Do mild winters and warm summers excite you? OK, maybe I don’t buy too much into a weatherperson’s propaganda (I love all seasons), but the weather somehow works for most in Barntrup.

Located only about 9km west of the musical streets of Bad Pyrmont, the town of Barntrup is a big hodge podge of history, culture, and nature. But, no worries about the weather not really cooperating, right?

Hmm, now where to start? I know! How does the History and Culture Museum sound? Good, right? In it you’ll learn quite a bit about the local wildlife (good for when you’re out in the nature reserve areas and the historical park gardens) and even see fossils.

Many of the prehistoric finds from the Barntrup region are in the Lippe Regional Museum in Detmold. No need to rush off just yet, I’m just sayin’. ;-)

Many, many (MANY) centuries later, the residents of Barntrup built the Kerssenbrocksches Schloss (in the famous Weser Renaissance style) and many of the famous timber-framed houses that everyone loves so much. The oldest one is found at Unterestr. 33, built in 1596.

I’m sorry we’re about 100 years too late to see the early 17th century Rathaus (Town Hall). It burned down in 1909 and was quickly rebuilt.

Other sightseeing in Barntrup includes a visit to the Evangelical Parish Church, that was actually founded in 1317. Except then it was known as the Church of St. Mary.

For a bit of culture, take in a performance at the Puppet Theater. Oh wait! You can only do that during the theater’s “season,” which is January & February only.

During the other ten months of the year you’re able to find something you’ll like. How about the Town Festival in September? The Christmas Market during the Advent Season? Hey, you’re always down for a good party and chance to go shopping, aren’t you? ;-)

You’re also down for a chance to go eating? Then try the Lippischer Pickert while you’re here — it’s a local specialty made with potatoes, flour, currants and raisins (served with jam, sausage, and butter).

With food this good, I think we can all overlook whichever weather conditions Barntrup is serving us.

I don’t know where exactly it was where I fell in love with Saxony-Anhalt. It had to be somewhere on the 1200-km-long Romanesque Route, a.k.a. Straße der Romanik, that leads us through sixty-five gracious towns in this state. I really don’t remember if it was on the Northern or the Southern Route, that figure-8’s through the state, starting and ending in Magdeburg.

Maybe you’ll find a place that you can fall in love with, too. But, before you travel all this distance, I have to tell you something…

If you’re not a lover of art history (including architecture) this route might not be for you since it’s filled with castles, churches, abbeys, and monasteries all built from the mid-10th century through the mid-13th century.

Whatever you’re going to travel first, the Northern or the Southern portion of the Romanesque Route, you’ll likely start off in Magdeburg.

The reason this amazing town is on the route is the Magdeburg Cathedral, one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in Germany. It’s also the town’s landmark and houses the tomb the 10th century tomb of Otto II. A few centuries later Martin Luther preached here; and the views from the waterbridge is nothing less than spectacular.

Romanesque Route — Northern Route

Let’s travel the Northern Route first. And, coming from Magdeburg, this leads us to Groß Ammensleben, a village of barely 2000 residents and nowadays part of the town of Niedere Börde. Groß Ammensleben earns its spot on the route for its Benedictine Monastery (built 1129) that was the center of religious life just shy of 700 years.

Easily reached by rail from Magdeburg is Haldensleben. This is a Roland town and the only place where you’ll find him sitting upon a horse in the world. Take a guided city tour to the Hundisburg castle & garden, Templar House, before visiting the 19th century Jewish cemetery and Local History Museum.

Bebertal (part of Hohe Börde) and its reason for being on the Romanesque Route is the St. Jacobi Church (it’s part Romanesque & part Baroque), found right off the Marktplatz. The village also has its own castle, Burg Alvensleben, where you’ll go to show at the town’s markets and party at the castle’s Garden Festival.

There are ruins of the medieval Romanesque in Walbeck, which is now part of the town of Oebisfeld-Weferlingen. The Brothers Grimm went to school here. Perhaps some of their stories were inspired by the town’s 13th century towers?

The Village Church in the hamlet of Wiepke (nowadays part of Gardelengen), is a 12th century Romanesque beauty — and the Salzwedeler Gate takes a great picture.

Gardelengen itself is more infamous for what happened here in April 1945, when a barn filled with over 1000 prisoners from a nearby concentration camp were burned — for which there’s a memorial at Isenschnibbe Barn. But, it’s also well known for its Heritage Day and Blossom Festivals, and a 14th century brewery.

Traveling to Engersen, which is now part of Kalbe, there are a few Romanesque sites to see. Start at the ruins of Burg Kalbe, built at the turn of the 9th/10th centuries. Don’t think that just because Engersen’s Nicolai Church as Baroque features that it doesn’t qualify to be here — it used to be a Romanesque Basilica built in 1170.

Almost at the border of Lower Saxony is Diesdorf, a town that receives very little rainfall. So no worries about traveling on a rainy day to see the Abbey Church (one of the oldest in the Altmark) built in 1161, and the megalithic tombs (that would be prehistoric tombs).

