Some folks find these small towns in Germany and half expect them to be little more than just your run-of-the-mill suburb. Then they’re most delightfully surprised, as they are in the town of Gerolstein found in the Rhineland-Palatinate.

First off, the countryside is smashing since it’s found within the Vulkaneifel region of the country (which is within the Eifel.

Vulkan, as in volcano, not Star Trek. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you’re following along the Eifelsteig. And know that the area of Gerolstein is more than 50% forested.

It’s amazing how they found those Stone Age Caves though all those trees. ;-)

Gerolstein’s Natural History Museum is an excellent learning experience about the volcanoes, caves, and how the landscape took shape.

What also changed the landscape was created by man. Yes, I’m talking about castles and other buildings.

There are three castles in the area of Gerolstein, one being the ruins of Castle Gerolstein (built around 1100, destroyed 1691). Kasselburg is also considered a ruin (built 1100), but it’s pretty darn impressive for being “ruined,” as its towers stand 37 meters high.

Did I mention that Kasselburg was home to a pack of wolves? Nothing ordinary here in Gerolstein, I assure you. ;-)

If you think Kasselburg is impressive and formidable, wait til you get a look at Burg Lissingen. This medieval stronghold is one of the only castles in Germany never to have been destroyed at any time in its history (the oldest part is its cellar). It’s got an impressive tower and now if you want to stay here all you got to do is whip out your purse — since it’s a meeting facility.

Does Gerolstein sound like just an average place to you? No, me either.

What else you’ll find in Gerolstein is the Juddekirchhof (a Roman/Celtic site of worship) whose temple complex has been dated to around 124 A.D. Also from Roman times is the former Roman Villa that wasn’t uncovered until 1907.

You’ve also got the old Jewish Cemetery to see, a number of Renaissance and Baroque churches to see, and half-timbered houses to photograph.

I’m so glad that you’ve found your way to this page about Gerolstein, and just hope you enjoy it as much. Watch out for the wolves, though! ;-)

I don’t think it’ll ever be possible for Germany to cease to amaze me. Nor you, for that matter. I mean, where else can you find a town like Gräfenhainichen that’s on the European Route of Industrial Heritage (a real scenic route, I swear) alongside a 25 million year old elephant fossil?

Seems odd, right? Yet it isn’t.

What makes Gräfenhainichen worthy of its stop of Industrial Heritage is the Ferropolis Museum, a huge outdoor museum with these huge machines that are reminiscent of Transformers, like Optimus Prime.

What’s really remarkable is Gräfenhainichen appears to go flow seamlessly between the old and the new; finding a way to blend them both as the town did at the Outdoor Theater at the ruins of the 12th century Gräfenhainicher Schloß.

Waste not, want not I guess. ;-)

Other historical sites around Gräfenhainichen include the 15th century Unterer Stadtturm (a tower), its Rathaus that’s built in 1637, and its splendid Stadtkirche Sankt Marien that was also built in 1637.

I’m starting to understand how Paul Gerhardt could’ve been so inspired.

Who’s Paul Gerhardt? He was a 17th century hymn writer and theologian (Lutheran) born here in 1607. There’s a memorial chapel (and museum) dedicated to the man that’s been called the best hymn writer ever.

Another museum in town is the Old Letterpress Museum (with computers running our lives these days — you tend to forget how it used to be done); and there is also a historical blacksmith & locksmith museum.

Hey, folks might’ve worked hard — but it was such a simpler time, wasn’t it?

Talk about simple pleasures, go have some while swimming in Gräfenhainichen’s saltwater pool, or do all the hiking and cycling your two legs can handle in the Düben Heath. If your legs do get tired — no problem — go horseback riding instead.

Too bad there aren’t any elephants like there used to be. ;-)

Wouldn’t you like to live within the middle of a volcano? Well, the folks in the Hessian town of Gedern do.

Wait, I didn’t say it was an active volcano, did I? No, the volcano that the town’s right in the middle of has been inactive for eons and eons — so don’t worry about visiting a German Ring of Fire, or anything — it’s just the Vogelsberg Mountains. ;-)

What you can visit (I mean travel along) is the Vulkanradweg, a scenic bicycle route that highlights the mighty volcano. A scenic flight above the landscape is another popular way of scoping out the terrain.

The Vulkanradweg isn’t Gedern’s only scenic route, BTW. The Boniface Route (yes, this is a real route) travels the route of the Saint’s funeral procession that started in Mainz ending in Fulda.

If you’re traveling on either route, you really should stop here for a while. Come see Castle Gedern, which is now a cultural and history museum (as well as an administrative building) or the nearby Burg Moritzstein.

There’s another Local History Museum in the village of Wening (one of Gedern’s six hamlets).

