Even though many of the pages written here on MyGermanCity.com are humorous and lighthearted, we Germans take a few things very seriously in which we’re quite proud of: beer, wine, cars, and the roughly 100 scenic tourist routes that crisscross across the country, with funny sounding names like the German Avenues Route (Deutsche Alleenstraße) and Deutsche Alpenstraße (German Alpine Road). These can be enjoyed by car, bicycle, and even your own two feet.

But, each of these scenic routes in Germany has a specific purpose — to give you the absolute crème de la crème of what you came to see. For example, many of Germany’s lesser known and smaller towns have a real fairytale feel about them, with places visited by the famous Brothers Grimm. Sounds interesting? Then the German Fairy Tale Road (Deutsche Märchenstraße) is perfect for you.

You know that majestic or foreboding castle in every little girl’s dreams of where she wants to live when she marries her Prince Charming? Well, if this is the Germany you want to see, what about following along the world famous Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) or the picture-perfect German Framework Road (Deutsche Fachwerkstraße)?

You’re more after the quintessential storybook castle? Well, we’ve got you covered, too. Head on over to the Castle Road (Burgenstraße). :-)

Some of Germany’s other scenic routes are a bit more whimsical, like the Deutsche Uhrenstrasse, or German Clock Route in English. The Black Forest (called the Schwarzwald) is known for its clock making tradition and seeing the largest cuckoo clock in the world is just plain breathtaking!

Of course, since Germany is genuinely proud of its beers and wines, there are tourist routes that will give you all that and more.

Bier lovers are the ones who’ll appreciate the German Hops Road (Deutsche Hopfenstraße), because it’s one of the few ingredients allowed to make that German beer we love so much (Danke Schön to a Bavarian Duke for this — you know who you were)!

If wine whets your whistle, then you couldn’t do any better than the glorious German Wine Route (Deutsche Weinstraße) through the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Thankfully, Germany has a few other wine routes in other states, as well. Somewhere there’s as Riesling with your name on it, but I hope you don’t mind — I prefer the sweet ones. ;-)

After imbibing on a few glasses of vino, driving is out of the question (sorry, no Bertha Benz Memorial Route for you now). So, why not bicycle your way around the German Volcanoes Route or Deutsche Vulkanstraße (yes, on top of everything Germany’s got volcanoes, too) where some of the most beautiful countryside in the country was created from these once living, breathing, lava spewing beauties.

Don’t worry about getting lost as just about every one of Germany’s Scenic Routes is well-marked, taking you to many tiny out-of-the-way towns and villages that you might never know existed (no worries, I’ll fill you in on all of them). Then again, if you accidentally turn off of one route, there’s another to take its place.

One last thing, thank you Germany, for showing us there’s MUCH more to you than just your big cities and airports!