Hidden within the forest trees is the mid-12th century monastery in Arendsee (Altmark). Afterwards swim in Lake Arendsee (this is a health resort town after all), and visit the Prehistoric Museum. Oh, did I mention that Arendsee is also on the German Stork Route?

So is the next town of Havelberg. OK, 100,000 or so visitors come here for the annual Horse Market (1st weekend of September), but thousands also come here on the Romanesque Route to see the grand Romanesque Havelberger Dom (a Cathedral, built 1170) that now houses the Local History Museum.

Getting around in Sandau (Elbe) by ferry is quite fun. But, to see why Sandau is on the Straße der Romanik you need to visit its Romanesque church with its three naves and brick architecture. While it was built in 1200, it was destroyed in 1695 and in the 1850’s it underwent a Baroque facelift.

Schönhausen (Elbe), birthplace of Otto von Bismarck, is next. He was born in the Castle Schönhausen I (which was demolished in 1958). But, that’s not WHY it’s on this route — it’s because of the brick Romanesque Church (built 1212).

Wust-Fischbeck is on the Romanesque Route, but it’s also where you can find a school that teaches American History, English, literature, art, and a Puppet Theater. But it also has a Romanesque church (with a Baroque interior and a crypt).

Jerichow is unique in that it has two villages that belong on the Straße der Romanik. Jerichow itself has a beautiful Abbey (with a monastery museum) that was built in 1144. This convent church dedicated to Sts. Marien and Nicholas also has a quiet and serene garden.

Redekin, one of those villages, has a church that was built in 1200, a Rococo style organ, and a tomb of a nobleman from the 16th century. That’s a lot of history all under one steeple, isn’t it?

Genthin, the next stop, will become one of your favorite places. It does have a charming stone church from the 1820’s, but don’t fool yourself… there’s been a church on this spot since the 12th century. There’s another Romanesque church in the village of Altenplathow, where the Baroness Elizabeth of Plato is buried.

We’re coming around to Burg bei Magdeburg, which means we’re almost at the end of the Northern Route of the Romanesque Route. This is another Roland town with its 14th century Berlin Gate, historic Rathaus, Jewish cemetery chapel, and the reason for your visit… the Church of Our Lady, built in 1186.

Lookout in Loburg (which is now part of Möckern) for its medieval Wendgräben Castle (that looks more like an English manor house). However, it’s the ruins of the Church of Our Lady that will tug at your heartstrings.

I can’t think of a more fantastic way to end this northern section of the Romanesque Rute than in Leitzkau (which belongs to Gommern). There’s the Castle Hobeck (with castle church), Schloss Neuhaus, and the Parish Church of St. Peter, with 13th century grave stones and its medieval flooring.

If you thought the Northern Route was exciting (and LONG), wait ’til you get a gander at the Southern Route! ;-)

Romanesque Route — Southern Route

I’m going to skip Magdeburg, so your first town going south is Hecklingen. Not only will you find the 12th century church of St. George (check out the Romanesque stucco artwork), but there’s a gorgeous city palace and the cute Castle Gänsefurth.

Nienburg’s contribution to the route is the Monastery Church Nienburg, built in 1004. There’s also a Jewish cemetery in town, too.

Petersberg. What can I say about Petersberg? Oh, how about that it has a 9th century castle, a Local History Museum, a Romanesque Church (umm, this is why you’re here, right?), and a 13th century church, too?

Landsberg (Saale) might have started out as a Stone Age settlement town, but its Nikolaikirche is the reason you’re here now. Don’t leave before seeing Landsberg’s Rathaus (Town Hall) and Doppelkapelle (Double Chapel).

Oh, Halle (Saale), birthplace of Händel! Long before Georg Friedrich Händel came along and started composing Halle belonged to Roland (he shows up a lot around these parts, huh?). There are gardens, opera performances, the Moritzburg Palace (built 1503), and the Roter Turm (Red Tower, early 15th century). But, it’s the Giebichenstein Castle, built in 961, that keeps bringing folks like us to travel this Romanesque Route.

The ruins of St. Sixti is another reason, but this one’s in the town of Merseburg. Well, there’s also the Merseburg Cathedral. It was built in 1015, rebuilt again in the 13th century, and yet again in the 16th. Schloss Merseburg is now the town’s Cultural History Museum; and there seems to be a festival of some sort going on just about every month.

Waste not, want not should be Goseck’s motto. Its Castle Goseck, built in the 9th century, was once a castle (duh!), then a monastery, then a tavern (oops!). The Schloss is also the site of many musical concerts, too.

Zeitz has a pretty amazing history. Yes, it has the well-known Stadtmauer (medieval defense wall), a castle, a museum (a baby carriage one, actually), but its Michaeliskirche (a Romanesque basilica) houses some of Martin Luther’s original 95 theses.

