I was looking at some pictures of Schieder-Schwalenberg’s Town Hall from a century ago; and you know what? It looks exactly the same today. And that’s a good thing.

I think it’s pretty nifty that this town that’s been around since the Stone Age likes continuity (some archaeological finds are now in a museum in Detmold that’s about 20km away).

Good for them! I hope it’s around for another 100 years, so that long after I’m gone there will be another writer sitting at some new-fangled machine of their time talking about the same building and looking at the same pictures. ;-)

Oh, there I go again getting all romantic. Ugh!

One thing I can’t get romantic about in Schieder-Schwalenberg is the humidity. Yes, that’s right — it can get pretty humid here, mostly because it rains a lot. You’ll be outta luck to hope for a good hair day.

Grab a baseball cap or a scrunchie (the ladies know what they are) and get to sightseeing.

Like any good German town Schieder-Schwalenberg has a castle. Burg Schwalenberg was built in the 1230’s; and now almost 800 years later it’s a hotel & restaurant.

Actually, Schieder-Schwalenberg has another castle. Schloss Wöbbel was built in 1584 and owned by the same family for almost 400 years. It did have to be rebuilt (now a Baroque beauty) after it was totally destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War.

Now I know the castles could be considered old; but the Herlingsburg is downright ancient, literally. It’s a pre-Roman Iron Age settlement (200-50 B.C.) that sat high on a hilltop. During the Middle Ages (around the 8th century) it was used again — but today all there is are trenches and ramparts left of the old fort.

The countryside is so pretty it’s no wonder why there was a thriving artist’s colony here. While the “colony” might be gone, Schieder-Schwalenberg still celebrates the artist with lots of exhibitions and art events.

While castles, art, and ancient history are nice, there’s still outdoorsy stuff to do. Speaking of a lake for swimming, canoeing, and sailing.

Then, of course, there are the annual events that take place in town. During the summer many cultural activities take place at the lake, so there’s more than just swimming.

Every other year (even years, I should say) in August there’s a huge International Folklore Festival. What is it about Schieder-Schwalenberg that inspires the creative?

Hmm, I guess I’m not the only one to get all romantic over Schieder-Schwalenberg. Maybe a hundred years from now, someone else will be too… ;-)

What if I told you that I found one of the best little towns in Germany, centrally located between scientific Heidelberg and technical Sinsheim with wineries and castles? Would you be interested? How about if I said that it was on the edge of a volcanic region? Still interested? Good. Where is it?

It’s Dielheim in northern Baden-Württemberg. And don’t worry about the volcanoes, they’ve been extinct for eons.

Extinct volcanoes are one thing, but they’ve shaped the landscape around this town that lies on the western edge of the Kraichgau (a hilly region that borders the Odenwald). Sure makes for some might nice scenery while bicycling and hiking.

If regular old walking is more your speed, there’s no place better to do it while shopping at Dielheim’s Christmas Market. In Dielheim’s smaller villages of Horrenberg and Unterhof, there are Advent Markets as well.

Horrenberg is where you’ll find one of those castles I mentioned earlier. Well, kinda. The original castle was built in the 12th century and used for more than three centuries. Since then it has been abandoned and not too much of it remains — but it technically counts as a castle still. ;-)

Burg Dielheim is the other castle in the region. Again, sort of. It’s not officially a castle ruin, but known as a Burgstall — a spot where a castle once stood. This particular castle was built on this spot back around 1380. Just use some imagination and you’ll see how magnificent it was back then.

At least Dielheim’s churches still stand. There’s a beautiful little chapel in the village of Oberhof, built in 1787. Don’t miss seeing the Catholic church of St. Cyriak, either.

Dielheim’s churches like to hold their annual Kerwe Festivals. The Dielheimer Kerwe is in September while the Balzfelder Kerwe is in November. Whereever and whenever they’re held, you’ll always manage to have a good time.

With all that done & seen, it’s time to hit the vino. Both the Weingut Koch and the Weinbau Goldene Gans are fantastic little wineries in town. Wine’s been made around this part of Baden-Württemberg since the Middle Ages, so I think they must be doing something right.

