Within the western Harz (in the Naturpark Harz to be more precise) is the quite charming town of six districts known as Bad Grund. This spa town is a delight for just about everyone — offering up old castles, museums, half-timbered architecture, and (of course) a spa, in addition to a number of cultural events held throughout the year.

The hardest thing about Bad Grund would be where to start your journey. Well, if you’re lucky enough to be here for events like the torchlight procession on Walpurgis Night (April 30th) — that’s a great place to start. It’ll take you to the Hübichenstein, a natural rock formation standing some 50-meters skyward. The eagle at the top is a much later addition, created as a monument to German Emperor Wilhelm I.

And I wouldn’t miss a visit to the Burgruine Stauffenburg, an 11th century castle ruin whose crumbly gray walls once housed a prison and hospital before falling into its eventual decay in the 18th century. Another old castle would be the Burgruine Windhausen, a 12th century castle that survived up to the 19th century.

For buildings a bit more intact, visit places like the half-timbered Church of St. Johannis (called a Fachwerkkirche) in Windhausen, or the wide-towered Church of St. John in the village of Gittelde, although there’s something quite special about the 16th century St.-Antonius-Kirche (Church of St. Anthony).

There’s also something remarkable about Bad Grund’s Arboretum (a.k.a. WeltWald), filled with hundreds of species of plant life. But, if you meander around the town’s Nordic trails you’ll see plenty more flora and fauna. Although the König-Hübich-Route, an 11.6km scenic route of sorts, is something to explore, too. Don’t miss out on the Iberg Dripstone Cave while you’re here, OK?

Want to expand your mind as well? Visit the Bergbaum Museum, the Museum of Industrial Mining, or the Uhr Museum (Clock Museum).

Once you’ve managed to do all this, then it’s off to soak at the local spa with its 32-degree Celsius (89.6°F) 2-percent brine waters — and maybe a massage or two. ;-)

I might be a sucker for a relaxing massage, but I’d gladly give one up to party at Bad Grund’s Oktoberfest, or join in the community horse riding events, that’s for sure. And after you’ve managed to buy something for all your loved ones at the Christmas Market, why not treat yourself to a spa day?

So if you find yourself in the area of the western Harz, you’ll for sure want to visit Bad Grund — you’ll truly be glad you did.

Just when I think there’s no possible way to find a more perfectly wonderful German town, into Bad Karlshafen I went.

Oh, you know that feeling, right? The sigh of total contentment? The sense of calm that makes you feel like you’re home? How was I to know this medieval/Baroque blended town would have this effect?

Maybe it shouldn’t have come as a shock, but it’s a welcome one at that.

History lovers, like me, will definitely fall in love with the medieval Kloster Helmarshausen. This 10th century (former Benedictine) monastery was famous for its books (like the Gospel of Henry the Lion in 1173), and also became a healing pilgrimage site.

Another medieval marvel found in Bad Karlshafen is the Krukenburg, a castle ruin of gray stone from the early 13th century. While technically centuries younger than Kloster Helmarshausen, its church is roughly the same age — although the area around the Krukenburg is believed to have been used for Pagan worship.

By the way, it’s here in Helmarshausen that you’ll find a good number of half-timbered houses — so keep your camera handy.

If you don’t mind jumping a few centuries, the Baroque part of this Hessian town is equally beautiful. The Rathaus (Town Hall) is a fine example of this ornate architecture. And I wouldn’t miss a visit to the old cigar factory, which does double-duty as a museum detailing the town’s “founding” by the Huguenots. Guided tours are available in German, French, and English.

As much as Bad Karlshafen’s architecture and history have me (almost) speechless, it’s the enchanting countryside that’s also won me over (as it will you). Found where the Diemel River meets the Weser River, Bad Karlshafen also connects with both the Hessian Radfernweg R1 and R4.

Cycling routes aren’t the only outdoor recreational enticement — add to your bucket list plenty of hiking and Nordic Walking trails, even miniature golfing. Another excellent way of taking in the Rheinharswald countryside is the Weser Skywalk, offering up views of the valley.

At this point it’s fair to say it’s time for a spa treatment. Places like the Weser-Therme will have you rejuvenated with its moonlight swims, black mud, massages, salt scrubs, and even wine-tastings.

Events like wine tastings aren’t the only ones found here in Bad Karlshafen. You’re in for treats like Poetry Nights, its City Culture Festival (August), and Salt Festival (September). The helpful people at the Tourist Office (Hafenplatz 8) are best able to keep you updated on other events taking place in and around town.

