If you came to Hengersberg and uttered the words, “I’m bored,” I would think you got a screw loose. With sixty-four villages and a primo location within the Bavarian Forest National Park, this isn’t even a possibility.

To be fair, not all of Hengersberg’s villages are bubbling over with historical sites or a month of Sundays worth of outdoor activities. But, still you won’t be bored, whether it’s winter or summer.

Downhill skiing is big here in Hengersberg during the winter, as is cross-country skiing through the Bavarian Forest.

These same areas are teeming with activity in the summer months with thousands of people flocking to the area to bicycle, mountain bike, horseback ride, swim (in the outdoor pool or indoor wave pool), and play 18 holes of golf.

Oh my, I didn’t even mention all the fishing, bowling, tennis, and hiking to do, either. But the coolest, niftiest, awesomist (is that a word?) thing to do is the 600 meter toboggan run. Yeah, yeah, that’s a winter sport at the Olympics and stuff, but come summer it’s a really fun thing to do here.

FYI, I’ve done this kind of thing before, and it’s great. That is, until you fall off. Ouch! ;-)

For a possibly painless experience instead, you might want to see the Art Museum (open on the weekends) housed in a former poorhouse and leper hospital, that’s filled with Eastern Bavarian Art. Simply lovely, I would say.

About 11km from Hengersberg is a Roman Museum, if you’re into that sort of thing.

A visit to the 12th century Schloss Egg (yes, that’s its real name) might not be too hazardous. You’ll find it about 13km away, and if you get too tired to hike your way back, just stay there since it’s now a hotel with a fine dining restaurant.

I wouldn’t miss out seeing the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption on the Frauenberg, or the Church of St. Gotthard, either. Seems proper since Pope Benedict XVI’s father was born in one of Hengerberg’s villages.

Are you bored yet? Nah, I didn’t think so — and I don’t think you ever will be here in Hengersberg. ;-)

I know I often drone on (and on, and on) about much of Germany’s history, castles, and churches. But, not this time, folks, it’s the wave of the future in the Hessian town of Heuchelheim.

It’s known as the Drehhaus, or the Revolving House if you will, that actually produces more energy that it uses. Whoa, does my tree-hugging soul feel happy to hear that. ;-)

What makes the Drehhaus truly remarkable is that it spins. Wait, I did say it was a revolving house, right?

Anyway, the house turns to catch the best of the sun’s rays. Cool, right? The only bad part of the house is you got to make an appointment to see it, you can’t just “walk right in.”

What also makes my tree-hugging soul happy is the Lahnau Nature Reserve. You’ll find plenty of areas for bird watching, as well as trying to find their nesting areas (you can look, but try not to bother them — OK). It’s not just birds within the nature reserve, there are plenty of local flora and fauna to identify and discover.

If swimming’s what you want, come to the Heuchelheimer See, a lake where all sorts of water sports are going on. Splashing fun, I must say.

Rather run? Come to Heuchelheim for the annual Midnight Run in late July or early August, or the Lahnpark-Lauf, a half-marathon ran at the end of August.

I’ll watch from the sidelines, if you please. ;-)

Other outdoor recreational activities in Heuchelheim include organized bicycle tours, and a myriad of hiking trails through the countryside. Careful you don’t go too far, you might find yourself in neighboring Wetzlar or Biebertal.

I think I’d rather head to the BBQ huts for a day of eating. Then maybe go walk off the bratwurst at one of Heuchelheim’s parks or playgrounds.

What? I’m a kid at heart! :-)

With thirty-nine villages that make up the Middle Franconian town of Herrieden, it might be hard to keep them straight. No matter, ’cause chances are you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.

Besides, in this Franconian region just stop to enjoy the countryside if you lose your way — then the world will be right as rain. ;-)

Anyway, as much as I will shout from the church steeples (if I could) about how fantastic the scenery is, you’ll still want to see the historical sites around Herrieden.

One of the oldest is the Church of Our Lady, believed to date back to the days of Charlemagne. Yeah, that would be the 8th/9th century. It’s not all medieval though, many improvements and changes to architectural style have been made over the centuries.

The Basilica St. Vitus & St. Deocar isn’t as old as Our Lady, but the Baroque artwork added to the original 11th century medieval church is outstanding.

Speaking of medieval, there’s got to be a castle. And, so there is! The early 12th century Stadtschloss isn’t a castle anymore, it’s been in ruins since 1875, but it was at one time. It was also a brewery for a while, too.

The Storchenturm (Stork Tower) is also one of Herrieden’s remnants of its days from the Middle Ages — it was built 1316. And the town’s former hospital was built 1476 — while the Fronveste was a fort tower (also used as a prison) came from 1415.

