If you thought of renting a Porsche, a Mercedes, or a BMW and racing yourself on the Autobahn to Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest; you’re going to be disappointed.

Sure, traveling along at what seems like Mach 2 on the super fast Autobahn is pretty awesome, and the town’s name alone makes fitness fans go wild; but, because of Bad Wildbad’s remote location within the Schwarzwald, no Autobahn route comes through here, so you gotta have to slow down quite a bit.

If traveling by car is not your cup of tea anyway, another option to get here is on the Karlsruhe S-Bahn Railway Line. But, why come to Bad Wildbad to begin with?

There’s something special about this place. It has been a health resort village since the 15th century. So many have come here to soak in the hot springs, which does wonders for tired sore muscles.

In the 19th century the Palace Thermal was built. You can’t miss it, it’s this colossal pink building is not only an excellent example of the architecture of the day; but, where you can enjoy a fabulous spa experience.

Hot springs and spa treatments are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg in Bad Wildbad. In the summer, the Sommerbergbahn (Summer Mountain Railway) line operates; and there probably isn’t a kid out there that wouldn’t love to take a ride on one.

Other sightseeing in Bad Wildbad can include a visit to the English Church (1865) and the Protestant Church (1746), as well as taking in a number of theater performances. There’s a local history museum in town, too (called Heimatmuseum).

Since the wellness business in Bad Wildbad is serious stuff, there are also a number of bike and walking trails through the countryside. Being that this is the mystic Black Forest, take your time wandering about — this is a place created right from the heavens.

Speaking of the heavens, make sure you come September when the town shoots off a magnificent fireworks display.

Don’t be upset that you can’t get here doing Mach 2. In the case of Bad Wildbad, it’s so much nicer at a slower pace, don’t you agree? :-)

Bockenem is a bit different. Yes, I’m using that term very loosely and different might not even be the right word.

It’s a town that lies on the touristy Deutsche Fachwerkstraße or German Framework Route, which means that you’ll find many half timbered buildings just about everywhere. But, that’s not what makes it “different.”

No, it’s neither the Clock Tower Museum, nor is it the historical St. Pankriatius Chuch (which are always great for stunning artwork). And, neither is the countryside that makes for great motorcycling along tree lined roads.

Bockenem isn’t different because of all the fishing, or the slow strolls on the walking trails or cycling along in any of the nature protected areas. Different doesn’t qualify for the Nordic Walking trails (don’t worry if you can’t do it — there are a few fitness levels), or the tennis courts, and swimming in the town’s outdoor municipal pool.

The town’s Small Car Museum (the largest in the world) doesn’t make Bockenem different. Neither do all the concerts and other cultural activities that take place in town.

Can you even gander to guess what makes Bockenem different? OK, I won’t keep you waiting any longer. It’s the nudist sunbathing that you can do here…

Oh, don’t let that stop you from thinking that Bockenem isn’t a family friendly town, though. ;-)

If you like what you see (read in this case) there are a few Bockenem hotels right in the heart of everything. The Hotel Kneip might only have eleven rooms but it has its own skittle alley (think bowling). And, the Brewer Guild House has a real rustic style restaurant that serves delicious German cuisine.

Try to book a room for a Wednesday or Thursday so you have somewhere to drop off all the stuff you bought at Bockenem’s weekly market that opens at 2pm on Thursdays.

Bockenhem might be a tad bit “different” but, actually, that’s what makes our life remarkable. So remember, clothes are required everywhere except the nude beach! ;-)

In the sophisticated Taunus Mountains is the spa town of Bad Schwalbach where the rich and famous of the 16th century used to come and get away. Since 1568 the mineral springs in this part of Hesse have been making people feel better.

You don’t need a bazillion dollars in the bank or be of the jetset crowd to come here and relax with hot stone massage, get an exfoliating body scrub, take a mud bath, or get a facial. While these services aren’t free, they are affordable to the rest of us.

One of the most famous visitors to Bad Schwalbach was Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary who built the Elisabethentempel, which offers one of the best views.

For a different view of Bad Schwalbach take a ride on the Kurbahn, a train that runs on Sundays & holidays from April through October.

