North Rhine-Westphalia has the Westphalian Mill Route with wonderful old historic windmills for visitors to find. Well, if you choose not to follow this historic route, you might find yourself in Welver instead. You most assuredly won’t be disappointed; in fact you’ll love it.

Like most small towns within Germany the days of the Middle Ages greatly shaped what you see today. Even though people have lived here since as far back as the Stone Age, they left very little (if anything at all) that we can see today.

Medieval castles were the ultimate of monuments of their day and you’ll find two here; both quite different. Castle Vellinghausen is an old gray stone structure with a half-timbered building attachment.

But, Schloss Nehlen really steals the limelight and makes Vellinghausen look like an ordinary manor house. To say this 13th century massive structure is impressive is more than an understatement. Schloss Nehlen is the towering castle of our imaginations come to life.

Another piece of medieval culture is the monastery. Welver did have one for almost 600 years, until it closed in the early 19th century when residents built a lovely Baroque Church instead. But, you can visit the old baking and brewing (beer) house at the former monastery. There are also plenty of romantic looking half-timbered buildings along the way, only adding to its charm.

Welver also has one of the largest Local History Museum’s in the region with thousands of objects from the centuries of Westphalian history.

Even the town’s festivals are larger than life. The annual carnival is one of the largest in all of Westphalia and its Sattel-Fest or Saddle Celebration (2nd to last weekend in July) usually has 50,000 revelers from all over partying, eating, and drinking in the city streets.

If you want peace and quiet you’ll find it out in the Beech Forest. It’s where you’ll find so many well-marked trails that lead off in all directions through dense forest. Before you go-make sure you get a map at the Rathaus, located at Marktplatz 4.

If walking isn’t your forte, then play a game of tennis or swim in the town’s local pool to mingle with the locals.

After seeing what’s here you won’t wonder what makes Welver, well, wondrous.

Oh, sure Bavaria is the most visited region, Baden-Württemberg has the mystic Black Forest, and North Rhine-Westphalia has the romantic Westphalian Windmill Route, but what does Lower Saxony have?

For one, it has Cremlingen. Despite a bit of ugly 20th century history, this town is so more than that and deserves. It’s also quite easy to get here with frequent rail service to the the village of Schandelah from Magdeburg and Brunswick.

Many who lived within the last 60 years or so, might remember it more for its subcamp of the Neuengamme Concentration Camp (open May 1944-April 1945) in the village of Schandelah. Visitors to Cremlingen should consider a visit here, just as many of its survivors make an annual trek. The grave fields are quite somber, and you’ll find a few memorial stones dedicated to those who didn’t make it to the camp’s liberation.

Of course Cremlingen’s history goes much further back than only the 20th century. You’ll find at least 10 4th, 5th, and 6th century grave hills within Hemkenrode and even older fossils have been found around these parts.

Not to mention, all eight local villages of Cremlingen date back to at least the Middle Ages and they got the churches to prove it (two of the oldest come from the early and mid 1300’s). You’ll also find an romantic 18th century windmill that makes for a great photo to bring home.

But, it’s the natural that makes Cremlingen UNIQUELY special. Thermal springs were found here (by accident) around the time of the Second World War. Cremlingers for some reason tried to shore off the natural flow of water, to no avail. Now, once an hour the geyser of water goes off like clockwork. Consider it the German version of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful!

For more calmer water, visit the Monk’s Pond. Once on the site of a Cistercian Monastery, anyone and everyone can enjoy a picnic outside by the water. A ride on the bicycle around the pond or around town is the perfect way to see it all.

Even if you only use your own two feet, it’s still perfect here. Not?

It takes 13 villages to make up the town of Hungen today. Each village is older than the next and has some pretty amazing history. The countryside of the Feldheimer Wald is more than pretty and you’ll enjoy every minute you’re here.