But, it you’d rather enjoy one of the town’s many festivals, you can do that too.

They don’t just have an obligatory Christmas Market (on 1st Advent), but there’s also a Grand Prix on the last Sunday of May, a City Run on the 2nd weekend of August, a Gassemäärt at the same time, and an Elvis Festival at Gederner See in early September.

Oh, don’t you just love Elvis? He’s the King, baby!

Gerdener See isn’t just about Elvis (as much as I would like it to be), but every year at the end of July there’s the Seefest — a lake festival with lots of music (other than Elvis) and food. No wonder the lake’s real popular among swimmers and campers. ;-)

With a town this great, I wouldn’t mind braving an active volcano. I’m just glad I don’t have to.

I think if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, you should do it in the town of Grasberg in Lower Saxony. Now you should know, I don’t just go throwing stuff like that out there in universe without good reason.

For real, what’s the polar opposite for total urban living, fast cars, and noise pollution? Um, that would be a farm holiday, I would say.

It’s amazing considering that Grasberg is only 20km northeast of Bremen.

Grasberg’s got a number of farms that’ll give you and the family the ultimate in country life. One farm has all sorts of activities for the kids (treehouse included), as well “farm fresh” (literally) eggs and veggies; and also seeing all sorts of farm animals; like bulls, chickens, ponies, and even how to milk a cow.

I’ve done this, if it lifts its tail — RUN, ’cause it’s gonna get, uhh, messy. ;-)

The Findorff-Hof is a less dirty way to see how farming life once was. It’s a great outdoor museum that’s also quite popular for weddings.

Another farm in Grasberg is totally dedicated to growing Ginseng (it’s the FloraFarm). It’s supposed to be good for memory; and I guess I better get some since I forgot what it was good for. ;-)

Farms not for you? It’s all right, some people prefer to cycle around the Grüner Ring; which will take you out past the Teufelsmoor (Devil’s Moor) and the Wadden Sea (oh, mudflat hiking!)

Guided tours of Grasberg are available, some will take you out into the Devil’s Moor, northward to the North Sea, or over to the nearby Artists’ Village.

Want something a bit more cultural? Come to the Rathaus (Town Hall) on Sundays for all sorts of musical concerts. Or, visit on the 3rd weekend of July for the Village Parade.

Hmm, maybe Grasberg isn’t so totally off the beaten path — but just far enough away to destress from the rigors of city life.

Oh my word, I’m German and even I can’t get over how much everything in Germany is labeled and documented. Just when I think I’ve found the end of Germany’s scenic routes, more pop up.

You might never have heard about the town of Bösel if you hadn’t been traveling on the Reiherweg, which is the last part of the Drei-Seen-Route or Three-Lakes-Route that connects the Zwischenahner Meer, the Dümmer See, and the Thülsfelder Talsperre.

Lower Saxony, you’re just full of surprises, aren’t you? ;-)

This just means that Bösel is perfect for the outdoor lover and bicycle enthusiast. The Moorlands are just stunning, bringing thousands of folks from all points around the globe to see them. Why should you or I be any different?

All this activity can make you tired, and folks in Bösel know this. Good thing there are a bunch of guesthouses and apartments for the weary traveler. There’s even a horse ranch where you can spend the night. Awesome.

It can also make you hungry, so I would suggest buying yourself some freshly made buttercake from the old bakery at the Cottage Garden, which they make a few times a year.

If hunger pangs strike any other time, the Heimathaus (a local history museum at Overlaher Straße 10) has a cafe.

Feel better with a bite to eat? Good.

It’s time to hike some of Bösel’s marked hiking trails. One goes around the Lowlands for just over 5km (the bridges are romantic), the other is a 4km trail through the forested Totenweg.

Of course you’re more than welcome to do these routes on your own, but the town does offer organized bike tours and Nordic Walking events a few times a year. But, definitely not during the town’s Schützenfest in July or the Euro Music Festival in early September.

OK, Germany, you might go a bit overboard on your scenic routes — but with towns like Bösel, it’s all worth it. ;-)

You know, anywhere else except Germany broken down buildings and crumbling walls would be called urban blight. Here, we call them castle ruins and remnants of medieval fortification walls.

This is just a set-up for what you’ll see in the town of Bönnigheim. Not urban blight, mind you. But, castle ruins and parts of town’s medieval Stadtmauer (that’s a city defense wall) that are crumbling down around you.

No way should Bönnigheim tear it down, this is history! ;-)

Poor Ganerbenburg. Or, should I say what’s left of the Ganerbenburg? It didn’t have too good of a run. It was built prior to the Peasants’ War in the early 16th century (I know this because it was destroyed during the revolt); and quickly rebuilt in 1546. A hundred and twenty three years later, it was demolished — again.

