It doesn’t take a genius to figure out when you’ve stumbled onto something good. You’ll find it within the Gleiberger Valley of Hesse, in the town of Wettenberg. A place that has three local history museums; one in each of its local villages.

But, they aren’t the biggest attraction to these parts. It’s the Gleiberg Castle that holds that title. Its tower (pardon the pun) towers over 31 meters or 102 feet high with smashing views over the landscape. The lower part of the castle has a tiny restaurant, but the rest of the 10th century Burg is in ruins.

Well, Wettenberg isn’t all history books and old medieval fortresses. No, this is a jolly good time town.

Wettenberg’s villages are always holding a festival of some sort. Each hamlet has its own Kirmes (church) celebration (Gleiberg in June, Wißmar in August, and one in Launsbach).

One of the largest party festivals is on the last weekend of July, the Oldiesfestival. Come dance, dress, and listen to the sounds of the ’60’s & ’70’s. Yes, that means pack your bellbottoms and Disco 8-tracks. If you’re under 30 and you’re asking what an 8-track is — go ask your beloved parents. ;-)

It won’t matter how old you are for Wißmar’s Fairy Tale Day in May. Lots of little German towns are right out of a storybook and Wettenberg is no exception.

Still more fun (food, music, dancing, etc.) can be had at the town’s Harvest Market. Think yummy autumn veggies and great gifts to bring home!

After shopping and sightseeing there’s no place better to sit and relax than either at Launsbacher or Wissmarer See. Well, if you consider swimming & fishing relaxing, that is. :-)

If you’d rather commune with nature then the walking paths through the Krofdorf Forest is just the place to do it.

Winter doesn’t slow Wettenberg down for a minute. That’s when everyone heads inside for the town’s famous winter classical music concerts. The best part is that they’re usually free and a fine way to spend a cold winter’s evening. FYI, donations are graciously accepted at the end of the show.

There are three local hamlets that make up the town of Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf in Brandenburg today: Fredersdorf North, Fredersdorf South, and Vogelsdorf. It’s a town that’s only about 30 minutes east of the Berlin city center and for centuries had less than a thousand residents.

From the looks of it, you’d never guess this place was totally decimated by the Swedes back in the mid 1600’s.

Now ten times more populated than only 150 years ago, Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf is a lovely place to come for a day since there isn’t really enough in the area to warrant an overnight accommodation. But, if you choose to stay (like 13,000 people did), there are a few small guesthouses (like the Hotel Flora) that make a fine and comfortable place to stay.

But, with easy access to/from Berlin and the Polish border on public transportation (if driving — take Federal Highway (Bundesstraße) 1 or 5), making it easy enough to find your way here and make your way back in a single day.

Most of Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf’s visitors come to see the great 18th century architecture that’s prevalent throughout the two villages; including the fancy Schloss Fredersdorf, or the tiny village churches in both Fredersdorf and Vogelsdorf respectively.

One of the most notable and visited sites in town is the old Taubenturm or Pigeon Tower that’s now a small craft museum. For some reason or another, visitors to Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf also stop at the mausoleum of Heinrich Graf von Podewils (an 18th century count who lived in the area).

Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf isn’t all old 18th century relics and tombs. The cycle track of Fredersdorf is a really popular racetrack holding 3000 spectators for some 21st century racing.

Summer is a good time to visit here, because that’s when the annual Village Celebration is held. Who can resist a jolly good time of fun and food? :-)

There are two Krumbachs. One in Austria and the other in one of the most beautiful places in the world — Bavaria. One look at the area that lies between the Danube and the German Alps in Swabia and you’ll agree.

You can’t ask for better weather either, with average summer highs in the 70’s (or 20’s) and lows in the 50’s (or 10’s) — so it shouldn’t be too hot while you’re out on the Nordic Walking trails. Bavarian winters can be cold, but that just makes it perfect to enjoy some great winter sports, don’t you agree?

It’s the combination of a gorgeous forested countryside and history that make Krumbach a wonderful getaway.

Bad Krumbach is the ultimate hotel in town for overnight visitors with spa treatments and massages (at really reasonable rates). It’s also the oldest health resort in the entire Swabian region — so they’ve had ample time to make everything perfect.

Let the spa be your reward for getting out and experiencing the city of Krumbach. Start at the Market Place and Town Hall, follow it around to St. Michael’s Church, whose interior is a vision of pink marble in a Rococo style. For more religious art visit the churches of St. Ulrich, Maria Hilf, and the Lindlkirche.

