Nordstemmen, the land of royalty? When you think of kings and queens (or, even an occasional prince or princess) some German cities come to mind, but Nordstemmen?

Yes, this beautiful city on the Leine River in the south of Lower Saxony, only about a half hour south of the city of Hanover, was once the stomping grounds of King George V and his beloved wife Queen Marie.

Smitten George gave his wife the impressively large (and I mean BIG) Schloss Marienburg as a gift, which you’ll find just north of the city. Let me tell you, this was some present and you couldn’t imagine a more romantic looking castle in your dreams.

There are many footpaths leading off from the castle along the mountainside and guided tours are available every hour. This castle with its tower and turrets remained uninhabited for eighty years and most of Queen Marie’s original furniture and bric-a-brac was auctioned off not too long ago.

Another place to visit in Nordstemmen (that also keeps with the royal theme) is the Station Reception Building where George & Marie would come by train on their way to Marienburg. It’s good to be king (or, queen)! ;-)

You’ll also find another castle nearby, Castle Poppenburg. This castle isn’t anywhere near in the same league as Marienburg, even though it’s more than six centuries older; there’s also no touring the inside of Poppenburg.

The countryside of Lower Saxony is just as impressive as the castles you’ll find in it. And there’s no better way to see than hop on a bicycle and ride around. Nordstemmen has nine little hamlets and you’ll find lots of little goodies hidden away within each one.

Of course, each village has its own church and anyone appreciating old art will no doubt want to seem them all. In the Mahlerten neighborhood, for instance, St. Bartholomäus’ church (a 10th/11th century Romanesque church) is exceptionally striking.

The best part of it all, you don’t have to be royalty to come and visit. Although, you’ll sure feel like it walking around here. ;-)

Simply put, the town of Ahrensfelde in Brandenberg is a suburb of Berlin (on the northeast border of the city to be exact).

It’s not a hustle and bustle kind of town, it has a more quiet elegance than anything you’ll find in its big city neighbor. It’s a town with lots of little lanes, towering green trees, and numerous little guesthouses at a fraction of the cost of “big city” prices.

And, you guessed it, Ahrensfelde is easy enough to get to from Berlin, so staying here may make good economical sense.

Each of Ahrensfelde’s five hamlets has its own church (always a good attraction), a few from the Middle Ages; one of the most charming is the 13th century Feldsteinkirche in Mehrow.

But, the Village Church in Ahrensfelde proper seems to get more attention. Visit one, visit them all — doesn’t matter either way but one thing’s for sure, you will be impressed at the craftsmanship.

Another place that’s popular around Ahrensfelde, believe it or not, is the Ostkirchhof; a cemetery park with a chapel that’s a great example of Art Nouveau architecture.

What else can you do around Ahrensfelde? Drink. Try the Berline Weisse, a German beer that can only be produced in Berlin and surrounding areas (Ahrensfelde qualifies), according to German law. In case you didn’t get the memo, Germany takes its beer purity laws quite seriously. ;-)

This particular type of beer has been made around here since the 16th century and is best enjoyed on a hot summer day (though really, anytime is a good time for a good beer). It’s tart, so many times a shot of rasberry syrup is added; then it’s known as Red Berliner Weisse because the beer’s color changes.

White beer, red beer, doesn’t matter. Same as Ahrensfelde’s churches, you’ll be impressed with the craftsmanship.

Come to Langenselbold for a little piece of history. More like a big piece of history, really. It seems that’s the big draw to this old Hessian town. The fact that it’s just a downright pretty place only adds to its charm.

Today, a lot of daily life revolves around the old Schloss Langenselbold. Once a huge manorhouse, it’s now where you’ll find the city administration, a ballet school, and the local history museum.

It’s the best place to start and as you learn more about this place, you’ll appreciate what you see around town a bit more. While you’re inside the Schloss look out for the ornately decorated Stucco Hall.

Right next to the castle is the Schlosspark where everyone come to enjoy concerts and all sorts of town celebrations. A big attraction is the SchlossPark Fest that’s held in the middle of August.

