In the Sauerland region, surrounded by mostly forest and farmland, is the captivating town of Neuenrade; a place where you’ll never be short of anything to do.

If you love the great outdoors, then you’ll love it here. Whether winter or summer, there are more than enough activities to keep even the discriminating of guests. Winter’s for skiing and visitors from all over come to try their skills on the Neuenrader slopes. Afterwards, a few laps at the indoor pool will do you a world of good.

When you’re not into the whole snow thing, visit during the warmer months. Climb the observation tower (known as the Quitmannsturm) on the Kolberg for the best view. That’s when you’re better able to hike, bike, horseback ride, get in a game of tennis, or try the Trim Path; it’s got three color trails grouped with a variety of exercises. Of course, there are far worse places in the world to workout. ;-)

The great thing about Neuenrade is that it works to engage your mind, as well as the body. Take in a theater performance at the “Mansion at the Embankment,” or what was once known as the Villa Herfeld.

It may seem hard to believe but, Neuenrade is a party town. We’re not talking about “lampshades on your head” kind of partying (doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time), more fairs, festivals, and markets. Most popular is the Neuenrader Gertrüdchen, which has been happening on/around March 17th since 1355 (yea, you read that right-that’s over 650 years).

In case you can’t make it in March, consider visiting during the Farmer’s Ball (3rd weekend in August), the Children’s Celebration (end of May), or the Kite Festival in September (it’s one of the largest in Westphalia). Oh, and November brings on the Martinimarkt. Before you get excited thinking one olive or two — it’s an artists’ market.

Just when you think you’ve seen enough, you’ve still got more to do. The Evangelical Church, St. Lambertus, and St. Lucia, all come from the Middle Ages, but it’s the Chapel of St. George (15th century) that’s really worth the visit.

Better save up your vacation days if you’re coming here to Neuenrade because with so much to do — you’re gonna need them!

If you’re into all things cultural you know you’ve hit the jackpot in Germany, especially here in Bavaria. There is the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße or German Framework Route, the Märchenstraße or Fairytale Route, the Barockstraße or Baroque Route, and the Romanesque Road (translate yourself ;-).

But, you’re not gonna find that here in Neustadt an der Aisch. No, there’s an entirely different cultural thing going on here: Beer. That’s right, this Neustadt is along the Aischgründer Bierstraße.

Before you go thinking how can beer be cultural, hear me out. What you’ll find along the Aischgründer Beer Route are eight small to medium sized breweries (the oldest is more than 370 years old), passing the Frankish Outdoor Museum (where more beer is brewed), old castles and churches along the way.

There’s a huge beer celebration held on the Festplatz every year (that’s also where the annual Kirchweih is held). So you can fully enjoy the beer route safely. Hop on the Aischgründer Beer Express!

See, I told you CULTURAL stuff. ;-)

You’ll find more cultural sites to see within Neustadt proper itself. The Altes and Neues Schloss is one such place. It was originally built in the 15th century and is now the location of many a concert. While you’re out wandering around, don’t forget to stop at St. Johannes der Täufer Church. It could qualify as cultural, since religion played a huge part of daily life back when it was built in the 1300’s.

Other cultural pursuits include both the Spring and Autumn Celebrations, where you can eat and party Bavarian style. It’s also where you can drink more beer. The ultimate party is the City Celebration held but only once every 10 years (last one was 2010).

With so much to see and do in Neustadt an der Aisch (not to mention all that beer to drink) you can keep yourself plenty busy. It’ll seem those years waiting for the next upcoming City Celebration will go by in a flash.

Sitting just about right on the border of the Czech Republic is the tiny town of Oelsnitz (Vogtland); a place in Saxony and the great Vogtland along the River Weiße Elster that has less than 12,000 residents (so, it’s not all that big — but it is made up of 10 little hamlets).

Most people who come to Oelsnitz come to see Schloss Voigtsberg, a most formidable castle that sits high on the mountainside. The oldest part of the Schloss is its donjon, or tower, that was built around the 1230’s; making it almost 800 years old. It is in relatively great shape for its age, though.

The castle does have a museum in it, though come to think of it — the whole place could be considered a museum. The Prince Hall is a great example of Gothic style artwork and don’t skip out before seeing the St. George Chapel.

