Where the Kupfer River meets the Kocher in the Kocher Valley of Baden-Württemberg, lies the five districts of Forchtenberg — surrounded by hilly areas and picturesque vineyards.

I’d gander to say its no wonder the Romans and Franks kinda stuck around here for years. But as far as history goes, it is the Middle Ages that have made an indelible mark on the local landscape.

All right, so what if the Stadtmauer (City Wall) is reconstructed, that doesn’t change the fact that this edifice is actually a piece of medieval history.

As for another slice of Forchtenberg’s medieval wonders, it’s the Ruine Forchtenberg you need to see. As its name implies, the original early 13th century castle is now in ruins — all in thanks to the 17th century Thirty Years’ War.

Speaking of the Middle Ages, you’ll be happy to hear Forchtenberg also hosts a medieval Christmas Market — as well as its own Pottery Market (the third Sunday in May), a Gemeindefest (November), and two more Christmas Markets.

Oops, I’m getting ahead of myself again. I left out talking about the town’s 14th century frescoes found at the local cemetery church, and the Church of St. Michael. Plus, there are tons of half-timbered houses found throughout Forchtenberg proper, as well as its other villages — like Sindringen. Some of Forchtenberg’s villages also boast things like museums — like in Wohlmuthausen that has a Mill Museum and a Heritage Museum. You’ll even find a stunning Baroque “summer house” for some lucky folks when it was built back in the 1700s.

They sure don’t build them like that anymore, do they?

Oh well, no time to give it much thought since there’s a whole bunch of hiking trails to venture off on. Ok, there’s only ten — but that’s plenty. The Kocher Cycle Path also snakes its way around here in Forchtenberg, as well as the Mundartweg, and a couple of other “themed” trails — you know, in case you’re interested in things like agriculture.

My guess is if all this was a round when the Romans and Franks were here — they’d have stuck around a whole lot longer. I know you’ll want to, that’s for sure. ;-)

Three things really stand out in my head regarding the town of Schweitenkirchen. One, it sits in a huge hops growing region of the state. Two, there are just about a bazillion (and a half!) number of churches scattered throughout its 53 square kilometers. And, three, there’s plenty more to do around the region than just what you’ll find within its town limits.

Does this sound like your idea of a good time? I know it does to me, which is why I think I love Upper Bavaria so much.

First off about the hops thing — it’s one of the main ingredients to make a fine German beer. That being said, it’s not my only motivating factor in loving what’s in (and around) Schweitenkirchen. German beer, however, is readily available at some great cultural events, like the Pfingstvolksfest held at Pentecost. Or, of course, like the annual Christmas Market.

What was the second thing? Oh yes, the churches. Where to start? How about at the Church of Sts. Peter & Paul, a late 19th century one. Then you’ve got the Church of St. Mark, a Baroque one built in 1736. You might not guess the Church of St. Ulrich with its 18th century renovation is truly a late-Gothic design at heart. The Church of St. Stephen also underwent an 18th century overhaul — probably needed it, it is from the 15th century after all.

Don’t run off yet, I’m not done with the churches…

The Pfarrkirche Sankt Johannes der Täufer (located at Kirchenweg 1) was built in the 1650s, there’s the St. Emmeram didn’t come along until sometime in the 18th century — might explain the onion dome, it was popular back then, and lastly is the Church of Sts. Valentin & Martin a stunning example of 13th/14th century architecture.

Ok, I’m done with the churches. Wait, no I’m not, forgot all about the neo-Romanesque St. Koloman Church in the village of Sünzhausen; and the Church of St. George which is really a Romanesque church at its core, despite receiving renovations in the 1500s and 1800s. All right, now I’m done.

Time to talk about reason number three. As if visiting some amazingly beautiful churches and enjoying yourself at a great festival or market isn’t enough — how about visiting the nearby Hallertauer Hopfenmuseum (Hallertau Hops Museum) in Geisenfeld, or try rock climbing, golfing, and swimming.

So, I’ve mentioned the three things — but I’m inclined to add some reasons to love the place. Schweitenkirchen has a variety of restaurants for when you’re hungry. Plus, it’s got this awesome looking 400-year-old tree, and its got this amazing 16-arch bridge from the 1930s known as the Holledaubrücke.

