Yikes, time to pull out the Sorbian to German to English dictionary again, all because of the town of Boxberg (Oberlausitz). Maybe I should say Hamor, as that’s its Sorbian name.

Whatever anyone chooses to call it, it doesn’t change the fact that Boxberg is one of the largest (if not the largest) town in Upper Lusatia — at least in terms of area.

It doesn’t matter how big it is if there isn’t anything to see or do — and thankfully there is. In the village of Klein Radisch (Radšowk) you’ll find an amazing Maltese Cross (called Steinkreuz) from the Middle Ages. There are a number of these medieval stone crosses throughout Boxberg’s eighteen villages, so be sure to look around.

As much as I’m totally groovin’ on all the history, it’s Boxberg’s natural side that had me giddy. The pine forests found along the Oberlausitzer Heide & Teichlandschaft Biosphere are great for leisurely walks or vigorous hikes.

But, between you and me, the best is cycling along the Wolfsradweg. Yes, there’s a scenic route dedicated to the often misunderstood wolf. Along 43 kilometers you’ll learn all about these amazing pack creatures, how they’ve been the hunted almost to extinction, their role in legends and fairy tales, their social structure, and even how to tell the difference between them and dogs.

Also part of Boxberg’s natural side is the Bärwalder Lake, which is exceptionally popular for sailing and swimming, and even water skiing. Close to the lake is the Theater im Ohr, an ear shaped venue that hosts all sorts of performances from cabaret to comedy.

From here you should see the Findlingspark, created from all the boulders from its old mining days. At least they found an innovative way to reuse the stones, instead of blowing them up like they did back in the “golden days.” ;-)

Too bad I didn’t have time to experience any of Boxberg’s many festivals and cultural events. Everyone loves a German Christmas Market, but it wouldn’t be right to leave out mentioning the Village Festival (May), the mid-Summer Regatta (June), the Spring Festival (March), an Oktoberfest (September), or the Glühwein (Mulled Wine) Festival in January.

Chances are I’ve missed something — so I’m making it a point to come back.

All right, what Brainiac decided to say that the town of Appen was 20km from the city of Hamburg, when the place sits right next door? Does that mean from town center to town center?

Who knows? But, what I do know is Appen is the most populated of the towns within the Collective Municipality of Moorrege (Amt Moorrege in German). The first thing that came to mind was how many of Appen’s buildings had seriously sloped roofs.

Ohh, the first tip off that winters around here could be quite snowy. I didn’t see the white stuff first hand, I got the pleasure to see it on a blustery Autumn day in October.

Come to think of it, that’s the perfect time to see De Danzenbarg — a Bronze Age grave mound measuring some 20 meters across surrounded by multi-colored trees. Some of the archaeological finds from this prehistoric graveyard (circa 1500 B.C.) now sit in Schleswig-Holstein’s Archaeological National Museum.

As I’ve said before, this kind makes Appen’s more modern history seem not so historic after all. That’s not to say that I don’t appreciate a castle when I see one.

Who couldn’t appreciate the most minute details put into the construction of the Düneck Castle (in Moorrege). It isn’t a medieval one by any means, this is 19th century construction that looks more like a villa from France than a German fortress. Still, I wouldn’t mind staring at the Winter Garden and all the terra cotta accents all day if I lived here.

Still, Schloss Düneck isn’t even a great engineering marvel. Nope, that honor (I think) goes to the nearby Drehbrücke Klevendeich. It’s a swing bridge built in 1887, whose middle section “swings” out some 90 degrees to let ships navigating the Pinnau River go by. It’s become a national heritage site and is the oldest functional swing bridge in Germany.

Turning it around used to be done by hand. Wooohhh, that must’ve been a lot of work. I guess you need to keep busy to forget about all the snow. ;-)

It’s been a while since I’ve ventured up to the northern part of Germany, this time to the town of Bredstedt in the Nordfriesland District. Yeah, this is pretty far north — located just 6km from the shores of the North Sea.

Ohhh, jolly great, time to go mudflat hiking at the Wadden Sea! Sorry, got a little carried away there — won’t happen again. ;-)

Mudflat hiking isn’t the only thing to do around here, although it’s best to keep an eye out on the tide schedule if you do.

