Tucked away within the Teutoburg Forest and the Tecklenburger Land is a small town you might never have ever heard of: Lienen.

This is a place where you can bet on the ponies and walk among historical half-timbered houses. And since Lienen is alongside a nature park, you know what that means… lots of outdoor loving fun.

Hold on a second. Did I just say betting on the ponies? Yes, if you’re lucky enough to come in July when the Deutsches Fohlenchampionat, the German Foal Championship, happens. Otherwise, just take advantage of more than 30 kilometers of horse riding trails through the Münsterland.

Equestrian hobbies not for you? That’s OK, because there are many hiking and cycling trails through the Münsterland and the Teutoburger Wald that doesn’t include getting up close & personal with the next Triple Crown winner. The Nature Park TERRA.vita is the best place to come to do all this; and you’ll find it just north of Lienen.

The scenic route Hermannsweg meets up through Lienen, passing through heavily forested area (great for shade and perfect for a picnic) and along fields of flowers and garlic. Think of how delicious the smell will be!

For a unique experience try the 2.5km Barefoot path through the Barfußpark, designed to be experienced without any shoes (of course). Comfy ones are recommended if you’re going out on Lienen’s Nordic Walking trails, though.

After you’ve hiked, walked, and cycled your way around, it’s time for something intellectual. The town’s Evangelical Church might be a plain and simple late 12th century structure, but it’s beautiful to say the least.

By the way, over at the Haus der Gastes, you’ll find the Tourist Office as well as a small exhibit on the town’s history.

For the cultural, there are often all sorts of performances held at the Theater Kattenvenne. There’s also the Bombeiros Show-Night, a Fire Brigade Festival that happens every other year.

Tough luck on that, but with everything there is to do & see in Lienen, the Münsterland, the Tecklenburger Land, the Teutoburg Forest, and the time between the festivals will fly by in no time! :-)

It’s sad to consider the only experience with the town of Landstuhl that some folks have is with its Regional Medical Center (the largest United States medical center outside the country), where critically injured U.S. soldiers from the Middle East are taken after arriving from the nearby Ramstein Air Force Base.

But, long before the advent of the United States army the area of Landstuhl was occupied by another military, the infamous Romans. How do I know? The two Roman columns tell the tale! And over at the Heidenfels the site had been considered “holy” from their time all the way back to the Celts. ;-)

Actually, the entire village of Landstuhl is even older than that as it started as a small settlement back around 500 B.C.!

Now I know that the Nanstein Castle, compared to the Romans and the Celts, isn’t very old. But, something that’s over 800 years old deserves a bit of awe. Well, it’s not quite that old because the Burg was destroyed by the French in 1689.

The Castle Games that take place here are a bit of whimsical fun with outdoor stage performances by a local theater group.

Another medieval site in Landstuhl is the Alte Kapelle, or Old Chapel, whose choir section was part of the church of St. Andrew. Another great place to see is the Sickinger Schloss, a small castle within the Palatinate Forest.

And since Landstuhl is within this beautiful Forest, the hiking trails and bicycle paths are just fantastic. Keep a lookout for a huge Sequoia that was planted back in 1868, standing 41 meters above the forest floor and is over 2 meters thick in diameter. That’s a mighty big tree!

Come to think of it, that Sequoia is more than twice the height of the Bismarck Tower that’s only 19 meters high. And, the tower isn’t even as old, built only in 1900.

I only hope those brave soldiers who are recuperating at the Medical Center are able to enjoy all the rest of Landstuhl, just as you will.

Did you know there are two Lichtensteins in Germany? Once the Lichtenstein in Saxony, twice the Lichtenstein in the fantastic Swabian Alb in Baden-Württemberg. And this page is dedicated to the latter. :-)

So, if castles and caves excite you, you’ll be talking about Lichtenstein (Württemberg) long after you’ve read this page, or long after you’ve visited.