At least the Stadionsche Schloss still stands, only to house a fantastic art collection these days. And the Köllesturm (from the 13th century) is in fantastic condition — towering above the city streets.

Honestly, the best way to see (and appreciate) the historical significance of Bönnigheim is to take a guided city tour. Guides will, no doubt, explain much better than I ever could how the Vicar’s house at the Cyriakuskirche (a Romanesque basilica built in 1100) became a prison.

They’ll also point out all the amazingly gorgeous half-timbered houses scattered about Bönnigheim. While it’s not a framework house, one you really need to see is the Villa Amann. Oh, this place is stunning… If you can’t own a castle, this house could come a close second. ;-)

It’s not all crumbling medieval walls and castle pieces. The Wine Festival in September is a lot of fun (other times of the year go see the historical wine cellar or visit a wine bar), as is the Ganerben Festival, the Fountain Festival, and the Autumn Festival in November.

Doesn’t sound like urban blight can be found anywhere near the town of Bönnigheim, does it? :-)

You’d think you were in Florida when it comes to mild winters and warm summers. But, not a chance… You’re near the French border in the Upper Rhine Valley on the German Wine Route in the town of Bad Bergzabern.

As fantastic as Bad Bergzabern’s landscape sounds now, add in the aromatic scents of almond, fig, and chestnut trees that paint the landscape to make it picture perfect.

However, I’m not thinking about the food or wine — I’m still on the “Bad” moniker. Yeah, anything with “Bad” is good, because that means it’s a spa town! Whoo-hoo!

Yeah, get set for a few days of massaging, steamroom and sauna visits, natural springs, and dips in either the indoor or outdoor pool. Yes, I love the Südpfalz Therme.

Culture shock notice: don’t be shocked to see sauna-goers to be totally unclothed. Naked, OK? I mean total birthday suit naked.

Clothing is not optional to visit the 16th century Schloss Bergzabern, the town’s landmark. This Renaissance castle isn’t the first on to be built on this spot, it was destroyed during the Peasants’ War in the 1500s.

Another Renaissance beauty in Bad Bergzabern is the Haus Zum Engel. Lucky for us, it’s no longer a residential home, but part restaurant and part museum.

Another museum you’ll want to see is the Westwallmuseum, an old bunker from the days of the Cold War. And over at the Town Square is a miniature museum, housed within one of the town’s oldest buildings.

While you’re out & about, keep a lookout for the Wine Fountain — created to look like a lamb, monkey, pig, and lion are drinking from it. That must be some really good vino. ;-)

As fun and lighthearted as I can be, Bad Bergzabern has a serious side. I heard of a Carmelite nun by the name of Edith Stein many years ago. She was born to a religious Jewish family at the turn of the 20th century — and converted to Catholicism right here at Bad Bergzabern’s St. Martin’s Church in 1922.

Her story is a sad one. If you don’t know what happened to her, her conversion in Bad Bergzabern might not seem all that remarkable.

Sister Theresia Benedicta (as she was known after taking her orders in 1934) was sent to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp where she died in the gas chamber on August 9, 1942. She’s considered a martyr for the Catholic Church (she was killed because of the church’s outspoken stance on anti-Semitism, not because she was Jewish); and Pope Benedict XVI’s predecessor, John Paul II, canonized her in 1998.

A sheer waste of talent, as the good sister held a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Göttingen, as well as being a published author.

Wow, how do you end after something like that? How about giving St. Theresia Benedicta of the Cross (or, just Ms. Edith Stein) a thought while you’re sitting under one of Bad Bergzabern’s almond trees, yes?

With 48 villages that make up the town of Vohenstrauß in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria, I’ve got plenty of land mass to send you on a wild goose chase. Oh, did I say that? I meant treasure hunt. ;-)

What you’re looking for first is a “post-medieval” (that’s just a nice way of saying it came after the Middle Ages were over) Stone Cross that’s found 30 meters from the one of Vohenstrauß’s main roads.

Oh, c’mon, it can’t be too hard to find — otherwise no one would know about, would they?

Your next item to check off your “treasure” list is the Friedrichsburg Castle. It does multi-duty as the town’s landmark, administration building, tourist office, and a venue for concerts and exhibitions.

But pics of the outside will definitely suffice, if that’s all you get to see (stand back a bit, the castle’s 3-storeys high). Trust me, this castle is quite pretty in all its whiteness, and the towers really give it character.

Burg Waldau is another castle you’ll want to see. But, don’t get too excited. This early 13th century castle (built on a hilltop) is privately owned, and only open to visitors on a handful of days throughout the year. Too bad. :-(

The only thing older than Burg Waldau is the John the Baptist Church, built 1124. Yes, that makes it a real medieval church.