Tradition is a good thing, don’t ya think? It must be because the town of Naumburg (Saale) has been holding its Cherry Festival (last weekend in June) since the 16th century. That’s still not anywhere near as long as the Church of Sts. Peter & Paul has been here — it’s a Romanesque and Gothic church that was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.

Only one village stands between you and one of Germany’s spa towns: Schulpforte, a neighborhood of Naumburg, has a Romanesque basilica monastic church (built 1251) to see before you arrive in the spa heaven of Bad Kösen (which is now also part of Naumburg, which I don’t understand; why in the world did they dissolve a certified, independent SPA town of more than 5,000 people?).

Anyway…

Ohh, hard choices… massages, saunas, and facials? Or, museums, the Rudelsburg Castle ruins (with dungeon), and the Romanesque House with a museum on monastic life? Don’t sweat it. Stay a night or two longer and enjoy it all! :-)

The landmark of Eckartsberga is the Eckart Castle. The town’s also got Stone Age exhibits at its Local History Museum, a Dutchman Windmill, and the chance to go tobogganing on its Sommerrodelbahn in the summer (which is super, awesome, scary fun!).

No tobogganing in our next stop of Memleben (part of Kaiserpfalz), but you got an animal park, an Imperial Palace, a lovely Village Church, a Romanesque Chapel, and the ruins of the Memleben Abbey that was founded by Otto II in 973.

Since the Romanesque Route is a large church route, it’s no wonder that we’ll find a birthplace of a saint. Querfurt is where St. Bruno was born. Plus, it has a castle (Castle Querfurt) with a Castle Festival, and an archaeological park (with Bronze Age artifacts).

Take a bit of a detour on the spur route to Lutherstadt Eisleben where Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Castle Church. Eisleben celebrates Reformation Day every year on October 31; and you can also visit the Luther House, City Church, the Town Hall, and the Marktplatz. The town also has a large Pottery Market (end of Sept.).

A quick visit is all it’ll take in Seeburg (nowadays part of Seegebiet Mansfelder Land) to see the area around the castle that’s been used since prehistoric times. Then in the Middle Ages and Renaissance times, a castle was built.

Allstedt is another town on the Romanesque Route where it doesn’t rain a lot. Making its sunny weather great to see its castle museum, play some sports, and (of course) see its 9th century Burg Beyernaumburg (burial place of the von Bulows).

Tilleda (part of Kelbra) is unique in that its original castle is gone, but its area is now a large outdoor museum. Be sure to leave enough time in Tilleda to see the Salvator Church and the town’s War Memorial.

The Alte Rathaus in Sangerhausen wasn’t built until 1431, it’s St. Mary’s Gothic Church in 1350 — and neither of which give it reason to be on the Romanesque Route. No, it’s the Church of St. Ulrich (built 1116) that does.

In the Ermsleben district of Falkenstein (Harz), it’s both the Konradsburg Monastery (built 1021) with its crypts and Castle Falkenstein (built 1120, now a museum & restaurant) that make this one of the best places on the Straße der Romanik.

Stop in Frose (part of Seeland) to see the Romanesque Church of St. Cyriac (built 10th century), then travel onwards to the Gernrode neighborhood of Quedlinburg to see its giant cuckoo clock, tons of framework houses, its Stephanuskirche, and party on Heritage Day on the 2nd weekend of September.

Quedlinburg proper has a lot going on, too. Another Roland town, there are even more half-timbered houses, the St. Servatius Church, and one of the most dark, imposing, beautiful castles you will ever find. This Burg, looking like it belongs in some Bela Legosi film, is filled with all sorts of artwork, artifacts, and books.

You’ve reached the northern foothills of the Harz Mountains by the time you get to Blankenburg. This is another health resort town, but that’s secondary to the ruins of the Luisenburg Castle, the Church of St. Bartholomew, and the 12th century Blankenburg Castle and Michaelstein Abbey.

I’m not sure how the nuns of the 10th century Benedictine Abbey Drübeck in Ilsenburg (Harz) would feel now that it’s a conference center? But, at least you don’t have to take a vow of silence or anything. ;-)

Ilsenburg’s got another Abbey, this one built between the 11th & 12th centuries. It also has the Ilsenburg Castle, in case you want to see it.

Osterwieck‘s most famous visitor was Charlemagne back in the 8th century — long before Romanesque architecture was popular. Too bad, he probably would have liked to have seen the St. Stephen’s Church and the more than 400 framework houses, which is why Osterwieck is on the German Framework Road, too. Ohhh, two routes for the bargain basement price of one!

The Huysburg Abbey (also known as Huysburg Priory) in Huy was built in 1080 and is one of the few to actually survive the Protestant Reformation. Buried inside the church is Ekkehard of Huysburg, an 11th century Abbot.

And while Dedeleben is also politically part of Huy, we’ll give it its own honorable mention. The Westerburg Castle is the oldest moated castle in Germany. You’ll just love the burg, its gatehouse, and its Baroque chapel.

It’s the St. Pankratius church that makes Hamersleben the next stop on the Southern Route of the Romanesque Route, but remember the village is now part of Am Großen Bruch.