More Scenic Routes In Germany

There are many more scenic routes in Germany, many of which are list here below…

• Baden Asparagus Route (Badische Spargelstraße) — A 136km route through northern Baden celebrating the King’s Vegetable on numerous festivals.
• Baden Wine Route (Badische Weinstraße) — Discover the best of the Baden region and its wine on this 200km 124mi) along the Rhine and the Black Forest.
• Bavarian Iron Route (Bayerische Eisenstraße) — A 120km scenic route in the Upper Palatinate that highlights the mining industry in the region.
• Benedict Trail (Benediktweg) — A 248km circular route in Upper Bavaria where Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) lived, played, and prayed as a child and young man.
• Bergstrasse — A 68km route in Hesse and Baden-Württemberg along the foothills of the Odenwald highlighting mountains, castles, and wine.
• Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwaldhochstraße) — It’s just 60km, but this is one of the top scenic routes in Germany, with breathtaking views and a very healthy air. :-)
• Black Forest Spa Route (Schwarzwald-Bäderstraße) — 270km long and established in honor of the best of northern Black Forest spa towns; history, culture, food, and everything in-between included.
• Classics Road (Klassikerstraße) — This one’s classic! ;-) 300km through Thuringian history and the epoch of classics and classical music.
• Dollard Route — A 204km bicycle tour around the Dollart in East Frisia and the northern Netherlands, with museums, ports, castles, and windmills.
• European Celtic Route (Europäische Keltenroute) — Celts also belong to Germany History, and this route (through Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany), France, and Luxembourg) is dedicated to them.
• European Route Of Brick Gothic (Europäische Straße der Backsteingotik) — God bless the Hanseatic League! Discover fine gothic brick architecture along the Baltic Coast and gain unforgettable impressions for a lifetime.
• European Route Of Historic Theaters (Europastraße Historische Theater) — A grand international tour that’ll take you to the very best of Germany’s Arts, running from Rügen to Koblenz.
• Fantastic Road (Fantastische Straße) — On 400km/248mi, explore the most fantastic of what Baden-Württemberg has to offer.
• German Cabbage Route (Deutsche Kohlstraße) — Explore 130 km of cabbages, farms, and open fields along the North Sea in western Schleswig-Holstein covering the largest cabbage-growing area in all of Europe.
• German Ceramics Route (Deutsche Tonstraße) — Enjoy 215km of clay, pottery, brick and ceramics factories, studios and craftsmanship throughout northern Brandenburg.
• German Fen Route (Deutsche Fehnroute) — A 163km circular cycle trail in East Frisia leading you along countless moorlands and windmills.
• German Ferries Route (Deutsche Fährstraße) — 250km through Schleswig-Holstein (& northern Lower Saxony) highlighting historical bridges and ferries along the Kiel Canal and Oste River.
• German Football Route (Deutsche Fußballroute) — Discover the heart of the German football scene and a beer drinking nation by visiting 15 cities in North Rhine-Westphalia and their top sights.
• German Gemstone Route (Deutsche Edelsteinstraße) — A 70km two-ring trail in and around Idar-Oberstein and the Birkenfeld District showcasing jewel and gemstone craftsmanship.
• German Limes Road (Deutsche Limes-Straße) — This massive 550km/342mi roman road (818km/508mi by bike) follows through 83 towns along what was once the border of the Roman Empire.
• German Shoe Route (Deutsche Schuhstraße) — This 310km/193mi route highlights how shoe making used to be big business here in the Wasgau region.
• German Sluice Route (Deutsche Sielroute) — A 200km route guiding you along dykes and waterways through the Wesermarsch and along the North Sea.
• German Stork Route (Deutsche Storchenstraße) — A 450km route through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Elbe River Landscape along countless of stork nests!
• German Toy Road (Deutsche Spielzeugstraße) — This 300km route follows through Thuringia & Bavaria looking at toy making, doll doctors, and lots of history, culture, toys, toys, and toys. :-)
• German Wild Game Route (Deutsche Wildstraße) — This 146km circular route through the Volcanic Eifel highlights a variety of wild animals, amusement park rides included.
• Glass Route (Glasstraße) — Winding its 250km through East Bavaria showcasing the Bavarian and Bohemian glass craftsmanship tradition.
• Green Route / Route Verte (Grüne Straße) — Unforgettable! 250km from Contrexeville, France through the Black Forest to Donaueschingen.
• Hohenzollern Route (Hohenzollernstraße) — A 300km circular “royal” route between the Swabian Alb and Lake Constance with numerous castles!
