Looking eastward from a small village in France (Grosbliederstroff) you’ll find the old village town of Kleinblittersdorf. Yes, it does sound like a mouthful.

What it really is, is a charming town of seven neighborhoods along the religious St. James’ Way. It also offers the devout a chance to truly have a realistic medieval traveler’s journey on their way to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. Pious travelers can stop at one of the chapels, like the Wendalinuskappelle and the Kuchlinger Kapelle.

The most beautiful along the way is the Wintringer Kapelle. Now in ruins, this medieval abbey has a wonderful Summer Solstice Celebration, yet anytime of the year is great to visit.

Pilgrims in Kleinblittersdorf are offered many services, including lodging and supplies that were offered many centuries back. Here’s where you can eat from a medieval menu, drink wines from the day, and even have your pilgrim “passport” stamped at the various churches. The stamps were a kind of medieval “proof” of a pilgrim’s journey.

Of course, St. James’ Way isn’t the only thing that Kleinblitterdorf has to offer. The Old Church, from the 18th century, is now a Youth Center, and still beautiful after all these years. So is the church of St. Agatha and the historic City Hall of Kleinblittersdorf Proper. From here you can cross into France along the Freundschaftsbrücke (Friendship Bridge) that was built in 1933.

If you get hungry, there are plenty of treats to be found at the old Backhaus, or Bake House. The bakery makes a “flaming cake” on special order and depending on your sweet tooth just might be worth looking into.

This area of the Saarland, besides being historically rich, has some wonderful countryside. The village of Sitterswald, which is heavily forested, has great biking and walking trails. Kleinblittersdorf is also famous for its Mineral Water which was started by some long ago countess, so make sure you take some with you out in the woods.

Kleinblittersdorf is only 15 minutes from the city of Saarbrücken and maintains a real “Old World” feel. You’ll like it here — so come have some wine, eat, and maybe have a piece or two of that flaming cake.

Right at the Rhine River bordering Rhineland-Palatinate is the small town of Ketsch.

You’ll find it to be a historical town which lies on the Bertha Benz Memorial Route. It has some beautiful lakes that are just perfect for the fishing enthusiast. Ketsch also hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, making it a lively town, too.

Ketsch’s history dates back to the days of the Middle Ages, but there are no true medieval remnants left here in town. To be honest, it’s really more of a modern town. The Local History Museum, located at the Old Water Company, does an excellent job of highlighting its history. You’ll also find an old War Memorial located right in the center of town and a few sculptures scattered around, too.

It is Ketsch’s many lakes that really do the area justice. Rent a boat and head off to the Rhine Island, just perfect for a day trying to “catch the big one.” If nothing bites over there, try over at the Anglersee. Karl Ludwig Lake is a nature protected area and great for walking on the hiking trails through dense forest trying to identify the local flora and fauna.

If swimming is what you’re looking for, then head off to Hohwiesensee or High Meadow Lake where everyone can enjoy a dip. If lake dipping isn’t your idea of a good time, try swimming over at Ketsch’s outdoor swimming pool instead.

A fun festival is everyone’s idea of a good time, right? Well, Ketsch hosts the Haxenfest on the 3rd weekend in June, its annual Sommerfest the 1st weekend of July, and a 3-day event known as Musikfest on the last weekend of June. Oh, and in October (3rd Sunday) is the Kirchweih Festival, an annual church celebration.

When you find yourself in noble Schwetzingen make the time to visit Ketsch. Maybe you’ll get lucky and hook yourself that big fish to brag about to your friends. If anything, you’ll at least hook yourself a grand time here.

Ubstadt-Weiher lies alongside one of the most historical, yet modern, routes in German history. No, this quaint town doesn’t lie on the Romantic Road, nor the Fairytale Route either. It lies on the Bertha Benz Memorial Route.

Your asking yourself, what memorial route? The Bertha Benz Memorial Route was made famous by the wife of Carl Benz who in 1888 drove the Benz Patent Car #3 for about 194 km through Ubstadt-Weiher and the stunning Kraichgau countryside.

Yes, dear reader, it was the beginning of the German love affair with automobiles and the start of some of the best engineering money can buy. :-)

It might be interesting to think that when you’re here, you’ll be walking (or, driving) the same roads as Frau Benz. Many of Ubstadt-Weiher’s buildings were here long before and after Mrs. Benz’s historical trip.

