There are nine districts in Weather. I mean Wetter. It’s so easy to be confused because “wetter” in German means “weather” in English.

But, the town’s not named because of crazy weather phenomenon. Like you won’t have to worry about a blizzard hitting in the middle of August or anything. If this happens, call me and I’ll be right over so I can make a snowfort. ;-)

Honestly, whether rain, sunshine, or snow it’s always a great time to see the Hessian town of Wetter. Well, maybe not the rain since it might keep you from enjoying the many walking paths, hiking and cycling trails, and Nordic Walking routes.

But, don’t let a little rain keep you from enjoying Wetter’s Grenzgangfest since this festival is held once every seven years. The one in 2008 was a super huge success with its streets filled with locals and visitors alike!

On the off years Wetter’s sightseeing remains the same. Start at the Gothic Monastic Church St. Maria (now an Evangelical Church) which is still holding services since the 13th century.

Castle Mellnau is just about as old. The castle was built around 1248, and has been in ruins since it was destroyed in the 16th century. It’s only open to tourists on weekends from March to November (1pm-6pm — great for you folks that aren’t morning people, me included).

If you want to do a little genealogy, then head to Wetter’s City Archives where most of the town’s history from the 16th century to the present is kept.

While you’re walking around town you’ll find so many half-timbered houses to take pictures of. Some of them predating 1629 — those are the ones that survived a devastating fire that year — they’re the oldest ones in town. Even the Rathaus (built in 1680) had to be rebuilt, which the residents did (and still in the framework style).

The last stop is Wetter’s former synagogue. The building itself is a fine example of 19th century architecture with framework accents. It was destroyed in November 1938, but it’s been restored and is now a culture and meeting center for everyone.

Remember, if it snows in August in Weather — I mean Wetter — don’t forget to call… I’ll have my scarf & gloves ready. ;-)

Thirty kilometers north of Frankfurt is Apfeldorf Wehrheim, or the Apple Village Wehrheim. Now, that’s not its official title, that’s just Wehrheim. But, if you hear this Hessian town referred in that way, you’ll know you’re in the right place (I’m sure all the apple orchards would help you figure that out).

Wehrheim is more than just an apple village, though. This place has a seriously long history; and it’s got the artifacts to prove it. Which you’ll see when you visit the Stadttormuseum or Town Gate Museum. In it are artifacts and finds dating back to the Bronze Age urn field that was discovered. That’s quite a few millenia before the medieval gate was even built!

That’s also quite a few centuries before the Romans came along. Yes, Wehrheim even has remnants of their time, too. Some 13km of the Limes Germanicus (Roman Fort Lines) come straight through town; and you’re close enough to visit the Römerkastell Saalburg, a reconstructed Roman fort (more on that in a minute).

Other sightseeing in the Apple Village includes visiting the Baroque Evangelical church (right next to the Rathaus), the 18th century Catholic Church, and the town’s Jewish cemetery (that was used from the 1860’s until 1938).

The countryside surrounding Wertheim is really beautiful. There are so many trails throughout the Taunus Mountain region, that you could hike and bike your way around (for what seems like forever) without ever seeing the same thing twice.

When you’re done with the history and “natural” part of Wehrheim, how about some good old-fashioned amusement park fun? Oh, I just LOVE those! Something about the adrenaline rush from roller coasters, I guess.

So, good thing there’s the Freizeitpark Lochmühle. This place has got everything! A petting zoo (with ducks, sheep, ponies, pigs), a roller coaster, and the Roman Trail — which works in conjunction with the Roman Castle Saalburg I was tell you about.

I don’t think it matters whether you like (or love) history, culture, nature, and amusement parks. There’s something for everyone (in every age group) that’ll keep everyone happy here in Wehrheim. Or, the Apple Village — whatever you want to call it.

Technically, one could say that the Lower Saxon town of Werlte started with three houses in its hamlet of Ratsdorf. But, that wouldn’t be quite true. Why? Because there’s been artifacts found in the village of Lorup since the Stone Age. In fact, there’s a megalith found nearby that dates back to around 3,500 B.C.

Ohhh, don’t you just love that? Kind of makes the medieval village of Lahn seem downright “wet behind the ears,” huh? ;-)

But seriously, Werlte isn’t just a town of old rocks. It’s got a castle nearby, awesome local cuisine, a nature reserve lake, and even a Biblical Garden. Ohhhh, don’t you just love THAT?