• Idyllic Route (Idyllische Straße) — Take it easy on this 130km short route through the Swabian-Franconian Forest in northern Baden-Württemberg, experiencing the lovely and, um, idyllic countryside & trails. ;-)
• Luther Trail (Lutherweg) — A 410km spiritual and historical route through Saxony-Anhalt that takes you through the life and works of Martin Luther, father of the Protestant Reformation.
• Moselle Slate Route (Moselschiefer-Straße) — 110km/68mi through the Eifel region illustrating the slate mining industry.
• Moselle Wine Route (Moselweinstraße) — A 311km long route (242km within Germany) that’s winding its way through Rhineland-Palatinate, from Trier to Koblenz.
• Nahe Wine Route (Naheweinstraße) — A short 135km route in Rhineland-Palatinate through many small towns and villages highlighting the best of their wine and vineyards.
• Neckar-Alb-Aare Roman Route (Römerstraße Neckar-Alb-Aare) — Following in the footsteps of the Romans through Baden-Württemberg and the gorgeous region around Lake Constance.
• Nibelungen Route — Not sure how long exactly, but this route goes through Germany, Austria, and Hungary, bringing the Nibelungenlied to live.
• Nibelung-Siegfried Route (Nibelungen-Siegfriedstraße) — A 310km long two-part route through the Odenwald forest following the footpaths of Siegfried and the saga and Song of the Nibelungs.
• Northern Black Forest Monasteries Route (Klosterroute Nordschwarzwald) — This one goes for 104km highlighting three of the most magnificent monasteries.
• Old Salt Road (Alte Salzstraße) — An old salt route, only about 110km, from Lüneburg to Lübeck with salt sites, festivals, and history.
• Oranier Route — 2,400km through the Netherlands and Germany following in the footsteps of the mighty House of Orange-Nassau.
• Oxen Trail (Ochsenweg) — This is a biking and hiking route through Schleswig-Holstein and Danmark following along a former Viking and cattle drive region.
• Princes Of Reuss Route (Reußische Fürstenstraße) — Discover the Thuringian Vogtland, a region which the Princes of Reuss used to rule for 800 years (110km).
• Romanesque Route (Straße der Romanik) — A 1200km long route through Saxony-Anhalt filled with ancient buildings from around 950-1250 A.D.
• Saar-Palatinate Baroque Route (Barockstraße Saarpfalz) — A short 100km route in the Saarland (with one stop in Rhineland-Palatinate) highlighting the best of Baroque castles, churches, and gardens.
• Saale-Unstrut Wine Route (Weinstraße Saale-Unstrut) — A quick 55km route through the Burgenlandkreis in Saxony-Anhalt highlighting wine, wine, and wine (oh, and the obligatory like castles and stuff).
• Saxon Wine Route (Sächsische Weinstraße) — A short 55km route through the one and only vineyard in Saxony, lovely highlighting grand sights of this piece of country.
• Schleswig-Holstein Cheese Route (Käsestraße Schleswig-Holstein) — Let’s eat great and healthy on this 500km/311mi long route through Schleswig-Holstein, showcasing the best cheese making farms!
• Sisi’s Road (Sisi Straße) — Following the footsteps of one of the most beautiful women of her time, Elisabeth (Bavarian girl, Austrian Empress, and Queen of Hungary), leading for 2,000 km through Bavaria, Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Switzerland.
• Sky Paths (Himmelswege) — A new, short 90km route in southern Saxony-Anhalt letting you travel thousands of years back in time, and to other planets.
• Swabian Spa Route (Schwäbische Bäderstraße) — Time to pamper yourself on this 180km (112mi) route covering the best spa towns in Swabia with all sorts of healthy treatments.
• Thuringian Castle Road (Burgenstraße Thüringen) — 900km to discover mighty castles and palaces in Thuringia, giving you a glimpse of influencing epochs of German history.
• Upper Swabian Baroque Route (Oberschwäbische Barockstraße) — 500km through Upper Swabia showcasing stunning Baroque religious architecture and arts.
• Via Claudia Augusta — Follow the road to Rhaetia, from southern Germany to Austria and northern Italy. 500km (143km within Germany) of scenic Roman education and remembrance.
• VIA REGIA (King’s Road / Königsstraße) — 4,500km through Europe and 600km through Germany, this royal route is filled with stunning European history and sights.
• Via Sacra (Holy Route / Heilige Straße) — Through Upper Lusatia in Germany and on to the Czech Repuplic and Poland, this scenic route lets you calm down, reflect and contemplate upon what’s really important in life.
• Way Of St. James (Jakobsweg) — A pilgrimage route with trails leading through all German states up until Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
• Weser Renaissance Route (Straße der Weserrenaissance) — 400km/256mi through Central Germany to show off the best of Renaissance architecture.
• Westphalian Mills Route (Westfälische Mühlenstraße) — A nostalgic 320km circular route through North Rhine-Westphalia with 43 historical mills.