One of the oldest pieces of this region’s history is the Roman Museum Stettfeld. Uncovered in the 1980’s, a large Roman settlement was found including a Roman palace, a graveyard, and glass pottery.

You’ll also find three beautiful churches to visit and in three different architectural styles. St. Marcellus was built in New Gothic, St. Andreas in Baroque (means ORNATE), and St. Nikolaus in a New Romanesque. St. Nikolaus’ church is the oldest of them all, dating back to the 15th century.

Truth be told, there’s more to Ubstadt-Weiher than just old buildings and feats of the industrial revolution. This area of Baden-Württemberg has some fabulous countryside, great for wine making. Or, hiking and biking and there are many trails that will take you along past through some real picturesque scenery.

Come winter, the region is filled with snow lovers for skiing, skating, cross country skiing, and snowboarding.

The warmer months bring fun festivals, including the Geißenmarkt on the 1st weekend in May. There’s also the Kirchweihfest on the last weekend in September and City Celebrations in the town’s four local hamlets.

Now, in honor of Mrs. Benz come to Ubstadt-Weiher and become part of German history. :-)

Burladingen on the Swabian Alb is a fantastic town to visit if you love the history of old castles. The oldest one dates back to the days of the Romans, who built the Burladingen Castellet.

All right, there’s more to do than just visit the countless castles (or, the ruins of castles) that dot the Baden-Württemberg landscape.

Before you go off exploring the many trails that lead off to those castles, there are a few other places that need to be seen. Burladingen boasts the only “whip museum” in the entire country with a look into how the things are actually made. The Village Museum is located in a beautiful 200 year old timber framed building with original furniture and exhibits on life in the Swabian Alb.

Don’t confuse the Village Museum with the Local History Musuem. Located in an old school building, the history museum offers a look into the rural life of the Swabian Alb and a historic look into the town itself.

St. Michael’s Church and the Chapel of St. Anna (16th century) are also quite popular spots for visitors.

Once that’s all out of the way, here’s your chance to see the countryside. If you head off on one of the many walking and hiking trails you’ll for sure see your fair share of old castles.

Some are in ruins, others are just as beautiful today as they were when they were built. Whatever you do, don’t miss the ruins of Castle Lichtenstein (late 12th century), Castle Burladingen (12th century), and the ruins of the 11th century Hohenringingen (wow, that’s a mouthful!).

The many walking trails throughout the countryside don’t all revolve around castles. One of the oldest trails is the pious Jacob’s Way, used by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. Here’s your chance to walk in the centuries old footsteps of the faithful.

If you have any energy left, Burladingen has some fun outdoor activities like swimming and miniature golf. Don’t worry if its winter, many people come to town for some awesome skiing.

Sounds like a jolly grand time for everyone on the Alb!

It’s possible that if you visit a town in Upper Bavaria with absolutely nothing to see or do; and still manage to have a good time. Well, not to worry as this isn’t the case here in Gräfelfing. This Munich suburb, bordering along the River Würm, has just enough to take you away from the city and have a grand ol’ time.

If you’ve got only a day and you want to make the most of your trip there are a few things that really shouldn’t be missed. You’ll find the brilliant 15th century St. Stefan Church at Würmstraße 1, that has been beautifully embellished in a Baroque style. There’s another 15th century church, St. John the Baptist, in the neighborhood of Lochham that just might steal the show with its Romanesque design.

Lochham is also where you’ll find the Pasinger City Park, originally the gardens of some long-gone castle. The forest trees make the best shade while walking along the trails that run along the River Würm for about a mile. If you walk along the winding Upper Bavarian streets, you’ll see plenty of turn of the 20th century mansions, too.

It’s no wonder there are plenty of opulent old homes. Gräfelfing is a very affluent suburb and many German actors, artists, writers, and other celebrities have called this place home through the years. Well, actually a lot of people have lived here, as this region has been inhabited since the Bronze Age.

While the area is very much German, this is a continental town with a variety of international cuisine if you get hungry on your travels. There is also a few guesthouses for overnight stays. If you’re visiting Munich in Mid-September for Oktoberfest, it might make for a quieter stay in the outskirts of town.

