Other than right here at MyGermanCity.com you won’t find more information about the Brandenburgian town of Schorfheide and its nine divisions than right over at its Tourist Information Center (located at Werbellinkanal 13B).

Go ahead and ask, I’m here — now what? Where to start depends on what you want to see and whether or not you’ve got the kids with you.

When the little ones are in tow, take them to the Tierpark (Animal Park) Schorfheide, which is the second largest in the entire country. Oh heck, even the grown ups will fall in love with the sheep, moose, and wolves that live here.

Keeping with the outdoor theme, there’s always camping or a boat outing that can be taken since much of Brandenburg has lakes and other bodies of water (makes for fresh seafood eating, too).

You won’t want to miss the Weißer See (or, White Lake) that was created from the last Ice Age. It’s quite a popular recreational area for local residents and many from all over Brandenburg. OK, all the other lakes are also not to be missed, such as the Kupanzsee, Wutzsee, Werbellinsee, Übersee, Glasowsee, … want more?

Other outdoor activities (and food) in Schorfheide include the Autumn Market in mid-September and leave it to the firemen (known around here as the Fire Brigade) to hold an annual bonfire every October. Sounds like a nice way to stay warm, roast some marshmallows, and meet an eligible fireman. :-)

When you’re ready for this historical part of Schorfheide, I got you covered. In the village of Klandorf, you’ll love the Neo-Gothic style village church and the old farmhouse.

Groß Schönebeck is the history part of Schorfheide that no one misses. Once a 17th century hunting lodge (some digs, huh?) it is now Schorheide’s only museum.

Yeah, sounds nice, right? Although, I think all the single ladies might be thinking that any of those bachelor firemen are the best reason to come to Schorfheide…

Interestingly enough, many folks are fooled into thinking that only cities and (possibly) its surrounding ‘burbs can be cultural dynamos. Yeah, whatever. They’ve obviously never been to the old smuggling tobacco town of Rödinghausen in northern North Rhine-Westphalia.

No need to go to London to hear the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, they’ve played here during Rödinghausen’s summer concert series (among others from all over the world). This is in addition to the other concerts and festivals held within the town’s five municipalities.

One of the best ones takes place on the last weekend in August. The Kilver Farmers Market is more than just purchasing some locally grown produce. Of course, come TRY some locally grown and cooked local goodies; but, there’s more to it.

Ohhh, almost forgot about the Spa Lighting Festival that happens right before. Sit amongst the flowers and the special roses that are named for town for the fireworks display that ends the mid-August party at the Spa Park (there’s also a bake house hidden within).

Don’t mix up the Spa Park with Rödinghausen’s Sculpture Garden, though.

Other outdoor activities include a visit to the Nonnenstein, an observation tower with a 360-degree countryside view from 100 meters above.

When you’ve got the sightseeing bug, Rödinghausen can accommodate. Some of the more historical buildings that you’ll find around town are what is known as Westphalian farmhouses. One of the oldest buildings is Haus Kilver. Although this one you see today is from 1682, the original on this spot is just about double its age!

Funny, that’s just about the story of Rödinghausen’s St. Bartholomew Church. The only exception to the story is the church you’re looking at was built over the 9th century site in 1233. Services are still held at St. Bart’s, only they’re Lutheran now.

The other churches in Rödinghausen’s hamlets are worth a stop, too. Hey, you never know what you’ll find and the countryside is just lovely going from one to the other. Only a visit to the town’s one museum remains; a tiny one with horse-drawn sleigh exhibits.

Rödinghausen goes to show you that you don’t need to come to a big city to find some great cultural events and/or sightseeing. I kind of like little “out of the way” towns — you never know what to expect!

If you know anything about Baroque Art or architecture you have noticed many a “cherub” or young baby (known around as Putto) used quite a bit. Then I guess, it only befits the symbol found on the green signed Upper Swabian Baroque Route that rides right through Riedlingen on the infamous and grand River Danube.

Oh, the Oberschwäbische Barockstraße, as it’s called in German, isn’t the only one of Germany’s scenic routes that winds, rides, or walks through the streets of Riedlingen. You’ll also find the massive German Framework Road here, wonderful if you’re looking for those fairytale houses.