Thank you, tourists. You’re the number 1 hot commodity in the Hessian town of Bad Orb, beating out salt production that’s been going on since 650 B.C.

What are all these tourists doing in Bad Orb? So nice of you to ask. Take your pick. You’ve got everything from the medieval to 20th century history, hot springs to historic hotels. Throw in some theater and a museum and you’ve got yourself a rippin’ good time.

Bad Orb’s medieval history comes in the form of a 13th century defense wall called a Stadtmauer. Not all visitors to Bad Orb are (were) happy tourists — the Stadtmauer kept out “up to no good” naughty marauders. The wall’s Military Tower and Upper Gate are all that remain of its entrance gates and lookout towers.

For Bad Orb’s 20th century history, a POW camp Stalag IX-B from World War II once housed over 3,000 soldiers. Within the area is a monument to Russian soldiers who were buried in a mass grave on the site.

There’s got to be more to Bad Orb between the Middle Ages and today, right? Of course!

Many had come in droves for the curative properties of the hot springs. They still do, as a matter of fact, just now it’s at the modern facility Toskana. I’m a sucker for a good spa experience and soaking in brine water (that’s a good way of saying SALTY) with music pumped in underwater is a good start.

It’s hard to pull yourself away from hot springs and all that jazz. But, you’re going to have to do see all the fairytale half timbered houses near the Kurpark or what is known around here as Kleinstes Haus Hessens, the Smallest House in Hesse. It belonged to Helmut (such a fine German name) Jahn and measures 7×32 meters. That’s it. I’m betting clean-up is a snap compared to a huge castle.

Finish up a trip to Bad Orb at the Sudpfanne, a historic hotel from around 1550; catch an art exhibit, concert, or play; and hike over in the Spessart nature park, that’s located nearby. It is a good idea since Bad Orb is found in one of the largest forested areas in the country.

Yikes! I almost forgot about Bad Orb’s Local History Museum (Heimatmuseum) and the Music Celebration that falls on the 2nd weekend of September every year.

I’m guessing that’s another reason that tourists are Bad Orb’s #1 commodity.

If I sat here and wrote about all of Bogen’s sites, festivals, attractions, and everything in-between I’d be here all day (so would you, reading it). Lower Bavaria scored big with this little gem that’s smack dab in the middle of the Bavarian Forest and the romantic Danube River.

To make your life easier when you arrive here, take the 1 1/2 hour guided tour that starts at the Town Square, ending at the vaulted cellar of the Old Town Hall that’s been here since the Middle Ages. Best of all, it’s FREE (‘though donations are gladly accepted).

Bogen has more churches than you can shake a stick at, including St. Florian’s Gothic church (1486). From 1803, the church of Sts. Peter & Paul has been “just” a Parish Church. Prior to that it, was the Monastery Church in Oberalteich (one of Bogen’s shires) and had been since 1100 A.D.

However, it is the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Ascension that steals the show around here. It’s one of the oldest of its kind in all of Bavaria and dates to 1104.

Speaking of pilgrimages, that’s a big draw to Bogen and Lower Bavaria. On Whitsunday (seven weeks after Easter) people from all over trek the 75km pilgrimage carrying a 50kg (approx 100 lbs.) “candle” made of wood in a procession known as Pfingstkerzenwallfahrt. As with most German monster words, you don’t have to say it — just do it. ;-)

Don’t confuse it with the Jugendwallfahrt, a pilgrimage (in May) designed for the younger set that starts with a mass and ends with music and theological discussions.

Although, it is the Heimatfest that gives you an example of Bavarian Gemütlichkeit, a word that’s becoming all the rage now. In case you’re not aware, it’s a Bavarian word for an idea of belonging, acceptance, and all-around good cheer. It must be the beer that does it. ;-)

Hiking and biking in the Bogenberg is a good idea and a fantastic place to end your stay in Bogen. One route starts at the Danube winds it way around to the River Regen along an old railway route in the forest.