Hmm, that’s 600 years. Wow, and I felt old turning 40! ;-)

These historical buildings aren’t even the half of it in Herrieden. Townsfolk get to boast they’ve got many half-timbered houses (charming, to say the least), and many other buildings and structures that came along from the 16th to 19th centuries.

I like the Altes Rathaus and the 18th century Stone Bridge, personally. Oh, the Stone Bridge that’s there today is from 1711, but there’s been a bridge to cross since 836. Industrious folks in Herrieden, weren’t they?

See, it doesn’t matter if you get lost in Herrieden’s 39 villages. You’re bound to find something you like in every one; so no need to stop and ask for directions. ;-)

I read somewhere that Hopsten’s heydays were back in the 18th century. Who wrote this? How dare they? Have they never seen what modern day Hopsten is all about?

Sure, Hopsten was all a bustle with all sorts of trade and stuff back in the 1700s. But, its charm didn’t end when the calendar rolled over to the 19th, 20th, or 21st centuries.

Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, I can tell you all about the Haus Nieland. This house (part of which dates to around 1734) is believed to have been here as far back as Carolingian times; making this a true medieval site — and now a museum.

The Hof Holling isn’t the oldest farm in town — but close to it. So, make sure you at least come to see it. Guided tours are available around Hopsten, in case you’re afraid to miss something.

I would be sure to see the St. Georg Church, a Baroque church whose original predecessor was built in 1343. And isn’t to be mixed-up with the Anna Chapel, a pilgrimage church from 1694.

Buildings aren’t the only things that are hundreds of years old. The Hopstener Eiben trees are found in the garden of a 16th century Inn, and were here before even that. Yes, that makes the trees over 600 years old.

They’re still not as old as the Brockmöllers Eiche, an oak tree with a 27-meter diameter trunk standing 25-meters high. What’s that mean? Oh, that the tree is between 700-800 years old.

The tall trees aren’t Hopsten’s only natural beauty. Come see the Nature Park Terra Vita or the Heilige Meer (a nature reserve area with a lake created by a sinkhole), try play 8-holes of golf (it’s a par-30 course), try moonlight fishing, or enjoy Nordic Walking.

Hopsten has Nordic Walking Days throughout the year, which gets everyone out to enjoy this form of hiking. Everyone comes out for the Schützenfest in July and the Christmas Market around mid-December.

Heydays in the 18th century, my foot! I think Hopsten is just getting started. Don’t you?

I’m not sure if you noticed by now that some German towns are all about the castles. Others can be all about the sports or churches. And some are more about the half-timbered houses, while a bunch are gung-ho on the museums. So, which category does the Hessian town of Homberg (Ohm) fall into?

None of the above. Homberg (Ohm) was known for the beer.

Don’t give me that disapproving look, I don’t make this up. ;-)

Homberg was famous for the beer as far back as the 13th century, with even a tower known as the Brauhausturm or Brewery tower. Ironic, since it’s the only remaining tower from the original medieval fortification wall. A Stadtmauer, if you will.

Whatever you call it, it’s now a fine local history museum. And the City Tavern has been here since before the turn of the 18th century. Tavern. Beer. See, I don’t create these things in my head.

I will, in all fairness, give in that Homberg does have a Romanesque church from the Middle Ages (built 1220), and a lovely Cemetery Chapel from 1583.

The Homberger Pharmacy isn’t to be missed, it’s a half-timbered charmer; as is the Homberger Rathaus that’s been the center of town life for almost 500 years (it was built in 1539, to be exact).

Homberg, for as wonderful as it is, can even boast its own 11th century castle (its Keep was destroyed during the 17th century Thirty Years’ War, so you know). It stinks that it’s privately owned, I (and many others) would LOVE to see the inside of it.

Who am I kidding… who wouldn’t love to OWN one of these bad boys. ;-)

Oh well, I’m too busy with Homberg’s festivals to dwell on my lack of castle ownership. Come the third weekend of July, there’s a Homberger Festival (not a HAMBURGER Festival). Great, now I’m craving a hamburger.

There’s plenty of food to eat at the Kalte Markt (3rd weekend October) that’s been taking place for more than 450 years. I’m a firm believer, if it ain’t broke — don’t fix it. ;-)

The year ends quite nicely with many choral concerts at both Homberg’s Protestant and Catholic churches.

Hmm, I guess I could say Homberg (Ohm) WAS all about the beer. Now it’s all about just being an all-around great place to live and/or visit.

In the first century A.D. Hüfingen in Baden-Württemberg was famous for marking the boundary of the Roman Empire (that would be like Julius Caesar, not the Holy Roman Empire) on the southern edge of the mystic Black Forest.