The same thing applies over in Hadmersleben, now part of Oschersleben (Bode). This is a town that once had a satellite camp of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Much older than its 20th century history, you’ll find grave hills that date to 3000 B.C., a 15th century church (the Church of Our Lady), a castle, and, of course, a Romanesque Monastic Church.

You’ve finally reached the end of this Southern Route when you arrive in Seehausen (which is also part of the German Stork Route). Well, sorry, that’s not entirely correct. Seehausen is ON the Stork Route, but this village now belongs, politically, to the town of Wanzleben-Börde.

Still, Seehausen deserves to be mentioned on its own because of its St. Paul Church, whose origins date to 830 A.D., then updated to a Romanesque church in 1148. You’ll like the St. Lawrence Church, too, even though it’s not as old.

Castle Wanzleben in Wanzleben proper was built in 968. It’s been used as a medieval castle, a hotel, a conference center, and a restaurant. Oh, I bet some medieval crotchety German baron is having a cow over that… ;-)

Aah, who cares! Castle Wanzleben isn’t the only thing to see medieval. The town’s Rathaus (Town Hall) was built in 1376 and the St. Jacobi Church was built in 1263, but the Stadtmauer didn’t come along until the 14th century.

The End Of The Romanesque Route

Can you believe we’ve come to the end? On this page we’ve traveled over 1200km (746mi) together (wasn’t that easy?) seeing the most amazing architecture and art from a fascinating time in German history.

Oh, sure, it’s easy to romanticize the time period plagued with well, plague, war, and famine. But, for whatever their hardships they built some of the most incredible structures that have stood the test of time.

For this, let’s give a big THANK YOU!

Romanesque Route Web Site

In case you need it, here’s a Web site about the Romanesque Route.

The German Sluice Route, also known as Weser Marshes Route or Deutsche Sielroute in German, is a bicycle route stretching around 200km along canal towns, the Weser river, and the North Sea in the Wesermarsch district.

Dykes are a major focal point here, and by simply following the blue/green swiped signs you’ll have quite an awesome trip.

The Start of the German Sluice Route

Since the Sielroute is a circular route, you got to start somewhere; and Lemwerder is a great place to do that!

Since the Sluice Route is all about the dykes the Chapel at the Dyke starts your trip off just right. While the chapel might be the oldest building in Lemwerder, the Black Lighthouse is the town’s landmark. And its Ochtumsperrwerk is what you’ll want to see too. By the way, on the third weekend in August is the Drachenfest (Dragon Festival). Hope you can make it!

Elsfleth is the next small town. Visit the Denkmal des Schwarzen Herzogs (Monument to the Black Duke), the early 16th century St. Nicolai Church, and the Grand Duchess Elisabeth (a beautiful floating school for sailors).

After leaving Elsfleth ride over to Brake. This is where the Weser Cycle Track meets up with you on the Sluice Route. While the telegraph tower is its landmark, a visit to the Shipping Museum is more educational.

Your next stop is pretty awesome. Rodenkirchen, part of the town of Stadland, is quite small, having only about 4,000 residents. But, it has a replica of a Bronze Age house known as the Hanenknoop and the late 12th century church of St. Matthaus. Try to coordinate a visit to arrive on a Thursday for Rodenkirchen’s weekly market.

Nordenham is much bigger — with an Urban Museum, a Dutchman windmill, a Pilgrimage Church, and a ferry to take you to Bremerhaven.

Wait! Don’t leave the German Sluice Route on the ferry — you have more to see, like the village of Blexen (which is part of Nordenham). Blexen is one of those places where you’ll see sheep grazing on open fields. You also have the Blexer Dyke to see and the St. Hippolyt Pilgrimage Church.

If you took that Bremerhaven ferry you’ll miss Butjadingen, too. Most visitors to Butjadingen come to swim in the bathing lagoon, where you’re protected from the waves of the North Sea. Plus, it does have a gorgeous church (St. Petri) that was originally built in the 14th century, but what you’ll see now was only built in the 19th century.

Tossens, a district of Butjadingen, is great for at least a day of a splashing good time at the Aquafun waterpark. It also has a lovely 14th century church, too.

In nearby Jaderberg, a district of the town of Jade, is the third largest game park in Germany, the Jaderpark, receiving more than three million visitors annually.

If they missed Ovelgönne it would be their loss. Good thing you’ll get to see it on the German Sluice Route. Aren’t you glad you didn’t jump on the ferry?

While in Ovelgönne head to Großenmeer which has a Jewish Cemetery, a craft museum, and a horse market. A horse market? Yes, for the last 380 years Großenmeer horses have taken center stage on the 1st weekend of September.

Then on to Berne, would you believe you’re done already? I know, it’s bittersweet when you get to the end. So take your time in Berne for its St. Marien Church (built 1350), St. Aegidius Church (built 1240), and the Urban History Museum.

