Between you and me, it’s been a rough week. Now I can’t complain too much, I do have the best job in the world — all because it takes me to places like Zapfendorf. And because it’s been a rough week — a trip around here gave me a wonderful opportunity to clear away the stresses of life.

Hmm, I guess a bright Bavarian summer day can work miracles like that.

Actually, something fun like a ride down the 120-meter water slide at Aquarena can do it too. Yes, a trip over to the water park for a sauna and steam bath could do wonders for the soul. It should do something for you, the water’s a balmy 30° Celsius.

When a troubled mind has you seeking some inner peace, might I suggest a visit to nearby Bad Staffelstein and its Kloster Banz. I mean, Banz Castle. No, it’s a monastery. Ugh, the name thing isn’t helping to calm the brain cells — but the beautiful Baroque church can. The marble, the gold, the artwork; all of it will have you awestruck and speechless.

It’s awfully quiet along one of Zapfendorf’s many well-marked hiking trails around the Thuringian and Franconian Forests, too. The same can’t be said for one of the many festivals. Not that folks coming for the Wine Festival in August are a rowdy bunch, though it could happen.

Other events in Zapfendorf would be the Kirchweih celebrations; the Summer Festival and Village Festival (both in July); there’s an Apfelmarkt (Apple Market) in October; an Autumn Market in November; and a Christmas Market in December. While not exactly anything that could be considered a downright crazy — they’re still a good time to be had.

Plus, it’s really hard to be loud while eating all kinds of Upper Franconian specialties. Yeah, deliciously made Kartoffelnudeln (Potato Noodles) were enough to keep me calm for a few minutes.

Now that my stress levels are starting to return to normal, I’m better able to enjoy such sights around town like Schloss Unterleiterbach (built 1750), the Abtei Maria-Frieden, the Valentinskapelle, and the St. Laurentius Church.

I’m pretty sure I’m ready to tackle the world again — and I have the Unser Dorf soll schöner werden (Our Village Is Beautiful) gold medal winning town Zapfendorf with its hamlet of Oberleiterbach to thank for it.

Germany can be a confusing country, especially when you’re trying to find your way around from town to town. Imagine the frustration of looking for the town of Bad Saarow, only to find out it belongs to the Amt Scharmützelsee (a Collective Municipality) — and it’s known as Zarow by anyone speaking Lower Sorbian.

Whatever anyone wishes to call it, nothing changes the fact that Bad Saarow is quite famous throughout the region for its wonderful thermal springs. The water’s been known for its healing properties for many years, although Saarow didn’t get its “Bad” title until the early 1920s.

FYI, if you really want the best spa experience, there’s a golf & spa resort in the village of Silberberg. Eighteen holes of golf? A spa treatment or two? Oh, I knew where I was going after visiting places like the village church in Neu Golm…

Yes, a 15th century church comes before the massages. And I wasn’t missing out on seeing the 13th century village church in Reichenwalde, either. OK, I might have been distracted by the lovely Storkower See that’s nearby.

As for being out on the water, Bad Saarow is along the banks of the Scharmützelsee. A ferry ride around is a great place to clear away the chaos of a harried mind — then again, the peacefulness of Dahmsdorf’s 13th century village church did the same thing.

I get the fact not everyone loves the water, so I’m gonna tell you there’s a forested area around Marienhöhe, located less than two kilometers from its north shore. The old farm buildings are a window to a long-gone time, but also make for terrific photo opportunities.

Also not too far off the water are hiking trails through the town of Wenisch Rietz. There was the chance to do some canoeing around the area — but I was off looking for the Bronze Age burial mounds while dreaming about the spa.

Hey, don’t judge. ;-)

For me it isn’t always about the festivals (although that helps) and historical buildings found within a town. Sometimes it’s best to remember the people who lived here long before any one of us came along; which is my thinking about the town of Bennewitz.

