Tamm is a town only a hop, skip, and a jump from the cities of Stuttgart and Ludwigsburg, that was almost completely destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. It’s made a full recovery and the town has seen a steady population growth for decades.

The city of Tamm actually has two city halls; the new on is of the ultra modern variety, while the old Rathaus is of the half timbered variety. You’ll actually find quite a few of those timber framed buildings around town making great photo-ops to take home.

One of the most noticeable sites around town is the town’s watertower. Yeah, right, am I serious? A watertower? Yeah, it’s filled with fresh water right from Lake Constance, so it at least deserves an honorable mention. ;-)

To be honest, Tamm isn’t exactly a travel mecca with throngs of tourists scrambling to find accommodation. However, if you decide to stay the night (or longer), then there’s no place better than the historic Hotel Ochsen; if only to stay in a charming half-timbered building. It’s relatively affordable, it’s more than clean, and offers a fine restaurant with its own wine cellar.

There are even a few outside tables to dine al fresco with a nice glass of wine (sorry, this is wine country — save the beer for Bavaria ;-) and watch all of Tamm walk by.

You’ll also be close to the fabulous medieval church of St. Bartholomew and the Kelterplatz; where everyday life buzzes along here in town.

It’s on the Kelterplatz where Tamm holds all its musical concerts, holds it weekly shopping market, and in July where the Tammer Fleckafescht takes place.

Baden-Württemberg really is chocked full of surprises, especially in regard to a municipality like Tamm. So, come spend a day exploring around, enjoy a good glass of wine, and stay the night in a historic inn. I can hardly think of a better way to spend or end a day!

Only a few minutes south of the town of Gießen is one of the most charming Hessian towns you could find: Langgöns. Its six local villages sit along the foothills of the Taunus Mountains, which is great for all the hiking, walking, and cycling your visiting legs can handle.

Langgöns is also great for sightseeing within the town itself. There are plenty of timber framed houses scattered about; many built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Ohly’sches Haus in the village of Niederkleen, the Herzenhaus (b. 1691) in Oberkleen, and the Paradiesgärtlein in Lang-Göns are some of the most photographed about town.

Usually where you find plenty of half-timbered houses, you’ll find a castle. Guess what? There is one. Burg Cleeberg has been here for just about 1100 years. Its tower was built in 1263 and the castle itself is big, imposing, and now private property. But, it was once a school and hotel.

St. Michael’s Military Church in Oberkleen isn’t private, so you can at least visit the inside. The church was built back in the 1400’s (its organ is an 18th century design) and is considered a military church because it was used to protect its citizens from attack.

Oh, Langgöns isn’t all old churches and castles; there are two museums in town, too. The Bärner Heimatstube is a fine little museum detailing the history of the town after the 2nd World War (open on 1st Thursday of month 2pm-4pm only).

You’ll find more of the town’s centuries old history over at the Heimatmuseum in Niederkleen. It’s only open on the 1st Sunday of the month from 3pm-5pm May through September. Although, the Heimatmuseum opens its doors for “coffee & discussion” session once a year in April or May.

If you can’t make that, then maybe you’ll be lucky enough to be here for its Christmas Market, its Music Celebration, or Zeltkirmes (Village Fair Celebration)?

You see, all this makes Langgöns great for all the walking, biking, sightseeing, and partying your visiting legs can handle. :-)

What do you get when you cross some pretty awesome festivals and a town filled with some beautiful old churches and other historical buildings? Linden in Hesse.

When you’re not partying in Linden at the annual Marienmarkt (in March), or the City Celebration in August, or buying Christmas gifts at the Nikolausmarkt (the first weekend of Advent). Oh, or even celebrating with the whole town at the Kirmes festival (2nd weekend in July) and the Sun Celebration in June — there’s plenty of sightseeing to keep you plenty busy. ;-)

Almost forgot there’s a really great New Year’s Concert held every two years (think odd-numbered years) with entertainment from the town’s Musikcorps.

When you’re not eating, drinking, and partying like a local; it’s alright to be a tourist. And no visit to Linden should go without a visit to the castle looking St. Peter’s Church. It’s one of the rarest of its kind in all of Germany with reliefs from around 1170 A.D. The church itself is even older as it was built over a thousand years ago.

There is a lovely Evangelical Church in the Leihgestern neighborhood and a 20th century Christ the King Catholic Church, but they in no way compare to the grandeur of St. Peter’s.

Linden’s City Hall isn’t much younger than St. Peter’s, it has stood at the center of town since 1230; but it has undergone renovations and restorations over the centuries (it’s also the place where Linden’s City Celebration takes place).

As long as Linden’s history is, the Hüttenberger Heimatmuseum (local history museum) does an excellent job. It even does it in its own piece of history, a charming half timbered house. There’s also the Fox Museum, which the kids will mostly appreciate.

It’s for sure that the old town of Linden hasn’t forgotten how to have a grand time and does it all with charm and grace. They can’t wait to see you there!

Beer and history. History and beer. Sounds like a good combination and you’ll find them both (along with some other surprises) in Issum. But, before you run off to enjoy your Altbier, get your sightseeing done and outta the way first.

One of the most visited places in Issum is its old 18th century synagogue. It was spared any damage during the Kristallnacht pogrom in November 1938 because the place had been sold beforehand to a local woman who used it for storage.

Issum’s synagogue has undergone a renovation and is now protected as a cultural monument. The synagogue complex has a mikvah (a Jewish ritual bath) and school. It also houses an exhibit on Jewish life in the Westphalian region.

Even Issum’s City Hall is a historical place to visit. Housed in what’s known as Haus Issum, the oldest part of the building has been here for more than 600 years. Actually, closer to 700. You’ll learn more of Issum’s history over at the town’s local history museum.

OK, I’ll be honest; there’s more to Issum than history and beer. It’s a town that takes great pride in itself. You can tell by all the beautiful sculpture found around here.

There’s also the Oermter Berg. At the summit, she stands 68 meters over the countryside. That’s perfect for some great pics of the Lower Rhine hillside.

Got all that outta the way? Good, now it’s time to drink! Issum is home to one of the oldest Altbier breweries in the region.

Altbier is a locally made dark beer in the Westphalian and Lower Saxon region that’s made with traditional brewing methods. When Altbier is mixed with cola, it’s called Krefelder.

Issum is home to the Diebels brewery that’s been brewing this stuff since 1878.

From the looks of it Issum’s got beer, history, AND culture. Does it get any better than this? Yeah, I didn’t think so either. ;-)

There seems to be a reoccurring theme when thinking and visiting small towns in Germany; in that there are countless old churches in each village. There’s a reason for that and in the case of Ilsede it’s no different.

The “Church” was once (and in some cases still is) a huge part of daily life. So, it’s no stretch of the imagination to think that Ilsede would have at least one. Well, it’s got three!

St. Pancratii is the youngest of them all, built only in the 19th century. As far as churches go, it’s not the most stunning but it’s lovely nonetheless.

The Alte Kapelle (Old Chapel) is the oldest of the three (who would’ve guessed…); not looking too different from when it was originally built back in the 15th century. This tiny chapel even managed to survive the Thirty Years’ War without too much damage.

St. Urban’s is only a century younger than the Alte Kapelle, but there’s something special about this place. Maybe it’s the design, maybe it’s the artwork, maybe it’s a combination of the whole place — either way, don’t skip a visit here.

Don’t skip a visit to the old Bronze Age grave hills either; they date from over three thousand years ago. Lower Saxony’s so pretty, it’s no wonder people have lived here for over three millenia.

Oh, before you go thinking that Ilsede is all old churches and ancient graves, it can throw a good party, too. The Ilseder Löwenfest (Lion Celebration) also goes by the Ilseder Weinfest (Wine Celebration) — that says a lot, doesn’t it?. There’s also a fantastic Folk Festival on the 2nd weekend in June and another fun party on the 1st Sunday in August.

You see, Ilsede is more than just its three churches and the mining town it once was. It’s fun, it’s hip, and you’ll have a good time no matter what.

Murnau am Staffelsee is only forty-five minutes southwest of Munich, but you’ll find yourself thinking you’re in heaven. A place where you can sit on the town’s pedestrian plaza sipping a Maß (two pint beer glass) staring up at the Bavarian Alps that’s shadows the square.

The Alps are only a part of Murnau’s natural beauty. You’ll find three of the warmest lakes in all of Bavaria and on top of it, there are the moorlands.

Even if you’re not the most ardent outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find yourself in pure awe; not wanting to wait to be outside. Who cares whether you choose to hike, walk, bike, or hot-air balloon ride over the countryside — just get outside and experience it!

By no means of the imagination does it stop there; the culture of the arts are alive in Murnau. You might think you’d have to be in a large city to find as many concerts, art exhibits, Passion Plays, culinary activities, and festivals that take place here. But, you’ll find it all right here.

Two of Murnau’s most popular festivals are the World Music Festival (who doesn’t enjoy all sorts of music?) and its Leonhardifahrt Festival. This festival takes place on or around November 6th in reverence to St. Leonhard of Limonges (patron saint of animals) starting with a procession of horses and somehow ends with a (long) visit to the beer tent. No wonder it’s popular…

It’s probably wise to wait to hit up the Bavarian beer until AFTER you’ve seen Murnau’s Ramsachkirchel; this is considered to be serious holy ground. A church has stood on this hillside since the 8th century with more than six centuries of love and devotion to Christianity. Even before Christian times this spot was considered to be a holy place.

If you like all things medieval then visit Castle Murnau. There’s a museum at Schloss Murnau with great exhibitions on the history of the area, as well as the castle’s almost 800 year history. Murnau’s St. Nikolaus Church is just about as old, it was built in 1300 A.D.

Just when you think you MIGHT run out of things to do, Murnau has little surprises; there’s still shopping to do. There are lots of little shops to buy handmade jewelery, lederhosen, and those 2-pint beer mugs.

Prost! :-)

Mömbris is a fun loving Franconian town that was once a fun loving Hessian town (it sits right on the border between them). So, I guess that makes it a place with the best of both worlds.

Every town that’s over a millenia old (no matter which German state it’s in) would have to have its own castle. Well, it used to anyway. The only thing that remains of the early 14th century Castle Mömbris is its stable. The town’s Old Cemetery sits on the site where the old schloss stood.

In the village of Gunzenbach there’s a great little Local History Museum, which does a wonderful job explaining all about this unique place.

Another interesting fact about Mömbris (other than it can’t figure out which state it’s in) is that it’s comprised of eighteen little hamlets (some with less than a hundred residents). With that much ground to cover, walking all of it might be out of the question. Do yourself a favor and at least rent a bicycle to see a lot more of it.

Keep in mind that most of the entire area surrounding all the villages of Mömbris are mostly fields, meadows, and forest. There are camping facilities all around, so staying the night outdoors is a great idea.

The village of Daxberg seems to be the most historic, though. Besides having ancient Stone Age graves that have been found, it also has the gorgeous Holy Cross Church, Chapel Maria, and a sandstone cross dedicated to its soldiers of the Great War.

For a bit of the divine (as if visiting all of Mömbris’ churches isn’t enough), there’s a place in the village of Hohl called the Lourdesgrotte. This tiny church-like structure was built a few centuries ago by a local man as a thank you for a heavenly miracle.

Not too many would argue that it just can’t get much better than that.

In most cases about most places you’ll find things to do and places to see all in one place. Then, there’s the exception to the rule, as in the case of Harsum where you’ll have to spread out a bit.

The nine hamlets that make up the town of Harsum each have their own flavor and therefore, need to be visited on their own merit. A few have been farming settlements for an untold number of centuries and where the sugar beet reigns supreme.

Visitors are always welcome here and many come to ride on the many bicycling trails through the countryside. In fact, that’s probably the greatest way to see all of Harsum’s villages.

Ansel is one such place and is mostly a farming village where wheat and sugar beets are grown. This is also where you can sit next to a thousand year old Oak tree for some quiet time.

Rautenberg is another farming village. Come to think of it, it’s been a farming village since Germanic times, making it one of the most historic of all the hamlets. Although, there were prehistoric settlements found in Machtsum.

It has the ruins of Castle Rutenberg (it was destroyed by a fire in the early Middle Ages). Though, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that medieval weapons and utensils were found around the ruins. While you’re here, stop in and visit the early 15th century church of Sts. Cosmas and Damien.

Another beautiful stop is in the village of Borsum where many come to see its 15th century St. Mauritius Military Church. There’s another lovely church in the village of Hüddessum. St. Matthias is much younger than Mauritius, but it’s still pretty nonetheless.

It is places like Harsum that truly is the heart of the real Germany. It’s where you’ll find local kids playing pond ice hockey or a game of soccer going on (depending on season, of course) and some of the freshest produce a farming village can make.

If you’re looking for a typical Mecklenburgian town from around the 17th century then you’ve found it in Hagenow. You’ll find it to be a fascinating town in the far north of Germany, right between Hamburg and Schwerin.

Hagenow has just about a bazillion walking trails throughout the countryside, but walking around visiting all its sites just might be enough exercise enough. Though, renting a bicycle is always a good idea.

A whole section of the town has many timber framed houses that date from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It’s here that you’ll find the town’s smallest house (circa 1751) and the oldest (built 1730).

The oldest house in town is now a restaurant, so sit and enjoy some Himmel und Erde made with potatoes, pears, and bacon. Wash it all down with a good beer (wine is all right, but beer seems to go better).

After a hearty lunch you’ll have the energy to do more sightseeing. One of the most famous landmarks around town is the Wasserturm, a tall structure that looks more like a medieval tower than only a water tower. Maybe it’s its Gothic style windows that gives it a much older feel.

On Hagenstraße 48 is Hagenow’s old Jewish Synagogue. After the old building was burned out it was lovingly restored and now part museum and part culture center.

Closeby is Hagenow’s Neo-Gothic style Town Church, built in the 1870’s. You’d never guess from the looks of it that it suffered some bombing damage during World War 2.

There are also quite a few art galleries around town if you’re looking for some other types of cultural goings-on. Plus, Hagenow often has plenty of musical concerts and shopping markets around the Marktplatz.

Hagenow’s just wonderful and I can hardly think of a better place to eat, drink, and be merry Mecklenburgian style. ;-)

There are few things as definite as the sun rising in the east-setting in the west, death and taxes. And, that is some historic town in Germany is gonna have at least a castle and a church (Protestant in this case) that has overseen centuries of history.

Oh, I’m not discounting the Thuringian town of Hildburghausen as just your everyday, run-of-the-mill, doesn’t have much else to see kind of place. Quite the contrary, really, this place has been the stomping grounds for many a duchess and even Marie von Sachen-Altenberg, the last Queen of Hanover.

It would only be fair to mention its “Dark Countess” legend. It’s reported that the reclusive woman living in a nearby castle was Marie Thérèse, first child of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette (thus having the title Madame Royale); having come to Hildburghausen after surviving prison and not losing her head on the guillotine the French Revolution.

So, in honor of its aristocratic ties it’s only fitting to start at the Schloss Hildburghausen. Although, not much remains of the late 17th century castle much in part to bombing from the Second World War.

Speaking of the 20th century, visit Hildburghausen’s old Jewish synagogue that was built in the 19th century. Though it was destroyed in November 1938, it’s now a protected historical site. At the Hildburghausen Urban Cemetery you’ll find a memorial dedicated to 23 POW’s from the Soviet Union.

Atop the 19th century Bismark Tower at the peak of what’s known as the Stadtberg, you can see the ruins of Castle Straufhain and the Thuringian Forest. Hikers and skiers alike will love the forest. There are plenty of hiking and cross country skiing trails, some with elevations over 1500 feet.

With legends, history, and sports that abound here in this Thuringian city, you might want to make a reservation at one of the few local guesthouses in town (some even include breakfast). They’re clean, they’re comfortable, and affordable so everyone can enjoy.