The old town of Wetzlar, Germany, is an old free imperial city whose claim to fame is the seat of the Imperial Supreme Court. It is a favorite among the locals and during this time of year they hold weekend festivities with bands and other attractions. It’s a good destination for a weekend day-trip.

Wetzlar

Located on the Lahn River, Wetzlar is a fan favorite for canoist, kayakers and other non-motor boat enthusiasts. The waterfront has a small boat launch that eases entry to the Lahn for people who come to enjoy the fast running white water. Rentals are available in town for those that do not own their own equipment. The town is also a mecca for cyclists and there are several places in town where bike rentals are offered.

The town itself has a few main squares that setup for weekend festivities, the Schillerplatz, the Eisenplatz and less so the Domplatz. There is also the area along the Mühlgraben that is lined with Biergarten and other stalls where food and beverages can be purchased, as you walk lazily through area along the river.

The Alte Lahnbrücke spans the Lahn River about at the midpoint of the old town, connecting the Eisenmarkt with the Neustadt on the other side of the river. Here you will also find several Biergarten, a playground for children and outside seating to enjoy the atmosphere in this lovely little town.

Getting There

Wetzlar is about a thirty to forty minute drive north of Frankfurt am Main on the A5 and off the A45. It should be noted that at the time of this writing the A5 has some construction that will slow your travels down somewhat, but all-in-all it wasn’t too bad. The city also has a train stop, so that is always an option.

Churches And Cathedrals

Wetzlar Dom

The Wetzlar Dom, or Cathedral of Saint Mary, is a shared catholic and protestant of medieval character. A mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles, it was never finished and suffered from severe bomb damage during the last war. Several areas of the cathedral were never repaired properly, including the main entrance and the spire, which from a distance looks rather awkward.

Restaurants

Paulaner Wirtshaus Wetzlar

Located am Haarplatz, the Paulaner Wirtshaus Wetzlar is an excellent choice for food. Located near the Wehr on the Lahn, you can hear the rapids as you enjoy a nice glass of beer on a warm day and the food, which is a mixture of Bavarian and Swabian cuisines. You can actually order a soup with Spätzle in it!