What does social welfare and the town of Neuendettelsau in Middle Franconia have in common? Give me a few minutes and I can explain it all.

First, you’ll find the eighteen villages and hamlets of Neuendettelsau on the A6 Autobahn, just a quick half hour west of Nuremberg.

Now that you know where to find the place, you can come see the Diakonie Neuendettelsau. This isn’t a church. It isn’t a half-timbered house. Nor, is it even some kind of spa.

Nope, this was a 19th century Deaconess Institute that’s sole purpose was for social welfare and the betterment of humanity. It is the largest organization of its kind in the entire country.

The institute was founded by Wilhelm Lohe, and there’s a Social History Museum with history of Germany’s social reforms and emigration, as well as the work of Mr. Lohe.

Oh, I explained that — and it didn’t even take but a minute.

Sightseeing in Neuendettelsau isn’t limited to just the museum. I would make it a point to see the Lutheran St. Lawrence Church, Catholic St. Francis Church, and the Lutheran St. Nikolai — the oldest of them all, built in 1402.

Who cares the original church was rebuilt in 1899, I’m still sticking to that St. Nick’s is a medieval church, so let’s not split hairs, OK? ;-)

Another place you’ll want to come to in Neuendettelsau is the Erlebnisbad Novamare, with both an indoor and outdoor pool. Plus, it’s got a 54 meter waterslide (fun!) Kneipp pool (refreshing!), a salt water pool (the ocean in the middle of Franconia!), and a tanning area.

I would say to do the pool complex after you’ve done all the bicycling and hiking around this Franconia region you can handle. Sorry, no Alps nearby, but the countryside is beautiful nonetheless.

I don’t know about social welfare, but I do know that the beautiful town of Neuendettelsau can do wonders for MY and YOUR well-being.

Do you ever wonder how two totally unrelated things find themselves in the same sentence? This time it’s fossils and wine. So, how do you make the connection between them?

That’s simple. The town of Nierstein.

You’ll find Nierstein in an area known as Rhenish Hesse, and with fossil tracks from 290 million years ago. I guess this is why there’s the Paläontologisches Museum Nierstein. In case you didn’t sound it out, that would be a paleontology museum.

That sure makes Roman Settlement not seem that old, right? I still think the Sironabad Springs (dedicated to the Goddess Sirona) is a great place to see; and the Romans used these springs for just about three centuries.

The Romans liked their baths, and they certainly liked their wine. Good thing this drink of the gods is made right here.

I told you, fossils & wine — there’s the connection. ;-)

Many of Nierstein’s annual festivals have a lot to do with the viticulture that surrounds the area. Right after the Maypole Festival is a Wine Festival and Kerb in the middle of May, with another Kerb and Wine Festival in early September, and many wineries hold an open house in the middle of September.

Two of the biggest festivals are the Winegrower’s Festivals, held every year on the first weekend of August and the International Cultural Festival in early July.

Yeah, international culture might be the “highlight,” but don’t forget this is Germany — so make sure you try some local dishes famous to the area. Try the Weinknorzen (a bread made with caraway seeds) or the Fleischworscht, a bologna looking meat.

It’s been said that the Spundekäs (a cream/cottage cheese mixture, usually served with pretzels or crackers) goes great with one of the locally bottled white wines.

Yeah, sounds good — can someone bring me a corkscrew, a crystal wineglass, and some Spundekäs, please?

I like the fact that Niederwerrn doesn’t seem to be a boisterous kind of place. No, quiet and simple would probably be the right adjectives. They were enough to inspire a local writer seven hundred years ago.

They’re enough to inspire a writer of today.

Niederwerrn was the birthplace of medieval writer Hugo von Trimberg (and explain why there’s a school named after him here). Sure, this isn’t Literature 101; but almost 700 years after his death his works (like the Renner) still live on.

The Renner, by the way, is a piece on the Seven Deadly Sins — they’ll always get you in trouble, won’t they? ;-)

Regardless of what sin you might or might not be committing, Niederwerrn is a good place to do it. I’m just kidding about the sin part, but in reality the town is remarkably pretty; and located very close to the city of Schweinfurt.

When you follow along a few of the marked biking paths you’ll get to see a good deal of it. Hiking, of course, is always a fantastic way to see more. Sorry, this is Lower Franconia, so no Alps in the background — but you’ll like it anyway.

If you’re tired (all those cycle paths, hiking trails, and walking around the zoo will do that to you), the Kneipp area on Jahnstraße sure makes for a good rest area. So does the Wern Park, in case you’re closer to one than the other.