Then there’s the Danube Cycle Track, a bicycle ride that rides along the river (um, that was a bit self-explanatory); and then there’s the Danube-Lake Constance Cycle Path — giving you not only the best of the mighty Danube but, the romantic (and popular) Bodensee.

In Ridelingen’s Town Center you’ll notice not only the many half timbered houses (hence the Framework Route) but there are many bakeries and cafes. In case you haven’t noticed, all that sightseeing makes a person mighty hungry, so this is a great place to stop and eat.

Also within the town center is a cinema that has a single purpose; it functions as a live theater as well. Right over at the Rural Community Center (also, the town’s City Museum) does it in a fantastic building from 1556.

If you think these are reasons enough to come see Riedlingen, you’re in for a delightful treat. There’s more! The town’s got its own castle, known around here as Schloss Zwiefaltendorf; and has a medieval gate — the Zwiefaltertor.

It’s also got some great festivals and markets on top of it all. Come right before Lent (February) for the Riedlinger Fastnet, which is a Mardi Gras Festival. At the end of April is the City Run (you don’t have to run, just cheer them on!) and May is the annual Flea Market, considered to be one of the largest in Germany. There’s also the Fohlenmarkt in August and the Old Timer Fest during the Summer.

One of Riedlingen’s largest festivals, though, is the Gallusmarkt which is held every year on the Monday before St. Gallus Day (Oct 16) and ends with a huge fireworks display.

I’m pretty simple, so I don’t think there could be a better way to end my stay in Riedlingen. Oh yes there is, I can’t leave before I’ve seen the Swabian Alb that surround this town or the St. George Church that is the landmark of this place.

OK, now I’ve seen it all. Hope you enjoy Riedlingen as much as I have!

If you’re in relatively good shape you could walk the 5km from the ancient city of Worms to the small town of Bobenheim-Roxheim. Luckily for the couch potato crowd you don’t have to walk that far, just hop on a city bus (which in Germany ALWAYS runs promptly).

Now, most of us don’t just walk, take a bus, or jump a train somewhere without good reason; and I could give you quite a few to come here. I’m a sucker for all things cultural so my first stop would be the Cultural & Festival Hall, which is kind of self explanatory. It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak German during a play or a musical concert — just enjoy the beat of the music or the detail of a play’s set.

And the town’s large outdoor theater is also a fantastic place to catch a show.

All things historic get my brains cells all a flutter, so stopping at the Local History Museum is another good idea. The kids, however, have their choice of fifteen playgrounds to run around in. Wow, that should tucker them out in no time flat! ;-)

A few other historical sites to see in Bobenheim-Roxheim are a few chapels and churches (always great for amazing artwork and architecture), especially the St. Maria Magdalena Church.

An interesting piece of architecture is a school found on Rheinstrasse 32, designed by Albert Friedrich Speer. No, not the Nazi architect of the 1930’s, but his father.

After you’re done sightseeing, come partying Rhineland-Palatinate style! The City Celebration is held on Whitsunday. I’m sorry, you’ll have to check the Christian calendar for the exact date, because Whitsunday occurs 50 days after Easter.

The Roxheimer Car Celebration doesn’t change dates, that happens annually on the 1st weekend in July, the Kirchweihen is on the 1st weekend in September, and the Bobenheim Church Festival on the 4th weekend in September.

You better get that Christian calendar out again to find the date for Bobenheim-Roxheim’s Christmas Market which is held on the second weekend of Advent.

On weekends people from near and far flock to the nearby Silbersee, a fairly huge (silver) lake made for swimming and sunbathing out in the pure nature.

After partying at a few of these festivals and sunbathing you might not be in any condition to walk back to Worms — better go catch that bus. And don’t be late — you know they run on-time here!

It’s not easy to describe the town of Blumberg that’s close to Lake Constance, the mystic Black Forest and the Swiss border. No regular old article will do it justice. Why? Because there’s more to it than just its natural beauty.

So sensational is Blumberg that it’s made up of ten local municipalities rolled into one cute town. It also has six churches between them, all worth seeing since many churches in Germany are pieces of art onto themselves. No, I’m not exaggerating, I swear! Many old churches are a treasure trove of artwork from various centuries.