Anyway, Bredstedt also lies along the Schleswig Geest, which is part of the Schleswig-Holstein Geest, making it a great starting/ending point for a few days of hiking/cycling fun. The Tourist Office (at Markt 37) is a great place to start your itinerary — they’re sure to help you find the best routes to take.

The Tourist Office is also the place to be if you want a guided City Tour, which’ll only take about 2 hours of your time. If you’re disabled, the tour can be shortened down to an hour, BTW.

Those of you who appreciate nature only so close as the Discovery Channel, will love getting a lesson of the local flora/fauna of the region in the nicely kept Nature Center. You just gotta go between May 1st-October 31, Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Sorry, they’re the museum’s official opening hours.

Still, that leaves plenty of time to enjoy one of Bredstedt’s really fun festivals. The Großes Kinderfest is a big deal around these parts every July, as is the Open-Air Summer, featuring live music event July through August. The Summer Festival is a classic German festival every August, followed by the Herbstmarkt every September. Better bring something warm to wear if you’re coming for the Christmas Market — a month long affair running from the end of November to the end of December.

Whatever you choose to do or see, the one thing you must add to your itinerary is a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas. Located on the Süderstraße, good old St. Nick’s church is a beautifully designed Gothic church that celebrated its 500th birthday back in 2010.

Now that I think about it, that doesn’t seem very old, since Bredstedt is officially 279 years older than the church itself.

Maybe you need to do what I did, sit on one of the benches by the pond… and ponder.

Just kidding, I was watching the ducks swim around. At least I think they were ducks.

Perhaps I should experience nature a little more than what’s showing on the Discovery Channel. ;-)

Ahh, the beauty that’s the power of the pen (keyboard). You see, I started off getting to write about the town of Ahlerstedt, only to find out the place belongs to the Samtgemeinde (Collective Municipality) Harsefeld, so why not get more bang for your reading buck — and learn about all its villages?

Whether its Alhlerstedt, Harsefeld, Bargstedt, or Brest you’re sure to love everything there is about the place — even if it isn’t all that old, created on January 1, 2013.

Now, don’t let its new age fool ya, many of the places in (or around) Ahlerstedt are quite old.

Take Harsefeld Castle ,for example. The original castle was built more than a thousand years ago, and Kloster Harsefeld (an old Benedictine monastery) got its start over 900 years ago. Too bad it didn’t survive past the Thirty Years’ War conflict — although the former Abbey Church of Sts. Mary & Bartholomew is still standing.

My historical account is in no way as good as what you’ll get from one of the tour guides (in period garb, no less). In just about an hour-and-a-half, you’ll get a thousand years of history explained so much better.

Come to think of it, you’ll get a history a lot older than that if you’re visiting places like the Grabhügel Königsgrab, a Bronze Age grave only found around the turn of the 20th century. Ahh, the wonders that await in the Harsefeld-Stader Geest, wouldn’t you agree?

There are wonders that await just a bit closer to Ahlerstedt. Take the Elbe Radwanderwegbus to some of the prettiest orchards and farms, passing those half-timbered houses everyone loves so much. OK, maybe I’m the only one. ;-)

I loved the Klosterpark a lot, too. Not only is it a fun place for the whole family to enjoy on a regular day, the place really outdoes itself for special events like the Winter Magic (2nd weekend of December) with its booths selling crafts, its mulled wine, and its raffle prizes.

And on the third Sunday of September, there’s the Harsefelder Herbszauer, which is preceded by the Classic Open Air stage events every August.

These aren’t the only events held in Ahlerstedt and its environs. There’s the Music Festival every June, an Autumn Market in September, and a Schützenfest in both June and July. Sounds like a jolly good time for everyone, yes?

Let’s say it’s a quieter pursuit you’re looking for — good thing there are quite a number of cycling routes around Ahlerstedt, four of them to be exact, with names like the Monastery Route and Forest Route. They’re not all that tough, ranging from a mere 21km to a little more ambitious 50km — and they’re circular, so you’re not inclined to get lost. No biggie if you get tired, there are a couple of Bed & Bike Farms around to spend the night.