Besides being a regular old tourist attraction Voigtsberg hosts a fun festival and historical market at Whitsuntide, which is held a week after Easter.

Other than just visiting Oelsnitz’s castle, this part of Saxony is great for camping. And you can do it over by the Talsperre, where the water and trees make for the best view. This is where you’ll find the best walking and cycling trails, too.

When you decide to come back to “city life,” come see the Rathaus (1861) that overlooks the Marktplatz. There’s also the Zoephilsches Haus with the spires of St. Jacob’s Church in the background. St. Katherine’s is also another frequently visited spot.

At the Protestant Cemetery is a memorial to Soviet POW’s and at Alten Reichenhainer Straße 29 is the childhood home of George Dittmar, he died in 1945 at the Bergen-Belsen camp as ardent opponent of the National Socialists.

Here in Oelsnitz, you’ll find almost a millenia’s worth of history and the best countryside to do it in. Proving you don’t have to be big to be great.

Ottersberg belongs to the Holy Roman Empire. No, it belongs to Denmark. No, Sweden. No. Germany? For the last few hundred years, yes Germany. North Germany to be exact. But, it was once part of all the others as well.

Wow, that’s a whole lot of map changing for one small place!

However, Ottersberg today is a small town in Lower Saxony with only around 12,000 residents spread out over five hamlets. So, it’s not all that overcrowded and perfect for anyone looking to get away from civilization without giving up any modern convenience.

You won’t find a lot of “historical” sightseeing in the traditional sense; this is a more outdoorsy kind of vacation/visit spot. Although, on the road between Ottersberg and her village of Otterstedt you’ll find an old Jewish Cemetery that’s now considered a cultural protected area.

Cycling is the biggest attraction to this area of Lower Saxony and the Green Ring Cycle Track rides right through town. The Green Ring goes on for about 800 km throughout the countryside; of which 30 km comes through the Ottersberg area. Along the Green Ring you’ll find farms, small lanes, the moorlands, and all-around pretty natural scenery.

There’s gotta be something about the countryside that keeps bringing all sorts of artists to the area. Which explains all the art galleries in town.

If you’re adventurous enough to try the Green Ring and find yourself staying the night in Ottersberg, there are quite a few little guesthouses and vacation homes to let.

One of the oldest is the small family owned Bellmann’s Gasthof. It’s been around for generations (1856 to be exact) and has four clean affordable rooms and a rustic family style restaurant (come eat, even if you’re not staying the night).

Ottersberg is only about half an hour east of Bremen, also on the Green Ring; so, hop on a bicycle and make your way on over. I promise, the map to find your way here hasn’t changed in quite some time. ;-)

Olfen is a town that can be enjoyed by foot, bike (bike rental business is big here), car, boat (take a sail along the channel), or by air (airplane rides available). Phewwww, that’s pretty impressive!

Which is exactly what you’ll think of the whole place. It’s not fair that North Rhine-Westphalia and the Western Münsterland has kept this place such a well guarded secret; so, I’m gonna fill you in.

If you’re expecting to see a castle, you won’t be disappointed. The 16th century Schloss Sandfort is private property, however, so sadly you’re only able to see the outside.

Don’t forget a few pics of the Füchtelner Mühle, a mill that’s been used around these parts for centuries. You’ll be able to get more great pics while crossing the 19th century Incline Bridge.

St. Vitus’ church is an interesting piece of Olfen’s history. The church you see today was built in 1888 over an older 15th century church. But, the Gelbe Haus (right near the Marktplatz) has the most unique history in town. Built in the 19th century, it served as a butcher shop and a hotel. Now’ it’s the town’s tourist office.

One of the COOLEST places to visit is the Nature Bath. It’s got a wave pool, waterfall, a beach volleyball court, and water playground. It’s even got a special kids swimming area; although the wellness spa (think massages and sauna) is for adult enjoyment.

And what kid would love a day at an animal park petting the cute creatures. Afterwards, have a few rounds of miniature golf with the whole family. More family fun can be had at the Cement Well. It’s where all the fun Carnival (right before lent) festivities take place and the kids will love it.

