Autobahns are built and maintained by the federal government and are hence also known as federal motorway. The point was to restrict traffic to motorized vehicles capable of doing a certain speed without interference from pedestrians and other forms of transportation.

All Autobahn numbers start with an A. This famed German road stretches about 11,000 km forming a perfect network that connects all parts of Germany.

Contrary to popular myths, not all drivers do go at the speed of blur; most drive as normal motorists on freeways around the world — although it is correct that one may drive without limits in terms of speed on some Autobahns. There are restrictions on certain low tech vehicles and these roads are meant for the state-of-the-art vehicles that are normally made in Germany.

The German Autobahn does not permit bicycles and mopeds as in free ways the world over. Slow vehicles must keep to the right and allow faster ones to pass. Drivers are supposed to stay in the right lane except when overtaking. No U turns are allowed neither is it sensible to do so. ;-) Same goes for parking, stopping or reversing. Parking on shoulders and ramps for emergencies may be permitted.

When entering an Autobahn the one entering has to give way to those already driving by. Accidents and breakdowns should be reported immediately. If you run out of fuel it is considered illegal as it’s an oversight that you could have prevented. Familiar signs indicate the presence of fuel, parking areas, snack bars, rest rooms, and restaurants (indicated as Raststätte) as well as the distance to them.

The German Autobahn has produced its own system of etiquettes which has become a matter of course for motorists. Drivers at the back of traffic jams turn on their hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic to slowdown. Drivers are generally courteous and keep lane discipline and signal intentions well in advance. This is probably the reason why there is a very low rate of accidents on German Autobahns when compared to freeways in other countries.

Train travel in Germany is easily one of the best in its class and once experienced will make a regular commuter of you in no time. Incredibly punctual, impressively clean, and efficiently networked, it showcases the land like none other. So, hop onto a Deutsche Bahn or German Rail service as they are your best bet when it comes to exploring the country at your leisure and convenience.

German train travel might pose a bit of mystery if you’re not used to the system. Once you’ve unraveled it you can be on your way in no time at all. Depending on how long and how far you intend to go, there are many options available that will give you the best value for your time and money.

Based on their speed German trains are classified as Regional Bahn (RB) that stops frequently, Regional Express (RE) that does not stop everywhere, EuroCity (EC) that goes all over Europe, InterCity (IC) that connects the various cities within, and the superfast IntercityExpress (ICE) that goes up to unbelievable 300 km/h (186 mi/h) making short work of long distances. These codes in brackets will help you pick the train of your choice, depending on speed.

German rail travel has been revolutionized by the introduction of the ICE and it deserves special mention. These high speed trains are a thing of beauty and efficiency with a sleek aerodynamic structure emphasizing its new age design. The interiors are pressurized as in air planes to avoid discomfort to passengers. The cars in the first class come with video screens. It also has telephones, fax, and facilities to connect your laptop computers. Each car has a computer that helps you with further connections you may need to make on your journey.

ICE trains connect you to all major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt and have carved off hours of travel from previous time-tables.

If you’re going to be in Germany for an extended period, it makes good sense to buy a Rail Pass or BahnCard which can get you huge savings. If you intend to travel to other European countries, you should of course go for a Eurail Pass. It lets you travel by train to about 18 countries and is of immense convenience. If you are a student under 26 years of age, you get concessional rates. If you’re only going to be here a short while, you can get your tickets at the train station.

Domestic and international tickets are sold at different windows, but may also be available at the same counter in some places. MasterCard and VISA cards are widely acceptable while other cards may sometimes be declined. Just look for the logo on the windows to avoid grief.

All in all, German rail travel will certainly impress you and add considerably to your trip. For me it’s always an unforgettable and convenient experience. :-)

Bad Kreuznach is well known for its health spas. While a spa in itself may not be such a novelty, the historicity that surrounds this town lends a certain archaic charm to the proceedings that you’ll certainly find attractive. Make sure you book in for an appointment even before you get here, so you won’t miss out.

