Braunfels

Braunfels, Newbury’s oldest twin, is in one of the prettiest parts of Hessen, Germany, not far from Frankfurt.

The focal point of the town is the market place, with its half-timbered houses, while the Lower Gate, dating from 1350, is the oldest building in the market place.

The town has grown around the castle, which dates back to the 13th century, and helps give the place a slightly `fairytale look’. Braunfels also provides an ideal base to explore the Taunus region, a range of hills between the valleys of the Rhine, Main and Lahn.

The area also abounds with spas, such as Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, which dates back to Roman times.