It’s funny how you could come to Germany and another language is more widely spoken than German. Oh, sure you’re asking where in Germany is that possible?

OK, so maybe that’s not happening today but, it was the case back in the 19th century in the town of Kranenburg. And no, Kranenburg wasn’t part of the Netherlands, it just sits on its border.

Whether you speak Dutch or German, you’ll have a good deal to see and do on your visit here. Start by taking a trip to the Mühlenturm or Mill Tower, housing the Local History Museum (look for the word Heimatmuseum). You’re bound to appreciate all the sites around town a bit more that way. As will a stop at Kranenburg’s Visitors Center.

Another way to appreciate what you’re seeing is taking a guided historical City Center tour or a Nightwatchman Tour (sounds fun!). Along the way, you’ll find pieces of the town’s original Stadtmauer, the German word for the village’s original defense wall. Hey, life in medieval & Renaissance Europe wasn’t a picnic; and villagers did everything they could to protect themselves.

Castles were another form of protection from marauders. Haus Zelhem is one such castle built in the 12th century, although it was renovated in the Renaissance style you see today. If you really want a gander at medieval architecture the 11th century St. Martins Church is it.

One of Kranenburg’s more fun sites to see (and participate in) is the Draisinenbahn, a Bike Trolley Course with “trolleys” that can seat 4 to 14 people, following along on old railroad tracks through the countryside from Cleves, Germany to Groesbeek, Netherlands. You’re only limited by your leg-power and the distance of the tracks.

By the way, this very Draisinenbahn was chosen as one of the Top 50 things one has to do and experience in North Rhine-Westphalia before dying! :-)

If you rather try something less strenuous, just pick a walking path in the Kranenburger Nature Area.

Of course, if you want some fresh air with some history follow devout pilgrims as they make their way to the Kreuzheiligturm, as they have for the last 700 years. Quite interesting that this hasn’t changed in seven centuries, unlike what language is spoken around these parts. ;-)

If you find small hustling fishing villages charming and romantic, do I have a town for you!

Fishing has been an integral part of daily life here Kappeln for centuries, a town of around 10,000 in the very north of Germany on the Baltic Sea.

Looking out over the water you’ll probably notice the Heringszaun (a “herring fence”), that’s a 15th century fishing method. Pretty amazing that fishing hasn’t changed much over the last few centuries. I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! ;-)

Kappeln seems like the perfect location for the Museumschafen and the Schleimuseum with exhibits on the town’s navigation and fishing history. Interestingly enough, Kappeln isn’t on the German Ferry Road (though it COULD be) because its Balance Bridge is quite unique, opening once an hour.

You landlubbers out there might prefer to be more inland; and there’s sightseeing there to oblige. Kappeln has an old Jewish cemetery (located at Mühlenstraße 36) and a Dutchman Windmill. Once a sawmill, this Dutchman is now a tourist information center and wedding venue.

As much as many folks think windmills are romantic, there are just as many who feel the same way about lighthouses. Yes, Kappeln has one of those, too!

The town’s Baroque St. Nicolai Church (right on the Marktplatz) is also quite romantic; and historical, too! Even though this particular church wasn’t built until the late 18th century, it has pieces from its 15th century predecessor.

Also on the Marktplatz are small tiny shops and cafes that are just perfect for souvenir shopping or enjoying a drink including fresh sea air!

While Kappeln is very serious about its fishing, it can throw an excellent party celebration, too. Locals and visitors alike will no doubt have a grand time at the annual Folk Festival; but, there’s also the Hafenfest or Port Celebration (held end of August/beginning of September).

OK, the festivals might not be totally romantic, but at least you’re bound to have a great time, nonetheless!

In the northern Black Forest and along the Bertha Benz Memorial Route is the fantastic town of Königsbach-Stein. Now, Königsbach-Stein was actually two separate towns; and each has a good deal of sightseeing and festivals in their own right.

Many visitors to Königsbach come to see the old 19th century Jewish Cemetery with a memorial to victims of the Nazi regime. There’s also a gorgeous medieval Military Church in town.

For a beautiful example of framework architecture look no futher than the Old Town Hall, built in 1622. Königsbach has a castle, too, the Schloss Freiherren von Saint-Andre.