Now do you agree with me that Schweitenkirchen sounds like a great place to be? Of course you do! ;-)

One of the biggest attractions in the town of Jestetten isn’t even in Germany at all. What is it? How does this kind of thing happen?

A little explanation I guess would be helpful, wouldn’t it?

Here’s the skinny on the situation. The biggest attraction in Jestetten is Kloster Rheinau. And while technically sitting within an island on the Rhine River, it belongs to Switzerland.

You know what? Who cares, Germany/Switzerland, whatever, doesn’t change this stunning Baroque monastery was once a bustling Benedictine medieval one from the 12th century.

That’s a great start, isn’t it? I’d say so, and it doesn’t end there. There are some 22 “stations” along the Jestetter Kulturweg — a Culture Trail that’ll bring you along to see things like an early 20th century schoolhouse; a Kriegerdenkmal (Warrior Memorial); and a large half-timbered house from the 1470s known as the Altes Pfarrhaus.

Still doing good, right? Yup.

Ok, from here it’s on to the St. Benedikt Church that’s hundreds of years old; the Obermühle (Upper Mill) from the 17th century; a small museum; and some guesthouses that’ve been around since the 17th and 18th centuries.

And, if you love castles, how about making a trek over to the Obere Schloss (Upper Castle). Although it’s more “modern” looking these days, the castle itself dates to the 12th/13th centuries.

Hey, at least this one’s intact. The same can’t be said for the Edenburg, a 15th century castle that’s seen better days. Actually, now that I say (write) that, there’s nothing left of it at all. At least you can find out more of its history along its Information Board — and how the castle was built over an old cemetery.

Ahhh, that’s creepy.

Obviously not creepy enough to kill the appetite, so thankfully there are plenty of places to grab a bite. You want it, chances are you’ll find it to eat around here — everything from Italian to Thai to Kebabs, Chinese, even traditional German cuisine. Some of them even bring you back to the Kulturweg.

When you’ve had your fill, why not visit one of the bars or pubs in town?

Why not, we can have a whole discussion on creepy. ;-)

Some people might consider the Hessian town of Ranstadt in the Wetterau region a bedroom community of Frankfurt am Main, but I’d say it has a bit more to offer than just a place to come home to after a long day’s work.

Trust me, I know these things.

Also located at the Vogelsberg Mountains, Ranstadt’s five districts are either historical, great for outdoor recreational fun, or both. That’s not a bad combo, is it?

Let’s see… As for historical, the Keltenwelt am Glauberg isn’t that far away. The museum is an educational way to learn more about the Celts from the 5th century B.C., filled with artifacts from a few Celtic graves.

And if you think a few thousand years is old — wait. The Vulkan Radweg comes on by, a 94km scenic route that highlights the volcanoes that were quite active thousands upon thousands upon thousands of years ago.

If volcanoes freak you out, remember that they’ve been dormant or extinct for so long. So, relax… Better yet, distract yourself on the Niddaroute Radweg R4, a great route through the Vogelsberg and Niddatal.

Another thing to distract you from thinking about volacanoes here in Ranstadt are all the fun festivities. There’s a Kirmes (in Bobenhausen) every August, followed by the Pfarrfest (Parish Festival) at the end of the month. The village of Ober-Mockstadt has its own Kirmes in September, and everyone seems to have a grand time at the Oktoberfest — that’s actually held at the end of September.

One of Ranstadt’s totally cool villages is Dauernheim, whose Old Town dates back to the 13th century. Actually it started out as a Neolithic age settlement, but these days it’s full of half-timbered houses, an old church, and great wildlife.

Now that I think about it, Ober-Mockstadt also has some great half-timbered houses, a medieval church from the 13th century, and an old Jewish cemetery. Oh, and it’s got a toboggan run that’s perfect for just having some good, clean fun.

There’s even a museum of sorts, the (take a deep breath to pronounce this) Mühlenmodellausstellung, located at Weidgasse 12. Here you can learn the inner workings of an old mill — so long as it’s on the first Sunday of the month from April to November between 1pm-5pm. Of course if you call ahead, they can arrange to open the museum up for you.