The castle near Werlte is the Castle Clemenswerth, which houses the Emsland Museum. It’s also got a restaurant and Baroque gardens. You just can’t visit during the winter months, though, since it’s only open to visitors from April 1 to October 31.

Hungry? Try the Bookweiten Janhinnerk, a buckwheat & egg concoction served with apple sauce, or the Echter Werlter Korn (don’t try to say it, just try it!).

Bird watchers will no doubt love the Silbersee or Silver Lake. This is quite a picturesque bird sanctuary that’s best enjoyed by bicycle or just plain old foot power.

Other cycling and walking trails lead off through the flat Emsland countryside and Eleonora Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for a grand Dutchman windmill, too!

In keeping with the nature theme, it’s St. Sixtus that you want to see. Of course, a church this old would be filled with all sorts of wonderful artwork. But, this church is home to fantastic Biblical Garden that grows some 80 species of plants specifically named in the bible.

The Romans really loved North Rhine-Westphalia. They were hear for a really long time.

But, that’s nothing, actually. People have lived in Waldfeucht since 4000 B.C. That’s a long time, isn’ it? Speaking of 6,000 years of history!

Of course, prehistoric man didn’t always write stuff down; and they didn’t build huge churches that have stood for centuries. Like the church of St. John that was built in the 8th/9th centuries. Although, what you see today pretty much comes from around the year 1328. The church cemetery has Franconian period graves, proving how old it really is.

Another old church in Waldfeucht is in the hamlet of Braunsrath. St. Clement was built in 1202; and there’s a Marian Shrine to see, too.

Both the St. Joseph Bocket Church and St. John the Baptist churches weren’t built until the 19th century, but they count as pretty old, too. There’s also a castle in Waldfeucht, except its function is now acting as the Town Hall.

Waldfeucht, despite its age, is a modern town which you can see during its annual Techno Festival (that loud music with an awesome beat) bringing young visitors from all over.

If you want something at a slower pace, then the annual Oktoberfest is a better option. Wait, of course it is. Beer, music, beer, good food, and more beer. Forget techno… I’ll vote for Oktoberfest as the Top Tip in Waldfeucht.

‘Though I’m sure the shoppers in the crowd would probably prefer the Christmas Market, that’s held every year on the second Advent weekend.

I’d bet money that the kids would rather see Waldfeucht’s ice cream factory. I’d like that too, but ice cream doesn’t go too well with beer.

How about distracting the kids with a hike or bicycle ride through the wetlands (give time for the beer to wear off), THEN taking them for some freshly made ice cream.

I just wish I could get that techno beat out of my head! Give me another beer, maybe that’ll work! :-)

On the edge of the Segeberg Forest in Schleswig-Holstein is the lovely town of Wahlstedt. But, since Low German is spoken around these parts you might find here it’s referred to as Wohlsteed — I’m just telling you in case you get a bit confused about where you are. ;-)

It’s hard to imagine today how totally leveled the town was when it was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, then again when Napoleon came around. Today, Wahlstedt is a place with pretty pastures and wide-open meadows; and one of the best family friendly towns in Germany. Possibly even in all of Europe.

OK, so what makes Walhstedt (a.k.a. Wohlsteed) so family friendly?

Well, for starters, Wahlstedt’s library isn’t just for checking out books. The town’s library seems to have all sorts of activities going on from author readings, to films and crafts for the kids. And please, I don’t want to hear that you don’t speak High German, Low German, or whatever — some things transcend language barriers.

Then there are the group discussions and parties at Wahlstedt’s Protestant Chuch. If you choose not to join in, you can at least stay to see the church’s wonderful artwork.

One of the best sites in Wahlstedt isn’t a site at all, really. The Kleines Theater am Markt holds more than 60 productions a year from musicals, to plays like Cinderella, and operas like Die Fledermaus (yes, a German opera, of course). Add in the occasional champagne breakfast here and there and you’ve got yourself a jolly, bubbly good time.

I think the indoor/outdoor pool (located at Scharnhorst Straße 2) is just as good of a time as any, too.

But, I kind of like the Oktoberfest (in September) and the Herbstfest or Fall Festival (in October). But, then again I don’t need any excuse to have a beer, listen to music, and eat — though it’s always better to do it with friends, isn’t it?

Worpswede in Lower Saxony might be a health resort town just north of Bremen, but it’s more famous as a 19th century artists community.