When you prefer castles to churches, then you’ll love Castle Hürben (it even has its own moat). The imposing Krumbach Castle is right near St. Michaels and can be seen from Krumbach’s City Park.

More interested in Swabian culture? Visit the old Jewish Community Center that’s now the Middle Swabian Local History Museum. It’s said life is hard on the Upper Swabia — but you sure can’t beat the scenery.

And beautiful scenery is just what you’ll get when you’re camping at either Oberrieder Weiher or Breitenthal lake. There isn’t a better place to swim, sail, or fish your day away. Though the kids would probably prefer to visit nearby Legoland (south of Günzburg).

If you managed to get though all this, then you’ve earned that massage. Enjoy! :-)

There are places in Germany that will make you think you’ve gone through a time portal, opposed to maybe taking an airplane (or any modern mode of transport) to get here (which there is so, no time machine needed). The Lower Bavarian town of Abensberg is such a place.

Abensberg is only about half an hour from the city of Regensburg. There’s even an old Stadtmauer gate known as the Regensburger Tor. Although, the old stone Maderturm is Abensberg’s landmark. Napoleon saw it when he came to town fighting the Austrians for the Battle of Abensberg in 1809.

If you want more of a time long ago, then you’ve got it. Visitors come to see the Carmelite Monastery, the monastery church, St. Barbara’s church, and Schloss Abensberg.

The local history museum is in another historic building (Gothic), the Herzogkasten. Take a picture of the outside, this building is more than unique looking. You’ll also see that much of the town hasn’t changed too much over the centuries, especially over at the Stadtplatz (town square).

Of course, none of its medieval structures were here during the times of the Romans. They did build some old Roman baths around the sulphur springs (which aren’t used anymore).

However, one of the coolest sites in all of Abensberg is the Hundertwasserturm (see webcam!). This ultra modern building houses a collection of 4200 beer glasses. It also has a look into the German brewing “purity” laws regarding its beer.

No better fitting a place than Bavaria. ;-)

Other than beer, Bavaria is famous for its rugged countryside. There’s no better way to enjoy it than swimming in the town’s outdoor pool, playing a game of tennis, and ending with a romantic walk along a wooded footpath. Oh, another great place to see and still enjoy the great outdoors is Abensberg’s bird park.

With so much history within one town’s city limits, it’s easy to wonder if you’ve somehow left the 21st century. Really, Abensberg is classy and gracious and that never goes out of style — no matter how many centuries have passed.

Bad Urach on the Swabian Alb is remarkable, if anything. There is so much to see and do in this “bath” air-health resort town, that a month of Sundays isn’t enough time to see and do it all.

Historical old sites on the Alb are plenty, but under no circumstances should anyone miss the 15th century church of St. Amandus; which many believe is a true testament to the ingenuity of German stone masons. Over at the Klostermühle or Monastery Mill (a former corn mill), is a wonderful City Museum with special exhibits added throughout the year.

But, in this magnificent area of Baden-Württemberg it’s the castles (or, the ruins of castles) that many come to see. At Hohenurach Castle, built in 1443, you can have a tour by a period garb wearing guide. It helps in keeping with the Renaissance feel.

Other castles to see, albeit in ruins, is the 12th century Castle Baldeck, the 11th century Hohenwittlingen, and the 12th century Burg Seeburg. But, for all those ruins it’s the Burg Runderberg that you really need to see. It’s not just that this castle was built as far back as the 7th century, but it’s on the walking trail that takes you over to the Urach Waterfall.

The natural countryside in the area is incredibly beautiful (as to be expected — again, this is the Swabian Alb!). One of the more popular “sports” is the exploration of caves. Whether you call it caving or spelunking — it doesn’t matter cause many of the caves were created by long extinct volcanoes.

If cave diving isn’t your idea of a good time, then maybe you’ll enjoy a balloon ride over the countryside. Or, golf, paddle boating, Nordic Walking (many levels of difficulty if you’re a beginner), tennis, skating, walks through the Alb, or relaxing in the thermal mineral baths. Plenty for everyone of all ages to be equally engaged — have some fun or just plain old relax.

If you come in the summer of an odd-numbered year then you’re in for a real special treat. The Shepard’s Run (Schäferlauf, held in July) is the ultimate of a city celebration with traditional clothing, food, music, and everything else you need to have a jolly good time.