Sorry hikers, routes like the Steinbecktal (only 6km) won’t tucker you out too bad — but you’re always welcome to spend a night or two.

After all that’s to be found in and around Ahlerstedt, I think I need a rest…

I might crack a lot of corny jokes about most German towns, but I never forget there’s a human factor involved. Not only was Adelsheim in the midst of some gruesome 16th century witch hunts, but it struck me as ironic this town was the birthplace of Alex Lewin, a doctor/rabbi killed in Auschwitz; and Gertrud Scholtz-Klink, an ardent Nazi who headed the National Socialist Women’s League.

Many of Adelsheim’s attractions today were around when Doktor Lewin and Ms. Scholtz-Klink were born around the turn of the 20th century.

You, too, can see the Schloss Sennfeld — a beautiful Baroque castle that celebrated its 300th birthday in 2013. Don’t confuse Sennfeld’s castle with the Oberschloss (Upper Castle, built 1504) and its Unterschloss (Lower Castle), whose tithe barn is now a Local History Museum.

Adelsheim’s Rathaus (Town Hall) has been here a long time, too, and you shouldn’t miss seeing this half-timbered building from 1619.

On the flip side, places weren’t here when the Romans used to call this area home. But, you can walk in their footsteps, as Adelsheim lies on the German Limes Cycle Route, which orientates on the German Limes Road.

Do you think the Romans would’ve been impressed with Adelsheim’s Jakobuskirche? I think they would. Who wouldn’t be impressed with a pretty chapel church? The Romans probably would’ve appreciated the Stadtturm, Adelsheim’s reconstructed City Tower, since the Romans were totally into the whole defense system thing.

As for the rest of the human factor, there’s no place better to experience that than one of town’s festivals. The Adelsheimer Volksfest is a multi-day event every July, which is a different from the Seenfelder Dorffest (Village Festival) that also takes place over the course of a few days in July.

The town is host to some other wonderful events, like the Christmas Bazaar in December; Seestadtfest in September; and the Adelsheim Leuchtet — a twice yearly event using lights and video to “illuminate” sites like the Kirnau Waterfall.

The Kirnau Waterfall is but one gorgeous piece of Adelsheim’s natural side. Heck, part of the town itself lies within the Neckertal-Odenwald Nature Park — which is perfect when you want to get away from the “human factor”. ;-)

What a predicament to be in, to tell you about the town and/or Collective Municipality of Kastellaun? True, there are far worse things to worry about, but either way you’ll find both Kastellauns in the Rhineland-Palatinate to be pretty gosh-darn marvelous.

As for the town of Kastellaun, it sits within Section Six of the German Avenues Route, a 2,900 km scenic route of shady, tree-lined streets.

This isn’t the only way to experience the natural side of Kastellaun, by the way. Geo-caching is a popular activity, where you look for “treasures.” The folks here in town only ask you respect the local wildlife — and for safety reason stay on the trails. Easy enough, right?

As for some other hiking trails, they’re quite manageable ranging from 7.5 to 13.8 kilometer through the Moselle Valley. They’ve been rated as one of “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trails,” and I’m inclined to agree.

You’ll find a few marked cycling routes, too. The Schinderhannes Bike Trail is only 38km, while the Hunsrück-Moselle Route is only eight kilometers shorter. No problem if you didn’t bring your own bicycle, rentals of regular and e-bikes are available for anyone who needs them.

If you’d rather see the more historical side of Kastellaun, then it’s off to the Altstadt (Old Town) for you then. The old part of town is charming with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets — or just have a drink in a beer garden taking in all the local ambiance.

No trip is ever finished without visiting the ruins of Burg Kastellaun. This 13th century castle might be in ruin these days, but still, a medieval castle is still a medieval castle. At its Lower Castle is a Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) with exhibits of the town’s Celtic and Roman days.

The Romans would’ve appreciated a good party, so I’m thinking they would love the town’s Beller Market, an annual Folk Festival; and I’d put money on they’d like the Markt der Sinne (in August), too.

Call me a romantic, but I’m a sucker for a proper German Christmas Market, held annually on the second weekend of Advent. No worries if you can’t make any of these, there’s a Weekly Market every Wednesday selling all kinds of goodies.

