Not too far from the French border in what’s known as the Hanauerland is the town of Willstätt. It’s a town that belongs on a postcard (or a huge poster) because the countryside is really lovely all year round. But, I think that when the snow blankets the town in winter, it’s even more postcard-perfect.

Now I know not all of you out there think that the white stuff is all that grand. But, c’mon! Come Christmas time there’s something a tad bit unnatural about lights hung up on Palm trees. OK, maybe it’s just me who thinks this way. ;-)

Whether warmer or cooler weather is your cup of tea, you’ll just enjoy Willstätt for all its worth.

Like camping? Good. There are camping facilities available; and it’ll only cost you a few Euro a night to do it. There’s even a restaurant and playground within the campgrounds so you don’t have to wander off too far.

But, if you got the meandering bug come see all the half-timbered houses scattered about town. And, if you want to actually stay in one, forget the campground and head over to the Engel Hotel.

At least you’ll be a bit closer to the Kinzigfad, a 20-stop scenic walk along the Kinzig River with information on the plants, the water, and the people.

One such person is Johann Michael Moscherosch, a Baroque author and satirist. There’s a monument in the middle of town and where the Village Festival takes place.

Other festivals in Willstätt include the Hexen Kinderfastnacht (the Witches Children’s Carnival) held around the end of February/early March. Just about a week later is the Waldsee Hexen Fastnacht, which would be the Forest Lake Witches Carnival. They must have something with those ol’ witches…

During the warmer times of the year, the Waldsee is a swimming lake with BBQ grills and a playground for the kids.

When music got your soul, come to any one of the concerts held in one of the town’s churches; like the only Baroque Church left in the Hanauerland. Maybe you’ll get lucky and hear musical stylings of the 16th-19th centuries on the guitar & lute. And at least you won’t be outside in the snow if it’s winter. ;-)

Southeast of historical Marburg is the Hessian town of Ebsdorfergrund. Never heard of it, right? Well, after reading this page you’ll be getting the number of your local travel agent booking the first plane to Germany.

All right, maybe that’s a tad of an overstatement. You might book the second plane to Germany. ;-)

Upon arriving in Ebsdorfergrund the first thing you might notice is there are a lot of framework houses; even Castle Rauischholzhausen (that’s a tongue twister, isn’t it?) has an entire half-timbered wing. The castle is now used by the University of Gießen, but its gardens are simply lovely with waterfalls, ponds, and sculptures.

The gardens are where you’ll come for the annual Castle Festival in August, or to enjoy concert and theater performances.

Another castle that you need to see isn’t a castle at all. I mean it was at one time, but since the late 15th century Castle Frauenberg has been in ruins. It might seem like a sad end to a majestic 13th century castle that was built on a site used by the Celts, but no, it adds mystery and magic.

Castles aren’t the only thing from the Middle Ages. In the Old Town Center in the village of Ebsdorf there’s an amazingly beautiful Romanesque Church, built around 1200.

Not exactly medieval, yet also worth a visit, the half-timbered constructed church in the village of Roßberg was built in 1753. So is the Warte in Wittelsberg. What’s a Warte? A watchtower; and this one was built in 1431 — although back then it wasn’t a nature reserve area like it is today.

This nature area is perfect for quiet hiking trails; and there’s an extensive network of cycling tracks. Don’t worry about them being crowded, there’s plenty of room for everyone. But, come mid-September when more than 30,000 walkers, cyclists, and skaters converge on the area for Car-Free Sunday.

Other festivals in Ebsdorfergrund include the Art & Culture Market in mid-December, which is NOT the Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) — that’s usually on the 3rd weekend of Advent around here.

For a warmer weather good time, come to the Summer Fun Festival which happens right before school lets out for the summer, usually around mid- to late June.

Doesn’t it just sound lovely here in Ebsdorfergrund? If you don’t have a travel agent at hand to book that first plane to get here, here’s mine. :-)

Volcanoes don’t care about political borders. So the extinct volcanoes that are found around the town of Endingen am Kaiserstuhl don’t care that the town’s on the border of France. I’m sure you travelers care, don’t you like to know where you’re at?

This is a town that’s famous for more than just a low mountain range created from these long-gone volcanoes. This town was one of the last places where Witch Trials where held in Europe in 1751. Poor Ms. Anna Schnidenwind, she was the last woman executed here for “witchcraft.”

No need to worry about being accused of witchcraft today. You can enjoy the Dairy Museum, the Cherry Museum, the Local History Museum, the Kaiserstuhl Museum, and the Hexenwahn Museum (Witches Museum) all in relative ease.

Most visitors like to visit the Alte Rathaus (there are three Town Halls here, actually) that also houses a museum. One of the more interesting museums in Endingen is its Austria Museum. How nice to have a piece of Austria in Germany this close to France. Isn’t our united Europe fantastic?