You won’t have any worries about NOT experiencing Bavarian Gemütlichkeit — Bogen is an outstanding place for it.

Büdelsdorf is a town like no other in the far north of Germany on little strip of land that links the Baltic And North Seas. Oh, great for being in an area to enjoy the best of both of ’em.

Don’t get confused though, you’re close to the Denmark and the Danes call the town Bydelstorp. But, it’s all the same place with many “green” area. Oh, that’s just a fancy way of saying Büdelsdorf has a bunch of gardens and parks. My favorite one is where you can pick your own apples, pears, and plums off the trees.

If you think you’re going to do this in the colder months, I’m sorry to disappoint you — not gonna happen. This region, so far to the north, gets freakin’ COLD in winter.

Which is why Büdelsdorf’s swimming season is so short. The town’s municipal pool opens towards the end of May, closing mid-September. You’re not limited to swimming here, the complex has beach volleyball, basketball, table tennis, and chess.

Try Nordic Walking or follow along normal walking paths for other outdoor fun. Northern Germany really is different and the sea air can do wonders for clearing the stress (or cobwebs) out of your head. ;-)

So can a summer concert during the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. You never know where one will take place (in a church, barn, or other venue) but, enjoy it all the same.

Other outdoor activities in Büdelsdorf can be enjoyed for a bit of a longer time. You’ll find artwork outside the Carlshütte, although if you do get a wee bit chilly — come see even more inside. One of the more famous artistic art museums include the Iron Casting Museum with many a bust made from iron.

I’m sure that’s not what Iron Age man from Büdelsdorf’s past did with the metal, though.

Good idea to save the indoors for the colder season and a great time to take in a show at the Landestheater. A number of events take place here including concerts, plays, ballet, and puppet theater.

So, whether you choose to call it the German Büdelsdorf or the Danish Bydelstorp, it’s all great fun in Northern Germany — no matter the weather.

Would you believe there is yet another tourist route to follow in Germany? This one is the European Walking Way, a picturesque route that winds straight through the Hessian town of Birkenau (and other parts of Germany) from Sweden to Italy.

Along the way you’ll find nature conservation areas with plenty of walking paths taking you past horse farms, forest areas, and lots of cute (deer, rabbit, fox) wildlife.

It doesn’t even have to be the warm days of summer to enjoy the great outdoors of Birkenau. No, winter is great, too. Skiers flock to this area, which is turned into something known as grass skiing during the warmer months. Floodlights allow for nighttime skiing, whether grass or snow.

How cool is that?!?! Pretty awesome if you’re a die-hard ski fan. ;-)

All right, if careening down the mountainside with your snow bunny tail on fire isn’t your idea of a good time, don’t worry. This town has plenty other stuff to make you happy.

Funny thing, though, Birkenau does have its fairshare of wintersports — but, it does have a mild climate which is evident by the arrival of an early almond tree harvest (making the town quite lovely in the spring).

A cross between the outdoorsy side of Birkenau and its historical side is Schloss Birkenau. OK, you might not get to see the inside (it’s private property) but, you can hand out in the castle park where the peacocks hang out.

History buffs will appreciate the half timbered buildings that are found around town. Its Old Town Hall, from 1552, is a great first stop; and still has its Old World pillory (think stockade) and an Ellwand(used as a standardized measurement of length).

If you’re the museum goin’ type, Birkenau has a pretty cool one with highlights of many German customs. Although, the party-animals would say one of the town’s festivals could do the same thing. One of the most fun is the annual Kerwe church festival held the first weekend of September.

Birkenau, also known as Das Dorf der Sonnenuhren (or the sundial village), is great fun for everyone in the family. Now, I’m going to go grab some of those almonds — I want to mix them with my chocolate. Yummy! ;-)

Step right up, Ladies and Gentlemen, and enter a world long gone. A world before the Vikings; or even the Romans for that matter. Where are we, you want to know?

