A ride south from Karlsruhe on the A5 Autobahn will bring you to the delightfully surprising town of Friesenheim in Baden. Traveling this way you certainly have a much better way to get here than the Ancient Romans who called this place home almost two millenia ago.

In fact, the Roman ruins are a huge draw to the area. Friesenheim has painstakingly reconstructed the Roman’s old road and their temple dedicated to the goddess Diana.

A couple centuries later the monks of the Schuttern Monastery built their Monastic Church. After it was restored to its former glory, this church is a proud Friesenheim attraction.

If you like this church, then you’ll probably like the little Leutkirche, or Field Church, in the village of Oberschopfheim. It WAS originally built in the 12th century, but the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century caused the church to be rebuilt.

Those crafty monks were lucky enough to spend their summers over at the Heiligenzell Schloss; that’s some summer retreat! We’re not as lucky as the monks to see the inside of this 14th century manor, as its been closed for some time for renovations.

At least shopping can fill the void. Friesenheim’s weekly market, held on Saturdays, is great for finding local street food and souvenirs to bring home. If you really take shopping seriously, then the annual Star Mountain Market that coincides with the Farmer’s Market is for you; held on the 3rd weekend of September.

September also closes the camping season over at Schutterner See. Starting in April, everyone enjoys the swimming and just being in the great outdoor air. Renting a bicycle is a perfect way to appreciate the countryside with many trails that spoke off from the lake.

Better to do the riding before you start drinking the wine that’s produced locally. Wine is a big deal around here and since it has been produced for hundreds of years, vineyards have learned how to make it right. Don’t forget to take some home.

From the looks of it, Friesenheim is really worth that trip off the Autobahn, after all.

When your history is as long as Demmin’s you’re bound to have some rough edges. However, don’t let any of that detract from your visit; more so its part of your visit.

Demmin is home to some somber 20th century history; which Demmin has not forgotten. Visitors will find many memorial stones throughout town dedicated to the victims of the National Socialist and the invading Soviet troops. There is even a Soviet cemetery where POW’s and casualties of forced-labor camps.

Really though, Demmin’s history spans back much further than only the 20th century. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Luisentor, one of the original medieval gates along the city’s defense wall; built in the 15th century. Another tower, the Pulverturm (Powder Tower), was added almost a hundred years later in 1546.

As dramatic as the Luisentor is, it’s St. Bartholomaei Church that stands as Demmin’s landmark. Its 95 meter Gothic tower (over 250 feet) is a refined beauty overlooking the town below. The church with its stained glass makes the perfect stage for the classical music concerts held here.

If you’ve come for a castle, hopefully a ruin of one will suffice. Demmin’s castle was a 12th century dwelling and has laid in ruins for centuries; reclaimed by the land.

When you have your fill of the city, get away from it all with a visit to Drosedow Forest. It’s peaceful here and as it’s a nature protected area, you’ll find it to be quite untouched by civilization.

Another place to find peace and reflection is at the Marienhain, a park with an old grave chapel and was once an old cemetery.

Demmin does like to let its hair down every now and then. There is the annual May Day (May 1st) festival and the annual Port Celebration. A town this close to the water is bound to enjoy all things nautical — not to mention all the food and beer.

Come to think of it, after getting to know Demmin you’ll be asking yourself, what rough edges? This place is exceptional!

Extertal’s history is interesting enough to make you want to visit. Throw in some great recreational activities around its 11 hamlets, no matter the season, and you’ve got something great to do for a few days (or longer).

Getting here is a bit tricky, but worth the effort. There are some regional bus lines from places like Lemgo or Hamelin as it’s right in-between the two. If you’re coming from Hanover or Dortmund the A2 Autobahn is a good way to get here.

North Rhine-Westphalia is naturally beautiful and visitors come from all over to hike in the Teutoburg Forest. It is a small mountain range within Westphalia, but the view from the higher elevations look on for what seems like forever. In the Fall the leaves turn bright orange, red, and yellow; the German version of a New England’s Autumn.

Winter is just as active as any other season when the snow bunnies and hard-core downhill skiers come to town. Cross-country skiing is just as popular — so why not try your hand (or, would that be legs?) at both.

More outdoor fun is found within the nearby Naturpark Weserbergland Schaumberg-Hameln (try saying that fast 5 times ;-). Found within the park are golf courses, more hiking & biking trails, swimming, rock climbing, and even caves to explore.