Today, it’s more known for its castle ruins, its Carnival, and its charming Altstadt (Old Town) with lots of half-timbered houses framing its city streets that border the gorgeous town of Donaueschingen.

Does this sound like your kind of place? Great, let’s get to seeing it then. :-)

The Romans weren’t the first people to settle here in Hüfingen. Archaeologists have found Bronze Age artifacts, and the remnants of a Celtic settlement.

I’m sorry to say that the Celtic settlements are gone, but you can see the old Roman baths, that’s now a museum of sorts that’s open from May to October.

More of Hüfingen’s history is found within the City Museum of Art & History (located at Nikolausgasse 1 — open on Sundays from 2pm-5pm).

The other museum in town is Hüfingen’s School Museum, totally dedicated to the reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic. Um, that would be reading, writing, and arthmetic to my school teacher readers out there. ;-)

Hüfingen’s schloss isn’t open for historical tours, it’s now a nursing home, but you can see the Burgruine Fürstenberg instead. This ruined castle was supposedly built in the 11th century, standing for more than 800 years before finally being destroyed in 1841 (even managing to survive being sacked during the 17th century Thirty Years’ War).

In order to fully appreciate the beauty of Hüfingen’s St. Verena & Gallus Church, take a 90-minute guided tour (it’s only a few euros). Even if you don’t, you’re still welcome to visit the Catholic Church for sightseeing or services.

Anytime is a great time to visit Hüfingen, but I would try to come (at least once) during its Carnival. Held right before the sacrificial days of Lent, the Fool’s Guild makes a grand display of the whole affair — parade included.

As festive as Carnival might be, you’ll find the hiking trails (going over little bridges and stuff) a tad bit quieter. I wonder if this is how it looked back when Hüfingen was at the far reaches of the Roman Empire?

Either way, it’s perfect.

There’s a song from the musical Oliver that sings, “Food glorious, food…”

Well, this is all that I keep humming to myself when thinking about the town of Hohberg.

Why food? Doesn’t Hohberg have museums, castles, and whatnot?

Yeah, sure! But, the Friday weekly market is full of Black Forest yummies, like cheese and baked goods (great, just thinking about it my pants are getting tight).

And, every July there’s a Farmer’s Market with more food on top of food. Come grab a cup of coffee while you shop for fresh produce, locally made honey, and a variety of cheeses. Yeah, and more bakery items too.

I’ll blame it on the Beer and Viticulture Museums. I wanted to drink afterwards, then I got hungry — good thing it was a Friday, huh? ;-)

More eating and drinking (as if I really had to tell you that) during Hohberg’s festivals is expected — like the Village Festival. Yes, even during the annual Music Festival in July.

Trust me, you’ll want the calories if you’re out on Hohberg’s hiking and biking trails thru the Black Forest and/or Upper Rhine Valley. There are a number of them, the shortest one being around 12km for a hiking trail; 20km on the bike route (a great family outing).

One of the guided routes will take you past many of the area’s castles (the one in town is the 12th/13th century ruins of Roeder von Diersburg), but head out into the foothills of the Black Forest to see Schloss Ratstatt, Königsbourg, Castle Staufenberg Durbach, and the ruins of Hohengeroklseck (I think that’s as hard to say as it is to type ;-).

For a Jewish heritage tour, Hohberg’s a good place. There’s a Jewish theater, a Jewish cemetery, and what was once a Jewish ritual bath — called a mikvah.

I think you’ll like the Hohberger Museum, a local history museum housed in an old cigar factory.

Just like I think you’ll love all the food (glorious food!) and everything else in Hohberg.

Step right up, Folks, Germany’s got everything you could ask for. Roman ruins, castle ruins, Celtic ruins, megaliths, beachside vacations, and more!

Errr, hold on a second. Megaliths? What’s a megalith? Ever hear of Stonehenge? That’s a megalith — large stone or stones made into a monument of some kind.

What’s the point of this science lesson? To tell you about the town of Molbergen in Lower Saxony, Station #21 on the Straße der Megalithkultur or Route of Megalithic Culture (a 330km scenic route), that’s why.

Ever heard of this scenic route?

It’s famous for its Teufelssteine or Devil’s Stones on the road from the Vrees district to Bischofsbrück.

As if these massive prehistoric stones aren’t enough to bring you to Molbergen, perhaps all the Easter festivities, Advent celebrations, and the Christmas Market in December might entice you.

Oh yeah, the Patronatsfest of St. Anne and the Summer Festival every July are always popular for both resident and visitor alike. Any chance you get to eat yummy street food with a fine German beer is a good time, don’t ya think?

Molbergen is also close to the Wildeshausen Geest, which you can either see on your own or as part of a guided bicycle or hiking tour.