Right at Marktplatz 7 is another piece of Langenselbod history, the Zum Goldenen Engel (or, the Golden Eagle). It’s part historic hotel, part tavern, and part meeting place. The Goldener Engel hotel has been around since the 1650’s and the tavern was added in 1795. It’s still owned by the same family for more than 200 years.

You’ll find other places of historic interest scattered about. Langenselbold’s Jewish quarter had been here since almost as long as the Goldener Engel, right up until the mid 20th century. There’s a memorial dedicated to the town’s former families.

When you’ve had your fill of all thing historic, it’s time to hit the beach. Don’t go expecting ocean or anything, but the Kinzigsee has a large lake that’s got swimming, sailing, surfing, and fishing. On its beach is a volleyball court and a restaurant that’s open all summer long. Or, have a picnic instead.

Langenselbold might have a big piece of history, but sounds like it also has a big piece of fun, too.

Once upon a time in a faraway land there was a castle. Sound familiar? It should, it’s just about the beginning of every fairytale ever written. Fitting start for the town of Hessisch Lichtenau, which sits along the Deutsche Märchenstraße or German Fairytale Route.

In case you’re not too hip on what IS the German Fairytale Route, I’ll tell ya. It’s a historical tourist route that follows the Brothers Grimm (of Hänsel & Gretel fame).

So, we can start our story with; Once upon a time in Hessisch Lichtenau there was a castle. Yes, a real castle; no fairytale story here. And it really was once upon a time, all the back to the days of the Romans who had built a castellet on the original site of Burg Reichenbach. Pretty much all that remains of this 8th century castle (it’s that old) is its donjon which is now used as an observation tower.

In keeping with Hessisch Lichtenau’s fairytale theme, there’s the legend of the Große Steine, or Great Stones. The legend tells a giant threw the stones (made of dolomite rock) here and are believed to have once been the site of prehistoric cult meetings. Science, however, says they’ve been here since at least the Ice Age.

Hessisch Lichtenau isn’t all legends and fairytales (nice as it is, though). This area of Hesse is great for all sorts of sports, no matter the season. You pretty much name it and you can do it here, like Nordic Walking, regular old walking trails, bicycling, mountainbiking, and skiing to just name a few.

With so much to do all in one place, it’s best to stay for at least a night or two. This town has all sorts of accommodations available for visitors, including camp sites.

There’s certainly no better place than Hessisch Lichtenau to sit around a campfire telling stories of legends and fairytales.

Big cities are usually the ones where culture and area attractions run the gamut from the classical to motorsports. Not true in the case of Gaildorf. This place has everything you can think of: idyllic countryside, sports, and festivals. Oh, and its enormous castle helps, too. :-)

This part of Baden-Württemberg is Swabian country, which means you’ll find gorgeous countryside and ultra-friendly, hardworking people who speak German with an “accent.” Though you might not run into too many along Gaildorf’s numerous footpaths and cycling trails.

If you visit between April to October, then climb the Kerner Tower (open Sundays only) for an overlook of the Swabian region.

If the prettiness of Gaildorf doesn’t draw you in, then maybe its sports will. Gaildorf hosts an international motorcross event (since 1964) bringing riders from far away as the United States and Australia.

In January, when the weather’s a bit cold, Gaildorf holds the annual Youth Football Tournament (indoors) with 16 of Europe’s best youth teams. Oh wait, let’s clarify — that’s a soccer tournament; not American football!

Every two years, Gaildorf has its annual Blues Festival on the 1st weekend in July. On the off years, the town has a “Raft Celebration” in its place. Either way there’s music and food, all anyone needs to have a blast.

Another big draw to Gaildorf is the Horse Market (2nd Monday in February). Some 20 to 30-thousand visitors flock here checking out all the horses.

For a different type of history and culture, look no further than the Altes Schloss. This massive old castle, with its own courtyard, lies within the heart of the city and has since it was built in the 15th century. This stone & half-timbered structure houses Gaildorf’s City & Local History Museum, as well as a bunch of chamber musical concerts. Imagine the acoustics!

Gaildorf’s small town charm is a fresh relief from the big city chic (ex., Stuttgart is pretty close). It’s also where you can enjoy big city fun on a more intimate scale.

