You couldn’t ask to be any better located than Maisach, right about in the middle between Augsburg and Munich along a river by the same name.

This area of Upper Bavaria is magical, bewitching, and downright enchanting. A place where the Alps tower above verdant valleys and the sky turns colors — no picture could ever do justice. Yes, it’s nice to be in Maisach.

Just don’t expect any grand hotels in Maisach. If you need to stay around here, the better hotels are located in the surrounding towns.

The draw here is the Upper Bavarian countryside (and beer). I can’t say it enough, there’s a reason Bavaria is the most visited region in Germany and places like Maisach are it. It’s no wonder that one of Maisach’s largest buildings is the brewery.

Many visitors and locals alike come to swim in nearby Olching to the Olchinger See, in addition to the town’s own outdoor swimming pool. Besides swimming, Olchinger See has a cheery little beer garden and a miniature golf course. For a good chuckle, try playing AFTER the visit to the beer garden.

If you prefer a real golf course, there’s an 18-hole course in the area, too.

Many of Maisach’s six local neighborhoods have been around since the early Middle Ages. Not too much remains of the time, although there are a few village churches found within each, respectively.

One thing remains from medieval times, the Faschingszug or Mardi Gras Carnival. Right before Ash Wednesday in February, Maisachers live it up and party down with deliciously cooked local food, beer, and jolly good cheer for everyone.

Yes, it’s good to be in Upper Bavaria and in Maisach in particular.

In the south of the hilly, heavily forested Sauerland is Kirchundem. The Sauerland’s natural beauty plays a large role in daily life, not to mention bringing visitors from all over.

It’s also a historic town with over 90 buildings from various periods of history. For the best examples of period architecture look no further than the Art Nouveau City Hall (built at turn of last century) or the Oberhundem Embroidery Museum (located at Rüsper Straße 1) that highlights the intricate work in a 300-year-old half-timbered building.

Also don’t miss out on Schloss Adolfsburg, a stately Baroque castle (1670).

But, the most grand building is the Romanesque church of Sts. Peter & Paul, still striking after 650 years. Just about each of Kirchhundem’s 37 hamlets has a village church under historical preservation — you’ll have stay a night (or two) if you want to see them all.

With all that out of the way, it’s time to do what you came for: exploring the Sauerland. If you climb the Rhein-Weser-Turm (in Oberhundem) you’ll have an excellent eagle-eye view across this refreshing region.

With your feet planted firmly back on the ground, take any number of trails (via bicycle or your own legs) that lead off in all directions. Any place that’s just as popular in the cold of winter (think winter sports) as in the warmth of summer is something special.

If you’ve brought the kids along, they’ll think the Panorama-Park is awesome (and it is). You’ll see everything from wolves, to Bison, and you can even let the little ones feed the animals over at the petting zoo. This park takes the natural landscape into consideration with exhibits on indigenous plants and kilometer after kilometer of walking trails.

You’ll be in for a really great time if you’re here on May 1 for the Grand Prix of Silberstone. Don’t think fast cars careening through the city streets. Think grown men on a preschooler’s toy “bobby car” careening down the streets.

That’s reason enough to come Kirchhundem, everything else is extra!

There are interesting places in the world, and then there are INTERESTING places in the world. Which category would the good town of Schöningen, right between Brunswick and Magdeburg, fall in?

INTERESTING.

Why, you ask?

Let me tell you…

In the brown coal mines, which were quite the boon to the town’s economy (but, irrelevant to the story), what became known as the Schöningener Spears were found. These prehistoric weapons, along with remains from prehistoric mammals, come from the Paleolithic Age.

To put that into a time frame (for those of us who aren’t scientists ;-), that’s about 400,000 years ago.

They’re now proudly displayed at the Brunswick Federal State Museum.

The rest of what needs to be seen in this tiny town of Lower Saxony comes from quite a few millenia later. Schöningen falls along the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße or German Framework Route, which means you’ll have plenty of half-timbered (fairytale) houses to photograph.

Don’t leave out the 14th century castle from your photo collection. The Monastery and church of St. Lorenz, with their high towers, also come from around this time.

Even Schöningen’s Local History Museum is part of its history. It’s housed in a cute pink building from the Renaissance (1593) located at Markt 33. It’s right over by the town’s Rathaus, or City Hall, another place that’s been around for a few centuries.

City Hall overlooks the town square, the place of Schöningen’s weekly market (Saturdays 8am-12n). Here’s a great opportunity to buy some delicious fruits & veggies, colorful flowers, and wonderful souvenirs for your journey home.

