If I were to sit here and write in minute detail everything there is to do and see in the Thuringian spa town of Bad Frankenhausen (Kyffhäuser) I’d be busy until my next birthday. And as much as I like you all, I don’t want to spend the days leading up to a milestone birthday behind the computer so I’ll sum it up the best I can. ;-)

Many of you might remember from History class learning about the Feudal system that was the norm in medieval Europe. Well, in the early 16th century all that changed in Germany thanks to the German Peasants’ War. So, what’s that got to do with the town of Bad Frankenhausen?

A lot, actually. One of this revolt’s largest battles, known as the Battle of Frankenhausen, took place here in May 1525. Over at the Panorama Museum you’ll find the world’s largest oil painting depicting this epic battle and pretty much ending feudal rule.

Another one of the world’s largest is the Barbarossa Cave. OK, it’s not actually the planet’s largest cave, but it is one of the biggest. And to keep with the feudal theme, there’s the Schloss Frankenhausen. Built on the foundations of its 14th century original, this Renaissance castle is now the Heimatmuseum, or Local History Museum in English.

As much as you’d think the castle or the leaning tower (caused by sinkholes; it’s one of the world’s most lop-sided towers) of the 14th century Our Dear Lady Church would be Bad Frankenhausen’s landmark, it isn’t. That’s an honor reserved for the 13th century Hausmannsturm located near the castle.

You’re still not done the historical sightseeing of Bad Frankenhausen. There are quite a few half-timbered houses here in town (one of them houses the local tourist office), a Jewish Cemetery, and the fantastic smelling Rosariumthat’s filled with the most beautiful flowers in the world: roses.

Yikes, I’m tired after seeing all that, but there’s no rest for the weary. You still got swimming, sailing, camping, hiking, bowling, bicycling, and guided night tours to do. OK, take a short rest with a carriage ride.

This doesn’t even cover all the festivals that Bad Frankenhausen has. A new queen is crowned at the Fliederfest (Lilac Festival) in mid-May (which coincides with the Museum Festival), and you get a new king at the Lindenblossomfest in June. Early April is when the Apfelschnappermarkt is held, a month later everyone celebrates May Day (May 1st), the Lantern Festival is in August, and the popular Bauernmarkt or Farmer’s Market is held in September.

Now, I’m totally exhausted… I’m heading over to the Kyffhäuser Theme for a day of soaking my tired muscles in a brine pool, relaxing in the sauna, and lounging on a bubble mat where thousands of tiny bubbles make me forget I’m getting older. Dare to bring me a beer? I don’t think I can get up… ;-)

According to some folks they’ve truly made it to the top when they move into a condo in some big city high-rise. Me? I think differently. I’d prefer an apartment housed right in a medieval tower. How cool is that? Where can you get one?

In the town of Berching and its 43 villages in the Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany.

If you don’t have enough Euros to get yourself an apartment straight out of the Middle Ages (with indoor plumbing, of course), another one of Berching’s thirteen medieval towers (its Stadtmauer defense wall is one of the best preserved in all of German) houses a hotel. So you can at least stay there while you’re here without breaking the bank.

Or, stay at the Kloster Plankstetten, as this mid-12th century monastery has a guesthouse. What’s even cooler about the Kloster (like being almost 900 years old with a church that has Baroque, Rococo, and Gothic accents isn’t cool enough) is it’s a “green” Earth-friendly (sorry no TV or internet) place serving totally organically grown food, with its own butcher & bakery.

Note: You better get there on time to eat — you know us Germans… breakfast starts a 8am sharp! ;-)

Also starting at 8am is the weekly Farmer’s Market on Saturdays right on the Reichenauplatz. The annual Christmas Market (3rd Advent weekend) is a bit more laid-back with shopping, singing, and music.

Berching’s got more music (and laughing) in February’s Fireman’s Ball, and on the last Saturday in October at the European Ball. And in June Berching’s population almost doubles when more than 10,000 visitors flock to town to enjoy the fireworks display.

