When you got a hankerin’ for an ice-cold brew in the heat of the summer, what do you do? That’s right, you walk over to the ‘fridge and grab one. But, what did they do before refrigeration was part of our everyday life?

The old Beuing Brewery in Altenberge had a simple solution, an Eiskeller (sound it out and you got it, ice cellar!) that kept the beer in the 8-10°C (46-50°F) range. The brewery has been gone since the 1920’s, but the Eiskeller still remains today and is one of Altenberge’s main attractions.

Find out more about the town at the Heimathues Kittken, now the local history museum and once used as a jail and police residence.

That’s a good place to start and see how Altenberge has changed over the centuries. Learn how the Sieverding House was once used as a 17th century summer home for Jesuits trying to escape the heat of the city (hey, no refrigeration back then — so, no A/C either).

They probably didn’t sit on the Marktplatz (Market Square) at an outdoor tabled shaded by yellow umbrella enjoying a drink like you can, though. Come on a Wednesday and you’ll be able to shop at the Weekly Market (this isn’t the Marktplatz for nothing, ya know).

One of Altenberge’s other spots to sit and enjoy a drink is under the Küsellinde, a 300 year old tree. If this doesn’t do it for you, I’m sure you’ll find one along a few of the town’s cycling trails, including the 100 Castles Route.

Finish off your trip with a visit to the World Wars Memorial in the Alter Friedhof (Old Cemetery), the 14th century St. Johannes Baptist (yes, that would be St. John the Baptist in English) church, and the Chapel of the Madonna (not the singer Madonna, silly).

Hey, at least you won’t have to schlep down to the Eiskeller for an ice cold beer after a long day of sightseeing.

In 1974 the Hessian Park (also known as the Hessian Outdoor Museum) was created. And lil’ cute Lollar, found along the Lahn River, is so close to the park, you’ll be able to enjoy it all.

First off, don’t be fooled into thinking that the Hessian Park is just some greenery with benches and maybe a fountain where you can let the kids run off some energy. Oh no, this is a super huge historical complex. The Hessian Park has preserved a few windmills from the north of Germany and many of the country’s timber-framed buildings and barns.

Not only is the Hessian Park a museum, it’s a party center, too. Come shop at its Christmas Market or drink during the “Day of the Beer.” Oh, I’m so in for that one! ;-)

While there are a whole lot of medieval and Renaissance buildings to see, Lollar has one from Carolingian times known as the Gronauer Schloss. It was thought to have been built around 720 and no longer useful after nearby Castle Gleiberg was built.

The castle is located in the village of Salzböden, which is also where you’ll find two mill guesthouses Schmelzmühle and Schönemühlein.

Lollar’s village of Ruttershausen (one of Lollar’s five) is one of the oldest of them all, though. How do I know? Because there were finds from way back to Neanderthal Man that have been discovered here. For a more modern Ruttershausen, come here to bike along the Lahn Cycle Track, go camping and paddle boating; and party for a Kirmes Festival, an Osterfeuer (Easter bonfire), and May Day Festival.

When you’re as old as Ruttershausen, kind of makes the Lollar Chapel seem downright “wet behind the ears.” Built in 1480, the chapel has a gorgeous medieval alter that brings visitors from all over to see.

But, no matter how old everything is (or isn’t) you’ll like Lollar just the way it is.

Wow! I never thought a place could be more beautiful than the monstrous Black Forest. Silly me then, when I found out that the Schönbuch Nature Park south of Weil im Schönbuch could give it a good run for the money.

Add in the fact that Weil im Schönbuch has a festival for just about every reason and season; and you’ve got an altogether grand vacation spot (or what about staying right here for the long run!).

Ohhhhh, what to do first in Weil im Schönbuch? History or nature? Ahh, I can’t decide and maybe you’ll have a hard time picking, too. But, for this I’ll just pick the nature part first.

Within the Schönbuch Nature Park you’ll have a hard time picking what to do first, too (yeah, more choices). The natural landscape is filled with many scenic paths, charming ponds, little streams, and plenty of plants and local wildlife.

Just an FYI — hunting of deer and wild pig is allowed in the Schönbuch Nature Park.

All right, I know the nature park is really beautiful. But, if you get so inclined an area of the Black Forest isn’t all that far away — so go see it, eat some Black Forest Cake, do a bit of shopping and come right back.

OK, with that all out of the way it’s time for the historical side of Weil im Schönbuch. The town has made a remarkable comeback after a third of the population was lost after the 17th century Thirty Years’ War.