So much of Schöningen is best explored outside. Right on the edge of the forest is a wonderful golf course. Though, if you’re not so inclined to play the links, there’s always the pool & sauna to relax in. Though, that might be a better idea to do after you’ve gone out and done the hiking & biking thing through the Lower Saxon countryside.

It won’t take long to agree with me, that Schöningen is INTERESTING to say the least.

Only in the Lower Saxon town of Garrel will you find yourself in America. They’ll even stamp your passport for you when you visit the neighborhood. This place must be something, as a meteorite from the far reaches of space managed to find its way here (in 1930).

The largest draw to the area is the Wildeshausen Geest, a most idyllic piece of nature. Cycling is really popular within the Geest with plenty of well-marked sign posts along the paths. It’s always nice to sit along one of the Geest’s rivers or lakes for quiet picnic with friends & family.

Camping is also big within the Geest and offers plenty of campsites for overnight visitors. Bring your 9-iron and sand wedge because there’s a golf course in there, too.

If you’ve come to Garrel with the whole brood, then the family-friendly youth hostel is a great option. The bungalows are roomy enough for the whole clan (at reasonable prices), but the guesthouse offers beach volleyball, basketballs, and miniature golf to keep everyone busy after a day of sightseeing.

Some of the best sites to see would be the Church of Saints Peter & Paul that has been around town for 500 years. Not as old, but lovely nonetheless, is the Evangelical Peace Church.

The kids will love Nikolausdorf, dedicated to jolly Ole St. Nick. December 6th is St. Nicolas’ feast day, so expect extra treats for the little ones.

If you want to see the 22 pound (11 kg) meteorite that fell here in 1930, you’ll have to visit the Village Museum of Cloppenburg, where it’s on permanent loan. It’s not far, only about about 13km (8 miles) away.

Garrel isn’t all meteor showers and walks in the Geest. There are more than enough festivals and markets to keep you shopping and eating within its many hamlets. Look for village Folk Festivals, Kirmes (church festivals), Christmas & Freimarkts. There are even Art & Culture Days.

Garrel is a town of culture, a town of serene natural beauty, and a town of good holiday cheer. This is a place that could make anyone smile.

Lower Bavaria is one of those places where no matter where you are, or what you do you just can’t go wrong. You’ll know exactly what we’re talking about when you come to a place like Eggenfelden. While it’s centuries old, it’s also modern and culturally rich to say the least.

A great place to start your sightseeing tour is along the Stadtplatz, the sight of the town’s former weekly markets. It has changed considerably over the years, but still flanked by two of the many fountains that decorate the town.

You’ll find at least eight more fountains with a variety of themes about town, but one of the most beautiful is the Marienbrunnen (Mary’s Fountain) while others are a tad more whimsical (pigs, etc).

As with any good medieval town, a church was integral part of life so it’s no wonder you’ll find quite a few here, too. The Spital Church has been here since 1493 and the Catholic Friedhof Church (graveyard church) comes from the 17th century.

However, if you choose to see any church at all make it the St. Anna Chapel with its 15th century heavenly artwork. Another one that shouldn’t be missed is the Catholic City Church, though it’s hard to miss with it tower that stands about 200 feet above the streets of Eggenfelden.

The Grabmeier Gate also comes from the Middle Age and quite a bit older than St. Anna’s. It sits as the western entrance into town (the only one still remaining) and was lavishly decorated with frescoes when it was built in the 1340’s.

Most residents and visitors come for the famous theater; the site of many concerts and cabaret style shows. However, if you’re going to catch any entertainment the best is the outdoor theater at the Schlosspark. Pack a picnic, enjoy the Bavarian air, and watch a show. There’s no better way to enjoy an afternoon or evening.

Since there’s a Schlosspark that means there’s a castle to be found, too. Schloss Ökonomie is an interesting 16th century castle that’s now a music school and the center of other cultural pursuits. It’s also the site of many cultural events and even a festival (or, two).

Eggenfelden makes the perfect day trip and is one of the best places to enjoy a small Bavarian town, and one of the reasons that Bavaria is the most visited region in all of Germany.

It’s places like Bischofswerda in Saxony that will enchant and reward anyone willing to come off the well-beaten paths. It is a cute place that’s close to the border of Poland and the Czech Republic, and only about 50 km or 31 miles east of historic Dresden.

You won’t find an overabundance of sightseeing, but there is enough to keep you busy for at least a day or so. However, there are some lovely vacation homes and little quaint hotels if you need overnight accommodations.

Book those rooms early if you visit in Mid-June for the Schiebocker Tage, a 3 day festival with plenty of musical concerts, a huge party over at the Marketplace, and a finale of fireworks.

Others might argue that the Saxonian Harvest Celebration is larger. Some 50,000 partygoers converge in Bischofswerda for the food (plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables), the dancing, or to listen to the choir singing its praises.

