It’s time for a game! One of these things is not like the other: Oktoberfest, beer celebrations, an Upper Bavarian water park, and large corporate companies. C’mon, think… I know you know the answer!

Right, it’s corporate companies. Oh, wait, maybe not since you’ll find all of them in the town of Hallbergmoos.

Why large corporate companies? Well, Hallbergmoos close proximity to Munich (only about 25km to its north) and the Munich Airport [MUC] (just north of town) makes it a great place to do business without the big city commute. All right, I’m only guessing, but Hallbergmoos is such a pretty place, who wouldn’t want to work (or live) here?

Hallbergmoos started out simple enough, as an agricultural village in 1826 established by a man know as Theodor von Hallberg-Broich (notice the similarity?). Today, it’s a place of Greek and regional restaurants, modern pizzerias, cappuccino and wine bars, and taverns. Quite an eclectic array of eateries & drinking establishments. The best are the beer gardens, but call me jaded. ;-)

With all these multi-national mom-and-pops that do business here it’s no wonder you’ll find many different types of hotels in town — from small guesthouses, to modern apartments, to country inns — perfect for resting whether you’re off to see the Alps for the day or spending it in meetings.

Oh, I know what all those hotels are great for… staying during those 17 days beer drinking, song singing days of Oktoberfest (which is really in September) in Munich. Hey, with over 6-million visitors coming for the party, they gotta stay somewhere; and the town’s connected to the city via frequent train services.

If you’re coming right from Munich Airport take the S-8 Line right to town.

My condolences to those of you stuck in the boardroom. I think I’d rather be at Therme Erding with its pool and waterslide or the Neufun Water Park. Maybe you’d like all the golfing, fishing, tennis, or football (a.k.a. soccer) playing?

I’m pretty sure the big corporate honchos will give you the day off to enjoy Hallbergmoos’ mid-March Beer Celebration or the MayFest on May 1st. Then again, maybe not. Careful not to use all your “sick days” at one time. You gotta save some to go skiing. ;-)

At first I started to feel bad for the Hessian town of Liederbach am Taunus. I mean, how do you compare when your neighbors are posh Bad Soden, Hofheim, Kelkheim, and the major city of Frankfurt am Main?

Then I realized, this isn’t some case of “keeping up with the Jones.” When you’re as pretty as Liederbach, you can very well hold your own; even if it’s more than 1400 years old.

See, youth doesn’t always equal beauty. Town’s are like fine wines, they get better with age. ;-) But, back to the pretty part of Liederbach…

One particular building in Liederbach that’s really pretty is the half-timbered Town Hall (called a Rathaus & built in 1691) in the village of Niederhofheim.

Another building to see is the Old School, which can not be described as pretty. No, it’s not an ugly building, either — quite the contrary. It’s just that this mansion looking cultural events center (that it is now) is much too handsome to be called “pretty.” Ya get what I mean? ;-)

OK, you want to go back to pretty? Do it in the area of Schmiehbachtal (looong word, I know), where you can pick a hiking trail leading you off toward pretty orchards and countryside.

It’s a shame that some 15th century duke sold off his fiefdom of Liederbach. Don’t you think this place is special? I do. Oh well, his loss our gain, as the saying goes. ;-)

Young folks might not find Liederbach as pretty as us older ones, but they will find it to be “pretty” fun. There’s a Youth Meeting Center in town, with tours, dances, and special activities all geared for them.

It’ll give you parents out there time to play a few games of tennis and volleyball; or, just a chance to enjoy the pretty scenery with some peace & quiet.

No, I don’t feel bad for Liederbach am Taunus at all. Do you?

Lauta in eastern Saxony sure is charming and quaint enough, but I’m sorry to admit you might be a bit bored at first.

Yikes!

But still, Lauta is in the wonderful Lower Lausitz and next to Brandenburg, with a couple of lakes for when life’s got you feeling a little blue.

Hey, can you think of a better way to cheer up than either fishing or a lakeside picnic (or camping) with family (or away from the family if they’re the ones making you a bit batty)? ;-)

A few centuries ago, Lauta wasn’t such a Utopia. It was totally sacked during the 17th century Thirty Years’ War, including its church which had to be rebuilt afterwards.

Then during WWI, the town became a bit more known due to the Lautawerke, an aluminum plant that’s also known as Aluminiumhütte or Vereinigte Aluminiumwerke. Following up on this they established a lot of condos around the factory for their workers.

