Sixty-five years ago, the town of Bad Fallingbostel might have been a tad bit different from what you’ll find today. The old church of St. Dionysis would still be there, as would the monument to Heinrich von Quintus Icilius; a 19th century politician who helped create one of the first savings banks in Hanover.

The moorlands of the Lüneburg Heath would also. Well, that’s a natural part of history and it’s been around for thousands of years, so I don’t think that’s going anywhere. It’s also one of the most beautiful places to hike, walk, or cycle around Lower Saxony. Take a boat ride around, too, the countryside is just lovely!

And the old Low German farmhouse known as Hof der Heidmark and many of the town’s timber framed houses would still be there, too. Although, the amusement park and the African Safari Park would be much later additions.

However, a little more than half a century ago Bad Fallingbostel was the site of a World War II POW camp; Stalag XIB, XID, and 357 (Stalag XIC was the Bergen Belsen camp only about a half hour away). More than 30,000 Soviet prisoners were buried here before the camp was “liberated” in 1945. After the war, the camp was used as an internment camp for National Socialists; it’s now all part of the Fallingbostel Military Museum.

World War II history has found its way in town in another way, it’s the final resting place of Field Marshal Erich von Manstein, a high ranking general who served four years in prison for war crimes before going off to become a military advisor for the British.

Interestingly enough, the 19th century writer (journalist, conservationist, historian) Hermann Löns is also buried here. He died long before the start of the 2nd World War, but his “nationalistic” writings caught the attention of the Nazis and Adolf Hitler ordered his body exhumed and reburied here.

That’s a far cry from the town of Bad Fallingbostel you see before you today. The town’s an air health resort with a Kneipp spa experience designed for relaxation and better health.

If the baths aren’t healthy enough for you, try buying some of the locally grown fruits & veggies available at the weekly market that’s open Thursdays from 7am-1pm (perfect if you’re an early bird).

Early Bird or not, whether you choose to come to Bad Fallingbostel for its natural or military history; you’ll enjoy it just the same.

Bestwig lies in what is known as the Sauerland. No, not Sauerkraut. ;-)

Its eight local districts are lucky enough to fall in some pretty (awesome, beautiful, stunning) countryside, but that’s not what makes Bestwig well, the best.

It’s not its old Mountain Monastery that was started by a bunch of nuns a few centuries back. It’s not the old historic synagogue in the neighborhood of Meschede, either.

Nor is it its Haus Ostwig; a charming manor house built in the year 1200 (one thing you’re sure to notice is the manor has a huge number of windows).

Sure, there are plenty of bicycle paths (consider renting one, it’s only about 8 Euro for the day) through the Sauerland countryside. And every Thursday at 2pm there are covered wagon tours (great for the kids). But, no, that’s still not what makes Bestwig the best.

A visit to the Erzbergwerk Ramsbeck is a good idea. This old mining museum will take you on its pit course down about two kilometers straight into the mountain. Yet, that isn’t the best part, either.

All right, you’ve waited long enough. The best part of Bestwig is the Fort Fun Abenteuerland. The what? Oh, this recreational park is pretty gosh-darn amazing. It’s got camping facilities, roller coasters, an alpine slide, a log flume, kite flying, and paddle boats. That isn’t even the half of it, either! Besides its own waterfall, there are firework displays, daily shows, and theme (like fairytale) nights.

The Fort Fun Abenteuerland doesn’t let winter stop it from opening; that’s when you can come and ski your heart out. What? Almost a half a million visitors annually, can’t be wrong! Right? :-)

Add all of Bestwig’s history, natural beauty, and its super fun amusement park and the town really lives up to the BEST part of its name!

It’ll take but a minute to realize why Besigheim is on the touristic German Framework Route (Deutsche Fachwerkstraße) — must be all the fairytale timber framed buildings.

Although the old part of town with its Marktplatz (Market Square) is outlined by the historical buildings on cobblestone streets; it’s also known for its wine and outdoorsy activities.

When you’re walking along the pedestrian Kirchstraße, you’ll get the feeling that Besigheim truly is one of the best examples of a medieval town. On the street you’ll find many half timbered shops lovingly decorated with flower boxes, including the town’s pharmacy housed in a building that was built back in 1628.

