Brieselang’s two local municipalities are so close to Berlin you might think it was actually part of the big city. But, they’re not and I’m not saying it like it’s a bad thing. ;-)

It’s a place where the Town Hall looks more like modern condominiums atop flowerbox outlined little shops. Only the red letters spelling Rathaus give away that it’s actually the town’s central hub.

Oh, you probably won’t care too much for the Rathaus, or being inside at all when you’re here since the surrounding countryside is simply terrific. The Nymphensee is one of the clearest lakes you will ever find (anywhere), so it’s no wonder that it’s a popular bathing area.

No swimming is allowed at the Havelkanal, but its many cycle routes and walking paths will keep you otherwise occupied. Follow Karl Marx Road until it leads you to the pedestrian/bicycle only bridge where it’s thought that many a young couple have pledged their devotion. Don’t tell anyone, but I think I have a romantic side; because that’s so sweet!

Don’t worry if you’re single or twenty years of marriage have killed the romance, there are plenty other walking and cycling trails (especially in the Brieselanger Forest) to follow if you want to avoid the mushy lovey-dovey stuff.

Other activities in Brieselang include horseback riding, table tennis, and soccer.

You might not be thinking of romance during the town’s two Harvest Celebrations, more like decorated tractors, horse & buggy rides, and food. Same holds true at the Summer Celebration, Osterfeuer (Easter bonfire) and Christmas Market; just minus all the tractors, though.

The only exception to the “being outside at all costs” rule is when you’re visiting Brieselang’s Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) or the studio of artist Hans Klakow.

Only in the Upper Bavarian town of Burgkirchen an der Alz does one millimeter equal 1,000 kilometers. As much as I like to think I’m special sometimes, my superpowers don’t let me change the laws of physics, the standard measure of distance, or whatever study of science that apply here.

The change of this measured distance is along Burgkirchen’s Planetenweg (Planet Way), where a millimeter of distance is equal to 1,000 km out in the vast distance of space. It’s a fun, informative, not to mention healthy way (it IS a walking tour) to learn about our galaxy.

The best way to see about our little piece of the universe (that would be Earth) is at one of Burgkirchen’s markets or fairs. The Flower Market is the town’s way of celebrating Spring and the Advents Market is the grand start to the Christmas Season.

In between the two is the Autumn Market that also coincides with the Church Festival of St. Pius. Held on the last Sunday in September, this harvest and religious celebration starts with a church service followed with lots of local street food and other festivities.

Two other churches that should be visited are St. Johannes and the Gothic style church in Margarethenberg, both early 15th century creations. They might not have had indoor plumbing back in the day, but they sure could build a magnificent church — so, I guess it works itself out.

Where Burgkirchen’s churches are its history, its Citizen Center is its present — and it has indoor plumbing. :-) This large hall acts as a conference center, music school, and library. This is also where Burgkirchen’s weekly market is held on Fridays starting at 7:30 am finishing by 12:30 pm.

Also at the Citizen Center are Farmers Markets that take place at various times of the month throughout the year. So, if you time your visit right, you’ll be here to buy something special. This, too, is going to be an early start to the day — if you’re a sleepy head all the good stuff will be gone. ;-)

Language is funny business. In English “bad” is a word that means, well rotten, not good, or something of poor quality. Then, you have the slang term “bad” which means quite the opposite — something totally awesome and first rate. Add in the German word “bad” and you’ve got somethings that means bath. Confusing, yes?

Let me see if I can help. Bad Staffelstein is a bath spa town that’s bad! Sorry, I mean the super, primo, outstanding definition of the word.

All jokes about language aside, Bad Staffelstein really is one of the finest towns in all of Bavaria. OK, there are lots of those; but, I really mean it this time.

The twenty municipalities that make up Bad Staffelstein are filled with all sorts of fun, educational, and relaxing activities. For example, over at Banz Castle there is a huge collection of fossil finds. I haven’t met a kid yet that doesn’t love dinosaurs.

That’s on top of the fact that the castle is a piece of Upper Franconian history in itself.

One of the most compelling pieces of Bad Staffelstein’s history comes not from the castle; but, from one of its churches. The Basilica of the Vierzehnheiligen (Fourteen Holy Helpers) is a Pilgrimage Church where the spiritually faithful come, mostly between May to October. Don’t confuse this church with the Banz Abbey, another piece of Bad Staffelstein’s religious history.