Stein is not to be outdone! Stein’s Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is a hundred years older than her sister town, built in 1520. Stein also has something called the Viergötterstein, a Roman 4-God red sandstone relief dating back to around the 1st century!

There’s also the 15th century Stephanuskirche. Why go visit some medieval church? Because, they’re just about always filled with fantastic artwork of that time.

While Stein might not have a castle any longer, at least the 16th century castle tower, called the Storchenturm, still stands.

The village of Stein is home to the town’s Local History Museum (called Heimatmuseum), filled with costume, book, and Swabian Life exhibits. Plan your trip to coincide accordingly, it’s only open the 1st Sunday of the month (11am-4pm) at Marktplatz 12.

Königsbach-Stein’s Marktplatz is where many of the town’s festivals are held. Each town alternates for the annual Village Celebration in September and the Christmas Market on 1st Advent. Although Stein holds the annual Ritterspiele (Knights’ Play) in July. There’s also a cheerful Beer Celebration at the beginning of May.

These two villages, while almost identical, each complement each other quite nicely. So, if you can’t make one town’s festivals — you can at least enjoy the other’s.

Sounds just right to me! :-)

When you don’t have much vacation time you want to see as much as you can in the time allotted. So, might I recommend staying in the town of Kolkwitz, which is in the southern part of Brandenburg.

Kolkwitz? Yes, Kolkwitz. Why? Because not only is the town great to see itself, you’ll be right in a historical region known as Lusatia.

So, you’ve come to Kolkwitz, now what do you see? First off, there are many thinking marks found throughout the town. Each one designed to get you to think. Ha-ha… just a little humor there, but each one has a story to tell; and it’s a great way to understand the town’s history.

Going further back in Kolkwitz’s history can be found in Krieschow (one of Kolkwitz’s 18 hamlets) where you’ll find ancient grave hills. Too bad they’re mostly destroyed but, you still appreciate them for what they are.

Many visitors want castles and manor houses; and usually no trip to Germany is complete without one. Good thing Kolkwitz has one. Schloss Oberwitz was once a hunting lodge. Wow, this is bigger than most people’s homes and some count had this built just to go hunting; right around the time of the American Revolution. That would be 1776 for you folks that didn’t pay attention in U.S. History Class. ;-)

It’ll be interesting to compare the grandeur of the castle with the austere and bleak bunker that was built here during the German Democratic Republic times. That would be the GDR, when this part was in East Germany.

With that part out of the way, come spend the rest of your time in the Spree Forest, which is a UNESCO Biosphere area. The landscape was created by the last ice age; and is filled with tall trees, walking paths, historical houses, and you can even take boat rides along the waterways.

With all of this to see in Kolkwitz, I completely forgot about Lusatia!

Wow, this is hard. Maybe I should flip a coin to say what region of Germany is the most beautiful. Could it be the Black Forest, or could it be Swabia? OK, heads its the Schwarzwald and tails Swabia… Alright, here goes! Oh, tails it is — so Swabia wins (this time), and funny enough this is exactly where you’re going to find the town of Diedorf!

Diedorf is only about 9km west of Augsburg and is surrounded by a nature park along the Western Forest with many small brooks dotting the landscape. While you’re out there look for the 19th century Lourdesgrotte that was built as a thank you by a local man who survived Tuberculosis.

Most of the other sites in Diedorf that are worth seeing are its churches. With eight local villages that make up the entire town, you’ll find a church just about in every one.

It seems that St. Bartholomäus is one of the most frequently visited. It might be because it’s one of the oldest — even though the structure you see standing wasn’t built until 1736 — although its foundations date back to the Romanesque period (think 11th/12th centuries).

The church of Saints Leonhard & Wolfgang was built around the same time, in 1766. So many churches that were built in that time period are so ornate and the details so intricate, that they should be appreciated for those reasons alone.

I’ll give credit to St. Andreas in Biburg as the oldest one, though. This church was built at the turn of the 12th/13th centuries and still stands today; and has weekly services.

After church service, you need to do something. So, why not come to the Schmutterhalle? Not only is it a gymnasium — it’s a sports center and a culture center, as well. Just as the Diedorfer Community Center is — just minus the sports stuff. Although it does have overnight accommodations for anyone who needs to stay the night.

