You might not know what to expect when you come to Rüthen; but, know this… it’s a grand old medieval town within some of the best countryside at the edge of the Arnsberger Forest.

Geography aside, Rüthen has many historical sites to see; including the Gothic St. Nikolaus church that was built in the 1300’s. St. Johannes’ Church isn’t nearly as old (it’s 400 years younger), but it’s hard to tell since that one was built in a Neo-Gothic style making it look older than it really is.

The only remaining gate that leads into the old town of Rüthen is the Hachtor (once used as a prison), but the Hexenturm (Witches Tower) still stands. In the Spring there’s a pretty awesome Hexenturm Festival. Take your time walking around town and look for the remnants of the town’s original defense wall that’s called a Stadtmauer.

Even though Rüthen isn’t on the German Framework Route, there are many half timbered buildings through the town. Check out some pretty old ones at Hachtorstraße 20 built in 1609 and another at Niederestraße 6 that’s built in 1684.

Another site within Rüthen that many come to see is the old Jewish Cemetery. It’s considered to be the oldest in all of Westphalia, though the town’s synagogue is now an office and apartment building. But, there is a memorial stone that marks the spot.

It wouldn’t be fair to not see the two monasteries, the Kapuzinerkloster or the Ursulinenkloster. The latter was built here in 1482 and the former you’ll find at the entrance to the local cemetery.

When you want to see something totally out of the ordinary go exploring Rüthen’s cave. Old Stone Age, Iron Age, and Ancient Romans left something of their behind in the cave — so, you’re following in the footsteps of those from long ago. That sounds pretty awesome! :-)

If you’re the camping outdoorsy type, there are plenty of campsites available within the area. If you prefer indoor plumbing, don’t worry… Rüthen’s got you covered with economical (and super clean) accommodations.

Now, don’t worry too much about what you’re going to do during your visit to Rüthen. I’ve got you covered here!

Is there something in the water in Rheinau? Something that makes this place a wee bit different from the rest of Germany? Perhaps; but, isn’t “different” what makes the world go ’round? :-)

As Rheingau in the Upper Rhine Valley is also along the French border (close to Strasbourg) the shopping at the weekly Farmers Market on Fridays can be a real delight. Think of the freshest fruits, vegetables, and the most colorful of flowers. Don’t get too excited at all the other little odds & ends you’ll find — you might drop that bottle of wine you just bought.

Rheingau is proud to be a cultural town with some sort of cultural program going on every time you turn around. If you don’t speak German it MIGHT be a bit hard to understand the literary readings or the comedy acts; but fortunately, music has no language barrier.

For a more typical sightseeing experience in Rheingau, take a visit to the local history museum, historical St. Nikolaus Church, and the town’s Lutheran Church.

For a more atypical sightseeing experience, you’ve got the Jewish Cemetery in Freistett (1 of 9 local hamlets) with a World War I memorial, the Jewish Cemetery in Bischofsheim that has only one grave dating back to 1819 (it’s the smallest cemetery of its kind in the entire federal state).

The town of Rheingau even has something called a Friedwald, a forest cemetery using biodegradable urns that are buried under the trees.

There’s even the Fischtreppe for something different. This hydro-electric power station has a channel for salmon and other fish to bypassing the dam to get up- or down-stream.

Other outdoor activities in Rheingau include miniature golf, an 18-hole golf course, and a “Barefoot Run” course that works all the muscles of your feet and designed to take away stress. I guess it’s hard to hold on to daily stresses when you’re walking barefoot over grass and smooth stones.

I like the fact that Rheingau is a bit different from many other places in the world; and with all the European flights coming into the nearby Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport — others all over the world think so, too.

It’s not right to only think of beer when you have visions of Bavaria in your head. Neither is it right to think only of the Alps; because this region of Germany has so much more to offer than snow capped mountains and foam capped brews.

Oh, who am I kidding…

In the case of Essenbach in Lower Bavaria — you won’t find the Alps, but you’re close enough to get to them if you really wanted to see them.

What the market town of Essenbbach does have is a pretty awesome Archaeological Museum within the old Local History Museum (called Heimatmuseum). Since man has lived here since the Stone Age, it’s only fitting that the museum would house many prehistoric finds.

Better plan your trip to Essenbach right, the museum is only open on the last Sunday of the month from from 2pm-5pm. Small tip: if you call ahead, you can likely get a special admission.