There is a more traditional style museum that looks at the town’s history and health resort industry. One of the oldest pharmacies in the entire Taunus is here; dating back to 1642. Imagine going back in time and asking for a Tylenol — they’d think you were nuts. ;-)

Romans used to live here (maybe they knew about the mineral springs & didn’t tell anyone so they could keep it for themselves) and there’s a small castellet (known as Adolfseck) that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With the relaxing springs to relax the body and soul, there are other activities in Bad Schwalbach to engage them both. Take in an opera, a comedy show, a theater performance, or concert; then try some Nordic Walking, mountainbiking, miniature golf, a barefoot path (be sure to roll your pant legs up), jogging, or enjoy a quiet stroll along many of the walking paths.

When you’re looking for an inexpensive getaway spa vacation, come to Bad Schwalbach to rejuvenate. Not to mention, expanding your mind with so many cultural activities that seem to go on throughout the year.

Bad Abbach is a spa town in welcoming Lower Bavaria that’s the birthplace of German Emperor Heinrich II and his sister Gisela, the Queen of Hungary. Granted, this was a thousand years ago and the town has never forgotten that it’s the hometown of royalty. ;-)

Today Bad Abbach is a lively resort town with lots of sporting activities to keep the most fickle of travelers happy. There’s no way anyone couldn’t call Nordic Walking, hiking, biking, miniature golfing, and playing the links on an 18-hole and 9-hole golf course a good time.

More outdoorsy type activities include a leisurely ride along the mighty (and romantic) Danube and lots of fishing. If you rather rough it, try camping. But, there are also both upscale and more economical accommodations if you prefer.

If you want to take a more historical look at this town then you’ve got more stuff to keep you busy. The area of Bad Abbach was once a Roman town and they built an old estate that’s now known as a Villa Rustica. You’ll also find Celtic fortifications, a Town Hall Museum (that’s a lot of history in one place), Henry’s Tower with a church to St. Nikolaus, and the town has its own Pilgrimage Church.

But, the reason most people come to Bad Abbach is for the sulfur springs. Said to help with arthritis and other ailments, the Kaiser-Therme (Emperor Hot Springs — oh, how fitting a name is that?) is one of the most popular. People from all over have been coming to the area of Bad Abbach (only a few kilometers south of medieval Regensburg) since the 13th century to soothe tired, achy joints.

A spell at a Lower Bavarian beer garden can be just as relaxing; and some conversation with the local residents can be quite entertaining.

It’s truly amazing how Bad Abbach rebuilt itself after more than half of it was destroyed by Allied bombings during WWII. I guess nothing is too good for a town built for royalty and enjoyed by all.

Not every town in Germany is going to have a long list of historical sites to see. In regard to the town of Stelle in Lower Saxony, it’s just a suburban town of Hamburg (only 20 kilometers south of it) where ordinary people like me and you come home after a hard day’s work.

There are less than a handful of things to see in Stelle; one of which is a memorial to a man named Julian Milejski. On May 4, 1942 Mr. Milejski was a forced labor worker who was killed by the SS because he loved a German girl; which was illegal at that time. It’s a truly sad story for any of you out there that are romantics.

In the historical city center (that dates back much further than the days of the 2nd World War) there’s the church of St. Michael to see, which was built in 1868. The old school now acts as Stelle’s City Hall and a library.

Just as Bavaria is best enjoyed for its beer, and Baden-Württemberg & Hesse are known for their wines; Lower Saxony is known for its totally stunning countryside that’s best enjoyed by bicycle. Good thing Stelle isn’t known for any of those beverages… you might never get on a bike and ride around. ;-)

To learn more about the forested countryside around Stelle, take a guided tour known as a forest didactic exhibition. You’ll get more out of your trek through the forest when you’re learning all about the local wildlife, flora, and fauna.

If you rather have some quiet time, the forest around town will certainly do the trick. With every step you’ll feel the everyday stresses floating away. There are other sports in Stelle, though, including swimming and volleyball.

When you find yourself in Hamburg, follow Stelle’s residents back home; then rent a bicycle and enjoy every minute you’re here.

Stone Age man, the Romans, the Celts, the Franconians, and the Alamanni that once called the town of Schwieberdingen home, but didn’t have one thing that you (the modern traveler) can have.

