Schalksmühle is a rich town. Rich in culture, rich in natural history, and rich in residents. Not meaning rich as in heavily populated, but rich as in lots of millionaires call this charming Westphalian place home. Who wouldn’t like to wake up every morning looking at the hilly forest scenery of the Sauerland?

Besides the rich and famous (OK, maybe not famous), Schalksmühle has a few things around town to keep you more than occupied. The kids will no doubt love the Tierpark Mesekendahl, a game park with pigs, deer, and all sorts of other creatures. In keeping with the animal theme, there’s a hunting museum if you’re interested in that sort of thing.

One place not to miss while visiting Schalksmühle is the Farmhouse Wippekühl. It’s an grand example of a 1600’s framework construction farmhouse, for which there aren’t many left of its kind.

You’ll find architecture from different time periods represented, too. There’s a lovely Art Nouveau style mansion on located on Bergstraße 25 from the turn of the 20th century, the New Gothic style Erlöserkirche from the 19th century, and the simple white 18th century Protestant Church in Heedfeld (these are only two of Schalksmühle’s local churches, for which there are 15 local villages in all).

With all the building sightseeing out of the way, you’re now “free to move about the Sauerland.” This densely forested area has many hiking and walking trails, lakes that are great for swimming, and caves to go exploring.

The Sauerland often finds visitors coming from the neighboring Netherlands because they don’t have any mountains over there, but you’ll find them here if you like that kind of terrain. The mountainous countryside is just perfect if you’re really into winter sports, including bobsledding, skiing, or anything else that you can do on the the “white stuff.”

If you’re coming to Schalksmühle looking for a rich spouse, that could very well happen. But, even if you don’t find one; you’ll come away from here all the richer anyway. ;-)

Schöneck in Hesse is a difficult town to try and explain. Oh, it’s beautiful; so that’s not the issue. It has some really fun festivals throughout the summer months; but that’s not it either.

Maybe it’s trying to condense the thousand year histories of the town’s three villages; which are Büdesheim, Kilianstädten, and Oberdorfelden — located about a half hour northeast of Frankfurt. You’ll find quite a few framework buildings throughout the three hamlets, they’re great if you like that sort of thing.

If you like the arts, Schöneck does host a variety of theater, cabaret, and children’s theater events.

There’s even a castle, known as the Altes Schloss, in Büdesheim. Oh, you didn’t seriously think there wouldn’t be one? The Altes Schloss is the site of a huge (and I mean BIG) summer pageant celebration with its own market (great for souvenir shopping) and filled with lots of singing, dancing, eating, and just about anything in between.

That’s not Schöneck’s only festival. There is the Büdesheim Lantern Celebration on the first weekend in August, the Kilianstädten Village Celebration on the last weekend in June, the Oberdorfelden Celebration, and some big oven bake off celebration. That might be a good one to visit if you like to eat!

Thankfully, there are many restaurants in town including pubs, taverns, beer gardens, pizzerias, and everything in-between.

There is only one hotel, however. Hotel Lauer (located on Frankfurt Road 93) is an affordable, clean, and tidy inn that offers a hearty German buffet breakfast daily.

You’ll need the fuel to give you enough energy to bicycle ride on the many Hessian trails, or even if you just decide to walk on the hiking paths.

If it’s summer, take a dip in the outdoor pool (open mid-May to mid-September) and if it’s colder outside; swim in the indoor pool (open mid-September to mid-May).

Turns out that maybe explaining Schöneck wasn’t so difficult after all!

There are many historical places in Germany and then there are places that are historic (yes, there’s a difference). The Swabian town of Steinheim is downright historic.

It’s not famous for any epic war battle, nor does it have a medieval castle with any ghostly legend. That’s not what Steinheim is famous for; it’s known for Homo Steinheimensis; the skull of a 25-year old woman found in 1933 that was buried right here for more than 250,000 years.

These are the third oldest remains ever found and pre-dates Neanderthal Man. Steinheim has a memorial where she was discovered, but her head now resides in the National Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart.

In terms of history, it makes the 1st century A.D. Roman ruin excavations seem downright young!

Jumping ahead a few centuries, Steinheim has lots of half timbered buildings in the center of town, including its large Rathaus that’s been the center of village life since 1686. It’s hard not to love a town square that’s framed by lots of historical timber framed buildings with cobblestone streets. The old market well next to the City Hall is a good photo-op.