If you find yourself in Essenbach on a Saturday from March through to the end of October, you’re in for a real treat. Essenbach’s weekly market is held from 8am to 11:30am; sorry if you’re not a morning person but the market is SO worth getting out of bed for. You can buy all sorts of meats, cheeses, fresh produce, and even honey at the market.

Can you taste the goodness through the computer? Me either, too bad for us, huh? ;-)

I guess you’re going to have to come and stay a few days. The Hotel Lunginger is a pretty good place that serves real traditional Bavarian dishes, has super clean rooms, and is near many walking paths (some go right past the bright sunflower fields).

The Gasthaus Bergmüller is another great place to stay. Not only does it have its own butcher shop (think really fresh meat dishes) but, it’s got a BEER garden.

Yeah, like you didn’t see that coming? ;-)

Not every little town in Germany is going to be overrun with lots of sightseeing or museums to visit. Sometimes, there’s a handful of things to see and do, as well as having to head off a wee bit to see more. That’s what you can expect in the Hessian town of Eichenzell.

No, don’t get me wrong. Eichenzell is perfectly fine just the way it is. It’s centrally located to see a lot within the frosty Rhön region; that is after you’re done seeing Eichenzell proper.

Eichenzell has a 12th century watch tower known as the Wartturm, a local history museum, and two castles. Eichenzeller Schlösschen is the town’s landmark and the Renaissance castle is now the Town Hall.

Schloss Fasanerie Adolphseck is no shack either. This mid-18th century castle is only open during the summer months to visitors (not on Mondays, however) which is when you can see the castle’s porcelain collection.

There’s more to do in terms of outdoor activities in Eichenzell; with fishing, swimming, barbecue pits, camping, and really cool guided tree tour. Oh yeah, you can even get a covered wagon ride, let the kids run around the playground, or ski during the winter.

If you venture out into the Rhön region, there are the nearby ruins of Castle Ebersburg, the Monastery Kreuzberg, the Baroque City of Fulda (so many flock over there), and walking paths though the Moorlands.

All this sightseeing makes you hungry, so try some traditional Hessian dishes. Smoked pork ribs, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) served with apple sauce, and Blechkuchen (cake with fruit or crumb topping) make for some mighty good eats.

All that eating can make you tired. Good thing there are a few hotels in Eichenzell. Hotel Schwarzes Ross and Landgasthof Kramer are two local guesthouses that will make you feel at home.

Don’t worry about which one to choose, it’s easy. If you want a quaint outdoor beer garden stay at Guesthouse Kramer. Schwarzes Ross has an affordable rustic restaurant and accommodations include breakfast.

Wow, food, fun, historical sites, and a beer garden. Yeah, I’d say that Eichenzell is perfect just the way it is. :-9

In our life today of high tech gadgets, cable television with ’round the clock news, and a standard of living that was only dreamed about only a century ago; it’s hard to picture life in a medieval monastery. Or, even the Middle Ages as a whole.

Well, back in those turbulent and bloody times, life in Ebersberg centered around its 10th century monastery; where monks were tucked away from the rest of the world making beer (don’t be shocked — this is Bavaria), growing produce, and renouncing all worldly goods.

They might not have renounced too much, Ebersberg’s Town Hall on Marienplatz is housed in the monastery’s tavern.

No, I’m not making light the economic power and status of a medieval monk; religious life was hard work and serious business. The time period gave us some of the most beautiful churches; like the pilgrimage Wallfahrtskirche St. Sebastian. The oldest section of the church is the west part, built around 1230 and its choir built sometime in the 15th century.

After the medieval period ended, religious life was still an important aspect in Ebersberg. It’s now home to a Cross Museum with many crosses made from the 17th to 19th centuries. And, the Klosterbauhof (a former farm building of the monastery) is now the center of the town’s modern cultural life.

There are also many other religious sites within town, for which Ebersberg is quite proud; including the Kapelle Halbing, a tiny chapel with sundial and surrounded by flowers. The grotto of the Marienkapelle is shaded by tall trees and also decorated with flowers.

Ebersberg isn’t all religious sites, before you ask. No, the town sits in the Ebersberger Forest with the Aussichsturm (an observation tower) rising high above the forest floor for sweeping eagle-eye views of the landscape. Swimming in the Egglburger See, a recreational lake, is always a good idea.

Oh, I can’t forget about the Museum Wald und Umwelt, a museum with information about what you’ll find within the forest area.

I can’t guarantee that you’ll fully understand the life of the monks that once used to call Ebersberg home, but a visit here sure will help. Not to mention, you can reward yourself with a good beer and some delicious food after you’ve finished your history lesson!