Tourists and locals alike always manage to find themselves in Endingen’s historic Marktplatz. I guess that’s kind of silly since that’s where you’ll find those Town Halls. So make sure you get lots of pictures and don’t leave out the Königschaffhausener Tor (or Gate in English).

Look around Endingen some more and you’ll find the lovely Church of St. Martin (with a War Memorial), the 18th century St. Peter Church, and the St. Katharinenkapelle.

There’s more than just stuffy old historic sites in Endingen. Of course, being on the posh Kaiserstuhl helps, so hiking and walking around the volcanic area is a definite must.

So is shopping at the annual Endinger Büchermarkt that attracts thousands of avid book readers from all over. Who cares if they’re all written in German — book lovers of the world unite! ;-)

And there’s no worry about a language barrier during Endingen’s annual Carnival, which kicks off the season of Lent (usually February). Join in the revelry, eat the street food, and just have a sweet old good time (without worrying about any volcanic eruptions)!

Just when you think your love affair with Swabia was over you stumble upon the town of Elchingen — a town famous for a pretty big battle during the 19th century.

But, I think it should be known for more than some icky war stuff. This place is pretty great-enough to bring you back to your Swabian love. ;-)

I mean your Baden-Württemberg love. No, I mean Bavaria. Confused?

Possible indeed, considering you simply take a walk over to another farmer market just to find yourself over in Baden-Württemberg. Funny, yes? What can I say, I find these things hilarious, but the town really is in Bavaria.

The Kloster Elchingen is a more somber affair (so get all your giggles out now). This monastery is said to have been built in 1128, but a fire at the end of the 14th century destroyed all evidence of its real age. I think, that just like any grand lady — you should never ask her age — just enjoy her. ;-)

Kloster Elchingen’s Baroque Church is so grand with its white walls, gold ornamentation, and frescoes that it’s dedicated to not only the Virgin Mary, but the Saints Peter and Paul, too. This church was originally a 3-aisle Romanesque Basilica, a architecture style popular in the 12th century, so maybe the Kloster is as old as they say. ;-)

When you’re ready to get out and enjoy the Swabian sunshine, walk or bike along the Quellenweg or any one of the other foot or bicycle trails. Then again, a hot air balloon ride is also a fantastic idea. So is swimming in the town’s lake (and not to be confused with the mighty River Danube that flows right by here). Sweet!

After you dry yourself off, come visit Elchingen’s art galleries and its puppet theater. Or, party at the Fishing Festival (1st weekend in July) or the Thalfinger Village Festival (one of the town’s hamlets).

If this isn’t enough for you, Legoland is only 20 minutes away (by car, that is; or 4 hours hiking). But, it’s really easy to get distracted by the natural beauty of the nearby Swabian Alb in the opposite direction, so you might not make it. ;-)

Welcome to Grafenau (Lower Bavaria), the oldest town in the Bavarian Forest!

Not only does Grafenau carry the “oldest” moniker, it’s also a climatic health resort town. So, breathe easy… you’ll have a jolly grand time here. I mean with all the culture, history, countless outdoor activities, and plenty of festivals throughout the year, how could you not?

Since Grafenau is the oldest community in the forest, it’s only fitting to discuss the town’s history first. The architecture found around town is a wonderful way to experience it. Sankt Oswald Church was built in 1396, the Rathaus (Town Hall) in 1845, and the Maria Ascension Church might be built in the intricate and ornamental Baroque design, but it’s alter is all Gothic.

If you want more churches (always a sure bet for grand artwork), there’s the Martin Luther Church (built 1901) and Holy Trinity Church, built in 1759.

With your history lessons for the day out of the way, come see Grafenau’s museums. While the City Museum looks at the cultural side of the town, the Spa Park has exhibits on 18th/19th century furniture.

The most interesting of Grafenau’s museums is the Snuff Museum. Snuff? Never head of it? It’s a tobacco product that’s not smoked or chewed, it’s sniffed. Visitors to the museum will find a 30kg snuff glass on display — I’m still trying to figure that one out. ;-)

I gather the outdoor types would prefer the town’s golf course, the year-round camp site, the outdoor pool, or hiking along the Bavarian Forest Trail, than being stuck indoors.

All that’s left to do in Grafenau is to enjoy one of its festivals or markets. The Volksfest comes in July, as well as the Grüner Sonntag or “Green Sunday,” an Art & Culture Festival.

Beginning of August is the time for the Salzsäumerfest, while at the end of August everyone gets ready for the Rockfest; and on odd-numbered years Oktoberfest (in early October) is the highlight of the year.