Conclusion? Along the way you’ve rode past fantastic moorlands, meadows, pastures, prehistoric finds, museums, dykes, and churches. Aren’t you glad that you decided to follow the German Sluice Route rather than taking the ferry over to Bremerhaven? ;-)

German Sluice Route Web Site

Here’s the Web site about the German Sluice Route, although you certainly got more info about it here at MyGermanCity.com…

The Way Of St. James pilgrimage route a.k.a. St. James’ Way, or Jakobsweg in German, poses a bit of a problem. Every pilgrimage to a sacred destination starts pretty much from your front door.

So, what do you do when you find yourself visiting in Germany, wanting to walk or bicycle along this most famous pilgrimage route? Where do you start? Where do you go? How do I get to Santiago de Compostela in Spain when I’m out in the middle of “somewhere” in Germany?

Isn’t it a good thing I’m here to help? :-)

For a comprehensive overview, visit this German Web site listing the Ways of St. James through Germany.

Thousands of travelers from the east of Europe had to travel through Germany to reach Spain. There are many “feeder” routes heading west through the country to get you towards France and Switzerland, then on to your final stop.

Unlike some other scenic routes in Germany, the St. James’ Way doesn’t follow one single but several routes taken by St. James. Legend tells that his remains were brought by ship and buried in Northern Spain — so, this route more follows the “followers.”

One of the most famous (and beautiful) routes travels through South Germany, through Swabia in Bavaria, ending at Lake Constance at the Swiss border (then continuing on through Austria, Swiss, and France).

Along this portion of the Way of St. James, you’ll find abbeys, monasteries, churches, castles, festivals, gorgeous natural countryside, other scenic routes, and the friendliest people. Jakobus, as he’s also called in German, would have been proud to travel along such a route; and you’re going to love it.

Most pilgrims traveling this route get a “pilgrim pass,” kind of like a passport that many churches “stamp” along the way. So, grab yours and let’s go! :-)

Way Of St. James — Part 29 — Augsburg Trail

The Swabian portion of the St. James’ Way starts in Oettingen. Many pilgrims and visitors come to see its Local History Museum, Brewery Museum (this is Bavaria — don’t be shocked), the St. Sebastian Church (a pilgrimage church) and the St. Jacob Church. Again, James in German is Jakob or Jakobus, so expect many churches dedicated to the saint.

When you arrive in Harburg the St. James’ Way meets up with the Romantic Road. A little history, a little romance, sounds like a good start, no?

Harburg is chocked full of history with its 11th century Castle Harburg. Too bad the castle only holds its Castle Celebration only every other year. Get lots of snapshots along the Stone Bridge, then go see Harburg’s St. Barbara Church and its 18th century synagogue. You can only get pictures of the old synagogue from the outside — it’s now someone’s house.

Your next town of Donauwörth is also on the Romantic Road. In addition to having its own set of castle ruins (Burg zu Wörth), it has the Kloster Heilig Kreuz (Monastery Holy Cross), a beautiful medieval city gate called the Riedertor, and its Munster Church’s bells play Salve Regina (you’ll find the church on the Reichstraße). Besides, it also has one of the largest all-organic Farmer’s Markets in Germany. Did I forget to mention that you’ll also find great food along this part of the Jakobsweg?

Leaving Donauwörth will be hard, but you got to keep trekking on! When you arrive in Biberbach make sure you get your “passport” stamped at the Sts. Jakobus & Laurentius & Holy Cross Pilgrimage Church. Did you know that Mozart himself played at this church as a kid? Pretty cool, huh?

Augsburg, your next halt, is going to be huge compared to tiny Biberbach; and there’s a lot to see. You might want to give yourself a few days here before deciding which part of the route you want to take since the St. James Way splits after Augsburg.

The town’s landmark is its Church of St. Peter, and many travelers like to see the St. Jacob Evangelical Church and the Fuggerei Cathedral, as well.

Don’t leave before visiting the Jewish Culture Museum, the Roman reliefs, and the Crystal Palace. The latter isn’t a palace at all .. it’s a museum & school.

A hot air balloon ride can be a real treat, too. So if you get the chance to do it, take it!

Choices. Choices. Which way to go?

Way Of St. James — Part 29a

After leaving Augsburg you can head toward Reinhartshofen, a village of only 350 people and part of the town of Großaitingen. Naturally, a visit to its church dedicated to St. Jacob is in order.

Then move on to Türkheim with its eight (yes, 8) churches. Its Kleines Schloss (Little Castle) was built in 1695. It now is a cafe featuring many art exhibits. The Grosses Schloss (you guessed it, Big Castle) is more than a hundred years older housing the New Town Hall and Local History Museum; and its Baroque Castle Garden are just stunning. Since you haven’t left Bavaria yet, you may want to enjoy a beer on the Hauptstraße with lots of shops and restaurants.

Bad Wörishofen is pretty special and meets up with the Swabian Spa Route. Kneipp got his start here, so after walking or biking your way this far, enjoy a spa treatment or a round on one of the 2 18-hole golf courses. Don’t sneak out before visiting Kloster Wörishofen, though, and the early 16th century St. Justina Church.