If I stick around long enough, do you think they’d hire me? Why not, I already feel like I’m home. ;-)

According to the Bad Kleinen Administration, fresh air is known to make you hungry. Joke was on me, they’re right. Because as the refreshingly cool summer morning crept up on me, every minute outside just got me even more famished than I already was.

Turns out I was hungry for something more than just food — it was a hunger for exploration as well. So off upon kilometer after kilometer of cycling trails I went. Numbered routes make it easier to guide your way, like the 35km Radtour #1 (kinda runs like a crooked figure-8) that’ll run you though four villages to see old churches, a charming windmill, and farms.

One of the prettiest sites (in my not-so-humble opinion) to enjoy is Lake Schwerin. Hiking is a great activity along this picturesque lake, but it’s just one of a number of hiking spots found around its eight districts.

Do yourself a favor, head to the Tourist Office (Hauptstraße 20) for a hiking map. You’ll be glad you did. Besides, we should all know at this point the folks at the tourist offices are a valuable asset to finding out what’s to do.

A few of Bad Kleinen’s “walking tours” aren’t all that arduous, one is merely four kilometers starting/ending at the train station. By the way, the old train station is a charming building — and well worth a look.

Hold on for a few minutes… time to eat (again). Good thing there’re a number of local eateries to keep you fueled. If you’re lucky enough to be here for a festival (like the Strandfest (Beach Festival), Easter Bonfire, Medieval Festival, or Advent Market), there are plenty of culinary options to choose from — in addition to all the party stuff.

What else that’s great about the outdoors in (and around) Bad Kleinen is that you’re perfectly located to visit a few castles. And what keeps calling to me the most is the unique design of Schloss Wiligrad (just south of town).

The castle’s construction in the late 19th century was around the same time as Bad Kleinen’s Eiertunnel, a pedestrian walkway so named for its “egg-shaped” walkway.

Oh c’mon, it had to be some kind of food mentioned again? Wow, if I spend anymore time outdoors here in Bad Kleinen, I’ll be too big to fit through it. ;-)

Tucked ever so sweetly by the border of the Czech Republic, at the Weißen Elster River, lies the Saxon town of Bad Elster — a delight for anyone looking to enjoy themselves in one of the oldest spa towns in all of Germany. Ooh, that means history mixed with spa treatments, doesn’t it?

Inasmuch as anyone who loves themselves a spa treatment (ok, possibly a dozen) the true wonder of Bad Elster is found in the great outdoors — and its natural beauty will have you yearning to spend just about every possible minute communing with nature.

You’ll find 31km of Nordic Walking trails, plenty of cycling and e-bike routes, all on top of the hiking routes found around here in the Vogtland. The beautiful Spring, Summer, and Autumn weather are fantastic seasons to enjoy the nature reserve area known for its orchids and butterflies.

Old Man Winter doesn’t slow things down, mind you. The colder weather just brings out activities like sleigh rides and cross-country skiing.

And no matter the season it seems there’s some kind of festival or cultural event taking place. Between March and April Bad Elster hosts the Mozart Week, May brings on the Spring Festival and Rhododendron Festival, June’s the month for the Brunnenfest (Fountain Festival), August has the Jazztage and the Schwimmbadfest (Pool Festival), September’s got the Herbstfest and Autumn & Wine Festival, and December offers the obligatory Adventsfest.

In between May and October is the Chursächsischer Sommer, a cultural event held in various venues throughout Bavaria, Bohemia, Thuringia, and right here in Saxony. Seems only right, considering Bad Elster is part of the Freunde im Herzen Europas Microregion (Friends in the Heart of Europe).

Bad Elster, you’re wonderful enough to have friends the world over — don’t limit yourself to just Europe. ;-)

All this activity and I almost forgot about the historical side of town mentioned earlier. The St. Trinitatiskirche might present itself as a Neo-Gothic church, but one stood here for a lot longer than this. And in nearby Oelsnitz you’ll find the Schloss Voigtsberg, a medieval castle that’s now a museum.

Bad Elster offers up its own museum, too. The Sächsisches Bademuseum is a great stop for learning more of the town’s bathing history — just as I know the lovely people at the Tourist Office (Royal Spa House, Badestraße 25) will help you if you’re interested in local guided tours around town.