The biggest site in this Lichtenstein is Schloss Lichtenstein. Built in 1390, the only way you’re going to see this castle is by guided tour. I don’t think German romance author Wilhelm Hauff had to take a tour, though. So inspired by this castle, Herr Hauff wrote about it in one of his first stories.

The castle returned the favor and erected a monument to the writer nearby. There’s even a museum (known as the Wilhelm Hauff Museum) in town, too.

Also nearby are the ruins of the first Castle Lichtenstein, known around here as Alt-Lichtenstein. This one predates the other one by a few hundred years and destroyed for good around the end of the 1370’s. I guess its strategic location 800 meters above sea level on a craggy steep cliff didn’t keep it from getting sacked. ;-)

The other castles ruins to see here is Castle Greifenstein. This one stood only for about 200 years before it was leveled in 1311.

From castles on high steep cliffs to the dark recesses of caves is next up in Lichtenstein. Three of the most popular are the Nebelhöhle (Fog Cave), the Olgahöhle (Olga Cave), and the Goldloch Cave. Come about six weeks after Easter for the Nebelhöhlenfest (Olga Cave Festival) around the Christian Ascension. The Fog Cave holds its around Pentecost.

But, I kind of like the Rockbierfest held on/around April 30. Yes, that’s right, a Beer Festival! However, you folks out there might prefer the Beach Party at the town’s pool that kicks off the Summer Holidays, or the Christmas Market that takes place on the second weekend of Advent. Right after that is the annual New Years Handball Tournament.

Stick with me here in this Lichtenstein (Württemberg) and you might just forget entirely that there’s even a third one!

I know there are quite a few German towns known as Neustadt, this one being in Thuringia on the River Orla which gives it its name Neustadt an der Orla. But, no matter how many villages, hamlets, and shires call themselves Neustadt, this one is pretty fantastic so you’ll never confuse it with any other place.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in town is its Rathaus, or Town Hall. Built in the late Gothic style, for almost 700 years people have climbed its stone steps to conduct their business.

Also from the Middle Ages is the Fleischbänke. This is a meat market where butchers have hocked their trade for hundreds of years, only with better sanitation than what existed back then. ;-)

Both the Fleischbänke and the Rathaus were here when Martin Luther lived here. His house, known as the Lutherhaus, is considered to be one of the most beautiful in town. You can’t miss it — it’s right on the Marktplatz.

Also from the days of Martin Luther is the St. John Church, built in 1528. Its Susanna Bell is the second largest in all of Thuringia. Plus, the Cranach (Lucas) Altar (commissioned in the Autumn of 1511) is one of the most visited sites in town.

I like the Klosterkirche & Schloss. I probably shouldn’t name the castle, as it was destroyed during the 17th century Thirty Years’ War, but the church still remains.

A lot of the town’s history is explained at the City Museum, located right at Kirchplatz 7. Now that I told you where to find it, you have no excuse for not visiting it. ;-)

Neustadt an der Orla is also a very cultural town. The annual Neustädter Musiksommer is quite popular with 5 concerts held in 5 different venues in 5 different music styles. You never know what you’re going to get each year — it could be anything from Choral concerts to Classical, to Irish Folk music and styles from the Renaissance.

Guided tours are also available in Neustadt. You can take a Nightwatchman Tour, one following the footsteps of Luther, and even one about the town’s medieval history. Guided hikes can also be done, which usually don’t miss taking you along the Nature & Adventure Trail over by the 32 meter high Bismarck Tower (built 1915).

If you want my opinion about about the best of Neustadt an der Orla, it’s the Brunnenfest or Fountain Festival known as BORNQUAS. Steeped in tradition dating back to the 15th century, this festival centers around the cleaning of the town’s fountain on the third weekend of June. It’s where residents dress in historical garb while the beer flows and everyone enjoys some mighty good eats.

Stick around — you never know who’ll get chosen to be the Brunnenmeister. I do hope they’ll pick you! :-)

The town of Nuthetal in Brandenburg doesn’t exist on semi-old maps? Huh? Actually, the town’s six villages do (Bergholz-Rehbrücke, Fahlhorst, Nudow, Philippsthal, Saarmund, and Tramsdorf), just to the southwest of Berlin.