Now that you’ve done just the town of Kastellaun, you can go see the rest of the Collective Municipality — and isn’t that another page to write about altogether. ;-)

You can’t go any further east than right here in Rothenburg (Oberlausitz) in Saxony, and still remain in Germany. That’s right, you go one more foot to the east and you’re in Poland, my friends.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with our eastern neighbor — but don’t leave, because you’ll miss out on quite a number of things to do.

While technically not withing Rothenburg, you won’t want to miss out on the Wolfsradweg, a scenic route that’s all about the poor misunderstood wolf. The route (which is only about 13 km / 8 miles from here) runs some 43.3 kilometers with info boards detailing the life, social structure, misconceptions and legends of these awesome creatures. It’s best done by bicycle — all the better to escape the real wolves that call Upper Lusatia home. ;-)

As far as the natural side of Rothenburg itself, look no further than the Bird Park, called Vogelpark Kunschmann. Some 45 different species of birds call it home, and you’ll find everything from the common chicken to totally exotic birds.

Your acquaintance with animals doesn’t end here, the bison enclosure is good for learning about these humongous animals. Too much Discovery Channel stuff for you? No worries, take a more tame horse riding lesson instead.

And there’s always the option of hiking around one of the town’s marked trails. They have great names, like the Froschradweg (Frog Cycle Trail) or Biehainer-Seen-Tour (Biehain Lake Tour). Don’t be afraid to ask the folks at Rothenburg’s Tourist Office (located at Marktplatz 1) for a map.

I’m pretty sure they’ll tell you to visit the Aviation Museum at the nearby airfield. Anyone who loves flying will appreciate seeing some fifteen different aircraft, including a helicopter and MiG21. The other museum in Rothenburg is its Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum), filled with hundreds of years of the town’s history.

In addition to all this running around the Upper Lusatian countryside, you’ve got festivals too. The Summer Festival is one of the biggest events of the year, but who doesn’t love a quaint Christmas Market?

Didn’t I tell you there were quite a number of things to do here? And there’s still so much more to see in Germany, so don’t cross into Poland yet. ;-)

This has to be some kind of sick German joke — I’m German and the town of Windischeschenbach can barely get off my tongue to say today. I know, maybe I should add a little feature here on MyGermanCity.com that’ll allow you to hear how to actually say these totally off-the-wall sounding names.

Sorry, Windischeschenbach, I am totally in love with your town, but your name is killing me. ;-)

I might joke about the name, but I’m serious in telling you that you’ll have the time of your life in this Upper Palatinate town of twenty districts. Neuhaus has to be one of the best, and not just because it has a castle.

Neuhaus Castle is famous for its free-standing tower, but the castle itself is more than 700 years old — plenty of time to make a name for itself, wouldn’t you say? Today the medieval castle is home to the Waldnaabtal Museum, full of exhibits about the natural side of the Upper Palatinate; open from Easter Monday to October.

Speaking of the Waldnaabtal, Windischeschenbach is known as its “Gateway.” Call it what you want, but the region is known for all its fantastic recreational fun. Camping is big around here, as are activities like hiking, cycling, and even E-biking. If you’re afraid of getting lost, there are 10 circular hiking trails, by the way.

And Windischeschenbach is also known for its history of beer brewing at the Kommunbrauhaus. I’m not quite sure how to explain this, but if you lived here during the 14th to 16th centuries, you’d come here to help you brew your own beer, known as Zoigl. These days you can still drink the Zoigl — especially at the Zoigl und Backofenfest every June; which isn’t, by the way, to be confused with the Zoiglfest in July.

Thankfully, Windischeschenbach isn’t a one festival town, there’s plenty of parties to go around. It seems the festivities kick off at the Pfingstfest, then you’ve got then Fischerfest (June), the Pfarrfest (July), a Wine Festival (July), and the Straßenfest in August.

Oops, I forgot about the Bürgerfest (1st Saturday in July), the Brunnenfest (August), and the obligatory Kirchweih (September) for a minute there. Sorry, I was still trying to practice saying Windischeschenbach. ;-)

And I also almost forgot about the Drill Tower, and this although one can see it from afar… Known as GEO-Zentrum an der Kontinentalen Tiefbohrung, the derrick’s drill drilled 9.1 km (5.65 miles) deep into our earth for geological science.

