On the pages of MyGermanCity.com you might have seen some pages discussing my love of beer and Bavaria. Well, my friends, you have no idea how serious the business of beer is until you’ve been to Nittenau.

I’m not talking about the “business” of beer — like growing the hops, making it the drink itself, bottling it, or even selling it. No, not even close.

I know you don’t have any clue yet about what I’m talking about. A trip to the haunted Stockenfels Castle ruins will explain it. Legend tells that at midnight the castle well opens and the devil forces sinners to carry bucket after bucket of water up from the bottom.

Who are these sinners? Shopkeepers, waitresses, and brewers who have watered down the most coveted of libations… beer. Each having to carry as much water as they put in their customer’s glasses.

Didn’t I say that beer was serious business?

Any other time of the day the Stockenfels Castle is beautiful. There are two walking paths to get to the castle — both are a bit of a workout, but oh so worth it.

To see a couple of other castles in Nittenau take a canoe ride on either the Naab or Regen Rivers. You can make it a couple day affair by camping on the riverbanks listening to ghost or Knights in shining armor stories from your guide.

Camping and haunted castles too scary for you? It’s all right, you’ve got the stunning Baroque Church of Our Lady to see. It was built in 1779 after a fire gutted the Gothic original.

The former Walderbach Monastery is now a museum; and then you’ve got the early 12th century Kloster Reichenbach am Regen to see.

Neither the Schloss Bodenstein and Castle Stefling is reportedly haunted, so that’s a good place to go; and there’s the Storchenturm (Stork Tower) which was part of the city’s original defense wall.

Of course, you can do nothing at all if that strikes your fancy. How many of you out there would love to just sit fishing along the river? Or, just sit at the municipal pool in the whirlpool or jumping from the diving board?

Just be careful… you don’t want any water to wind up in someone’s beer here. ;-)

It’s been an amazing comeback for the town of Möckmühl, to the north of Heilbronn. Back in the early to mid-17th century poor Möckmühl lost more than 75% of its population to the Plague and Thirty Years’ War.

Even by this time in its history, Möckmühl had centuries upon centuries of daily life, church, and farming. Yes, Möckmühl was a medieval town. It was also a town that has seen the likes of the Celts and Romans.

In the Local History Museum you’ll find all sorts of artifacts from the days of those Romans. The building itself is historical; it’s a timber-framed house from the 18th century.

There are also exhibits on its more modern history, mainly the 18th through 20th centuries. One particularly striking piece is its bronze sword. Priceless is probably the best word I can use to describe this artifact.

While you’re in town, you shouldn’t miss its Hexenturm (Witches Tower), its Rathaus (built in 1589), and its Old Pharmacy that dates back to 1758.

I wouldn’t leave out a trip over to St. Boniface, either. This church has been here since the very early 9th century, but it has been rebuilt throughout the centuries. None of the original church still stands, but one portion goes back to 1513; while the rest comes from right before the turn of the last century.

Burg Möckmühl deserves a mention; and only a mention because it’s private property. The castle was built in the 13th century and has a keep that stands 28 meters high.

Oh wait, I got to give it a bit more than a mention since the castle gets in on Möckmühl’s annual Town Festival and City Run on the 3rd weekend of June. Ya’ll can keep the run part; I’ll take the wine. Don’t make fun of me, Möckmühl is a wine town.

OK, I’ll go to the town’s swimming pool (located on Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Straße) instead. No, I’ll go shopping at the Christmas Market (filled with all sorts of art, glass, jewelry, flowers, etc).

I bet I can grab a few bottles of some really good vino there. Again, don’t make fun — they’re “gifts.” ;-)

In 2007 the town of Meine turned 1,000 years old. Sure, that’s pretty old. Downright ancient to some folks; but this is a town where some 6th century B.C. settlements were found.

I wish some of them were still here, as sadly not too much of anything historical is still around.

There is one place that would qualify as a historical site. Found in the village of Grassel (one of Meine’s eight villages) is a Gothic Revival church built in the 1860’s, with a tower that remains from the Middle Ages.

However, if you’ve managed to find yourself in Meine, you’re probably not here for old buildings or anything; you’re here for the nearby Lüneburg Heath.

Meine couldn’t be better located to hike or cycle around the Heath. You’ll also find it in the triangle of the cities of Brunswick (that would be Braunschweig in German), Gifhorn and Wolfsburg.

