Writings about the town of Dülmen have been found dating as far back as 889, so it is an ancient spot indeed.

It is located in the southern part of Münsterland, a region known for containing more than 100 castles. Many of these are connected by beautiful and well-kept bicycle paths. If you love castle ruins, biking, or both, you will want to spend some time riding the mostly flat, rural terrain to see the unparalleled scenery.

There are many “bike and breakfast” inns that will enable you to ride for a day or two if you wish, but 1/2-day trips emanating from Dülmen can be equally enjoyable.

Castle Ahaus (in Ahaus) and Castle Nordkirchen (in Nordkirchen) are two of the most famous structures in the area, but lesser known sites can be just as breathtaking.

There are many attractions within the town itself. Lüdinghauser Tor is part of the original fortification built around the town in 1311 and is a popular local landmark. Unfortunately, about 90% of the town was destroyed by bombings during WWII.

But, the people rebuilt their hometown following a plan that enabled them to preserve the traditional charm of the town square and recreate much of the original architecture. The old city towers still stand as a testament to the rich history of the area.

The town offers cultural events to locals and visitors during every season of the year. Dülmener Sommer is the highlight for the townspeople, and brings theater groups to the market square throughout the summer. You can see comedy, drama, tragedy, and farces performed by talented actors from around the area. Summer music nights are also held which feature bands and musicians performing open-air concerts.

In the fall, the focus of the shows changes to puppet performances when Figurentheatertage is held. Cabarets and children’s shows are the main events during the winter, and spring affords a bounty of gorgeous scenery to be enjoyed.

Lüdenscheid is also called Stadt des Lichts, or the Town of Lights. Many homes and commercial properties in this industrial town are permanently bathed in light, which makes a welcoming sight, even after dark.

Every two years international light artists and designers converge on the town and create a variety of lovely light displays. Light tours are offered on the first Thursday of every month from October to March. They start in the town square at 7:30 pm (if that is still current at the time you read this).

Lüdenscheid is located in the Sauerland region of Germany in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The town was first settled during the 9th century, and therefore has great historical significance.

The old part of town has been carefully restored and now welcomes you to many cozy taverns and restaurants.

A former public swimming pool has been taken over by the Schillerbad Brewery and turned into a beer garden and pub. It is a gathering place for people from near and far.

There is a large pedestrian shopping area, which features major department stores, small boutiques and every kind of shop in between. There are products for sale from all around the world, and if you are a shop-a-holic, you will be thrilled with the opportunities.

If you like to be active while on vacation, you will find plenty of recreational possibilities in the area. For example, enjoy a top-notch golf course, a large swimming area with sauna, tennis courts, and an indoor riding arena.

Or what about the Versetalsperre reservoir, located just south of the town, which has beautiful walking paths through the wooded areas along its shore.

Not to forget the Schloss Neuenhof, a Water Castle that is considered a significant monument of this town.

If you are in search of some cultural experiences, there are professional symphony concerts and dramatic performances held regularly in the Culture House (Kulturhaus).

The town also has several well-stocked museums. You can see unusual collections of things like buttons, coins, medals, and maps, or view some impressive modern art. The Phänomenta is a science and technology museum that is filled with educational exhibits, many of which allow hands-on experimentation.

It is a great place to take children as youngsters will also enjoy the Bremecker Hammer Smithy Museum that chronicles the history of iron works and has some live demonstrations.

By the way, if that is still current at the time you read this, during the last weekend of June and the last weekend of August, Lüdenscheid hosts the so-called “Smithy Days,” a festival to honor blacksmiths.

Originally a coal mining town, Recklinghausen has reinvented itself. It has shaken off its identity as a place of industry and now attracts the fun loving crowd with its reputation as a place of leisure; offering everything from year round symphonies to hikes or horseback rides in the region’s lush countryside.

You can spend all day shopping and dining in the wide range of stores, cafes, and restaurants, spend your evening stargazing at the planetarium and observatory, then cap it all off with one of the regions fine brews in one of the many local friendly pubs.

In May and June, you can enjoy performances at the Ruhrfestspiele, Recklinghausen’s widely celebrated European theater festival.

During the rest of the summer season take in some music at one of the many festivals offered in the park as part of the lively and growing artistic scene whose organizers call themselves “the young forum.”