This historic town is chock full of sights that you’ll want to see. The Bath House is one such that will blow you away with its grandeur. For those that associate a shower cabin and a towel with such a mundane activity as a bath, this will surely be enlightening.

The bridge houses on the Nahe Bridge are another wonder. These half-timber houses are lovely in themselves, but when perched atop an old bridge, well, you simply have to see it for yourselves.

Move over to the Corn Market and the Egg Market which are by no means mere market but historic sites with plenty of fascinating tales to tell.

For more historical legends from the past, visit the Castle Kauzenburg. You should definitely stop enroute at the tea temple for fantastic views of the town spread out below.

Roman remains are not something you’d expect to see in Bad Kreuznach, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Roman Hall. This old palace dating back to the 2nd century still has relics that speak of the lives of those roman emperors and their pastimes. Speaking of which you should certainly not miss the gladiator remains.

Packed with history, in the 1500’s it was the site of one of the most deadly battles of the Peasant’s War. This conflict between the upper and lower classes was the largest uprising of its kind until the French Revolution occurred in the late 1700’s.

If you visit the town today, be sure to take in the German Peasant’s War Museum. There you will see weapons, tools, implements, and clothing from the 15th and 16th centuries. You can also find pamphlets and other information concerning the Protestant Reformation from the same period.

There are several other museums in the town that are worth visiting as well, including the Folk Museum of North Bohemia and the Municipal Gallery.

You will certainly want to schedule a visit to the Mineral Spas when you go to Böblingen. The Mineraltherme features a variety of pools, saunas, massages, and other spa treatments that will relax and refresh you. Those suffering from degenerative or inflammatory conditions will find relief in the healing waters, and everyone will enjoy the experience of being at a top-notch resort. The spa offers midnight swims on certain days of the week, a first-class restaurant, and many other amenities. :-)

There are special events, which occur on the town square and on the shores of the two local lakes throughout the calendar year. You can enjoy a Town Fair in July, a Wine Festival during September and a special Christmas Market near the year’s end. Concerts, flea markets and many live shows are held from June through September during “Summer at the Lake.” You may also see international rock and pop music stars performing at the Town Hall or Congress Centrum.

One such tour, especially devoted to families with children, has twelve stops along a route where twelve questions are hidden. As the family rides from place to place, they must decipher the clues to find the answer to a mystery. Successful groups can claim a prize at the mayor’s office. A similar ride for adults features crossword puzzles, which must be solved at each station along the route.

These are just a few of the outdoor activities you may enjoy if you visit this town in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Bünde is a very old town that was first mentioned in historical documents about 853. The Laurentius Church was even established between 778 and 840. It boasts one of the oldest church foundations in the entire region.

The fossils, which are found in abundance in the area, are even older. Skeletons and bones of many sea animals have been found here that have been dated at 30 million years old. Friedrich Langewiesche was the scientist who made many of these early discoveries in 1911 and 1912. He became an honorary citizen of Bünde, and you should plan to see the skull of a toothed whale and remains of a manatee that he found if you visit.

These and many other discoveries are housed in the Doberg Museum. The German government has turned the whole area where the fossils were found into a protected Nature Preserve. In addition to ancient relics, wildlife, forests, and meadows are kept safe from modern society.

Any cigar aficionado will want to visit Bünde. It is called the Cigar Box of Germany and lies at the center of the nation’s tobacco industry. In addition to cigars; pipes, tobacco jars, and boxes are produced there. A tobacco museum showcases the history of cigar production.

One of the largest of these hills is called The Hohentwiel and is the site of a large set of castle ruins. The fortress was built from the stone taken from the hill itself, beginning in about 914. The castle was held by various rulers and states throughout history and was strong enough to withstand five sieges during the Hundred Years War.

If you visit there today, you will not only be able to tour the remains of this ancient fort, but enjoy a panoramic view of Singen and the surrounding areas, as well. The Hohentwiel is home to a festival every summer that attracts world-class musicians like James Brown and Joe Cocker.