Seems like a great start to the summer when hikers, cyclists, golfers, swimmers, and book readers come to town for all sorts of great activities.

When these sports enthusiasts aren’t doing their sports, they’re most likely checking out Berching’s historic Rathaus (Town Hall) and the ancient St. Lorenz Church.

Oh my, I went all this way without even mentioning beer once! But, if they brewed it over at the medieval monastery , I guess it’s all right to give it an honorable mention.

No, I’ll do better than that… I’ll be over at the beer garden. Now, I feel like I’ve truly made it! ;-)

There are two Bockhorns in Germany. One is a very tiny town in Upper Bavaria with half the population as this Bockhorn (Frisia) in the Friesland District of Lower Saxony. Without a doubt, Upper Bavarian Bockhorn is quite lovely (and I’ll always be singing Bavaria’s praises with you). But, this Bockhorn here is really quite extraordinary.

It’s countryside is quite beautiful. It’s no wonder folks have been living here since around 3,000 B.C. Thankfully we’re not prehistoric man, but we can enjoy the same moorlands, salt marshes, and geest they did (with modern indoor plumbing when necessary).

In Bockhorn’s nature reserve you’ll see trees that are over 800 years old. Man, how I wish they could talk… the questions I would ask… ;-)

Because of Bockhorn’s location on the North Sea it’s great for going mudflat hiking. It’s not hiking in the regular sense, oh no! This depends on the tides, where you can sometimes walk as far as the East Frisian island of Wangerooge.

One thing, you’re best off taking a licensed guide with you. You certainly don’t want to get caught out there when the tide rolls in.

That would be bad indeed, because you’d miss out on seeing Bockhorn’s Maritime Memorial, its 750-year old St. Martin’s Church, the Rutteler Mühle (a gorgeous windmill built in 1865), and it’s mid-13th century Church St. Cosmas & Damian (built in Frisian style architecture). And there’s even Neuenburg Castle (built 1462) to visit, too.

Not that Bockhorn isn’t great to see anytime of year. The Classic Car Show is held every year on Whitsunday, and the Bockhorner Market falls on the first weekend of September.

So, how do you get to this pretty awesome town?

Well, with frequent bus service from nearby Varel and the beer drinking town of Jever — it’s quite easy. Also, Wilhelmshaven is only about 15km in the north and Oldenburg just a tad more in the south. Ahhh, that’s a short distance to go for all that’s great about Bockhorn.

Just one thing… Tea drinking is very serious business in Frisia. If it’s a bit chilly spice yours up with a bit of rum like the locals. Ahhh, that’s what’s great about Bockhorn and this region as a whole!

Just to the north of the Westphalian Lowlands in the Teutoburg Forest is the town of Borgholzhausen, all twelve villages of it.

There’s a little bit of everything here to keep even the most fussiest of families from, well, fussing — whether you prefer historic castles, outdoor recreation, or something else entirely. ;-)

One of the more interesting parts of Borgholzhausen is its guided tours that are available. Follow along the old Salt Smuggler’s Route or take a “Horror” tour around town. Then again, you’re always welcome to introduce yourself to the town on your own.

Whether alone or with a tour, you’ll want to see the 14th century Evangelical Parish Church with a stone alter from 1501. Right outside is the town’s War Memorial.

There are also a couple of water castles. The Wasserschloss Brincke is a 17th century mansion with a Romanesque style chapel; but the Wasserschloss Holtfield is the real medieval deal, built in 1350.

Another castle from the Middle Ages is Burg Ravensburg, which was built at the end of the 11th century; and whose tower still stands after almost a full millennia.

No fairytale city is complete without some timber-framed houses, although these weren’t built until the 18th and 19th centuries. The one at Kirchstraße 9 is the oldest in town, built in the 16th century.

As much as these old buildings tell a lot about the town’s history, the town’s obligatory Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) does a fantastic job, too.