If you’ve even managed to accomplish a fraction of what’s to explore around Bad Elster, you’ve earned yourself a soak in one of the three various brine baths and saunas (using sights and sounds) at the Soletherme to help achieve the ultimate in health and wellness.

So if you’re looking for adventure mixed with an opportunity to relax, look no further than Bad Elster — your fantastic friend in the Heart of Europe.

There are very few “definites” in this world. But, without a doubt, one thing that is a definite — there’s something magical, mystical, and marvelous about Bavarian towns like Bad Heilbrunn in the Tölzer Land easily reached from places like Munich.

Scattered throughout almost three dozen villages, Bad Heilbrunn’s countryside will make you fall in love with not just its backdrop of the Alps, but with the entire countryside as a whole. So, whether you’re out for some cycling adventure (like along the Bodensee-Königsee Radweg), enjoying the scenery along the German Alpine Road, or strolling along nearby Lake Starnberg, Lake Tegernsee, or Kochelsee — you’ll fully grasp the magnificence of this heavenly real estate.

Within its 34 districts, Bad Heilbrunn offers both locals and visitors an assortment of cafes, bistros, beer gardens, and other locally sourced healthy fare. And it’s full of apartments and guesthouses, pensions, and self-catering cottages so you’re able to spend your evenings in comfort after exploring around town.

One fun way to see Bad Heilbrunn is from the air, via a cable car of course. And you can even careen down the mountainside on a toboggan ride, if you’re so inclined. Skiing is big in these parts during the winter months, so a little cold weather shouldn’t stop you from swishing down the mountain.

Not everyone is into careening down a mountain, so for you nice people it might be better to grab your camera for pictures of Bad Heilbrunn’s lovely churches. St. Kilian’s is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, while the chapel found in the village of Kiensee is heavenly with its tiny windows in the fading afternoon light.

Another Baroque church not to miss is the Church of St. Martin in Oberbuchen (built 1736), and the Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua with its onion dome in Ramsau.

As with many Bavarian towns, there’s always some kind of cultural event taking place — and Bad Heilbrunn is no different. Although, if you’re lucky enough to be here for its Leonhardifahrt in early November you’re in for a real treat.

For me, a truly wonderful treat is being nearby to my buddy, King Ludwig II. You’re not all that far from Schloss Linderhof and Schloss Neuschwanstein. Honestly, you really don’t get more magical than this fairy tale castle.

Now that you’ve managed to take all this in, it’s time to recharge at the VITArea spa for some holistic health treatments. But, if you don’t mind I’d rather spend more time with Ludwig. Yes, I’d gladly give up a massage for that. ;-)

A castle, old churches, a spa full of massages and saunas, and even the Swabian Alb countryside to delight the eyes — have I died and gone to Heaven? Could the Filstal Region village of Bad Ditzenbach possibly be the best place to spend eternity? I’m thinking it very well could be.

Even if you don’t consider Bad Ditzenbach Heaven-on-Earth, one of its villages (Gosbach) was the first place winner of the Unser Dorf soll schöner werden award (Our Village is Beautiful) — so close enough. ;-)

As with most places, if you’re not familiar with what to see or do then it’s always preferable to stop at the local Tourist Office — in this case located at Helfenstein Straße 20.

Whether you stop there, or not, is optional; however, the Vinzenz Therme is non-negotiable. Why? Because you don’t come to a state spa town and not enjoy the spa. Hey, the mineral water climbs up some 600 meters from below the surface for you to relax in one of the spa’s indoor or outdoor pools. The least you could do is come by and greet it.

Not to mention there’s also a Barefoot Path and Kneipp area, too.

I’m on the move plenty, so when given the chance to rejuvenate at a local spa I’m taking it. What’s nice about the local spa here are the various saunas with a range of temperatures, plus different massages, and even a steam bath.

Here’s the dilemma though: Do you spend a lazy day getting pampered? Or, do you spend the day doing the outdoorsy stuff? You know, like hiking (the Maiweg is popular at only 7km), or try mountain or e-biking. Perhaps getting out for a run on a jogging trail, or maybe give a Segway a spin?

Sorry, not for me today. But, I’d considered returning in the winter for some cross-country or downhill skiing.

Wait, I take that back, because during the winter months the ruins of the Hiltenberg aren’t open. Just keep in mind that it’s a 45 minute walk to see this Burgruine, and so totally worth it. What? you don’t know I’m a huge sucker for 13th century castle ruins? Not to mention it has an outstanding view of the Filstal region.