Way Of St. James — Part 29b

The other route you can follow takes you to picturesque places like Kirchheim in Schwaben. Its ancient Fuggerschloss from the 16th century and the unique artwork in its Zedernsaal is just amazing. Plus, I just love the numerous churches and chapels in this town, particularly the Maria Hilf pilgrimage church (also from the 16th century). Remember to capture photos of the historical Rathaus and its lovely yellow facade.

You’ll also love the next stop, Memmingen. Here you’ll find a 15th century Carthusian Monastery and an 18th century Benedictine Monastery as well as an informative Farmhouse Museum with exhibits on rural life in these parts.

Way Of St. James — The Remainder Of Path 29

Both sections of the 29th portion of the Jakobsweg meet up in Bad Grönenbach and up with the Swabian Spa Route AND the Upper Swabian Baroque Route. In addition to all the spa services, most people come to see the 12th century Church of Sts. Philippus & Jakobus as well as the ruins of the 11th century Castle Rothstein.

Now, I know you’ve walked an bicycled more than half of this 165km route, but when you get to Buchenberg you’re going to want to do some more. There are countless walking paths and cycling trails through this part of Swabia; and the tourist information center will help you every step of the way. For some fun play a game of miniature golf or swim in the town’s municipal swimming pool. Oh, and its FREE! :-)

If you want to time your trip along the Way of St. James right, you might want to do it towards the end of August, when the Cheese and Gourmet Festival takes place in gorgeous Lindenberg im Allgäu. Besides filling your head & heart with history (like a visit to Church of Sts. Peter & Paul will do), you can fill your tummy with all sorts of delicious goodies from all over Germany, Switzerland, and other parts of Europe.

Now that you’re well-fed, you’re off towards Lindau am Bodensee, an island in Lake Constance near the Austrian and Swiss borders. Lindau was once part of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, and it’s the start (or end) of the German Alpine Road. The town is connected to the mainland by rail and bridge, making getting back and forth quite easy.

While you’re here check out the gorgeous harbor, the 12th century St. Stephen Church, the Münster Unserer Lieben Frau (a former monastery church), its historic Rathaus (Town Hall), and the Magenturm (Stomach Tower, oops!).

Also on the Bodensee (and STILL on the Way of St. James) is Nonnenhorn, an air health resort municipality. You can bike to a beat of a different drummer and try following along the Bodensee Cycle Track for a while or try Nordic Walking. You might as well enjoy Lake Constance while you’re at it with sailing, windsurfing, or even better… charter a yacht!

The Way Of St. James — Part 30 — Munich Trail

Another interesting part of the Jakobsweg is when you start off in Munich and decide to travel along the 30th part of the route, the so-called Munich Trail.

Lechbruck am See is one of the towns you’ll come across here — one with loads of cycle paths and walking trails. For a bit of fun, try the Alpine Slide, where you come careening down the hillside on a fiberglass track on a “sled.” Oh yeah, it’s FUN and not for the faint of heart!

All right, now that I got all that out of my system it’s back to the historical and spiritual side of the St. James Way, which you’ll do in Marktoberdorf. Besides being real close to Neuschwanstein Castle, visit the St. Martin Church, originally built in 750 A.D. St. Martin’s is the oldest of all of Marktoberdorf’s churches, with the Women’s Chapel (built 1475), Kloster Alban (1465), and Sts. Michael & Joseph (18th century).

But, it’s the 17th century St. Johannes church that’s the biggest draw to along this route. You’ll find many mothers still coming here today to pray for their sick children. Say a prayer for them before moving on to the last town on the Way of St. James.

Kempten (Allgäu) is the last town before the route moves westward out of Germany. Plus, there’s more than 2,000 years of history here including an Archaeological Park and Roman Museum. And there are ruins of Burghalde to see, too.

Other Paths Of The Way Of St. James

I’m sorry our time together on this epic journey is at an end.

Still, I hope you’re inspired to continue your way toward Santiago de Compostela and follow some of the other numerous Ways of St. James in Germany that go through the Rhineland, the Palatinate, Westphalia, as well as parts of Central, East and North Germany.

Again, for a more comprehensive overview, here’s a Web site (in German) listing the Ways of St. James through Germany.

With all that hiking, praying and photographing, remember to get your spiritual “passport” stamped. ;-)

In the Wetterau, between the Vogelsberg and the Taunus, lie the six villages of Liedhecken, Nieder-Florstadt, Nieder-Mockstadt, Ober-Florstadt, Staden, and Stammheim. Collectively they’re just simply known as Florstadt.

Whatever name you choose to call them will seem kind of insignificant compared to the villages history, some of which spans thousands of years!

If you’re following the German scenic route Deutsche Limes-Straße, perhaps you’ve found yourself in Florstadt without even realizing it. Travelers following in the footsteps of the Romans are here to see what was once the 1st century A.D. Kastell Ober-Florstadt. A treasure trove of Roman coins were found here, which are now on display at the Wetterau Museum in neighboring Friedberg.

