Until the beginning of the 20th Century, Ottobrunn was just a few houses and a couple of restaurants along the main road on the southern outskirts from Munich towards Innsbruck. Indeed, at that time it didn’t even have a name, let alone anything for you to see.

Its principal claim to fame was that this was the point to which Otto of Greece was accompanied by his father, before he set off to become King of Greece. You can see the commemorative Doric Order Column, sculpted by Anton Ripfel, still standing in the town to mark this point.

As Munich grew, and the railways arrived, so the settlement slowly increased. The first church was built in 1915 as a small wooden structure. It wasn’t until the Second World War, and the mass influx of refugees from the city, that it really came into being as a town in its own right.

If you’re visiting Ottobrunn today, you’ll find a neat, modern, if somewhat bland, place. The town center was purpose built in the 1980’s, including the town hall, a pedestrianized shopping area, and the Wolf-Ferrari-Haus cultural and event center. The latter was named after the German-Italian composer Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, who lived here whilst he studied music in Munich.

Music still plays a big part in this community, with a music school, ballet, and regular concerts in the ballroom. If you just fancy a night out, try the Canterville Restaurant on Hubertstraße. They have musical evenings, and even free dance lessons every Thursday.

If sport is your thing, then you’ll enjoy the bright and spacious Phoenix-Bad. You can swim in a two indoor pools, or in the outdoor pool set in lush green gardens. The backdrop of the Bavarian Alps makes it a most pleasant place to relax. A sauna, massage, and well-being center, are also available, and you can dine in the top class restaurant.

Despite the lack of historical buildings, there is still an interesting museum to entice you. Focusing mostly on King Otto of Greece, it does also cover the more contemporary past of this district.

Ottobrunn may not be the most scenically attractive town, and the large high-tech industry that surrounds it limits the scope for natural countryside, but you’ll still find a warm and friendly welcome.

Of course, it also makes a good base from which to explore Munich itself. The famous Marienplatz, and St Peters Church, are just a short train ride away.

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The picturesque town of Bad Waldsee lies some 40 km (25 miles) north of Lake Constance. Nestled perfectly between two lakes, the medieval heart of the town dates back around 1100 years!

But if you’re expecting some sleepy provincial settlement, think again. For all its historic charm, you’ll discover a vibrant, youthful atmosphere — even amongst the mainly older generation who visit.

Those visitors come for three main reasons. The thermal baths, the excellent walking in the surrounding countryside, and the top rated golf courses.

No matter what brings you here though, you’ll be delighted by this charming place. The relaxing waterfront cafe’s and restaurants beside the Stadtsee give you some magnificent views, especially if you are there around sunset.

A walk around the shore will also have you reaching for your camera to capture the backdrop of the town reflecting in the water, and the skyline dominated by the dual spires of the Stiftkirche St Peter.

When you wander back into the old town center, you’ll realize that these square towers are strangely placed at 45 degrees to the main building. Linked by a curved wall, they also bizarrely have matching clocks at the top.

You’ll also want to see the huge 15th century Rathaus — not that you’ll miss it as its still one of the tallest buildings around.

Bad Waldsee’s Thermal Baths, Upper Swabia’s hottest springs, are a magnificent modern construction of glass and light. Not at all what you would expect of such a place, but I recommend you take your time to avail yourself of all they have to offer. A choice of styled spacious pools, both inside and out, are complimented by a full range of treatment options.

If golf is your passion then you’ll maybe already know of the superb reputation the Royal Golf Course enjoys. With both a 9-hole course, and an 18-hole championship round, it appeals to all ages and abilities.

If your sporting interests are more energetic, then try boating on the lakes… or ice skating in the winter!

Surrounding Bad Waldsee, amid the majestic countryside of Baden Württemberg, are a wonderful choice of marked walking trails and nature parks. The birch forests and peat lakes of the Steinach Marshes will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated, and the Tannenbühl recreation area even boasts a game enclosure with ibex, red deer, and wild boar.

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As convenient as it can be to stay in the heart of a big city, it’s not always the best choice.

If you’re planning to see more of the surrounding area, then getting in and out of a large urban sprawl can be a bit of a drawback. Find yourself a smaller, more relaxing place to be based, such as Bad Schwartau, just outside Lübeck.

The choice of hotels may be limited, but those there are offer a good standard of accommodation. If you prefer to go it alone then there are self-catering apartments too. All, like the town itself, are pleasant, peaceful, and easily accessible.

Bad Schwartau is best known as a Spa town, and people have traveled to feel the benefit from the jodide saline waters for many years.

The Holstein Therme is the main place to visit, where you can bask in the waters at a constant 28 degrees. If you’re into the various associated treatments, there are plenty on offer, but make sure you leave time to relax in the pool and enjoy the sauna too.

You’ll be impressed how much this town has to offer, with a bustling local swimming pool, and pay-and-play tennis courts. Golf, horse-riding, and cycle hire are also within easy reach.

If history and culture are more your thing, I’d recommend the local town museum. It has an interesting and varied collection of artifacts, portraying an intriguing past.

The town center is fairly typical of the Ostholstein district. You’ll feel instantly comfortable with the neat, clean appearance, and the enticing array of shops. But it’s an attractive place to just amble around, and there’s an air or warmth from the local population.

The landscape in this part of Germany is predominantly flat and fertile, but there are plenty of appealing places for you to enjoy without traveling too far.

The museums, churches, and historical buildings of Lübeck are close by, and a trip to Travemünde or the Baltic Sea makes a worthwhile diversion.

Don’t ignore the countryside around the town, though. There are a number of well maintained nature reserves with marked walks and a diverse flora and fauna. The Trave River also gives you ample opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk whilst sampling the wonderfully diverse wildlife.

Indeed Bad Schwartau exudes an air of tranquility, which combined with the warm and friendly welcome makes it a perfect base to explore the region.

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