Really, why wait for September? Anytime of the year is great to come and stay here.

The best thing about little known towns in far away places is that you’ll always be surprised at what you might find.

In the case of Sulingen, this is so true. A place that takes great pride in itself and pays attention to minute details. In addition to its history, Sulingen adds even more character with beautiful sculpture artwork carefully placed around town.

Modern art isn’t the only thing you’ll find around these parts. You’ll find many timber framed houses, the oldest being the Alte Bürgermeisterei, or Old Mayor’s House. It’s now a tourist information center, so it really is the best place to start your journey.

Across the street is a wonderful example of a 13th century Gothic church. St. Nikolai is well known for its interior artwork, so drop by and look around.

When you’re done there, go off to see Sulingen’s two 17th century Wassermühlen (water mills) and the very pretty 18th century Community Center. You’ll also find an old Jewish Cemetery, and a local history museum over by its city lake (called Landschaftssee).

The city lake is quite the popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Everyone loves a good swim and during the colder months the Landschaftssee is still busy with many coming out to ice skate on the frozen water. The numerous walking and cycling trails are also popular. Bicycle rentals are available for a small fee.

If you really enjoy the cycling thing, get in on one of the two cycling tours offered by the town. On the 2nd Saturday of the month April to October, there’s a 30 km riding tour that takes you around to all of the town’s highlights. On the 4th Saturday of the month (again, April to October) Sulingen offers a 60 km tour with all of its highlights but just goes further into the Lower Saxony countryside.

If shopping is more your thing, pick up some local veggies, spices, or flowers at the Weekly Market; open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 8am to noon. Shoe lovers are gonna love it over at the Lloyd Factory Outlet, where you’re able to buy the ultra stylish upscale footwear for less.

After all the work your legs will be doing, they deserve a rest. No better a place than The Cinema, a movie theater and hall with a variety of shows and movies.

Everywhere you turn around in Sulingen you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised. You also should leave room in your suitcase so you take home all those shoes.

It might be hard to explain what a place like Saterland in Lower Saxony is really like. Interesting, to say the least, and to say that the area is incredibly beautiful would hardly do it justice.

You might also find the language spoken here is just a wee bit different from what’s spoken in the rest of Germany. Truth be told, the language of Saterfriesen makes this place take on a more exotic flair.

Just a tip: The town of Saterland is called Seelterlound in the language of Saterfriesen.

Without a doubt, Saterland sits within a very historic region of East Frisia. Much of the area today would be totally unrecognizable from a visitor from few centuries back, since a lot of its land was reclaimed from the marshy moorlands that it used to be.

Saterland has some great sites to visit, but really the best way to enjoy it is to simply be outside. Its countryside is spectacular with many activities that center around it.

Between all the tennis, swimming, camping, canoeing, and beach volleyball you can go visit the Scharrel, Saterland’s Cultural Center. Here’s a chance to see what East Frisian life is really like.

Don’t miss out on the Railway Museum, either.

Now, go head off on the countless bicycle routes through the moorlands. One is sure to take you right pass the 18th century Scharrel Windmill. Plus, Saterland sits along the Lower Saxony Mill Route (not to be confused with the Westphalian Mill Route).

One of the more noticeable differences between this area and the rest of Germany is that this place is where tea is the drink of choice; unlike the rest of the country where coffee rules. Tea is serious business and is drunken throughout the day, sweetened with Kluntje (a rock candy). Weekends and special occasions are when tea drinkers are treated to little cookies and cakes served with their beverages.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak Saterfriesen, or even if you don’t speak German. You’ll have a brilliant time up here in Saterland. Or, should we say Seelterlound?

It’s pretty well known that water has curative properties and can give a wonderful sense of well being. So, it’s not hard to stretch the imagination about how wonderful Plön is going to be.

This centuries old town that once belonged to Denmark sits alongside the largest lake within Schleswig-Holstein. Oh wait, it’s pretty much surrounded by water; making Plön just picture perfect.