And it’s also right to think about the people who live here in our day, because sadly in 2013 the town suffered a devastating flood.

Let’s pretend for a minute we’re in a perfect world, one not marred by the overflowing banks of the Mulde River, what would Bennewitz have to offer the curious visitor? I’d say you’re in a perfect location to set yourself up for a few days to see quite a number of castles within the region.

Schloss Machern is a good one to start at, because who couldn’t love a 16th century castle surrounded by a moat? I love the Gothic architecture of Castle Trebsen, while Castle Thallwitz belonged to the House of Reuss, and Püchau Castle has an English Garden.

What’s great about being surrounded by all these wonderful castles, is you’re bound to be surrounded by gorgeous old churches too. In the village of Deuben there’s a Gothic 15th century church to visit. And you certainly can’t miss the ochre-colored church in the town of Nepperwitz, famous for its modern-day styled altar.

As grand as the rest of Bennewitz’s other districts are, I’d have to say Altenbach is one of the best. This is a top place to be if you like half-timbered houses, and pretty bike and hiking trails. It, too, has a medieval church — a severe and dark looking structure from the early half of the 13th century.

If you’d much rather be outside, then consider hiking through the Planitzwald. It’s a grand place to find some rare plants and wildlife, or just some solitude to calm the harried mind.

It is my sincere hope Bennewitz quickly rebuilds itself, so that everyone can come see all this — along with its Royal Saxon mile markers, and places like the Ursula Chapel — the hosts of the annual Village Festival. And if that’s not worth rebuilding for, I don’t know what is. ;-)

Here I am, staring at the computer screen trying to find the right words for the town of Rackwitz.

It stinks when that happens — but I’m really glad to have the opportunity to have seen it. You see, in my lifetime I remember when towns like this were once hidden behind the Soviet controlled area of East Germany.

Now that Germany’s been reunified since the end of the 20th century, you’re all welcome to come here to see the amazing architecture and natural scenery of the Leipzig Lowlands that I know it to have. The hardest thing was choosing what to see first — I know, I have such a wretched life, don’t I? ;-)

Now that I go back thinking of it, the natural beauty of Rackwitz works with the many amazing architectural gems found throughout its seven districts. What’s nice about that, is you’ll find quite a number of charming village churches — and I’d have to say my favorite is the one in Podelwitz, a medieval stunner from the mid-13th century.

That’s not to take anything away from the village church in Zschortau, mind you. The village itself is charming enough, where you’ll find an old Prussian milemarker, a quiet pond for a much needed break, and a lovely old mansion. Not too shabby for what started as a simple Slavic settlement, is it?

Another of my favorite places in Rackwitz is by the old tower of the former village church in Kreuma. The tower is massive, and truly a feat of engineering of the Middle Ages.

You can marvel at the man-made creations at another man-made creation, Schladitzer Lake. Created from brown coal mining, the lake is now surrounded by bike paths, a swimming area, and even a bird sanctuary. Other hiking trails and bike paths await near Werbelin Lake — so who’d have guessed you’d find such modern marvels like the Leipzig/Halle Airport is so close by?

It was grand to see it in my lifetime — and I’ll remember it fondly every time I sit quietly on a late evening.

It’s been months (really, months) since I’ve gotten the chance to come back up here to the North — and I’m glad to be here in the town of Crivitz. I mean, the Amt Crivitz, the Collective Municipality.

Whether you choose to just see the town itself, or enjoy the additional sixteen villages, Crivitz is a lovely forested town with lakes and history, fun festivals and village churches. You see, there’s something everyone can get excited about.

Because I have the power of the pen (keyboard), I’m choosing to tell you about the historical side of Crivitz first.

The City Church is a good place to start, a lovely medieval church from the 14th century. Another grand church is the tiny village church in Wessin. It isn’t very big, but I think that’s part of its charm.