From its Bronze Age beginnings, Worpswede has become the center of artistic life with painters, sculptors, writers, and crafters having lived here. In fact, some 80 former artisans of Worpswede are buried in the Zion Church Cemetery.

One of the most beautiful tombstones is one belonging to Pula Modersohn-Becker, who died shortly after giving birth to her only daughter.

The Zion Church itself is a piece of art. Some of the funding for this mid-18th century church came from none other than England’s King George II.

Because there’s so much artistic talent within a small space, you’ll be amazed at some of the stuff you’ll see. The Barkenhoff, once a farmhouse, is now a museum and studio workshop. The Haus im Schluh is a thatched roof house filled with paintings, crafts, and furniture from bygone days.

The insides of Kaffee Worpswede might not be filled with art, but the building itself is a piece of it. It’s considered to be an Expressionist building that’s been a restaurant & cafe since 1925. The hotel that was attached to it is gone, but don’t hold that against it.

One of the most beautiful pieces of art is the huge Niedersachsenstein (yeah, that’s not easy to say, is it?). This 18 meter high brick sculpture resembles an eagle and is dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the First World War.

The Bronze des Humors is also a stone monument, but this one is of a laughing Budda.

Of course, if you rather shop at a 200 year old department store, you can do it at the Kaufhaus Stolte.

Or what about pictures of a gorgeous 19th century windmill?

I don’t know if there’s something in the water in Worpswede or if all things artsy is contagious. But, I suddenly have the urge to paint something. Hmmm, maybe one day I’ll be good enough at it to live here? ;-)

You know, it happened again! Folks are all set to learn more about a Weilheim in Germany, only to find out there are three of them. Talk about confusing. It’s a good thing I’m here to help so that YOU won’t find yourself traveling to the wrong Weilheim. ;-)

Located in the elegant Swabian Alb, Weilheim an der Teck is a town that was totally sacked during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, and came back better & stronger.

Now, if you’ve been poking around MyGermanCity.com you’ll know that the Swabian Alb is just a gorgeous piece of real estate throughout South Germany with all sorts of villages with historic town centers and fun festivals going on. Oh, wait, if you haven’t been reading around this Web site yet, I just told you — so it’s all good anyway (but still, take a look around nonetheless).

So, it’s safe to say that Weilheim an der Teck is that sort of town. Its Rathaus (Town Hall) was built in 1777; and thousands of visitors from all over come to the Städtlesfest (1st Sunday in July), the Dorffest or Village Festival (1st Sunday in September), and the Kirschblütenfest or Cherry Blossom Festival in April. Oh, I think I can still smell the fragrant air of the trees during this awesome festival!

I can also still smell (and taste) the doughy pastry called Bätscher. This local treat is usually made with sour cream, cumin, and bacon, but it can also be made with chives, onion, and ham. I’d say no trip to this Weilheim would be complete without trying one.

Now, don’t make the same mistake I did and find yourself in the wrong Weilheim — just remember to get on the A8 Motorway. If you hit the Swiss border, you’ve gone too far!

In terms of geography Pliezhausen is just to the north of Reutlingen (8 kilometers to be exact). But, a trip to Pliezhausen should start in Stuttgart. No, I’m not messing with your head, I’m actually quite serious.

All right, how do I make the connection to Pliezhausen to Stuttgart? Besides just being in the Stuttgart Metropolitan Region. ;-)

In the Old Castle in Stuttgart is the Württemberg State Museum filled with all sorts of treasures from the Stone Age, Celtic Times, the Romans, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, right up to modern day.

Now, in this castle museum is a little gold disc known as the Reiterscheibe von Pliezhausen (you don’t have SAY it, just SEE it). So named because it was an artifact found from a grave from the Merovingian Period (5th-8th centuries). So, after you’ve seen it at the Württemberg State Museum, you can come right to Pliezhausen and see the town it came from for yourself.

Pliezhausen’s history actually predates the Merovingians and the Romans (the town is on the Römerstraße Neckar-Alb, though) going all the way back to around 5,000 B.C. I’m sorry to say that nothing remains of that time, however.

What does remain is a 16th century farmhouse (built 1570 to be precise) that’s now Pliezhausen’s Village Museum. There’s also an old Backhaus (bake house) and cottage garden (don’t you just LOVE those?).

Merovingian kings, tyrannical Roman emperors, and medieval lords might be gone in Pliezhausen today. But, the beautiful countryside still remains. Take a bicycle ride (on the Neckar Valley Cycle Route) or a healthy walk through it, and you might feel like you’ve been transported back to a less hectic time; and see the Swabian Alb and the Neckar River from Pliezhausen’s observation tower.