During World War II the town suffered again when thousands of forced laborers were put to work at a nearby labor camp for the Lautawerk. Throughout Lauta you’ll find war memorials, a memorial plaque to resistance fighters (one at the entrance to the Lautawerk), and graves in the cemetery for those who lost their lives in this dark time.

Interestingly enough, Lauta’s landmark is the Wasserturm (Water Tower), one of the last vestiges of the Lautawerk.

For some quiet time the City Park is a nice stop. But, if you want something a bit more active Lauta’s got you covered. There are many bicycling trails throughout the stunning Lusatian Lakeland District; and get some more bike action at the Euro Speedway Lausitz.

I think I’d prefer just to sit fishing, if you don’t mind. Have fun in Lauta, accepting it for what it is — just like I did.

I’m pretty sure I’ve said this before about some other town, but the people that get to live in (or around) the town of Memmelsdorf have got to be the luckiest folks on earth.

No, I mean it this time. I’m not just saying it just because Memmelsdorf is in Bavaria. OK, that’s part of it. But, it’s also in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region AND in what’s known as Franconian Tuscany. Oh, and it’s on the Castle Road a.k.a. Burgenstraße, too.

See? And I haven’t even mentioned the beer making yet, but I’ll get to that later.

Even though Memmelsdorf is on the Burgenstraße, there are more churches in the area than castles. One of the most beautiful is Maria Himmelfahrt. This Parish Church has gold accents, paintings, marble, and its carved pews are stunning. Right outside is a stone figure of St. Wendelin and other sculptures, so gorgeous artwork isn’t just found inside.

Between visiting the other churches like the Chapel of Schmerzhafte Mutter Gottes, Anna Chapel, and the Evangelical Church of the Ascension you can hike, bike, walk, around the Upper Franconian countryside. Memmelsdorf is in a gorgeous valley between the Franconian Switzerland and the Steigerwald Nature Park, so being outside is a definite must; and I don’t mean just outside in a beer garden this time. ;-)

Before you get to the beer, you got to get to Schloß Seehof which is the reason Memmelsdorf is on the Castle Road. Originally built as a summer house & hunting lodge (these are some digs to have just been a summer home!), this Rococo style castle is grandiose, way over the top, and to call it ornate is the ultimate understatement. If you want to see the inside you have to do it between April 1-October 31, although the Castle Gardens are open all year round.

You’ve waited long enough for the beer part. And while neighboring UNESCO Bamberg has seven breweries, Memmelsdorf has five of their very own. Two of them are a blend of brewery and guesthouse, so you don’t have to go far from your bed to sample this delicious golden beverage. ;-)

See? I told you these folks are the luckiest people on earth.

The town of Mansfeld is also known by another name, i.e., it’s got the added title of Lutherstadt. Still haven’t heard of the place? Um, it’s named for its most famous citizen, Martin Luther; and lies on the scenic route the Lutherweg.

Martin Luther was, and still is, a very big deal here. A lot of what’s to see and do revolves around him and his name. Just about everywhere you turn around there’s a school, a house, or even a fountain with his name on it.

Even streets are named for the town’s good son, and you never know what goodies you might find on the Lutherstraße. At Lutherstraße 38 is the Zur Guten Quelle, one of the oldest Inns in Saxony-Anhalt. Come to think of it, it’s one of the oldest guesthouses in Germany, built in 1430!

The St. Georg Church might not be named after him, but there’s a life size painting of him inside. And Mansfeld is one of the only places to have a statue of Martin Luther as a young boy (it’s at the Elternhaus).

Luther’s house still stands in Mansfeld. He moved here in 1484 as a baby. Schloss Mansfeld is still here, too. It was built in 1229 — and this too can only be seen from the outside as it’s a Christian Youth Center now, unless you’re on a religious retreat. But, I’d call staying in a medieval castle a heavenly experience, so it’s all a religious experience. ;-)

Luther’d out? A visit to the Mansfeld Museum might be a good idea. Here you’ll find 800 years of the town’s mining history. Or, just a swim in the town’s outdoor pool will help float the day’s stress away. And as you’re close to the massive Harz, imagine what kind of hiking and walking trails you can easily get to.

So, regardless of what you came to Mansfeld for, you’ll be captivated by its history, its stories, its countryside, and by its most notable resident.