On the old Salt Road in the Thuringian Forest is a tiny toy making town known as Waltershausen. Correction, it WAS a toy making town until around 1990. Now, it’s a small town of barely eleven thousand residents with a few points of interest to keep you occupied.

This didn’t stop folks from proudly including it on the German Toy Road though. ;-)

One of these points of interest (for citizen & visitors alike as it’s also got an interesting museum) is the Salzmannschule (Salzmann School). Established in 1784, this unique gymnasium specializes in teaching languages (English, Latin, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Latin, French, Spanish, Russian — all by native speakers). Wow, that’s a whole lotta stuff!

Most of Waltershausen’s sightseeing can be done in one location: Schloss Tennenberg. The castle itself is a piece of Waltershausen’s history built in 1150 A.D. Cross the stone bridge to enter where you’ll find exhibitions on the town’s urban history, toy making history, and Thuringian folklore.

Schloss Tennenberg also hosts meetings, concerts, and literary readings. It’s history and culture all neatly packaged into one place.

Another piece of the town’s history is the Stadtkirche. This couple-hundred year old church with tower does look a bit out of place on a busy modern street. If you like the Stadtkirche, you’ll like the church in the village of Wahlwinkel with its onion dome.

Stadtkirche isn’t as old as Walterhausen’s historic Rathaus (Town Hall), a timber framed structure built in 1441. Only the Klaustor gate is older which made its appearance in 1390.

Other sightseeing around Waltershausen is best done on the many walking trails through the Thuringian countryside. They don’t just aimlessly meander on; there are nine different trails with various distances that lead off to specific sites. Most of them stop at Schloss Tennenberg, so you can always head off in a different direction if you’re inclined.

Don’t go off into the forest when Waltershausen celebrates its City Celebration around Ascension Day, which is about forty days after Easter. Use the festival as a chance to try some regional Thuringian dishes; like Rinderrouladen (rolled meat with various fillings), or Zwiebelkuchen, which is an onion cake.

You’ll have a good time in the center of Germany sampling the best food, trampling along the forest, and learning all sorts of new things at the castle museum.

I couldn’t ask for a better time, you?

You might never have heard about the town of Wietmarschen, but it’s a place with international appeal.

It’s easily reached on the local 161 and 165 bus line from Lingen and Nordhorn; but it’s just as easy to get here by rail from other German cities (yes, I consider Germany’s rail network the best worldwide that gets you to the most remote village).

Wietmarschen has a Spanish named (Playa de Lohne) leisure swimming lake, also simply known as Freizeitsee, with a sandy beach; but, also a beach volleyball court, a playground, and a beverage kiosk. Pack a lunch, some snacks; and you’ve got it made.

It’s not all sunny beaches in Wietmarschen, there’s history down these town lanes and roads. The town can also boast a pilgrimage church (called the Wallfahrtskirche) from the 13th century where after several centuries thousands still come to pray at the gold statue of Mary.

Stift Wietmarschen is another church that’s listed as a site to see around town. This church is older than any other in town; and its landscape surrounding the 11th century abbey is all bright green grass dotted with red and yellow flowers. The old abbey has a cafe if you wish to sit and enjoy the scenery.

One thing about Lower Saxony is that it’s the perfect place to ride a bicycle (don’t be shy, you truly never forget). Take a leisurely ride past the 15th century Glockenturm Südlohne (a bell tower) and the 200 year old Mühlenturm that also has a cafe if you want to rest a spell.

You might want to walk around town during any of Wietmarschen’s festivals. There’s a special pilgrimage to the Wallfahrtskirche on Christ Ascension Day (40 days after Easter), the Urbreckerfest (that’s held every other year), the church festival called Kermes, and an annual shooting festival.

Note: you can’t bring the bikes inside the town’s two local history museums or, the tractor museum.

While Wietmarschen could be considered an international city, you can’t fly out from its airfields — they’re for model or sports planes only.

I never said you could have everything in Wietmarschen, but you can come pretty close. ;-)

Up in the real far north of Germany by the Baltic Sea is a tiny town known as Grimmen.

It’s not a town that lies on any of the numerous popular touristy roads or routes that go through Germany. No, it’s on the lesser known Deutsche Alleenstraße or German Avenues Route.

Oh, I know what you’re thinking — not another tourist route that leads off to points unknown. No, it’s just a quiet little traveled road with tall trees that feel like you’re driving under a lush green canopy.