With something for all ages and interests in this pleasantly green city, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air. There are golf courses, skate parks, trotting courses, and over 596km or 370mi of bicycle paths, not to mention a nearby hot air balloon launch point, and a nature park.

If you want a day indoors spend a few hours strolling through a museum. You can check out post-war art at the Kunsthalle, or learn the shocking history of electricity at the quirky Umspannwerk electricity museum, or you can have a wholly unique experience at the icon museum where you can view the museum’s collection of 600 religious icons.

For those interested in the local history there is also the Vestich museum.

The plethora of remarkable architecture which lends itself so well to the city’s ambiance will also certainly catch your eye. Explore Recklinghausen’s old town square, and the town’s oldest building, St. Peter’s Church dating back to 1166. Also make sure you check out the renowned theater in the park which was awarded Germany’s top honor for architecture.

Maybe you’re looking for a slice of history or fine art to pique your interest. Maybe you crave fine dining and live music. Perhaps all you want is a relaxing getaway. Whatever you seek, no doubt you’ll find it here in Recklinghausen.

Regally overlooking the Tauber River, Rothenburg ob der Tauber boasts glorious views, and carefully preserved old world charm. If you go, bring your camera! There will be ample photo-ops in this splendid medieval town.

Stroll the sentry walk along the town ramparts and enjoy the sunny vistas of the Tauber river valley. As you make your way through the picturesque cobble stone streets make sure to snap some photos of the high gabled and half timbered houses and some of the most photogenic side streets you’ll ever find. Around every corner you will discover a new surprise.

Immerse yourself in the alluring simplicity of this place that time seems to have forgotten. The beauty of this Bavarian gem is so celebrated that 2.5 million tourists visit it each year; and rightfully so.

There are plenty of dreamy places to share a kiss or a quiet moment. There is a wide variety of atmospheric restaurants serving up some of the region’s finest fare.

This stop on Germany’s Romantic Road is steeped in history. The town itself is a story rich museum. Enrich your experience of the place with an enjoyable guided walking tour which you can arrange for at the tourism office in the Marktplatz.

While you are there make sure you stop in at the Ratsherrntrinkstube (City Councilors’ Tavern) where every hour (on the hour) the doors of the clock open up and celebrate the Meistertrunk or Master Draught that saved Rothenburg from destruction in the Thirty Years’ War. When the attacking general (General Tilly) offered to spare it if anyone could down three liters of Franconian wine in one steady chug, the mayor accepted the challenge and was victorious.

The story is also celebrated in an annual play that is staged every June.

The magic of the place is so captivating that it has been the inspiration or served as a backdrop for the Belgian comic book La Frontiere de la Vie, the Japanese anime. A Little Snow Fairy Sugar, and Disney’s fantastical tales, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Pinocchio.

That being said, be sure not to miss the whimsical Doll and Toy museum!

R is a nice letter, isn’t it?

Yes, as well for Germany. That’s why I chose to list all 607 cities starting with that front letter R right here on this very page.

The Margrave of Baden had the town of Rastatt re-built beginning in 1689 (after French soldiers completely destroyed it) to serve as his headquarters.

Known as Türkenlouis because of his success in leading armies against the Turks, the Margrave envisioned his town as a replica of the elegant city of Versailles.

If you visit there today, you will be enchanted with its well-preserved architecture and many historic sights. The town has a Marktplatz (Market Square) with an elliptical shape that is dotted with fountains.

Be sure to plan a tour of the Rastatt Castle. It was erected between 1700 and 1707 according to a design drawn by the famous Italian master architect Domenico Egidio Rossi and served as the Margrave’s residence.

Guided tours of the red sandstone building are offered every day but Monday and you can purchase a ticket that includes a visit to the famous Favorite Castle as well.

The grounds contain two museums. One has displays of weapons, which date from medieval times through the present. The other chronicles the history of Liberalism in Germany.

In one corner of the garden you can see the Einsiedelner Kapelle, which is a chapel built as a replica of the Swiss church with the same name. It is said that the Margrave’s wife, Augusta Sibylla, went there often to pray for healing for her son who could not speak by the age of six.