The Dreigiebelhaus is one of the oldest timber framed houses in Besigheim — in all of Baden-Württemberg, actually — built around the turn of the 15th/16th centuries.

If you think that’s old, wait until you see Besigheim’s City Hall, built in 1459. That’s where you’ll find some old Roman relief plates with a cult motif (those rascally Romans!).

Even older is Besigheim’s castle including the Powder and Forest Horn Towers, built back around 1220. I’d say being almost 800 years old is pretty old.

Besigheim isn’t all old medieval history, though, wine is also important to the area. So, it’s only fitting to sit and enjoy a glass of Riesling. At any one of the town’s festivals and markets held throughout the year, the wine just seems to flow in abundance. Oh, the food isn’t bad either. ;-)

When you’ve had enough of the historical side of Besigheim, enjoy the outdoorsy side of it. There’s camping, miniature golf, and an mineral outdoor swimming pool.

While you’re out there getting to know the place, you’ll find lots of sculptures placed around town. Keep your eyes peeled for a little red man climbing up one building wall.

It’s nice to see a town this old have a sense of humor.

If you’ve never heard of Blaubeuren before, you’re in for an amazing treat. If you have heard of it, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t visited it sooner.

Blaubeuren isn’t a place with discos, or slick amusement parks. No, it’s a place for cave explorations and walking in the footsteps of Neanderthal and Middle Age man.

That same Neanderthal man called the caves of Blaubeuren home and many ancient artifacts were found in the cave known as the Large Grotto. Actually, a lot of artifacts were found in all the surrounding caves, enough to fill an entire museum.

Look for the exhibit on a flute made out of swan bones, it’s one of the oldest musical instruments ever found ANYWHERE.

Just as the caves make for a fantastic outing, so does just wandering around the Swabian countryside which just further enhances the town’s natural beauty. It’s not rocket science to see why some 13th century baron built the Burg Günzelburg high on a rock plateau — it’s probably pretty simple to fall in love with the view.

If you’ve got an itch to see another castle, then look no further than the ruins of Castle Rugge. All that remains of the 11th century Burg are some of its original walls. Though, the panoramic views from both the ruins will have even the most seasoned traveler at a loss for words.

Blaubeuren Abbey (opened back in 1085) will have you at loss for words, too. Maybe that’s why the grounds of the monastery are calm and peaceful despite now being a boarding school. The monk’s bathhouse is a museum of sorts and gives a look into the life of a medieval monk.

Jumping ahead a few more centuries, Blaubeuren has a World War I memorial in the form of a huge stone cross (known as Ruckenkreuz) that was built here in 1926.

Other than that, Blaubeuren is your typical town in the Swabian Alb on the Upper Swabian Baroque Route and the German Framework Road.

Actually, that’s not typical at all and is exactly what makes Blaubeuren heads above the rest.

Germany’s a country of spectra; a place where you’ll find two extremes with everything in-between. For example, there were the aristocracy and there were peasants, old that sits right alongside the modern, a place plundered by war and rebuilt itself in finer fashion.

So, it’s not shocking that’s exactly what you’ll find in the Upper Franconian town of Hirschaid.

This northern Bavarian town has been inhabited since the Stone Age and there’s been found evidence of Celtic culture. Visitors to the Museum Alte Schule, which acts like a local history museum, are able to see some of the prehistoric and later day finds. The museum does double duty as a cultural meeting place, too.

Museum Tropfhaus (that’s only open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday 1pm-5pm from April to October) is a tiny outdoor museum that looks at simple rural life in Germany of the 1800’s.

From the rural to the more upscale (see, spectra) is the Schloss Sassanfahrt; a grand manor house built in the 1780’s. It has beautiful gardens and the castle is open to the public for meetings and other events.

Then there’s the modern. Frankenlagune is a large indoor/outdoor pool complex with a children’s pool, whirlpool, waterslide, sauna, fitness center, and massage facilities. It’s got everything under the sun to keep the whole family busy.

A good example of a blend of present day and of years past are the two local breweries in Hirschaid. Beer’s made in more modern facilities, yet, the stuff’s still made the good old fashioned way (thank you, German Purity Laws). Try pairing one of those brews with a good Bavarian bratwurst; they go so well together. :-)

Even if you only get to visit Hirschaid for a short time you’ll see that it’s a fine town with friendly people, good food and good beer. And it doesn’t get any better than that!