Welcome to the Hessian town of Biebertal and the old Celtic settlement that used to be here.

So many Celtic artifacts were found on the Dünsberg hill, once a Celtic settlement, that you’ll find an amazing museum in Biebertal. The Celts usually bring on visions of Ireland and Scotland, but they got around a lot here in Germany; and the Museum KeltenKeller has got plenty of coins, glass beads, and even replicas of the clothing they wore.

The Dünsberg itself is a pretty awesome outdoor museum and archaeological site. Climb to the top to see where the area’s Celtic population LIVED.

Finds of other kinds are over at Rodheim’s (one of Biebertal’s villages) Local History Museum (that’s called Heimatmuseum in Deutsch); including some from the Middle Ages.

Medieval life in Biebertal can be seen in its castles. Go figure, a castle. :-) Vetzberg Castle (from 1100 A.D) might be in ruins, but the castle has a magnificent view of the Dünsberg.

Modern life still goes on and the Dünsberg’s Mountainbike Marathon takes place every September. The grades are pretty steep, so you better train hard if you’re gonna join in — otherwise, cheer for your favorite.

One of the more awesome of festivals isn’t really a festival at all, it’s the Seven Year War reenactment at nearby Castle Gleiberg. Also in September, this massive war “get together” brings partygoers from all over to Sternschanze (sort of a historical military base) to relive the “world’s first global war” (sorry Winston Churchill for a bad paraphrase) that took place back in the 18th century.

For more peaceful pursuits, head to the Gail’scher Park which is an English landscaped garden. Yeah, it’s going to much quieter than the men running around playing “War.”

The Prussian Forest, also called the Krofdorf Königsberger Forst (that’s a mouthful, isn’t it?), is another quiet treat to head off enjoying the peace & quiet. That is, unless you’ve brought the kids along for a walk on the forest paths and then you might think the war scene would be quieter. ;-)

Betzdorf is one of those towns that’s on the edge of the refreshing Westerwald, easily reached by the A3, A45, and A48 Autobahn. Driving’s REALLY fast on the Autobahn in Germany, so you’ll be here in no time flat.

That being said, most (OK, almost ALL) of the sightseeing around this town is done within the Westerwald.

Betzdorf does have a few things you’ll need to see before heading off into the forest, though, like Little Red Riding Hood or Hansel & Gretel. The church of St. Ignatius is a good start; and you’ll find many of those famous half timbered houses from the 19th century on Castle Road. A World War I Memorial is located on Rainstraße.

Wait, don’t go getting lost in the Westerwald yet. If you’re here visiting at the beginning of September there’s the Betzdorf City Celebration and a Farmers Market (always a good place for the freshest fruits & veggies). Then there’s the Barbarafest only a few weeks later at the beginning of October.

Plus, spring time brings the Geranium Celebration in May (for you non-green thumb people, geraniums are flowers). If you don’t want to grow anything, there are always concerts and theater performances to attend. And come in February for the big Carnival celebration right before Lent.

OK, you’ve earned the right now to come see the low mountain range Westerwald, which is one of the most famous forest areas in all of Germany. It’s filled with wide open fields, meadows, rock formations, and even Celtic ruins.

Just a hint though, Betzdorf is along the River Sieg which is the northern border of the Westerwald, which is super big. You won’t be able to see all of it in a day — but, camping is always a good idea.

OK, maybe not if you like room service and indoor plumbing like me (in fact, I actually like both); and the Westerwald is so awesome that even I’d give it a shot to rough it.

Lower Saxony is where you’ll find the town of Bad Nenndorf and one of the most super fabulous spa facilities anywhere.

Bad Nenndorf’s origins are a bit vague, with some scholars thinking it was founded around the 9th century. However, Bad Nenndorf’s church wasn’t built until around 1136. Yet still, its name was said to be first mentioned in the year 936.