After seeing all this you might be itching to get out into the forested countryside. The TERRA.vita Nature Park is nearby with lots of kilometers of walking & cycling trails. You can see how gorgeous it really is from atop the 21 meter high Luisenturm (Luise Tower).

All this sightseeing can sure make you hungry. A popular place to stop for something to eat is the 1950’s style Pilzikiosk that serves all sorts of snacks. Want something more sweet? Gingerbread making is mighty popular here — and don’t feel guilty after eating a gingerbread man’s head. ;-)

More good eats are always around at Borgholzhausen’s Kartoffelmarkt (Potato Market) at the end of September, and its obligatory Christmas Market (2nd Advent weekend).

Food aside, its markets are always a great place to find yourself some souvenir or gift to bring back home to your loved ones. Just be careful if you’ve packed away some of those gingerbread men to bring back. ;-)

When you come to the Hessian spa town of Bad Sooden-Allendorf today, it might be hard to imagine that four centuries ago the town was totally sacked during the Thirty Years’ War. Or, how the town was a bustle with trade during the town’s thousand year history of salt trade.

You know what this means, don’t you? No? I’ll tell you — it’s a place with history and culture, as well.

Before you’ve donned your bathing gear and hit up the spa, you might want to do your sightseeing first. This way you can really (really) relax afterwards!

One attraction is the Schifflersgrund Grenzmuseum, a border museum about Germany when it was divided between East & West (the town is on the Thuringian border). There’s even a collection of military cars and helicopters at the museum.

In Bad Sooden’s Old Town, there are many timber-framed houses right out of a fairytale. This is the perfect setting for the annual Märchenwoche (Fairytale Week) right after Easter which entertains with fairytale theater and other performances.

Another festival is the Brunnenfest (Well Festival) held at Whitsunday, where you can see the ancient art of salt extraction. Salt was extracted here for more than a millennia, right up to the 19th century.

Salt was big during the Middle Ages, as was the building of churches. The Hospital Chapel was built in 1363 and filled with 14th century artwork. Three centuries later residents built the Gradierwerk (known as the Graduation Tower) in 1638, and rebuilt again in 2000.

Overlooking the Gradierwerk is the Werratal-Therme (Werra Valley Spa). It’s said to help with everything from heart problems to general weakness. Its brine pool, wave pool, and sauna is just what everyone needs after a hard day’s work. Or, in this case, a hard day’s sightseeing. ;-)

For more information about what to see in Bad Sooden-Allendorf, the Tourist Office (Landgraf-Philipp-Platz 1-2) is the place to go. However, with a spa as fantastic as the Werra Valley Spa center there’s no need to go any further.

Except, maybe, to one of the town’s camping sites, or to see the medieval Diebesturm (Mugger Tower).

Oh sure, that’s worth getting out of the super relaxing pool for… ;-)

Bad Bevensen? Lüneburg Heath, check. Spa town, check.

However, like most people I’m sure you’ll want more reasons for coming to this spa town. But wait, isn’t that Bad Bevensen is a SPA town enough? No? Well, some of you simply want more, don’t you? ;-)

Good thing Bad Bevensen has a 90 minute guided tour about the town for you to take. This is a great way to see the town’s highlights, going back to explore more of what peaked your interest later on.

Guided hiking tours through the region are also offered. Ask your guide to take you to see the Iron Age Cemetery. Yes, that’s how long people have lived here.

A church, however, wasn’t erected in Bad Bevensen until around 833. The Three Kings Church, now Evangelical Lutheran, was built and rebuilt over the centuries; the last being in the 1950’s. And St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was built around the same time (1946).

I’m sure the kids would appreciate going to the nearby TreeTrek sports and amusement park instead of looking at churches, or cycling around the Lüneburg Heath. But, everyone can have fun at the Jod-Sole-Therme, which is open year round.

This spa complex has everything a family could need for a day (or a few — ask about multi-day packages) of fun, food, and relaxation. It has two outdoor pools, a bistro, a sauna garden, a Finnish Sauna, steamrooms, and massages.