You should be sure to visit the Hegau Museum in Singen. It showcases a comprehensive history of the area since the Ice Age and has an impressive display of fossils and other artifacts. It also contains a large butterfly collection and a mineral exhibit.

The Municipal Art Museum allows local artists to display their work and the new Town Hall is a source of pride for the residents. It is situated to have a beautiful view of the Hohentwiel and is the site for dramatic productions, children’s theater shows, and musical concerts of all styles and types.

In September, Singen hosts a bicycle marathon, which attracts professional riders from a wide area. Amateur riders are also welcome to participate in the event, and there are three different lengths of races to accommodate all skill levels. Cyclists can choose from courses that are 30, 53, or 106 kilometers long and they all wind through the beautiful Hegau area. In conjunction with the marathon, you can enjoy a Short Race, Kid’s Race, good food, and a variety of musical acts.

If cycling is not your cup of tea, you might like to participate in golf, dancing, mini-golf, horseback riding, tennis, or running while you are in the area. Youngsters in your group will be sure to enjoy the large water slide that spans 86 meters down the Hohentwiel. :-)

The town is proud of its many cultural opportunities, and if you visit there be sure to see the Galerie Kamen. This is a network of four different buildings throughout the town, which showcase artistic works from near and far. Exhibitions change about ten times during a calendar year and might feature photography, sculpture, paintings, or graphic arts.

The Concert Hall in the town offers productions for children and adults alike. You can see dramatic “comedies and thrillers,” or plays that will appeal equally to youngsters and their parents. The Hall also showcases regular symphonic concerts, an oratorio choir, and performances by the students at the Municipal School of Music.

If you enjoy being active while traveling, you will find many opportunities in Kamen. There are several swimming pools, both indoor and out, and a large network of hiking and bicycle trails that can provide scenic half and whole day excursions.

The town is proud of the many playgrounds and soccer fields that provide safe places for children to play. The Kamen Sports Center offers state-of-the-art facilities for enthusiasts of track and field, basketball, football and many other sports. It is also a meeting place for coaches, trainers, and others involved in athletics that come to the center for conferences and clinics of all kinds. Professional sports teams often use the facility as a training ground.

There are several annual festivals in Kamen that appeal to many people. You may want to participate in the Old Town Festival, Dragon KITE Festival, or the Festival of the Kamen Fountain.

Whenever you visit this friendly and attractive town, you are sure to find something to please.

Hennef offers great restaurants, shopping, and cultural events, as well as beautiful scenery and landscapes that will delight nature lovers. There are miles of well-marked hiking and biking trails that allow you to enjoy the river valley, open meadows, and wooded areas with ease.

Perched high above the River Sieg (which translates to Victory), you will find the medieval Stadt Blankenberg — a former independent township and now district of Hennef. The earliest portions of this well-preserved fortification date from about 1180. Many parts of the wall remain unchanged from the 13th century.

St Catherine’s Church lies within the town and has been refurbished to showcase wall paintings from the 1200’s and 1300’s. The Tower Museum is situated in St. Catherine’s tower and is open throughout the spring, summer, and early fall.

In 1883, two residents of Hennef invented a tool, which proved to be very useful for commerce and trade around the world. Carl Reuther and Eduard Reisert built the first calibratable automatic balance scale that year. There is an interesting exhibit hall in Hennef that traces the importance of this invention and other weights and scales in history.

The town has put together a “Weigher Walking Way” for visitors which consists of 22 stops around the town and museum that gives participants an in-depth knowledge of the usefulness of these devices.

Each September Hennef holds a Town Festival which welcomes nearly 100,000 people from many countries with music, trade shows, shopping, food and drink. You can go dancing each evening, try bungee jumping, and enjoy many other activities. Bands and musicians perform in a variety of styles including 40’s and 50’s, blues, swing, rock and pop.

There are also special events for children at the festival including theater shows, creative games, and other activities.

If you visit the town you will find that the people who live in Leonberg are proud of their namesakes and will be glad to show you examples of the breed and explain their virtues to you.