Now that the infamous Berlin Wall is gone getting to the town of Schönwalde-Glien (and its villages) is much easier. Why? Well, only about two decades ago Schönwalde-Glien shared a border with West Berlin.

Politics and geography alone aren’t all that Schönwalde-Glien offers. The area is heavily forested, which means plenty of hiking and bicycling trails. In fact, cycling is big around here and probably the best way to see the place. The forests are also the best setting for the annual Forest Festival in the middle of April.

Another great festival in Schönwalde-Glien is the Frühlingsfest or Spring Festival (also in mid-April). Then there’s the Easter Bonfire (going according to the Christian calendar), May Day (May 1st), and the School Festival.

Though technically not a festival, the town hosts Night Fishing events, as well as Rock-n-Roll party events at the Adventure Park.

Even if you’re not into that particular music genre, you’re always welcome at the Adventure Park for a day of fun. No doubt the kids will appreciate it.

Take them there first, then drag them to see the beautiful Baroque church in Schönwalde (built 1737) and another Baroque church in the village of Wansdorf. Baroque seems to the popular choice in churches as there’s yet another one in the village of Pausin. Glien’s the odd man out since their village church is a neo-Gothic styled one. I guess Glien decided to dance to the beat of a different drummer. ;-)

Old buildings in Schönwalde-Glien aren’t limited to churches. There are many half timbered houses in town, the oldest being the Schwanenkrug (built in 1786).

I know they’re not as old as the framework houses, but the farmhouses you’ll find here in Schönwalde-Glien are just picture perfect pretty.

Schönwalde-Glien might share its border with the mega-happening big city of Berlin, but no one says you have to go or stay there! ;-)

Four hundred years ago the Hessian town of Schaafheim had only 17 residents. Which is about the time when Schaafheim’s castle was pillaged and its church totally sacked. Do you not blame folks for NOT wanting to be here?

Today, it’s a vibrant and proud community with festivals, churches, sports, and markets. It has come a long way over the last four centuries.

Honestly, Schaafheim’s history spans back much longer than just 400 years. It goes back to about 4,000 B.C., but most of the sightseeing in its historical center is nowhere near that old.

Right by Schaafheim’s Rathaus (Town Hall) is the gorgeous red brick Evangelical Church (located at Lutherstraße 3A). Everyone is welcome to attend; and the church even holds special children’s services on the 1st Sunday of the month.

FYI, though, the Scheffemer Kirmes (a church festival) is held the last weekend of August; and the other historical church in Schaafheim is a wonderful half-timbered structure that deserves more than just a passing look.

The last of Schaafheim’s “historical” bit is the Wartturm, a watchtower that stands 22 meters high and was built in 1492. (You find this tower in the south of town.)

Now it’s time to party (again). September is the best month for it, too. Why? Because the end of September brings on the annual Folk Festival (called the Volkstanzfest) AND the last weekend of the month is OKTOBERFEST! Forget wine. Forget food. Bring on the beer!

A bit later into the year is the annual Christmas market where folks come to shop for little handicrafts and gift while drinking some mulled wine.

Right before the Lenten season (think February) Schaafheim holds two Carnivals. Oh, just consider it another excuse to have some beer, wine, and merry cheer.

When you’re just about ready to call it a day, don’t! There are quite a few hiking and cycling trails to travel along in a beautiful nature park area; and the Freibad (open daily) is a nice spot to swim or just relax.

What a difference a few centuries make, yes?

When arriving in (or on) Sylt you might find yourself rechecking your destination, thinking you’ve arrived at some English seaside town instead of being in the north of Germany in Schleswig-Holstein. More specifically the island of Sylt, which is also the northern most town in Germany.

Whatever your first impression will be, they say you couldn’t get here by car — only via air (Sylt Airport [SWT]), a shuttle train across the Hindenburgdamm or car ferries from the Danish island of Rømø. Oh, I guess you can get here by car then, after all. :-)

Because this is more of a beach community and a posh health resort, the North Sea is the biggest attraction (the biggest I said, not the only).

Join the festivities of a regatta, try windsurfing, or mudflat hiking. Haven’t heard of mudflat hiking? Oh, it’s easy… grab a guide (they know the high/low tide schedules) and walk out on the mudflats that were just covered by Sea. Yeah, pretty simple.