There used to be a synagogue here too, and you’ll find it at Fritz-Reuter-Straße 13. It hasn’t been a place of worship since the 1920s, but don’t let that stop you from coming to see it. Crivitz isn’t without scars from World War II; you’ll find a pieta at a “memorial” chapel to those who died during a Death March — and the old Jewish Cemetery was once used as prisoner’s camp.

I still get conflicted about the dark side of Germany’s days of the Third Reich, but Crivitz today is a totally different place. These days the town’s a great place to enjoy events like the Kürbisfest, a festival to the pumpkin with all kinds of foods, crafts, and good cheer.

Of course the Bockbierfest in November is a good time event to be had by all (ok, those old enough to drink), and there’s also the Christmas Market in November — if you’re interested.

Then again, if you’d rather have some time alone, then come to the Crivitzer See. The lake is popular with those wanting to either fish or hike along its banks.

As for the rest of Crivitz (the Collective Municipality), you’ll find a lovely 19th century windmill in Banzkow, two more fantastic village churches in Dobin am See, and even a castle in Bülow. Wow, I can’t imagine having to clean that — but that’s nothing compared to the 10th century Schwerin Castle, located just one town over.

Would you look at that, Crivitz has so much to get excited about, that it spills over to the next town. ;-)

The absolute joys of having the power of the keystroke, because not only do I get to write the praises of the town of Kusel, but I get to write about the joys of the Collective Municipality as a whole and the Nordfälzer Bergland, or North Palatinate Uplands — where the place is located.

Finding Kusel was an absolute pleasure, and quite unexpected. Now don’t get me wrong, I always think I’m gonna find something spectacular in every town — but I was pleasantly surprised by the green countryside (it’s summertime right now) found along Nordic Hiking trails, and regular hiking routes like the 60km Veldenz Trail.

Hahaha, no I didn’t go the distance — but don’t let my short hop stop you from looking out for the outdoor sculptures and such.

Speaking of the Veldenz, the family itself once lorded over Burg Lichtenberg. While the castle might be a ruin today, at one time it was a whopping medieval castle from the early 13th century. It’s believed the castle is one of the largest of its kind in all of Germany — and statistics say the castle has never been conquered in all its 800 years; it was a fire that ultimately destroyed the castle 1799. Despite being a real ruin, the castle is part museum and part living history.

What’s living without a good party, I ask you? I guess it’s a good thing Kusel has quite the number of parties and cultural events taking place throughout the year. July is one of the most lively months, with a number of Kerwe (church festivals) events going on throughout the month — and it’s also the time of year for the Summer Festival.

September is a good month, too. That’s when Kusel holds both its Autumn Fair and Oktoberfest, followed by the St. Martin events, Bockbierfest, and Nikolausmarkt in November. I truly am going to come back for the medieval Christmas Market (held at the castle), and there’s yet another one in later in December.

And what’s the Christmas season without a church or two? Come see the Church of St. Giles (located at Lehnstraße 10), a pretty neo-Gothic church from the 1880s. The Protestant Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) looks almost identical — because it was also built around the same time.

My last stop is the town’s Local History Museum, housing exhibits on the city’s history and a local boy done good. Kusel was the hometown of Fritz Wunderlich, a German Opera singer who died tragically at the tender age of 35. His tenor voice might be remembered for playing the Count in the Barber of Seville, but I love listening to his velvet voice singing Mozart’s The Magic Flute. You judge for yourself while you’re here.

As an Opera fan, it just made me love Kusel all the better — and even if you’re not into Opera, you’ll love it, too. I promise! ;-)

It’s a wonder to look at old maps, to see how borders and names of towns change. And had you looked at a map of Germany before the 1950s, no matter how much you looked and looked — you’d never find the town of Trappenkamp.

You see, the town didn’t exist prior to 1956, created when an influx of refugees from the Sudetenland found their way here.

Don’t let its relatively young age fool you, Trappenkamp (all 3.32 square kilometers of it) has managed to age gracefully into the 21st century, even while embracing its past. The Bunker Museum sees to that — where you can find newspapers, photos, furniture, and clothing of folks brave enough to start a whole new life up here in North Germany.