For sightseeing, the town’s library was once a former synagogue; which was destroyed on Kristallnacht in 1938. There’s a memorial plaque here, as well as at the Town Hall for the town’s former Jewish community.

I think you’ll like the town’s Evangelical Village Church with all its stained glass; as well as the church of St. Bruno and the church of St. Bartholomew.

You might not be a writer like von Trimberg, but I sure hope you’ll be inspired to at least talk about your trip to Niederwerrn. Hopefully, I’ll be the first to know all about it!

Neuenkirchen-Vörden’s neighbor of Bersenbrück might have a bunch of churches and a13th century monastery; but you’ll find the best place to be here in this town is in the countryside.

I ain’t saying this place isn’t old; it’s just that the Lower Saxon countryside steals the show.

Located right at the foot of the Dammer Berge, this mountainous region has many hiking trails, as well as more flat land (you know, like pastures and meadows) for easier bike riding. Plus the view from the observation tower is pretty spectacular.

Don’t like heights? The nearby moorlands are always a good bet.

And Neuenkirchen-Vörden has earned its rightful place on the Lower Saxon Mill Route, a German scenic route that highlights the very best of wind and water mills. Whatever the case, it’s the Seling Windmill (a Gallery Dutch, by the way) that you’ll want to see.

Another scenic route is the Pickerweg, a hiking trail that runs from Wildeshausen and Osnabrück.

Even Neuenkirchen-Vörden’s swimming area is meant to be like a “natural environment.” Don’t you just love creative wording? What that means is: the Naturbad Vörden is just like swimming in a lake.

Oh yeah, lakes. The Dümmer See is a quiet kind of place with trails that lead around to where you’ll find rare plants and flowers. Maybe you’ll get lucky and see some endangered reptiles too, but there are plenty of birds if you want to do the whole bird watching thing.

If it’s an exciting lake you’re looking for then it’s the Alfsee that you want. Waterskiing anyone? No way, not me, I’m old. Is it possible to break a hip on water? That would so put a damper on the rest of anyone’s time in Neuenkirchen-Vörden. ;-)

I’ll stick to a more conservation activity, like going to see a restored mid-19th century (1840 to be exact) farmhouse.

Oh, who am I kidding — that waterskiing sounds great!

My dearest friends do I have a Bavarian town for you. Don’t make fun of me because I keep saying that. I sincerely mean it this time.

No, I sincerely, sincerely mean it. :-)

I think you’ll really enjoy Neunkirchen am Brand in Upper Franconia. It has all sorts of cultural activities, sports, historical buildings, and a view that’s downright heavenly.

Sure, you think I’m exaggerating — I can see your face thru your monitor. But let me tell you about Neunkirchen am Brand before you think so.

Back in the 14th century the Monastery Neunkirchen was the dominant force around town. Its St. Michael’s Church still stands majestically; and while it’s not officially its landmark — it very well should be.

The monastery closed after the Protestant Reformation swept threw Germany; and many of its former buildings were sold for other uses. The Town Hall was once the old school, and its medieval former convent is still around too.

Medieval Neunkirchen isn’t limited to the monastery. Found throughout this old city are a few of the town’s original gates of its fortification wall. What’s really cool is someone lives in the Erleinhofer Tor gate — I want to do that too.

Over in the village of Ermreuth there’s a Jewish Museum housed in the former synagogue (destroyed on Kristallnacht in Nov. 1938). It’s also used for various cultural events throughout the year.

Also in Ermreuth are a charming village church and a castle. I think this is why Neunkirchen is on the Burgenstraße or Castle Road that runs from Mannheim to Prague.

As if you’re not going to be busy enough with all the historical sites of Neunkirchen, there are plenty of festivals throughout the year.

Where to begin? There’s a religious procession every year on Good Friday, a Cherry Blossom Festival on Ascension Day (these change according to the Christian calendar, just so you know); a Town Fair is every year in July, a Kerwe (Church Festival) on the 1st Sunday of October, and a Christmas Market on the third weekend of Advent.

Oh, I left out the Autumn Fair on the fourth Sunday of October, and the Culture Days (late April) that’s chocked full of musical concerts, plays, and art exhibitions.

Is there even time to do all the swimming, hiking, skiing, or tobogganing? I sure hope so.