Forgive me for paraphrasing, but legend tells of a Franciscan monk who saw a child crying in a field sometime in 1445 in the midst of a plague epidemic. The monk tries to comfort the child and it disappeared, going on to see this spectral being again two more times, including once more with thirteen other children. Miraculously after this, and the start of the building in the church, neighbors started healing from the Plague.

I don’t think a soak in a thermal spring or a massage would have helped with the plague. But, I believe that will help sooth away the aches, pains, and stresses of today. I haven’t met a mom yet that doesn’t appreciate a relaxing massage.

Believe me now that Bad Staffelstein is one “awefully bad” Bavarian borough? :-)

I really like the town of Böhl-Iggelheim and I’m sure you will, too. I love its history (a tiny bit of it not too flattering). But, don’t misunderstand me, I said a bit of it, not all of it. And it certainly doesn’t mean that you won’t enjoy Böhl-Iggelheim. Quite the opposite, really.

By exploring each village of Böhl-Iggelheim individually, you’ll see what each one has to offer (and not run all over God’s green Earth in the process). You’d think that Böhl would be on the German Framework Route with all the half timbered buildings around town. It’s not, but it’s still a fantastic example of “fairytale” architecture with the oldest one dating to around 1581.

Right on the Village Square is Böhl’s Baroque Church. Don’t get too tied up seeing something else and miss this, you’ll be kicking yourself if you do.

In Iggelheim, you’ll find more of those framework buildings on Buschgasse and Langgasse. At Langgasse 2 there’s the obligatory Heimatmuseum (local history museum) housed in one of them from 1569 (older than Böhl’s) and there’s also a Protestant Church found in these parts, too.

Both Böhl and Iggelheim had a considerable Jewish population that existed here from the 18th century and lasted until around 1940. Memorials can be found at the old synagogues in both villages.

I’d bet money the little tykes would prefer a visit to the small animal zoo, instead.

You might try bribing them with a trip over to the incredibly fun Niederwiesenweiher. I know, I’m not asking you to say it — just go swim or fish on the lake. It freezes over in the winter months and everyone loves to come out ice skate.

If you’ve never ice skated on a frozen lake, do it! It’s an awesome life pleasure. Not to mention it’s free!

Mücke (literally translating to Mosquito), if anything, has the lucky honor of being in one of the best regions in Central Germany, the Vogelsberg Mountains, and right in the center of Hesse.

It also has twelve municipalities. So, sightseeing around town is a wee bit spread out, so if you know what’s in each village — then you can pick and choose what you want to see, when you want to see it.

Atzenhain is one of the more populated villages of Mücke with just over 900 residents. Its contribution to the town’s sightseeing is its tiny church and the Village Community Center.

Bernsfeld is where you’ll want to be when you’re communing with nature. Most of the hamlet is in the Naturdenkmal, a nature protected area with walking paths and bicycling trails.

In keeping with the nature theme, Groß-Eichen is the village to visit when camping is on the agenda. In addition to the campsites, Groß-Eichen is the best place in town to go swimming and explore the Vogelsberg region.

Both Höckersdorf and Ilsdorf are a couple of the least populated shires, both with only about 250 residents each. Each does have their framework church to see, while Höckersdorf offers a fine community center for cultural events.

For medieval Mücke you want to come to Merlau, a neighborhood of about 1200. Here’s where you’ll find the requisite castle built on foundations that are over 800 years old.

It’s funny, Ober-Ohmen is the small of the two “Ohmens” with only about 790 residents, while Nieder-Ohmen has about three times as many.

Nieder-Ohmen is the leader in most of the town’s sightseeing with Mücke’s Town Hall, a great example of framework architecture from around 1555. This village also had a decent sized Jewish population from the 16th to 18th centuries with a synagogue located at Elpenröderstraße 34-35. Nieder-Ohmen is also where Mücke’s local history museum (called Heimatmuseum) and the Windhainer See (a lake) are located.

Last, but certainly not least, are the villages of Ruppertenrod, Sellnrod, and Wettsaasen all with historic churches, the oldest one in Wettsaasen from the 11th century.