I would suggest that your guide takes you to see the Steingarten Marga, a charming garden (with a koi pond) that was done all by the work of one man. Ambitious fellow, wasn’t he?

For something to do on your own, I would recommend trying your legs at Nordic Walking or along the Fitness Trail. You can do either as fast or slow as you want, ya know. If you’re out exploring the Moorlands, take your time — the terrain is pretty amazing.

For the kids, I’m pretty sure they’ll love the Amusement Park Landal Dwergter Sand, an area that’s perfect for younger visitors. OK, you can have some fun there, too.

I guess I should have started with, “Step right up, Folks — Molbergen’s got prehistoric sites, gorgeous countryside, and fantastic festivals.” Anything and everything you could possibly ask for, right?

The Franconian town of Münnerstadt originally started off as an early Celtic Settlement, and quickly grew into a wonderful medieval town. More than a handful of centuries later, Münnerstadt still maintains a medieval flair.

As with any proper town from the Middle Ages it needed gates, so that residents and friends could enter the town, while keeping out the bad guys. Münnerstadt’s got four of them — the Jörgentor (East Gate), the Oberes Tor or Upper Gate (a 13th century, 35 meter high tower), the Unteres Tor or Lower Gate, and the Dicker Turm, the Thick Tower built 1240 and part of the monastery.

Right around the time the gates were built, the Deutschordensschloss or German Order Castle was coming together (it took 27 years to build 1230-1257). Today this 800 year old castle is home to the Museum Henneberg, has changing art and cultural exhibitions, guided tours and weddings.

Who wouldn’t want to get married in a medieval castle? No wonder the spot’s real popular.

Built earlier than the castle and the Stadtmauer gates is the Parish Church (it dates to around the 12th century). And not to be confused with the Monastery Church of St. Michael (this one’s a Rococo design, the former is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic).

Another medieval site in Münnerstadt includes the Julius Hospital, which was built in 1280.

But, you’ll also want to check out all the half-timbered houses, the Tithe Barn, the former synagogue, and the Kelterhalle — where you’ll find a 16th century winepress.

You’ll also want to head to the monastery beer garden (the Monastery Maria Bildhausen) to try a bottle of locally made Abbey Beer.

I’m pretty sure they’ll be serving it aplenty during Münnerstadt’s many festivals and markets, like the Egg Market and Flea Market in April; or, the Maypole Festival in early May, the Summer Festival and Fishing Festival (both in July), and the Fall Market and Autumn Fair, both of which take place in October.

The only place you might not find beer all over is the Wine Festival, held annually in September. It’s good to break things up a bit.

That’s OK, wine was just as popular as beer back in the Middle Ages — fitting for medieval Münnerstadt.

Wow, where do I start in the Bavarian town of Rottenburg an der Laaber?

This is really difficult, since the town has not only a long history (think Romans), but a good deal of festivals throughout the year, and is the birth and final resting place of a famous “Knight.”

I’m going for the Knight; and he wasn’t a medieval one either.

Max von Müller was “knighted” by the Der Orden Pour le Mérite in 1917. Wait, I thought knights were from the Middle Ages, wearing armour, and protecting fair maidens — how did von Müller get this “coveted” title?

Well, it wasn’t so easy… He got it by earning the Blue Max, the most prestigious of Prussia’s military honors. Von Müller got it by becoming a World War I Flying Ace, flying 160 combat missions.

His contemporary Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron, in case you didn’t know), earned one, as well as did Otto von Bismarck, Paul von Hindenburg, and Erwin Rommel.

Anyway, Rottenburg built a tomb for its decorated son, who died in combat, which you can see while you’re here.

Afterwards, I would suggest a visit to Rottenburg’s Parish Church of St. Georg (built 1860s), the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) that’s been here since 1885, and the Brauereigasthof or Brewery Inn on Marktstrasse 19.

Hmm, beer and a place to sleep all in one spot… Heaven!

For something a bit educational mixed with outdoor recreation, check out the Nature Trail. Here you’ll find 10 “stations” that’ll teach you all about the countryside. Guided bike tours are all the rage every August, just in case you want to join in.

You might choose another time to do the nature trail or bike tour if one of Rottenburg’s festivals are going on; and there are plenty of them to boot.

Let’s see… There’s a Village Festival at the end of July, a Summer Festival in August, a City Festival also in August, a Martinimarkt on the last weekend of September, and the obligatory Christmas Market on the 1st weekend of December.

But, for something really special — it’s the Schäfflertanz, a festival that takes place every seven years. It started with the copper guild in the 16th century in Munich — and now many Bavarian towns and villages get in on all the dancing fun.

The one in 2009 was a huge hit with everyone. Can’t wait to see the next ones!