I’m also a sucker for a good party, which is why I’m happy to tell you there are number of them here. May is exceptionally popular for these cultural events, with the Mittelalterliches Fest (think Middle Ages), or the Maifest, and the Bockbierfest.

Hold on a sec, let me double check to make sure I’m not in Bavaria… ;-)

Interestingly enough, the Ziegenfest (Goat Festival) was surprising. it was partly about food, partly about a petting zoo for the kids, and partly about whiskey.

All I can say is it was a good thing to know there are plenty of guesthouses, private rooms and apartments, and a few hotels to spend a few nights after that. Whew…

Rather have something quieter? Ok, the Natur-Genuss-Zentrum should work. It’s all about life here on the Swabian Alb — and it’s a venue for lectures and workshops.

Sounds great, but for me it’s off to see the 14th century Church of St. Magnus — then back to spa for more pampering where I could easily spend eternity. ;-)

Germany, how you manage to frustrate and fascinate me all at the same time. Frustrated because you “created” the town of Sonnenstein in Thuringia out of almost a dozen independent villages — none of which were named that way. The name, however, comes from the nearby mountain in the Ohmgebirge.

The rest of Sonnenstein (or whatever you want to call it) is fascinating (didn’t I already say that?). The hamlet of Bockelnhagen, with its population of around 400 people, once fell within the “exclusion zone” in the former Inner German border. But, it’s also where you’ll find the Ellerburg, a medieval castle ruin originally from the 12th century.

As for the Middle Ages, Gerode once had a Benedictine monastery from the time period, and its church ruins are here for you to see. As for Gerode, the village was swallowed up by Weißenborn-Lüderode.

Weißenborn-Lüderode itself gets to boast the oldest church in the area, and the village itself dates back to the 9th century. Yup, that’s pretty gosh-darn old.

It’s hard to pick a favorite place in Sonnenstein, but Zwinge sure makes a strong claim to the title. Maybe it’s the half-timber constructed Church of St. James, or the nature reserve that’s part of the Grüne Band (or Green Belt).

The Green Zone might be a modern concept, the Goethe Oaks are not. These trees have been around the better part of five hundred years, so imagine what stories they could tell if they could talk.

You’re sure to see quite a number of trees along the hiking trails in Werningerode, just be sure to stop to admire the old church with its Gothic windows and black “tower.”

Steinrode is actually two villages combined (Epschenrode and Werningerode). Either way, its St. Jacobi Church also has Gothic beginnings, but these days it’s a blend of architectural styles — which can be a good thing.

In sticking with old churches in my train of thought, I have to mention the framework Church of St. Nicolai in Silkerode. And you’ll find some other half-timbered houses here and there, as well as bilingual street signs written in Low German.

Hmm, that’s pretty cool, and exactly why Sonnenstein is fascinating, wouldn’t you say?

It’s easy to get excited about a proper spa town in the Rhön Mountains, but let’s just say you got a few extra days on your hands… could you go anywhere else? Of course you can, and I’ll tell you where: Barchfeld-Immelborn.

That’s not to take anything away from nearby Bad Salzungen or Bad Liebenstein (both of which have bus service to the place), but Barchfeld-Immelborn is pretty great in my eyes.

Although its newest political birthday doesn’t make it that old (the combined name was “created” on December 31, 2012), the formerly independent hamlets are quite historical, dating back to 933 (Barchfeld) and 1302 (Immelborn).

You won’t find prehistoric man running around town anymore, but you will find the Stein’sche Schloss, a 16th century castle that once had a moat. What’s a castle without a dungeon, I ask you? Tread on in, if you dare. ;-)

And you’ll find a lovely Protestant Parish Church, along with an old Jewish Cemetery nearby. Even better that you’ll find not one, but two lakes. Perfect for camping, by the way.

Let’s not forget about cycling along the Werratalradweg (Werra Valley Cycle Route), or kayaking on the Werra River.

Hmm, while you’re out there it might be possible to see some of the 200 different bird species found in (and around) the area.

As for Immelborn, that’s a tad bit less populated, only around 1600 people getting to call this place home. It’s also where you’ll find a lovely nature reserve where you can commune with nature. Another of Barchfeld-Immelborn’s nature “must-sees” is the Stork’s Nest. For almost a hundred years, storks have nested up in the tower.