Meet me at the wine pub and we’ll discuss the fine points of viticulture and the Kraichgau as a whole. ;-)

With thousands of towns, villages, and cities within Germany it could happen that you’ll confuse one town with another; especially when some towns have the same name in the same federal state or even region.

Like in the case of the town of Taufkirchen which exist three times in Upper Bavaria, and they’re even pretty close to each other. Go figure!

Though this page here is about the town of Taufkirchen (Vils), which you can tell by its name lies on the River Vils.

So, why should you care about this Taufkirchen? I think its Wasserschloss (that would be Water Castle) is reason enough. This castle is a grand example of mid-16th century architecture; and while it’s no longer the home of German nobility, everyone can enjoy it since there’s always a cultural event taking place here.

FYI, its castle chapel is exceptionally beautiful, so make sure you make time to see it.

Some of Taufkirchen’s cultural events are the Dance Festival (May), riding tournaments, the Summer Festival, and best of all — the Bavarian Beer Festival (also in May and try the Taufkirchen Castle Beer if you get the chance).

Taufkirchen (Vils) is also on what’s considered to be “one of the most beautiful bicycle routes in Bavaria,” the Vistalradweg. It’s 21km long, with 11km of it running through Taufkirchen. It’s a relatively easy route (not too many inclines) so it’s really popular with families with younger children.

Don’t worry it you get tired biking all that way, there are lots of benches and rest areas to sit and enjoy Taufkirchen’s rolling hills and green meadows.

You also don’t have to just bike the route, it’s popular with inline skaters and hikers too.

Last, and by no means least, is the Waldbad Taufkirchen. It’s a popular outdoor pool complex surrounded by trees and happy families.

Aren’t you happy you found MyGermanCity.com and now can differentiate between the three Taufkirchen’s? :-)

At first glance it appears that the town of Nieder-Olm (just southwest of the city of Mainz) doesn’t have too much in the sightseeing department. But, if you’re after an A-1 party town then you’ve got it!

Plus, Nieder-Olm is located right in the heart of the Rhenish Hesse — a warm forested region that’s known for its delicious fruit, including grapes that go into making great German wine (check out the wine bar).

But, first things first.

Nieder-Olm’s two main sites are the Evangelical Parish Church (built 1865) and the St. Georg Catholic Church (built 1779). I know this doesn’t seem too old in terms of Germany’s long history, but St. Georg is built over its 12th century predecessor. There was a castle, but very little of the structure remains — although I think castle ruins are very romantic.

OK, now it’s time to get down to the business of fun. No, wait. Sorry, I better tell you about all the hiking trails, Nordic Walking paths, art exhibitions & galleries, church concerts, and BBQs on the Grillplatz.

Also, Nieder-Olm lies on the Rhein-Radweg, a scenic route (bicycle or hiking) that runs from ancient Worms to Mainz, then on to Bingen. It’s hard to resist all the tree covered lanes, fruit trees, and all the viticulture (yeah, wine!) along the way.

Don’t worry if you get hungry along the way. There are many local dishes within the Rheinhessen region, including things like wine jelly and Kreppel (a pancake like dish). So what if Nieder-Olm doesn’t have too many medieval, Roman, or whatever sites to see? At least you’ll be eating and drinking well! ;-)

Especially on the Wine Culture Days on the third weekend of June. Then there’s the church Kermes (1st weekend September), the Street Festival (1st weekend after Ascension), the Rathausstürmung or Town Hall Storming (not a typo) — which is a real festival held every year on Fat Thursday (right before Lent), the Summer Night Festival (July/August), and the Fire Brigade New Year’s Ball (which is actually held on the 1st Saturday in January).

A very wise person pointed out they didn’t know what was more delicious — the sexy firemen at the ball or all the wine. Then she decided, why choose when you can always have both! ;-)

Whew, I think my stomach is still in my throat. My hands are still a bit shaky trying to type this. Why? That’s easy, I just came down from careening down Nonnweiler’s toboggan track.

During the warmer months Nonnweiler’s toboggan track (called Sommerrodelbahn in German) is open for fun. It’s over a kilometer long and one of the ten longest in Germany (see webcam!). And during the colder months its 370 meters long ski slope keeps winter fans busy.