Bellersheim is the oldest of Hungen’s villages with Bronze Age grave hills. The castle is long gone, but you’ll find a 2000 year old Roman Castellet in the village of Inheiden.

A more “traditional” castle can be found in Hungen Proper. Its Blue Hall makes the perfect venue for concerts, cabaret, and book readings. Not a far cry from when the last countess used it as a music room in this 14th century castle.

Don’t miss Hungen’s Evangelical Church that has the best of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Wow, that’s a whole lot of building that went on since the church was built in 1286! ;-)

Obbornhofen is a real treat. Oh, this place is what you’d expect in a fairytale; right down to its timber framed town hall (one of the oldest in the region). A real romantic spot is over at the Obbornquelle where the water runs crystal clear from the fountain.

Obbornquelle isn’t the place you’ll find refreshing water around here. One of the largest lakes in Hesse is right here in the village of Trais-Horloff and there’s another recreational lake in Utphe. (Those names do sound a bit funny, don’t they?)

A fun day can be had for the entire family swimming, fishing, or just relaxing. As with most lakes in Germany, there are walking and cycling trails that lead off past the water.

Staying here in Hungen is a delight, too. You’ll find a few small historic inns that offer clean well-maintained rooms and delicious breakfasts at most reasonable prices. A few vacation homes are for rent, perfect for a traveling family.

With great accommodation and plenty to see and do; all of Hungen really is just perfect.

In real estate everyone understands the importance of location, location, location. Mering is one of those places where its location couldn’t be better; southeast of the Fugger City Augsburg.

Just be realistic, there isn’t a whole lot of sightseeing in the traditional sense. But, for heaven’s sake this is Swabia so it isn’t like you’ll be short on anything to do.

No good old-fashioned town would be without its town church and here in Mering, St. Michael is it. It’s a beautiful Baroque church so it’s richly decorated with fine intricate details.

Mering also has its own castle, but since it’s private property it’s off limits to visitors. You will find the ruins of an early 10th century castle, known as the Vorderer Schlossberg, and an even earlier castle embankment (Hinterer Schlossberg) which was here as far back as the 5th century A.D.

Without too much sightseeing in antiquated buildings, it gives you more time to shop — for which Mering is known for. Come on a Friday to the local Weekly Market at the Marktplatz and find vendors hocking their locally made goods. Any time of the year is perfect to peruse the little specialty shops in the City Center.

However, Mering’s Christkindlmarkt is a real treat. Held on the 2nd Sunday of Advent (about 3 weeks prior to Christmas), the entire Market Square is lit-up with many handmade and other gifts to buy for loved ones. Oh, the wine and the roasted almonds will keep you more than warm on a cold Bavarian Winter day.

If you’re here in the spring and summer then you really need to be out in the Lechtalheiden, a nature preserve within the nearby forest. From March to October, take any of the walking or cycling trails past vibrant colored meadows. The Lechtalheiden is particularly famous for its orchids which bloom mostly from May thru August.

Visitors often like to follow the trails that lead off to the two nearby lakes. Nothing wrong with a little sunbathing, windsurfing, or fishing. ;-)

Hey, this is Bavaria and it’s best enjoyed outside and its location couldn’t be much better.

Quakenbrück in Lower Saxony is interesting. Beautiful, yes. Historical, yes. Oh, it does have some wonderful things to see and do. But, interesting is just as good of a word to use as any, in the area known as the Artland.

Quakenbrück is located between Osnabrück and Oldenburg and sits along the River Hase. Getting here is easy enough and the town’s Tourist Information Office, located at Lange Straße 44, is the best place to start (open daily, except Sunday). The smiling ladies here will have you on your merry way exploring town with maps, tour arrangements, and just about anything else you need to find your way.

What they might tell you is to follow the Poggenpad a.k.a. Froschpfad, or Frog’s Path. This sightseeing route, highlighted by frog’s feet, goes on for about 3 km past some of Quakenbrück’s major sites.