Residents of Leonberg are also proud of their carefully restored and preserved historic sights. You will want to see the town square or marketplace, which is surrounded by lovely half-timbered houses that date back to the 15th through 17th centuries. The square is the location for many special events like flea markets, Christmas Bazaars, and an annual horse market.

A fountain built in 1566 stands at the center of the marketplace and features a statue of a man bearing the town’s coat of arms. Other structures you will want to see include the remains of a Franciscan Monastery, parts of the old town wall and the Castle Leonberg.

Several walking tours have been planned by the town, which will give you information and exercise at the same time. There is a “Walk of Remembrance” which takes you on a tour of the life, work, and death of prisoners that were held in a concentration camp during World War II.

Another tour begins at the home of the poet Christian-Wagner, and has 11 stops along its route through meadows and forests where you can read poems and learn about the poet. Other tours will take you to an ancient wine press, historic homes and stately churches.

There are numerous museums in the town that are well done. Be sure to see the Farmhouse Museum which was built in 1616 and showcases tools and artifacts of rural life. The City Museum chronicles the history of the town from the Neolithic Age forward, and the Library houses an impressive art collection.

A large area in the center of town has been re-cultivated and turned into a beautiful park. Contaminated ground was treated thermally and the area was then covered with usable topsoil. Now the town can boast about its shopping center, playground, mining museum, and commercial properties that add much to the lives of its citizens.

Located near the border of three countries (Germany, Belgium, Netherlands), Alsdorf is also the host town for a European Festival held each September. This event is a celebration of the partnership and cooperation of the people from different nations that provides fun and entertainment for all age groups.

Art exhibits, book fairs and sales, historical lectures, tours, and other special activities take place over the course of four days. The whole experience culminates with a musical fireworks display in the town square. Throughout the festival, there are carnival rides and other attractions especially designed to please children, teens, and the young at heart, as well.

Movie lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Cinetower Kinopark in Alsdorf. Before each feature film begins, audiences are treated to a multimedia light and sound show like no other. Surround-sound and pyrotechnic-like lighting produce a ten-minute display that is sure to impress moviegoers.

The Stadthalle Alsdorf (a Town Hall) is a new structure that gives testament to the importance of cultural events to the town. The versatile location can be configured in several different ways to make it suitable for dramatic productions, conventions, lectures, art exhibits, and concerts. The building also contains a restaurant and bowling alley, and is the pride of its citizens.

The town’s most famous landmark is the Friedenstein Castle, which was built between 1643 and 1655. It is the oldest Baroque palace in the entire country of Germany and is a three-winged building with low towers on its corners. It took more than 1000 construction workers and craftsmen to complete the structure.

The castle museum contains a large collection of artwork and other cultural artifacts. One of the most interesting pieces is a painting called Gotha Lovers, which was done in the 15th century. It is the oldest painting known to have two people in it.

The Ekhof Theater is found in the castle’s West tower. It is a functioning baroque-era theater and contains equipment that dates back to the 1680’s. It is the first theater in the country to have permanently-employed actors on staff.

The castle is surrounded by a huge park, which features many varieties of trees and plants. In one corner of the park you will find a lovely building called the Orangerie. Royalty used such structures for growing oranges and other fruits in large pots during the winter. The buildings had many south-facing windows, which made them suitable for the job. Today the Orangerie is home to a cafe and a library.

Elsewhere in Gotha, you will want to visit the Renaissance-style town hall built in 1567. Its facade on the north side is richly ornate and well worth seeing.

As far as events are concerned, in late July and early August Gotha hosts Freakstock, which is a Christian Music Festival. It is a gathering of praise and worship singers and bands that provides concerts and teaching for all visitors. All types of Christian music are represented there and concerts are usually free for everyone.

Charlemagne is thought to have spent much time in the region and fought some of the battles of his Saxon wars nearby. The town’s Heritage Museum has displays that track some of the early history and pre-history of the region. You can also learn a lot about medieval life there.