That’s a good deal of sightseeing all in one place — not bad for a small town in the center of Hesse. Maybe that’s why their motto is Hessen’s Mitte.

A chunk of the Upper Swabian Baroque Route (Oberschwäbische Barockstraße) brings you right through the town of Mengen. What does that mean to you? Nothing!

Just kidding! It means a lot if you’re into this sort of thing.

After Germany’s Thirty Years’ War in the mid-17th century, many German towns were totally devastated and/or leveled. So, when the war ended, residents of many towns rebuilt. The intricate, ornate style of what would become the “Baroque” period was what was popular at the time.

Yes, yes, the history lesson leads us to the many Baroque buildings that call Mengen home. Just follow the green and yellow Cherub signs that lead the way.

Not all of Mengen in this part of Upper Swabia is of a Baroque design, though. Long before those days, the Romans built the Castellet Ennetach, which is now known as the Mansion Rustica. It wasn’t until 1876 that a mosaic of Medusa was found after being covered for more than a millenia and a half.

Other works of art (including stuccos and frescoes) are at the Tower of St. Ulrich (circa 15th century) and the Liebfrauenkirche, a Gothic basilica built in 1290.

That’s another time period that deserves special attention, the Middle Ages. Ohhh, yeah! Come see the 11th/12th century Martinskirche at the City Center and the town’s oldest building is now a Notary Office — but, has stood here since 1233.

That’s much older than most of the half-timbered building you might find anywhere else. I’d say that was pretty cool.

Speaking of those half-timbered gems, Mengen’s Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) is located in one from the 1600’s. Not to be confused with Mengen’s Roman Museum with artifacts from the time; and some from the Bronze Age.

Wow, there sure is a lot to see here in the Danube Valley. I think I’d follow that little Cherub baby anywhere. For someone so young, he sure know how to find the best places; and in this case — Mengen is it.

It appears as though once you’ve heard the last of Germany’s many tourist routes… BAM, another one springs up.

Well, my wonderful friends, I have two more to add and they can be found in the town of Möglingen. They are the Kelten Weg and the Glemsmühlen Weg.

First, the Kelten Weg is a time machine, via foot or bicycle — what, this isn’t science fiction, it’s history ;-) to take you back to the days of the Celts who roamed these parts from 800 B.C to around Roman Times. There’s an awesome museum that can explain the culture of the Celts and their grave hills, that were the funerary practices of their day, much better than I ever could.

Next is the Glemsmühlen Weg that’s to be seen by bicycle, as it goes on for about 40 km. Through those kilometers you’ll pass forests, fruit orchards and meadows, natural rock formations, and many of Germany’s old mills. Don’t worry about age or fitness level, the Glemsmühlen Weg rides along easy gradients suitable for all age groups.

Easy connections to the Enztal Cycle Route and the Unterriexingen train certainly vary the route or make for shorter riding distances.

It would be wise to see Möglingen’s sites within the town proper before you’ve ridden off into the sunset (sorry, I’ve watched too many Western films). Like the town’s water tower that was built in 1964 at a cost of half a million Marks. Between us, though, I find it a bit too modern for this mighty historical town.

I do like St. Pankratius’ Church, however. This Gothic Church was built many (many, many) years before it became a Protestant one; and has remained since 1534.

When more art is on your itinerary, you’ve got to see the Zehntscheuer that is not only Möglingen’s library; but, also an art gallery.

If you want to come see Möglingen and its time machine to the Celts, you’ll find it JUST north of Stuttgart.

Follow what is now a wine growing region in southern Hesse and where you’ll find the town of Mörlenbach.

Besides growing the grapes that make some of the best German wines, Mörlenbach is a large almond producing area. Hmm, I never munched on almonds while drinking a glass of Riesling; but, it’s worth a try.

Mörlenbach has one of the most beautiful timber framed Town Halls in all of Germany. OK, that’s my personal opinion; but, the thing was built back in 1504 so that’s gotta count for something. Not? There’s also a new Town Hall that was built in 1978, but it doesn’t have anywhere near the flair of the old one.

St. Bartholomäus Church is another place in Mörlenbach that’s got flair, style, and some pretty awesome history. Yeah, it was built back in the 12th/13th centuries, but so were so many of Germany’s churches. This one’s special because it has three (3) alters from various centuries and a 400 year old organ taken from Heidelberg Castle’s Chapel.

