5 Best Sights in Freyburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia

Since its foundation was laid in 1090 by the Thuringian Ludwig I, this castle has loomed protectively over Freyburg. The spacious residential area and huge towers date from the 13th century, when Neuenburg was a part of Thuringia's eastern defenses. The spartan Gothic double-vaulted chapel from 1190 is one of the few rooms that evoke an early medieval past, since most of the castle was renovated in the 15th century.

With Schloss Neuenberg looming above, there is no more picturesque place to stop for a glass of wine or tour when you are exploring the Unstrut Valley than this serene terraced vineyard with its well-preserved baroque 18th-century vineyard house. The vintners welcome visitors for a tour of the vineyards every day at 11 from April to October. The highlight is the relaxed tasting area with generous pours and picnic lunches available to enjoy in the garden.

Freyburg is the home of one of Europe's largest producers of sparkling wine, a rare eastern German product with a significant market share in the West. Hour-long tours of the production facility include the world's largest wooden wine barrel.

In 1225 the Thuringian count Ludwig IV erected the St. Marien Kirche as a triple-naved basilica and the only church within the city walls. The coquina limestone building, which resembles the cathedral in Naumburg, was renovated in the 15th century into its current form as a single-hall structure. The great carved altarpiece also dates from the 15th century and the baptistery from 1592.

The best way to try Saale-Unstrut wine is with this trade group. Since most of the 320 members are small hobby growers, most growers bring their fruit to the Winzervereinigung.  The group produces some of Germany's finest wines, both white and red, mostly pure varietals, with some limited blends. (A wonderful light red from a hybrid of the Blauer Zweigelt and St. James grapes, called Andre, may change how you think about German red wine.) Tastings and tours must be arranged in advance—with options ranging from a simple tour of one of Germany's largest barrel cellars to the grand tasting—or you can simply reserve a seat at the regularly scheduled Friday public tasting at 6 pm for €14 per person. The association goes out of its way to cater to the tastes of its guests, and bread, cheese, and water are always in plentiful supply.