Schönebeck (Elbe) is one of those places that may not be first on your list of places to see, but which offers a taste of old Germany in the midst of modern commerce.

A hint of this can be seen on the banks of the Elbe where stands a modern statue crafted by Danish artist Anders Nyborg and called “Flower of Salt.” The salt refers to the old salt mines that built the town, a history of which you can see in the local museum.

If you are a student of architectural styles there is plenty to see in Schönebeck. There is an early Gothic church with two Baroque towers, and numerous Baroque houses.

In the Bad Salzelmen district is a late Gothic hall/church which is open to the public and quite a few half-timbered homes that were built for Schönebeck burghers.

The Bad Salzelmen district is also well-known for its gardens and spas. The very first brine spa in Germany was opened here in 1802 as a result of an edict issued on behalf of King Friedrich Wilhelm.

The salt springs in the area, however, have been used for therapeutic treatments since at least the early Middle Ages. The 200 year old spa building is 300 meters long, and still in operation today (fortunately!).

Cycling enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the Schönebeck area, thanks to the Elberadweg cycling tour which has been in operation for many years. The tour is more than 500 miles long, and winds its way along the Elbe. Along the way you will go through Schönebeck and Magdeburg.

You even take in the Flusslandschaft Elbe nature reserve, where you can see the unique wetland flora and fauna. The reserve is particularly well known for its beavers and cranes, but you will see much more if you have the patience to sit and wait for the wildlife to be comfortable with your presence.

Schönebeck may not be as well known as Magdeburg, for example, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth seeing, does it? :-)

The beautiful natural setting of Haltern am See, with both forestland and a lake, inspires an intense energy to get out and do something.

Luckily, the immense range of activities available to you will appease nearly any outdoor desire you have. You can indulge in fishing, paddle as well as sail boats, mountain biking, hiking, swimming, tennis, bowling, and mini-golf.

If you’re magically able to resist the tempting outdoor activities or you somehow manage to have some extra time on your hands, be sure to check out the LWL Römermuseum. This museum showcases 100 years of archaeological work exploring the Roman empire and displays the findings beautifully. The museum takes you through the progression of the Roman empire with large exhibitions and with recreations of important artifacts such as the Roman baths.

The town’s roots lie in the Roman empire and the museum does a wonderful job of making history interesting and interactive. You feel as if you are partaking in historically significant moments with the help of video programs and intricate exhibits.

Getting a hearty amount of time in with nature is made even easier in Haltern with the Naturwildpark. You can walk through the charming forest where nearly all of the animals within the park run free. The 600,000 sqm property offers a huge area for the animals, and visitors, to roam and people to get a little bit closer to nature.

Once you have worked up a healthy appetite from all of the outdoor adventures and natural exploring be sure to dine in one of the any wonderful restaurants found here. If you’re culturally curious the city center possesses cafes, theaters, and municipal museums to tickle, provoke, and satisfy your mind.

All in all, Haltern am See holds the power to challenge both your body and your mind while simultaneously enriching both.

Würselen’s history in the North Rhine-Westphalia region is tied into the Roman empire. The deep sense of history adds to the romance of the small town.

The old architecture of some of its buildings also add to its allure so be sure to at least take a peak at gems like the San Sebastian Church.

If you are theatrically or historically inclined, be sure to find your way to Burg Wilhelmstein. It’s a castle that dates from the 13th century providing a wonderful setting for the town’s dramatic performances.

The cultural enrichment of the town is priority amongst its members so be sure to check out the collection of books available at the numerous public libraries. Würselen established a cultural foundation in 1994. From this dedication of funds and attention has sprung an impressive growth in theater, literature, and art.

If you are looking for some serious relaxation time then be sure to take advantage of Aquana. Aquana is the town’s sauna and swimming pool center which offers anything your aching little body could want.

Since 1998 this spa has been alleviating stress from the people of Würselen as well as those from the surrounding regions of the Netherlands and Belgium. The swimming pool offers fun for folks of all ages and makes Aquana a very family friendly stop on the vacation or business itinerary.

Würselen also contains a high level of natural beauty to soothe your nerves. The River Wurm snakes its way right through the town, providing wonderful opportunities for you to walk along the riverbank and absorb the surrounding tranquility. Its unassuming attitude and all of its qualities make it a nice place for rest and relaxation.

You do not need to be a historian or naturalist to find the caves of Hemer fascinating.

Be sure to take a walk through the Heinrichshöhle, an easily accessible 300 m cave that is well lit in order for you to admire the 20 m high columns that grace the cave. The lighting also illuminates the 2.35 m tall cave bear skeleton that has been reconstructed as being just one set of the numerous bones collected found in the cave dating from the Ice Age.

To continue your cave exploration, check out the Felsenmeer. This giant formation is 700 meters long and 200 meters wide, requiring equipment to enter the cave. The Felsenmeer has resulted from natural elements combined with the efforts of 100 years of mining for iron.