With all these churches in the area, it’s no wonder that the town produced a cardinal. Oh, that would be a Catholic Cardinal, not the bird. ;-) Cardinal Bea was born at the turn of the 20th century and his house is now a frequently visited museum.

Too bad Blumberg’s two castles don’t stand anymore. All that remains of Burg Alt-Blumberg are only a few walls, which have been like that since the castle was destroyed in 1645. Burg Grünburg is another castle ruin, though this one remained standing for another 135 years, until it too was sacked.

With your castles, churches and Cardinal out of the way, you got all the time in the world to see both the Bodensee and the Schwarzwald.

Decisions. Decisions. Which one to do first? Who cares, as long as you do them both! I’m pretty sure you won’t mind just leisurely walking or cycling along tree lined little lanes passing many a red roofed house.

The Bodensee is awesome for sunbathing, swimming, and all other types of water sport activities. You can see Switzerland from the shoreline; but, before a free European Union you had to stop at Blumberg’s Customs Office at the border, which still stands.

On to the the Black Forest, there are less chances to sunbathe here. You’re better off walking or bicycling your way around. Oh, I got an idea, how about trying Nordic Walking? Don’t worry if you’re new to it — they almost certainly have beginner trails.

All that sure works up a hearty appetite, so eating some yummy Black Forest culinary delights will help. Oh, I’m hungry already and I haven’t even put on my walking shoes yet. Maybe we ought to get something to eat before we hit those trails and castles. :-)

Three things fuel Zwiesel’s economy: beer, tourism, and glass. Not all of it is just ordinary glass, mind you. No, crystal actually. Could be the reason Zwiesel is known as the “Glass City” and on the Glasstraße or Glass Road.

Oh, I just thought about that — yet ANOTHER tourist route. Will these tourist routes in Germany ever end? I sure as hell hope not (and not because I’m partial to buying gorgeous pieces of crystal from all over). The Glass Road stretches for about 250km through Eastern Bavaria.

I don’t think Zwiesel’s Crystal Pyramid, made with 93,000 pieces, would fit in my living room though. I guess it’ll have to remain in this town until I find a house big enough for it — so no trying to climb it. ;-)

Maybe you’d like some of the pieces from the crystal factory found in the Glass Museum at the Old Schloss?

This isn’t Zwiesel’s only museum. There’s a Steam Beer Museum (didn’t I say that beer was important?), a Toy Museum, and the Forest Museum that houses over 8,000 exhibits of wood, crafts, plants, animals, and… you guessed it, glass.

It’ll be an easy switch from museums to other sites in Zwiesel. There’s only the town’s Town Hall (1803) and the St. Nikolaus Church, which is called the Cathedral of the Bavarian Forest. Catholic church services are still held inside and have been since it was built in 1767. Even if you don’t stay for the service, come in and have a look at a grand example of Rococo design.

The forest is a perfect stomping ground for walking and cycling around. Take your time exploring about, no need to be in a rush while you’re here.

End your visit to Zwiesel at its Kurpark, a city park and spa where an afternoon meal will be highlighted by the beautiful surrounding scenery. As if all the crystal isn’t beautiful enough, Bavaria is always trying to outdo itself.

There are two things that separate Zeuthen from Berlin, forest and water. What does that mean to you? It means that from the crystal clear Zeuthener See lake you can see the big bright city of Berlin.

Zeuthener See isn’t only a boundary between this small town and one of the most visited cities in Germany. No, it’s a really popular recreational lake where Berliners (and everyone else) come to sunbathe, go sailing, canoeing, motorboating, and fishing. Did I miss anything?

Oh, for a piece of Zeuthen trivia, the Zeuthener See has been fished since the 7th century A.D. That means residents have been eating the Pike (and other fish varieties) for more than thirteen hundred years!

If throwing rods with worms into the water isn’t for you then go visit the gorgeous stone church in the village of Miersdorf built around the 14th or 15th century. I like old churches because they’re always filled with the most lovely artwork.

Nowhere near as old is the Protestant Church on Schillerstraße and Wilhelm-Guthke-Straße. It was built in 1913, but this church just looks so cool from the outside, imagine what’s on the inside!