With all this to do you might have to find yourself a guesthouse that overlooks the Upper Scwabachtal (which is where you’ll find that heavenly view). I’m going to see if the people living the medieval gate will let me stay with them. Anyone got their phone number? ;-)

Even writing my way around Germany has made me tired. So, when I got to the town of Neunburg vorm Wald in the Upper Palatinate I decided to stay for a while. Yes, that means I just stopped typing for a bit. ;-)

But if you were really here in Neunbug vorm Wald, you could sit at its 110 acre Eixendorfer See to chill out. It’s both a swimming and small boat lake that’s surrounded by the Upper Palatinate Forest where families enjoy picnics and games of beach volleyball.

After that the choice is yours. If you want to horseback, hike, or bike around the lake or the Bavarian ponds, there’s plenty of local flora & fauna. It’s good to have choices.

It’s also good to have money. Aw, I’m just joking (no, I’m not); but money (in this case) is on exhibit at the Coins Heritage Museum (open Sundays 3pm-5pm from May-September). There is a Rural Heritage Museum — but cash has a wider, more universal appeal. ;-)

For a bit of education mixed with exercise, follow the Historical Nenuburg Trail. You’ll see the Forest, the town’s medieval tower, and the Rathaus (Town Hall).

While you’re out there you can visit the old cemetery, where more than 600 men and women are buried after they died on an SS death march.

Seems a bit odd to take in a concert at the Castle Courtyard afterwards, doesn’t it? It’s OK, you don’t have to go exactly straight from there. Keep in mind, though, that Neunburg vorm Wald does have a 15th century castle; which just so happens to get in on the summer festive spirit with outdoor concerts through mid-July to mid-August.

The Beach Party is another festival that’s a summer July hit.

Hmm, that makes me think. I might not even want to type about another town for a while after this — even if I wasn’t so tired sitting around Eixendorf Lake. ;-)

I don’t think it’s fair that the town of Neresheim is only famous for the Neresheim Abbey.

Don’t get me wrong. This magnificent medieval abbey has been around since the mid-13th century; and is filled with priceless works of art and magnificent frescoes.

I’m sorry, the abbey was actually founded almost a thousand years ago (in 1095) by the Augustinians. Then about 10 years later it became a Benedictine order.

I know, history, blah, blah, blah… ;-)

But, this is still a living, breathing, active monastery where 13 monks call home. It offers a guesthouse for those wanting a “monastic” kind of stay (cheap, too). And the monastery and its church make the most beautiful venue for all sorts of musical concerts.

The other part to Neresheim are its museums, like the Bahnmuseum or Train Museum (a real steam locomotive), and its Rathaus can be visited if you want to take a look at a real live dungeon.

FYI, the kids will love the train ride on the steam train. Us grown-ups will too!

Hey, it’s not like you’ll be locked up there like they would have done a few centuries ago. I’m sure some of us have evolved a wee bit since then. ;-)

There’s also a Härtsfeld Museum, which is a cultural museum highlighting the town of Neresheim (and its more than 20 villages, shires, hamlets, or whatever you want to call them).

I also think that festivals are also a good way to see the cultural side of a place. Every other year Neresheim throws a huge Carnival (usually in February — but check the Christian calendar to be sure).

What do you expect from the eastern most town of the Swabian Alb. Carnival is a big deal around these parts.

Sports are also a big deal around these parts. Go ahead golf, play tennis, or horseback ride until you’ve had enough. If you want more there’s always swimming or sailing at Härtsfeldsee.

Hopefully when I’m done with all this Neresheim will be famous for more than its Abbey. Could you help me out & spread the word? Thanks!

It’s not all that often that I promote one hotel over another in any town or city in Germany. However, when a particular hotel has a long, illustrious history then I’m so inclined to mention it.

What does all this have to do with the town of Heroldsberg? Nothing and everything, I would say.

Heroldsberg sits right along the border of the famous (and fabulously wonderful) city of Nuremberg; so, it probably doesn’t get a fair shake.

Although… its proximity to the Nuremberg Airport could prove me wrong…

Either way, when you got a place like the Hotel Gasthof Rotes Ross, originally a 14th century farmhouse, I’d be more likely to stay here than some large-chain, anonymous hotel in any big city.

Before you ask, the hotel is totally modern with all sorts of present-day conveniences, and a charming, rustic restaurant serving all sorts of scrumptious Franconian dishes.

Sounds yummy, I know!

I have to bring up this historic hotel guesthouse, because Heroldsberg doesn’t have a whole bunch of historic things to see & do. Yes, I said historic — because this is Franconia, and you can always (always, always) find some wonderful bicycle routes or hiking trails to keep you entertained and healthy.