The year ends out with the obligatory Christmas Market on the Marktplatz with everyone sipping on mulled wine and shopping for just the right gift.

It sure seems like Grafenau in Lower Bavaria, the oldest town in the Bavarian Forest, is really young at heart!

I thought long and hard about what to say about Großrosseln. I mean this is a town of Santa Claus and the village of Karlsbrunn (one of its six hamlets) is the hometown of an ancestor of a man who went on to become the President of the United States!

You know what, let’s start with the president…

In 1741, a man by the name of Hans Nicolaus Eisenhauer emigrated to Pennsylvania in the United States. That name rings a bell, doesn’t it? It should, because I’m sure you’ve heard of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. And Dwight, long before becoming president, was a United States General who was stationed here in Germany during the Second World War.

Speaking of World War II, Großrosseln’s village of Dorf im Warndt was originally a Nazi settlement. The other shires, however, are much older than only the 20th century.

Which brings us to Santa Claus. Yes, we all know that Santa (or good old St. Nick as he’s otherwise known) lives in the North Pole with his elves. However, his mail goes to the Christmas Post Office in the village of St. Nicholas. ;-)

Most of the other villages of Großrosseln are very forested areas; and even border the country of France. Figuratively speaking, if you cross the street, you’re not even in Germany any more… you’re in the French town of Petite-Rosselle. So, if you’re gonna Sprechen Sie Deutsch you might want to parlez Francais, too. ;-)

Besides a U.S. president, Santa, and a Nazi Settlement the town loves a good time. At the end of April there’s a huge Music Festival and a large Garden Without Borders Fest in early June. Also in June is a fantastic guided Wildlife Expedition along the many hiking trails.

But, between us, anytime is great to wander around the trails. Just make sure you take at least the one that takes you past the 19th century Evangelical Church. Now your trip is complete!

How many of you out there have a brother or sister (cousin, neighbor, whatever) that always seems to outshine you? Oh, you know the types — the ones who are the star quarterback or the popular cheerleader.

When I came across Großhansdorf in the Stormarn District, I instantly thought this was a town overshadowed by its closest neighbor, Ahrensburg.

I mean this town doesn’t even have many hotels for crying out loud. Does that mean you shouldn’t come here? No, I didn’t say all that.

Großhansdorf, or Groothansdörp in Low German, is where you’ll come for some wonderful theatrical performances. Their theater season runs the gamut from Madame Butterfly (performed even at the Children’s Theater), to plays like Frost/Nixon, right down to cabaret. So what if you can’t find a guesthouse here, you got Puccini!

And you might forgive no overnight accommodation if you can see a castle, right? Well, you’ll find one in nearby Ahrensburg. A beautiful 16th century Renaissance one to be exact. It’s now a museum; and the original castle was modeled after Schloss Glücksburg (of Glücksburg fame), if it looks a bit familiar to you.

While you’re off exploring the North German region, look around. You’ll find an early 19th century Jewish Cemetery (used up until the 1930’s), a Natural History Museum, and two churches (the Christuskirche and the Evangelical Lutheran Schmalenbeck).

You’ll also find a golf course. The Golf Club Ahrensburg-Hamburg is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Northern Germany; and for you avid golfers there are numerous water hazards and bunkers to put some challenge to your game.

OK, so you don’t have much choices for spending the night here in Großhansdorf. And most of the sightseeing in the tourist sense is found just about 3km away. But, if you want the very best of theater and a look into the regular everyday life up here in Northern Germany; Großhansdorf may just be it.

If I were to plan the ultimate German getaway, I’d make sure Gudensberg would be on the itinerary. Gudensberg? Surely, one of the much larger (and better known) German cities might make for a better tour of Germany, wouldn’t they? Well, yes & no… depends on how you look at it.

However, if you just went to those big cities, you’d miss out on a pretty awesome prehistoric town where a pottery settlement was found, dating back to 4,000 B.C; and later on an Iron Age Settlement. There’s even a “graveyard” that dates to around 100 B.C. and a stone ax from around 3,000 B.C. that was found in one of Gudenberg’s hamlets.

Post-Christian times is when Gudensberg’s history (and even some legends) really took shape. Look for horseshoe print in the town’s churchyard, said to have been made by none other than the steed of Charlemagne.

From the 14th to the 18th centuries, Gudensberg experienced a building boom. Not in the traditional sense, but many of the town’s sites today come from those centuries.

There are lots of framework houses (they make awesome pictures and they’re the stuff of fairytales), the oldest being the Ackerburgerhaus (built 1596) with the Pfarrhaus or Rectory (built 1642), and the Resthof (built 1643) not too much younger. The Amtshaus is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, too. I can’t leave out the town’s Gefangenenturm (Prison Tower) — it makes for a fine photo-op!