Not too far off the square is the town’s Old Protestant Church; which sits right over by Steinheim’s Urban History Museum. The little ones might prefer to visit Steinheim’s old steam locomotive instead. Can ya blame them, just about every kid loves trains!

For a bit of the modern, Steinheim has a huge water complex known as the Wellarium. It’s got a few different pools, a twisting water slide, miniature golf, and beach volleyball. The fact that the pool is filled with mineral water is an extra added plus.

There’s a nice grassy knoll for anyone looking to enjoy a family picnic and outdoor cafe tables in case sitting on grass isn’t your idea of a jolly good time.

Now that I think about it, Steinheim an der Murr might be downright historic; but, it’s great for a downright good time, too. :-)

On the Bay of Lübeck is one of the top ten places to visit in all of Schleswig-Holstein, Scharbeutz. It’s a therapeutic bath town with Baltic Sea hot springs.

Also, this area of Germany shares a bit of culture with its Scandinavian neighbors, including a delicious dish known as Rote Grütze, a fruit pudding made with strawberries, red currants, blackberries, and sugar served with custard. It’s a perfect summertime snack.

But, you’ve got more to do than just eat in Scharbeutz. Oh, OK, there’s not too much else to do but sit along the gorgeous beachside and watch the world go by.

Just in case you do decide to do something other than sit around lounging, Scharbeutz does have an outdoor pool with an artificial wave maker. There’s also a long sea bridge that will take you out over the Baltic. If you’re looking to do some water skiing, the Sea Bridge is just where you’ll go do it.

For a different view of Scharbeutz, a climb up the Soda Tower will do the trick. For more land-lubbing sightseeing and activities, there is the Scharbeutz Local History Museum, an old Wassermühle, both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and miniature golf.

Scharbeutz also has two Cure Parks; as if a therapeutic bath town would be without them? They’re also a nice quiet place to sit for quiet reflection, a picnic, or just letting the kids run around to tire them out.

One of the best things about Scharbeutz (and about the entire state) is the annual Schleswig-Holstein Music Fesitval. Every summer the whole state sets up classical music concerts in venues ranging from castles to manor houses, to village church and barns.

Summer’s probably the best time to come this far north, the weather’s perfect (read: not too hot), the Music Festival’s in full swing, and all the berries are ripe for local goodies. Though, anytime is great to sit in Scharbeutz’s hot springs.

Enjoy! :-)

Bad Doberan and its area of Heiligendamm is the oldest seaside resort town in all of Germany. The Baltic Sea borders this romantic town to the north and the seaside air will have you calm, cool, and collected in no time.

The Baltic area of Bad Doberan can be explored a few different ways. One is the cycling Baltic Sea Course which winds its way along the coast.

The other is on the Molli. Molli? Yea, Molli is a 19th century steam engine train which acts like a tourist attraction and shuttle along flowery fields and crystal blue water. You can bring your bicycle onboard, in case you want to ride one in either direction.

Also, with a moniker of “Bad” in its name, Bad Doberan is made for an unforgettable spa experience. At Bad Doberan you can get a massage, sit in the sauna, or soak in a saltwater bath; which sounds like a mighty fine idea to me. Why come to a town famous for its spas and NOT enjoy some services? Isn’t that like leaving a buffet without eating?

You won’t find a seaview at Der Kamp, but you will find an English Style Park with tall Oaks and majestic Elms. There is no better place to help maintain your inner peace.

There are a few more attractions around Bad Doberan that shouldn’t be missed. Like, the Monastery Doberan which opened here in the late 12th century, the chapel in Althof (a 15th century masterpiece), and Der Große Palais (a very early 19th century palace). There’s even a World War I memorial.

Bad Doberan isn’t all water, trains, and old buildings; it can party like a rock star. No, literally, the town hosts the annual Frank Zappa Music Festival. Oh, all right, it’s not all rock-n-roll, Zappa ran the gamut of music from jazz to classical music… ;-)

A bit interesting about the music thing, since you could make the same similarities about Bad Doberan itself; saying it runs the gamut from a romantic (and historic) seaside town to a fun loving rock-n-roll party place. A match made in heaven!

Bad Iburg is a town with history. OK, that’s putting it mildly because just about every time you turn around you’re bumping into some half timbered old building.