Bad Urach holds the Music Days Festival annually, though. Held at the end of September/beginning of October, be prepared to enjoy numerous concerts for all types of music lovers.

Whoever said that life is hard here on the Alb, certainly never visited Bad Urach. ;-)

Lippetal is one of those interesting towns with a history that spans back centuries and sits within some of the most beautiful countryside. It is also the site of oldest pilgrimage church in all of North Rhine-Westphalia.

That’s pretty impressive, as St. Ida’s has had the faithful come visit for many a century. The pious come to the the beautiful gold reliquary holding the relics of a long-gone saint.

St. Stephanus in the village of Oestinghausen is another stunning Romanesque church and a few centuries older than St. Ida’s. It was built in the year 1000 with additions added with the best architecture of the 13th and 18th centuries. Stephanus is surrounded by many half timbered houses which gives visitors the feel of being in a long gone time period.

One of the more unique devotional places of the medieval & Renaissance is the Ludgerusbrunnenkapelle (that’s a mouthful). Originally built in 1662, this tiny octagon shaped chapel is more than lovely in its simplicity.

Castles are another testament to bygone days. You’ll find two of them here in Lippetal, moats included. Castle Assen, an 11th century original, is now a beautiful Renaissance landmark. It’s not too shabby a place to go to school, as it’s now a boy’s boarding school.

Not to be outdone is Castle Hovestadt, home (to this day) of the counts of Plettenberg. To say this castle, built in the 12th century with Baroque influence, is stunning doesn’t do it justice. The Schlosspark, with its 18th century romantic French inspired gardens that are also incredibly pretty.

You’ll also find a romantic old windmill over in the village of Heintrop.

When not scoping out old castles or churches, then a party is most deserved. The Schützenfest is a great music and food filled party that centers around target shooting. I’m sure the beer that overflows at this fest makes hitting the target a tad bit more difficult (while more fun, probably). ;-)

When you’ve had your fill of windmills, castles, and even boisterous festivals, a quiet drive through the countryside might be welcome. Of course with the many cycling and walking trails through the Westphalian countryside, you’re bound to find some peace and quiet; enjoying this place all to yourself.

Not too far from Regensburg is Neutraubling. This tiny town in the Upper Palatinate was created during a chaotic and tumultuous time in Germany’s history. No, not the 17th century Thirty Year’s War, but in the aftermath of World War II in the 20th century.

When you see this lovely hamlet today, you’d never guess that it was built over a bombed German military airport or once an outlying post of the Dachau Concentration Camp.

Being as Neutraubling is a relatively new town — less than a hundred years old, there’s not too much within the city itself. Much of what you’ll find of the historical lies within the entire Regensburg district more so than within the city limits.

Neutraubling does have a City Museum that documents how this place was created by many refugees and how they built a new home on the rubble of the old airport. It’s worth the 1 Euro entrance fee, but the museum is only open on the 1st and 2nd Sundays of the month.

If you venture out into the countryside of the district you’ll find more than enough historic pilgrimage churches and castle ruins. One unique castle (not in ruins) is Burg Wolfsegg, worth the visit if you can get there.

What people come to Neutraubling for is its recreational facilities. Guggenberger See is where just about everyone heads off to swim, sail, or surf. There is even a playground at the lake so the kids will have plenty to do and tucker them out.

Parents may prefer the wine tours around the area. The region has certainly had plenty of time to perfect it. Wine has been made here for over 1800 years so those grapes must really be something.

There’s even more for grown-ups to do with the tennis, swimming, and miniature golf. If you want a regular round on 18-holes, you’ll have to venture a bit further out.

Don’t worry about venturing off and exploring everything around Neutrubling, it’s so worth it.

Located on the River Isar, you wouldn’t think that the beautiful town of Plattling was once the place of unspeakable horror. Today, it’s a vibrant community with an overabundance of activities to enjoy the sweet Lower Bavarian air.

A wonderful way to enjoy Plattling is along the Isarradweg, or the Isar Cycle Track. It’s not too hard of a track with not too much uphill cycling taking you as far as Moosburg, Freising, Munich, all the way down (or up) to incredibly gorgeous Mittenwald.

Cycling isn’t even the half of what this Lower Bavarian town has to offer not only its residents, but visitors as well. Depending on your fancy, you can go canoeing, white water rafting, swimming, fishing, or skating.