Yet what sightseeing it does have, is pretty wonderful. Imagine four castles all in one place! And I don’t mean scattered throughout the entire five villages that is Heroldsberg, either.

All four of the castles are centered around the St. Matthew Church (built in the 11th century as a military church, no less), each so named because of its colored shutters. So, you’ve got the Weiße Schloss (White Castle), the Grüne Schloss (Green Castle), the Rote Schloss (Red Castle), and the Gelbe Schloss (Yellow Castle).

The White Castle was at one time used as Heroldsberg’s Rathaus (Town Hall), and there’s talk of turning this former schloss into a museum.

Besides, with four castles all in one spot, there’s no need to schlep all the way to Nuremberg to see theirs.

Take that, mighty Nuremberg! ;-)

Don’t tell anyone but I think I’m a bit superstitious. I know this is a strange way of starting off talking about the town of Hartha (in German there’s no “th” sound like in the word three in English, so its pronounced like Harta).

Again, what’s that got to do with the price of tea in China? Or, shall I say, what’s that got to do with the price of a Porsche in Germany?

Nevermind, it’s late; and back to the superstitious thing.

There’s a church in Hartha that has had to be rebuilt four times on the same spot.

The town’s first church was destroyed by a fire in 1506 (which means it was older than the early 16th century). Then another fire leveled it again during the 17th century Thirty Years’ War; and the third one built in 1636 wasn’t up to the German standard of what a proper church should be. So, when they rebuilt in the 1860’s the town’s church was decorated with gorgeous artwork, an organ, and stunning stained glass.

Maybe they should have rebuilt it on another spot since this one seems to be a bit jinxed. Maybe it’s me? ;-)

A constantly rebuilt church isn’t all that this town in the east of Germany has to offer.

There’s an Industrial History Museum with exhibits on “old” time cards, pictures, and tools. It’s not all about the working history of the town, it also doubles as a Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum); and you’ll find it on Wappenhensch Straße.

If castles are more to your liking then go see the nearby 1000 year old Castle Mildenstein. This imposing castle is open year-round to visitors; although it is open more often from April to October.

Castle Kriebstein isn’t as old, but this Gothic “schloss” is a sight to behold. This Burg too, is also open almost year-round (just not in December or January) to visitors.

I’d save the former Cistercian Monastery for last though. Guided tours of the monastery are available every Saturday and Sunday (at 2:30pm), but still open to visitors pretty much everyday year-round in case you’d rather wander around on your own.

Wait! Don’t leave yet! I forgot to tell you about the 19th century Paltrockwindmühle and the viaducts. Don’t balk! These are exceptionally romantic, especially surrounded by picturesque countryside.

Your experience in Hartha is certainly worth more than the price of tea, or a Porsche. ;-)

I dreamed of coming to Huy (pronounced Hüh) in Saxony-Anhalt not knowing what to expect. Did this town have enough to keep me, or anyone of you, the savvy traveler engaged? Was it an old medieval town? Were there the Roman or Celts here long before that?

The answer surprised me. It was both a yes and a no. Huh? Huy is a relatively new town, only created back in 2002 from the merging of eleven different villages.

So, while this Huy might be new, hidden within its villages are a few centuries worth of history; and a few memorials thrown in for good measure. Oh, and a stop along the Romanesque Route (a German scenic route) doesn’t hurt, either.

One Romanesque place to see in Huy is Castle Westerburg. It’s the oldest water castle in Germany (that’s just a fancy way to say it has a moat). Whatever you want to call it, its stone and timber-framed construction give it more a fairytale aura rather than medieval monster movie feel.

The Röderhof doesn’t look anything like the Castle, but this early 19th century manor house sure is pretty, too.

For the religious side of Huy a visit to Parish Church of St. Trinity is in order. It was built in the late 17th century (yes, that’s the 1600’s) with stunning artwork interior.

If you’re following the Romanesque Route, then you’re here to see the Huysburg Dingelstedt, where the Benedictine Order created the place in 1080.

Huy’s memorials are also a part of the town’s landscape as its old buildings. In the village of Pabstorf is one memorial to two Polish forced labor workers, another dedicated to the women who were forced to work in the old munitions factory.

A few others are remembrances of a 17th century master woodcarver, an early 19th century composer, a 19th century veterinary medicine teacher, and a 20th century painter.

Big deal that I didn’t run into any Romans or Celts, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a good time anyway. Just like I know you will, too.