What makes a traveler pick one place over another? What is it about the medieval town of Winsen (Aller) that would just have you counting the days until you can visit? What does this place in Lower Saxony have over everywhere else?

For starters, Winsen is considered to be quite a popular air-health resort and recreational area. It also offers some fun sporting activities to keep you busy, before or after you’ve seen all the historical sites in town.

Take a picnic lunch with you to the lake in the neighborhood of Meißendorf so you can spend the day swimming or surfing lakeside. There are campsites nearby, if you choose to “rough it” and an 18-hole miniature golf course for some great family fun. This nature protected area is the largest within the Lüneburg Heath.

If you manage to have any energy left, you better get out to see Winsen’s historical side; starting at the town’s 18th century City Hall. This lovely red building once did double duty as a restaurant and bar before being converted over to the center of life around town in 1972.

Another place that is the center of life in town is the 14th century Johannes der Täufer Church, whose original foundations date back to the 9th century.

You’ll also pass by the Junkerntor, once the ornate entrance gates to an old manor house. Look out for the Princes’ Stones, or Prinzensteine, a memorial to the legend of two princes who mortally wounded each other in battle, not realizing they were brothers.

Don’t forget to see the Bockwindmühle, built in 1732 and used for 200 years until it was shut down in 1929.

But, you really need to save the best for last with a visit to Dat Groode Hus, a beautiful farmhouse from 1795 which offers a look into 18th century farm life. It’s the cultural center of life here in Winsen and hosts many classical musical concerts throughout the year.

Winsen (Aller) is special, as it has found a great blend of recreation and history. It’s all this that will make you want to come here over anywhere else.

In Upper Palatinate you’ll find a Market Town that is just perfectly located to enjoy just about anything you can think of. Lappersdorf is central to some great sightseeing and sporting activities, no matter the season.

There is a way to combine physical activity with some of Lappendorf’s highlights. On what is known as Meditation Way is a walking trail that starts at the gorgeous 18th century Baroque Church of St. Ägidius and designed to follow along artwork inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Stop in St. Ägidius for a route map and to see its ornate artwork.

Another walking route is the Monument Walking Way which follows along for some 20 km, taking you along past 54 of the area’s monuments. Whether you choose to do some or all of the route, grab a map over at Lappersdorf’s City Hall. That’s also where you’ll see some of the monthly art exhibitions of the town and region’s local artists.

For cycling fun, follow along the Regen Cycle Track. It’ll take you right past the River Bath Pielmühle. You’ve certainly earned a rest at this beach if you’ve followed all the sightseeing routes. Pielmühle is open all day from 8am-11pm and has a beach volleyball court and a pizzeria, so you’re able to stay all day.

Lappersdorf sits within the wine making region of Regensburg, so be sure to grab yourself a vino. Maybe a glass of wine will give you the nerve to visit the haunted 13th century castle Wolfsegg. Maybe you’ll see the “Lady in White,” but even if you don’t you can still see the underground cave museum underneath the castle.

When winter comes to Lappersdorf the fun doesn’t end. You’re in the best spot to enjoy some great skiing and ice skating in its picturesque countryside.

With places like Lappersdorf, no wonder that Bavaria is visited by more people in all of Germany.

What can you expect from a town called Alps? Well, you can expect a lot out of this Lower Rhenish town that’s technically been around for a good nine centuries.

If this were a few centuries back you would have been able to see Schloss Alpen. Only the embankment remains from an early 13th century castle that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1758.

Once the French came to the these parts around 1809, they broke apart the castle for other building. Although, they did mention it on what was called the Castle Chaussee, or Castle Highway. With good reason, many people equate castle with royalty and Alpen has a wonderful story of a heroic princess.

Amalia was quite the fearless leader for the Netherlands Freedom Movement and born at Alpen Castle. What makes this truly remarkable is that this lovely princess did this in the 16th century, going totally against the norms of her day.

Princess Amalia is buried with great honor in the historical Evangelical Church Alpen (a beauty in an Italian Renaissance design — so don’t miss it!). The good princess isn’t where Alpen’s dedication to women ends. Over at the Frauenstelen on Ulrichstraße 16-18, you’ll find memorial stellas in honor of women in the region’s history.

Another church that really shouldn’t be missed is the Catholic Church in the village of Veen. This truly beautiful church was built in 1162 and enlarged to its current size in 1458.