Schloss Favorite was the summer residence of Augusta Sibylla. It can be found about 5 km from the center of Rastatt. Many of the rooms are extremely ornate, including one that contains 330 mirrors and another that was built with rare woods, colored marble, and gemstones!

You will also want to see several more examples of Baroque architecture in Rastatt such as the Pagodenburg (a playhouse built for the princes of the court) and the Town Hall.

The Heimatmuseum is located in one of many nicely restored courtiers’ houses in the town. It contains artifacts dating back to the glory days of Türkenlouis and traces the long history of the town with items from the Middle Ages.

The Mettmann District became somewhat popular when they found Neanderthal 1, an initial specimen found during an archaeology dig in the year 1856. It lies in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), and the states capital Düsseldorf is to its left hand side.

Mettmann District Map

Due to the found of Neanderthal 1, the Mettmann district is also called the Neanderland. That means you’ll find lots of museums covering almost forgotten cultural gems and great human history, and simple crafts of impressive industrial history.

Historic walls invite not only for viewing, but also for exhibitions, concerts, or simply into astonishing beautiful beer gardens.

Besides Neanderthal, you’ll come across gentle hills, pastures and forests inviting you to cycling and walking. Thereby you may discover some other cultural gems… For example, the nature reserve Wildgehege Neandertal with countless animals and green areas is just one tiny step away. :-)

Located in the northern German province of Schleswig-Holstein, Elmshorn is a picturesque town that teems with history. It is 32km (20mi) north of Hamburg close to the spot where the Krückau River meets the Elbe.

Throughout its colorful past, the town was the center of food processing for the northern regions of Germany. It produced products such as meat, sausage, margarine and cereal.

If you visit there today, you will enjoy shopping on the Buttermarkt, a beautiful town square and commercial center.

The Kölln Corporation, which was established in 1795, still has production facilities in Elmshorn and manufactures some of Germany’s most popular cereal products. The company originally established itself as a supplier of ship’s biscuits to whalers that were embarking from ports on the North Sea.

Descendants of the original Kölln founder have restored some of the original buildings to their historical glory. One of the most appealing is a restaurant called Mercator, which is listed as a historic monument by the government — a charming and interesting place to dine if you are in the area.

Cyclists will find many scenic routes to ride near Elmshorn. Because it is located between the North Sea and Baltic Sea, much of the land is low-lying and flat. Bicycle routes therefore provide a pleasant ride through lovely seaside areas and river bottoms.

There are many places you can rent a bike and arrange for a guided cycling tour, or strike out on your own to explore the countryside.

Fans of classical music will want to attend the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival. There are concerts held from the middle of July through the beginning of September at sites all around the area. Many musical events are performed in the countryside at castles, gardens, barns, churches, and other fascinating locations.

Or in other words, accomplished musicians from all over the world participate every year in more than 150 concerts held at 70 venues. ;-)

Erkrath is one of two cities in North Rhine-Westphalia that are closest to the place where a famous discovery in the field of paleontology was made.

Remains of what became known as Neanderthal man were uncovered there in 1856. Workers in a limestone quarry found “Homo Neanderthalensis” that year.

They originally thought the bones and skull they found belonged to a bear, but when they turned them over to an amateur naturalist in the area, he soon learned the true significance of the find.

If you visit the region today, be sure to include a stop at the Neanderthal Museum. It won an award for the best European museum and features displays, interactive multimedia shows, and guided tours that will inform and impress adults and children, alike. You can learn about the history, culture, diet, habits, and lifestyle of these fascinating Neanderthal specimens.

Erkrath itself offers many cultural attractions. You can enjoy cabaret shows, children’s programs, high drama, jazz concerts, and more at several different venues within the town. There are also organized markets held weekly in the town square.

Nearby areas offer more than twenty museums that focus on a wide variety of subjects, and your visit is sure to be educational as well as enjoyable.

Erkrath also is near Benrath Palace and Park. This is a lovely 18th century structure that now contains three museums and a beautiful garden.

There is a natural history museum, one that features information about the creation of European gardens, and a third that examines life in a palace during the 1700’s.

The grounds are well kept, and invite you to stroll through quiet surroundings while enjoying nature. You can see a kitchen garden, which would have provided the large population of the castle with fresh produce in years gone by.

You’re looking for German cities starting with the letter E? Exactly. That’s the right page to find all 471 of them. :-)