In English anything with the word “rot” in it can’t be good; well, in German the word means something totally different. Good thing, since Sankt Leon-Rot, or St. Leon-Rot as it’s officially written, is pretty darn awesome.

Sankt Leon-Rot is only a stone’s throw from the city of Heidelberg. What you’ll find is that you can’t get any closer to a big city and yet be any further away. And with all the sightseeing that can be done in this gorgeous area of Baden-Württemberg, St. Leon-Rot makes a wonderful central location to do it.

While anytime is a good time to visit, the best time to come is June. Why? Asparagus.

Oh, this little green veggie doesn’t get the respect it truly deserves — but not here in St. Leon-Rot; it’s celebrated! It even has its own exhibit over at the Local History Museum.

Tobacco was another huge crop grown here, but in these health-conscious days; it’s best to stick to the stuff that’s good for you.

Ohhhh, speaking of stuff that’s good for you — how about a round of golf? St. Leon-Rot can boast courses with 18-holes, 9-holes, and 5-holes.

After some time on the links, St. Leoner See is a perfect way to end a day. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to swim, stroll along any walking trail, or ride off into the sunset on a bicycle.

Well, if you want something a bit more fast paced, why not head over to nearby Hockenheim and its Formula 1 track? ;-)

Just come back in time to enjoy the Straßenkerwe in the village of Rot (1st weekend in October) or the Sauerkrautmarkt (November). Don’t go thinking the town’s gonna smell like the cabbage stuff on top of a hotdog — and while there are plenty of local delicacies to nosh, it’s mainly a shopping market (great for souvenirs).

Don’t you agree it’s a good thing that “Rot” means something totally different in German? :-)

Oelsnitz (Erzgebirge) might be a blue-collar mining town in the far East of Germany but, you’ll find that it has more than just some lumps of coals laying around.

What this Oelsnitz in the Ore Mountains does have is one awesome lake where you can sit and relax or have some good old fun. Besides swimming, the entire complex at Am Haderwald has beach volleyball, table tennis, bowling, a life-sized chess set, playground for the kids, and a barbecue area for when you’re hungry. During the summer movies are played at the Waldbad Theater.

Wow, that’s enough right there to keep you plenty busy. If you want a great view of Oelsnitz then climb the winding steel staircase at the Glückaufturm. It stands around about 36 meters or 100 feet high and has five lookout points — all the better to see gorgeous Saxony!

There are many walking, hiking, and bicycling trails throughout the forest if you’d rather stay closer to the ground.

Another venture that will keep you on the ground is a visit to the Heinrich Hartmann House. Mr. Hartmann’s house at Lower Main Street 16 has many artistic exhibitions that change regularly — so you’ll always be pleasantly surprised. Oh, and entrance is free, making this artistic hot spot a great value for the whole family.

Everyone in the family will love the Oelsnitz’s Mining Museum, too. Don’t miss the old steam train — the kid’s will love it!

Adults may prefer a visit to nearby Castle Stein. This formidable medieval castle takes an interesting look at medieval aristocratic life with special exhibits on medieval torture and weapons. Castle Stein is considered to be one of the most remarkable and impressive castles in all of Saxony.

There’s something to be said for this old mining town because no where else will you find a super fun lake and great history & culture. I told you that you’d find more than coal here! ;-)

Just south of East Frisia and the North Sea are the thirteen local districts of Barßel.

Don’t go expecting a huge city or even a suburb — this is some real rural countryside; great for camping and canoeing. Plus, Barßel does have some informative and educational “objects of interest.”

However, everything about this places just screams for you to enjoy the great outdoors — so pack a good pair of comfortable sneakers and some sunscreen.

If you’ve got an adventurous spirit, then renting a boat or canoe is just what the doctor ordered. But, a quiet leisurely ride on the passenger ship — the MS Spitzhörn — can be just as wonderful. For a workout and an all-around good time, head out on the water on a paddleboat. If you prefer to stay on dry-land, bicycle rentals are available, too.

Did I mention there’s great fishing? In keeping with the outdoorsy theme, camping facilities are all around with tents and RV sites all around. Oh, think of how delicious that fish you caught earlier will taste cooked over a campfire! Hmmm…

If you think life around the Zandersee is beautiful from the ground, you should see it from above. A number of hiking trails lead off to Barßel’s observation tower, for an eagle-eye view of Lower Saxony‘s countryside.