Spend ten minutes in Upper Bavaria and you’ll be singing its praises on how beautiful it is. Spend another ten minutes in the town of Peißenberg and you’ll be shouting it all from the rooftops.

The history of Peißenberg is further enhanced by its natural beauty. If you can appreciate the outdoors, then you’ll love it here. Peißenberg’s Eibenwald has been a protected area for over 70 years; where the woodlands are great for hiking (plenty of cycling trails, too) and clearing your head of everyday troubles.

For us camping enthusiasts, this is a perfect place for spending a night or two under the stars.

If cave exploration is something you’re interested in, then look no further than Peißenberg’s sandstone caves. These caves were once used by medieval monks for various reasons and as hiding spots for the town’s residents during the Thirty Years’ War back in the 1600’s.

One of the best vantage points for overlooking the countryside is at the Scarce Memory Chapel (known unofficially as Guggenbergkapelle). But, the St. George Chapel is the oldest — it was built in the 12th century.

There is still more to see. Don’t miss St. Michael’s Church, the pilgrimage church of Maria Aich, or the Mine Museum. Keep an eye out for the ancient Merovingian grave hills (think 6th and 7th century A.D.).

In addition to its history, Peißenberg is serious about its sports and festivals. No bit of snow will stop visitors and locals alike from ice skating, hockey, or even swimming; in the indoor pool, that is.

Autumn is a precious time to visit. No offense to the Summer Folk Festival but Fall is when the the annual Leonhardifahrt takes place. Held the last weekend in October, this festival in honor of St. Leonhard of Limoges, is steeped in Bavarian culture starting with a horse procession.

But, this is Bavaria so everything ends under the beer tent. In that case, you’ll be singing Peißenberg’s praises from there. ;-)

If you’ve come to Germany to see its castles then the town of Mülsen in Saxony is for you. It’s also popular among us nature enthusiasts. Want an example?

Over 10,000 visitors flock to Mülsen on the 2nd Sunday in May for the Radlersonntag. Bring your bicycle or skates and ride along for the 23km through the Saxon countryside. Although, the trails and the town’s small Nature Preserve won’t be quite so crowded during other times of the year.

Trails even lead off towards the area’s castles. Burg Stein (Castle Stone) is an incredibly huge castle that was built in the 12th century. It is privately owned, but the edifice is so massive that it’s easy to take photos from the distance.

Head off about a mile and half down the trail to get to the ruins of Isenburg (Iron Castle). It might take some real imagination to picture this 12th century castle and the remnant of its donjon as it once was.

Schloss Wolfsbrunn is another castle along the trail. It’s not as old as Stein or Isenburg but, it’s a grand estate nonetheless.

If you want some 20th century history then follow the many memorial stones that are spread out around town. It’s also a great way to find your way about. Look for ones dedicated to 198 people killed at the old factory in May 1944 and the one for Soviet POWs final resting place. There are two stones that are World War I memorials.

Along the way, you’ll find a still working 18th century farm. If you want a more in-depth tour of the farm, its best to call ahead. At least no reservations are needed to visit Mülsen’s local history museum.

There are many wonderful little guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts for overnight visitors. Camping is also a great option for the adventurer when in Mülsen. Come to think of it, all of Mülsen is an adventure.

There’s plenty talk today about going green and doing your part for the environment. Well, call us traditionalists because nothing says “green” better than a good old-fashioned forest. Which is exactly where Montabaur is, right in the uber green Westerwald.

In fact, you can make your entire trip to Montabaur in Rhineland-Palatinate totally green. No, seriously, your entire journey here can be completely Earth-friendly.

How, you ask?

I’ll tell you…

First, take public transportation to get here. Montabaur is a stop on the 300 km/h ICE High-Speed Rail Line running from Cologne to Frankfurt Airport (FRA). No burning of fossil fuels to drive here on the A3 Autobahn necessary.

OK, car lovers — maybe a quick trip on that Autobahn is desired. After all, this is Germany and that part of the motorway allows you to drive as fast as you want. :-)

Here’s your chance to reduce your carbon-footprint by actually making footprints. That’s right, using your own two legs to walk around is a great way to learn your way around. It’s quite romantic walking along Montabaur’s streets along its Stadtmauer and keep going until you get to the Wolfsturm (Wolf Tower). Don’t forget to stop at Montabaur’s Town Hall for a great photo-op.