Though that ain’t even the half of it in this German town in northern Saarland.

For those of you that don’t like that kind of adrenaline rush, the town’s miniature golf course and bowling center (it’s the same place) might be a better idea.

As fun as Nonnweiler is, that’s how historical it is. How historical? Thanks for asking, but I was gonna tell you anyway.

Is an old Celtic Fortress old enough for you? Guided tours of this two millennia old fortress take place on the first Saturday of every month (May to October at 2pm). But, you don’t need to take one to see the place.

There are also guided tours at the Planetenwanderweg (Planet Walk) starting at the Sun. But, that too doesn’t have to be seen that way. Either way, you’ll learn plenty about our universe.

Another historic site is the Hochwalddom Catholic Church. It’s not too old, considering it was only built at the turn of the last century. But, it’s quite beautiful nonetheless.

For a pretty cool museum experience, take the Museum Train that runs to/from the Rhineland-Palatinate.

It’s back to sports again when you rent a bicycle to cycle along either the Saar-Hunsrück Bike Path or the Saarland Cycle Route. They’re 110km and 354km respectively, so unless you’re totally ambitious don’t try to do the whole thing without stops. ;-)

I would recommend stopping at the Naturfreibad Primstal, an outdoor swimming area that’s cleaned by all-natural methods. If it’s too cold, there’s an indoor swimming pool with both a Finnish and dry sauna, and a Jacuzzi too.

I can’t think of a better place for my heart rate to go back to normal. And I don’t think you can either. ;-)

Do I have a word for you! Wikow. I know you’re looking at me like that’s supposed to mean something. So, I won’t keep you in suspense; it’s the Lower Sorbian name for the town of Elsterwerda.

No, I do not make this stuff up.

Lower Sorbian is an old Slavic language that’s (somewhat) widely spoken in the areas of Lower Lusatia; which just so happens to be the former Kingdom of Prussia.

Actually, Elsterwerda dates back to before there was even a Prussa, since people lived here back in the Bronze Age days.

It’s also a town that suffered heavily during the last days of World War II and when it was located with the former East Germany.

But, since Germany’s reunification things have started to look up in Elsterwerda. The town works in conjunction with the nearby spa town of Bad Liebenwerda, although it does have many sites and cultural activities of its own.

For the artsy folks you’ll want to check out the Elbe-Elster Hall, which is the center for theater performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. Then you’ll want to see the Gallery Hans Nadler (once a local artist) that’s housed in an early 18th century half-timbered house (one of the few that still remain). Within this old framework house are Nadler’s works as well as those of many local artists.

Another framework house is the Rautenkranz, which used to be a guesthouse from around 1711. It’s one of the oldest buildings in town.

In keeping with art and historic theme, look no further than the Protestant Church of St. Katherina (located near the late 19th century Rathaus). The present church dates to around the 16th century, though it is actually older than that.

We can now go from the inside to the outside. Elsterwerda sits along the Nature Park Lusatia Heath and the Schwarze Elster Bike Route. Perfect for a day of exercise and taking in all the local flora and fauna.

By the way, there are 27 bridges within Elsterwerda, so you’re bound to find one that tickles your fancy for a souvenir snapshot.

Keep cycling around, you’ll find the former Soviet Cemetery; the Schloss Park (oh yeah, did I mention there was a castle here?); the City Park (with beautiful sculptures); and see the early 15th century fountain in the Marktplatz.

Once a month (from April to November) on the Marktplatz is the Green Market, and December is where the Christmas Market is held. Oh, and the annual Spring Festival as well.

I forgot to ask what the Lower Sorbian word for fantastic is. When I find out, I’ll let you know. ;-)

I know I’m gung-ho over Germany’s grand culture; its literature and history; castles and medieval towns (can’t you tell by this website). But, within the Lower Lusatia region in Brandenburg (which stretches into northern Saxony and Poland, too) there’s also another proud culture.

No, I’m not talking about the Prussians to which Brandenburg once belonged.