Sometimes it’s hard for a small town living in the shadow of a big city; kinda of like a young child outshined by a more popular big sibling. That seems to be the deal for Heddesheim, a little town only a few minutes east of Mannheim.

That’s not to say that Heddesheim is some shanty town; far from it. The Romans appreciated the place; but then again they should have, they’re the ones who first settled here. Although, they might find the place a bit different from the way they left it and the area was once the largest tobacco growing region in Germany.

Mostly everyone who comes to Heddesheim heads over to the local swimming lake — the Heddesheimer See — for some recreational fun. The coolest part (other than just the fresh air and sandy beach) is the lake is heated. Way to go, German engineering!

Heddesheim does have an indoor swimming pool (in case it’s raining or cold) and an 18 hole golf course (in case you like the links). If you prefer cooler weather and activities, Heddesheim also has an outdoor ice skating rink.

For a more traditional sightseeing experience, Heddesheim doesn’t have much, but what little it does have is quite lovely. There’s an Old Town Hall and the town’s Protestant Church.

That’s pretty much it on that tour around town and if you’re looking for museums you need to hop over to nearby worker city Mannheim, scientific Heidelberg, or hilly Weinheim.

Then again, being close to the Odenwald you might find yourself taking a long leisurely walk, hike, or bicycle ride instead. If you’re tuckered out after that, spend the night at the Hotel Gramlich. Hotel is a term used loosely, it’s more like a bed & breakfast — but, it’s clean, tidy, offers breakfast, and a quaint little garden to sit and relax.

Turns out, Heddesheim doesn’t worry one bit about living in its big sister’s shadow; it likes itself just the way it is. And I agree! :-)

Hammelburg is not a cut & dry kind of town. Oh no, this is a town that was once home to the infamous Stalag XIII, made really famous by American general Patton for a failed attempt to free WWII POWs (including his son-in-law) and the fodder for the 1960’s TV series Hogan’s Heroes.

But, 20th century history is only a drop in the proverbial bucket of time in Hammelburg, this place has been around for centuries and is the oldest wine growing city in all of Franconia.

That said; what you’ll find here in Hammelburg is utterly fascinating. It’s a religious town, too, with twelve Catholic Churches in its ten districts. There’s also the Kloster Altstadt, a monastery built in 1649, a Chapel Cross Way with fourteen stations of the cross carved from stone, a military church, and a 14th century Gothic parish church.

There are also three castles in Hammelburg. One is Schloss Salleck that was built sometime in the 12th or 13th century. It’s now a conference center, a hotel, and a restaurant. Best of all, no aristocratic title is needed to stay or eat.

Another is the wine Kellereischloss, a red palace built in 1726.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the grey stone Castle Trimburg. The ruins of this gigantic castle overlooks the city. It, too, also has a restaurant that’s open to the public.

Don’t think for a second that Hammelburg is just castles and World War II history. There are over ten bicycling trails, over thirty different walking trails, tennis, swimming, and wine tasting just about every time you turn around.

With all that wine flowing maybe it’s best to book a room at the castle (or at any one of the town’s other hotels) and stay a few nights. It’s not like you won’t find anything to do here!

What you’ll find in Havixbeck is a Westphalian town with just the right mix of history, art, and culture. Located only about half an hour west of the city of Münster, the town of Havixbeck has been a place of many prehistoric and early civilization finds.

How’s that for history? Not enough for you?

Well, how about traveling through several centuries of Havixbeck’s history? Castle Hülshoff is just the place. It’s a water castle (that means it has a moat) from the 11th century. But, it does have a more Baroque style look about it. The castle has a museum, a frequently visited park, and tells the tale of its most famous resident, Annette of Droste Hülshoff.

Annette was born in the castle back in 1797 and went on to become one of the most famous German poets. She was a contemporary of the famous Brothers Grimm, which tells you that Annette kept some very creative company.

Haus Stapel didn’t have any residents as famous as Annette, but this moated castle (that was built in 1607) is just stellar; as is House Havixbeck, also with its own moat (and tower).

In addition to its awesome castles, Havixbeck does have a more unusual museum, the Baumberger Sandstone Museum to be exact. Sculptors and stone cutters have been using the area’s sandstone to build all over Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Münster’s cathedral is made out of that stuff.