It’ll be hard to miss the bright yellow Schloss Montabaur. The original castle was built way back in the 9th century, but this canary colored castle is now a hotel, school, and its Knights Hall and courtyard a concert venue. St. Peter’s was also built in the 9th century. Though the original wood church was replaced with stone about 900 years ago.

Besides walking around town & along the forest footpaths, there are plenty other activities for the eco-conscious. Try your hand (oops, I mean legs) on the Nordic-walking trails or just bicycle along the too numerous to count cycling trails.

If you’ve made an Earth-friendly visit to Montabaur you deserve a special treat. Which is exactly what you’ll get during Jazz Weekend or during the Kirmes Fest (Church festival). And remember the Pub Fest with some great German beer made from pure hops. Now, that’s Earth-friendly.

Grafing in Upper Bavaria is a fine town to visit when you’re in or near Munich. It’s only about 30 minutes from the big city chic and since getting here is easy enough, why not?

You won’t be sorry by any stretch of the imagination. Grafing is charming in its simplicity with tiny guesthouses and small hotels that welcome the overnight visitor. Also, the town’s attention to detail makes this place gracious to both visitors and locals alike.

Grafing’s City Park is a prime example. It’s here that everyone mingles while playing a game of life-size chess, or a round of table tennis. The park is a learning exhibition, too, with its Pharmacist Garden filled with plenty of “good-for-you” plants.

But, as this is Upper Bavaria it’s best enjoyed outside. The many walking and cycling trails lead off along hills, forests, meadows. Pretty countryside with the German Alps in the distance.

All this is close to some of Grafing’s main sites. Many come from all over to see the 9th century Schloss Elkofen. Its oldest part is the tower donjon from the early Middle Ages, but most of it was redone in the 11th (the chapel wasn’t added until some 500 years later).

Just as many come to see Grafing’s many beautiful churches. St. Ägidius is just about as old as the castle. That too, was built over a thousand years ago. It’s still pretty, no matter how many facelifts she’s had. St. Leonhard is a grand Gothic church and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Grafing’s City Hall is another architectural gem. After the Swedes burnt down the original in 1632, residents rebuilt it in the popular Baroque style of the day. The Market Church is another Baroque building that Grafing is quite proud of. After almost 400 years, this ornate style is a classic.

As it turns out, all of Grafing is a classic, isn’t it?

In the Lowlands of the Upper Rhine and along what’s called the Old Rhine is the 17th century town of Philippsburg. Well, that’s when it had its name changed in honor of a bishop from the same time period. If you were around before 1632, you’d have known it as Udenheim.

Hmm, maybe villages really did it to fool the French, since the area was once seriously disputed territory between the two countries. At least its close proximity to Mannheim and Karlsruhe hasn’t changed.

Regardless of what you call Philippsburg or who was fighting for it, the area has been around for a long time. In the hamlet of Rheinsheim there were Roman ruins and Frankish hill graves found.

Most of everything else that can be seen in Philippsburg can be found along the “Walking Tour of Old Town.” Wide open lanes lead off from the Île-de-Ré-Platz, as the town’s cobblestone square is called, overlooked by St. Maria’s church.

FYI, St. Peter’s Church, a quaint Baroque church from the 1760’s is in the village of Huttenheim. There’s also a monument dedicated to the hamlet’s former name, Knaudenheim (it seems that name changing is a central theme around here).

Follow one of the town’s roads to Slaughterhouse Road 2, to Philippsburg’s Local History Museum (open 1st Sun of the month from 1pm-5pm). One section of the museum has exhibits on Philippsburg’s cultural & historical life in the Upper Rhine Valley. The other, exhibits on historical weaponry.

In keeping with the weapons theme, it’d be a good idea to then see the town’s War Memorial. In case you can’t read German, I’ll tell you what the inscription says: The Courageous Heroes of 1870/71, The Grateful City of Philippsburg. It’ll be a great way to impress your travel companions. Don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret on how you really found out. ;-)