Go figure, the storks have the nearby Thuringian Forest to find a suitable nesting spot, and they chose Barchfeld-Immelborn. Yeah, that makes sense. I’d want a front seat to all the cultural action going on around town, too.

What kind of cultural action? Let’s see… There’s the Tanz in den Mai (Dance into May), a July Summer Festival, a multi-day Kirmes in September, an Oktoberfest that’s (believe it, or not) in October, followed by the Fifth Season of Carnival in November, and a Christmas Market in December. Of course, that’s not to be confused with the Christmas at the Landgräfliches Schloss, also known as Schloss Wilhelmsburg.

Castles, mind you, are a great way to experience a piece of history — but it’s places like the town’s Heimatstube (Local History Museum) where you can see how the common man/woman lived with its old clothes, tools, and other everyday items.

See, I told you Barchfeld-Immelborn was pretty great.

On a sleepy Saturday morning, with barely enough coffee in me to open one eye (let alone two), I tried to figure out where I was. It took a few minutes to shake off the grogginess to realize it was the Thuringian town of Bad Colberg-Helburg — not the Bavarian town of Coburg. Which, by the way, is only about 18 kilometers off into the distance.

What I look forward to the most are the dips in the Terrassentherme, the town’s signature spa. Am I foolish to think dips in its eleven different pools (various temperatures from its salty thermal springs/bubbles or non/inside and outside) might invigorate me enough to head out exploring?

Ahh, no need to go too far — because from what I understand the spa complex is designed to bring the outdoors inside. Tired as I am, I should save the massage and the six different saunas until later.

If you don’t know me by now, there are only a few things that could drag me away from a pampered day at a spa — and no, it would not be something like hopping on a bicycle for a day of riding. Although, my friends, there are some fantastic trails (like the 60km Werra Obermain Route) around these parts. And Bad Colberg-Heldberg does lie along the Vulkanstraße, a scenic route that’s best seen by bike.

What will drag me along without too much kicking and screaming from the massage table is a castle — the more medieval the better, mind you. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Veste Heldburg, despite its Renaissance appearance.

The Veste Heldburg is the reason Bad Colberg-Heldburg has earned a spot along the Thuringian Castle Road, and it’s open to visitors six days a week (Tues-Sun). While this is one daunting looking castle, it is remarkably stunning in its design. Maybe it’s the tower, or the minute details? No idea, but I do know the fortress has been around since the 13th century, and houses the Burgenmuseum.

Castles are great, but so are a lot of German festivals — and luckily enough there is a combination of the two at the Mittelalterburgfest every September. A taste of the Middle Ages with modern day plumbing? Oh. I. Am. So. Coming. Back.

Not everyone gets all tingly with that kind of stuff, so it’s a good thing Bad Colberg-Heldburg hosts quite an assortment of other culture events. For instance, there are the Chamber Music concerts; the Brauhausfest (May); Schlossgartenfest (May); two Kirmes events in August; Fish Festival in July; and both an Advent Bazaar and Christmas Market in December.

Well, the coffee has awakened me enough to venture out to see some half-timbered houses in the village of Heldburg, and the 18th century Church of Saints Wolfgand & Jacobus in Holzhausen, and/or the Church of St. Cyriakus in Gellershausen. Then go reward myself with a dip in those pools… ;-)

All right, ladies — get your credit card handy! We’re going shoe shopping on the the German Shoe Route a.k.a. Deutsche Schuhstrasse.

Oh, wait a minute. Now, if you read MyGermanCity.com’s blog post about the German Shoe Route you’ll find that this route was designed to highlight Germany’s shoe making roots — but, didn’t quite turn out the way officials thought.

Good for us. Bad for them.

Well, we know that this route isn’t a widely traveled one — so good for us, less tourists! Bad for them, because there are less tourists than they hoped for.

OK, enough of that fluff… grab the plastic card you use to buy shoes; and let’s go!

Now, I’ll be honest… we know that shoes are the focal point of this route. But, there’s a lot of sightseeing to be done on this route. At the end of the day or week, it’s 310km / 193mi long. Use that as your excuse to wear out your old shoes & buy new ones. Clever, right? ;-)

Seriously though, although nowadays there’s little left of shoe making and its business (due to globalization, etc.), each town on the German Shoe Route has some wonderful shoe making history.

