It’s too bad that the town of Thedinghausen isn’t on the Straße der Weserrenaissance (Weser Renaissance Route), as it has a fantastic castle that was built in the architectural style. Or, is it? I’m not entirely sure as statements vary.

Doesn’t matter, you can still find the time to come and see it. Right?

The Erbhof is a grand example of this architecture that was popular from the start of the Reformation until sometime in the mid-17th century. I guess with the advent of the Thirty Years’ War, no one had time (or money) to build such opulent castles and palaces.

Anyway, the gardens of the castle are the real treat, as there are over 50 species of trees and more than 300 species of plants surrounding it. You’re free to walk around the grounds, but guided tours inside the castle are only available at certain times.

The Erbhof is used as a concert venue from time to time, so jump on the chance to see it if you can.

In the meantime, you’re more than welcome to join a guided tour to the inner workings of Thedinghausen’s industries. You can ring ahead for a chance to see how beekeeping or organic farming (to name a few) is done. Interesting, I’d have to say.

From Spring to Autumn Thedinghausen’s Pingelheini (a historic train) operates through the countryside. They’ll allow your bike on for free, in case you want to hop on after riding too far for the day.

There’s also a Weser Ferry (operating May 1 to October 3) that’ll scoot you across the waterways after an arduous day along the Weser Cycle Path.

Remember, you can always just camp out here if you’re too tired. ;-)

It’ll be a good idea to save some energy to do a bit of canoeing. You don’t even have to pack your own boat (could you imagine the baggage fees on the airlines for that?), canoe rentals are available.

Make sure you’ve conserved your strength for the annual Summer Festival at the end of August or the Heritage Day celebration in September.

As fantastic as Thedinghausen is, you won’t complain that you won’t find it on the Straße der Weserrenaissance — you’ll be too busy.

I like it when I got room to stretch out — breathing room, if you will. Which is exactly what you can get when you arrive in the town of Trittau in southern Schleswig-Holstein.

In fact, the best place to do that is in the village of Hohenfelde (one of the town’s 10 hamlets) that’s home to only 65 residents. 66 as soon as I pack up and move into one of the many thatched roofed houses here. ;-)

No, I’m not moving to Trittau (there would go the neighborhood); but I would consider it.

Located just 30km east of Hamburg, Trittau is a quiet, farming town (lots of dairy farms) within the Hahnheide, a nature area that’s fantastic for seeing all sorts of local flora & fauna. The 27-meter observation tower will give you views of the countryside AND the city of Hamburg.

Even though Trittau isn’t full of old buildings, it makes up for it with its festivals and markets. There’s an Easter Market, a Christmas Market on the 1st weekend of Advent (a soapbox derby takes place at the same time), and on the third weekend in August there’s a really fun Folk Festival.

Darn, I almost forgot to mention the annual Craft Market that attracts all sorts of artisans and shoppers alike.

In between shopping and all the fun festivities, some see Trittau’s Martin Luther Church (built 13th century) and its 19th century District Courthouse. Another one of Trittau’s churches comes from 1701; and there’s an inn that’s been here since 1695. Don’t you just love that?

Travel a bit into the countryside and you’ll get to see Schloss Reinbek (in nearby Reinbek), a stunning example of 16th century architecture (it’s now an art & cultural center). Sorry, Castle Trittau was demolished — as was the Kloster Reinbek; so that’s kind of out of the question to see. Too bad, that would have been pretty awesome, since they were built in the 13th and 14th centuries, respectively.

Nah, nevermind — I’m not moving to Trittau since its castle is gone. But, that wouldn’t stop me from visiting again and again — and neither should it stop you. ;-)

Just when I think Germany can’t get any prettier, or I can find something to make me speechless, I’m proven wrong. That’s OK, I can be wrong when it comes to visiting places like Aldingen in Baden-Württemberg.

You’ll find this slice of Heaven right at the Swabian Alb (not to mention conveniently located near Lake Constance).

Ohhh, all the better to hike or cycle the countryside, don’t you think? One particularly fantastic route is the Donauberglandweg. Another will take you up the Dreifaltigkeitsberg. Look, you don’t have to pronounce the name of this 985-meter high hill, just climb it to see a beautiful pilgrimage church. ;-)

You don’t have to do much vertical walking if you don’t want to, either. There are enough BBQ grilling areas, golf holes, or other walking routes to keep you entertained.

There’s even a nifty museum in Aldingen with a 215 million year old fossil and a reconstruction of an 8th century wooden church. While it might only be open on the first and third Sunday of the month, the admission is FREE; so don’t complain. ;-)

In-between the visit to the Local History Museum and hikes out into the blue yonder, you might want to shop for some local goodies at Aldingen’s Weekly Market on Fridays or the Christmas Market in November.

