Hildesheim, in the Lower Saxony area of Germany, is a city that has risen from the ashes of World War II to become a beautiful and historic place once again. It was founded around a monastery in 815 and has had a stormy history.

It was passed from the Kingdom of Hanover to the Kingdom of Prussia before finally becoming part of present-day Germany. The town fathers prided themselves on preserving the exquisite medieval architecture in the center of town until March 22, 1945. The city was heavily bombed by an Allied air raid that night and most of the historic town square was demolished.

When the war ended, many people in Hildesheim thought that speed of reconstruction was more important than beauty, and the town was hastily rebuilt using mostly utilitarian concrete structures. Care was taken to restore the town’s many churches during the 1950’s, however.

By 1980 people began work to bring back some of the town square’s original charm. Many of the unattractive buildings were removed and several new shops and houses were built as replicas of the original architectural style found there in days gone by.

By 2007 the decision had been made to rebuild a famous half-timbered house called the Umgestülpter Zuckerhut (upended sugarloaf). This unique building with its unusual shape should be completed by the time you’re reading this.

Now there are several beautiful buildings in the center of the city that are worth seeing. After painstaking work during the last half of the 1980’s, the Hildesheim Markt (market place) that was once considered one of the most beautiful in the world, has been almost fully rebuilt.

The Knochenhaueramtshaus or Butchers’ Guild Hall was painstakingly recreated and now closely resembles its original glory. Its exterior surfaces are covered with bright murals and wise German proverbs. You can eat at a fine restaurant when visiting there, and see the city museum.

St Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church are two more structures that have been lovingly restored since the bombing raids more than 60 years ago. St Mary’s is known for its unique bronze doors and inspiring architecture. St. Michael’s claim to fame is a 1,000-years old rose bush, said to be the world’s oldest, which grows in its garden. Both houses of worship are listed as World Heritage Sites.

If you go to Hildesheim, be sure to spend some time walking down its narrow, twisting, residential streets. There are several hundred houses still in use that date back to the 1500’s or even further! So be prepared when you meet a knight in armor or a wizard performing spells just around the next corner. (Don’t say I haven’t warned you! ;-)

There is always something going on in the city of Siegen in the Siegerland region. Take in a show at the famous Apollo Theater, or get swept up in a drama or cabaret at the Lyz cultural house.

In the summer time you can enjoy an open air symphony in the inner courtyard of the Unteres Schloss (Lower Castle), or relax with a draught of your favorite local brew in a sunny beer garden.

Take advantage of the many fine restaurants serving up the region’s favorite culinary delights. Perhaps you’d like to enjoy Riewekooche (potato pancakes), or maybe some Kiernmelchsoabbe (buttermilk soup), with a succulent Grinnchesbroare (rabbit roast). You will have plenty of opportunities to include your taste buds in your Siegen adventure.

The Sieg Carré and the City-Galerie are two another excellent areas to explore. Whether you are just window shopping, or you want to pick up some new threads you’ll enjoy the local take on retail trends. If you like a more environmentally friendly sort of shopping experience check out the local Flea Market on the first Saturday of the month from March through November where there are only used and antique items allowed.

With all the annual events and festivals that the city hosts, it won’t be long before your dance card is full. Reserve your Wednesdays for live music at the Mittwochs in, at Siegen-Weidenau featuring a different band every week.

Throughout the summer there is open air cinema, and a festival practically every other week, including the Johannimarkt which the city has celebrated for 400 years, and the Siegener Sommerfestival, which has only been around since 1990 but celebrates the arts by staging productions of cabaret, theater, music and cinema.

You can also enjoy inanimate art at the Museum for Modern Art, or the Haus Seel City Gallery. For music lovers there is also the Beatles Museum which pays homage to the fab-four, and holds the unique honor of being the smallest public museum in the world.

Now if that isn’t worth seeing I’m not sure what is. ;-)

October is a great time to visit Moers, a city situated on the left side of the Rhine River. During this month, the Moerser Autumn Festival is held, which attracts thousands of visitors. There are many types of entertainment to enjoy as well as shopping and food to experience during this outdoor festival.