There are groups and guides that can take you through the cave and the tour lasts about an hour and a half.

If you are looking to stay above the earth’s crust then you can explore the natural beauty of Hemer. The forests provide a whole range of trails that you can walk, jog, or ride a bike along and absorb your surroundings.

The eastern part of Hemer, known as Hönnetal, boasts breath taking valleys that feature sharp rock cliffs that measure in at up to 60 meters. This severe natural beauty is something you must witness first hand.

If your interest in the outdoors extend to its maintenance through the art of gardening than be sure to plan your trip to coincide with the national horticulture show. The show turns the military barracks from harsh, bland buildings into areas of plants, knowledge, and trade.

All in all, Hemer offers you a whole host of natural activities and areas to choose from, whether it is cave exploring or learning about the best forms of fertilization.

Take the S-Bahn from Frankfurt to this bustling town of Dietzenbach that has grown in less than 50 years from a sleepy farming community to a town of 33,000 people.

The wonderful thing is that there is still some of that small town atmosphere present, so you can enjoy all the attractions of the busy city while staying in a family-run hotel or eating at a family restaurant.

In Dietzenbach’s old town area you will still see many timber-framed houses that have been preserved. You will further find the local history museum in the same area.

The museum has over 800 square meters of exhibit space. It contains fascinating exhibits covering the 800 year history of the area, and includes the medieval “Dietzenbach Silver Treasure.” Topics covered in the exhibits also include the conflict over who should rule the area, the introduction of Protestantism and the expansion of district boundaries by the inclusion of forests in 1818.

When you visit the railroad station in town you will learn that it was the first station built in the area. It was opened in 1898.

Take the opportunity of visiting Heusenstamm while you stay in Dietzenbach. It borders that town to the north, and is also on the Bieber River. Like its neighbor to the south, Heusenstamm has preserved many of its timbered houses. Its beautifully restored Schloss Schönborn sits in parkland and even has a restaurant where you can sit and enjoy a stunning view while dining.

While you are in the area you may want to take a ride up to the top of the Hexenburg (Witches’ Mountain), which is the highest point in the district. From here you get a birds-eye view of the entire area, with its modern buildings and older red roofs.

Bottom line, if you are tired of the big city atmosphere of Frankfurt, Dietzenbach is a destination worth considering. :-)

Although many consider Radebeul to be a suburb of Dresden, it is actually outside the city limits. The easiest way to get there is probably to take the train from Dresden, but you can also take a tram. If you like to get the feel of places you visit the latter may be the best way for you to go.

In 1999 Radebeul celebrated its 650th birthday (although one district of the town was first mentioned in 1144 already). As you can imagine, the wine-making history of the area was an integral part of the celebrations. But the townspeople of Radebeul have wide-ranging interests, as can be seen from one of their most popular museums.

The Karl May Museum is dedicated to the memory of possibly the most famous writer to come from the area. Karl May’s books were set in the American West and the Orient, and the museum bearing his name commemorates the culture of the North American Indians. Its exhibits rival anything you will find in America.

The district museum in Radebeul is the place to go if you are curious about life in the former East Germany. For knowledge of the history of this town you can do no better than take a stroll through the historic district of Altkötzschenbroda. Seasonal events can be enjoyed at any time of the year, all of which will give you an idea of life in the wine country of Germany.

Small wineries may be found on any stroll around here and, if you want to find a good place to eat and sample the local wines, there are some really good restaurants, including one at the top of the hill which will give you the chance to enjoy good food and wine while overlooking the town and the surrounding countryside.

Oh, and if you want to take with you a souvenir that truly represents Radebeul, buy some Nudossi. This nut spread is justly famous for its high hazelnut content and goes perfectly with fresh-baked bread. :-)

Korschenbroich lies in proximity to the urban district Mönchengladbach and the high society spot Düsseldorf and thus is quickly reached by train or road.

One of the places you must see when you visit Korschenbroich is the historic village of Liedberg. The Rhenish framework houses are a picture perfect example of what you imagine historic homes in Germany to be. This is no accident, though.

In 1985 Liedberg won a beautiful village competition, and the townspeople intend to hold on to their traditions. The 300-year old castle in Liedberg is one of the very few hilltop castles on the Lower Rhine. There are also nearby caverns that point to Liedberg’s past as a mining center.

Another “must see” in Korschenbroich is the island museum of Hombroich. This is more than a visit, it’s an experience! Museum buildings and art studios are dotted around parkland studded with sculptures. Artists, poets, and musicians gather here regularly. But just in case you think that this 20-year old exhibit looks only to the past, a former NATO missile station has been converted to a kind of laboratory exploring the future of culture.

Schloss Dyck is a stunning baroque castle just outside Korschenbroich. Almost unchanged since the mid-17th century this moated castle is surrounded by a sweeping park and garden designed by Thomas Blake, the Scottish garden architect, in 1819.