In search of more historical enterprise, then look no further than the 12th century Romanesque St. Jacob’s Church. In the church’s cemetery you’ll find a memorial stone dedicated to the Jewish residents of Plattling and the victims of the Flossenbürg Concentration Camp.

On Ludwig Place, you’ll find a World War I memorial dedicated to the town’s soldiers. Also on Ludwig Place is the old City Hospital which is now a tourist information center.

It’s here that you’ll learn more about Plattling’s many festivals, including a huge Carnival Mardi Gras Celebration. And, it’s Summer Series with many musical concerts and art exhibits held at local churches, schools, and culture meeting halls.

The most fun, which happens every other year in the summer, is the Medieval Market. Plattling stops all vehicle traffic for a few days of revelry and lots of food. You’ll have to make reservations at the town’s hotels early for this, they fill up quickly. Any other time of the year, you’ll find more than enough first-class hotels for overnight accommodation.

Camping is big here in this part of Lower Bavaria and there are plenty of camping spaces available for “roughing it.”

It doesn’t matter if you choose to rough it, spend it in a 5-star hotel, or enjoy every sport under the sun — you’ll for sure, enjoy Plattling.

Upper Bavaria really knows how to outdo itself; every time you turn around you find another little town that’s picturesque and a pleasure to visit — such as a place like Poing.

This area is famous for two reasons, one for having been inhabited for over 5000 years and two, for its free-roaming animal park. There is more to do around here, but its history and nature are what have put it on the proverbial map.

A lot of history has transpired here in Poing starting with the Romans & Celts who were here up until the 5th century. In 2004 Poing uncovered their ancient roads and ruins, now proudly on display.

At a later point of the Dark Ages (sometime in the 8th century), Poing built the original chapel of St. Michael’s. A newer bigger church was built over the spot in 1052. This grand dame (or “sir” since its name is Michael) is a must see while you’re here.

What you might notice right away about Poing is its artwork. You’ll find a huge steel piece of art at the western entrance to the city. There’s also an old “healing stone,” known as the Klangstein, in the middle of town that’s been around for “God only knows how long.”

Visitors that come from May to October are here during “bathing season” as everyone enjoys the Poinger Badesee a.k.a. Bergfeldsee. Come swim, get some sun, or just soak in the clean Upper Bavarian air.

Another way to enjoy the outdoors is at the Wildpark Poing. It’s a wildlife park with fox, owls, deer, and other animals to feed and pet. This is great not only for the kids, but for us adults that feel like kids at heart.

Poing is just 21 kilometers east of the great city of Munich, so there’s no excuse for not visiting. It’s only 28 minutes by train and takes just about the same time via car on the infamous Autobahn A94.

Life is different in East Frisia, which is where you’ll find the Lower Saxon town of Ihlow. Within its 12 villages, you’ll find a local dialect known as Ostfriesisches Platt spoken, as well as German.

Language isn’t the only difference. Since Ihlow is in East Frisia, tea drinking is the norm; different from the rest of the java drinking country. Drink yours like the locals do — with Kluntje (a rock candy) instead of regular sugar.

On weekends and special occasions East Frisian tea is served with cookies or small cakes. A yummy way to start your trips!

One other aspect of East Frisian life was (is) religion. Ihlow was once home to a medieval monastery. Nowadays, visitors are more than welcome to see the Archaeological Park Monastery Place. The monastery gardens offer quiet grace; while the partial reconstruction of the original monastic church brings the time period to life.

There are also some other medieval churches that are worth a visit. The church of Weene was built in the late 13th century and has one of the few free-standing bell towers in the entire region. But, Bagstede’s church will really have you enchanted with its late 13th century reliquary casket. Albeit a bit morbid, it’s still a beautiful piece of artwork in its own right.

With so many local villages, many dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, you’ll find even more churches to visit. Perfect if you appreciate the artwork of the day.

Another one of Ihlow’s sites not to miss is the Tjalk, a historical Dutch sailboat. This wonderfully restored boat participates in the Emder Port Celebration. Very fitting since Ihlow has a great “coastal town” feel. The couple of windmills you’ll find around here also give it quite a romantic feel, as well.

Ihlow might not be as famous as some other places in Germany, but with a place this wonderful it very well should be.

On second thought, let’s keep this place to ourselves. ;-)