The Lower Lusatia region is home to Sorbs/Wends, a minority Slavic group that’s been here for generations. In fact, they too have a name for Lower Lusatia (which in German is Niederlausitz); they call it Dolna Lužyca in Lower Sorbian (which is not to be confused with Upper Sorbian in Upper Lusatia; and a whole other webpage).

Not everyone in the Niederlausitz speaks Lower Sorbian, of course. German is still the main local language, but within this region some 14,000 people do speak it. It’s even being taught in select local schools within Lower Lusatia.

Tourism is one of the biggest attractors to the area. With the Spree Forest, who could think otherwise, right?

The Spreewald (known as Blota in Lower Sorbian) is located just about a hundred kilometers from the city of Berlin; and couldn’t be more than million miles in difference. The area is part of a UNESCO Biosphere, where 50,000 people live.

Pretty interesting, right? Tens of thousands of people living within a whole area created by the Ice Age is pretty awesome.

Within this 187 square mile area, you’ll find hundreds of small channel waterways where you can take leisurely boat rides. They’re a less strenuous way of showing yourself the forest and they’ll pass many rolling meadows.

If you choose to walk the countless hiking trails or bicycle around on the bike paths, keep a look out for almost 20,000 different species of animals and plants; as well as many historical farmhouses.

Hey, it doesn’t rain too much here — so you pretty much got a guarantee that the weather will cooperate. ;-)

Lower Lusatia is popularly known for its glass, textiles, wood and mining industries. What it’s not known for is its agriculture, although corn and the “king’s vegetable” asparagus is widely grown. So, while you’re out sightseeing you can eat pretty gosh-darn good.

You could always choose to explore around the Nature Reserve Niederlausitz Heath. That’s another place in Lower Lusatia that’s got its own fair share of hiking and biking trails.

Of course, sightseeing around the heavily forested region of Niederlausitz isn’t all there is to do. There are plenty of German towns that’ll give you everything you could possibly want, right down to castles, history, and culture.

The center of it all is the city of Cottbus, where you’ll even find street signs in both German and Lower Sorbian.

About 20km from Cottbus is Spremberg, complete with a castle (sorry, it’s actually a chateau). It was also the very center of the German Empire. No, I don’t mean as in its capital. I’m talking it was geographically dead center (there’s a plaque to prove it, too).

A bit further from Cottbus, but still close is Finsterwalde, a medieval town that dates back to the late 13th century. Yes, there’s a castle (not a chateau) here, as well as 16th century Gothic Church; and once bustling with mills and factories.

These are but a couple of the many towns just like them scattered throughout the Lower Lusatia (Lübben, Luckau, Lübbenau are a few more) that’ll just delight you as you learn to speak Lower Sorbian, or even German for that matter.

If you like the great outdoors with bright sunshine and fresh air, Franconia is for you. If you like a bit of the vino (or beer), Franconia is for you. If you like learning about German history, then Franconia is for you. But, if you love all of it and you’re looking for it all in one place, Elsenfeld is for you.

Now, as much as we Germans are in love with our automobile; this isn’t the best mode of transportation in town. Why? Because a a great deal of what’s to see revolves around wine. So, driving’s not recommended.

This is why you’re better off using your own two feet to get around a portion of the 55km Fränkischer Rotwein-Wanderweg. For you English speakers out there in cyberworld, that would the be Franconian Red Wine Hiking Trail.

Who cares what you call it, just make sure you pour me a hearty glass ;-)

Even the nearby Himmelthal Monastery gets in on the wine action. Originally it was a 13th century nunnery; now it offers wine sampling on the second Sunday of the month. During the summer, the Kloster’s church offers some wonderful musical concerts. Oh, the acoustics are superb!

There are other concerts (as well as celebrations, lectures, and conferences) at the Bürgerzentrum.

When you’ve got the history bug, the Heimatmuseum (local history museum in English) is a great place to go. The museum itself is housed in the oldest framework house in town, located at Hauptstraße 21. Of course, you’ll want to see the historical Johannis Church and the Old Parish Church of Sankt Gertraud, too.