Both the Wiedenbrück and Rheda sections of the municipality have historic old quarters that date back to previous centuries. If you visit you must take time to stroll along the Lange Straße (Long Road) in Wiedenbrück. It is filled with block after block of half-timbered houses that will take you back to a by-gone era. They are not just museum pieces, but homes that shelter residents who take pride in the history and previous glory of the place where they live.

St. Aegidius Church is found just off of the Wiedenbrück Town Square. Its construction is thought to have begun about 785 and finished in 1502. Interior features of note in the church include its pulpit, baptismal font, and beautiful rosary window.

The Virgin Mary Church is also worth a visit. You will particularly want to see an archway that connects the church to a Franciscan Monastery across the road.

If you’re after something different, you may want to consider a night’s stay in the Romantik Hotel Ratskeller. It is a half-timbered structure that has been carefully renovated and is filled with inscriptions and carvings.

The old town of Rheda has been similarly restored and maintained. Here you will find a collection of artisan’s homes that feature several different architectural styles. Each home and shop has a symbol on the pavement in front of it that indicates the business or craft that was carried on there.

Rheda Castle, standing guard over the town, hosts a gourmet festival each August, which delights visitors from near and far. The castle combines several styles of architecture including a chapel from the 13th century and Baroque and Renaissance wings.

While in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, visit the Carriage House museum with its collections of toys and costumes.

It was founded in the 12th century on the Wurm River and originally known as Rode. Throughout its long history, the town has been under French, Spanish, Dutch and Austrian control, before becoming part of Prussia in 1815.

Construction on Castle Rode was begun about 1104, and it still stands today as the center of culture in Herzogenrath. There are concerts, dramatic programs, and other events held there throughout the year. Some of the highlights include a Christmas marketplace, an Advent concert, and a “bubble tower” and concert held on New Year’s Eve.

Because the castle is centrally located within a few minutes of several parking areas, events are easy to attend. A Castle Fair is held every June, which features attractions and activities for residents and visitors both young and old. You can also find art exhibitions there, cabaret performances, and classical concerts by well-known artists from around Europe.

The atmosphere of the castle lends a special grace to all the events that are held there. Historic tours of the castle are also available. They can be arranged to suit a group or individual and are sure to be educational.

While in Herzogenrath, you should consider some outdoor activities such as barbecuing, bicycling, mini-golf, or skating. These and other recreations are supported by the town and a variety of fields and courts are available for the sporting public to use.

Adolph Park is an area the citizens are especially proud of, as it has reclaimed some of the land formerly used for coal mining. It turned unsightly slag heaps into a lovely area full of natural beauty.

Lastly, there are biking and hiking trails along the Wurm River that provide a pleasant way to see the countryside.

Your first stop on your trip should be the Countryfolk’s Cathedral, also known as the Bauerndom. The church has a beautifully decorated Baroque interior and also contains an organ by A. Wilde and Arp Schnitger.

You can’t afford to miss the fishing harbor and the fish market. You’ll get to experience all this fishing port has to offer by attending the fish auction at 7 A.M. Call ahead to confirm a guided tour is being offered on the day you want to attend.

The Kurpark Beacon is the next place you’ll want to visit. This is located in the Döse district. There is a large wooden spherical beacon located at the end of the long pier which serves as a landmark as well as a town symbol.

Don’t forget to check out the sea lion pool and bird meadow, too!

To get a feel for the background of the town visit the Lütt Shipping Museum. It boasts exhibitions of all kinds of nautical equipment and locally-made boats.

Something you won’t want to miss is the islands of Neuwerk and Scharhörn. You can reach Neuwerk various ways. You can take a boat or if the water is low enough, you can take a horse-drawn carriage. :-) You can also travel there by foot at low tide.

Neuwerk has a beautiful lighthouse which served as a defensive tower during the 13th and 14th centuries. It was converted to a lighthouse in the early 1800’s. To see amazing views of the area, climb to the top of the lighthouse. You can also visit the historic cemetery of nameless seamen while there.

After visiting Neuwerk, you can take a guided walk to Scharhörn. The island hosts a very high beacon as well as a beautiful seabird sanctuary that you won’t want to miss.

