German Village Walk (Self Guided), Columbus
One of the oldest and most treasured historic areas in Columbus, Ohio, is the laid-back German Village. Many of its charming brick houses along Beck, Mohawk, and Deshler streets were built by German settlers in the early-to-mid-19th century. Boutiques and art galleries, pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops look exactly as they did 150 years ago thanks to the meticulous preservation effort.
Among the prominent landmarks here is the Schwartz Castle, a stately mansion that once housed a pharmacy.
Wandering along the cobblestone Third Street, visitors can observe the well-preserved 19th-century architecture and lush gardens making it a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.
Book lovers flock to The Book Loft of German Village, a veritable paradise for readers with its 32 rooms filled with books of every genre, inviting exploration and discovery.
The Saint Mary Church, with its eye-catching Gothic Revival exterior, stands as a testament to the deep religious roots of the community.
For those seeking authentic German cuisine, Schmidt's Sausage Haus is a must-visit. This beloved restaurant serves up hearty dishes such as sausages and schnitzels that pay homage to the neighborhood's heritage.
Finally, Schiller Park, the heart of the neighborhood, provides a tranquil green oasis. With its tree-lined pathways, a picturesque pond, and a statue of German poet Friedrich von Schiller, it's a favorite spot for relaxation and recreation.
Over the years, the unique blend of heritage and gastronomy found in the German Village of Columbus has proven an attraction in its own right. The landmarks, quaint streets, and welcoming atmosphere of this lovely neighborhood exude Old World charm and make it a destination well worth checking out.
Among the prominent landmarks here is the Schwartz Castle, a stately mansion that once housed a pharmacy.
Wandering along the cobblestone Third Street, visitors can observe the well-preserved 19th-century architecture and lush gardens making it a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.
Book lovers flock to The Book Loft of German Village, a veritable paradise for readers with its 32 rooms filled with books of every genre, inviting exploration and discovery.
The Saint Mary Church, with its eye-catching Gothic Revival exterior, stands as a testament to the deep religious roots of the community.
For those seeking authentic German cuisine, Schmidt's Sausage Haus is a must-visit. This beloved restaurant serves up hearty dishes such as sausages and schnitzels that pay homage to the neighborhood's heritage.
Finally, Schiller Park, the heart of the neighborhood, provides a tranquil green oasis. With its tree-lined pathways, a picturesque pond, and a statue of German poet Friedrich von Schiller, it's a favorite spot for relaxation and recreation.
Over the years, the unique blend of heritage and gastronomy found in the German Village of Columbus has proven an attraction in its own right. The landmarks, quaint streets, and welcoming atmosphere of this lovely neighborhood exude Old World charm and make it a destination well worth checking out.
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German Village Walk Map
Guide Name: German Village Walk
Guide Location: USA » Columbus (See other walking tours in Columbus)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Author: jenny
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Columbus (See other walking tours in Columbus)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Author: jenny
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Schwartz Castle
- Third Street
- The Book Loft of German Village
- Saint Mary Church
- Schmidt's Sausage Haus
- Schiller Park
1) Schwartz Castle
South of downtown Columbus is the German Village. This area was settled in the mid-1800s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. All of German Village deserves to be explored and enjoyed on foot. However, there are a few standout places that cannot be missed. One of these spots is Schwartz Castle.
Schwartz Castle is a stately home in the German Village. Located on Third Street, the home was originally owned by apothecary shop owner Frederick Schwartz. Thought to have been driven mad after jilted by his fiance, Schwartz began adding basement levels to the home, a total of five, as well as a series of underground passageways. Though the home is now divided into offices and condominiums, it is also thought to be one of the most haunted places in the city. People say they continue to see Frederick Schwartz strolling through the house and sitting atop the flat roof though he died many years ago.
Those who aren't fond of ghost stories can still admire the architecture of the building. Though it is not possible to tour the underground areas to see the strange tunnels, it is worthwhile to pass by the building on foot to admire the beauty of this castle.
Schwartz Castle is a stately home in the German Village. Located on Third Street, the home was originally owned by apothecary shop owner Frederick Schwartz. Thought to have been driven mad after jilted by his fiance, Schwartz began adding basement levels to the home, a total of five, as well as a series of underground passageways. Though the home is now divided into offices and condominiums, it is also thought to be one of the most haunted places in the city. People say they continue to see Frederick Schwartz strolling through the house and sitting atop the flat roof though he died many years ago.
Those who aren't fond of ghost stories can still admire the architecture of the building. Though it is not possible to tour the underground areas to see the strange tunnels, it is worthwhile to pass by the building on foot to admire the beauty of this castle.
2) Third Street
Third Street is the heart of Columbus's German Village. The street runs north from Schiller Park. From there it cuts through German Village through Livingston Avenue. Along this route, visitors can see a wide number of retail shops that provide the perfect place for souvenir shopping.
Diners and delicatessens also populate this street and offer a taste of traditional German food. Pay special attention to Katzinger's Delicatessen, which is a spot for photo ops among visitors to the city. Thurman Cafe has been in continuous operation since 1942. This locally owned restaurant is known for its massive Thurminator burger that contains 24 ounces of hamburger meat along with numerous sides and toppings.
The Book Loft is one of the most popular stops on Third Street. Saint Mary Church is another place that all tourists should stop and admire. In addition, visitors will see a wide number of older, German-inspired houses. Many of these have been converted into commercial establishments, but others continue to serve as homes.