Oh here you go… On the regularly updated online Nuthetal map there is this name. (Solution: Nuthetal was established in 2003 by politically combining the above six villages.)

Nuthetal’s proximity to Berlin doesn’t allow the captial’s grandeur to overshadow it, either. This is a wonderful little town that can hold its own.

If you’re a car lover (and we Germans are so in love with the automobile), then Nuthetal’s Classic Car Museum is right up your alley. You can see a Model-A Ford from the early 1930’s and even a motorcycle from the turn of the last century.

For something a bit more historical, there’s a lovely half-timbered church built in 1716.

Over in Fahlhorst (the smallest of the villages with about 120 residents), you’ll find another church. This one, however, wasn’t built until 1882; but, it’s built on the spot where three previous churches once stood.

Nudow also has its own village church, built 1733. This hamlet also has a fishing area, an nature spot known for storks, and horseback riding.

The village of Philippsthal holds an annual Easter bonfire and right beside its village church is a World War I memorial. There’s also the Herrenhaus Friedrichshuld, an 18th century silkworm and textile plantation. At Dorfstrasse 31 you’ll see an old school with outbuildings, laundry, and carriage house. This village is also known for its pumpkin sales (but, Nudow’s where you’ll find other fresh veggies and fruits).

Saarmund’s church isn’t as old as its Romanesque design leads you to believe; it wasn’t built until the 1840’s. But, most folks come to this shire for the Nature Park Nuthe-Nieplitz.

After the nature park, head for stars. I mean the sun. Tremsdorf has the only solar observatory in all of Germany.

So I won’t hold it against Nuthetal that this town didn’t actually exist before the turn of the millennium. I hope you don’t either, because Nuthetal is admirable nonetheless.

Now, most places in this REALLY popular federal state usually have an over abundance of things to see, do, and experience. So, you might be wondering why there isn’t all that much to do in Nersingen.

Now, that doesn’t mean for an instant that you should avoid Nersingen. No, it’s really conveniently located between the historic (and sightseeing filled) towns of Elchingen and Neu-Ulm. So, by staying here you’re right smack in the middle of it all.

But what to see? OK, like in most German towns, churches are some of the attractions. Nersingen has three that are worth the effort to see. There’s the church of St. Johann Baptist, the church of St. Dionysius, and found on the Dorfstraße is the good old church of St. Nikolaus.

As grand as these churches are, the biggest (biggest, BIGGEST) attraction to Nersingen is the Museum für Bildende Kunst. The what? Simply translated, it’s the Museum of Fine Arts. Found on Alte Landstr. 1A in the village of Oberfalheim, this museum is a treasure trove of beautiful artwork; and even better: admission is free! (Note: The museum is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the time of this writing.)

Another sight, one that you’ll want to photograph, is the fountain in front of the Town Hall. With its sculptures and the way it’s been built, I find it quite befitting with the Museum of Fine Arts.

That’s about it in the sightseeing department of Nersingen, unless you also add in the area of the Roman Fort, that was abandoned in 80 A.D. And if you think that’s old, the Romans weren’t the first to live here — there were artifacts found here dating back to the Bronze Age!

But, this is Swabia, so your stay here in Nersingen isn’t quite done yet. You still have some paths to walk, trails to bike, tennis to play, horseback riding to do, and playgrounds to let the kids run around.

Come to think of it, it’d be a cold day in Hell before you’d run out of things to see & do Nersingen!

When coming to Obernburg am Main it’s just natural to talk about wine and Romans. They seem to go together, yes? I think so, and they’ve both made a huge contribution to the history and the present of Obernburg. Tell ya what, I’ll even throw in a bit of the medieval and outdoorsy stuff for you, too.

Back in the 1st century A.D. (around the years 83-85) the Romans built the Obernburg Castrum. Now, the Römermuseum (located at Unterenwallstraße 29a) has all sorts of exhibits on the old Roman settlement, as well as stones with Latin inscriptions, and beautiful Roman bowls. There’s even a replica of a Jupiter Column.