I told you to trust me that Ranstadt was more than just Frankfurt’s sleepy bedroom community, didn’t I? So, maybe you should forget the big city, and come right on over.

The love of beer comes in full swign in the Hops & Beer town of Spalt, located in the Middle Franconian region just north of the Franconian Lakelands.

What’s even nicer about Spalt is it isn’t just about the hops, which they’ve been cultivating here just shy of 700 years. Nope, the town has some great old buildings to explore, too. The Kornhaus (Granary) being one of them, a grand half-timbered design from the 15th century.

And I could never leave out telling you about the Church of St. Emmeram, once a Stiftskirche from the 12th century.

Just about a century older is Burg Wernfels, a medieval castle from the mid-13th century that’s a youth hostel these days. It makes me chuckle to think some crusty old Count probably never thought his fortress would be crawling with, gasp, tourists? ;-)

Speaking of the Middle Ages, throughout Spalt you’ll find parts of the original 14th century Stadtmauer, its defense wall. And, quite a number of its towers — like the Reifenturm and the Oberes Tor (Upper Gate) — both of which were built in the 15th century. The Schäferturm, by the way, is a bit older — it’s from the 14th century.

You’ll also see some strange looking half-timbered buildings here in Spalt, like the Hopfengut Mühlreisig. Its unique design is all for the drying and storing of the hops. Another odd looking half-timbered building is the Schlenzgerhaus; you’ll find it right near the Reifenturm, by the way.

When you’re done looking at all that, why not head over to the Hops & Beer Museum (Hopfen- und Biermuseum)? Sounds like a great place, doesn’t it? Of course it does, and there’s also a Fire Station Museum if you’re interested in that, too.

Afterwards a walk along the pedestrian/cycling bridge is also a great place to be — nothing is as grand as a day in Franconia’s fresh air. Which, by the way, you can also enjoy if you’re here for the Hopfenzupferfest every August.

They crown a Hops Queen every year — too bad it won’t be me. So I’ll just have to drown my sorrow with a sail on the Brombachsee, or maybe I’ll forget my disappointment by walking along the 2km long Barefoot Path.

Oh, who am I kidding? This is a Hops & Beer Town — give me one of those instead. ;-)

Lower Saxony is one of those places that will never cease to amaze me. Only here will you find a place like Hitzacker (Elbe), located along the fabulous German Framework Road, or Deutsche Fachwerkstraße. Plus, it’s a great place to come for cultural events, pretty countryside, and even a history lesson. So, I’d say life here in Hitzacker, which is part of the Samtgemeinde Elbtalaue, is pretty gosh-darn fantastic.

A fun way to experience Hitzacker is on one of its guided evening tours. Between May and September at 6pm you can take a 1-hour tour highlighting the best of what’s to offer.

Ok, so that’s the abridged version of the place. What if you want to go at a more leisurely pace? In that case, it’s a good thing I’m here to help with that. Where to start though?

Ah, how about its Archaeological Center, an outdoor museum with some 4,000 years of history that’ll bring you back to the Bronze Age. The museum’s open daily from April to October, just so you know.

Another museum here in Hitzacker is the Old Customs house, a building that’s historical itself as it dates back to 1589. Its function is now different, since it’s the Local History Museum (Heimatmuseum).

Other historical places to see would be the St. Johannis Church, a 12th century medieval church. And there’s the exceptionally old tumuli and megalithic tombs in the village of Pussade. Also there are the Hünenbetten von Wietzetze, two graves that are some 4-to-5,000 years old.

Lover of history that I am, it’s delightful to know there’s more to experience in Hitzacker. Come make your own fun at one of the many festivals, like the Japanese Lantern Festival in July, the May Day celebrations on May 1st, the October Wine Festival, the Volkslauf (a marathon) in November, and the Christmas Market. Ooh, there’s also the Summer Music Festival, running from the last weekend of July and the first week of August, too.