If you’re lucky enough to be here for the Aldo Festival in July, then you’re in for a super fun partying treat right out in the middle of the Marktplatz (Market Square). Swabian food, Black Forest cuisine, music, dancing, beer & wine; oh, I have found Heaven.

I don’t think a visit to Aldingen’s indoor pool and sauna would be good idea on this festival day, do you? Save it for another one.

But, since Aldingen is heavenly, I don’t think you’ll be in any rush to leave — so you got plenty of time to enjoy.

For some people just arriving in Germany is a world away. For others, it’s a mere hop, skip, and a jump the 20km to Stuttgart or 10km from Esslingen. Then there are those who think bigger. About how we might just be mere blips on a universal scale.

I think the people in the town of Aichwald fall into the latter category.

Whatever category you think you might fall into, it’s all right — no one will judge. ;-)

Actually, I mention the word universal because it’s here in Aichwald where you’ll find Planet Aichwald. If you walk the 4.3km route (it’ll take about 90 or so minutes) you’ll learn all about the solar system along its 12 “stations.”

Hey, I wonder, does that still include Pluto, that is, or isn’t, a planet anymore? Could someone let me know, please? I’m so confused. ;-)

To stay a bit closer to “home,” come hike Aichwald’s 100km of hiking trails through the gorgeous Swabian Alb. There are also plenty of cycling trails, if a bicycle is more your speed.

I wouldn’t worry about getting lost, the folks over at Aichwald’s Tourist Office can hook you up with all sorts of information (and maps) of the area.

They’ll also tell you all about the Goldgelb, a 5-day music festival that’s held every two years.

Aichwald’s also proud of its history. Over at a former sanctuary you’ll find outstanding Baroque artwork, as well as a crucifix from the 15th century.

The church of Sts. Gereon and Margaretha has some extraordinary Gothic paintings, and its stained glass is truly divine workmanship.

It might not look like much, but the walls of the original Burg Aichelberg are also a look into Aichwald’s past. I think they call it the “remains of a small medieval castle.” Yeah, since when were castles ever small?

Hmm, the past doesn’t sound so romantic when you get a gander of the “cell” in the village of Aichschieß. This was a small prison cell that was used for many purposes, one of them being a “punishment” for being a single mom.

Hmm, maybe these guys had too much time on their hands to come up with this kind of torture. Maybe they should have been pondering whether Pluto is, or isn’t, a planet instead. ;-)

Often when you read about a place there’s a whole bunch of facts and figures thrown at you, never really delving into the soul of the place. Not so when it comes to the town of Altrip, just to the south of Ludwigshafen on the river Rhine.

Sure, I can tell you all about the history of the place — how it was founded by Roman Emperor Valentinian I in 369 A.D., when he built a fort on the Alta Ripa. Funny, this German town wasn’t even founded by Germans (or Germanic Tribes, in this case), but by Italians.

Now over sixteen centuries later, no one could call this place anything but German.

What’s really funny is that the Romans weren’t the first to come to Altrip (though it wasn’t called Altrip back then). Neanderthal Man (around 100,000 years ago) could boast that title — his femur was found in a nearby gravel pit — but, either way, nothing remains of Neanderthal or Valentinian’s time.

What does remain is the town’s oldest house, a half-timbered one dating to around 1660. Yeah, doesn’t seem that old compared to the Romans (or the Neanderthal Man for that matter), does it?

Altrip’s town church is older, but only its tower. After a fire destroyed it in 1891, the 13th century medieval 20-meter high tower was the only part that stood standing.

That’s all right, a little bit of the old, right next to the new. Now, that’s character.

Did you know that you can easily get to Altrip via ferry from Mannheim? No? Everyday starting at 5:30am, there’s ferry service to/from Mannheim — with the last one leaving at 22:30 (that would be 10:30pm for non-military time-telling folks). Sorry, Sunday mornings is a late start — the first one leaves at 8am. ;-)

What? Who doesn’t like to sleep in or lounge around reading the newspaper in bed on Sunday mornings — or is it just me?

Even though I haven’t gotten the pleasure of doing it, I’d imagine that watching the fireworks from the annual Fisherman’s festival (in early July) from the ferry has got to be pretty. This festival, in addition to the fireworks, is a real fun affair with lots of seafood dishes (it is a fisherman’s festival) and plenty of ale to go around.

I hope I managed to tell you about Altrip’s soul, as well as some of its facts & figures. Thanks, Valentinian (does anyone know how to say thanks in Latin?) for a pretty awesome town.