Fans of the medieval will love it here in Florstadt, too. In Nieder-Mockstadt there’s a 12th century parish church, in Liedhecken one from the 13th century. And no medieval town is ever fully dressed without a castle — so the fact that here are three, Florstadt’s dressed to the nines! ;-)

In the village of Staden, the original Löwsches Schloss is now a community center, the Castle Stammheim (in the village of the same name) is private property, but you can get some great photos of this 16th century burg. And some imagination is required when visiting the ruins of the 12th century moated Burg Staden; which is also known as Burg Ysenburg.

Other sightseeing around these villages include crossing the 17th century Seufzerbrücke, a half-timbered bridge that was the final walk of those poor folks about to meet the executioner.

There’s also the Saalbau Museum, filled with all sorts of art exhibitions, and even an early settlement tumulus a.k.a. a prehistoric grave hill.

For a more fun look at Florstadt there’s music & dancing on Oldies’ Night and torch lit walks through the Forest on cool December evenings. During the warmer months there are Fairytale Tours and Blues concerts in the park.

Besides the Romans on the German Limes Road, Florstadt is also on the Hessian Cycle Path R4 and along an Ecological Trail. So, you know what that means… great biking trails and awesome hiking paths. It sure is nice in the Wetterau! :-)

How do you want me to start off about a trip to Frickenhausen in Baden-Württemberg. Do you want me to talk about how the town falls on the Way of St. James? Or, do you want me to start off mentioning the Swabian Alb?

Hmm, tough choices? I think so, too. ;-) Well, what about starting off with the Alb?

Frickenhausen offers guided tours through the Swabian Alb, in case you don’t want to wander off too far on your own. You’ll get a deeper look into the flora & fauna of the area, as well as Swabian traditions and customs, passing wineries along the way. You might want to hike around those, no driving for you if you’re hitting up the sauce.

A popular hiking route is the Eduard-Mörike-Weg, a 108km scenic route that comes right through, brings to life the German poet’s (and Evangelical pastor) work of Das Stuttgarter Hutzelmännlein. Along the way, you’ll find lots of cafes and restaurants if you’re hungry; and quite a few guesthouses if you’re tired.

Rest up, because if you’re traveling on the Way of St. James. this is a walking or cycling route, and you got a long way to go before you reach the Cathedral in Santiago, Spain (in case you’re that ambitious ;-).

For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have come to walk to the burial place of James, the Apostle. To know if you’re going the right way just follow the blue signs with the yellow shell. But, don’t leave town before you’ve seen the Jakobsbrunnen (Jacob’s Well).

To keep with the religious theme, I wouldn’t skip outta town before seeing the Kirche Zu unserer lieben Frau either. I mean the 15th century Church of Our Lady, for the non-German speaking.

I don’t think it matters if first you follow St. James or if you go the way of Mörike — you’ll love it just the same. This is the Swabian Alb after all, so how could you go wrong?

Some of you may be wondering how little towns that are really close to big cities compete (so to speak). The Hessian town of Fuldabrück is a mere cat jump south of Kassel. So, why would you want to come here instead of the bright lights of the big city?

You might have your reasons for considering the small hamlet of Fuldabrück. But, I know what my motivation is. Beer. Yes, that’s right, beer. Now, I know that other German states are more known for beer than Hesse, but you got to give the Fuldabrücker Landbrauerei or Fuldabrück National Brewery a chance.

Not only can you drink all sorts of suds at the brewery (wheat beer, non-alcoholic brew, light ones, and dark ones to name a few; and all under the 16th century German Purity Laws!), you can eat some mighty good rustic German cuisine, too. Between sampling different brews, try a dish of wild boar served with brussel sprouts and potatoes.

If you don’t like beer, the brewery also serves wine and other spirits. Just don’t come on a Tuesday, the Landbrauerei is closed that day.

Tearing yourself away from the Fuldabrück National Brewery is going to be tough. But, you gotta do it if you want to see the rest of the area around town.

Since Fuldabrück is near to a nature park, you know you’ll have countless kilometers of walking and hiking paths. You might prefer to save the bicycling trails for a Tuesday when you haven’t imbibed anything at the brewery. ;-)

As hard as this is to say, Fuldabrück isn’t all about beer. It’s also about Christmas and music. Come mid-December when Fuldabrück holds its annual obligatory Christmas Market. Perfect for those looking to bring home little gifts or souvenirs.

Over at the Town Hall, in addition to being where city government does its job, it’s also the venue for many concerts.

Chances are unless you’ve taken World History in college or university you might never have heard of certain wars or epic battles in Europe.

Well, thankfully we’re a bunch of history buffs here at MyGermanCity.com, so we can tell you about all these wonderful places like the town of Fehrbellin in Brandenburg, Germany.