But there are special events held in this hospitable community at other times of the year, as well.

In the spring an International Jazz Festival attracts musicians and audiences from many countries. During the summer, you might want to see the Park Festival, Wine Festival or Balloon Fest. You can also attend the Advent Fair in December. So, every season holds its attractions for a visitor.

The Moerser Palace in the center of the city is one of the most beautiful and memorable landmarks of the area. Parts of it were built in the 15th century and it has been an established museum for nearly 100 years to date.

Its surrounding gardens make a beautiful place for a walk or picnic. You can see English-style flowerbeds, as well as more rustic plant life. There are many exotic trees that grow there. Make sure to visit the original moat and parts of the old castle wall as you enjoy nature.

You should not miss a self-guided tour called the Old Town Stroll. It begins at the Castle Square and proceeds along a Renaissance Avenue of well-preserved homes. You can stop in at the county museum and see displays of folklore and life in the area from the time of the Romans until the present day.

You will also pass the Schlosstheater Moers, an impressive theater where high-quality productions are presented to audiences from miles around. Be sure to notice the Neo Gothic-style Saint Joseph Catholic Church. It was finished in 1871. Your walking tour will also take you past several houses that were built in different styles throughout the city’s history.

Your stroll will end at the Old Market Square, in the center of the Old Town.

Located in South Germany, Reutlingen is sometimes called the Gate To The Swabian Jura because of its proximity to a low range of mountains. If you visit there, you will want to spend some time exploring the beautiful countryside around the city.

Many tourists enjoy hiking on the nearby Achalm (see Achalm webcam!), a distinctive lone peak near the city that provides breathtaking views of the town, and the surrounding Swabian Alb. There are also remnants of a medieval castle to be explored at the summit.

One important historic and beautiful sight in the city itself is the Gothic-style Church of the Virgin Mary. It was constructed between 1247 and 1343. It is said that the people of the area decided to build the church after withstanding a siege by enemy forces. Legend states that the battering ram left behind by the defeated army was used to determine the length of the main part of the church.

Even though parts of the interior were destroyed by a large fire that swept through the city in 1726, the church has been lovingly restored. It is beautifully lit at night which shows off a gilded angel from 1343 that is mounted at the top of the west tower.

You can still see remnants of life in the Middle Ages if you visit Reutlingen. One interesting spot is called Spreuerhofstraße. This has been certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the narrowest street in the world. It is only 31 centimeters wide at its narrowest point.

Walking in the area gives you the feeling of traveling back in time, especially when you seen the Tübingen Goal; a 13th century gate tower that stands at the western edge of the city. You can also see some interesting wall houses which were built into the original fortress walls and have been lovingly tended by their owners for centuries.

There are museums of all kinds in the city, including one which features natural history, several art galleries, and one which showcases life in the area during the 18th century and the effects of the Industrial Revolution.

All in all, Reutlingen is a friendly city that welcomes you with a wide variety of pubs, beer gardens, restaurants, and bistros. Be sure your trip to Germany includes time for a visit to this lovely area.

Bremerhaven, although a young city, has a rich history. It was founded in 1827 mainly as a seaport for Bremen (although the very first settlements are documented from the year 1139).

Today, Bremerhaven is recognized as having one of the largest European emigrant ports and therefore, has played a crucial part in Germany’s trade industry.

The first facility that you should visit is the German Emigration Center. The more than seven million people who emigrated overseas via the city between 1830 and 1974 left it with the largest museum dedicated to Emigration. The German Emigration Center provides history not just on Bremerhaven, but on Germany as a whole, and therefore, this facility is a must-see!

It’s a short walk to the German Maritime Museum. The same designer of the Berliner Philharmonie Philharmonia, Hans Schauron, designed this 7,000 square meter museum. The museum provides a wide array of maritime history and even provides an up-close view of some original German ships.

Situated on the bank of the Geeste River is the award-winning Historical Museum Bremerhaven (and a short walk from the German Maritime Museum). That museum provides a rich history of both the city and the region and is something you can’t afford to miss.