Diners and delicatessens also populate this street and offer a taste of traditional German food. Pay special attention to Katzinger's Delicatessen, which is a spot for photo ops among visitors to the city. Thurman Cafe has been in continuous operation since 1942. This locally owned restaurant is known for its massive Thurminator burger that contains 24 ounces of hamburger meat along with numerous sides and toppings.
The Book Loft is one of the most popular stops on Third Street. Saint Mary Church is another place that all tourists should stop and admire. In addition, visitors will see a wide number of older, German-inspired houses. Many of these have been converted into commercial establishments, but others continue to serve as homes.
3) The Book Loft of German Village
The Book Loft of German Village is a popular spot along the neighborhood's Third Street. It is considered one of the largest independent book stores in the country thanks to its occupation of multiple pre-Civil War era buildings. The buildings that are now known as The Book Loft were once a nickelodeon, a saloon and a general store.
The Book Loft has 32 rooms that are devoted to books as well as a few non-book novelties. The store stocks new prints, closeout books, small press books and even rare and signed copies. Each room specializes in certain types of books, from philosophy to cookbooks to young adult. The store also boasts the largest selection of children's books located in any independent bookstore in the nation.
Those who aren't sure what books they want or who don't have time to explore this massive bookstore are in luck. Shoppers can purchase a Mystery Box that includes hand-picked selections based off of the shoppers' interests.
The Book Loft has 32 rooms that are devoted to books as well as a few non-book novelties. The store stocks new prints, closeout books, small press books and even rare and signed copies. Each room specializes in certain types of books, from philosophy to cookbooks to young adult. The store also boasts the largest selection of children's books located in any independent bookstore in the nation.
Those who aren't sure what books they want or who don't have time to explore this massive bookstore are in luck. Shoppers can purchase a Mystery Box that includes hand-picked selections based off of the shoppers' interests.
4) Saint Mary Church
Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church is a mid-19th century church building that reflects the German architecture from days gone by. Groundbreaking on this church occurred in 1866, though the spire wasn't added until 1893. In 1894, a clock was added to the tower, which completed the church's construction.
Those interested in viewing the exterior of the church will find a neatly manicured lawn, arched windows and doors and ornate stained glass windows. Visitors who would like to see the interior of the church may do so by attending one of the church services. Those visitors will see 10 painted ceiling panels, oil frescoes, a 12-foot long crucifix and a 20-foot wide white walnut altarpiece.
Any member of the public can attend church service at Saint Mary. Vigil mass is every Saturday at 4 PM. Sunday services are held at 9 AM and 11:30 AM. Visitors can also tour the Saint Mary Church and School Alumni Museum between the two Sunday masses.
Those interested in viewing the exterior of the church will find a neatly manicured lawn, arched windows and doors and ornate stained glass windows. Visitors who would like to see the interior of the church may do so by attending one of the church services. Those visitors will see 10 painted ceiling panels, oil frescoes, a 12-foot long crucifix and a 20-foot wide white walnut altarpiece.
Any member of the public can attend church service at Saint Mary. Vigil mass is every Saturday at 4 PM. Sunday services are held at 9 AM and 11:30 AM. Visitors can also tour the Saint Mary Church and School Alumni Museum between the two Sunday masses.
5) Schmidt's Sausage Haus
Schmidt's Sausage Haus boasts "real German food" that has been offered since it was first opened in 1886. Not only has the restaurant been in operation since the late-19th century, but it has been in the same family as well. Five generations of Schmidt's have carried on the tradition of offering German cuisine and hospitality to residents of and visitors to Columbus.
Schmidt's as a brand and company has grown to include a catering business, a food truck, a banquet hall and online orders. However, it is the original location that deserves a visit on a tour of the city. Visitors who stop at Schmidt's can select from a menu that includes German classics like the Old World Sausage Sampler, Hoffbrau Schnitzel or a Knockwurst sandwich. Desserts include favorites like apple strudel and German chocolate cake.
Schmidt's is also known for its pub. The restaurant offers traditional German beers to be served on their own or with a meal.
Schmidt's as a brand and company has grown to include a catering business, a food truck, a banquet hall and online orders. However, it is the original location that deserves a visit on a tour of the city. Visitors who stop at Schmidt's can select from a menu that includes German classics like the Old World Sausage Sampler, Hoffbrau Schnitzel or a Knockwurst sandwich. Desserts include favorites like apple strudel and German chocolate cake.
Schmidt's is also known for its pub. The restaurant offers traditional German beers to be served on their own or with a meal.
6) Schiller Park
Schiller Park is the largest green space in German Village. It is more than 23 acres of land that has been used as a public gathering space since about 1830. It was originally called Stewart's Grove, due to being owned by Francis Stewart. The name change came in 1891 when the park was dedicated to Friedrich Schiller by the area's German residents.
There is a statue of Schiller in the park, which was placed at the time of its dedication. This statue was cast from an original that is located in Munich. Another statue, called Umbrella Girl, is a well-known and much admired part of the park.
Along with open green space, Schiller Park includes a fishing pond, a performance stage, a playground, basketball and tennis courts, gardens, picnic areas and a gazebo. There are also numerous walking trails that take visitors throughout and around the park.
There is a statue of Schiller in the park, which was placed at the time of its dedication. This statue was cast from an original that is located in Munich. Another statue, called Umbrella Girl, is a well-known and much admired part of the park.
Along with open green space, Schiller Park includes a fishing pond, a performance stage, a playground, basketball and tennis courts, gardens, picnic areas and a gazebo. There are also numerous walking trails that take visitors throughout and around the park.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Columbus was first inhabited by the indigenous Adema, Hopewell and Fort Ancient people. Nearby mounds and a large number of artifacts kept at the Ohio Statehouse show evidence of these early cultures.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
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