It was here that an epic Battle of Fehrbellin took place on June 18th, 1675 between Brandenburg and Swedish troops. The locals won and you’ll find a Siegessäule or Victory Column to this war time battle in the Hakenberg district (just southeast of Fehrbellin proper). I’d guess that if the Swedish won a monument would be in Sweden somewhere; and the townsfolk wouldn’t hold the annual Fehrbelliner Fest honoring the battle every year. ;-)

Even if you’re not so much into war history, there are quite a few other things to see and do. Why not try skydiving? Sounds like a lot of fun to jump from a few thousand meters above the town. Just try not to land atop one of the town’s 17 village churches (yes, there are 17 hamlets to the town).

One of the most frequently visited churches in Fehrbellin is the Feldbergkirche, where many classical music concerts are held. They’re all beautiful in their own way.

If books are more your thing, visit the Gemeindebücherei (Town Library) where many literary events are held.

I’m pretty sure the younger set will enjoy any one of the town’s Rock concerts. Then again, probably everyone of every age will love the annual Carnival (always held right before Lent starts).

Another frequently visited site is the obligatory Local History Museum (called a Heimatmuseum in German), located at Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Straße 6. And Schloss Wustrau, which was built in 1750, is pretty young compared to some of the other German castles. ;-)

When art is your thing, you’ll appreciate the Fisherman Bridge in the Wustrau-Altfriesach district, a 2-way, 1-lane Bascule Bridge with an awesome fish sculpture right next to it (called Des Fischers Traum — The Fishermen’s Dream).

A lot of Fehrbellin’s history might have started with a war battle, but your trip starts and ends with dreamful, picturesque impressions-

I don’t know about you, but most of us try not to wind up going into a prison if we really don’t have to. But, when you come to the town of Waldheim in Saxony, it’s funny (like chuckle, chuckle funny) that one of the most visited places in town is its prison.

I’m not saying that the only place in town is a correctional facility. No. It’s actually the Waldheim Castle (built in the year 1200) that now houses the Saxon Prison Museum.

If you want a castle while in Waldheim (that doesn’t involve some sort of incarceration) then Burg Kriebstein is it. Built in the 14th century, its ballroom is now used as a concert venue; and its Event Hall for weddings. Oh, and it houses a museum, too.

Other top sights in Waldheim include a trip to the 19th century St. Nicolai Church, the shops along the Marktplatz, some snapshots of the Art Nouveau Town Hall, and the Kellerberg (a labyrinth of tunnels used for all sorts of storage). Hey, you gotta keep beer cold somehow, right?

Did I mention that Napoleon stayed here? No? Oh… There’s a stone memorial (called the Napoleonstein) commemorating the diminutive French Emperor stayed here in 1813.

There are a couple of other memorial plaques, one is dedicated to Fascist victims and resistance fighter. Another, found on Dresdner Straße, is dedicated to the victims of a death mark from the Buchenwald Concentration Camp. Plus, the Wachbergturm is a memorial to the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871).

By the way, over at the Cemetery Chapel you’ll find the second largest clock face in all of Germany.

For a bit of whimsical fun, join in all the festivities during Carnival (usually February) and the Flower Market in April. The Mozart concerts are always a delight, too.

With all this sightseeing, you might not have the energy to even try to attempt all the hiking and biking trails throughout Waldheim’s countryside. But, hey, at least you won’t have to attempt a prison break. ;-)

I must sound like a broken record by now about Bavaria and beer. Bavaria and beer. Bavaria and beer. Sorry, the album needle got stuck. For those of you who don’t know what that means, you’re not old enough to drink yet so forget about the beer, ya little rascals. ;-)

But, as many times as I’ve said or written it Bavaria and beer go hand-in-hand. So then this being said, it won’t come as a shock when I tell you the Swabian town of Waltenhofen in the Oberallgäu has both an Oktoberfest and a beer festival.

The Oktoberfest (in early October) and the Bockbierfest (end of March) aren’t the only two in town. Oh, no. That’s not even the half of it!

May 1st is the Maibaumfest and there are summer concerts every year at the end of July. Then there’s the Pfarrfest in July, the Advent Bazaar at the end of November, and the obligatory Weihnachtsmarkt (um, that would be the Christmas Market in English) in early December.

All right, if you’re not the beer swillin’ type don’t worry, Waltenhofen’s got you! As with most Bavarian towns (and not to say that they’re all the same cookie-cutter town) it’s best enjoyed while outside — whether it’s during the warmer months when you can go swimming in the Niedersonthofener See (a lake), or simply camping just a few paces away. Warmer or cooler weather, it’s always great to find a hiking or walking path and/or a cycling trail.

For you heartier stock (you know the ones who like it COLD) Waltenhofen is known for cross-country skiing and ice skating.

More slow paced pursuits include visiting the mid-13th century Catholic Church of Rauns, the Catholic Church of Hegge (built in the 1920’s over an original Romanesque one), and the nearby Abbey of Kempten with its gorgeous Baroque church.

Afterwards sounds like the perfect time to head back and meet me at the beer garden. Bavaria and beer. Bavaria and beer. Sorry, darn needle got stuck again. ;-)