Blaubeuren, germany

Aug 12

The Blautopf, meaning “blue pot”, gets is amazing coloring due to its depth and makeup. The is just one end of a vast underground cave system. It is 69 ft at its deepest point. Its blue hue is due to the limestone nanoparticles within it and the scattering of light it creates. (see https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-blautopf)

Overview/Overall impression

This small German town is full of fascinating surprises. It is off the normal tourist-beaten path but it is well worth the effort to visit. Rich in history and antiquity this little town is home to the “blue pot”, as seen above. It is home to the Blaubeuren Abbey (Kloster Blaubeuren) founded in 1085. The main alter piece is stated to be created in 1493 by Michael Erhart. In 1817 Blaubeuren Abbey became a Protestant seminary with an attached boarding school. Behind the Abbey is a Monk’s Bathhouse Museum that is worth going through. The town is also host to the ancient ruins of Hohengerhausen (Rusenschloss), a castle built around 1080 by Count Hartmann II. The 2.4k walk from the Abbey is beautiful and tranquil. The castle itself is not an official tourist location so people can come and go and peruse the area at their leisure without any charge.

quick bits

  
  Language
  Currency
  
  German
  Euros
  
  Power Outlets
  Visa
  
  Type A/B
  90 day visa free access for most countries

Getting around (transportation)

Closest Airports: Frankfurt and Munich

Where to stay

There are only a couple hotels in Blaubeuren. Reasonably priced. We never stayed at them as we had friends we stayed with in this little town. An alternative is to find a hotel in Ulm as Ulm has much to offer for tourism as well. It is only a 30-minute train ride from Ulm to Blaubeuren should you want to make a day trip. For a day trip you could go early, walk from the train station through town to the Blautopf (Blue pot), bathhouse, and Abbey. After visiting these sites walk along the walking path behind the Blue pot and work your way straight along the path to the castle at the top of the hill before heading back to the train station in the evening.

Things to do - from free to $$

Here is a link to Blaubeuren’s tourist webpage for you.

Blaubeurn Abbey: Visiting the abbey costs approximately 5 euros. The architecture inside and the altar are immaculately preserved.

Monk’s Bathhouse Museum: This is Germany’s only preserved Monk Bathhouse. Built in 1510 the bathing facilities are on the main floor. On the first floor is a large banquet hall where aristocratic guests can celebrate a successful hunt after bathing. The building now also houses a museum of the local history of Blaubeuren.

Blautopf: This amazing pool, nearly 22 meters deep, gets its fantastical hue from a combination of its depth and being formed in limestone. There is no charge to gaze upon this beautiful natural phenomenon. Next to it is a small gift shop and museum.

Rusenschloss Castle Ruins: This relic from medieval Germany is also free to the public. It hosts spectacular views of the quaint town of Blaubeuren from its vista.