originally built in the 1200’s, it has been destroyed several times until the last one built in 1700’s. You have great views of the Rhein, the Fridolinsmünster and the village of Stein in Switzerland. It makes for great walks during the mornings and afternoons.
You know, if it wasn’t for Switzerland and its viele teuer prices on everything, I wouldn’t have discovered Bad Säckingen. This was one of those little German towns I used to go for grocery shopping. The other towns were Waldshut which was about an hour away from Othmarsingen, and Laufenburg (my second favorite) was about 30 minutes away. Paying in Euros saved me beaucoups of money!
Merci vielmals, Switzerland!
There’s this ice cream shop named Eiscafé Mona Lisa. It’s Italian gelato. Oh, it’s so good! I miss those. When my sister visited us back in the summer, I took her and her daughter there to see the town, eat some local food and have gelato…Italian gelato. The Germans love Italian gelato, I love Italian gelato. Seriously! Who doesn’t like Italian gelato? Ok, don’t answer that.
If you live nearby the Rhein, then take time to stop and take a little breather in this town. It’s a great resting place, an overnight stay, or a nice quiet night in town kinda place. I leave you with more pictures of Bad Säckingen. Also, check out the video below. Since we used to go there almost every weekend to do groceries, my daughter always asked to play this Coldplay song. It was popular at the time. Still is for us!