It’s population wasn’t even as much quite a few centuries before that when the Romans and Alamani roamed the land. One of the coolest Roman artifacts found in Weil im Schönbuch was a statue of Diana. That and an old Roman mansion that’s known as the Villa Rustica.

Now it’s time to party, like you’d have to tell me twice. ;-)

Join locals and partygoers from all over for the Summer Celebration (early June), the Village Celebration (early July), and the Autumn Celebration (early October). Then there’s the Easter Market, which shouldn’t be confused with the Spring Market. Add in the Fastnacht Festival (February) and the Spring Flea Market and still don’t have the half of all the cultural activities of Weil im Schönbuch!

Wait! You still have the Seenachtsfest (1st Saturday in August) at the lake, along with orchestra concerts, bible studies, the art that hangs at City Hall, and theater performances.

Aren’t you tired just thinkin’ about all this — let alone doing it all? ;-) Maybe there isn’t time for the mighty Black Forest after all…

I like Wildberg in Baden-Württemberg. Not just because it’s so conveniently located within the massive Black Forest. OK, that helps but, it isn’t the only reason.

There’s something magical about castles. And just because it lies in ruins doesn’t mean the old burgs and schlosses lose any of that mystery and magic. Which is how I look at the ruins of Schloss Wildberg. I mean Castle Wildberg. No, Schloss Wildberg.

Sorry to confuse you but, the Schloss was once a castle when it was built back around the 1230’s. It was destroyed by lightening in 1618 and was rebuilt eighty years later. It stood until 1945 when it was leveled by Allied bombings during the 2nd World War.

Had the original (Castle) Schloss Wildberg still stood it would have been the oldest building in town. Now that honor belongs not to the town’s Rathaus (Town Hall, built 1480) but the town church, built in 1464.

Pieces of Wildberg’s medieval defense wall (called a Stadtmauer) and the Hexenturm (Witches Tower) still stand, too. The last of Wildberg’s life in the Middle Ages can be seen at the nearby ruins of Kloster Reuthin, which houses the town’s Urban History Museum.

However, none of these things are as old as the grave and artifacts found from the Almenni Period, which is around the 5th century A.D. Some of the artifacts found are thought to belong to a person of high standing; and can now be found at the Federal State Museum in Stuttgart.

Graves, castles, and witches aside, Wildberg’s Schäferlauf (Shepards Run) is the best time to come. On the third weekend in July (in even numbered years), come see which of the town’s young people will be crowned the winners.

Of course, if it’s an odd-numbered year forget about the run and try some local Schwarzwald goodies (like Black Forest Ham) or shop for unforgettable souvenirs.

I said I liked Wildberg because of the Black Forest, but that’s only the icing on the proverbial delicious Schwarzwald Cake. :-)

While Wendeburg in Lower Saxony isn’t known for all of its area attractions, it does have lots of festivals and other things to keep even the most discriminating traveler happy (READ: even they would have little to nothing to complain about).

Wendeburg is a suburb of Brunswick; which means you get to start your trip in the “Wurst” way. :-) It’s this soft, spreadable Braunsweiger Wurst that has been famous in these parts since the Middle Ages. Eat yours with some mustard, cheese, and tomato and you’ll look like a local Lower Saxon in no time.

By starting your trip with a hearty meal, you’ll have lots of energy to party at any one of Wendeburg’s festivals. In the village of Meerdorf (one of Wendeburg’s eight) summer is kicked off with the yearly Folk Festival. Another Summer Festival is held in Bortfeld, but that doesn’t happen until September.

Oh, before I forget, that’s when the Kite Celebration is held, too. Add in an Oktoberfest, an Osterfeuer (Easter bonfire), the Lumpenball (in February), and the obligatory Christmas Market and you’ve got a year full of parties, parties, parties.

As much as Wendeburg’s residents like their festivities, they like their outdoor swimming pool, too. The Auebad is open from May to September, has a beach volleyball court, a slide, a diving board, and a cafeteria in case you get hungry. Or, pack a picnic lunch instead.

When you’ve got the hankering for museums, Wendeburg can oblige. The Farmhouse Museum (located at Katzhagen 7) in Bortfeld is a look into 18th century farming. It’s still important to the town’s economy, as agriculture is still “big business” here.

Finish your sightseeing tour with a stop to the Zweidorfer Mühle and the gray stone 12th century military Marienkirche. And don’t overlook the Weidenkirche, a “church” that was built in 2006 by local volunteers by using 1000 meters of hemp rope!