Many of Alpen’s objects of interest can be found along its Cultural Path or on the highlighted Bicycle Route. Either way, you’ll see not only the area of Alpen Castle, the Frauenstelen, and the medieval Catholic church. But, the Local History Museum, the old Jewish Cemetery, and many of the intricately detailed town wells.

We can’t forget about the Frankish grave hills that are more than 1400 years old, either.

So, what can you expect in the town of Alpen? Nothing short of a super grand time.

When thinking of islands, you might conjure images of palm trees, drinks with little umbrellas, and Calypso music playing in the background. Well, that’s not the case of the city of Fehmarn which makes up the entire island in the Baltic Sea, easily reached by car from Germany’s mainland, as well as by ferry from Denmark.

No, you’ll find it to be a whole different kind of island atmosphere. It was once a huge therapeutic spa destination in the 1960’s, around the same time the automobile bridge was built linking it to the mainland.

Fehmarn’s history dates back to ancient times and there are Stone Age grave hills found here to prove it. It’s the place of natural beauty, as seen at any of the nature preservation areas scattered around the island. Fehmarn is also home to some amazingly beautiful buildings that have withstood the test of time.

Since Burg is the largest of Fehmarn’s neighborhoods, it’s best to start there. You’ll find a wonderful beach with its own promenade with some restaurants and shops on this tiny island city.

It’s also where you’ll find the 12th century Romanesque church St. Nikolai, with its beautiful artwork. Right next door to St. Nikolai is Fehmarn’s Local History Museum housed in a charming half-timbered building. The museum is the perfect place to help understand more of this unique place.

There are also castle ruins to visit, too. For example, Castle Glambeck that was built in 1210 and destroyed some 400 years later during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648).

The best advice is to take your time, as there is something to see every time you turn around. You’ll find other medieval churches in some of the other neighborhoods, as well. One in particular is Petrikirche in Landkirchen, a 13th century church filled with simply splendid artwork from the last eight centuries.

You’ll also find many memorial stones scattered throughout the island. One memorial stone is dedicated to the famous singer and guitarist Jimi Hendrix who played his last concert here on Sept. 6, 1970 and died 12 days later.

Lighthouses are also scattered along the island’s coast and really make for some wonderful photo opportunities.

On the west side of the island, you’ll find a nature preservation area in Wallenau, where over 80 species of birds come to breed. Visitors can learn more about the birds that come here at the Nature Protection Museum or at the Information Center. There are other nature preserve areas around the island, but Wallenau’s bird refuge seems to be the most popular.

Fehmarn is one of those places that isn’t all work and no play. She hosts many festivals throughout the year, most being in the Spring and Summer. There’s a wonderful catamaran regatta held here annually, as well as a windsurfing festival and beach volleyball tournament. If you’re looking for some other sport, why not try out a miniature golf course? Better yet, check out the FehMare Spa.

Fehmarn is a place with a rich history and culture, as well as a fun town filled with festivals and sporting fun. When you’ve got it as good as this island city, who needs little umbrellas in their drink?

What happens when you find the perfect marriage of history and culture, centrally located between Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, and Mannheim? You get to Östringen, a town of four villages in Baden-Württemberg that also lies between the Black Forest and the Odenwald, within the alluring Kraichgau.

When you’ve got as much going on as Östringen you might not know where to start or what to see. With each village offering something for everyone, take your time getting to know each one on its own.

The best place to start is probably the Local History Museum in the village of Östringen proper. The museum itself, located within the Altes Rathaus, is a piece of the town’s 19th century history. Also within Östringen is the beautiful St. Cäcilia Catholic Church, and the Gustav Wolf Art Gallery, both filled with some amazing artwork from different centuries.

Östringen also plays host to a few festivals and parties throughout the year. The first weekend of July brings on the Summer Festival, while November is when Östringen’s Kerwe Festival is held. Mid-September is when you can party for Östringen’s Oktoberfest, mostly associated with beer.

But, interestingly enough — this is wine country and there are a few local wineries around the village of Eichelberg. Here’s your chance to enjoy a locally grown German wine.

There are a few other sites around Eichelberg, too. Don’t miss the village’s City Hall, where today’s building is directly on top of the original foundations from 1604. There is also the Village Well and St. Michael’s Chapel. Both make some great photos to take home with you.

Tiefenbach is one of the smaller villages and it is (and, it isn’t) your average German village. But, once every two years the town pulls out all the stops for its Village Celebration. Any other time, it’s where you’ll enjoy getting outdoors at what is known as Kreuzbergsee (Cross Mountain Lake).