When you want to be outside; but, don’t want to do the swimming thing try eating at one of the outside restaurants or cafes. Have a nice drink and watch the world go by. No drinking in Zeuthen’s Chinese Garden, though; but, carry a bottle (or two) while you’re out in the forest on the hiking trails.

Don’t leave town before you’ve gone and seen the Soviet Honor Cemetery, where more than 500 Soviet soldiers (POW’s and forced laborers, too) are buried. This part of Brandenburg was once part of Soviet occupied East Germany, which is why you’ll find a Soviet cemetery in these parts.

You can get to Zeuthen in less than 45 minutes from Berlin, yet you’ll feel like you’re an entire world away. As much as I love the bright lights big city chic of Berlin as much as the next guy, I’m glad Zeuthen is quite the opposite. :-)

If I had a magic wand, I’d wave it as you read this so you could see a panoramic view of Gottmadingen with green fields and rolling mountains. Oh wait, this is my fantasy — so let’s say that I do have one.

There’s a lot to see here, so you best bring your comfy walking shoes. Especially since there are five castles, burgs, or a Schloss (if you will) to see. All that remains of the ruins of Burg Heilsberg are some of its walls. A sad end to an early 14th century castle that’s been destroyed for more years than it was built.

Burg Kapf is also a ruined castle; but, Schloss Randegg (in one of the town’s six villages) is quite the opposite. It’s bright, cheery, and whimsical looking. If you get the chance, go check out Schloss Gottmadingen and Schloss Bietingen, too.

Other sites to see in Gottmadingen is the Old Town Hall that was built in the 15th century and can be found right in the middle of town. There’s no confusing this half timbered gem with the New Town Hall that’s housed in another old building (not nearly as old, this one comes from the turn of the 20th century).

Only a few more things to go before you can head off to Lake Constance (or, the Bodensee as it’s known in Germany). There’s a tractor museum and the bell that rings over at St. Ottilia is the oldest in the entire country (1209).

The Jewish Cemetery is also another site to see. At one point almost 50% of Randegg’s population was Jewish, but none remained after 1940.

All right, you’ve now earned your trip over to the Bodensee. Wait, *POOF* — I’m waving my magic wand to take you there; where you can suntan (I know it’s bad for you), sail, or whatever other watersport you think of. Take a look around — that’s Switzerland over there in the distance!

Just make it back to town for the “End of Summer” Celebration in mid-September. If you think you’re gonna be late, call me and I’ll wave that magic wand of mine so you can make it! ;-)

There is an 85km North/South route in the Rhineland-Palatinate that is the gem of Germany’s scenic routes. We Germans call it the Deutsche Weinstraße. In English, it’s the German Wine Route.

Although it’s relatively short compared to others, it more than makes up for it with beautiful wineries, castles, Roman ruins, and some of the most stunning countryside imaginable.

Now don’t go mixing up this Wine Route with a few others in some of Germany’s other federal states — this is the original. Its origins are a bit shady, created during the Nazi regime to boost sales to German wineries weaseling out Jewish vintners.

Start of the German Wine Route

The German Wine Route begins in the municipality of Schweigen-Rechtenbach, just about on the German/French border — but, not officially until you pass under the town’s landmark, the huge Weintor (Wine Gate). While you’re here you’ll see vast fields of grapes, get a chance to visit Castle Bernwartstein, and find the whole place to be incredibly family friendly.

Your next town on the German Wine Route is Bad Bergzabern, that’s also on the edge of the Palatinate Forest (with lots of walking paths). Its landmark is the 17th century Schloss Bergzabern. However, don’t leave out visits to the local history museum in the Gasthaus zum Engel, Westwall Museum, the Zingfigurenmuseum, and the 14th century Marktkirche. After a day of sightseeing and drinking vino, a stop at the Südpfalz-Therme spa center is in order.

Leaving a spa town might be hard, but not when you’re coming to a hamlet like Edenkoben. Ludwig I loved it here so much he built the Villa Ludwigshöhe. Then there are the ruins of Castle Rietburg to see. Edenkoben takes wine quite seriously with an outdoor wine exhibition, a Viticulture Museum, and participates in the Wine Celebration at the end of September.