It also makes very much sense that Obernburg is on the massive German Limes Road, a 700km long scenic route through West and South Germany showcasing Roman settlements and history.

I promised Romans and wine, and since I’ve done the Roman thing, now it’s time for the wine. Obernburg is on the 55km Franconian Wine Trail, which follows the very best of Franconian wineries between the Odenwald (for which Obernburg is at the foothills) and Spessart. This really isn’t a driving route, so you’ll have the chance to really enjoy the countryside.

The European Walking Route E8 comes through town; and there are too many kilometers of hiking trails for me to count. Just remember to come back to town for the Mirabellenfest (Plum Festival) in July and the Obernburger Römerlauf (Roman Run) in May.

I did say I would give you the medieval, too. Sorry, there’s no castle, but the Oberes Tor (Upper Gate) and the Almosenturm (Alms Tower) and Runder Turm (Round Tower) still stand from the town’s medieval days.

Additionally, although not technically from the Middle Ages, the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) houses the Eisenbacher Heimatmuseum — a local history museum. There’s certainly not a better place in town to find out more about Obernburg’s cultural history.

As we live in an age of fast cars and faster airplanes, the golden age of train travel has gone by the wayside at times. Not here in Ochsenhausen, which lies within wonderful Upper Swabia.

Yes, you could easily come here by a fine German automobile; but, the best way is to take the old steam locomotive train from Warthausen on the Öchsle Steam Locomotive.

The enchanting ride itself runs at a leisurely pace, taking about 70 minutes to go the mere 19km. There are two trains daily (May – mid-October) between Ochsenhausen & Warthausen, costing about 16 Euro per roundtrip (with discounts for families & seniors).

The train does allow bicycles on board in case you want to ride the train oneway, and bicycle your way back on the path running parallel to the train. If you get a bit hungry there’s a restaurant & cafe car onboard.

After the mesmerizing ride, you may wanna visit the Railway Museum.

Now that you’ve made a grand entrance to the town, you’ve got plenty to see and do. One of the most visited sites in Ochsenhausen, which lies on the German scenic routes Upper Swabian Mills Route and Upper Swabian Baroque Route, is the Benedictine Abbey Church of St. Georg.

This abbey opened in 1093 (believed to date back to the 9th century) and didn’t close its doors until 1806. Now, the church is the venue for all sorts of exhibitions and musical concerts, plus it’s got a museum. Come May when the St. Georg Equestrian Procession takes place.

Rest assured, there are other festivals in Ochsenhausen, including the Mostfest (Cider Festival) and a big Carnival parade on the Friday before Ash Wednesday. Plus, early July brings on the Öchsle-Fest, another excuse to ride the rails.

Museums about trains & monks aren’t the only ones in Ochsenhausen. One of the more interesting museums is the Museum of Waschfrauen, which is open Sundays from May to October and is about laundering women.

Just as some of the more interesting architecture in town can be seen at the Rathaus (built 1606), the Gasthof zur Post (built 1650), and the Gottesackerkapelle St. Veit, built in 1679.

After you’re done exploring Ochsenhausen, leave the way you came in — by train. But, then again, who am I to come between the love of man and the German automobile. Yeah, nevermind, go ahead and drive — you took the train already. ;-)

Extra, extra! Get your really old history here! Read all about it!

Oh, do I have your attention? Cool, because I want to tell you about Ortenberg (Hesse), an alluring town that you’d be crazy to pass up.

First off, Ortenberg has a lot more going on than just historical sites. Like what? Oh, how kind of you to ask; but, I was going to tell you anyway. ;-)

How about a volcano? Yes, a volcano. Not a fire breathing, active volcano mind you. This one might be extinct, but it has shaped the countryside — which is why you’ll find the town on the Vulkanradweg, or Volcano Bike Route.

Many millenia after the last we’ve heard from the volcano, residents of Ortenberg built many of its medieval sites. Oh, and there’s quite a bit of them, too, just in case you’re wondering.