What could that be, you ask? An 18-hole golf course in the shadow of the Nippenburg ruins. The stonework of the ruins make a great backdrop while you’re out on the links on this par-71 course. Although, you don’t need to bring a 9-iron to come visit these castle ruins.

For you avid golfers out there, the Nippenburg course hosted the German Open three times; so there’s proof that it’s pretty special.

When you’re in the mood for some sightseeing look no further than the Local History Museum (called Heimatmuseum) in the old Parsonage Building. You’ll find it right over by the 14th century military church of St. George.

Schwieberdingen (that’s one long name) can be found about 10 km from Stuttgart, so there’s no excuse not to visit. Especially during one of the town’s festivals. Come Carnival (right before Ash Wednesday) the town loves to let its hair down, and you can party like a rock star during the Music Festival in July.

You can eat really good during the Harvest Festival in October over at the St. George Church. And, in December Schwieberdingen holds a yearly concert; which is right around the same time as the town’s Christmas Market (2nd Sunday of Advent — approx 2 weeks before the holiday).

When all the shopping, eating, and sightseeing is done, why not go explore all the walking and cycling paths and trails. Get in touch with nature and clear your mind of everyday stresses while out and about through the forested countryside.

It’s amazing how green Schwieberdingen still remains since after World War II, the area went from being agricultural to more industrial.

Who knows, maybe those ancient Romans, Celts, and all those other that came before us walked the same paths trying to clear their heads, too. ;-)

First thing you’ll notice in Schkopau, or perhaps you were smart enough to book your hotel room there, is that 9th century Carolingian building atop the hill.

A few hundred years ago you would need some sort of aristocratic title to stay at the Renaissance Castle Schkopau. Now, all you need is a credit card. You might not get a chance to see all of the castle’s rooms (54 of them are guestrooms) and the best one in the hotel is the King Heinrich Suite.

What you will notice about the castle hotel is many of the rooms have exposed beam ceilings and plenty of artwork throughout. Stay at the castle and you’ll be close by to much of what’s to do in the area of Schkopau.

If you come to the hamlet of Korbetha all the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom making the area super colorful and downright pretty.

In Burgliebenau (which has only 384 residents) there are plenty of walking trails, a water castle (who doesn’t love a castle with a moat?), an old Pigeon Tower, and a gorgeous Baroque Church.

Lochau is where you’ll find a history museum documenting more than 4000 years of the region’s history.

For natural history Schkopau is one super large breeding ground for large grey heron. Stay clear if you don’t like birds — but, if you don’t mind them, it’s a pretty awesome look at nature.

The 20th century also made its mark in Schkopau and you’ll find a few burial places for victims of hard labor during the 2ndWorld War.

After a day of sightseeing, you’ve earned your right to sit and enjoy a beer. Try a Gose, a wheat beer that’s made locally.

Beer lovers, this is reason enough to come to Schkopau — well, that and the picturesque castle! ;-)

Don’t go confusing Sassenburg in Lower Saxony with Sassenberg in North Rhine-Westphalia. Really, although it’s just one freakin’ letter, there isn’t any comparison.

This Sassenburg doesn’t have all too much sightseeing but the three most popular sites around town can keep you busy for a minimum of two days (but, not too much more than that).

Bernsteinsee, in English known as Amber Lake, is one place that will keep you more than busy for the better part of a day. Swimming in the crystal clear water of a man-made lake is quite popular among the residents.

One of the more fun things to do in Sassenburg is to take a ride on the Moorbahn. This little tram rides along for six kilometers through the moorlands. The 5 Euro fee to ride is so worth it since you’ll get a guided tour learning more about the peat, flora, fauna, and more about the natural environment.

To explore along the moorlands on your own follow the Moorland Exhibition route by bike or by foot. The walking trail is a 5 km path and the cycling trail goes on for 12 km; taking you past much of the same natural scenery as the tram.

All this walking and cycling is going to A) make you tired and B) make you hungry. Good thing there are a few nice guesthouses to sleep and some great regional specialties to eat.

Stay the night at either the Gasthof Neuhaus — they’ve been around for over 160 years so they know how to treat guest right. And the Hotel am Bernsteinsee is charming right on the lake.

When you get hungry try some Braunschweiger Wurst (only fitting since Sassenburg is near the city of Braunschweig (Brunswick)) with some pumpernickel bread (for which Lower Saxony is known); wash it down with a good beer and try a piece of Butterkuchen (butter cake for dessert).