For those of us who love gardens, there’s a special treat in the castle park. In 1999 a non-profit foundation was set up to develop exhibitions on the art of gardening, both past, present and future. Some of the exhibitions focus on the 18th and 19th centuries, while experimental gardens among a sea of Chinese silver grass testify to the positive attitude of the townspeople of Korschenbroich.

When you need to take a breather from sightseeing, go to one of the beer gardens in town and enjoy some good German beer while you plan your next tour.

All in all, Korschenbroich has something for everyone.

Jülich is known today for its research center, but you can still find examples of Roman road-making, medieval fortifications, Renaissance town planning and Napoleonic stonework here. The town has been ruled by Romans, Franks and Prussians, and in that time has been destroyed and rebuilt three times.

You can see a cross section of the original Roman road through Jülich in the local history museum. That museum is next to one of the most famous of the town’s sights, the solid medieval town gate known as the Hexenturm or Witches Tower. This gate was the main point of entry to the town until 1547.

Another medieval gate, the Aachen Gate retains only its outer gateway arch, but you can get a good idea of the strength of the fortifications through the town’s history by visiting this site since it is close by the St. Jacobus Bastion. This is the only remaining bastion from the complete rebuilding carried out in the 16th century when the Italian master builder, Alessandro Pasqualini, designed the “ideal” Renaissance town in Jülich. The Citadel, central point of Pasqualini’s design, still remains.

The Propsteikirche (Provost’s Church) was built on the remains of Roman walls. The Romanesque entrance and some of the 12th century tower walls can still be seen, although much of the church was rebuilt in the 1950’s. From the steps of this church Bernhard of Claivaux called for the Second Crusade in 1147.

At the beginning of the 19th century Napoleon’s builders erected a bridgehead to reinforce France’s eastern border. Although the original bridgehead was severely damaged in the Second World War, it has been reconstructed since then and has been incorporated into the town’s zoo and park. It’s a great place to view Jülich’s history and relax with a cup of coffee or a German beer. :-)

Maintal’s name translates to “main valley”, already describing the desirable setting of the town with its multiple districts or villages stacked together (one of which bears my last name as its name!).

The river Main runs along the town and provides a wonderful place to enjoy a scenic stroll.

The array of mountains that frame Maintal add to the enchanting character of the little spot. The combination of a river and valley make it a charming town for you to relax and recuperate from the stress of normal daily life.

When you are in downtown be sure to stop in to some of the numerous little shops that decorate the prosperous little town. After a little retail therapy be sure to sample a delicious meal at the restaurant Al Boschetto. If you are a fan of wine, grab a glass of Maintal’s infamous apple wine at a cafe or restaurant and enjoy the new and unique flavors it offers.

The little parks that occupy parts of the town are the perfect place for a nice afternoon rest, weather permitting, as you get lost in the peacefulness of little city life.

To add a bit of speed and adventure into your vacation head to the Indoor-Kart 2000. About 5 miles out of town this indoor go-cart racing rink has about 500 meters of track for you to race around. Though a little more on the expensive side with the going rate at about 18 euros for 10 minutes, the rush of the racing cars is well worth it.

Meadows of fruit are another element that add to the picturesque landscape created by the valley, river, and surrounding mountains. The relaxed atmosphere lures you into the proper state of ease when on vacation. The unique cultural points and nearby options for fun and excitement make the town a delightful stop while making your way through Germany.

All in all, Maintal is a charming little town in a beautiful natural setting. I enjoyed my time there a lot (I lived there for a while.)

Saarlouis, in the German state of Saarland, was constructed as a fortress and retains this appearance to this day. The historical buildings and structures within the fortress have been well preserved.

You should dedicate some serious attention as you tour this fortified town. You can learn about its tumultuous history as it bounced back and forth between being considered a part of France and being a part of Germany.

Take a leisurely stroll through the Großer Marktplatz, the huge marketplace that marks the center of the fortress and has done so since its inception. It is still a functioning area of commerce. Four wells mark the corners of the square market and you can take a nice sip of water if you’re parched since the wells continue to provide such refreshment as well as mark the four points of the compass.

If shopping is an implicit part of your traveling needs then you can rejoice in Saarlouis’ reputation as the Secret Capital of Saarland due to its abundance of shops, ranging from boutiques to department stores.

The 300 or so restaurants that inhabit the town will please your culinary cravings. When making the rounds through the restaurants be sure to stop by the Old Town and the “longest bar in Saarland” which can be found in the historic armored structures, casemates, where the guns of the fortress guns were fired. :-)

A great time to head to the town is at the very end of May in order to take part in the Saarlouiser Emmes. This festival converts the town into a giant rowdy restaurant as seven stages host music, food, and fireworks for three whole days. The celebration is one of the largest folk festivals in south-west Germany as it’s a great way to get lost in haze of sensory experiences.