You don’t have to wait for a Saxon style festival to enjoy Bischofswerda, though. Its City Hall has stood in the center of the marketplace since 1286, but sadly it doesn’t look like its medieval original anymore. A fire in the 19th century wiped out many of the town’s old buildings and were rebuilt in the popular architecture of the time.

Afterwards, there are two churches worth a visit. Christ Church, a beauty of 19th century artwork, does still have its original Gothic columns. While St. Benno’s is a jewel of the early 20th century, as it was built in the very popular Art Deco style that was prevalent in the 1920’s.

OK, enough of the old building — it’s time to get outside to enjoy the great Saxon air. When you wander around Bischofswerda, look for the Memorial Stones dedicated to Nazi Resistance fighters and those who lost their lives on “death marches” in the turbulent years of the 1930’s and ’40’s.

The kids will more than appreciate a visit over to the Tierpark, instead. Considered to be the smallest zoo in all of Saxony, you’ll find bear and other native animals to Germany all in one place.

Visitors will no doubt love all this when they’re here; as well as strolling along cobblestone lanes, tree-lined avenues, or just grabbing a bite to eat at an outdoor vendor or outside cafe. No matter how long you choose to stay.

You have to hand it to Lower Bavaria on this one. Neustadt an der Donau (along the Danube River, who would have guessed) has 21 smashing villages, all unique, most historic, and a hot springs spa village (Bad Gögging) in which to relax after seeing it all to boot.

As in Bavarian fashion, there’s some affinity to the “hops” that are grown here. As we all know, you can’t have beer without those — so whatever Neustadt does with them we salute you. Asparagus is grown around here, too, but beer isn’t made from that — but still delicious nevertheless.

Each of Neustadt’s villages seems to be older than the next, but the oldest is Marching as Neanderthal Man wandered these parts. It doesn’t take an exceptionally large brain to see that the green meadows and vibrant colored flowers stretching as far as the eye can see makes this place more than gorgeous.

All of Neustadt’s villages have their own town churches (all beautiful in their own right), but one that’s most unique you’ll find in the village of Arresting. The 16th century Karnerkapelle has an entire wall made from human bones.

If you want Roman or medieval castles, then you’ll have to head to Eining or further out in the Lower Bavarian countryside. Eining is an ancient Roman town and you’ll find the remains of the castellet they built. For a more “traditional” castle to explore, look no further than the 11th century Castle Prunn, sitting high in the Lower Bavarian clouds.

Mauern is where you’ll want to be if a lakeside retreat is on the agenda. Mauerner See is quite the popular spot for sunbathers, cyclists and hikers.

When you think you’ve done enough, rest your tired toes over at Bad Gögging. Steam and mud baths will surely do wonders for the soul, as well. It’s here that you’ll find 5-star deluxe accommodations at places like the Monarch Hotel and Marc Auriel Spa and Golf Resort with every creature comfort you can ask for or imagine; from fine dining, massages, sound pools, indoor/outdoor pools, and a chance to play (at least) a round of golf.

One of the more unique places is the Salt Grotto, great for clearing those lungs with Dead Sea Salt air. This underground grotto is dimly lit and perfect for escaping the allergens and stresses of daily life.

If you lived here in stunning town Neustadt an der Donau, you’d be hard pressed to find too many stressors — this place is nothing short of awesome. Is it time for that massage, yet? :-)

You might find yourself in Lorsch because of its most auspicious location near the Odenwald, Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Darmstadt. Or, you can come to this incredibly old city on your own volition and see what has become of the city from the Franco-German Empire of the early Middle Ages and understand why it’s called the “Gateway to the Bergstraße.”

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Lorsch is the home of the famous (more like infamous) Lorsch Abbey which was built in the 8th century. Though in ruins today, you can see the beautiful, stunning, incredible (insert your own adjective here) work of Carolingian art in all of Germany, if not the world.

Lorsch Abbey is UNESCO World Heritage Site and it won’t take but a moment to realize it rightfully belongs. The King’s Hall and the Church are most impressive and Lorsch’s Abbey has at least 2 Carolingian kings buried here.

Lorsch’s Abbey also has a wonderful Museum Center, which visitors from all over the world come to see. Take a look into the not so easy monastic life, its folklore, its Benedictine herb garden, and even a Tobacco Museum.

A word of advice… Keep an eye out for the geese that walk freely about the ruins. ;-)

As much as there is to see within the Abbey complex itself, there’s still more to do in Lorsch. Its Town Hall, built in 1714, is lovely and deserves a photo-op.