Barßel isn’t all sport and recreation; it has plenty to engage the mind, too (and great photo ops). Nowhere better to do this than a visit to Christ Church, the Peat & Coke factory (not the soda), and the canal which can all be found in the village of Elisabethfehn.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the Moorland and Fehn Museum — but don’t you forget to go see it! ;-)

Keep a look out for the Ebkens Windmill, a Dutch styled windmill built in the early 1700’s. It’ll make a charming (romantic, fun) snapshot to take back home with you.

Barßel’s great location close to Cloppenburg, Oldenburg, Papenburg, and Westerstede make getting here easy enough; since they’re only about a half-hour away from all directions — making it all the better to get here and enjoy!

Some places in the world have majestic mountain scenery and some are incredibly romantic and famous the world over. This isn’t the case here in Bad Wünnenberg. But, wait — before you jump to the next page — hear me out because Bad Wünnenberg is a great family friendly town with lots of history and great weather (rarely ever going below freezing).

Oh, it’s also a Kneipp Bath town; making this place good for the body, too.

Might as well get all the sightseeing done first, because once you start relaxing at the spa you won’t want to leave.

Bad Wünnenberg wasn’t always this healthy especially back in the 1600’s when the plague ravaged the town. All that remains of this time is a cemetery and a dedicated sandstone cross (worth a visit).

But, its the Military Tower that is Bad Wünnenberg’s landmark. From the 13th century it served to protect its residents from invading marauders, now it serves to educate about medieval life. It even has a tiny garden filled with what those medieval villagers would’ve grown.

A couple of hints: if you want to eat like a local try the Paderborner Brot, a rye bread that’s famous around these parts. And, if you want a real look into life of the Middle Ages then visit the nearby village of Andepen, it’s a “working” medieval village. ;-)

Now, it’s time to check out the Barefoot Path, a great place to literally kick your shoes off. This kilometer long park has different elements all designed to be experienced with your feet. And it’s free, making it easy on the family’s pocketbook. The kids will also love the gamepark with lots of fuzzy animals and its a great chance to enjoy the Westphalian countryside at the same time.

But, it’s the spa here in Bad Wünnenberg that will knock your socks off. Its massages, pool, and saunas will have you totally relaxed in no time.

With so much to do for parents and kids alike, it’s no wonder that Bad Wünnenberg makes a perfect family vacation — even if you just spend the whole time at its spa. ;-)

On the northern edge of the Swabian Alb is the fabulous town of Bopfingen. Its 9 local districts are historic and a great place to enjoy some recreational activities no matter the season.

One of the most popular sites in all of Bopfingen is the former synagogue. This small, unassuming, whitewashed building with small Hebrew letters is now a museum. It’s dedicated to what was once the largest Jewish population in the region that was wiped out by 1940. Plan accordingly — the synagogue museum is only open on Saturdays & Sundays (2pm-4pm) from March to October, it’s closed from November through February.

Older than the synagogue is Bopfingen’s St. Blasius Church. Its altar wing dates back to the late 15th century and should be on any visitor’s to-visit list. The pious from all over came to see the beautiful Baroque Pilgrimage Church, no reason you shouldn’t either.

Schloss Baldern is another place that shouldn’t be missed. The old castle has been a tourist attraction for more than a hundred years, all coming to see its huge collection of weapons.

There are a few more castles (or, at least the ruins of some) around Bopfingen. The ruins of Schloss Schenkenstein and Castle Flochberg are a bit eerie, but there’s something magical about them. Maybe it’s the view that stretches forever from atop the hillsides.

Bopfingen isn’t all old castles and churches. No, it’s a town that loves sports and offers skiing, plenty of walking & cycling trails, and even tennis for residents and visitors alike.

A great place to meet Bopfingen’s locals is at any of its markets or festivals. The best are the Spring Market (2nd weekend before Easter) and the Nikolaus Market that’s held about 4 weeks before Christmas.

The most fun is the Ipfmesse. For 4 days at the beginning of July you can shop, eat, and drink with all of Bopfingen’s residents. The beer tent is quite popular with the adults, as is the carnival rides with the little ones.

Sounds like a good time for all! ;-)

The ten villages of Mettlach couldn’t be located in a more beautiful place.