I sure am hungry again. All that sightseeing and swimming did it, I think. Care to have some of that delicious Braunschweiger Wurst with me? We can wash it down with a good beer and call it a “very good day.”

Wow, the Hessian town of Nauheim has really rebounded and made something of itself. How so? Good thing you asked but, I was going to tell you anyway. :-)

Back during the Thirty Years’ War in the mid-17th century, Nauheim had barely 170 people living here. Now, it has more than 10,000 (after last count) and even an own music festival.

So when you’re in the mood for musical entertainment, come right into the center of town for the annual Nauheim Music Days Festival. Held every year at the end of May on a Sunday, you’ll be delighted by the sheer variety of music played (everything from jazz, pop, to choir).

Then there’s the Dorffest or Village Festival called Naumer Kerb at the beginning of October. This is where people from near and far meet and party for a couple days.

Of course, if you want the opposite end of the spectrum — there is plenty of peace & quiet to be found at both the Hegbachsee and the Kiebertsee. The many paths that lead from these two lakes will take you through quiet areas of the natural landscape. Keep your eyes peeled! This area is good for bird watching and you might spot some of the local wildlife.

Also, plenty of camping sites abound along the lake area, so pack a tent and have a go at roughing it!

Nauheim’s Local History Museum (called Heimatmuseum) is a good place to start when you want to join civilization again. Music is a big part of Nauheim’s culture, so its fitting the museum has exhibits on musical instruments; along with crafts and farming.

Hey, asparagus is big crop business around these parts, too. Come eat the “king’s” vegetable when it’s harvested in late spring. There’s no healthier way to keep up your strength to go sightseeing around Nauheim.

Some folks don’t care how much the news media makes a stink about how gorgeous and “perfect” a summer day is. When the mercury hits above 25 or 30°C some are complaining that its too gosh-darn hot. They don’t want to be splayed out on a sandy beach baking themselves with cooking oil (a.k.a. suntan lotion ;-).

So, it’s a good thing that these people are able to enjoy walking a sandy beach when the weather chills. And those same guys ‘n garls can do this in Herrshing am Ammersee when the colder days of Autumn and Winter have given those sweltering Summer days a good swift kick in the pants right out of Upper Bavaria. ;-)

Of course, IF you’re the type of warm, fuzzy, Summer loving types — you’ll love being here in Herrsching and walking the 5km of the Lakefront Promenade that’s one of the longest in Germany. Just as you’ll love sailing, swimming, and surfing in the posh Ammersee.

It won’t matter what season you love the best, because a sunset over the Bay is just gorgeous.

But, in all fairness — a hot air balloon ride over Herrsching is best enjoyed during the Spring & Summer when everything is all green and colorful. See? Upper Bavaria is beautiful ANY time of the year!

Whether you come to Herrsching at any point of the four season, you’ll like what it has to offer. What about come see the Kurpark Schlossel? It was once a 19th century summer residence and is now a large cultural center with concerts, exhibitions, and even the occasional wedding celebration.

I wouldn’t skip out seeing Herrsching’s St. Martins Church or the Archaeological Park — a reconstructed 7th century settlement with graves and church.

You can’t miss out the 280km of Nordic Walking paths, bicycling and hiking trails which are just dandy for three out of four seasons.

What? As Winter loving as I am — even I wouldn’t try riding a bike on snow covered lanes. Maybe I’ll just shop at Herrsching’s Christmas Market instead.

When Victoria’s Secret was still a “secret” and not plastered all over in TV ads (oh, I crack myself up sometimes) Heubach was in the ladies underwear business. No, I don’t mean selling, making it, or even transporting it. I’m talking about collecting it. Oh, what a way to start off talking about a town, right? ;-)

Let me back up a minute first. The Miedermuseum (the ladies’ undergarment collection) is the only one of its kind in Germany. It’s housed in what was once Schloss Heubach, along with the municipal library and local history museum.

Don’t confuse Schloss Heubach with Castle Rosenstein, though. Well, what was once Castle Rosenstein, which was built in the 11th century high over the Swabian Alb.

That’s right, Ladies & Gentlemen, welcome to the elegant Swabian Alb. Oh, you should have known it when you heard that Swabian German dialect being spoken. And you weren’t losing your marbles when you thought that the German being spoken sounded a wee bit funny.

This part of the Alb has plenty of kilometers of walking trails, cycling paths, and even caves to explore. This countryside is gorgeous and it would be a waste not to see it.