The City theater is located in downtown. It was built in 1911 and continues to host operas, plays, musicals, and ballets. If you’re an art-lover, you can’t afford to miss visiting the Art gallery and the Chamber of Current Art (next to the entrance to the Kunsthalle) which are both also located in the center. You’ll be able to view some impressive works of art at these galleries.

Another must-see is the Zoo at sea. What an experience! This is fun for both kids and adults. The zoo specializes in nordic animal species and hosts an array of nordic animals. When visiting the animal park you’ll also experience a breath-taking view of the Weser estuary.

If you’re an artist looking for a place to stay, the studio of Bremerhaven painter, Paul Ernst Wilke (1894–1971), is also a hostel for artists visiting Bremerhaven for a short period of time. The studio is a great outing whether you’re staying there or not.

If it starts to rain, as Bremerhaven is widely-known for its rainy weather, head indoors to enjoy a German beer and some tasty local Bremen food. Seafood is, of course, a must!

Enjoy this young German city on the North Sea for its rich history and the many activities it offers you today.

Lörrach is found in southwestern Germany near the borders with France and Switzerland. Ancient writings first mention the town as a settlement in 1102.

The Rötteln Castle stands guard on a hill overlooking the town and is at least as old as the town itself. The castle fort was one of the most powerfully built of its time and afforded the Lord of Rötteln good protection. Its strength was put to the test in 1332 when the people of the city of Basel besieged the walls.

It seems that the Margrave of Rötteln was accused of stabbing their mayor, and a riot resulted.

Today you can still find crossbow remnants, arrowheads, and other artifacts that give evidence of the siege. The Black Forest Society of Baden has spearheaded an effort to preserve the remains of the castle. If you visit today you will find that it has been restored to the condition it was in at about 1678 when it was attacked during the Franco-Dutch war.

The castle holds festival evenings several times during the summer when its courtyard is turned into a cultural center with artistic displays, music, and dancing.

The International Voice Festival is also held in Lörrach each year from late June through early August. This gathering attracts choirs and vocalists from a wide area and provides public concerts that are enjoyed by all.

Lörrach is known for its picturesque marketplaces and shopping in the Fußgängerzone (pedestrian zone). You can find many types of local products, and arts and crafts. Its main industry is a chocolate factory, Milka, so be sure that you sample some of its delectable pieces.

The town is conveniently located near the beautiful Black Forest, the Alsace region of France, the city of Basel, Switzerland, as well as in the mystic Margraves’ Land. Public transportation is easy to obtain and there are many museums and cultural attractions available for a reasonable price.

Located in the scenic Swabian Alb mountains, Albstadt is a nature-lover’s paradise. There are many hiking trails, which lead from the town into forests of beech and conifers. As you hike you will come upon numerous mountain meadows and open plateaus that provide breathtaking vistas.

If you have a special interest in the history of the area, flora and fauna that you may see, or geological and archeological features, you can hire expert guides that will turn your hike into a learning experience.

If you enjoy a physical challenge, you may want to try some Nordic walking or mountain biking, both of which are readily available in the area. Those who enjoy camping will find pleasant facilities near the town.

Albstadt is proud of its many museums and you will find them well worth seeing. The Municipal Gallery contains a large permanent collection of artwork as well as special displays, which change frequently.

Since the area is famous for its textile industry, you will want to visit an interesting museum centered on that topic. There you can see displays that illustrate the development of fabrics and sewing machines. There are also exhibition halls that chronicle the history of the town, the native plants of the area, and historic musical instruments.

An open-air jazz concert and festival occurs in September in Albstadt, which attracts several famous jazz musicians and audiences from all around the area.

The town is also the site of Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions. If you enjoy swimming, tennis, hot air balloons, or water parks, you will find a venue where you can partake of your favorite activity.

Outdoor markets are held every Saturday, which feature a large variety of local foods, crafts, and flowers and are popular with residents and tourists alike. Special fairs are held during each season of the year in order to showcase unique holiday products.

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—Marcus

This is the page where I listed all 442 German cities starting with the letter A.

And those with a link provide some information about that city; so make sure to click the mouse button! :-)