Although, the Parish Church Tilbeck, St. Dionysis, and St. George Churches in Havixbeck are worth just as much a visit as any place else.

When you’ve had your mix of medieval and Renaissance churches and castles, feel free to explore the Münsterland countryside. Havixbeck has a pretty cool Barfußgang, a Barefoot Course that’s to be experienced with no shoes (hence the name).

It’s considered to be quite relaxing and just about anyone would agree that’s the case when you’re given the opportunity to kick your shoes off. After some time visiting Havixbeck, you’ve most definitely earned that right.

Oestrich-Winkel is a Hessian town where wine reigns supreme. Even the town’s landmark is an old 18th century crane used to load the wine onto ships.

The annual Reingau Music Festival might not be part of the wine culture, but it is held in a former winery. It’s the Lenchenfest that’s a big part of viticulture, its Oestrich-Winkel’s wine festival.

It is more than likely that you’ll find some great bottles of the good stuff to take home at the town’s Christmas Market or its Dippenmarkt with “fun fair.”

OK, Oestrich-Winkel isn’t all wine, there’s music, too. And during the town’s Jazz Week, it’s a great time to do both. There are also many musical concerts held at the church of St. Aegidius.

The basilica of St. Aegidius is a true piece of Oestrich-Winkel’s history, built back around the year 1130. Yes, that makes the church almost 900 years old.

Other little delights can be found around Oestrich-Winkel and her two other hamlets. In Hallgarten there are some great timber framed buildings and an early 15th century Madonna statue. A “sister” statue sits in the famous Louvre Museum in Paris.

Usually where you find a bunch of half-timbered buildings there’s a castle lurking nearby. In Oestrich-Winkel Schloss Vollrads is that castle. It also helps keep the wine culture alive and well as it has been growing grapes since 1211, while the Burg itself was built over ancient Roman ruins.

Besides being filled with amazing artwork (and gold leather wallpaper) the Schloss has a small restaurant that’s open from Easter to the end of October. Here’s a great opportunity to have some delicious regional specialties and a locally bottled Riesling!

Don’t worry if you want to imbibe a little. Oestrich-Winkel has quite a few guesthouses (including wine estates) that offer cozy accommodation but wine tastings, as well.

See, it’s true; wine does reign in this part of Hesse. Care to join me for a drink? :-)

On the famous Danube River in Lower Bavaria are the sixty-odd hamlets of Osterhofen. Within those villages are a few pilgrimage churches, which means the area of Osterhofen was on any devout traveler’s itinerary.

Not quite a pilgrimage church, the basilica at the Altenmarkt (Old Market) is one of Osterhofen’s main attractions. The basilica known as the Church of St. Margaretha is a great example of Baroque architecture.

It is also the Pilgrimage Church of Mariä Ascension in Thurdorf, the Pilgrimage Church Kreuzberg in Haardorf, and the mid 16th century Pilgrimage Chapel of Maria Zuflucht der Sünder that still bring visitors to the area. However, it is the St. Martin on the Angerbergerl that’s the oldest church in town, built in the Romanesque style in 1200.

Osterhofen’s Local History Museum (located on the Marktplatz) takes a more detailed look into not only its history, but many of the locally made handicrafts. But, this is Lower Bavaria and there’s more to do around these parts than just visiting churches and museums.

In the forest area between the Vilstal and the River Danube are many walking, hiking, and cycling trails. One is the Baroque Route, another the Danube Cycle Track. There is even an opportunity to take a horse and cart ride through this part of Lower Bavaria. Try it; it’s peaceful, calm, and a far cry from the hustle and bustle of any big city.

Of course, if wandering around the forest isn’t your idea of a good time, try visiting the Osterhofen City Park. It’s got a pond, a gazebo, a playground and hundreds of large tress that make a perfect shaded spot for an afternoon picnic. Take your time looking around; there are sculptures and artwork throughout the park.

If in your travels of Osterhofen you find you’ve got tired aching feet (which anyone over 35 knows what that’s like ;-) try walking in the Kneippanlage, a wading pool that’s also located at the Altenmarkt.

There’s enough around town to keep all sorts of visitor’s happy; with a few local guesthouses for anyone wishing to stay the night. In that case, Osterhofen should really be on any Bavarian traveler’s itinerary!