Let the historians fight it out between themselves, while you get to experience the place. People have flocked here since the 18th century even though the sulphur springs were discovered back in 1546 already. Silly medieval superstitions kept people from enjoying the curative properties as they thought the smell was the devil’s doing (oh, wow, that’s putting it as delicately as I could!).

The place to go for spa services is the beloved Landgrafentherme. Its got Roman Bath, a Sea Salt Grotto (good for allergies), an Oriental style steam bath known as Rhassoul, a Finnish & Herbal sauna, stone therapy massages services, and everything in between. Trust me, your joints and skin will thank you!

There’s even something called a Hamam, which is a Turkish bath experience, using hot and cold water therapy with a bully massage. Although the latter is not my cup of tea, I still think I’ve found my happy place, so please excuse me for a moment… ;-)

Alright, I’m back!

Landgrafentherme is open everyday starting at 7am and doesn’t close until 10pm, so that’s a lot of time to take in all those services or just lounge around its swimming pool (and watch beautiful people passing by).

Bad Nenndorf also offers theater performances for some cultural activities; not to mention all the festivals throughout the year. There’s a City Festival in June, a Folk Festival in July, the Feast of Lights in August, and the Harvest Festival in September. My personal favorites are the two Christmas Markets in December for twice the holiday fun.

It’s a good thing we don’t think Bad Nenndorf is the work of the devil any longer and we have a different mindset nowadays. Look what we would be missing out on!

Historians might say that any place that’s been invaded (OK, not my word; but you get the point) by the Celts, the Romans, the Alemanni, and the Franks might have once been a volitile region. Color me romantic, but I like to think that these guys knew a beautiful place when they saw it, and wanted to live here.

This area is right on the northern edge of the Black Forest and silly me, given the chance I’d want to live here, too. Not for it’s Old Town Hall that was built in 1584. Nor, for its Michaeliskirche church. Not even for its clock making that the town’s famous for.

I don’t want to live here to enjoy a musical festival that’s been taking place since 1981 with artists coming from far away as Saxony playing jazz, cabaret, chamber & choir music.

It isn’t the Enztal Cycle Track (for you bike enthusiasts), or the Harvest Celebration at the Martin Luther Community Center very October.

OK, that’s not all entirely true, I’d want to live here for all of those reasons.

Another reason is the every other year happening Straßenfest (Street Festival) in the city center and the craftsmen’s christmas market that takes place on the first weekend of December.

The spa town of Bad Liebenwerda is much more than just a place where silver hair ladies and gentlemen come to feel the healing effects for their rheumatism.

That’s not to say you won’t find some awesome spa facilities within town. The Wonnemar spa is one of the most popular with a wave pool, a mineral pool (isn’t that what a German spa is all about?), as well as having sauna; a fitness center, a health club; an aqua fitness center; and a Nordic Walking track. Wow, I’m tired already and all I did was typing this up. ;-)

Spa services aren’t the only thing that will keep you busy around this town. Oh, no, there’s a Puppetry Museum, with an extensive collection of Disney’s Pinocchio type marionettes. In the Autumn there’s a fun Puppetry Night with shows for both adults & kids. Don’t use the excuse that you don’t speak German — go have a good time anyway.

Other festivals around Bad Liebenwerda include a Wine Festival (also in the Fall), while Summer brings on a series of musical concerts and Farmer’s Market.

Springtime is the ultimate (and my favorite) for the annual Boat Race on the weekend after the Ascension. Here’s a tip if you’re not familiar with the Christian Calendar (count about 40 days after Easter).

In between all the puppet shows, boat races and everything else you can visit the medieval St. Nikolai Church; see the Castle Tower and walls; and throw a few coins in the Memorial Fountain.

You can even pay your respects at the the town’s memorials to both the forced laborers and the Nazi resistance fighters from the days of the 2nd World War. This was a small time period of Bad Liebenwerda’s history, but it does deserve some respect.

If you choose to see the historical, the festivals, or the spa, either way, you’ll have a grand time here. Just ask the silver hair ladies for some proof.