But, man and woman can’t live by artistic and historical pursuit alone. So, good thing Elsenfeld has some wonderful outdoor activities. Oh, what am I saying — this is Franconia, so saying wonderful outdoor activities is a serious understatement, as there are plenty of walking paths, cycling lanes, and hiking trails to conquer.

Elsenfeld’s outdoor pool isn’t just for lounging, either. It has six volleyball courts, a half-pipe, badminton, table tennis, a huge chessboard, a wading pool, and a playground for the kids. Oh, and it has a festival square for beachside parties and whatnot!

With all this amazing sightseeing, I think I’ve earned that glass of wine now! No, I think I’ve earned two, pass the bottle! ;-)

I don’t know the trigger that irked me when it came to the town of Eslohe in the rustic Sauerland. It’s not the town itself, which is perfectly lovely. It must have been something I read.

Oh yeah, that’s right. It was all the mumbo-jumbo geographical stuff about Eslohe. I don’t know what Einstein thought that’s the way someone gets to know a town.

Sure, it’s located totally within the Homert Nature Park along the Sauerland, and surrounded by a few rivers. But, a town is a living, breathing being. All that stuff is fine and dandy — but it doesn’t show you its soul.

For real, has anyone ever said in the history of traveling, “I need to go to Eslohe because it sits 263 meters above sea level”? No, I don’t think those words have ever been spoken — do you?

People say “I want to go to Eslohe because its Parish Church of St Peter and Paul dates back to the 9th century & gosh-be-darn-it I like medieval history”. Right? Right.

Even if the Middle Ages isn’t for you, there’s still enough here for you to do (and never once utter anything about sea level).

I would say go see the 16th century Obersalwey Castle (that’s considered a National Monument), but its private property. Who cares if you can only see the outside — it’s pretty.

Then there’s the 83km Sauerland Radring, a bike trail that drives or cycles around many half-timbered houses and lots of local flora & fauna. In the area of Steltenberg many fossils have been found. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find one too.

The Steltenberg also has a 17th century chapel with wonderful Baroque paintings in thanks to Heaven for the end of a plague epidemic. See, didn’t I tell you — soul.

On top of it all, Eslohe has its own local history and machinery museum, an old mill, an outdoor swimming pool, miniature golf, bird watching, and, oh, Eslohe is a nationally recognized health-spa town!

Yeah, these are the reasons why people want to come to Eslohe, not because of municipal restructuring.

I know people also come here because of the 3-day festival at the end of June for the Feast of Peter & Paul; and because of its late 14th century Haus Wenne.

This is what gives Eslohe, and hundreds of other German towns just like it, their true character.

I have some non-German friends that like to make fun of me for some of the “stereotypical” traits that us Germans are known for. Yes, I like being prompt and I believe in working and playing hard.

We’re also the sort that likes our sports and culture clubs; and in the town of Barleben there sure are lots of them.

If you’re not familiar with all things German, you have to understand that we like sports and all things cultural. You know, activities that get the muscles moving, blood pumping, and the grey matter (yeah, your brain) functioning.

Good thing there are plenty of hiking and biking trails through the countryside to support my theory of us liking our sporting activities.

Then you’ve got swimming at Jersleber See (with a campground alongside) and the Barleber See also has swimming and camping.

Oh goodness, I’m starting to sound like a commercial for… a health club or MENSA. Yikes!

To be totally honest, there’s not too much sightseeing to do in this tiny town to the north of Magdeburg. So, its residents and visitors got to do something, right?

If you’ve never been to Barleben your first stop should be the Church of Saints Peter & Paul. This Evangelical Church dates back to the mid-14th century and has Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. As morbid as it sounds, the church has some really (really, really) old gravestones. They too tell the story of how old this church really is.

In a different cemetery (the Old Cemetery) is a mass grave for 10 French inmates who died in 1945 on a death march from the Dora-Mittelbau Concentration Camp. At the New Cemetery is the grave of a Hungarian inmate who died along the same death march.

Sorry, there’s no castle in Barleben. But, if you really got to see one Castle Hundisburg is a good choice (it’s part medieval, part Baroque) — and nearby.

Hmm, I guess I was wrong — there is plenty of stuff to do in Barleben. But, I’m not wrong about all things German. Trust me, I am one! ;-)