And as of 2008, Trappenkamp has been part of Amt Bornhöved, so its increased size has only enhanced the joys of the place. So you’ll be glad to know Trappenkamp lies along such grand routes like the Mönchsweg, a 530km long cycling route from Bremen to Fehmarn about the region’s Church History.

Plus, while you’re out and about through the pretty landscape, look out for some more Bronze Age grave hills, sit for a spell around the Bornhöveder See, or just enjoy the scenery along what’s known as the Holsteiner Quellenland and Holstein Switzerland.

With greenery like this you’d never guess you’re sitting around the Hamburg Metropolitan Region, would you?

If you gonna sit anywhere, make it the Waldschwimmbad (located at Waldstraße 2), a fine outdoor swimming area that’s got fun sports to do — like beach volleyball, has a soccer field, and a giant chess set.

I enjoy chess as much as the next guy, but generally not when there’s a festival going on. The Kirchweihfest in June is one such event, as is the Summer Festival every July, and certainly not during September’s Wine Festival.

Trappenkamp might be minuscule in terms of size, and young in age, but it most certainly packs a wallop — even if you won’t find it on an old map.

Life here on the Upper Swabian Baroque Route is quite lovely. How could it not, considering the scenic route highlights some of the prettiest and ornate architecture throughout the region.

Luckily for you, if you’re here in the town of Baindt you’re exceptionally close to a couple of sights that make this route world famous.

Baindt itself is a small town, just 23.07 square kilometers, not all that far from Lake Constance. Technically it’s part of the Gemeindeverwaltsverband Mittleres Schussental (Germans and their long names), which increases its size to just under 172 square kilometers and its population to just under 90,000 people.

Whew, that’s too much to deal with right now — I’m only concerned about places like Baindt’s Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) of St. John the Baptist. While the church might be a fine blend of Rococo and Baroque these days, don’t get it twisted — the church itself has medieval beginnings since it was built in 1240. Come see for yourself, the church still holds Saturday evening Mass at 6:30pm, and 10am on Sundays.

I’m also glad to be near Kloster Weißenau, whose Abbey Church is another medieval wonder. However, the church underwent a Baroque renovation a few centuries after it was built in 1145, and for that reason the Church of Sts. Peter & Paul is why the church is on the Upper Swabian Baroque Route.

Now that I think about it, the Weingarten Abbey is also the reason. The old Abbey not only has the distinction of being Weingarten’s landmark, but the church itself is said to be the largest Baroque church in the whole country. It’s also said to house a relic of Holy Blood; pretty cool if you ask me.

I love a gorgeous church as much as the next person, but I’m also a fan of the great outdoors. So, since this is the Upper Swabian region, I’d say let’s enjoy one of the two nature reserve areas for a little while. The Schenkenwald is the larger of the two, where you’ll find flora like English Oak, and fauna like robins and treecreepers (called Baumläufer). The Annaberg nature area, measuring just 14 hectares, is a delight for anyone looking for interesting creatures like dragonflys and grasshoppers.

Sorry, don’t like the whole bug thing — what I do like is a good party. Thankfully here in Baindt it’s all about Carnival and the annual Wine Festival, or right after Ascension Day (some 40 days after Easter) is the Weingartener Blutritt — a world famous equestrian event.

It seems life here in Baindt is lovely for more than just its grand location on the Upper Swabian Baroque Route. I think the old Celts that called this place home would love it as much as I do.

My week couldn’t finish in a more wonderful spot than the climatic spa town of Lindenfels in the Odenwald and Weschnitz Valley.

Sounds like the perfect place to relax for a day, or so you’d think. That idea, however, is on the back burner, because with everything there was to see and do — relaxing with a couple of spa services was going to have to wait.

