The idyllic small town with its half-timbered houses each year attracts thousands of visitors with its jazz festival.

This idyllic small town situated in the Taunus mountains received town rights by king Rudolf of Habsburg as early as 1287. Between the 15th and 18th century numerous half-timbered houses were built in Idstein, which partly are very rich in carvings and still dominate the cityscape.

The complex of buildings in upper Schlossgasse comprise the castle and witch's tower, the former nobility seat Stockheim court as well as the city hall, the Schiefe Haus and the Kanzleitor gate, all testifying to past times‘ splendour.

Until early 18th century Idstein was residence of counts and princes of Nassau-Idstein. Later on, Idstein became a administrative centre and location for important regional schools like high school, teacher seminar, agricultural school and construction craft school.

The witch's tower, called Hexenturm, rises up near to the castle and is the oldest preserved building in town. Built around 1170 it changed its appearance in the course of the centuries due to several rebuildings. Since the 18th century it remains unaltered. Its name stands in no relation to witches‘ pursuit of the 17th century, but has its roots in a 19th century trend.

The construction of the Höerhof was finished in 1620, taking the castle as model. The upper floors made of half-timber with bay windows are built upon a massive stone base. Since 1992 the Höerhof is managed as a hotel and restaurant.

The environs of Idstein offer gorgeous possibilities for holidays in the attractive Taunus‘s woodlands. Within the leisure and recreation area of Wolfsbachtal, not far from the historical Old Town, is a camping area.

TIP: Idstein annually stages a jazz festival known far beyond its borders. On several stages at different places in the Old Town, famous groups perform. Further information is available at: idstein-jazzfestival.de

More information: http://en.idstein.de/

Photo: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock