There’s a reason people flock to Upper Bavaria like it’s the last year of their lives. Maybe it’s the Alps soaring high above many a green meadow? Maybe it’s the old medieval (or much older) history? Heck, maybe it’s the Lederhosen? But, whatever your reason for visiting Trostberg, you’ll love it.

If the Alps don’t steal your attention first, what you might notice is that the historical city center designed in a Inn Salzach style. What style? An Inn Salzach style is traditionally where many buildings are centered around a town square; which seems to be a popular style in this part of Upper Bavaria. And to confuse you further, Upper Bavaria is South Germany. ;-)

It’s also no stretch that a town as old as Trostberg has its own original fortification wall (called a Stadtmauer), an early 15th century church (St. Andreas), a Gothic style Mariensäule, and small winding cobblestone lanes framed by charming shops. Even the town’s old Post Office sits on foundations walls that are over 400 years old.

If you seriously think that’s old, consider that people have lived in this part of the country since the Stone Age.

Trostberg isn’t all old buildings from the Middle Ages, it’s quite a cultural kind of place. Over at the Trostberger Window you’ll never know what kind of local artist’s work will be displayed. Plus, there are over 22,000 objects on display at the Trostberg Local History Museum.

Still, you might think that all these old buildings will keep you away from the great outdoors, so book one of the few quaint guesthouses and spend a few nights.

This way you’re able to hike or bike around the Alps, or enjoy a game of miniature golf or beach volleyball at the Trostberger outdoor swimming pool. The complex even has a spot where you can roller skate. Or, if its winter enjoy ice skating outdoors. It’ll just be a wee bit cold to do it in Lederhosen, though!

The fact that Teningen is on the edge of the Black Forest is a dead giveaway that the surrounding area is utterly amazing. But, there’s more in this area than just eye candy.

Teningen has four local parts and each has a history and story unique onto itself. Over at the Local History Museum you’re bound to get a better appreciation for what you’re about to see around town.

But, what most people come to see are the castle ruins. Burg Landeck is one of them and you can see where nature is starting to reclaim where this 13th century Schloss was built. A few of the original fireplaces are still visible in the Upper Castle, whereas it’s the castle’s chapel that’s easy to make out in the Lower Castle.

Burg Nimburg is another castle that lies in ruins. It’s sad that all that remains of this castle is its original ditch from when it was built in 1052.

Nimburg does have a lovely Mountain Church that’s still standing. And there are other beautifully decorated churches in the three other hamlets, including the Protestant Church in Köndringen.

Of course, Teningen has a few local guesthouses and inns for anyone wishing to stay a few nights in the area. It’ll sure feel like a good idea after a day of riding around the many Black Forest cycling trails. You’ll probably be just as worn out after a few hours of Nordic Walking, or just hiking on regular old walking paths.

If it’s summer, there are quite a few summer music concerts to enjoy; just another excuse to stay right here in town. Maybe a night at the the Hotel Rebstock that’s close to town and whose restaurant serves real rustic cuisine and fine wine is just the right place to end a day in Teningen.

Food, wine, culture, nature, and history; no way is Teningen just eye candy — it’s got substance!

It would be a shame to come all the way to Titisee-Neustadt in the High Black Forest and spend your days inside. This is a place where every minute of every day should be spent under a big blue sky soaking in as much fresh air as your lungs can handle. No matter the season, you’ll find something that will tickle your fancy.

One exception to the outdoor rule is the Titisee-Neustadt Local History Museum. There’s no place better to help you gain a better perspective on the town’s nine neighborhoods.

OK, now get on the most comfortable pair of walking shoes you can find and get going to the South Black Forest Nature Park. There are over 100 kinds of adventure trails though the Naturpark Südschwarzwald, as well as a chance to follow the delicious Cheese Route (great for cheese eating gourmands).

Most of Titisee-Neustadt’s other area attractions will keep you outside, too, including the 18th century Öhlermühle and an observation tower on the mountainside that will give you an aerial view of the Schwarzwald and straight on to the Alps.

It’s here in Titisee-Neustadt where you can take a boat ride on the Titisee, hike or walk on countless trails. When winter arrives, it doesn’t slow down too much here as the area is a winter sports haven.

In fact, the first World Cup of ski jumping was held right here and it’s still popular for many international events. All right, even if ski jumping or snowboarding isn’t for you there’s always golfing, a trim path, and bicycling.

Stay overnight in the Black Forest camping on at one of the two youth hostels. By spending a few nights in the area, you’re able to spend additional time eating some scrumptious regional delicacies (even more than just the famous Black Forest ham or Black Forest Cake).

Titisee-Neustadt is also a Kneipp Health Resort town so there’s not really a better place to relax tired overworked muscles than time at a Black Forest spa.

That’s sure to tickle anyone’s fancy!

Roding is a town that’s got enough for a large family to keep busy and never run into each other. But, as family vacations go, you’ll want to experience it all together.

But, if you’re going to come to Roding you might as well know where it’s at. The seventeen quarters of Roding are located close to the Czech border in the federal state of Bavaria; meaning the place is located in one of the most beautiful places the in the world.

Roding is also a religious town. On the first Sunday following January 18th, Roding has the Sabastiani Procession that follows along Schulstraße and Falkensteiner Straße to the Chapel of St. Sebastian; the patron saint of the town.

You will find a richly decorated Rococo style Pilgrimage Church from the 1730’s, where many of the faithful come to see the marble font known for its miraculous healing. St. Anna’s Chapel might not have any known miracles associated with it, but it is one of the oldest places of worship in all of Roding; built in 1560 and decorated with Romanesque and Gothic artwork.

I won’t leave out the Monastery Strahlfeld or the St. Pankriatus Church, either. Nor, the Old City Hall — built way back in 1634. Roding also has a World War II memorial for the countless victims of a death march through town on their way to the Dachau Camp.

With your intellectual and artistic vacation needs met, it’s time for the physical. There’s a lot more to do than just wandering (OK, hiking, biking, or walking) around the Nature Park of the Upper Bavarian Forest. The forest makes a great place to camp out for the night or swim in Neubäuer See.

You can also join in a game of football (soccer), tennis, or swim in either the indoor or outdoor pool (with waterslide). Or, enjoy any number of events over at Haus Ostmark, Roding’s Cultural Center.

The town of Roding is a wonderful family friendly place with lots to do and experience together.

Rudersberg is one of those towns lucky enough to say that it’s at the Swabian-Franconian Forest. Oh, the countryside! It’s a place where you swim in a crystal clear lake, or hike nature trails that seem to go on forever and a day. Yes, that’s Rudersberg.

The Swabian-Franconian Forest isn’t the only thing that will get your attention, though.

For instance, its Old Town Hall on the Marktplatz has a beautiful framework front and a great place to stop for something to eat, now that it’s a restaurant and cafe; right next door is the town’s Johanneskirche with its Gothic style windows. Over on the Church Square, there’s the early 18th century Petruskirch.

Now, it’s time to get goin’ in the forest. Actually, you can stay there because the 13th century Burg Waldenstein is now a castle hotel. The sweeping views of the forest from the castle are legendary and I can’t think of any place better to spend a few nights.

Just for the record, there are a few smaller guesthouses in and around Rudersberg. Hey, all those tourists that come to hike, bike, walk, or swim in the forest have to stay somewhere! :-)

One of the coolest attractions in the forest is the old train that runs along the Swabian-Franconian Forest Course. It’s an old steam locomotive with old 1950’s style passenger cars. This is great for the kids and for us adults that never lost the kid in us!

If you’re willing to explore just a further bit out than Rudersberg Proper, in the Forest you’ll find an outdoor Roman Museum with an old castellet and exhibitions on the life of those roaming Romans. ;-)

Don’t worry too much, Rudersberg makes getting around the Forest easy enough; you can take the Forest Bus around from place to place and there’s a trailer on the back to put your bicycle on (just in case you’ve had enough riding for one day).

With any luck, maybe the driver will drop you off at the castle hotel. That’s where I’d be and would look forward to seeing you there!

Remchingen isn’t right in the Black Forest, but just a few kilometers from its northern edge. It’s also on the historical Bertha Benz Memorial Route and if you’re a car history buff, then you’ll truly appreciate that. The town’s also close to Karlsruhe (only a few minutes away), so don’t have an excuse not to visit.

Mrs. Benz (the wife of Carl Benz) in 1888 rode for 200 km through the Baden-Württemberg countryside in the Patent Engine Car #3, the predecessor of THE Mercedes Benz automobile. There’s nothing like fine German engineering!

Long before Frau Benz took to the paved road, Remchingen had an old Roman one. They weren’t the first to make Remchingen home, there was evidence of a Celtic settlement found here.

Now, modern day visitors come to see the Alte Kirche (Old Church) which was built in the 1780’s; now a place for art exhibits and book readings.

More of the same goes on at the Löwensaal, in the hamlet of Nöttingen, a half timbered building that’s over 200 years old and the center of cultural life in Remchingen. Folks from all over come to see art exhibits, theater performances, lectures, book readings, concerts, and even dance at an occasional Ball.

Just remember, the Löwensaal isn’t Nöttingen’s only timber framed beauty; there are lots of them in this part of town. Remchingen’s local history museum isn’t housed in one, but it’ll explain the town’s history more. All the better to appreciate them better.

Of course a town like this would certainly have its very own castle. Before you get excited, this 12th century Burg isn’t what you think; it’s in ruins but, it is the site of the town’s outdoor swimming pool. Thank heaven you don’t have to be an aristocrat to enjoy its facilities, just pay your 3.50 Euro and you’ve got yourself a day of fun. :-)

Really, there’s enough to see and do in Remchingen that will give you a few days of fun.

Germany is one of those countries that will never cease to amaze you. Every place you visit or see is just as beautiful as the next — and Recke in northern most part of North Rhine-Westphalia is no different.

The town’s four quarters sit along the foothills of the Teutoburg Forest and the Recke Moorlands. So, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this town is in some pretty wonderful countryside that should be on any hikers, cyclist, and fisherman’s to-do list.

There are also wagon rides available, party boat tours, an outdoor swimming pool, and an super tall observation tower in the forest.

Recke isn’t totally without sightseeing in the traditional sense. The Town Square has many old half timbered buildings that give it a true Old World feel; in fact, one of the town’s oldest inns is one of them.

For example, Altes Gasthaus Greve has been taking care of Recke’s visitors since 1823, owned by the same family for five generations. It’s cozy, comfortable, and its beer garden is perfect for an afternoon cocktail. Its buffet breakfast is pretty darn delicious, too.

Visitors will also find Recke to be a religious town with three churches named for St. Dionysis. The first being a Catholic Church located on Hopstener Straße, the second famous for its Baroque High Alter, and the third is the oldest of them all; built more than 1100 years ago in the 9th century.

Well, there are a few more churches. Sts. Philippus & Jacobus Church is in the neighborhood of Steinbeck and the stunningly simple Romanesque style Protestant Church is right at home on the Town Square.

It’s also no wonder with all this piety that Recke throws a large Carnival right before Lent with usually over 10,000 partygoers.

Believe it or not, Recke is also a good place to relax. At the Schwefelbad Steinbeck in the neighborhood of Steinbeck (who would’ve guessed) you’re able to enjoy a hot sauna, a therapeutic massage, some curative drinks, and sulfur bathing.

Recke offers visitors everything from great outdoor sports to a relaxing spa. Yea, those smaller German towns just keep getting better and better.

Rosbach vor der Höhe is a town of large green fields and rolling flowered meadows. Yeah, that’s pretty much it. But, not to discount the great countryside on the eastern majestic Taunus Mountains, in a town that’s only about half an hour north of Frankfurt am Main.

Oh, all right; that’s not it. Just don’t go expecting an overabundance of sightseeing. It’s more likely you’ll eat your way through town instead and be more than happy you did.

Rosbach does have one attraction, though, and it’s even a UNESCO World Heritage site. The three villages of Rosbach were once crawling with Ancient Romans who built a castellet. The old castle isn’t the only thing you’ll find here; it’s now an archaeological park, too.

If you like old castles, there is one to be found in the village of Nieder-Rosbach.

After a few hours of sightseeing, it’s time to eat. Try the Schnitzelhaus located at Rodheimerstraße 23 with a menu of Hessian specialties. Like its name implies, the Schnitzelhaus serves a wide variety of schnitzel, as well as something called Knoblauchbrot — hmmmmm!

If you’re not so adventurous, Schnitzelhaus serves salads, pizza, and few fish dishes. Hesse is a huge potato growing region of Germany so it’s no surprise that the vegetable shows up in many dishes.

Wash it all down with a good bottle of a Hessian Riesling and you’ve got yourself a fine dandy meal in a fine dandy town. If it turns out you’ve sampled a bit too much, the Schnitzelhaus is also one of Rosbach’s few guesthouses.

More eating and drinking is on the agenda at the Blütenfest, or Bloom Celebration. And you can buy any number of locally grown (or made) items, every Friday, at the town’s Bauernmarkt.

As it seems, maybe you don’t need too much sightseeing to be a pretty cool place. All you need is some good food and good wine to wash it down. ;-)

In a short distance from the Swiss border by the famous Bodensee (Lake Constance) is a small town of Rielasingen-Worblingen.

From first glance, you’d think that it’s just your average German town that offers the same old same old.

Not the case…

One of the town’s attractions is the Skulpturenweg (Sculpture Trail), a trail with numerous appealing sculptures scattered around town and along the Aach river.

Once you’ve captured all sculptures, and while you’re still at the Aach river, head over to another of the town’s attractions, the Naturbad Aachtal. This is an outdoor swimming pool supplied by natural spring water from the Aach river. You know what that means… Pure nature and regeneration of those rusty cells. ;-)

After you’ve got your fill of regeneration, try some locally specialties while sitting at a local restaurant. There’s a garden at Rielasingen-Worblingen’s Krone Hotel (one of only a small few hotels in and around Rielasingen-Worblingen) that makes the perfect setting to enjoy some vino.

The hotel itself is a charming place to call “home” for the time you’re in town. Looking more like a traditional style inn instead of a “hotel,” the Krone is affordable and offers guest nonsmoking rooms, continental breakfast, and WIFI. Sounds like everything a guest could ask for. :-)

It’s also close to a few of Rielasingen-Worblingen’s other places of interest (yes, it does have more).

One of those places is the ruins of Burg Rosenegg. The castle was built in the mid-13th century and four centuries later it had been sacked.

Much older than Burg Rosenegg (and still standing) is the church of St. Stefan. It was built in the year 1005, making it over a thousand years old. The Rielasingen-Worblingen Village Museum does an excellent job of explaining the history behind the church and the castle.

It won’t explain all the activities around Lake Constance or the nearby 18-hole golf course. Those you’ll have to experience on your own accord; which is when you’ll realize that Rieslingen-Worblingen isn’t the same old same old. ;-)

Sometimes you gotta have a little faith. Then, there are times when something of a more divine nature presents itself, as in the case of Walldürn.

Although the city of Walldürn has been a place of pilgrimage for quite a few centuries, the Romans made their way through here long before that. There’s a UNESCO Cultural Site here because of the Roman ruins (including a castellet).

Really though, the entire town is a living time line of history. Walldürn’s City Hall is the oldest of its kind in all of Germany (built in 1448) and remainders of the original fortification wall (both mid to late 15th century).

Then there’s the miracle of the blood. This is where your faith comes into the picture and why more than 150,000 people flock to this tiny town in the Odenwald each and every year.

Back in 1330, a local priest at St. George’s Church spilled wine on the alter linen. The resulting spill looked like Jesus on the cross. A bit startled, Father Otto hid the linen for the rest of his life, only telling the tale on his deathbed.

For more than six centuries, the linen and the church have been a major focal point for visitors and the faithful. The divine artwork found inside the church tells a tale of history, love, and devotion.

There are also quite a few statues of the Madonna found around town. And one memorial stone dedicated to the town’s Jewish population that was deported in the 1940’s.

That’s not to say that Walldürn is all divinity and history (though that’s a HUGE part of it). No, it has a great pedestrian district with shops and restaurants. There is even a outdoor pool to swim, a sauna to relax, and tennis & golf to play.

Don’t miss out on any of the walking or cycling paths that lead around through town and the Nature Park Neckertal-Odenwald. That’s another place that will seem like the divine.