Castle Ortenberg might be a medieval original with a museum, but the ruins of Burg Lißberg are the show stopper. Not only is this place famous for its Mittelaltermarkt (Middle Ages Market) in August. It’s also popular with regular old tourists all year round. They come not only to camp, but to see medieval foundations including a Middle Age kitchen.

Other medieval sites in Ortenberg include the late 13th century Obertor (Upper Gate), the late 15th century Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), its Stadtmauer (defense fortification wall), its Gefängnisturm (Prison Tower), and 14th century St. Mary’s Church (which is open daily from 9am-7pm).

I almost left out the Kloster Konradsdorf and nearby monastery ruins. Good thing I went back over my notes. ;-)

While you’re out exploring the monasteries (or what’s left of them) you can do it either by foot or bicycle. Other hiking and biking trails exist, if you’re so inclined to head out further into the countryside.

If you want something that requires less energy, why not play a game of miniature golf or float in the municipal pool (open from May to August).

Shopping is always a great idea; and the Cold Market (last weekend of October) and the Christmas Market (1st weekend of Advent) prove it year after year. And the Flea Market on Saturdays prove it week after week.

Better yet, hit up the town’s Jazz club and let picking up a glass of wine be the most strenuous thing you do.

Didn’t I tell you that you’d be crazy to pass up Ortenberg?

We can thank the Romans for bringing wine to the Moselle Region of Germany (as well as France and Luxembourg). If it weren’t for them, I eventually wouldn’t be traveling by bicycle on the Moselle Wine Route, or Moselweinstraße as it’s called in German (and on plates). Yes, a bicycle, because wine is the major theme to this route so driving was out of the question.

OK, agreed, 242km (150mi) may be a bit tough. So feel free to go by motorbike (or car, or RV, or…) and let your better half drive this time around. ;-)

The Start Of The Moselle Wine Route

The Moselle Wine Route is a 311km route (242km within Germany) that doesn’t start in Germany at all. It starts in the French town of Metz in the Lorraine Region. I know this is a German website, but trust me, start there in that former Roman town so you can get the full experience.

Metz does have a German connection though… Wilhelm I used to stay at the Govenors Palace when he visited.

Before you go off looking for some wine (I know, it’ll be hard), you need to see St. Stephen Cathedral, the town square known as Place d’ Armes, the Roman Aquaduct, the St. Pierre-aux Nonnains Basilica, and the 13th century Porte des Allemands (former city gate).

Leaving Metz, the next town (still in France) is Thionville, stopping here long enough to see the 18th century Town Center and old city towers. Oh, and a glass or two of wine.

The last town in France, before crossing over to Germany (or to Luxembourg) is Contz-les-Bains. This is a town of beautiful churches and the 15th century Hospital St. Jean of Jerusalem.

The German Portion of the Moselle Wine Route

Welcome to Germany and the town of Perl, situated on the right bank of the Moselle River. Romans didn’t just give us viticulture to the area. They built castles & villas, too. So here in Perl you’ll find a reconstructed Roman villa and even mosaics that are almost 2,000 years old. Nice!

Traveling next to Oberbillig (where you COULD take a ferry to Luxembourg, but why would you want to?) you can experience wine making, just like it was done for centuries. Then go visit the Village Museum and the Fishing Museum.

Save your energy, you’re going to need it when you get to your next town: Trier!

Trier is a 2000+ year old Roman city, the oldest city of Germany, once called Augusta Treverorum. There are so many Roman sites to see here, you won’t know what or where to go first! Roman baths, a Roman amphitheater, and the Roman Porta Nigra are some of the most beautiful examples of Roman architecture you’ll see outside of Rome.

I LOVE the Basilica of Constantine, the Market Church (and Market Cross) on the Marktplatz, and the beautiful slopes of all the vineyards surrounding the city — and I think you will, too.

After Trier you’d think the next town you’d see would be a let-down. No way! The Riesling wine made in Mehring will certainly make sure that won’t happen. Mehring, too, also has Roman ruins.