When you visit Odenheim, come for the town’s annual Fair, held on the 2nd weekend in October, or the many balls held during Mardi Gras (February). Odenheim also has a yearly Castle Celebration that’s held on the first weekend in August. But, a stop to the lovely Baroque St. Michael’s Church is a must, no matter your reason for visiting.

Even with all there is to see in Östringen, there’s still more. The countryside is more than idyllic and the walking and biking trails will take you through the best of it.

Actually, Östringen is a diamond in the Kraichgau, so try not to miss a thing of it. :-)

In the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, close to the border of Luxembourg, you’ll find the old town of Bitburg.

Ancient Romans used to come through here on their old route from Lyon to Cologne and the town made out quite well economically. Fast forward a few thousand years, you have an awesome place to visit and most famous for its beer.

Bitburger beer has been brewed here for a few hundred years, when Johann Wallenborn opened his own brewery in 1817, which is Bitburg’s most famous landmark. The Bitburger brand is quite popular throughout the Eifel, as well as exported to as far away as the United States and Australia. But, you’ll have to come here to taste some of the more unique varieties, like a pomegranate flavored beer.

Bitburg is also famous for its Folklore Festival which is held annually on the 2nd weekend of July. Partygoers from all over Europe come to eat, drink, and tell stories.

But, it’s shopping that’s on agenda at the annual Beda Markt, which comes on the third weekend in March. Can you think of a better way to spend a Spring afternoon?

If you’re not a shopper, then maybe you’d prefer to spend it at House Beda. This art gallery has over a hundred paintings by the famous German painter, Fritz von Wille. In an eclectic blend of old and new, you’ll find some contemporary art exhibits over at Bitburg’s Local History Museum, filled with exhibits on the history of the region.

A stop over to the museum will help you fully appreciate more of what you’ll find here in Bitburg, like its Roman Wall and remainders of its medieval Stadtmauer (defense wall). And for you World War II historians, you might want to visit the nearby Kolmeshöhe Military Cemetery, which made headlines in the 1980’s when US President Ronald Regan visited.

Whether you come for the history, the shopping, or the culture you’ll love this little out of the way place. Oh yeah, and you’ll love its beer, too. For many, that’s reason enough to come!

Sometimes you have to think outside the box. Many travelers look to the big cities when deciding to travel then come across a little known place, taking you totally by surprise. This is the case with the town of Langelsheim, which borders the edge of the Harz Mountains.

With over 100 km of walking, hiking, and cycling trails, you’ll find this place more than just beautiful. The nature park is home to rich forests, bogs, and some pretty awesome wildlife.

Be on the lookout for Peregrine falcons, wildcats, and even a Lynx (or, two). If you’re totally adventurous, there are quite a few campsites within the surrounding area.

As much as there is to do within the nature park, that isn’t even the half of what you’ll find in town. There are plenty of historical buildings and museums to visit.

Langelsheim has many timber framed buildings and a stunning example of a Romanesque church (St. Andreas), that gives this place a true medieval feel. Langelsheim’s Local History Museum is the ultimate in explaining this mining town’s rich history.

Most of us may not understand the subtleties of mining and this is where Langelsheim’s Mining Museum comes in handy. You’re also close to the Mines of Rammelsberg, a place where silver, copper, and lead were mined for a staggering thousand years, until it was closed in 1988 after the mountain was exhausted. Rammelsberg is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and much of what was mined here, was smelted in Langelsheim.

But, this is Germany and in addition to cars and mining (in this case) it’s famous for beer — which makes a visit to the Brewery Museum worth the trip. This lovely elixir had been brewed here since 1600, so they have had plenty of time to perfect it.

If this still isn’t enough to convince you, then come visit during any one of Langelsheim’s festivals. On the Saturday before Easter, there’s a huge Osterfeuer celebration, if you appreciate a huge bonfire.

Then on the last day of April, there is a huge Mountain City Celebration (food, fun, beer), and during the summer Langelsheim has a Bicycle Experience Day. On second thought, maybe it’s best to lay off the Langelsheim Beer that day. ;-)

You know that Germany is particularly well known for its exceptionally long history, some of it dating back thousands of years B.C.

Well, Tornesch, northeast of Hamburg, is one of those towns but, it is the preservation of many historical homes and buildings from the turn of the last century are what really makes this place stand out.