Might be a good idea to sleep it off there after a day of drinking at Diedorf’s Wine Celebration (held in October). But, if you got a hangover (oh, that red wine will do it every time ;-), find one of the quiet areas of the Citizen Park. Otherwise you won’t be able to handle all the music playing at the park’s concert area.

Oh, I’m so glad I picked tails — the Swabian Alb and got to see Diedorf!

Schönaich is a great town for partying. Oh, I’m not saying that you won’t find some wonderful historical sites in the area, it’s just that we Germans love our festivals and markets, too. Lucky for all, Schönaich’s got more than most!

First off, getting to Schönaich for these markets and festivals is quite easy. It’s not like you’re in the middle of nowhere, only 5km southeast of Böblingen. So frequent bus service is available from Böblingen as well as Stuttgart. Good if you plan to drink some locally produced wines (or beer) so you don’t have to worry about getting back home.

Most of Schönaich’s festivals are really family-friendly affairs, especially its festivals centered specifically around the children (DUH!). The Duck Lane Celebration on the 1st weekend of July is two days of children’s theater, food, and music. Schönaich also hosts a Children’s Flea Market twice a year, once in the Spring and one in the Fall.

An grown-up Flea Market is held in town twice a year with a chance to shop all day since it’s open from 8am-6pm.

Schönaich’s Christmas Market (3rd Advent) is fun affair for everyone, too. There’s lots of street food, shopping, decorations, and activities for the kids. You’re bound to find something for just about everyone on your Christmas shopping list!

Shopping for yourself is always a good idea, so treat yourself to teas, spices, and textiles at the Shopkeeper’s Markets held in January and June. In case you can’t make it then, at least you can eat up on fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and pastries at the weekly market.

If you prefer something a bit more historical, Schönaich does have a Local History Museum (called Heimatmuseum) housed in the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). However, it’s only open the 1st Sunday of the month from 3pm-5pm.

The town of Schönaich might not have too much sightseeing, but makes up for it with its shopping and festivals!

I think I can see Austria from here in Simbach am Inn! Oh wait, I CAN see Austria from here. More specifically, Braunau am Inn, Austria. Simbach is THAT close to Austria, right on the border.

Like with most towns in Lower Bavaria, you’re always welcome to enjoy a fantastic festival. And Simbach’s got them!

Every year Simbach hosts the very popular Pfingstdult Festival (around Pentecost), then there’s the City Festival on the last Sunday in June. The first weekend of September brings the Fischerfest or Angling Celebration (oh, don’t you just love fishing?), and October brings on the horses at the Leonhardiritt.

My favorite festival in Simbach is the Winter Swim, which is held on the Saturday before Christmas. A Bavarian Winter gets mighty cold, so only the real hearty folks should give this “polar bear” swim a shot. But, come root for those willing to give it a go!

If you’re the warmer weather lovin’ folk, a Bavarian summer is when you’ll want to come. Make sure you do the whole bird watching thing over by the Forest lake, where you can swim and let the kids play in the sandbox. If you get hungry, don’t worry about leaving — there’s a restaurant, too.

Any calories you’ve managed to consume can be worked off on Simbach’s many cycling trails and walking paths. Or, just walk around the center of town, where you’ll see the Maria Himmelfahrt Church (check out its high alter, it’s stunning) and the Art Nouveau style Rathaus (Town Hall).

Simbach’s Local History Museum (or Heimatmuseum) is also fantastic to see while in town.

Like what you hear? Good, because on top of everything else, getting to Simbach am Inn is quite easy. Just hop on the B12 from Munich or take the train along the Munich/Vienna route.

There’s a book titled “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever.” Well, in the case of the Hessian town of Steinbach (Taunus) I’m going to take literary license and say “On A Clear Day You Can See Frankfurt.” Really, I’m not kidding; that’s how close the city of Frankfurt am Main is to Steinbach.

To be frank, there aren’t many historical buildings within Steinbach. Sorry, if you’re looking for those timber framed buildings that look like they’ve come straight from a fairytale — there really aren’t any.

OK, I’m sorry… there are a few and the oldest one dates to 1549. Another one is the Gasthaus zum Goldenen Stern (in English that’s the Golden Star Inn) and the Zum Schwanen (yup, the Swan Inn).

Hey, you might get to see only few half-timbered buildings, but you just had yet another German language lesson right here on mygermancity.com. ;-)

So, it doesn’t have too many old framework buildings, but it does have the Taunus, Roman ruins, and lots of meadows with fruit trees instead!