Start of the German Shoe Route

The entire route goes through the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, starting in Alzey. I know we’re supposed be talking about shoes but Alzey has an awesome wine festival on the 3rd weekend of September. Alzey’s Old Town also has lots of half-timbered houses, and there’s even a 16th century castle.

Passing through Bechenheim and Bastenhaus, Falkenstein is a good first (or next) stop on the route. Well, it’s pretty small — it has only about 200 residents. However many people live here, Falkenstein has castle ruins (built 1135), and it’s the site of an annual Christmas Market, a medieval festival, and during the summer you can take a summer night tour. In the daytime, enjoy the Kneipp facility (soak those tired, sore tootsies).

In Enkenbach-Alsenborn, you’ve got two monastic churches to see. There’s also the Fritz Walter Museum. Before you ask, he was a famous football/soccer player. If you’re here on February 22nd, that’s Peterstag. The custom is to forgo meat on that day. Looks like its vegetarian for dinner. Great!

You’d never guess that you’re on a shoe route, right? Yeah, me either.

Over in Hochspeyer, you’ve got hiking, biking, and Nordic Walking trails. You’ve also got a solar heated pool, a traditional Kerwe festival in August, and culture weeks with all sorts of concerts, cabaret, and arts & crafts going on.

In Johanniskreuz, which politically belongs to Trippstadt, you’ve got a health resort town in the Palatinate Forest that’s popular with the motorcycle crowd.

No Harley-Davidson? Come straight to Hauenstein. One of the few towns left on the German Shoe Route with shoe stores, shoe making is still big business here. You’ll want to visit the Deutsche Shuhmuseum (German Shoe Museum), meditate at the Schusterdenkmal on the Lorenz-Wingerter-Platz, and watch how shoes are made at the Gläserne Schuhfabrik Josef Seibel. Finally, a walk along the Schumeile is in order to buy all those high quality shoes you just learned about.

Busenberg, another forest village, has Castle ruins, a preserved Jewish bath house (called a mikwe) and a 19th century Jewish cemetery.

Eppenbrunn is (yet) another Palatinate Forest village AND climatic health resort town. Take in the annual Music Festival, and then head towards Trulben and its St. Stephen Church (with pulpit from a medieval abbey).

Now, the next town is the second reason you’re on the Deutsche Schuhstrasse. Pirmasens is the largest shoe trading center in the world. Yeah, more shoes! Here you can tour the former shoe factory, visit the oldest shoe factory (Peter Kaiser), shop the outlet stores, explore another Shoe Museum, and the Shoe Machine Museum.

Onward toward Wallhalben with its local history museum, Forest Museum, Christmas Market, and cycling trails.

At the edge of the forest is Mittelbrunn. You’ve got the gorgeous ruins of the medieval chapel Verena; and a May Day Festival (May 1st), City Festival (last weekend in July), and a church Kerwe Festival (1st weekend of September).

Not a shoe in sight — but that’s OK. I got plenty to keep me busy!

Landstuhl has 2nd century A.D. Roman graves, and a charming chapel dedicated to St. Andrew.

Then it’s on to Ramstein-Miesenbach, home to the famous Ramstein Air Base. There’s a great swimming complex here, as well as a museum that was once an 18th century tavern and brewery.

The Wildlife Park in Altenglan is the biggest draw. But, the Fire Festival, held every two years, brings thousands of visitors to the area.

Do yourself a favor and take the guided tour of Castle Veldenz when you arrive in Lauterecken. Then go see the War Memorial. And if you’re here at the right time shop at the Autumn Fair or Christmas Market.

Meisenheim is a small town of vineyards, framework houses, and both a historic Town Hall and Castle Church. The town’s former synagogue is now a meeting house — and the Old Town Festival is loads of fun.

Not only are there vineyards in Fürfeld, there is a Knights Templar Chapel. Remember those guys?

You’re almost finished with the German Shoe Route, believe it or not. Wonsheim’s vineyards will have you mesmerized — but, don’t stare too long — you’ve got the Town Hall and Holy Cross Catholic Church to see.

Your last town on the Deutsche Schuhstrasse is Wendelsheim. Caves, castles, churches — I can’t think of a better place to end my trip along this route.

We’ve seen tiny towns and villages with fantastic festivals, charming churches, beautiful castles and ruins, and even two or so chances to shop for high quality shoes. It’s a historic route that, despite not turning out like it was supposed to, is pretty awesome anyway. I guess this is what makes Germany so gosh-darn special. Don’t ya think?