Köwerich is a town of Beethoven. OK, maybe not exactly but, Beethoven’s relatives once lived at St.-Kunibert-Platz 2. The church of St. Kunibert has two beautiful 17th century alters; and there are two local wineries where you can visit for wine tasting.

Thirty kilometers east of Trier along the Moselle River is Trittenheim, a small municipality where vineyards dominate the local landscape. Just about every visitor stops at Trittenheim’s Baroque Parish Church, don’t you be any different! ;-)

If you like a Mediterranean climate, you’ll LOVE Wintrich. I love the thunderstorms in Wintrich every summer, but if you don’t, you shouldn’t let this stop you from coming. Known as a true Winzerdorf or “Wine Growers Village,” Wintrich has quite a few wineries, a bunch of framework houses, and a Passion Play (like Oberammergau) every five years. If you missed the one in 2007, you still have time to make the next one.

Besides wineries, Brauneberg is known as the hottest place in Germany. All right, maybe not all the time but, the hottest temperature ever recorded in Germany was right here, registering at 41.2°C — that would be 106°F (ugh, that’s HOT!).

I have one thing to say about Zeltingen-Rachtig, our next stop on the Moselle Wine Route. Wine Fair! While it’s all about the wine (many vintners open their wine cellars), Zeltingen’s Wine Fair also has musical concerts and lots of dancing. If you want something quieter, you’ll find it in Zeltingen’s parks.

You’ve come this far without a castle, so it’s time to throw one in for good measure. The ruins of the Grevenburg can be found in the spa town of Traben-Trarbach. The castle was built here in 1350, destroyed almost 400 years later. Traben-Trarbach is also home to the Moselle Museum, too.

Zell (Mosel) is a heavy wine partying town! Don’t believe me? How about this: The Wine Festival (end of June), the St. James Wine Fair (end of July), the Wine Fest (August), the Roman Road Festival (August), and two Christmas Markets! Not bad for a town that has barely 4,000 residents!

Hangover or no hangover, it’s time to visit Senheim. More than 10 wineries are found here, and this has to be one of the most beautiful villages along the Moselle Wine Route. Whether you choose to sit at the harbor restaurant at the marina or walk either the Sculpture Park or the countless hiking trails, you’ll love this place.

In addition to being a true Riesling village Valwig is a religious one, too (this IS the Moselle Wine Route, right?). For decades, many devout pilgrims came to see the 15th century Pilgrimage Church of Saints Maria & Magdalena.

Treis-Karden has a historic church, as well — the Romanesque Church of St. Castor. This tourist resort town also has the remains of a Celtic settlement and a Roman Temple. It also has the ruins of the Castle Treis and the Castle Wildburg is nearby. Wine, castles, churches, I don’t think it gets better than this.

Oh yeah, it does. Moselkern, a municipality of less than 625 residents, is home to one of the most stunning castles in Germany, Burg Eltz. This 800 year old castle is open to visitors from April 1 – November 1 and filled with all sorts of artwork. Honestly, the castle itself is a piece of art.

Moselkern also has the oldest Rathaus (Town Hall) in the Moselle Region and a replica of a Merovingian Cross at St. Valerius Church. The original sits in the Rheinische Landesmuseum in Bonn.

More castle ruins are in the village of Alken. Castle Thurant sits amongst the town’s seven wineries, as does St. Michael’s Chapel. Alken is a charming, quiet village — the perfect place to be before you end your trip on the Moselle Wine Road in Koblenz.

The city of Koblenz started when Julius Caesar came with his centurions and soldiers back in 55 B.C. This city is more than two millenia old and the remainders of a Roman bridge can still be seen today! Take the Cable Car for a birds-eye view of this Roman city, but do keep a look out for the Koblenz Basilica and Castle Stolzenfels!

Now, I know this is a wine route, but Koblenz has its own brewery. Yes, that’s right, beer! I really am convinced, life doesn’t get much better than this. :-)