Lorsch’s oldest half-timbered building is located at Stiftstraße 19, but you’ll find plenty at the Marketplace, on Schulstraße, Kirchstraße, and on Bahnhofstraße. If those old houses aren’t romantic enough for you, you’ll find a real romantic spot over at the Wattenheim Bridge.

When the sun goes down and your day of sightseeing is done, take in a show over at the Concert Hall Rex or at the Sapperlot Theater. Both have a variety of concerts, comedies, plays, and other entertainment to keep you busy.

In another type of typical German culture, there’s the beer garden; you’ll find a few tucked away in this Hessian haven.

If you like sweets instead of hops, then the Lorscher Welschbrot might be right up your alley. Made with flour, butter, sugar, anise, and raisins this cake bread is quite the local celebrity — and one of the few places in Germany where you’ll find it. It’s only fitting, since there are few places in Germany like Lorsch.

Bad Freienwalde (Oder) is close enough to Berlin that you’ll find many residents here trying to escape the chaos of city life. It’s more a laid-back atmosphere in the town that’s been considered a spa town since the 17th century.

Of course, a city that old is bound to have some great historical sightseeing, too. It doesn’t hurt that Bad Freienwalde’s countryside is just so gosh darn pretty.

For a bit of culture and history combined, make sure you see St. George’s Church. Well, it’s not really a church anymore; it’s now a concert hall. Oh, the acoustics are just unbelievable in this place!

If you want to visit a church that’s still a church, look no further than the City Parish Church of St. Nikolai, that looks like a beautiful blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It was built in the 13th century, after all.

Close to Bad Freienwalde’s church is the Oderland Museum. You’ll find many exhibits on the culture of the Oderland, as well as the history of this region of Brandenburg.

A visit, although a somber one, is worth it to the old Jewish Cemetery. Residents have dedicated a Memorial Stone in memory to those who died during the days of National Socialism.

Another culturally rich place to visit is the 18th century Schloss Freienwalde. Once just some prince’s summer residence (wow, some place!) it has wonderful artwork of the period and a tiny teahouse to stop for a spell. You don’t have to be royalty to enjoy the concerts, movie films, or any of the artistic pursuits that take place here.

If you do want to stay like royalty, then make reservations over at the nearby Schloss Reichenow. This place is more than beautiful. You’ll feel like a Duke or Duchess walking the halls of this grand estate and where every need, desire, or whim is catered.

This is a spa town, so relax, rejoice, and rewind with any number of spa treatments, including massages or a soak in the mineral springs (found way back in the 18th century).

If you can tear yourself away from the trappings of royalty and spa services, get out into the Brandenburg countryside. If you can climb the Oder Tower (oh, it’s high) — you’ll be more than rewarded with views of the Oder Valley and Poland. Look out for the “Emperor’s Oak,” an oak tree dedicated to the memory of Wilhelm I back in the 19th century.

Bad Freienwalde must have been something special to have a Prince visit time and time again. Berliners certainly know how wonderful it is, too. So, why not you?

Altötting is not your typical tourist destination; oh no, not in the least. Altötting is a place of pilgrimage, a place the pious come (or have for centuries) to pay respects to the divine and all things holy. With a million pious visitors from all over the world coming to Altötting, this place is truly special.

Much of the pilgrim visitor’s time is taken over at the Chapel of the Miraculous Image. The legend tells that in 1489 a distraught mother brought her drowned son to the wood statue of the Virgin Mary. The boy lived and as the story quickly made the rounds, the spot grew with the faithful.

The octagon-shaped chapel is one of the most visited shines in all of Germany. It also houses the heart of Ludwig II (he’s the one who built the Bavarian Neuschwanstein Castle), as well keeping safe the heart of his father and grandfather.

The heart of the town really is the Kapellplatz, or Chapel Square (see webcam!). Don’t expect the same type of center square as in may other towns within Upper Bavaria (or all of Germany really) with lively markets and such. This square is more subdued, more reverent if you will. You’ll find a Pilgrimage and Local History Museum right on the Kapellplatz documenting the history of this glorified and hallowed city.

In addition to the many visitors who wish to see the Black Madonna, they come to see the other churches, too. St. Magdalena’s is a beautiful Baroque Church and the Basilica of St. Anna is equally stunning. In keeping with the religious feel, visitors for sure shouldn’t miss the breathtaking painted Jerusalem Panorama done at the turn of the last century.

Just as countless pilgrims came here to Altötting in its own right, many often went on to Santiago de Compostella in Spain, making Altötting a venerated stop along the way. Perhaps, many of the biking trails that encircle the town today were once traveled by this devout of centuries ago.

Regardless of denomination, or mode of travel in getting to this revered place — no one can say that it isn’t anything short of sacred.