The frog route will take you right past a few of the town’s landmarks, including the old medieval High Gate and as many as a hundred half-timbered old houses.

You’ll also see the beautiful St. Sylvester Church, whose tall spire has overlooked the town for many a century and another landmark of Quakenbrück. Don’t leave out St. Marien’s Church, as many of these old historic churches are decorated with priceless works of art.

At a different religious site, you’ll find a memorial stone over at the town’s former synagogue which was destroyed in 1938. The town has come a long way from when Lange Straße was changed to Adolf-Hitler-Straße in the days of National Socialism.

Quakenbrück used to have a castle, but now you’ll find what is known as the Quakenbrücker Burgmannshöfe, a collection of 10 beautiful old houses. Over at Burgmannshof 4 at Marktplatz 6 is an Italian restaurant, in case you get hungry.

That’s not the only place to eat around here. Quakenbrück has just about everything you can think of to imbibe or nosh. You’ll find beer gardens, cafes, and even discos if you wish to party the night away.

Try a local specialty known as Wöbkebraut, but do yourself a favor — don’t ask what’s in it. ;-)

After you’ve eaten, you’ll have the energy to go hiking, biking, golfing, have a game of tennis, and everything else in between. Quakenbrück is near the Oldenburger Münsterland, which makes the area particularly lovely; so rent yourself a bicycle, wear some comfy shoes and make the best of it.

It’s easy to see that this town is really more than just an interesting town where there’s local goodies to be eaten, sites to see, and trails to traverse. So, when in western Lower Saxony — remember Quakenbrück, where it’ll be a pleasure to see you.

What started out as a simple place to stay while hunting became one amazingly beautiful Baroque cities you can imagine. Klennow, as it was called back then, was the sight where Grand Duke Christian Ludgwig fancied to build himself a hunting lodge in 1724. The good duke was so happy here the area became known as Ludwigslust, or Ludwig’s Joy in English.

Oh, you’ll be able to understand what made the 18th century duke all too happy here when you get a look at Schloss Ludwigslust. Who wouldn’t be happy in this opulent, magnificent, ornate, and extraordinarily beautiful castle, that’s famous for its Golden Hall. It’s also celebrated for its series of classical music concerts all summer long.

Schloss Ludwigslust’s Baroque Gardens are another marvel. Sir Elton John once performed here in the garden and concertgoers couldn’t ask for a more stunning venue with French inspired avenues, waterfalls, and flowers. Also within the castle complex are a few Baroque mausoleums and St. Helena’s Church (1803).

Along Ludwigslust’s main boulevard you’ll find many beautiful homes, lined with tall trees and beautiful works of Baroque art — which really are monuments to 18th and 19th century dukes and duchesses.

There are other monuments and memorial stones throughout the town. There are memorial stones to be found at the former Jewish Cemetery, another at the Evangelical-Lutheran Cemetery, and yet another at the Wöbbelin Concentration Camp (which was located nearby).

Despite a bit of dark history in the mid 20th century, Ludwigslust today is a vibrant town with quite a few festivals throughout the Spring and Summer. In a town that’s known throughout Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (and beyond) for its art, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it hosts an Art Festival (held in August). And, in its Baroque tradition there’s a fun Baroque Celebration in May with many dressing in period garb.

Getting here is more than easy with rail service available from the big cities around. So, there’s no excuse not to come experience your own joy in Ludwigslust.

Along the Isar River you’ll find the most interesting of towns. Besides being one of the largest towns in the region, Landau an der Isar is both historical and quite sports oriented. Plus, being in Lower Bavaria means spectacular outdoor scenery and beer.

If you start drinking too early, you might not make it to see and do all there is in Landau. So, do your sightseeing first, then enjoy the golden goodness that is called German beer.

