Well...actually, it's called a "Wurstmarkt" (literally a sausage market) but Bad Durkheim is the city which brings us the world's largest Wine festival.
Stephen, Patty and I hopped a train on Saturday evening and trekked out to the beautiful city. The weather was terrible, cold and rainy - typically German, but the ride was very nice. Beautiful scenery whisked us east thru the wooded land and into the main vineyards or the Pfalz region.
When we arrived, we jumped off the train and followed the droves of people headed to the fest where we were greeted by the sights and sounds that can only be equal to that of the State Fair. Meat on sticks, in buns, on plates. Candy in bags, boxes and of course on sticks. Beer, Wine and liquor flowed freely. It certainly was a party!
I can't even begin to tell you the number of food stands there were. Offering everything from sausages to cuts of meat cooked over spits. There were delicious, fresh, beautiful offerings from several regions of Germany as well as from around the world.
But, all-in-all, this is a wine fest! And therefore, the wine is served in 1/2 liter glasses (1 bottle of wine is usually .75-1.5 liters). There, again, were a hundred tents set up from all different clubs, organizations and vintners selling glasses of wine from their favorite vineyards (or their own vineyard). Hundreds of people huddled under the tents guzzling the wine and laughing and singing.
Despite the chaos of the people, rides, food, shopping, etc,etc, etc., the whole thing was quite an experience. Be sure you set aside some time if you're ever here the middle of September to visit Bad Durkheim to experience your version of the Wurstmarkt.
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