It’s also really nice to know there are all kinds of outdoorsy things to do, too. Just north of the Archaeological Museum is the Hitzacker See, and the village of Bahrendorf is in the Biosphere Reserve of the Lower Saxon Elbe Valley area. Add in the cycling trails, hiking paths, fishing, golfing, Kneipp areas, and swimming — you’ll have enough stuff to keep you busy for a month.

Maybe even longer than that. No wonder places like Hitzacker (Elbe) will never cease to amaze. ;-)

Even though Brunnthal is just another town over from Munich, you really couldn’t be any further away from the din of big city. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. In fact, I’d say it’s all part of the town’s charm.

One thing I noticed right away is, Brunnthal (and it’s nine other villages) isn’t very big, just over 38 square kilometers. And here’s where quality beats quantity, as there’s not a whole lot to see and do. B-U-T, what there is makes the expedition from Munich (or from wherever) worth it.

It’s worth it if you like to look at pretty architecture, that’s for sure. There are more than a handful of elegant looking churches and chapels. However, I really liked the one in Otterloh, an 18th century chapel that looks as if someone cut the building straight in half.

The Pfarrkirche of the Holy Cross with its onion dome is a graceful looking Baroque building, built more than 300 years ago. And the St. Mary Church in Hofolding is another Baroque jewel from the 18th century, as is the Church of Sts. Peter & Paul in Faistenhaar — although the latter church’s tower is from the Middle Ages.

It’s not all churches to look at, by the way. Scattered throughout all these villages are quite a number of old farmhouses, many of them from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Don’t fret, my friends, Brunnthal isn’t all about centuries old buildings. Hello, this is Upper Bavaria. What that means is you’re delighted by the best of the best of the German landscape, especially if you’re hiking around the Hofoldinger Forest. The Via Julia comes right on through, so if you’re traveling this scenic route you’ll no doubt wanna stick around for a while.

You should stick around the for the Maypole celebrations, too. It’s Bavarian custom to welcome in May 1st with music, dancing, eating, and good cheer.

Really, no one quite knows the historical significance of the May Day festivities — it’s been said to date back to pre-Christian times — but really, who cares? Just enjoy yourself, so you might as well do it here in Brunnthal. ;-)

I’m fully aware this whole page here at MyGermanCity.com is supposed to be about the town of Westerrönfeld, but as it’s part of the Amt Jevenstedt (i.e., a Collective Municipality), I’m gonna throw stuff about its other villages in here, too.

Fantastic, ten communities all rolled neatly into one.

Located on the Kiel Canal, Westerrönfeld is awfully close to Rendsburg, and along the Ochsenweg — a long distance hiking route these days. As for these days, Westerrönfeld (and its other sister communities) is quite different from back during the days of the Thirty Years’ War when much of the place was looted by invading troops.

Thankfully no one has to worry about that these days, but the old Jewish cemetery that was used for almost 300 years was destroyed by the Nazis back in 1939 — there was even a Plague cemetery here, too.

Ok, enough with that kind of history, it’s on to see places like the Aukrug Nature Park, a terrific nature reserve full of rivers and ponds, and teeming with all kinds of wildlife — like storks and bats, to just name a few. Within the nature park itself are the villages of Hamweddel and Brinjahe.

What you’ll find in the village of Luhnstedt are some great hiking and cycling routes along pretty scenery along meadows and moors, and in Schülp is a thriving Low German cultural scene. That’s in addition, by the way, to an informative museum here in Schülp.

Jevenstedt’s history goes all the way back to the Iron Age, but its pretty village church has only been around since the 17th century, while Hörsten’s great for taking to the skies — its airfield is just where you can pay to get a bird’s eye view of the place.

It’s back to walking on terra firma in the village of Haale, known for its agricultural landscape. Your choice if you want to explore around one of its walking trails, or if you prefer to stay put for the town’s Erntedankfest every October. No problem if you can’t make that, there’s always the Freudenberger Waldfest every July instead.