Call it whatever you want, but as you’re off exploring all sorts of walking paths though the grass- and woodlands you’ll probably find yourself a bit speechless.

That’s OK; the Heath has that effect on people.

Meine has the Midland Canal Nature Trail, which is a nice route to take; and quite educational — there are information boards along the route that highlights all sorts of info about the area.

If you’d rather join civilization, Meine has a bunch of sporting activities to keep you engaged. It’s got everything from tennis courts to horseback riding, with an equestrian school to boot.

Want a balance between modern and the stillness of the Lüneburg Heath? Then it’s the two villages of Gravenhorst and Ohnhorst that you’ll want; both are very rural, but you’ll still be near people.

Meine prides itself on its quiet countryside and its proximity to the Lüneburg Heath. Maybe it doesn’t need all those historical sites, I think it’s perfect the way it is.

Besides, if you’re a thousand years old, you can pretty much do whatever you want. Right? ;-)

Ever seen pictures of Moritzburg’s Leuchtturm (lighthouse)? No? If you did, you wouldn’t think it’s all that big. A picture worth a thousand words, maybe. Can it be deceptive, definitely.

This 18th century lighthouse is pretty tall, standing almost 22 meters high. I guess it’s its pink coloring that makes it less imposing?

If this is something you want to see, it’s open for guided tours between May & October on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.

The rest of the time in Moritzburg can be spent pursuing other activities. Like visiting the museum at the Pheasant Lodge (which is easier to say and type than its German name, Fasanenschlösschen). Which also just so happens to be where you’ll find this inland lighthouse (the only existing in Saxony); pretty convenient I would say.

The Fasanenschlösschen is now a museum housed in one of the Baroque/Rococo buildings just about anywhere. Its Baroque staircases will have you picturing yourself walking down in a dress that would make Scarlet O’Hara “pea green” with envy.

About a mile away from the Leuchtturm and Pheasant Lodge is the mighty Moritzburg Castle. If you thought the Fasanenschlösschen was gorgeous, the castle will make it look like its ugly sister. It has four Renaissance towers, and is filled with all sorts of Baroque furniture, silver, and gold plate.

It’s also got a huge deer antler collection, which I think has something to do with virility (at least that’s what I heard). Find out when you get there, I don’t think I want to know… ;-)

Both the castle and the lodge are part of the many celebrations throughout Moritzburg. One exception is the Moritzburg Music Festival that’s held at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in August.

Did I tell you about the Fishing Festival in October? No? It’s at the castle’s pond; make sure to bring your bait. There’s also a big Wedding Fair and the Schloss Triathlon (hope you’re in shape, if you’re gonna do it).

I might not be, so I’ll sit right here and watch. :-)

After much mulling around Mühlhausen (Kraichgau), I’ve come up with a reason why this town has so many festivals. It’s the wine. It’s got to be. Even if it isn’t, that’s my theory and I’m sticking with it.

I’m not saying you got to be drunk to got to one of its festivals; it’s just a showcase to highlight some of the best German wines made in this part of the wonderful Kraichgau region. Tens of thousands of liters of the stuff are made here annually, so why not spring for a few bottles of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Riesling to share with your closest friends?

The Spring Festival and the Parish Festival (both in May) are good enough to toast to. So is the Father’s Day and Summer Festival in June.

July is a pretty busy month with four festivals, the Parish Festival, Summer Festival, School Festival, and another Summer Festival (it seems that each one of Mühlhausen’s three villages holds its own). In between all the festivals there are many outdoor concerts for cultural evenings.

August is ushered in by a Fisherman’s Festival and a Village Festival. And September has two Kerwe (church festivals).

Let me interrupt the festivals for a moment to tell you about Mühlhausen’s churches. St. Nicholas’ church is the younger of the two, built only in the 1820’s. The other is a Catholic Church built in 1250. Yup, that makes it an official medieval church.

The last Kerwe festival of the year is in October, followed by a large town Halloween Party.

November’s another busy month with Balls and an Advent Bazaar. Everyone gets into the Christmas Spirit with both the obligatory Christmas Market (early December) and quite a few church concerts.

As if life couldn’t get any better in Mühlhausen (Kraichgau), they find a way. I say the wine definitely has something to do with it. But, what do I know… I’ve been drinking. ;-)

It’s been said that the town of Meinersen is a bit secluded. That doesn’t mean it’s out in the middle of stinkin’ nowhere. It’s right between Celle, Peine, and Gifhorn.