Walking’s also encouraged (well, it’s the only mode of transport) along the Pedestrian Zone filled with shops, restaurants, bistros, cafes, and a casino. I sure hope you’ve brought comfortable shoes (and your lucky rabbit’s foot). ;-)

Whether you’re wearing penny loafers or tennis shoes, you’ve got a lot more ground to cover. Sightseeing around Sylt includes a visit to the 17th century St. Niels Church, prehistoric burial mounds & looking for more traces that the Vikings were really here.

Sylt, being the proper seaside town, has a special graveyard for nameless sailors. And being a proper German town, it has a special Roland statue (though this one isn’t really “old” at all — built in 1917).

Then there are all the galleries and exhibitions for the countless artists and painters that call this place home. It doesn’t take but a minute to see how the creative types can be inspired here. Even if it looks a bit English. ;-)

When I started to write about the town of Walzbachtal I was in a reflective mood. How fitting since this isn’t your average hustle & bustle kind of place. No, this is a town where kids are free to be kids running around the Bölzplätz and parents are free to do something or nothing at all.

If you choose the something option, it would be a help to know what to do. Oh, how about a round of golf? Yes, golf lovers, you have a wonderful 18-hole golf (par-73 139 slope) to play right here in the awe-inspiring Kraichgau sunshine. Want to know the best part? It’s open all year round!

After walking your way around the fairway, you’ll still have ample time to walk around Walzbachtal. You’ll find a wonderful mid-18th century framework Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), and the Speyerhof was a 16th century farmhouse. Today it’s purpose is a bit different, it’s the local administration office.

Funny how things change over the centuries, huh? Just like the Wossinger Hof, originally built in 1755 it’s now a meeting and youth center & popular wedding venue.

The Catholic St. Martin church has changed as well. This building wasn’t built until the 1780’s, however there’s been a church on this spot dating back a full millennia before that!

OK, the picturesque Weinbrennerkirche doesn’t date back that far, this one was built in the early 19th century.

In keeping with the old church theme, come see the Maria Hilf-Kapelle. Nestled quietly between two forests, this chapel (built 1732) is a place to quietly reflect. (See, I TOLD you that this town was perfect for a reflective mood.)

But, you don’t have to just visit the chapel in the forest for that. There are many (many, many) cycle tracks and walking trails through the Naturschutzgebiet 12 Morgen (Nature Area of the 12 Mornings), which pass right along fruit meadows.

Chances are they’ll make you hungry, so pack some grub (think bratwurst) and cook it all up at one of the outside grill sites. With a full stomach, it’ll make it that much easier to reflect on your trip to Walzbachtal and pick another remarkable place in the Kraichgau.

It would be a fair assumption that the Coswig Castle in 1187 put the town of Coswig (Anhalt) on the map. And that very well may be right, except that it was Castle Cossewiz back then.

Despite having medieval origins, the castle is a classic example of Renaissance and French (yeah, I realize we’re in Germany) Baroque architecture. From the late 19th century to the end of the 2nd World War the castle was used as a prison.

During that particular war the castle housed three times as many prisoners as intended (around 900 opposed to the 300 it could hold) and many were used as forced labor.

As old as the castle is, it’s the Protestant Church of St. Nikolai that holds the title of the town’s oldest building. And its Town Hall is another stunning beauty.

Of course, you don’t just want to see the outside of Coswig’s buildings. Its Local History Museum has a large collection of pottery, ceramics, crafts, and other exhibits on daily life. There’s also an exhibit on Coswig’s archaeological finds from its prehistoric days.

OK, enough with the old stuff… let’s get out into the fresh air. Coswig has a marina and private boat dock for those of you looking to get out sailing on the Elbe River. Take the Elbfähre Coswig for a trip to the other side.

Also while you’re out and about you’ll notice all the memorials around town. One is dedicated to fallen German soldiers, another to fallen Soviet soldiers. There’s a memorial wall at the Domstraße to the town’s Jewish community, and a plaque to Hermann Cohen, a Jewish philosopher. And on Wittenberger Straße you’ll see a memorial to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Memorials and castles aside, it’s the Treidelfest in Mai/June that you’ll want to be here for. Watch as a 5 ton barge is pulled with folks dressed in period costume, just like they wore centuries ago.

Yeah, the castle might have put Coswig on the map; but its history and people have kept it alive and kicking. Just don’t go confusing it with the larger Coswig in Saxony, otherwise you might have its residents throw you off that ceremonial barge. ;-)