But, as old as these buildings are they aren’t anywhere as old as the 14th century Gothic Evangelical St. Margarete Church and the Hospital of the Holy Ghost (located on Fritzlarer Straße), built in 1365 for the town’s lepers.

Oh, I’m sorry… the ruins of the Castle Obernburg (on the Schlossberg) are older! The views of the heath and the Odenberg from atop this vantage point will leave even the most ardent jabberjaw speechless. ;-)

For a bit of a Jewish heritage tour, Gudensberg is a perfect stopover. There was a Jewish presence here dating back to the 17th century — although the last of the community (124 persons) were deported in May 1938. The town’s former synagogue is now a cultural meeting place; and there are memorial blocks found around town honoring its former citizens.

Yeah, yeah… while you go to one of those big cities in Germany, I’ll be right here in Gudensberg. Hopefully I won’t get lost while I’m out hiking in the Habichtswald Nature Park. ;-)

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in Germany’s history with its castles and scenic routes, often forgetting that it has seaside resorts, too.

Beaches in Germany? Yes, and they’re beautiful — which you’ll find out when you arrive in Ostseebad Heringsdorf, situated on the eastern side of the island of Usedom in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Not many people can resist the pull of the Baltic Sea, sandy beaches, and charming seaside villas. For some the Baltic Sea is as exotic and foreign as places like Fiji or Tahiti — in this case only a wee bit colder and without the pricetag. ;-)

Visitors from all tax brackets are able to enjoy spending a few days because there are hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and campsites for overnight accommodation. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

While you’re here, you can walk out over the Baltic on Heringdorf’s pier — which people have been doing for a few centuries now, like the Pier Ahlbeck which was built in 1899, stretching 280 meters out over the water. The Heringsdorf Pier might not be as old (the original was destroyed in a fire) but it is the longest, going 508 meters out over the blue Baltic Sea. Can you smell the sea air? I can and it’s refreshing!

I like the fact that there’s more to Heringsdorf than just putting on sunscreen & walking beachside (or walking in the nature reserve areas on this part of the island). Because this is an island resort I can’t think of a better place for a Shell Museum.

Culture doesn’t get lost at sea, either. Over at the Villa Irmgard concerts and book readings are the norm; and the Kirche im Walde is a superb example of 19th century architecture.

Another example of 19th century building is the Villa Oechsler. Built in 1883, it was once someone’s beach house. Then used as a library during the days when this area belonged to East Germany. Now everyone can see the beautiful mosaic on the villa’s beach side.

I think there are a few more hundreds of villas around here, at least it seems as though they’re scattered all over the place.

If you like what you read about Heringsdorf, don’t worry — getting here is easy enough. The town has its own Heringsdorf Airport, frequent train service, and a border crossing from Poland.

One thing’s for sure… no matter how you’ll get here, you’ll certainly see Germany as a premier beach destination that you might have never thought is possible. You now know it is. :-)

Sometimes I never know what to talk about first when finding a town like Hemmoor. I’ve flipped coins, picked ideas out of a hat, I think I’ve even started to babble about stuff until it made sense — kind of like now. ;-)

Regardless of what you notice first about Hemmoor in northern Lower Saxony (only a hop, skip, and jump from Cuxhaven), it might be helpful to know what’s here to see and to do.

When outdoor recreation is what you want, Hemmoor’s got it. Not only is the town located on the scenic Deutsche Fährstraße or German Ferries Route (250km along canals, bridges, and ferries), it’s also on the little known Niedersächsische Milchstraße (Lower Saxon Milk Route). On this 27-57km (depending on how far you want to go) bicycle route one follows along to the dairy farms in the region.

Other outdoor fun includes diving & swimming in the Kreidesee (Chalk Lake) created from where chalk was mined years ago; and there are two campgrounds in Hemmoor.

Hemmoor is also famous for the fossils that were found here. Some of them, more than 65 million years old, are housed in the Haus für Hemmoorer Geschichte (open April to September on Sundays from 2pm-5pm).

The town’s also known for its Hemmoor Balls. You’ll find them all over the ground, created from sand more than 17 million years ago. Just watch you step! ;-)

To learn more about the town’s cultural history, the obligatory Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) would be the best bet. And there’s even a Cement Museum (open weekends from May 1-October 3) detailing how important this industry was to the town’s economy.

There’s natural history, man-made history, and even sites regarding industry. Could Hemmoor have anything else up their sleeve? Yes, it’s also a very cultured town — with always some sort of musical gathering taking place. It’s hard to imagine a more charming venue than Hemmoor itself for rock & classical concerts, Folk sing-a-longs, and literary events.

Hey, maybe all that racket from the rock concerts might shake loose some more fossils. What? It could happen, couldn’t it? ;-)