I know, like you care… you want to hear about Meinersen, otherwise you wouldn’t have clicked on this web page. Am I right? ;-)

Let me tell you about the most romantic part of Meinersen. Yes, I’m going straight for the romantic. It’s the small, red, covered pedestrian only bridge that crosses the Oker River. It’s quaint, quiet, and perfect to steal a kiss or two.

FYI, if you take a bicycle ride around the countryside you’ll find plenty of out of the way places to sneak a few more kisses, or have a real heart-to-heart with your sweetheart.

Right out on the Oker is a mid-16th century watermill, called the Okermühle. It worked for the town for more than 400 years before they finally shut it down in 1974. Gosh darn modern technology rendered it no longer useful. A pity, if you’d ask me.

And another romantic place in town is the Administration Building. No, I’m not fooling around, it’s not some cold and business-like place anymore; it’s an Artists House. I guess it’s easy to be inspired inside a 200 year old house.

It’s funny, they moved the business of Meinersen to a half-timbered building from 1745. Just so you know.

These aren’t the only ones in town, there are a few more framework buildings in Meinersen — aren’t they just romantic? Looks like Meinersen might be secluded, but maybe that just adds to it romantic charm.

Not so much romantic as it is historical is the St. George Church. It might be small, but that doesn’t make it any less remarkable, right?

I just don’t recommend finding a corner of the church to sneak a kiss. I did say Meinersen was pretty secluded, so go out and find one.

If you’re coming down the A3 Motorway; and you’re looking for a place to camp out, might I suggest the Lower Franconian town of Mainaschaff (close to the border of Hesse).

Don’t worry about it being crowded; there are more than 400 campsites along a manmade Mainparksee. Camping’s not the only thing to do along the Mainparksee, there are two beaches to frolic around on. Or, find yourself a quiet walking path to enjoy the local flora & fauna.

Why did I jump right on the Mainparksee? You see, sightseeing is limited here in Mainaschaff; but this is Bavaria — it won’t be too hard to find something to peak your interest.

For a cultural look at Mainaschaff, there’s the Puppenschiff Puppet Theater in town. OK, that might not be up your alley, but the kids will have a blast. Many musical concerts are also held at the theater, if that’s more to your liking.

The historical side of Mainaschaff is seen at Chapel Hill, a holy site since the 14th century. A statue of Mary has brought pious pilgrims for more than a century; and the site of many religious processions. It’s surrounded by vineyards, so the surrounding scenery is beautiful; divine even. ;-)

Another religious site in Mainaschaff is right next to the Rathaus. It’s a cross shrine that dates back to the late 17th century — but, I will tell you that this one is a replica. Still, you get the point, it’s a tradition nonetheless to stop & see it.

I’ll take the vineyards in this part of Lower Franconia, it too is heavenly. Viticulture goes back to the 13th century around these parts, so after seven hundred years, you know you’re getting some pretty good stuff.

Check out the caves, once used as a beer cellar (and cooled with ice long before refrigeration); and is now part grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

All right, so what if Mainaschaff doesn’t have too much sightseeing? This place is perfect just the way it is.

I let out a hearty laugh when reading about the history of Meßkirch; a town between Lake Constance and the mighty Danube, on the classy Hohenzollern Route. It actually said that the town’s “modern” history started sometime in the early 16th century. Modern? 16th century? Are they nuts, or am I?

Silly me, I am the crazy one.

You see, Meßkirch’s history spans back to prehistoric times. More precisely the Bronze Age, more than 3,000 years ago, so in that light, the 16th century is quite modern.

After the Bronze Age ended, along came the Celts and then the Romans. Their leader, Emperor Vespasian had his guys build a Roman road (a highway, really) and the rest was history.

No, wait, it wasn’t. There’s a lot more to the tale — but, if I tell it that leaves me no time to tell you about the place.

All right, I’ll tell you about the Roman Estate with a Diana Temple, one of the largest within Baden-Württemberg.

But, I know you came to this area to see the Schloss Meßkirch, a very early 15th century castle with one of the largest Renaissance ballrooms in the country. Within its stable and she is a vintage car museum. And as with most castles, it has its very own chapel, this one in an ornate Rococo style.

Over at the Parish Church of St. Martin, you’ll marvel at this late-Gothic basilica with Rococo artwork. You’d never guess a church has been on this very spot since the mid-8th century, would you?