This incredible stunning town sits right on the sharp curve of the Saar River, known as the Saarschleife, at the borders of France and Luxembourg. Gorgeous landscape aside, Mettlach is also historical and a shopper’s paradise. As if that’s not enough, Mettlach is also a health-resort town.

Mettlach is lucky enough to boast one of the oldest buildings in all of the Saarland. Its Alter Turm, or Old Tower, and its tiny church are over a thousand years old and one of the most visited sites in the area.

In keeping with the sites of the Middle Ages, there are ruins of Burg Montclair. The mound where the 12th century castle was built has been inhabited as far back as Romans times. Another medieval wonder is the heavenly church of St. Lutwinus. This beautifully decorated church is quite famous for its its mosaic artwork.

Even the landscape of Mettlach seems to be a masterpiece. The best place to see it is at the lookout points, known as the Cloef and Small Cloef, over where the Saar River does its hairpin turn. From this vantage point, you can see where three countries come together in a collage of colors.

This amazingly beautiful real estate is worthy of its own party, the Festival of the Saar Loop, held every August. It’s also close to the Cloef-Atrium, a lovely spa and cultural center with lectures, concerts, and exhibitions. Wow, relaxation and art all in one place!

Another natural beauty is the English Garden at the Park of the Abbey. There are over 30 species of trees and a guided botany tour is a great way to truly appreciate its beauty.

After a day or two visiting all of Mettlach’s historical sites, there’s no better way to relax than with a pint of an amber colored ale brewed at the Abbey Brewery. Don’t sit and drink too long, though, or you’ll miss the sales at the Land’s End Outlet.

Mettlach is the ultimate place to visit. How could it not be with its scenic beauty, its history, and its great shopping. Oh, yeah, and don’t forget its cool beer! ;-)

What do you get when you cross the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb in Baden-Württemberg? Sulz am Neckar, a town of nine villages located right between the two.

With a region as picturesque as this, Sulz on the River Neckar is not just any ordinary town. Really, people from all over come to walk, hike, or bike for hundreds of kilometers on 48 trails throughout the countryside. We can’t forget about the Nordic walking trails, either.

The forest has an observation town giving anyone willing to climb it the most stunning view stretching from the Schwarzwald to the Alb. There are also camping sites throughout the area and a miniature golf course, perfect for staying and playing right in the heart of things.

After a day of walking and cycling there’s no place better to relax than at Sulz’s outdoor swimming pool, known as the Susolei. Only open from mid-May to mid-September, the pool is interestingly enough filled with saltwater. I guess it’s fitting since Sulz was once a medieval salting town.

Sulz’s history runs a very interesting timeline. You’ll find Celtic grave hills, a Roman castellet, and a medieval monastery. Even though Monastery Kirchberg is now a convention center, it still has its beautiful Baroque chapel.

Another medieval attraction are the ruins of Albeck. It stood for almost 400 years before it was destroyed in 1688.

There is a (water) castle that remains in Sulz which doesn’t lay in ruins, the Wasserschloss Glatt. This funny looking Renaissance castle (one of the oldest castles of its kind in Southern Germany) is an art museum, a farming museum, and a local history museum with exhibits on life as an aristocrat. From the looks of the castle, they certainly lived better than most villagers.

Villagers might not have gotten to live in a fancy-schmancy castle but with Sulz am Neckar’s location along the Alb and the Black Forest they at least had the best views and fresh air.

Twistringen is a small town in Lower Saxony that’s easily reached by train in about 45 minutes from both Osnabrück and Bremen. Plus, its location in the Wildeshausen Geest makes Twistringen the perfect place to start exploring the countryside.

Twistringen offers a variety of guided walking and cycling tours throughout the countryside. It’s great for getting an insider’s look into the Geest and around town; it’s worth the few Euro to join in on the fun.

The Geest isn’t Twistringen’s only claim to fame; the town has made it into the Guiness Book of World Records. For what, you ask? Well, Twistringen was once the epicenter of strawmaking and to celebrate its 750th birthday, the town made the largest straw hat, earning its way into the record books. The hat now sits in the Twistringen Straw Museum!

After checking out the Guiness record breaker, it’s time to explore the Geest. The nature protected moorlands are especially pretty and quite popular with cyclists and hikers alike. Look for the Pestruper Grave Fields, a protected area dating to the Bronze Age.