After a relaxing massage, a night listening to a Philharmonic performance would certainly end the day well. If the symphony isn’t your idea of a good time, there are always jazz concerts, film showings, and book readings.

I’m sure you could find all these things in Bremen, Hamburg, Schwerin, Hannover, and Wolfsburg; but, you won’t find it with the panache of Bad Bevensen.

I don’t think the chuckle I get out of thinking about one of Germany’s “Bad” towns always turns out to be OH SO GOOD! This time it’s Bad Lausick in Saxony; and its wonderful spa services are just what a person needs after a long day of sightseeing.

Then again, no sightseeing is necessary if all you’re doing is lounging around the Themalwasserbrunnen. The natural spring is a warm 20-degrees Celcius at the least and pumped to the spa and Pool RIFF. You’ll find water jets, massages, a waterslide, and a salt grotto to help destress and take away those over 35 aches & pains.

The history of the spa goes back a long way; and over at Bad Lausick’s Spa & Stadt Museum you’ll learn all about it. You’ll see how this tiny town of around 9,000 became a spa town as well as its long history. It’s open every Wednesday through Saturday from 1pm-5pm and Sundays from 2pm-5pm.

I personally like the special exhibition they have on Saxon castles and palaces. Hey, nothing says history like a good old fashioned castle, right?

Speaking of history, Bad Lausick’s oldest building (and one of the oldest in Saxony) is its St. Kilian’s Church. It was built in 1105 with Baroque accents added more than 700 years later.

It sure makes the late 19th century Rathaus (Town Hall) and the nearby Windmill Ballendorf and Windmill Ebersbach seem like a baby in terms of history, huh?

One of the other more popular sites in Bad Lausick (like the spa isn’t good enough) is the Spa Garden with its outdoor theater. This is sixteen acres of flowers, sculptures, and trees with a stage that offers theater performances, operas, and a chance to hear orchestras play.

If you want to see more, then the tourist office (located at Straße der Einheit 17) is a good place to go to find out more information.

With Bad Lausick’s spa, though, who needs anything else? I know I don’t! ;-)

When you get to Bad Breisig you may be wondering what you are going to do first. I mean, there’s so much history you couldn’t possibly have gotten it all in on one visit. Then, there’s the super, awesome, amazing spa. Oh, imagine that kind of dilemma. Oh, please. Everyone should have this kind of stuff to complain about, right? ;-)

All right, I’ll tell you what there is to see and do. Then you can decide for yourself what you’re going to see and when. Sound good to you? OK!

One of the oldest sites in Bad Breisig is the Romanesque St. Viktor Parish Church, which was built in 1041. The nearby Burg Rheinbeck was also built in the 11th century, but sorry no inside sightseeing is allowed — it’s private property.

Over at the Church of the Assumption St. Mary you’ll find a richly ornate Baroque church (built 1717). The newest addition to the religious scene in Bad Breisig is the Protestant Church, which wasn’t built until 1901. But, hey, give it a chance… it’s quite lovely.

But, back to the medieval for a moment. The Old Tollhouse (built 1500) is also one of the oldest houses in town. I would say the Templar Court is (Koblenzer Strasse 45), because it’s been here since around 1215 when the Templars built it. But, the original building was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) and had to be rebuilt in 1657.

Over at the Town Hall (built in a Classicist style) is a Doll Museum with over 1,400 exhibits. Wow, that’s a little girl’s dream, isn’t it?

Are you tired yet? I know I am. How about a nice massage or spritz in a thermal bath? Yeah, sounds like a good idea. There’s a sauna and an all-around fabulous feeling of well-being right here at the Römer-Thermen.

All refreshed now? Ready to do some shopping?

The Spring Market (held right before Easter) is a nice outdoorsy event, as is Shop Sunday with an Antique Market and the crowning of the Fountain Queen. Kulinarische Woche (Culinary Week) is a delicious event, while the Zwiebelsmarkt (Onion Market — mid-September) might bring on visions of culinary delights, and it’s another shopping extravaganza!