If you came to Cuxhaven, like many, for some rest and relaxation, then visit the seaside resort of Duhnen. The resort is just west of the town’s center and boasts a wonderful beach, an indoor wave pool, and of course, a spa facility.

After getting your massage at Duhnen, make a stop at the Puppet Museum. Children and adults alike love this museum which has theater puppets from various countries throughout the world.

If you’d like to gain even more historical knowledge of this seafaring town, visit the neo-classical Reyersches Haus. Built around 1780, this house hosts the Municipal Museum which provides an array of historical seafaring and shipping exhibits.

Or what about the exciting Wreck Museum. It is located in Cuxhaven’s Stickenbüttel district and provides a history on sea rescue as well as various items from shipwrecks.

All in all, this beautiful seafaring town will most certainly provide you with a place to rest and relax as well as to gain some interesting insight into an exciting fishing village and seaport.

Needless to say, this place will beat your expectations.

Originally famed for its spa and mineral waters, it continues to please its visitors along those same lines. In the heart of the Old Town (Altstadt) is the Kurpark, with more than 30 fountains on display. In the park you’ll find the very saline Elisabethenquelle Spring over which stands a great pavilion. Further along is the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Bad, still used for therapeutic treatments today, as well as the Taunus-Therme (which is one of my personal favorites) and Seedammbad offering saunas and steam baths.

The park also houses the Spielbank — the first casino in Bad Homburg von der Höhe and possibly one of the oldest casinos in the world. The story follows that when gambling was banned in Germany in the late 19th century, the owner moved to Monte Carlo. The rest is history there!

The casino here re-opened around 60 years ago and is still going strong. If you fancy a glamorous evening out, make sure you dress for the occasion.

Bad Homburg von der Höhe was also the prime destination for not only the ruling classes in Germany, but across the globe. The King of Siam and the Tzar Nicholas II frequently visited, and Wilhelm II spent a month of every year in the splendid Schloss he had constructed on the site of an older castle. Only the White Tower of its predecessor remains in the grounds.

King Edward VII of England spent much time here as well — and actually had the fashionable “homburg” felt hat designed by hatmakers in this area. In honor of this, there is the well known Hutmuseum where you can find exhibitions of every type of hat you could imagine!

If you find yourself wanting some fresh air, then head up into the Taunus mountains. They are within easy reach of Bad Homburg von der Höhe town center by bus and have plenty of hiking trails. If you are up for the challenge you could find yourself at about 878 meters if you climb the highest peak — the Großer Feldberg (to be distinguished from the Feldberg — a 1493 meters high mountain in the Black Forest).

The Schützenfest sees massive parades through the streets, with period costumes a necessity. Many marching bands wear full regalia and even horseback riders pass by.

In summer you may find yourself witness to the folk festivals in Willich — where everyone gets involved. Other ancient marches include the still popular pilgrimage to the 17th century Klein Jerusalem wayside chapel.

The Schloss Neersen in town has 13th century origins and was heavily rebuilt in the 17th century to resemble the amazing building and grounds you see today. The huge 3 winged palatial mansion is certainly a sight to behold and has a moat. The landscaped gardens will further amaze.

With waterways, exotic trees, an Italian garden, orangery, tea house and hedge maze, the grounds will certainly keep you entertained for some time. As if you needed more — there is also an open-air theater here, with performances scheduled throughout the year.

Back in Willich, there is a busy pedestrian zone for your shopping and coffee drinking pleasure. Many restaurants and cafes can be found here to help you indulge in the local menus and try some traditional dishes. If you want to eat with a view, then dine waterside by the leisure center, or picnic by the ornate water fountains in Park am Freizeitzentrum.

To keep the family entertained, there is also an open air pool for those hot summer months and a skateboard park for whatever the weather.

Just to the north, if you don’t mind a short drive, is the well loved Krefeld zoo — filled with all the family favourites. And frankly, a day trip to Holland wouldn’t be out of the question from this location either. :-)

Thread your way through the steep, winding and almost claustrophobic alleys of this medieval town center — perched on a hillside. Half timbered houses line the streets, as well as older stone structures including the old Lahn stone bridge across the river, and the 12th century sandstone cathedral of St. Mary.