Who’d a thunk that you’d have to come all the way to Stadland, Lower Saxony to experience one of the largest festivals in the entire federal state?

Stadland? Where on Earth is that?

Uhh, Germany. No, I’m just foolin’ around — it IS in Germany, but you’ll find it just a couple footsteps southeast of Bremerhaven if you’re looking for a more specific geographical location.

Anyway, back to the Roonkarker Mart. Every year at the end of September thousands of partygoers come for the music, food, amusement rides, and just about everything else.

As big as the festival is, it’s not the only one. Over in the village of Seefeld, the Galerie-Holländer-Windmühle or Gallery Dutch Windmill is the site of many cultural events. This painstakingly restored windmill has earned Stadland a place on not only the Lower Saxon Mills Route, but also the Frisian Mills Road as well.

Prefer lighthouses to windmills? That’s OK, Stadland lies along the Jade Bay, a large bay area that leads out to the East Frisian Islands, that does boast its own romantic lighthouse.

Historians will want to rush right over to the Bronzezeit-Haus. Yeah, sound it out… Bronze Age House. Archaeologists have recreated an abode from around 900 B.C. The Bronzezeit-Haus is also the venue for the annual Fall Market in September, as well as other historical events & programs.

For more modern history, come see the medieval St. Matthew Church (built around 1180) or the 17th century St. Secundus Church.

The nature lover in you will appreciate the Strohauser Plate, a river island that’s a bird sanctuary. If birds freak you out, then maybe you’ll like the Weser Cycle Path instead. Or what about the infamous German Sluice Route, or Deutsche Sielroute, that elegantly leads you for some 200km through the Jadebusen bay area?

Take a tent, rent an RV (or whatever), and find a place to camp out. Stadland does have regular hotels or guesthouses, if you’re so inclined — but, it’s still nice to spend the night under the Lower Saxon stars.

Yeah, yeah, the Roonkarker Mart might bring people to Stadland — but, that’s not what makes them stay. It’s the whole bunch of other things you’ll find here that does that. :-)

I would never have guessed in a million years that I’d find myself only a few minutes from Berlin in the town of Schulzendorf to go Alpaca and llama hiking.

Yes, I said Alpaca and llama hiking.

What’s an Alpaca?

Well, it’s kind of like an South American camel, that’s bred for its coat (like sheep), that makes the warmest blankets, scarves, and gloves (among other items).

Hey, something’s got to keep these animals warm on those cold winters in the Andes Mountains. Who knew you’d find one on the outskirts of Germany’s capital city?

Llamas, on the other hand, are a bit bigger than their Alpaca cousin, and are used as beasts of burden and as a food source. Not so here in Schulzendorf. They’re great to take with you on a nature hike through the Naturpark Dahme-Heideseen.

These animals aren’t the only attraction within the nature park (but, this will take a good 4 to 5 hours out of your day). This is the land of 100 Lakes, bird watching opportunities, guided hiking tours (one is even all about the mushrooms), organic farms, and tiny canals.

As if this isn’t enough, you can still do a good deal of cycling around town (or the nature park), hiking, or try Nordic Walking. How about a little canoeing too, while you’re at it?

I’m worn out & I’m just sitting here.

For something a tad more “cultural,” come see Schloss Schulzendorf, a.k.a. Gut Schulzendorf, a huge manor house that I wouldn’t mind moving into tomorrow. ;-)

Jazz lovers will love Schulzendorf for its Jazz Summer events held throughout the month of July.

Sorry, if you’re not a fan of the music genre, maybe you’d rather take a walk over to the town’s memorial to its Nazi resistance fighters instead.

No, I know you want to get back out on those trails with the Llamas and Alpacas. Otherwise you might have to go all the way to South America. And that’s just too far from Germany, don’t ya think?

How many of you out there in the cyberworld are in love with the automobile?

I know I am — doesn’t matter what I’m driving either — sedans, coupes, sportscars, pickup trucks — whatever will do when I’ve got the urge to put the pedal to the metal. I’ve driven in Europe, in the United States, even South America for that matter. But, what’s this all got to do with the town of Simmern (Hunsrück)?

Everything and nothing.

Even I am inclined on some (I said some) occasions to leave the car keys behind and walk around — which is exactly what you can do here in the town’s pedestrian district on Obergasse. Sometimes it’s just nice to use your own foot power to stroll along medieval streets and lanes, window shopping and stopping for a bite to eat.

Think of how much you’ll miss if you’re just zooming around the Autobahn.

Simmern’s pedestrian zone isn’t all that you can accomplish on your visit. Look around, you’ll find reminders of its medieval days, like its original Stadtmauer (a defense wall), as well as get a chance to see Schloss Simmern.