Oh wait, you can do a bit of both at the same time when you visit the town’s Brewery Museum. :-)

What good would a medieval town be without its church? In this case, it’s plural, churches. Just don’t miss the Parish Church of the Virgin Mary, considered to be one of the most beautiful (and largest) ornate Baroque churches in the Isar Valley. Neither should you skip a visit to the Boulder Church. Built after the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), it too is an impressive Baroque style and was thought to be an important pilgrimage church of its day.

Also, no good medieval town would be without its castle. Schloss Wildthurn’s tower dominates the castle, but sorry there’s no chance to see the inside as it has fallen into disrepair. However, the outside is beautiful and will make great photos to take home.

No visitor to Landau should miss out seeing the Ganackerberg Mandl, a Romanesque stone portrait dating from around 1200. To ship the Lower Bavarian Archaeology Museum wouldn’t be a good idea, either.

For a more natural history, visit the Wachsender Felsen in the village of Usterling. Created by water, this unusual rock formation has been around for millenia.

After the history of the Earth, why not check out the solar system. Landau has the Planet Walking Way, starting at City Hall. It’ll take you through the town and learning about the planets in the far reaches of space.

As if there isn’t enough to do here, there’s more. Lower Bavaria is one of the most beautiful places and you can enjoy it playing tennis, golf, or at the outdoor swimming pool. In July, Landau hosts an annual triathlon event that brings spectators from all over.

Landau an der Isar sure is a great place to visit with plenty to do to keep everyone happy. You can experience it all here from nature, to the planets, and everything in between.

Fifteen villages make up the town of Ense, some barely having a few hundred full-time residents. What does that mean to you, the traveler? How about a chance for an uncrowded destination? Better yet, how about a chance to really mingle with the locals?

This area is popular with many Dutch visitors from the nearby Netherlands and, what do they know what you don’t? After reading this, you’ll know their well-kept secret.

Ense sits along the northern edge of the Sauerland, a stunning rural area of North Rhine-Westphalia. The Sauerland is quite popular with hikers, bike enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. You’ll find a few lakes within the Sauerland, the closest to Ense would be the Möhnesee.

After a visit around the Sauerland, here’s your chance to see more of Ense. Each village has something special, but don’t miss the small basilica church of St. Lambertus, which was built in the 12th century. You shouldn’t miss the lovely 14th century Fürstenberg Chapel, either.

There’s also a fabulous manor house, known as Schloss Füchten, in the village of Hünningen. Füchten is considered to be the largest manor house in all of Westphalia and was once a 13th century castle. Sadly, no visitors are allowed to see the inside as it’s private property.

If a castle was what you came to see, then the ruins of the 8th century Castle Oldenberg is in order. Castle Oldenberg stood for some 600 years before it was destroyed in the 14th century.

Ense also had a medieval monastery, too. Kloster Himmelpforten, or Heaven Gates Monastery, was here for a few hundred years before parts of it was destroyed on May 17, 1943.

But, the oldest of sites in Ense seem to be the early hill graves in the village of Lüttringen. It’s also where you’ll find some small farms, too.

While the smallest of the villages is Gerlingen and her 66 residents. Since this village is mostly farms, this is a good place to pick up some local treats, like farm-fresh eggs and honey!

With this many villages, there’s always a party or two going on. But, the biggest is the Christmas Market which is held on the first weekend of Advent. In the Gregorian calendar, that’s about 4 weeks before Christmas and the best chance to bring home some wonderful crafts and gifts back home.

You’ll also bring back wonderful memories of your time here in Ense, that’s for sure.

Bad Dürrheim is one of those places where it’s as good as it can possibly get — anywhere in the world. What else can you say about a place that is right on the edge of the spiritual Swabian Alb, but the mystic Black Forest, too? You’ve got the best of it all in Bad Dürrheim.

Many towns and villages within the Alb seem to end in -ingen and a few of Bad Dürrheim’s villages really live up to that. A few are over 1200 years old, but none are younger than a millenia. What does all that mean? It means there’s some great history to be found, in addition to the prime health & wellness spas.