There’s so much to see and do in Olfen that it’s best to spend a night or two at one of its guesthouses. Better yet, grab some locally grown goodies at the Farmer’s Market and spend a few nights camping.

If you come to Oberhaching looking for fun informative museums or lots of medieval sightseeing you’re not going to find it. What you will find is a pint-sized town located just south of Munich.

Oh, all right, there’s a little more to it than that but, just don’t go expecting a bunch of fun little museums or lots of stuff leftover from medieval times.

The best thing about coming to Oberhaching is that you’re able to stay overnight in charming flowerbox-framed guesthouses close to the Bavarian capital. Places like the family run Harchinger Hof that provides clean affordable accommodation (buffet breakfast included) for a lot less than it would cost in the big city chic.

It’s also places like that where you’ll eat traditional rustic Bavarian cuisine like fried Bavarian Camembert (a yummy cheese dish) or its Leberkäse served with egg & French fries. Yeah, you might be able to get it in nearby Munich, but it might not be made with the same love. ;-)

Don’t scoff, this place was good enough for the Paraguay National Soccer team when they stayed here for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

In the warmer months the Hotel Weißbräu opens its quaint beer garden. I can’t think of any better way to end (ok, maybe start) a perfect day. Hey, this close to the Alps, you didn’t think it would be warm all year round?

So, maybe after a visit to the beer garden or visiting the centuries old (Romanesque) military church of St. Stefan you’d like to relax over at the Nature Bath Furth. Again, this is a warmer weather activity — open only from May thru September.

It doesn’t matter the season to enjoy Oberhaching’s cultural activities; they’re held indoors. So, grab a beer (ok, maybe wine — but this is Bavaria for crying out loud!) and enjoy a night of jazz, swing, classical music, or a literary evening.

Hmm, maybe there is more to Oberhaching than meets the eye?

It’s gotta be the law of averages. When you have twenty-six (yes, 26) hamlets that make up one town, there’s bound to be something to do. And in Wittingen in Lower Saxony, there are 26 hamlets and there is something to do.

Wittingen is lucky enough to be found between two beautiful natureal areas, the Lüneburg Heath and the Altmark (in Saxony-Anhalt, which borders the town).

The Lüneburg Heath is a lesson in history, geography, geology, and anthropology. It has mountains, hills, rivers, forest, moorlands, rock formations, and Stone Age grave hills.

You’ll find more of the same within the Altmark. The area within the Altmark is a bit more flat, which is good if you’re looking for a less rigorous hike or bike ride.

And that’s just what people come here for; to bike and hike to their heart’s content. They also come to Wittingen to swim, camp, fish, play tennis and miniature golf. Hey, you’ll even find a disco in town if you want to party the night away. ;-)

Wittingen isn’t all natural history and sports, there’s a medieval city center, too. There are also four historical churches within town. Well, three churches and one chapel to be exact.

If you’re an art lover, then you’ll appreciate the Dreikönigskapelle (3 kings chapel), the St Stephanus Church (found at the Marktplatz), the St. Stephans Church (at the Hindenbergwall), and the Maria Königin Roman Catholic Church (on the Schützenstraße). They’re not all historic medieval churches, but they’re still beautiful and a source of pride around town.

The town’s also proud of its two town parks. They’re the perfect place for a picnic, letting the kids enjoy the playground, or just sitting around the pond enjoying the world go by.

I guess it’s safe to say that the law of averages are right. There is something to do around here.

According to any geography lesson any town within Germany is European but, when you visit the Quadrium in Wernau you’ll think you’ve found yourself transported to a Middle Eastern desert oasis.

This wellness spa (whose building also doubles as cultural center) is quite the popular place to visit around town and is done in a Middle Eastern motif. The Quadium has all the normal spa services from massages, whirlpools, and saunas, but it’s the manner in which it pulls it off right down to the little details.

If anything, check out its Hamam Room — designated to purify and refresh both body & mind.

For family fun, the town’s pool is also located within the Quadrium. It’s an inexpensive way to spend the day together.

Maybe it’s best to visit the rest of Wernau before heading off to the spa or swimming the day away. One of the more visited areas around town is along Kircheimer Road with lots of local shops and eateries.