That might be how the town’s most famous resident remembers it. Bad Iburg is the birthplace of Sophia Charlotte, the first queen of Prussia. You might not have heard about her, but you’re sure to have heard about her brother England’s King George I who became king in 1714.

Sophia Charlotte was born in Schloss Iburg, one of the most historical and important buildings in town. The castle complex was also Benedictine monastery and was once conquered by none other than Charlemagne.

If you could only see one thing in Bad Iburg, the castle should be it.

Its Rittersaal, or Knights’ Hall, is a work of art onto itself. And the Bennoturm is now a testament to medieval architecture. I’m sure the many who used to be imprisoned here centuries ago would wholeheartedly disagree.

Other historical sites throughout town include the Schlossmühle (castle mill) and Schlosskirche (castle church), St. Jakobus der Ältere Church, and St. Clemens Church.

Don’t miss a chance to see Burg Scheventorf, an old water castle built in 1552 on top of its 14th century predecessor. Too bad you only see the outside (it’s private property). Neither should you miss the Jagdschlösschen, a hunting lodge built in 1595 by some German prince looking for a country getaway.

More of Bad Iburg’s history is best learned at the Local History Museum.

And if you want a good place to check to see if your watch shows the right time, check out the Uhrenmuseum, or Clock Museum.

In addition to the many old buildings and castles around this town, you’ll find lots of little sculptures just about every time you turn around, too. Just not so much in the northern part of town, that’s the heavily forested area of the Teutoburg Forest.

Make sure you’ve got a good pair of walking shoes when coming to this part of town. You might not be able to resist just walking on the many paths through the forest.

Remember to come back to the center of town for the annual Folk Festival and rush back over to Schloss Iburg for the Christmas Market.

Bad Iburg sounds like a mighty good time in Lower Saxony and I won’t tell if you’re pretending you’re royalty. ;-)

Life in the Middle Ages and subsequent years wasn’t as romantic as we make it today. There were no antibiotics, no filtered water, no health insurance.

But, despite the hardships of life back then and even up until a century ago — they sure did know how to create things that lasted. Which is why you’ll find them still standing, right here in the Westphalian town of Billerbeck.

Kolvenburg is a good example of this. Built in the 13th century, this old water castle is well known for its Krüppelwalmdach — its trapezoid shaped roof. No aristocratic blood needed to visit, it’s now a local culture center.

Right over by Billerbeck’s St. Johannis Church along the Church Square are many simple framework houses. Some date back to the early 16th century and one of the oldest was built around 1492.

Another beauty is the Archidiakonat, an early 16th century “L” shaped building — also on the church square.

Centuries later the Abbey Gerleve made Billerbeck home. The poor monks were thrown out of their homes during the 2nd World War when the complex was used as a training center. In 1946 the monks were allowed to move back in.

The towers of the monastic church are simply beautiful.

But, it’s the spires of the Ludgerus Cathedral that will steal the limelight. So much, in fact, that the church is the town landmark. The pilgrimage church you see before you isn’t too old, built only around the 1890’s, but builders just put the new one on top of an even older one.

Now, before you go running off thinking that Billerbeck is nothing but old musty buildings, think again. You’ll find more than 800 km of cycling trails that lead off throughout the Westphalian region.

Of course, you’ll find just ordinary walking paths — but, Billerbeck is far from ordinary. Dive into the town’s municipal pool for a splashing good time. There’s also an outdoor theater for plays and other performances; and art galleries for some cultural action.

All in all, you’ll find that Billerbeck is a town that was built to last. Those guys from past centuries might have had it rough, but they sure knew how to build a German town!

It still gives me a little chuckle everytime I hear (that is, with my English ear) the word “Bad” in a German town’s name, knowing that nothing could be further from the truth. And, Bad Sassendorf is one of them.

This health resort town near the Sauerland does have a bit more than just your average spa town experience, with many Nordic Walking trails and your normal hike and cycle types, too.

Usually the best way to learn about a town is over at its local history museum, but in Bad Sassendorf you’re better off at the Tourism & Tourist Agency.

They’re the best in detailing the most scenic cycle and walking tracks (including the Jacob’s Way for pious pilgrims), point out many of the towns framework buildings; and offer hotel advice for any weary traveler. The tourist agency will no doubt direct you to at least to visit the Protestant church of Saints Simon & Judas Thaddäus, a source of pride around town.