The Simmern Castle was built in 1311, undergoing major renovations in 1708 (changing it from medieval to a more Baroque appearance). It’s now the town’s Local History Museum, its Historical Library, and City Library. On the top floor is an exhibition area dedicated to sculptor/painter Friedrich Karl Ströher.

On Römerberg 2, you’ll find the 15th century church of St. Stephen, the final resting place of long-gone dukes.

St. Joseph’s Church at Klostergasse 3 might not have come along until 1749, but its frescoes are downright heavenly.

Sometime at the end of July/early August, the Schinderhannesturm (this tower was once used as a prison) holds its annual Schinderhannes Festival. No, you won’t need a car for this either.

And that’s not the only festival in town. The Sports Festival is every July, as is the Summer Festival, a Dance Festival, the Farmers Market, and two Kirmes (church festivals) all held in the same month.

The Mill Festival is the odd-man out — that’s held on the 2nd Sunday of September. With 31 communities that make-up Simmern (Hunsrück), how could there not be something going on all the time?

I just don’t want to stay too long… I’ve got a hankering to drive again.

Off I go! But don’t worry, I’ll let you know where in Germany I wind up next. ;-)

Sure, you might think me a bit silly with all the jokes I make about Bavaria and German beer. But, really, Bavaria makes it easy for me — especially when you find three (yes, THREE) breweries in one small town, like I did in Strullendorf.

It’s as if everything else is secondary to this golden beverage that calls my name. But, I will not (not, not) pick up a brew until I’ve shown you all around Strullendorf.

That can be my reward for being a good host. ;-)

Yes, I jest — but, I’m very serious when I say you’ll enjoy Strullendorf.

You got a choice to either start your sightseeing adventure with either the historical or the natural side of the town.

For those of you who take the historical theme first, you’ll find Bronze and Iron Age grave mounds in the village of Geisfeld (one of the 8 villages that ARE Strullendorf), and the foundations of an 8th century church in Amlingstadt.

And a historical tour is never complete in Germany without a castle, so a visit to Schloss Wernsdorf is in order. While the original castle from the Middle Ages was used as a sign of power, it also housed refugees after World War II and is now a musical and art culture center (learn to play an instrument, anyone?)

To enjoy Strullendorf’s natural beauty, you’ll want to come to the villages of Mistendorf and Zeegendorf. Both of them lie within the Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz, or Franconian Switzerland, which is a 2,000+ square kilometer area with all sorts of rock formations and caves.

It’s all part of the Franconian Jura, which is part of Franconia.

Blah, blah, blah, all you need to know is the countryside is enough to make the most talkative person shut up for a while. ;-)

FYI, Mistendorf does have a pilgrimage chapel, in case you’re interested.

The outdoorsy stuff in Strullendorf doesn’t end there. How about doing some fishing or mountainbiking, too? There’s even a place to play some beach volleyball.

Beaches?

Doesn’t Strullendorf sound spectacular? Yeah, it sure does. Can I have my beer now? ;-)

I think someone put the jinx on the castles in the Upper Swabian town of Schemmerhofen.

What, I never said I wasn’t the superstitious type, did I? But, the big question is WHY do I think that someone put the jinx on the town’s castles?

How about because nothing remains of all four of Schemmerhofen’s castles. Yup, could you believe it? That’s too bad, because I’m sure the hilltop Castle Langenschemmern was a formidable sight to been seen. And the Wasserburg (that would be water castle) Langenschemmern, that was built in 1358, only stood for only 90 years before it too was totally destroyed.

Schemmerhofen Castle suffered the same fate; and it does take some imagination to picture what the original 13th century castle looked like.

At least Castle Aufhofen was a force to be reckoned with for more than two centuries. It finally fell just as the 16th century dawned on the horizon.

I’m telling you about Schemmerhofen’s castles (or lack thereof) because you can at least see where these magnificent structures once stood.

While castles might have dominated the landscape during the Middle Ages, so did churches. Then again, not every church is a medieval one. Oh, that sounds so philosophical, doesn’t it?

Either way, you’ll want to see Schemmerhofen’s churches, which would be the churches of St. Nicholas, St. Ulrich, and St. Michael.

Now for something totally different…

Did you know that Upper Swabia has no Autobahn? Not that it’s a total bad thing — you get to see much more of the countryside when you take the backroads, ya know.

You’ll pass by many dairy farms, as well as find a good number of quiet & peaceful hiking and biking trails. Wow, it sure is pretty here in this part of Baden-Württemberg.

I’m still wondering how Schemmerhofen’s castles were so jinxed, but I wouldn’t let that stop me from coming here. I sure hope it doesn’t stop you either.