Gorgeous countryside (and ladies underwear) isn’t all that Heubach has to see. Oh, no! Many come to see the 16th century Town Hall with its 18th century Market Well right outside. And the Jergenturm (a.k.a. Block Tower) that was built as part of the town’s defense wall in 1473.

I can’t leave out the Gate Tower or the town’s Evangelical Church that was once a military church, built around 1440. Nor can I forget about the Heubach Police Museum (open by appointment only) with uniforms, weapons, and other accouterments.

Finish your stay in Heubach with a festival. Every three years is the Children’s Celebration; and the one held in 2010 was a smash! There’s no waiting that long for the Heubacher Celebration, that’s held annually. It starts off with some great Swabian dishes to munch on and ends with a large fireworks display.

Wow, who would have thought we’d start our trip out in Heubach with ladies’ undergarments and end with fireworks… ;-)

Northeast of Bad Camberg in the Taunus Mountains is the little known town of Hünstetten.

Its ten villages can be explored each on their own; and all are equally different. Some of Hünstetten’s villages do have a bit more than others in terms of sightseeing. But, try not to hold that against them. ;-)

When you come to Beuerbach, you’ll be coming to see its 18th century church. Same goes for the late 19th century one in Görsroth, although this one was originally done way back in 1596. Görsroth’s a heavily forested area, so here’s your area for hiking and biking.

Ketternschalbach doesn’t just have the oldest church in town (built 1483), its Village Community Center is always hustling with activity. I’m thinking it could be the attached grilling area for a day of picnicking fun that has something to do with it.

That’s way different from the “dog track” (called Windhunderennbahn) you’ll find in Limbach. Thankfully there aren’t that many of these in all of Germany, which makes it very unique onto itself (whether or not you’re into that sort of thing).

Follow along the old trade route in Oberlibbach to Kessellbach’s Backhaus. It’s an old bake house that can be “rented” to anyone wanting to bake their own goods. Umm, just thinking all those delicious smells coming from it is making my mouth water. ;-)

Wallrabenstein is the only village with some sightseeing left. It is not only the largest and most populated of Hünstetten’s Fantastic Ten, it has its only castle. Well, what USED to be a castle back when it was built in 1390. It’s now in ruins thanks to the Thirty Years’ War in the mid-17th century…

Besides, Wallrabenstein does have its own church (built at the turn of the 18th century) that everyone stops to see when they’re here.

Everything to see in Hünstetten might be spread out over its ten villages; but, it does have something for everyone. And it does it all within the gorgeous Taunus Mountains — making it really pretty on the eyes while you make your way from one village to the next.

Oh Germany, you just about tricked me again. Not quite, though, I was too fast for you this time.

For a minute there, I might have confused Hünfeld in (eastern) Hesse with this Hünfelden in (western) Hesse. The former being close to the Fulda River, the latter being within the posh Taunus Mountain region (about which this very page is about).

You’ll find all seven of Hünfelden’s villages along the Autobahn A3 running from Cologne to Frankfurt; and just north of Wiesbaden. It also lies along a very historical district of the Bundesstraße 417 (called Hühnerstraße). Seems simple enough to get here, right?

But, what to see when you’re here anyway? Glad you asked, because there’s a good deal to see. Kirberg might only be second in terms of Hünfelden’s population (2394 residents); but, it appears to be where most of the action takes place.

Most famous of them are the ruins of Castle Kirberg that was built around 1355. Not a lot of the old burg remains, but it’s the site for many of Kirberg’s celebrations. Kirberg also has the town’s Rathaus (Town Hall), both the new one and the old timber-framed old one — which is another one of Hünfelden’s attractions.

Dauborn has a lot more of those framework houses that Germany is famous for, though. But, if you see any of them, it’s got to be the Steinsches Haus that is the most beautiful of them all. In Mensfelden, it’s the old, grey-stone church that everyone comes to see; and a former monastery is Gnadenthal’s contribution to Hünfelden’s sites about town.

Then again, maybe you don’t want to see any of this at all. Good thing there are kilometers upon kilometers of walking trails and bicycle paths. For less than three euro, you can spend a whole day over at Kirberg’s heated outdoor swimming pool. Dauborn has one, too, although it’s not heated.

Oh, thank the Heavens that I’m not confused about the town of Hünfelden. Nothing personal about the other one, but this place sounds pretty nice to me. I’ll be looking forward to hearing what you think!