Oh, that’s a doozy — the Wine Celebration is loads of fun for its 600,000 visitors; and the ENTIRE route is shutdown to vehicle traffic. The only way to see the route is to walk, bicycle, or skate your way along it.

Neustadt an der Weinstraße is next on our German Wine Route towns. Come at the end of June for one of the largest folk festivals you can imagine; and Neustadt also has its own Wine Weekends. To be honest, all of the area is just gorgeous with all the grape fields — but, when the almond trees bloom around March/April it’s easy to think there isn’t a more beautiful place in the world.

Deidesheim, our next town, is rich with history (as if the others aren’t!). You’ll find little lanes with remnants of the town’s original defense wall (called a Stadtmauer), a historical Town Hall, and Episcopal Castle. There’s also a historic Jewish Cemetery and the town’s original synagogue (original 14th century) — now a community center.

Wachenheim is another one of those medieval towns with an old defense wall (14th century) and the ruins of Castle Wachtenburg that was blown up in the 17th century during the Thirty Years’ War (which shouldn’t be mixed up with Schloss Wachenheim). You’ll find the ruins of a Roman mansion and a 19th century one, and a Jewish cemetery (the oldest in the region), as well.

After leaving Wachenheim head towards the next town of Bad Dürkheim where you’ll see the world’s largest wine barrel! Bad Dürkheim does have sightseeing including the Monastery Abbey Limburg and a Celtic Settlement that’s known as the Heidenmauer. But, this town likes to party! In September, coinciding with the Weinfest, is the Bad Dürkheim Sausage Market, also with carnival rides and live music! A jolly brilliant time for everyone. :-)

Grünstadt is your second to last town; and also likes a good party. In July on the Luitpoldplatz is a “wine market” where many local vinters come sell their wares. There are over thirty in the area, so you’ll have plenty of choices as to which ones you like best. Any other time of year, the cycling and walking trails winding through some lovely countryside provide plenty of opps to stretch those tired muscles again.

You’re finally here, the last town on the German Wine Route, Bockenheim an der Weinstraße. Well, your trip on the route doesn’t officially end until you reach the House of the German Wine Route (Haus der Deutschen Weinstraße) which is also a restaurant and tourist information center.

After all this sightseeing (and drinking) on the route, here’s your chance to say overnight at an estate guesthouse! After a good rest, visit the 12th century Martinskirche and 11th century Lambertskirche with Grape Madonna statue.

Visitors on the Deutsche Weinstraße will be more than surprised by not just the rolling vineyards but, how sweet the area smells with all the fruit (lemons, figs, etc.) growing. I got so excited I forgot where I put my Riesling…

Oh, there it is! ;-)

German Wine Route Web Site

Here’s the official Web site of the German Wine Route.

When you think of resort towns Ueckermünde isn’t the first place that might come to mind. Too bad, this town in the far north on the Oder Lagoon by the Baltic Sea is just dynamite.

It wouldn’t be fair to say that Ueckermünde is only good for being a seaside vacation spot with nothing else to offer. In the Old Town you’ll find many framework houses. On Rathausgasse 2 is a gorgeous example of an 18th century framework building (it’s now a welfare agency).

Along the Church Square there are cafes and shops. Missing a visit to the Baroque style Marienkirche (Marien Church) and the Tierpark (with over 100 species of animals, including lions) would be a mistake. I’d bet the kids would never let you leave that one down if they didn’t get to see the animal park!

The younger ones might want to forgo a visit to the Haffmuseum, the town’s early history and urban history museum. I’m a big kid and I wouldn’t want to miss it!

The Town Hall in Ueckermünde was once the Herzogsschloss, a castle built way back in 1178. It was occupied by the Swedish during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century; and used as a bank and prison through the years. It’s been the town’s Town Hall since the mid 18th century; and sadly it’s donjon (tower) was destroyed by a fire in 1908.

I see… you must be exhausted after touring Ueckermünde. Go relax on the town’s sandy beaches taking in the sea air and getting some sun. Other outdoor activities include walking and cycling trails through the natural heath and woodlands. It’s not all beach-going stuff around here! ;-)

It’s amazing what you’ll find in towns in Meck-Pomm (our lovely short form for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). The north of Germany is unlike anyplace you can imagine; and it’s a place like Ueckermünde that makes it that way.