You could choose to do it all, or do nothing and still have a grand time here. Although, if history is what you’re after then be sure to visit the Village Church of Biesingen, St. Martin Protestant Church in Oberbaldingen, St. Gallus Church, and the 400 year old farm in Unterbaldingen.

Wait, there’s more! The village of Hochemmingen has the beautiful church of Saints Peter & Paul, some early settler hill graves, and the remnants of what is called a fleeing castle where medieval serfs ran for cover when invading marauders came to stir up trouble.

Along the same lines, you’ll find a fine example of a medieval Military Church, which served the spiritual needs of Öfingen’s residents, as well as where villagers went in times of danger.

A visit to Bad Dürrheim’s local history museum isn’t a bad idea. Neither is a stop over to the Narrenschopf, which is a fun museum of the Fool’s Guild of the Black Forest Region and the merry making fun of Mardi Gras.

Now it’s time to relax and no place better to do that is Solemar. A wellness and health center, where visitors are treated to salt baths, time in the sauna, and even a workout at the fitness center.

The countryside is the perfect backdrop when playing at Bad Dürrheim’s Sports Park. Here you can golf, skeet shoot, try a Nordic Walking trail, cycle, or play a game of miniature golf. There are good old fashioned walking and bicycling trails through town, the Swabian Alb, and the Black Forest.

As the Black Forest area gave us Black Forest ham and Black Forest Cake (that yummy chocolate cherry concoction that’s just about every chocolate lovers dream), you’ll know that you’ll find some down right delicious treats while you’re here.

As you can easily see, you can do some serious sightseeing, eat til you’re more than full, play almost any sport, or just walk amongst the quiet trees in the Black Forest. You could choose to do nothing but sit in a salt water bath relaxing tired muscles and you’d still manage to have a glorious time in Bad Dürrheim.

Kaufungen is a fantastic 1000 year old town along the Kaufunger Wald (Kaufungen Forest) in Hesse. It also sits along the Deutsche Märchenstraße, or German Fairy Tale Route, a 60 town 600 km (373 miles) long route that offers the best of the best of medieval towns. It’s also a place that’s modern, fun, famous for its musical concerts, and does it all within the most beautiful of scenery.

As Kaufungen is only a few kilometers from Kassel, getting here is more than easy with frequent public transport services. This makes it most convenient if you wish to stay here in Kaufungen and visit the comedy club or the National Theater in Kassel. But, really no need since you’ll find just about anything and everything you need right here in town.

There are two great ways to see Kaufungen, by bike or by foot. With 28 well-marked walking trails you’ll never find yourself without anything to see. All these trails are also close to public transportation, so you can walk one way and ride back.

Visitors will find trails that lead them past the Kaufungen Abbey, or the Stiftskirche as it’s called today. This old church was built by Empress Kunigunde in 1025 and lived here after her husband (Emperor Heinrich II) died until her death. Many classical music concerts take place here during the summer.

Other trails lead off towards the 10th century St. George’s Chapel, the Alte Schule (Old School) which now houses Kaufungen’s local history museum with exhibitions from the Middle Ages to modern day, and the Rossgang Mining Museum — as mining was huge to the local economy for hundreds of years.

You’ll also find trails that lead you off into the Kaufunger Wald, a steep-hilled dense-wooded forest right between Hesse and Lower Saxony. Watch out for the cyclists, since there are plenty of trails for bikers, too. Kaufunger Wald is where the annual Bilstein Mountain Bike Marathon takes place every September.

More trails lead off toward Steinertsee. The lake is divided into three distinct areas that connect Ober and Nieder (upper and lower) Kaufungen, including a nature protected section that’s a haven for birds.

Kaufungen’s wonderful and its beautiful rustic countryside is a perfect getaway. It’s also a perfect chance to buy yourself a real comfortable pair of walking shoes — you’re going to need them.