Giggly as I always get about a castle, it wasn’t the structure itself that got me all excited. Nope, it was the Burg und Trachtenfest (held the first weekend of August) that really got piqued my interest. The music, the food, the dancing, there are even events for the little kids — what’s not to love?

I love to eat, so I’m upset I’m not here for the Lindenfelser Nudeltage, a week long celebration of the noodle. Some of the local eateries really outdo themselves — so, come late June/early July next year — I’m so coming back.

Do yourself a favor, try to plan coming for the Ökomarkt (a market of environmentally friendly products), the Autumn Market (October), its Christmas Market, the Whiskey tasting events, and the Artist & Easter Market, while you’re at it.

Did I earn time for that massage yet?

It’s off to the German Dragon Museum, or Deutsches Drachenmuseum. What little kid (or the kid still in you) won’t love learning about dragon myths, the differences in the creature between Eastern & Western culture, and the dragon’s role in the Nibelungenlied.

The story of the Nibelungenlied isn’t limited to just Lindenfel’s Dragon Museum, the town also lies along the Nibelungsteig — a hiking route of the “story.” Now before you’ve gone off too far, there’s also a Geological Walking Trail to follow, too.

Around the town itself, you’ll find the pretty Church of Sts. Peter & Paul (built 1745), and look for the Bulwark — which was part of Lindenfels’ city walls from the 14th century. And if you find the two old city gates, you can get your historical side excited since you’re coming through the oldest part of town.

While not as old, but historical nonetheless, you’ll want to see the Tithe Barn, now the Local History Museum; and you’ll want to see the Chapel of the Holy Blood in the village of Glattbach; and in Schlierbach you’ll find some charming half-timbered houses, and a cemetery without gravestones — they’re called Stickels. These painted grave markers are truly unique to the region.

Ok, ok, I did the history thing and the festival thing… can I have that massage now? Sweet — I’m headed right over the Spa & Tourist Office (it’s near the Rathaus) to find out the best place for me to get one. Hello, I’ve earned it! ;-)

When it comes to every unique German town and village, it is often one particular thing that always sticks in my head. Sometimes it’s an old church, maybe a castle, perhaps it might be the countryside that speaks to me.

Here in the Upper Bavarian town of Baar-Ebenhausen, located just south of Ingolstadt, it was the tidy streets and neat little lanes.

That’s not to say that’s all Baar-Ebenhausen has going for it… it’s neat and tidy. Nope, it was just the first thing I noticed.

It took a while to unwind, to make my way around to Kirchstraße 2 and the Church of the Assumption. So, the second thing I noticed was a Romanesque/Baroque blended church that looks prettiest after a freshly fallen snow.

I’m a romantic, what can I say? :-)

I can also be quite the party animal, so I was glad to hear Baar-Ebenhausen had quite the number of parties going on throughout the year. March is the month for the Starkbier (Strong Beer) evenings, followed by the Maypole celebrations when the weather warms up. May is also the month for the Florianfest, followed by the Fisherman’s Festival and Corpus Christi Procession in June.

July, August, and September are big for the parties with a Summer Festival, a Pfarrfest (both in July) — and followed up with the Barthelmarkt at the end of August, with the Autumn Market in September.

And it’s back to some more churches after all the fun is done… The Church of St. Martin (located at Kirchplatz 10) is from the first decade of the 16th century, although it did get a Baroque makeover later on. Be sure you take some snapshots home of Baar-Ebenhausen’s charming Gasthaus (built 17th/18th century), found at Rathausplatz 3.

Last, but by no means least, head over to the nearby Kloster Geisenfeld. The abbey itself was founded in 1037, only to be dissolved a whopping eight hundred years later. The convent’s church still stands, and I heard it being called the Cathedral of the Hallertal. Not sure about that, but its tower rises 54 meters into the Heavens.

Impressive as that is, I think I still would’ve noticed Baar-Ebenhausen’s tidy streets and lanes first. ;-)