For an art exhibit, a cabaret evening, or a jazz concert they’re held at the Castle Celler. Oh, that’s right, Wernau even has its own castle; an 18th century Schloss known as the Castle of the Barons von Palm.

After some time over at the castle, go see the Maria Helping Chapel. The smell is fantastic with its own herb & spice garden. Funny, when this chapel was built a few centuries back, Wernau didn’t even exist. It was then the two separate villages of Pfauhausen and Steinbach.

A lot of what’s to do around Wernau revolves around the great outdoors; starting with its wildlife preserve. And, the whole family will love sitting around or splashing in the excavator lakes.

And, since the city of Wernau is only 25 km (approx. 16 miles) southeast of the city of Stuttgart, you’ll find this great little town is easy enough to get to — just follow the Neckar River around until you’ve found your desert oasis.

So, you’re going to Wasserburg? Where’s that? Oh, Bavaria. Which one? What do you mean which one? Didn’t you know there are two Wasserburgs in Bavaria? Yeah, I know, it’s a bit confusing with all those double-names in Germany — which is why I’m here to help. :-)

There’s Wasserburg am Bodensee in the south (at Lake Constance) and Wasserburg am Inn in the east (which is the one I’m talking about here), the one that’s less than an hour east of Munich.

It’s a place that’s just as beautiful in the winter as it is when the weather’s warmer. (Call me silly but when the snow’s covered the banks of the Inn River and the Old City walls, the town takes on a truly peaceful aura.)

Along a sharp bend of the River Inn is the old town of Wasserburg, maintaining much of its medieval flair — right down to its original defense wall, called a Stadtmauer. I guess those medieval villagers needed protection since Wasserburg was once the only place to cross the River Inn for 20 miles on the old salt route.

But, once you’re inside the old walls you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find. Bring lots of film, because you’ll be taking pictures of her beautifully preserved buildings. Even if you don’t have time to see it all, make sure you get to the Castle and its chapel, as well as the graceful St. Jacob’s Church.

You know, better stay at least a night; all the better to see of this place. There’s a hotel on Marienplatz in the old city, known as the Kernhaus, a beautiful Rococo style building that’s been here for centuries.

Now you’ll have plenty of time to take lots of photos of the Roter Turm, the Pulverturm, and the Hungerturm, three of the city’s original towers, and the Frauenkirche.

Not all of Wasserburg’s sites are within the walls of the old town. Outside you’ll be able to visit Schloss Weikertsham, the church of St. Achatz, and the Monastery Attel.

Amazingly, once you’ve seen how incredibly beautiful the city of Wasserburg am Inn actually is; you’ll never have it confused with any other place in the world. :-)

Waldbronn is one of those towns lucky enough to be located within the incredibly huge, mystic Black Forest. Actually, it’s in the northern part of the Schwarzwald; just to narrow it down some.

Before you go running off into the hills, there are a few things to see within the town itself. You’ll find a local history museum that will detail how the town is technically younger than forty; when the villages of Busenbach, Reichenbach, and Etzenrot were merged back in the 1970’s. (Just for the record, these villages are centuries older than forty).

If you’re a tekkie, then the Radio Museum would be a good stop. Situated in a tiny unassuming building, the museum is totally dedicated to the “history of the broadcast.”

Now it’s time to see what you really came for — the Black Forest. ;-) The culture here is unique onto itself and with the all the hotels and rental vacation homes available, you’ll have plenty of time to stay and see a lot.

Within the forest itself, you can visit some great Baden-Württemberg wineries, see plenty of local wildlife (eagles, Black Forest fox & cattle), and even check out the German Clock Museum — since there are many master clock makers in the region.

You’ll also eat quite well while you’re here. This area of Germany gave us delicious Black Forest Ham and the hard to resist Black Forest Cake. Try the Flammkuchen (made with ham, cheese, and cream) or Pfannkuchen (made with pastry).

Good thing there are countless walking, mountainbiking, and skiing trails throughout the forest. Or, just swim in Waldbronn’s well-kept outdoor pool (open May-September) and have a game of tennis at the Kurpark. All the better to work off all those Black Forest calories. ;-)

I told you Waldbronn was lucky enough to be in the Black Forest and once you get here — you’ll think you were lucky, too!