If you decide to park the car and use the power of your own two feet, you’ll have plenty to see in Grimmen. When you enter the old part of town through the medieval gates you’ll feel you’ve entered an entirely different world. The two Straslunder Tor and Mühlentor gates were both built in 1320; while the Greifswalder Tor came along thirty years later.

Just a note, Grimmen’s local history museum (Heimatmuseum) is housed in the Mill Gate.

The gates are older than the town’s Town Hall (1400) and built in the Gothic style that was the norm of the day. And St. Mary’s Church was also built in the 15th century.

Though not from the Middle Ages, Grimmen has quite a few framework houses; a few of which can be found at Norderhinterstr. 11 and Cathedral Route 7.

Don’t let Grimmen’s Wasserturm (Water Tower) fool you into thinking that’s an oldie — it’s a 20th century creation.

Other more modern sites in town include a bronze statue to Otto von Bismarck, a Soviet Honor Cemetery, and a memorial to Anna Kroger who was the last “witch” to be executed in 1697.

Kids might prefer a visit to Grimmen’s zoo that’s home to some fifty species of animals including everything from emus, to pigeons, to alpacas.

They also might like a day to swim at the local swimming lake. Swimming season is short, so you best get here from around mid-May to mid-September to enjoy the water and laying around the sandy shore.

For real, the whole family will love a day at the beach — save the ride on the German Avenue Road for a less sunny day.

Grafschaft sits within a huge wine growing region of the Rhineland-Palatinate; also a famous for a seminary for priests. The region of Graftschaft is also within some heavily forested areas with many little brooks that make for scenery while walking or cycling.

Each of Grafschaft’s eleven villages offers something for everyone and if you know what’s there — you’ll make a better decision as to what you want to see.

In the village of Bengen you’ll find many timber framed houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. There are also quite a few in the hamlet of Karweiler and a beautiful cross from the 19th century.

You’ll find a late 19th century church to visit in Echendorf, as well as an ancient grave that dates back a little short of 2000 years. Sts. Peter & Vinzenz church is another gorgeous church to see — you’ll find that one in Nierendorf.

But, it’s in Lantershofen and Gelsdorf where you’ll find most of Grafschaft’s parties. Visit Gelsdorf on the last weekend in October for a super fun wine festival (that’s where a lot of the grapes are grown).

Lantershofen sits on the volcanic Eifel (still active!) and has many wine growing estates. Come the weekends starting at the end of September through October, there are many wine festivals and firework celebrations. Take a stroll along the Red Wine Walking Way that leads through some pretty amazing countryside.

Amidst all the revelry in Lantershofen, there’s a quiet seminary that’s been ordaining the devout for years. It appears that Lantershofen in Grafschaft runs the spectrum from one extreme to the other.

If you like music then Holzweiler is just right for you. Over at the Mansion Musica (rightfully named!) there are plenty of classical and chamber music concerts.

With so many villages that make up the town of Grafschaft, you never know what you’ll find. But, don’t worry too much about that volcano — it’ll only add to the unforgettable adventure. ;-)

It’s hard to say exactly what my favorite view of Gemünden am Main really is. There’s something romantic about its cobblestone street and framework buildings all aglow with its decorative street lights and shops.

Then there’s something about the town from along the River Main when the fog rolls over the town and the mountainous background juts out high above the church towers and castle ruins.

Views aside, Gemünden is pretty awesome with lots of markets throughout the year for fabulous shopping. There’s the Spring Market in April, the May Market in May (yup!), the Autumn Market in October, the LUG Market in November, and the 2-day Christmas Market in early December.

For fun festivals there’s the Scherenburgfestspiel in July and August at the castle ruin’s inner courtyard. You don’t have to wait for the festival to see the ruins of Schloss Scherenburg, though.

But, it’s the Heimatfest (held in June or July) that’s a real winner. It’s a summertime version of Oktoberfest with rides and games for the kids and beer tents for the grown-ups.

If anything — Lower Franconia sure knows how to throw a party and not one would be complete without a beer tent or beer garden.

Because Gemünden is in the north of Franconia don’t go expecting views of the Alps (they’re in southern Bavaria); but, this Franconian countryside is still great nonetheless.

Maybe this is why people from all over come to go camping, walk the footpaths, bike the trails, and swim the waters? Doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me.

After working up the most hearty of appetites, Gemünden has a variety of restaurants to suit the most finicky of gourmands and any pocketbook. You can grab a slice of pizza at a pizzeria, a healthy salad at a local bistro, or some Franconian specialties at one of the local restaurants with real rustic ambiance.

Meet me at a local beer garden and tell me what your favorite view of Gemünden is. ;-)