Westerrönfeld is great onto itself, but when you add in everything else from the Amt Jevenstedt it’s even better. I know you’ll agree. ;-)

Here it is yet another week ending, and I’m excited to tell you all about the Bavarian town of Monheim, located just 27km from the diamond dazzling town of Nördlingen, and a mere 15km from Donauwörth. Then again, I could be in the middle-of-nowhere Bavaria, and I’d be happy. ;-)

Luckily I’m not in the middle of nowhere, it’s the Bavarian Swabia region. And one thing I can say for sure, you’ll never (ever, ever) be without something to do. You can totally entertain yourself just staring at the very pretty half-timbered buildings surrounding the Marktplatz — which really fascinates me when modern day cars are parked along side these centuries old buildings.

It’s even better around here when there’s a festival or some other cultural event going on. Throughout the Spring and Summer there’s the Cultural Summer Program going on, but there’s also such events like the Wine Festival in October, the Sommernachtsfest at the end of August, the Pfarrfest (Parish Festival) in September, and the obligatory Christmas Market in December.

The biggest event in town doesn’t even take place every year — I guess they need to do every other year since the Historische Stadtfest is one big doozy of a party. Just remember it’s held on odd-numbered years in July, so you know when to come.

Sweet Mary Sunshine, that all sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

Inasmuch as Monheim can heap on the fun, it’s also a place with some great architectural wonders. Throughout Monheim’s nine villages you’ll find just about that many old churches — and I usually can find a favorite, but this time I seemed to have liked them all.

The Stadtpfarrkirche, dedicated to St. Walburga, is an oldie from around the year 1500. And there’s the Catholic Parish Church with its Romanesque tower, even though it did see a renovation a few centuries later. St. Michael’s Church in Itzing is a relative newbie, built in 1748, and the Church of St. Apollinia in Kölburg is just a few decades younger.

Never being one to spend every minute indoors when the Bavarian air is calling, it’s time to venture out into the Nature Park Altmühltal. You can do what you want (cycle, hike, whatever), I’m happy and content to just sit down in the grass for a spell. What can I say, it’s been a rough week, and there’s nothing more relaxing than relaxing in the Monheimer Alb.

You try it, then let me know if I’m right. Until then, that’s where you’ll find me — until next week that is. ;-)

There’s lyrics to a song that go: Winter, spring, summer or fall; All you have to do is call; And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah — written by Carole King in the 1970s, and famously sung by James Taylor.

Why am I mentioning this when I’m supposed to be talking (excuse me, writing) about the town of Todtnau?

Well, my Friends, have you not learned by now there’s a method to my madness? Upon venturing over to Todtnau, it’s the first thing that came to mind — because Todtnau can be enjoyed by everyone in every season. See? I’m not mad, I just have song lyrics running through my head at the strangest times. ;-)

Whatever the season, you’re sure bound to find something to keep you occupied all day (and possibly all night), in this lovely town just 20km to Freiburg. Like outdoorsy stuff to do? Yes? How about outdoorsy stuff in winter? Still yes? Ok, well in that case, you’ve got your pick of 19 ski lifts, tobogganing, cross-country skiing trails, 70km of winter hiking trails, and even ice skating.

Don’t worry you warmer weather lovin’ people, there’s regular hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and geocaching for you to do.

And it seems as if there’s always a festival (or two) going on throughout the year. Again, for the colder weather loving traveler, there’s the Literature Days (November), Christmas Market and a Winter Solstice bonfire. Warm weather lovers might appreciate coming for the Corpus Christi Procession, the Marktfest (June), Motorbike Weekend events (May), and the Pentecost concerts.

Although, I’m not sure exactly where to categorize the September Waldfest, or the Autumn Festival. Maybe that’s for the crowd that don’t like it too cold, or too warm.

Um, that would be me. I like the weather somewhere in the middle — which I think is perfect for careening down the Hasenhorn. Oh, you’re gonna love this baby. Called a Rodelbahn, this “toboggan” track is said to be the longest of its kind — a whopping 2.9km long.

Oh, sweet sunshine, can I go back down again? ;-)

Speaking of things coming down, I’m reminded of the beautiful Todtnau Waterfalls — coming 40 meters down the mountainside. Oooh, it’s so pretty I’m actually speechless — so that means no song lyrics running through my head, I’m just enjoying the silence… :-)