Those fruit trees have to get picked sometime and many of those delicious vitamin packed goodies can be bought at Steinbach’s Wochenmarkt (Weekly Market — see, another lesson). The saying is the early bird catches the worm, but in this case the early bird catches the best fruit — the market opens at 7:30am and shuts down at 1pm.

After your fruit buying day is over, come check out some Roman stone foundations. However, don’t get all excited thinking this was a Roman town — people have been here since the Stone Age, long before the Romans left their part of Italy.

Then get on your most comfortable walking shoes so you can hit the walking and cycling trails of the Taunus. If you get tired, you’ll find a quiet, idyllic spot over at the artificial lake (in Niederhöchstadt); have a picnic and think about all you’ve seen so far.

One thing to think about is how heavy the bells of the St. Georg Church are, weighing over 250 pounds, built in 1270.

With history like this, who cares that Steinbach doesn’t have too many framework buildings — it does have some things to offer, nonetheless!

Rehau is another one of those charming Upper Franconian towns. Not much had changed here for years, but with the new Autobahn Rehau’s popularity is growing with visitors coming from near and far.

You’ll find Rehau near the Czech border and the Fichtelgebirge Mountains. With a mountainous terrain and the snowy winters, Rehau is great for those of you who like to ski! Both the cross country variety and the regular sort!

Warmer weather means coming in off the slopes and visiting St. Jobst, the town’s beautiful parish church. Rehau also has a large Urban and Industrial Museum highlighting the town’s cultural history and many goods (like porcelain) that are (or were) produced here. Whether you’re an art lover or not, you’ll most likely enjoy Rehau’s Art Gallery.

OK, with your indoor activities done it’s time to experience Rehau’s outdoors. What? Yeah, Upper Franconia is best enjoyed outdoors like wandering around Rehau’s Sculpture Garden, enjoying an outdoor summer concert, or biking at your leisure around town or on the cycle paths, or strolling along one of the town’s walking trails. Or, just enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river running through town.

Then again, splashing around Rehau’s outdoor swimming pool is a sure bet for fun, too.

Of course, stay closer to the Maxplatz for Rehau’s Heimat- und Wiesenfest (a Homeland Celebration), held every other year. Don’t worry if you’re not here for it, it alternates with the Stadtfest (City Festival). Either way, you’ll have a grand old time filled with laughter, great food (think Weißwurst), and delicious beer.

Afterwards come back inside to the Turkish Baths to enjoy a relaxing massage on those tired muscles so you can come right back out and do it all over again! Those fantastic massages might be another reason Rehau is gaining in popularity. I know I could use one right now! How about you?

Bavaria is the largest federal state in all of Germany. It’s divided into seven regions. One of ’em is Middle Franconia, and that’s where you’ll find cute lil’ Roßtal.

Me? I don’t care how many regions of Bavaria there are, I love the entire thing and its because of places like Roßtal. By the time I’m done telling you about Roßtal, you’ll feel the same way, too.

One of its biggest attractions is the Martini Market. No, not the James Bond, shaken not stirred, give me an olive martini — this is a huge festival with Christmas flair, because it takes place every November (usually around the 11th of the month and usually falls during the Advent season).

The Martinimarkt, as it’s called in German, is sort of a religious festival, so in keeping with that I’ll tell you about Roßtal’s churches. The church of Sts. Ägidius and Jacobus was built in 1414. It kind of fell into ruin by 1779 and for years residents have been trying to renovate it. It’s alter is a beautiful example of medieval religious art.

Another medieval church to see is the 13th century Maria Magdalena Church. But, it is the crypt underneath the Romanesque Church of St. Laurentius that is the biggest attraction. As it should, it’s been here since 1025 A.D. The Middle Ages didn’t just give Roßtal churches, it gave it the Gate Tower, too (built 1494).

A bit after medieval life, residents built many of those framework houses that we love so much. You’ll find a good deal of them on the Marktplatz; and one of the best is the Altes Rathaus that was built in 1621. Just for giggles, keep a look out for many of the town’s old well houses.

And, of course, since this is Franconia you’re always welcome at a beer garden after a long day of sightseeing, or hiking. Which is another reason why I love Roßtal so much!