Welcome to Forbach, the Black Forest town — not the French one. Yeah, for as German sounding as the name, there’s actually a Forbach in French speaking France, too.

This Forbach here is easy enough to get to from nearby Rastatt and/or Freudenstadt. Just get on the Murgtalbahn and you’re off and running.

Oh, you found the place? Good, now let’s find out what’s to see and do around here…

One thing’s for sure, there’s no coming to Forbach without visiting its covered wooden bridge over the Murg River. Aren’t they just so romantic looking? I’m not sure why though — anyone know?

You can ponder that question while you’re off looking at any of Forbach’s 40 or so fountains. Come get your picture taken while sitting beside the Saubrunnen (it’s a pig), or over by the Ziehharmonikaspieler (a guy playing the accordion).

And to go back to the Murg, that fabulous river running through town, you’re always free to travel along the Tour de Murg Radwanderweg. Hiking and cycling is often the best way to experience the smaller towns and villages in Germany, as is Nordic Walking — with trails in length from a paltry 2.5km to a more “grueling” 5.8km.

Dedicated hikers through Germany might be traveling on the Westweg, which funny enough runs north and south through town. Actually, Forbach is the end of segment two, and the beginning of segment three.

It’s probably best to come see the town’s Murgtal Museum before you run off, though. And after seeing the very pretty Schwarzenbach-Talsperre — you’ll want to swim, fish, or windsurf before hitting the road again.

Ooh, you could try rock climbing or mountain biking, too.

Too strenuous? Don’t worry, Forbach’s got something for those of you out there who aren’t into the whole outdoorsy thing. Come over to the St. Bernhardus Church to see its magnificent stained glass windows, or marvel at the 15th century architecture of the St. Valentin Church in the village of Langenbrand. Others might appreciate seeing the twin 50 meter high towers over at the St. John the Baptist Church. I know I did.

I’ve probably missed something at this point, so I’ll tell you to visit the folks over at Forbach’s Tourist Information Center (at Landstraße 27). Chances are they’ll fill you in on all the other wonders within the Black Forest area — and I don’t think they got one of those in France. ;-)

Whoohoo, I’m here in Hesse again — and quite glad to be in the town of Rabenau.

This is some seriously grand real estate, located between the Lahn Valley and the Vogelsberg, and on the banks of the Lumda River.

Of course there’s more to Rabenau than just its location, so you might want to stick around for a while — just like I had to.

The town of Rabenau itself is actually a handful of villages, each with their own individual flair. Each one also offers charming village churches to see, like the one in Geilshausen. It’s an old fortified church, with a 21 meter high tower above the countryside — and pretty stained glass.

Londorf’s church is known as the “Cathedral of Londorf;” but there’s definitely more to do here than just stopping by its church for a quick visit. At the end of August Londorf offers a “Car-free Sunday,” craft shops, food markets, and a castle garden with its own beer garden. Sweet!

As for beer, there’s plenty flowing at many of Rabenau’s festivals. I’ll try to do this in date order for you… May’s the time for the Backhausfest; followed by the 3-day Kirmes Wochenende in June; the Rabenauer Art Forum at the end of August; and the Kartoffelfest (Potato Festival) in early September. The Michaelismarkt takes place a week after the Potato Festival, so you might want to plan a visit to combine them both.

You’ll really feel lucky if you’ve managed to come for the Lichterfest at the Castle Park. Sorry folks, this August event takes place only on even-numbered years. Take solace in knowing at least the Christmas Market happens every year on the second weekend of Advent.

When peace & quiet are what you crave, Rabenau obliges. Follow along the Radwanderweg, 44km of serene Hessian countryside — or follow the Rabenauer Trail instead. Your choice, of course, but either one is a good choice.

How about horseback riding and wagon rides — better yet, take a donkey ride. I assure you, it’s a fun time to be had by all.

As for fun, my time is ending in Rabenau — but I still have time to take a bike ride on some of the town’s 45km of bike trails. Oh, look at that — sculptures are found along the way.

Ya see, I told you there was more to Rabenau than just its fantastic location. ;-)