Foot to the accelerator, through verses we roar
Expansion of Literary Cycle Paths around Heitersheim: A Literary and Ecological Journey
In the heart of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the charming town of Heitersheim is set to become a hub for literary enthusiasts and cycling aficionados alike. The expansion of literary cycle paths aims to seamlessly blend literature and outdoor activities, inviting visitors to explore the region's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
The Project: "By Pedal to Poetry"
The Literature Archive Marbach, part of the German Literature Archive, is leading the initiative titled "By Pedal to Poetry." This project is designed to promote regional literary history, encourage sustainable tourism, and strengthen connections between literature lovers and local communities.
Funding and Participation
The project is primarily financed by state funds from the working group for literary museums, archives, and memorials in Baden-Württemberg, with the participating municipalities contributing the remaining 50%. The expansion plans to include two more paths around Heitersheim, further enriching the network.
Routes and Literary Encounters
The expanded network will offer a variety of routes catering to different preferences and abilities. Some key cycle paths include:
- Heitersheim to Müllheim Route: This route showcases local poets and historical figures from the Markgräflerland region.
- Heitersheim to Badenweiler: This route highlights monuments and reference points linked to authors who wrote about the Black Forest and regional traditions.
- Local Loop Trails: These shorter circuits offer stops at vineyards, libraries, and historical sites connected to literary events.
Interactive features, such as QR codes and an app, guide riders with excerpts from author texts, historical context, audio narrations, and maps.
Notable Authors Featured
The literary cycle paths will introduce visitors to a diverse array of writers, including Martin Walser, Johann Peter Hebel, Eva Demski, Marie Luise Kaschnitz, Anton Chekhov, and Annette Kolb, among others.
A Historical Literary Meeting Place
Heitersheim, with its central location, has a long history as a literary meeting place, particularly in the 18th century. The project emphasizes the international, intercultural situation of the region in the tri-border area, as well as the location of the literary cycle paths in the district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.
The "Poets' Corner" and the Maltese Chancellor
The "Poets' Corner" of the Maltese Chancellor and litterateur Joseph Albert von Ittner (1754 - 1825) was recently inaugurated in the castle of the Order of Malta as a memorial site. This addition further underscores Heitersheim's historical significance as a literary hub.
The Basic Principle: Experience the Landscape and Literature
The fundamental principle of the literary cycle paths is to allow visitors to experience the landscape and get to know literature in a unique and immersive way. The project builds on existing (cycle) infrastructure, making it accessible for all.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a literature enthusiast, "By Pedal to Poetry" offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the beauty and rich history of the region while engaging with the works of some of Germany's most renowned authors. Stay tuned for updates on the project's progress!
Immerse yourself in the home-and-garden settings of historic sites while cycling, as the "By Pedal to Poetry" project, situated around Heitersheim, features literarry encounters along routes.Embark on a travel itinerary blending home-and-garden landscapes, literature, and cycling, as the expanded literary cycle paths around Heitersheim offer routes to notable authors' landmarks.