What Bad Sassendorf is also proud of is its health spa. Oh, expect to be spoiled around this joint! Enjoy a saltwater spa experience, sit in a quiet sea salt grotto or sauna, or get a massage. The best is the spa’s “Midnight Swim” from 9:30pm until 12:30am when they dim the lights and adults can indulge with a cocktail.

In the light of day, look around for all the sculpture artwork throughout town; two of the most famous are the “Donkey with Salt” and the Whispering Women statues.

Between looking out for the town’s sculptures, try shopping in any number of little local shops. You’re bound to find some souvenir to bring home for yourselves. Make your friends and family really jealous by showing them lots of pictures of this Westphalian town!

And after you’ve had a fantastic visit to Bad Sassendorf, you’ll find yourself chuckling everytime you hear the word “Bad” in a name, too. :-)

Bad Lauterberg in the rustic Harz Mountains is a health resort town, but it just seem secondary to everything else going on around here.

Over the last four centuries Bad Lauterberg in the south of Lower Saxony has transformed itself from a town where only three houses survived the Thirty Years’ War to where culture and sports are the main focus.

On the cultural side of the town, you’ve got a mining museum, a local history museum, and a toy museum that highlights the kiddies playthings for the last 150 years.

There is also the St. Andreas Church that was built in 1736, that not only still holds religious services, but musical concerts, too. Then there’s the early 20th century Bismarck Tower in the neighboring forest with a restaurant right next door.

If you want to see some ruins, go over to what was once Burg Lutterberg; built in 1183 and destroyed in 1415.

If you’re not afraid of heights, get on the Aerial Ropeway that goes straight up the Hausberg. Don’t worry, it’s not a rickety rope bridge, but more like a ski lift. Stop for a lunch at the restaurant on top the mountain or just take in the incredible views from the terrace.

More cultural activities in Bad Lauterberg include a Wine Festival, an Osterfeuer (Easter bonfire), a Folk Festival, a Music Festival, and both a Spring & Autumn Fest, too.

Which leaves us the sports side of Bad Lauterberg. There are more Nordic Walking, hiking, and cycling trails through the countryside than you can shake a stick at; as well as tennis and mountain biking.

Then there’s skiing come in the winter. Which isn’t the season to ride the paddleboats on Wiesenbeker Pond. Nor, is winter the season to swim, sail, fish, or camp at the scenic Odentalsperre.

Of course being a health resort town, there are a few spas for massages, facials, and other health promoting activities; but, with all of Bad Lauterberg’s sports and clean fresh air that might just do the trick, too.

At an western edge of Brandenburg is the town of Belzig. Oh, wait… Just recently they earned the right to bear the word “Bad” in their name, so the whole world can see that it’s an official health resort town.

But, no matter what you call it, you’re bound to fall in love with it.

Bad Belzig might be made up of 14 local hamlets, but it does have a historic town center with a 17th century City Hall and framed by many framework buildings.

Over at the late 13th century St. Mary’s Chapel you’ll find a plaque on the spot where Martin Luther himself preached on January 14, 1530. Nearby in the middle of town, there’s an 18th century Saxon mile marker.

One of the biggest attractions in Bad Belzig is the Burg Eisenhardt. The castle and its “donjon” (or, tower) is now a local history museum, a library, and a hotel. That’s a far cry from the days when it was only a 10th century Slavic Fort.

But, it is where the annual Castle Week Festival is held on the last week in August.

Other sites around town include an old historic watermill, a stone village church in the hamlet of Bergholzer, and memorial stones dedicated to the forced laborers of the 2nd World War.

History is not the only thing that makes Bad Belzig popular. It doesn’t have “Bad” in it’s name for nothing.

SteinTherme is where anyone and everyone goes for a saltwater soak,a sauna, or massage. Bad Belzig can also boast its own Hot Springs.

When bored with lounging around the spa (like that could ever happen), there’s always the outdoor swimming pool, an ice skating rink (season permitting), and there are cinema and other events held at the Hofgarten.

Walking, hiking, and bicycling are always a good idea at the Hoher Fläming Nature Park. It’s where you’ll find lakes, creeks, and forests to be “one” with nature.

Yeah, whether you call it Bad Belzig or just plain Belzig; it’s quite easy to fall in love with.