Building started on the famous Wetzlar Dom over 800 years ago, and it has been added to time and time again over the years. However, it is still not actually finished! The plinth for the “missing” tower is planted to the right hand side of the facade on Domplatz, waiting for construction to be completed.

The trading origins are clear when you look at the street names: Buttermarkt, Fischmarkt, Kornmarkt and Eisenmarkt (iron market). This latter location has some of the greatest old houses — including the old mint house. A trek up to the highest point in town — Karlsmunt Castle — gives you a birds eye view of the town and some great ruins to explore.

Wetzlar — although quite small — was a very important part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Reichskammergericht was built in town to deal justice. It can still be found. It has the symbol of a two headed black eagle on the front and is used as a restaurant today — so you can dine in style! ;-)

Its more modern claims to fame include its Phantastische Bibliothek — the wonderfully named Fantastic Library! It is the largest collection of fantastic literature in Europe!

There is also the Arena Wetzlar, where there are regular concerts, theatre performances, and the National Handball League playing here through the year.

And there is always something going on in the Freilichtbühne during the month long summer Festival.

Wetzlar is also famous for a great German literary figure — Goethe. While working here, he wrote his best-selling work The Sorrows of a Young Werther and was acclaimed across Europe, unlike his friend Karl Wilhelm Jerusalem, whose tragic life was the basis for the famous storyline! There are musuems dedicated to his life, loves and works; and in honour of his friend — the Jerusalemhaus museum.

The pedestrian precinct allows you to sit down and relax. Take your pick of the numerous eateries and bars (including the famous pancake store) to unwind from your busy vacation, and start to look at the slower pace of life while you are here. There’s no hurry to leave this town.

Leave yourself time to look at the buildings in Gummersbach — some are certainly worth a second look. For example, the Lieberhausen is a brightly colored protestant church dating from the middle ages in contrast to the rather baroque Hülsenbusch — also a protestant church — but the architecture couldn’t be more different.

The Oberbergische Dom is another structure altogether — this powerful 11th century Romanesque building will surely Wow you.

The famous landmark in town is simply known as The Castle but is really a powerful white house in the pedestrian zone. On the corner of Kaiserstraße and Hindenburgstraße is the Vogteihaus — named after the powerful family that lived here many years ago.

The Dümmlinghauser Mill is also a must see local site, and it regularly hosts jazz events. This wonderful building can be hired out for all kinds of events and private functions, so you never know what you might find there. ;-)

Just outside of Gummersbach in all directions is the amazing and extensive Naturpark Bergisches Land. This forested expanse has many trials marked through its interior, for both walking and cycling. But make sure you give yourself plenty of time there — it really is a magnificent woodland.

As you make your way through the picturesque arcades linger amid the soothing sounds of running water in some of the town’s impressive fountains. There are 35 of them!

You can also take your pick of bridges to stroll about on. There are 50 bridges in Waiblingen!

Then there’s the marvelous Rathaus (Town Hall), standing regally at the head of a square. And don’t miss the lovely historic churches. The oldest of these is the St. Nikolaus church dating back to 1269.

The colorful and fragrant pharmacist garden will surely catch your attention with its geometric paths, and beautiful variety of medicinal plants. The plants are arranged according to the individual organs they are used to treat. How’s that for a landscape design.

For a truly magnificent view climb the High watch tower (which is older than the city walls), or if you’d prefer, there is also the 13th century Beinsteiner gate tower featuring graffito paintings.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite climbing all those stairs you’ll be ready for some delicious German food which you can accompany with some excellent local brew for a comforting and satisfying meal.

For a more modern experience, check out the glass-roofed passage in the Marktgasse where you can do some shopping in a leisurely pedestrian friendly environment. The milling works also provide an interesting little tour. Today the works are used to generate electricity with no impact on the environment. You can watch them in action from behind glass.