FYI — Heidelberg is only about 25 km away and it’s castle is in ruins — so it’s nice that it’s chapel organ went to a good home.

As you explore all of Mörlenbach’s little nooks & crannies, keep your eyes out for the many red sandstone crosses in town. You’re not going to find any out in the Odenwald, but you will find plenty of walking and bicycling trails.

Don’t forget to come back into town on the last weekend of August for the town’s Kerwe (church festival) and the Village Festival. On the first weekend of Advent, Mörlenbach holds its annual Advent Market (approx 4 weeks before Christmas) at the Town Hall.

Maybe you can go buy yourself some of those locally grown almonds and locally produced wines for some great gifts to bring home. Or… you might wanna keep ’em for yourself! ;-)

Maxhütte-Haidhof isn’t your typical Bavarian town. No old town hall with a half timbered design. Not too many old churches or anything like that.

But, notice I didn’t say that it wasn’t a fine town to visit and have a good time. It sits right on the border of the rich Bavarian Forest with is just plain awesome in its own right. The forest is part of a low mountain range, so you better bring along some SUPER comfortable walking, hiking, or sneakers.

Flatter ground when you go see Schloss Pirkensee is easier to walk on. This castle has been here since 1062, though you wouldn’t know it because there’s always some count or duke (countess or duchess-cause women are usually the decorating gurus) adding new features on like the “bulb” towers, which weren’t added until 1734.

A couple other indoor pursuits and then you’ll be good to go enjoying that fresh Bavarian air in the forest. Come see the City Church of St. Barbara (Catholic services); it’s not that old — built only in the 1920’s. Although, the Evangelical Lutheran Church isn’t much older, built in 1887.

Unfortunately, Maxhütte-Haidhof doesn’t have an old town hall, but the new facility has some pretty awesome things going on inside. This Rathaus can hold balls, concerts, lectures, and all sorts of celebrations.

Maxhütte-Haidhof always has stuff like that going on with folk theater, comedies, and literary readings, too. Who gives a hoot if German isn’t your first language. Fake it and have a good time! ;-)

Interestingly enough, with all the hiking and cycling within the Bavarian Forest the town of Maxhütte-Haidhof only has one hotel. So, you better book early if you know you’re coming to visit.

If you can’t get a reservation, bring a tent and rough it out in the forest.

Mülheim-Kärlich is a run of the mill, average town in the Rhineland-Palatinate. No fuss, no muss, no frills. That’s just about it Mülheim-Kärlich. Oh, you think I’m saying this like it’s a bad thing. And you couldn’t be more wrong — I like it just the way it is.

How could you NOT like a place that grows fresh cherries?

Food aside, Mülheim-Kärlich’s streets are neat, tidy, and all lead around to the most interesting of places — including a Fruit Didactic Exhibition which is a fabulous way to learn about what they’re growing around these parts.

Being right at the foot of the Eifel (that would be the nature area — not the tower in Paris) there is plenty of natural history to hike or bike around.

When you’ve got your heart set on the historical stuff, Mülheim-Kärlich can oblige. The Old Chapel at the Town Hall dates back just shy of 700 years and the St. Mauritius Church is almost 800! But, it’s chapel wasn’t built until the 15th century. The church of St. Maria Himmelfahrt isn’t as old as you might think — she wasn’t built until the late (very late) 19th century.

Even just wandering about a bit you’ll feel like you’re part of Mülheim-Kärlich’s history. Well, that is if you’re strolling near many of the early 18th century framework houses (like the Burghof).

But, it’s the Roman Villa that’s just about the oldest spot in town, built here more than eighteen centuries ago. It was pretty modern for its day with underfloor heating. Hey wait, that’s pretty modern by today’s standards.

Want to learn more about the town’s history? Come the first Sunday of the month (between 3pm-5pm) to the City Museum for a guided tour.

To learn more of Mülheim-Kärlich’s culture come in early September for the annual Church Festival, or late September for the Harvest Celebration.

Let’s forget about Koblenz for a moment… Although it’s only a few kilometers away, I want to stay and eat some more of Mülheim-Kärlich’s cherries. :-)