Water isn’t Plön’s only claim to fame. The town’s original castle was built over a thousand years ago, but the Schloss Plön you see today didn’t come along until the 17th century. Built on its garden is the Prince House, a beautiful 18th century manor house that was given to the sons of Wilhelm II. Castle Plön is privately owned (no interior viewing) and is considered to be the town’s landmark. But, the Prince House is open to the public.

In the 19th century the town built the Parnass Tower. From April to October it’s observation tower is open and will give you a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside and a waterview as far as the eye can see. You’ll also get a glimpse of St. Nikolai Church from up there, but make sure you get a more up close and personal look at it, too.

For an interesting piece of 20th century history, head over to Fünf-Seen-Allee or Five Lakes Lane, since that’s where you’ll see a bunch of Cold War relics.

Tread carefully if you visit the Plön Museum with its North German Glass Collection. Maybe it might be better to take the kids to the Puppet Theater for a fun play instead.

With all that out of the way go enjoy the water, you’ve certainly earned it. And, Prince Island is the perfect place to do it. There’s an outdoor swimming pool and a great sandy beach to enjoy, depending on your preference.

From the looks of it, Plön really is just picture perfect.

Not too far from the town of Rotenburg (Wümme) in Lower Saxony is the wonderful 1200 year old town of Scheeßel.

Don’t think because of its age that all you’ll find here are centuries old timber-framed buildings and a medieval church. OK, truth is that you’ll find all that here but, that’s not its only claim to fame.

Scheeßel is also quite the modern town with a penchant for throwing some first-class festivals. Considering its age, Scheeßel really does retains a youthful appeal.

One of the best places to start is over at St. Lucas Church. This beautiful church has been an integral part of daily life of the town since it was built in the 9th century. It has undergone a few facelifts over the centuries, one of the most drastic was changing it to a Romanesque style in the 13th century.

More of Scheeßel’s history can be better explained at the town’s Local History Museum.

After that go see the Meyerhof, a farming complex of timber framed buildings that’s now a cultural and meeting place. It’s also a little museum of the region’s handicrafts and textiles.

At the beginning of the Advent season (generally the 4th Sunday before Christmas) Scheeßel holds a wonderful Craftsman Market here at the Meyerhof. Here’s your chance to buy loved ones a wonderful one-of-a-kind present for Christmas.

If you plan your trip to come in mid-June you’ll join up to 70,000 music lovers for the annual 3-day Hurricane Festival. So better to make reservations early!

A smaller festival is the Trachtengruppen — a lovely dance fest with music, traditional costumes, and folklore. Making this all the better are the wonderful local culinary delights to munch on.

When the weather is warmer everyone heads over to the Eichenring, or the motorcycle racing track, on the weekends to cheer on their favorite riders. Except for the Hurricane Fest, since this is where the massive event is held.

You know, Scheeßel might be an old city, but no one can say that it isn’t young at heart.

A stone’s throw from the border of the Netherlands and the German city of Cleves, you’ll find Kerken — a place famous for its beautiful Lower Rhine countryside and considered to be a highly cultural recreational area.

There should be no doubt that a town like this would have the standard sightseeing attractions. However, this doesn’t make Kerken ordinary. For you lovers of art history, you’ll most certainly be delighted with a visit to St. Dionysius, the St. Peter and Paul, and St. Thomas Churches. You can explore them on your own or join one of the city guided tours for a nominal fee.

There are other guided tours sponsored by the city of Kerken. One will take you through the 18th century Cemetery Aldekerk with a history of many of the town’s “former” residents. Another takes you through the town’s Local History Museum, but that can just as easily be visited on your own.

For more sightseeing, don’t miss the Haus Lawaczeck (historical association), the 18th century Tower Windmill, and the Michael Buyx House. A guided tour to these sites would certainly be helpful.

Kerken is also a prime place to sit and relax. The Eyller See, or Eyller Lake, has a great sandy beach, rowboats, grill huts (if you get hungry), and plenty of untouched forest with a multitude of walking and bicycling trails. If you’re the camping type, there are plenty of campsites around.

Don’t worry if camping isn’t your style since there are some wonderful small hotels, bed and breakfasts, and even vacations homes to rent for your stay. If you get hungry it won’t be hard to find something to nosh as Kerken has a variety of dining options.

When you find yourself along the Dutch border or close to Cleves make sure you come visit Kerken — a place far from ordinary.