Even though Sassenburg doesn’t have all that much to do, all the good eating certainly adds to your stay!

There’s no way that prehistoric man and ancient Romans that used to live in the area of what was to become Schwaigern would recognize it today. Medieval knights and any Renaissance man might not have so much culture shock, though.

Among the modern day cars, indoor plumbing, and electricity Schwaigern still retains much of the flavor it had a bunch of centuries ago.

To really get into the historical aspect of Schwaigern take one of the city guided tours with guides in period garb. The few Euro fee for the tour is more than worth it since you get an insiders look at many of the town’s sites.

Who could pass up a visit to Schwaigern Castle (that was burned down during the Thirty Years’ War and rebuilt a century later), the Hexenturm (Witches Tower) built 1461, St. John the Baptist Church from the 13th century, and the 15th century Parish Church with Ratgeb Alter.

One of the city guided tours takes a more in-depth tour of Schwaigern’s Parish Church — that alone is well worth the price of the tour.

So is the wine tasting tour. The tour lets you sample anywhere from five to seven different wines from the region; although, you can always try more on your own. Wine growing has been going on so long around here that there’s a wine press that was built back in 1659 you can see.

The kids might prefer a trip to the local Tierpark (game reserve park) with chimps and where they can feed some of the animals.

Schwaigern’s Village Celebration (August) and Bake House Celebration (also in August) are a family affair.

Though it’s gonna be a toss up if the little ones are going to like the Karl Wagen Plast Museum. That’s a tiny museum at the old cemetery with exhibits on the town’s history from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages.

Kids might not like the 18-hole golf course here, either. But, the 9-hole course is open to everyone; just as the municipal swimming pool is, too.

Wait, the Romans like their “baths,” too. Maybe Schwaigern wouldn’t be such a shock to them after all.

Not too many of us throw a dart at a map to find a long vacation destination or even a weekend getaway. We scour the internet, we listen to many of our friends and family’s suggestions looking for the right place to go.

BUT, sometimes there’s one thing that catches our attention and makes us say “we gotta check this place out.” In the case of Raesfeld in the Münsterland it’s going to be the Nature Park Hohe Mark or its Wasserschloss Raesfeld.

Oh, I’m not being entirely fair — there’s more to see and do in Raesfeld than you can imagine.

The Nature Park Hohe Mark is pretty awesome, it’s one of the largest nature parks in all of North Rhine-Westphalia and you’re able to see the gamut of Germany’s landscapes. In the park there are meadows, moorlands, pastures, and forests with many walking trails that will take you to see all of them.

If you’re not the outdoor type that knows the difference between them — think rolling green hills and tall trees and you’ll be fine.

Oh, speaking of trees, Raesfeld has this gnarled and bent tree that’s over a thousand years old. It’s too bad she doesn’t talk — imagine the stories that tree could tell. ;-)

Burg Raesfeld doesn’t talk in the traditional sense, but it has a story to tell, too. The Wasserschloss Raesfeld is now an entire complex with a restaurant in the basement, a handicraft academy, and has an information & visitor center. And, it has a zoo — but don’t go expecting tigers or lions to jump out at you, it’s not a typical zoo.

Even though not used for its original purposes, the 12th century castle still has its St. Sebastian Chapel and its Knights Hall that’s now used for concerts and weddings. This exceptionally large castle is well preserved surviving many World War II aerial bombings because of the Red Cross insignia that was painted on the roof.

Schloss Raesfeld’s museum has a special exhibit on the war years of the town (1939-1945) as well as many other exhibitions.

If you don’t think the nature park or the castle is enough to make you want to come here, then check out the Garden Academy with its gorgeous landscaping, the 19th century Tower Windmill, and its Monthly Market is always great for shopping.

And if you’re more after parties ‘n stuff, there’s the popular Kappesmarkt on the first weekend in November, the Bauernmarkt in June, a Schützenfest, Biergartenfest, Krammarkt, Sommernachtsmarkt, Frühlingskonzert, on and on and on it goes…

You see, if you are going to throw a dart to find a vacation spot — let’s hope it lands on Raesfeld. How good is your aim?