Once back on flat land, make a visit to a few of Extertal’s museums. There is an old Railway Museum but, the Music Museum at Castle Sternberg will take up the better part of your time.

Castle Sternberg itself was built around 1240, so the castle itself is an area attraction. It was enlarged in the 15th and 16th century and now houses a gigantic collection of musical instruments. It’s also dedicated to the preservation of long-gone medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music styles.

In the early part of the 20th century the castle was used as an SS training facility. It also was used as Bride School for the future wives of Nazi officials and officers, with an emphasis on being a “proper housewife.”

Politics of the 20th century aside, Extertal is fun, dynamic, and quite historical. Ca hardly think of a better way to spend a few days around here.

On this side of the “Pond” bigger is usually better. Bigger cars, bigger cities, well just bigger everything. Sometimes, however, smaller is better; as in the Hessian town of Erlensee. Located about 25 km east of the BIG city of Frankfurt, Erlensee isn’t out in the middle of “nowhere” and more than easy enough to get to by car or public transport.

The Romans found this place easy enough; they even built a couple of castellets while they were here. In its village of Rückingen they’ve managed to reconstruct the original 2nd century foundations. A smaller castellet is found in the village of Langendiebach.

Langendiebach is where you’ll find some buildings from the Middle Ages, too. Come stroll the village’s streets along the old Stadtmauer (defense wall), past the military towers, and along some timber-framed houses.

Don’t count out Rückingen, ’cause that’s where you’ll find the castle. Right, this is Germany and this was once a medieval city, so it has to have a castle. Today it’s only a partial castle (can’t have everything!) the original part is just about a thousand years old, but what you see comes from 13th century and later.

One of the more unique places to visit in Erlensee is (and was) the old Luftwaffe Air Base. After 1945 the Americans came and used the base, but it now sits abandoned.

More can be learned and seen at the local history museum.

Erlensee’s awesome indoor pool & sauna isn’t deserted. Besides having a dip in the mineral water pool, a massage or stint in the sauna is a great idea.

Every few years Erlensee throws itself a huge (size does matter in this regard) City Celebration. It’s only held every two or three years, so being here for it is a special treat. Otherwise, you’ll find some smaller markets and fairs held on the Festplatz throughout the year, but great nonetheless.

All in all, Erlensee isn’t some huge city, but it’s a great town created from two small villages; each with its own history.

See, good things do come in small packages. ;-)

In the far west of Germany, equal distance between Düsseldorf and Cologne, is Rommerskirchen. It’s too bad this place doesn’t get the publicity it rightfully deserves.

There are seventeen local parts to Rommerskirchen. In many of the local villages you’ll find the epitome of a small village square; the heart and soul of a medieval town.

With so many it might be difficult to see ALL of them, but you won’t want to miss Evinghoven and Nettesheim’s Village Squares, respectively. Both have their fair share of the old timber-framed buildings that are quite popular around the country.

Nettesheim’s square is also highlighted by St. Martinus’ Church. Residents built this Romanesque church back in 1195, only the tower remains from this time, however. Of the church’s seven walking marks, only five survived World War II. After seeing the inside, take a look at the outside. There’s a cemetery park with a memorial to the First World War.

The highlight of the churches found in Rommerskirchen is the Lambertuskapelle, or St. Lambertus Chapel. This tiny chapel is one of the oldest in all of the Rhineland, believed to be built back in the 9th century.

Older still are the Frankish graves that were found under St. Peter’s Church in the village of Rommerskirchen proper. Even those aren’t as old as the Roman settlement ruins and its Mansion Rustica that were found here.

If you want to travel further back into history, then this is the place to do it. This little town even has ancient grave hills from the Stone Age. Um, yeah, that’s pretty old considering the Stone Age goes back a few thousand years B.C.!

Don’t think that now you’ve taken your magic carpet ride back to prehistoric days that your journey in Rommerskirchen is over. No, you’ve got things to do; just the sporty recreation kind. Yes, you’ll find the tree-line foresty trails through the countryside for walking and cycling. But, you’ll also find 27-holes over at the Golf & Country Club Velderhof.

To exercise the brain cells, make sure to see the Cultural Center in Sinsteden with a huge collection from the sculptor Ulrich Rückriem.

Another way to learn more of Rommerkirchen’s culture is at its annual Folk Festival. Local Rhenish cuisine mixed with other locally made goods, parades, and all-around festivities makes for a jolly grand time. Wanna know when to come? Be here on the 1st weekend in September.