Two of its oldest buildings are the Altenteilerhaus and the Heimathaus (Homeland House), which is also known as the Ostermann Yard. You’ll easily recognize the former by its unique triangle shape, looking like one of the pyramids of Giza, only with more color. The Homeland House dates from 1738 and is one of the oldest farms within the region. It also makes a beautiful backdrop for the many weddings that are held here.

For a bite to eat and a bit of history then head right out to the old distillery, a charming old building from around 1914, that is now a popular restaurant. There are also many magnificent mansions along Ahrenloher Strasse, most coming from around the first decade of the 1900’s.

Tornesch experienced rapid growth from the mid 19th century until the days of the First World War. The town’s train station was built at that time (1844) and today is under the control of the country’s preservation society, even as much of lies vacant.

Vacant doesn’t mean that this area of Northern Germany isn’t particularly striking as Tornesch sits right on the River Pinnau and with the marshlands. So, besides the old buildings, there’s some great outdoor stuff, too. There are plenty of bicycling trails that run alongside the Pinnau, so rent a bike and enjoy.

Tornesch makes for a great day trip from Hamburg (approx. 16 km) for those who appreciate a more intimate town. Because, that is all part of this town’s charm.

Asperg is a most interesting place. Not all of its history can be romanticized, as some of it was considerably dark. Asperg’s train station was once used by the Nazis to transport thousands of people East towards Poland.

Nonetheless, today it is an absolute beautiful city with some fascinating museums. As well as managing to capitalize on its rich cultural activities.

One of Asperg’s most notable landmarks is the Hohenasperg Fortress. This massive building, built of dark stone, is most famous for housing Germany’s political prisoners throughout the centuries. There’s an entire museum dedicated to those who were held captive within its prison walls.

For something a bit on the lighter side, a trip over to the Fire Brigade Museum is necessary. What kid doesn’t love a firetruck; and here you’ll see how the science of fire fighting has changed over the years with exhibits on equipment of years gone by.

If you’re looking to imbibe a little of the vino, then the Viticulture Museum would be in order. This is serious wine country and the growing of grapes has gone on for countless centuries.

Speaking of centuries past, don’t forget to visit the grave of a 3rd century B.C. Celtic Prince on the Kleinaspergle. There are many more prehistoric graves to be found up there on the picturesque hillside.

Asperg’s not entirely all history. It’s a place of refined culture with some comedic relief thrown in. The town is well known for holding many classical and chamber musical concerts throughout the year. You’ll also find the Swabia Stage, where many a comedy is performed.

So, if you find yourself in Stuttgart go grab a ticket on the Stuttgart-Würzburg Rail Line and you’ll be in this jolly grand town in 20 minutes flat. Even if the ride was actually longer, Asperg would most definitely be worth it.

In a bit of interesting trivia there seems to be a number of towns within Germany with the same name, just located in the different 16 states of the country. Wehr (Baden) is no exception and this one in Baden-Württemberg is where you’ll want to go if you’re looking for great European castles. Oh, and that it sits along the famous Black Forest doesn’t hurt either. ;-)

The oldest of the four castles here in Wehr are the ruins of Castle Werrach, which was built around the year 1000. Only the walls of this thousand year old castle remain today.

Then there are the ruins of Castle Steinegg. It’s a hike, since the castle sits some 703 meters (approx 2600 feet) above town. Steinegg was built in the 12th century and was used up until it was destroyed sometime in the 1400’s.

Then the counts and princes of the day built the Altes (Old) Schloss Wehr in 1570. Now, it’s where Wehr holds many cultural events and concerts.

Now comes along Neues (New) Schloss Wehr, which was built a few hundred years later. Besides the fact that it was used as a City Hall for a century, today you can visit it to see the beautiful Rococo style stucco artwork.

After you’ve gotten your castle fix engross yourself within the Black Forest, as Wehr sits right on the southern edge of it. Follow any number of hiking, walking, and cycling trails past picture perfect waterfalls, like the Triberger Falls, and along some lush green countryside. If it’s winter, don’t worry as there is plenty of skiing going on within the nature park.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, look for Field Lake. There are no car roads leading to this glacier made lake, so the only way in and out is by bike or foot. All the better, since you’ll really experience the beauty of untouched nature.

When summer comes many locals head off to neighboring Switzerland but, every other year Wehr holds its Summer Celebration. Folks from all over come for the music, the merriment, and the food.

Yeah, sure, it’s not so easy to confuse Wehr (Baden) with anyplace else now!