The background is so beautiful you won’t even worry about checking email on your Blackberry while you’re doing it. Better yet, just turn the mobile phone off and get in a game of beach volleyball or a tennis match. If you got a good backhand, you can play on my team. ;-)

The fun thing about traveling is you can always manage to find something new. So imagine how excited I was when I stumbled upon the little town of Premnitz, only about 65km west of Berlin.

Now this isn’t an active city with loads of nightlife, nor is it filled with lots of museums; and it won’t boast a huge roadside sign advertising the “world’s largest cheeseball” or something like that. ;-)

This is a real look into Germany, a town where ordinary folks walk along city streets lined with houses from the 19th century and go to church on Sunday mornings.

Of course, they don’t go to services in some “new” church (oh, you know, like ones built in the last 30 years!) — theirs is a gorgeous little church built in 1858; and its spire isn’t lost in a concrete jungle of skyscrapers.

You’re able to see Premnitz’s church spire from many vantage points on a lot of the town’s walking paths. Many others meander through the Nature Reserves Westhavelland (Western Havel Land) and Untere Havel (Lower Havel — yeah, that’s a huge mouthful!). Whatever you call it, it’s a nice way to commune with nature or just have a quiet moment with your sweetheart.

(Pssst! If you’re thinking of proposing, this is a really nice place to do it — color me romantic.)

Premnitz’s gardens also make a grand backdrop for popping the “big question”, too.

Or, you could rent a paddleboat on the Premnitzer See, instead.

If you’re like me and prefer swimming in a pool setting, you can do that too. Premnitz’s municipal pool has more than just a pool itself — it also has a cafe and a solarium where you can treat yourself (quite nicely, I must add) to either a Finnish, Eucalyptus, or Turkish Sauna.

If you’ve got your kids with you, they’d probably prefer careening down the waterslide. Make sure you give it a go, too — its fun!

Swimming and sliding isn’t the only sport to get you motivated. There’s also bowling, tennis, and everything in-between at the Kultur & Sportshalle.

Yep, whether you chose to come to Premnitz or found yourself here by accident — you’ll just be glad you were!

It can be kind of confusing when you have a town with one name, then find out it has some other local villages within itself that have some other name entirely.

Hohenhameln in Lower Saxony is that kind of town, making ten other shires all part of the same town. Oh, don’t get excited, it’s only 10. Some of Germany’s towns have as many as sixty-five villages that make up one town. Speaking of beneficial collaborations!

If you’re a lover of art history (or religious art I should say) then you’ll love it here in Hohenhameln. Each of the town’s villages have their own churches filled with all sorts of fantastic artwork, one of which dating back to the 13th century!

Other than that, there’s not a whole heckava lot to see — OK, maybe some charming timber framed houses!

Bierbergen is where you’ll find the Evangelical St. Martin Church, another fantastic church from the 13th century. Found in the church’s cemetery is a war memorial and the town itself has some lovely half timbered houses.

In the village of Clauen you’ll find a church that’s almost 300 years younger than Bierbergen’s — but, this Romanesque & Baroque architecture church has a gorgeous Baroque organ inside. Other than that, you’ll find Clauen to be a picturesque horse farm village with open fields as far as the eye can see.

Hohenhameln itself, besides having two churches with the same name: St. Laurentius (no, I’m not kidding) — one’s a Catholic Chuch, the other Lutheran. This way you can’t confuse them. ;-)

It’s also right here in Hohenhameln proper that you’ll come to celebrate the May Flower Festival on May 1st! I especially like how the decorate the town for the festival, right down to the Artisan Tree on the Marktplatz.

Mehrum might not have two churches with the same name, but it does have a great Baroque Village Church; and an indoor swimming pool for some fun.

Equord is next up with the “small” basilica church of St. Mark and a quaint manor house overlooking a pond. Sounds lovely, right?

Harber is just as picture perfect with its half-timbered houses and its Neo-Gothic St. Katherine’s Church (its tower is built in the Romanesque style that was WAY popular in the Middle Ages).

Lastly is Soßmar where not only can you see the mid-16th century Luthern St. Georg Church — there’s also regularly held classical music concerts.

Even if visiting all these churches isn’t your cup of tea (in that case, sorry I spent so much time on them) you’ll still manage to fall in “like” with Hohenhameln for the other lil’ extras on offer.