Another grave area that’s protected is Twistringen’s Jewish Cemetery. The last Jewish grave dates to 1939, although there were three Russian POW’s buried here after the Second World War.

While you’re out seeing the sites of Twistringen don’t miss the ruins of the Hünenburg in the village of Stöttinghausen, where only the ring wall of the original 9th century castle remains.

Twistringen DOES have more than just old graves and castle ruins; it’s a center for art and culture. The town has many classical music concerts, cabaret, and art exhibits throughout the year.

St. Anna’s Church is another cultural center for the town; in fact it’s tower (standing about 150 feet high) is Twistringen’s landmark. And, its baptismal font is over 800 years old.

With a town as great as Twistringen it should be in record books for so much more, don’t you agree? ;-)

Let’s face it… Germany’s a country that has an umpteen number of medieval villages. And you might think Trebur, a town that’s only about 30 minutes southwest of Frankfurt, might be just like all the others. But, no, this Hessian town is pretty special.

For starters, Trebur sits on the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße or German Framework Road; meaning you’ll see plenty of timber framed buildings around town. For instance, Trebur’s local history museum is located within one that dates from the 1680’s (open Sundays from 2pm-5pm).

Another thing that makes Trebur totally special is its stunning St. Laurentius Church for starters. It’s a rare Carolingian building remaining today, impressive since it was built in the 9th century (yeah, that would be over 1200 years ago!). Historians could argue this is reason enough that this town is special.

Well, while St. Laurentis’ church is the oldest, Trebur’s St. Petrus Church is a beauty in its own right. Lovers of Baroque art will just love the alter piece in all its ornate glory.

Inasmuch as everyone looks towards the heavens for the divine; in 1908 residents of Trebur looked for another reason — the Zeppelin. Some count’s air-filled flying contraption made an emergency landing here in town and the spot is marked by a fortress looking memorial. Obviously, it wasn’t the Hindenburg and hardly as famous, but it was a big deal here.

What’s also famous around here is the annual Trebur Festival held every summer at the town’s outdoor pool, where thousands from all around come to have a good time. The City Celebration is held in September and Trebur also has its own Christmas Market at its City Hall.

There’s enough going on around here to keep you busy and there are a few hotels or guesthouses to accommodate just about everyone. The upside to staying locally is that you’ll have more time to spend in Trebur — and one of the best ways to get around is by bicycle.

But, no matter how you get around you’ll find that this place isn’t just like everywhere else.

Welcome to Perleberg! Let me introduce you to Roland; sorry that would be Sir Roland — the large statue of a medieval knight with the REALLY big sword. You’ll mostly see Roland in the cities of the Northern and Eastern part of Germany.

Sir Roland’s presence right here in Perleberg was how the people of medieval days knew that this town in Brandenburg had its own market rights and was considered a “free” town.

Free probably wasn’t a word used by many of Perleberg’s residents during the Thirty Years’ War when it’s population dropped from 3500 residents to less than 300. But now, almost 400 years later — Sir Roland’s town has made a most remarkable recovery.

Besides being formally introduced to Roland, many visitors like to visit the Perleberg Museum just filled with all sorts of treasures from the town’s history. Actually, many exhibits come from an area known as the King Grave Hill of Seddin, dating back to the Bronze Age.

Another museum, the Dokuzentrum, has exhibits but from a much more recent time in our history; the 20th century in fact when this area was part of Eastern Germany.

There is still plenty else to see, including the old Judenhof; an old medieval Jewish Cemetery that remained up until the mid-20th century. You’ll find a memorial stone within the cemetery in honor of those who lost their lives during the war.

Don’t skip out not seeing the Old Market Place (oh, wait — you’ll have seen that when you met Sir Roland) and the town’s City Hall. It’s original goes back to 1347 but, it did need to be redone after 500 years — so the one you see dates to the 1830’s.

Roland’s medieval town is also a party town. Join all the local residents for the Citizen Celebration (1st Friday in July), two days later is the Perleberger Book Celebration (gotta love a town that loves books). Every April 30th is the town’s Kneipennacht or Tavern Celebration (gotta like a town that likes to party), and there’s always the town’s Folk Festival held every September.

You’ll find Sir Roland’s town of Perleberg is pretty awesome with its history and parties. Just don’t forget to say goodbye to Roland, he’s pretty proud of his city. ;-)