Hopefully, I’ve managed to toot Rommerkirchen’s horn loud enough. History, food, culture, there really isn’t much more you can ask for.

Oh wait, yeah there is… don’t forget about the castle in Ramrath!

Castles were once used for defense, protection, and the proverbial “my castle is bigger than your castle” machismo. Centuries later they’re more romanticized invoking images of chivalry, ladies-in-waiting, and knights in shining armor.

In Querfurt, the castle today is a place of history and where everyone comes for a jolly good time.

Castle Querfurt was once a 10th century castellum. Locals and visitors come now for the Osterfeuer (Easter Fire) celebration and the Castle Fest (held on the 3rd weekend in June). Tourists come to see the actual Schloss and the beautiful 14th century chapel. Castle Querfurt also houses a fantastic history museum. Not all exhibits are on the castle, you’ll find some on Early Bronze Age finds.

One of the best finds of the Bronze Age is the Sky Disk which is now housed at the ultra-sleek & modern museum of Ark Nebra. Don’t miss this rare (and I mean RARE) archaeological find.

Medieval architecture is a bit more common, but lovely nonetheless. When you want art history, Querfurt has it. It doesn’t lie along the Romanesque Road for nothing. It’s also the birthplace of St. Bruno of Querfort (b. 970 d. 1009). You might have heard him called by his other name, St. Boniface.

The town is home to the 12th century Monastery Marienzell and a 14th century Carmelite Convent. There are plenty of remnants of the original defense fortification wall around town, especially along the Market & Church Squares.

They’re also where you find the other festivals held in town. The Bauernmarkt or Farmer’s Market (3rd weekend in September) is real grand affair. While the Dorffest or Village Fest (last weekend in June) takes place with lots of fanfare.

There are more festivities going on in May and June, like the Parkfest, Pfingstfest, Heimatfest, and Knoblauchmittwoch (Garlic Wednesday). So that’s certainly a great time to come here.

For quieter reflection, though, the Thalgarden or the City Park on Merseburger Road make the perfect places.

Querfurt isn’t your run-of-the-mill kind of place; its history alone makes it remarkable. Add that to the beautiful countryside and its countless street parties and you’ve got yourself one totally fantastic place to visit.

If Dinklage’s hotels are any indication of what you’d experience here, then you’re in for a real treat. Really, it’s not just its fabulous hotels; it’s the tiny lanes that amble on and the too numerous to mention outdoor activities in the Lower Saxon sunshine.

No town as old as Dinklage is not without anything historical to see. Starting at the Rathaus (City Hall) is the best bet. Not only because it’s one of Dinklage’s prettiest buildings, but tourists are able to find ample information (maps, etc.) on sightseeing.

When sightseeing, there are a few places that under no circumstances should be missed. First, the castle. What? Did you think that it wouldn’t have one? The original was built over a thousand years ago in the 10th century. It only lasted a few hundred years before invaders got the better of it. It was eventually rebuilt, it’s still beautiful, just not as foreboding and ominous as many others throughout the country. The castle chapel is one of the castle’s highlights.

Another impressive place to visit is the Dinklage Monastery where the Benedictine monks called home. There’s a little monastery cafe to sit with nice cup of tea after a long day’s sightseeing. Dinklage’s Local History Museum does a fine job in detailing more of the monastery and region’s history.

With all that out of the way, it’s time for serious shopping, eating, and playing. Summer Kirmes (1st Sunday in July) is a huge party with plenty of food and activities for all ages. The Dinklager Folk Festival is 3 weeks later with more eating, drinking, and all-around amusement. The town’s Weekly Market is held from 2pm-6pm every Thursday with fresh produce and local vendors hocking their wares.

You’d be lucky to have enough energy left to bike ride through the countryside. Not to mention, the chance to play a game of golf or tennis, go horseback riding, ride a hot-air balloon, or get in on a game of beach volleyball.

Many of these activities are available at the fantastic local Vila Vita Castle Hotel, which was built out of an original half-timbered building. So, it is history of Dinklage in itself. The hotel has a great spa for massages after a few days of trying to “do” Dinklage.

Ahhhh, that feels good! :-)

Sitting on the southern edge of the Lüneburg Heath is Edemissen. If anything, the Heath would give you enough to do around here for quite some time. It just so happens that there’s even more in this town of 14 villages, so be prepared to stay a spell.

With so many little hamlets, you’ll need a little guidance in the “what to see” department. Rietze has a Pilgrims Way for the religious traveler and in Blumenhagen you’ll find reflection “thinking marks,” one dating back to 1534. In keeping with the spiritual, don’t forget Martin Luther Church whose tower dates back over 700 years.