The other churches in Meßkirch shouldn’t be missed, either. The Church of Our Lady is more than 700 years old, then there’s the Sacred Heart Church, the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, and the Cemetery Chapel is a Gothic church from the 16th century.

For normal “everyday” houses, look no further than at the corner of Main and Canal Streets, it’s an old pharmacy dating to 1594. Neither would I leave out a visit to the Town Hall, a neo-Renaissance building that’s only a little more than a hundred years old.

As old as Meßkirch is, it can still throw a fabulous party. During the annual Summer Festival, there’s a Flea Market with lots of eating, drinking, and music.

During Carnival (usually February) is when everyone gets in on the action of dressing up, while drinking and eating to their heart’s content.

FYI, folks during Carnival are usually eating a sponge cake with cream, butter, nuts, and chocolate. Its name doesn’t translate very nice into English, so don’t ask just eat & enjoy it. ;-)

I’d wager that those Romans didn’t have anything nearly as good to eat as this. After you’ve tried them, you’ll come back again and again just to have them.

The first thing folks will ask you to do when you get to Freisen in the Saarland is to take your shoes off. Take your shoes off? Walk around barefoot? Oh, yes, that might ruin your pedicure.

You see, that’s the whole point of the Freisen Barefoot Path. So, off come the shoes and for over a kilometer and a half you slosh around the mud, feel sand between the toes, and let cool water make you realize you are getting another pedicure.

The Barefoot Path is open daily from early May to October — and this pedicure is free of charge.

After invigorating your feet, go out to conquer (I mean sightsee) Freisen. The Nature Reserve is a good start with its meadows and forests (with shoes).

Shoes are also required to hike Freisen’s trails, do the Nordic Walking paths, go horseback riding, and to play tennis. You CAN take your shoes off once again to go swimming, though.

Freisen isn’t all about what you can do outside — it’s also about what’s inside your head. There is the Mineral Museum with all sorts of gems and even petrified wood. It’s open the first Sunday of the month and admission is free.

Not too far away is the Mineralogical Museum in Oberkirchen with more than a thousand pieces of crystals, quartz, topaz, and even aquamarines.

What’s with the obsession with rocks and gems? I’m not sure exactly — maybe it started when someone realized the area of Freisen was created from volcanic rock?

Your kids might not like the gem museums. Chances are though they’ll love the Tierpark Freisen. It’s home to one of the most endangered bird species and has free-roaming animals. All the better for them to eat right out of your hand.

FYI, those will be the “farm animals” because the wild boars certainly aren’t gonna do it. And I don’t think I would take my shoes off here, would you? ;-)

Not too many of us can trace our family roots back to the 12th century. Pretty rare, right? Let alone coming from a family with a town that bears your name. Even rarer, perhaps?

How about a town where a family knows their genealogy from more than seven centuries ago; has a town AND a castle named for them? The rarest of them all, I would presume.

For the Hardenberg Family that’s a reality in the town of Nörten-Hardenberg.

The Hardenbergs are still a big name here in town & I mention them because the mysterious Hardenberg Castle is a large part of what’s to see and do here. The castle, built in 1709, is not open for tourism; but the rest of the estate holds international horse shows and competitions including the biggest one — the Golden Whip — every summer ending with a huge fireworks display.

It’s also where you’ll find the Hardenberg Wilthen distillery. Carl Albrecht Jost Graf von Hardenberg is the main cat around here now — and it was his ancestors that can be traced back to the founding of Hardenberg back in 1100.

Don’t drink? It’s all right, there’s a golf course to play on instead. Being so close to Northeim and Göttingen, lots of players come to play the links here.

If you think the castle’s old, the former Marie Stein Monastery Church and Convent is much (much, much) older. The original church was built in 1055 with a chapel dedicated in 1102. Its current church is only a baby — a little more than a mere 400 years old — but, it does have a medieval crypt.

That’s enough about Hardenberg for the moment.

Over in Nörten there’s a small 19th century Jewish Cemetery, which was used up until the 1930’s.

I think I’ve even had enough of all this history and stuff — it’s time to party. Every six years Nörten-Hardenberg hosts the Schüttenhoff, a celebrated multi-day festival with a parade and music events.

Look, I might not have a town or a castle named after me. I might not be a count or a duchess or something — but, I sure can party with the best of them in Nörten-Hardenberg.