Sorry, the Lutheran Parish Church isn’t medieval, it had to be rebuilt in 1845 after it was destroyed almost a decade beforehand. Actually, that church was also a replacement — it was destroyed back in 1763, too.

Medieval church. Check. Non-medieval church. Check. OK, great — time to find something else…

Museums are also on your treasure list, so head to the Heritage Museum (filled with all sorts of archaeological artifacts, religious items, and other historical items).

But, I say no treasure hunt is ever complete without real treasure. So, visit the Edelsteinmuseum or Gem Museum (at Anselweg 10) that’s got all sorts of crystals, garnets, quartz, and other baubles.

I really hope you’ve enjoyed your treasure hunt around Vohenstrauß. You’ll be the first to know when I’ve found another town that’ll make a great place for a treasure hunt. ;-)

Saxony’s town of Oederan (sounds like the name of a planet in a sci-fi film, doesn’t it?) is a town of extremes. Which, in this case, isn’t a bad thing — I assure you.

Yes, it has the obligatory historical stuff to see, like its City Church of Our Lady that’s been here from the 13th century. And it also has your traditional museum experiences, like the Weaving Museum houses in its Renaissance Rathaus (Oederan’s Town Hall from the time of the Renaissance).

Oh yeah, a Village Museum that’s just bursting with information on the town’s longevity. (It’s open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9am-4pm, March-October.)

Oederan also has some great outdoor recreation. Guided bicycle and motorcycle tours are just the beginning. You’ll find well-marked bike and hiking trails (all neatly color-coded) that range from 10 to 15km (the Green and Yellow Trails), and another that’s 23 miles long (that’s the Blue Trail).

Tiring, no? And I haven’t even mentioned the cross-country skiing or Nordic Walking trails yet. ;-)

When a slower pace is more to what you’re looking for, might I suggest just moseying on over to the Hertzdorf Viaduct. No, it doesn’t really “do” anything, but this 19th century structure sits along some romantic countryside. Just perfect enough to steal a kiss and/or snap a few photos to bring home.

Doesn’t sound too extreme yet, does it? Well, keep your shirt on… I’m gettin’ to it right now. ;-)

Starting at the “smallest,” you’ll want to see the Klein Erzgebirge; thought to be the oldest miniature park in Germany. Semantics don’t matter — either way you’ll find over 200 “monuments” found throughout the Ore Mountains in a 1:25 scale.

Pretty nifty, if I do say so myself!

Ending at the largest, Oederan has the “largest” nutcracker in the world, standing a whopping 7.14 meters tall. Don’t believe me, look it up in the Guinness Book of World Records. You’ll even find there the largest Easter Bunny on the planet.

Wow, could you imagine what it would cost to feed that thing (not to mention the clean-up) if it were real? Talk about extreme!

Did you ever hear the joke, “I just flew in from (add your favorite city here), and boy, are my arms tired”? Well, I’m not going to pull that one about the town of Obertraubling.

But (and this is a really big BUT), after you’ve done all the outdoor activities that are found around Obertraubling you’ll be saying you’re tired.

I don’t even think it’s possible to list all the outdoor recreational sports, yet I’ll give it the old college try.

Hmm, you’ve got swimming, surfing, kayaking, canoeing (no, it’s not the same thing), cycling, hot air ballooning (yes, that counts), fishing, Nordic Walking, golfing, hiking, sledding, skating, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing.

Boy, are my arms tired, and all I did was type this. ;-)

In between all the sporting activities, how about a little bit of history? Germany’s got some of the most beautiful castles in the world (biased, hello!); and I think you’ll like both of Obertraubling’s water castles (called Wasserschlösser in German) — one’s from the 14th, the other from the 13th century.

The town even has four outstanding churches. St. Martin’s might have been built in the 12th/13th centuries, but its Rococo altar is worth mentioning. The St. Peter Church is a new addition (17th century), but its late-Gothic Pieta was created in 1470 & its tower dates to 1533. St. Michael’s 32-meter high tower hovers over the Upper Palatinate landscape, and has done so since it was built in 1508. Nice.

I saved the St. Georg Church for last, because I’m still trying to figure out if its a Romanesque, Gothic, or Baroque church. OK, it’s none of the above, because those churches have all been demolished & rebuilt in a Neo-Baroque in 1908.

To see the way Obertraubling looked back then, go to the Home & Farm Museum (open 2nd Sunday of the month). What a charming museum that highlights the town’s long history.

Lastly, don’t miss out on partying during the Street Festival (odd-numbered years), or the annual Christmas Market (3rd Advent weekend), or shopping during the weekly Farmer’s Market (Fridays 2pm-5pm).

Wow, I did so much shopping & boy, are my arms tired. ;-)