Eickenrode has the Nikolaikirche (St. Nikolai Church) and a working farm, both from the 17th century. Ankensen takes the cake for late 19th century history with examples of the architecture at the manor house and the Backhaus (bake house). The Backhaus is now an administration building for marriage licenses.

That’s the great thing about Lower Saxony, not only does it have great history — it has some great local festivals.

Mardi Gras is a huge deal and the Village Asparagus Festival is a grand delight. Too bad it’s held only every other year. Another festival like that is the Potato Market in the hamlet of Wehnsen. A larger festival is held every two years, but a smaller one (usually last weekend in September) is held on the off-year. I can’t leave out the annual Folk Festival, either.

Break up your sightseeing of Edemissen’s villages with trips into the Lüneburg Heath. This place is big, a whopping 440 square miles of bogs, woodlands, nature protected areas, and rivers. This area is so unique and downright beautiful that visitors from all over come just to see (and smell!) it. Of course, other people have made their mark on the place with six convents within the Heath and tumuli (grave hills) from the Stone and Bronze Ages.

If you came to Edemissen just for the Heath alone, it would be more than worth it. But, with a town that offers so much — it would be wise to give it a chance, too. You’ll be glad you did.

You gotta respect a place like Markdorf, a location so steeped in history and tradition. It’s more than 1200 years old and has aged as wonderful as a locally made fine wine. Even better, the town lies near the super cool Lake Constance.

Markdorf lies along the Upper Swabian Baroque Route and Way of St. James. What does this mean to you? Let me explain…

On the Baroque Route, you’re guaranteed to see some of the best architecture of the day. While traveling on the James’ Way, you’re following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims to churches & monasteries on their holy route to Santiago de Compostella in Spain.

When in Markdorf, you’ll find a great combination of both when you visit the Gothic church of St. Nikolaus (1370), the ornate Baroque church of Sts. Peter & Paul (1689), and St. Mauritius Chapel that was built in the 15th century.

More medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque places can be found around town if you know where to look. The Hexenturm or Witches Tower (can you ominous?) is now a cheery craft museum.

Don’t forget the old Bishofsschloss, where the monks from the old monastery used to summer. You don’t have to join any orders to stay there now, it’s a hotel. One look at just the center of town and you’ll know why they wanted to come here. It’s just so gosh darn pretty with its brick lined lanes and small shoppes!

When you’re not out for a day on the water, or visiting every church & chapel within a 20 km radius; there’s always a show or concert at the Small Art Stage. The City Museum is another treat filled with some great contemporary art.

Markdorfers also have an affinity with their friends from across the pond. The Dixiefest is a fun-filled celebration with the sounds of Dixie Land Jazz. You’ll be wondering if you’re in a small town in South Germany or walking the streets of New Orleans!

It’s possible that good German wine could have the same effect. Now, that’s a vacation!

Some places in the world have great history, some have great cultural activities, and others have great natural beauty. Then there are places like Haselünne in the flat Emsland that have found a perfect blend of all.

Along the River Hase, this town is charming and well, pretty. No where is this more noticeable than along the many wells in town that are tastefully decorated. If a place is going to pay that much detailed attention to old wells, then you know you’ve found a right proper spot to be at.

Many old towns in the area have been around since at least the Middle Ages and Haselünne is no different.

The most historical site to see in town is St. Vincentius Church that overlooks the Hase River filled with priceless works of art, including a pieta and a 13th century baptismal font. There’s also the 17th century Monastic Church, and the 19th century City Hall; always the best place to start for the recent arrival to town.

The best of Haselünne’s history is learned at the Local History Museum. But, the history of “spirits” is found at the town’s Distillery Museum and farming over at the Burgmannshöfe, a collective of 22 farms. In keeping with the farm theme, check out the Haselünner Cow Pasture with Scottish Highland cattle and horses.

Haselünne also has not one, but two Kirmes (church festivals) a year in May and October, doubling your opportunity to celebrate with great food and great people. The Grain & Hans Market is always a chance to enjoy more regional cuisine and shop with the locals. Same is true for the annual Town Festival.

Just as well, Haselünne is also located within some really great real estate; where tree-lined lanes lead off into the Emsland countryside. You’ll feel your cares drifting away while out hiking or along one of the many bicycle trails.

It doesn’t get any better than a town where the worries of the world just slip away.