Mulled wine and more shopping finish out the year during the annual (and obligatory) Christmas Market on the second weekend of Advent.

I’m worn out again — guess I’m going to get another massage… ;-)

I know a place where you can find everything from long extinct volcanoes to a nuclear power plant. Wow, isn’t that one huge spectrum of a place? Yeah, and you can find it in the Hessian town of Biblis.

Now you might think, what’s the big deal about a nuclear power station? For some of us, nothing. For others, the worst. And for those of you who appreciate the science of things, then everything. If you’re not the science person, you might prefer the historical side of Biblis.

In an interesting piece of Biblis’ history, back in 1936 there was a Luftwaffe airfield that was disguised as a farmstead. Today it’s a restaurant with an equestrian center nearby.

During the same time in Biblis’ 20th century history, the town’s Jewish community suffered; which had been here since the 18th century. On Kristallnacht (November 1938) the town’s 19th century synagogue was destroyed. The building itself was eventually torn down in 1981, but there’s a memorial plaque where it once stood at Enggasse 6.

If you want to see one of Biblis’ other historical buildings, the St. Bartholomew Church (built 1865) is a nice place to start.

OK, history lesson’s over. So, let’s talk about volcanoes. Biblis lies within the Rhine Rift which was once a hotbed of volcanic activity. Though they’ve long been extinct, the countryside is just beautiful with rolling hills with numerous hiking and cycling paths.

Often, the town of Biblis offers guided bird watching groups; and you couldn’t ask for a more lovely place than the Rhine Rift to do it.

In addition to all the bird watching, Biblis likes its festivals. Mid-March brings on the Spring Festival, with the Summer Party in early June, the Forest Festival mid-June, and the Cucumber Festival later in the same month. June sure sounds likes the best time to come to party.

However, Christmas time is no slacker time, either. There’s the Christmas Party, the obligatory Christmas Market, and many Christmas concerts.

So, hop the Autobahn from Lorsch or Heppenheim; or, take the train from Mannheim, Frankfurt, and Worms to Biblis. It’s a town that’ll take you from the nuclear, to volcanoes, and everything in-between.

It’s hard to imagine a lagoon setting in the very north of Germany. Not the warm water, palm tree surrounded lagoons in old episodes of Gilligan’s Island. But, the town of Barth at the Baltic Sea has one!

What it also has is the Vineta Museum, which acts as a Local History Museum (Heimatmuseum) which is also known for holding all sorts of exhibitions throughout the year. It once held an exhibit of Rembrandt’s work, so you never know what you might see.

Impressionist art isn’t the only thing you’ll find here. The Middle Ages made quite an imprint. Be sure to see the medieval hospital complex St. Jürgen, which was built in the 14th century. A century before residents of Barth built the Sankt Marien Kirche, so don’t leave a visit here out!

Sorry to say not much remains of the medieval Stadtmauer (defense wall). I guess after the Swedes left, there weren’t too many invaders & marauders trying to fight their way in. ;-) But, the Fangelturm still stands, as does the Dammtor. Just FYI… a Turm is a tower and a Tor is a gate.

There are even quite a few historic houses within Barth. You know what that means — fairytale framework houses that everyone loves!

Not quite as old as some of the other sites in Barth, but great to see nonetheless is the Adlige Fräuleinstift, a monastery that was built in an abandoned castle in 1729. As well as the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument and the Soviet Cemetery.

When you’ve had a fill of history and all that jazz, enjoy a summer theater performance or one of the concerts held at the town’s church. The kids (or the kid in us) will enjoy the fantastic Childrens Festival.

Somehow I’d bet that most of the those tykes have never seen Gilligan’s lagoon, but at least they get to see one in Barth. ;-)

By the way, you may interest you that Barth even has its own airport just south of town, called the Stralsund-Barth Airport [BBH]. It’s only 3.7km away (5 minutes by car, 45 minutes by foot).