There’s an old sarcastic phrase, “it must be the water” as an explanation when encountering things of a less-intelligent nature. This phrase, my friends, will never be uttered in this manner here in the town of Bad Buchau — because, in all sincerity, there seems to be something magical in the water.

As much as we’d like to delude ourselves into thinking we’re more sophisticated than our ancestors, they knew a good thing when they saw it. How else can you explain why our Neolithic and Bronze Age brothers and sisters stuck around?

How do I know? Umm, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Prehistoric Dwellings for starters. And the Federsee Museum is chocked full of artifacts from the time periods.

Beautiful as these prehistoric finds are, it was the Middle Ages that really put Bad Buchau on the map — mostly because of a lady named Adelindis, who founded the Buchau Abbey way back in the late 8th century. While this castle-looking structure ceased to be a religious order after eleven centuries (then belonging to the Thurn & Taxis family), it is still a gorgeous building.

FYI, the Stiftsmuseum is full of art from both the Gothic and Baroque periods; well worth the visit here, too.

And Frau Adelindis is so special around this area that both the water source and the local spa are named after her, as well as the Adelindis Festival that’s held every two years in August. Sadly I missed the one in 2016, but I’ll find time to come back around here in the future.

If you’ve managed to visit Bad Buchau on any other day but the Adelindisfest, don’t fret. There’s still so much more to see and do. You’ll find fourteen (14) marked hiking trails ranging from 3km to a more strenuous 39.8km with “themes” like the Federsesteg and Archaeological Moorland Trail.

Guided nature tours are available so you’re sure to appreciate much of the untouched countryside, if you’re interested. But, if you want something a bit more relaxing then it’d be off to the See-Moor-Therme for some rest & relaxation.

Back in the “Old Days,” folks went to the Badhaus (Bath House) for some rest, relaxation, and a bit of “healing.” This half-timbered building dates back to the year 1459, and it was used right up until the late 18th century.

These days people head to the Adelindis Therme, which not only offers sauna facilities, but also beer and whey spa treatments, massages and facials, thermal water soaks, and just about everything in between. I really like how on the last Friday of the month the spa is open until midnight — a great way to unwind after working hard all month.

It’s also a terrific way to relax after trekking along Bad Buchau’s scenic routes, like the Upper Swabian Baroque Route (Oberschwäbsche Barockstraße) and the Swabian Spa Route (Schwäbische Bäderstraße), too.

And as if that’s not enough to keep you busy, how about a visit to see Bad Buchau’s 15th century Rathaus — the picture perfect Town Hall with its window boxes and gabled roof. Plus, you’re not all that far from what was once the old Jewish section of town.

Bad Buchau once had a thriving Jewish community, dating back to the 1300s. In fact, Albert Einstein’s father was born here — and many of his relatives are buried in the Jewish cemetery. The old synagogue is gone, but a plaque marks where it once stood.

While there’s been many changes to Bad Buchau over the centuries, it’s a wonderful place to rejuvenate, as well as educate.

And there’s no harm in believing there’s something magical about the water — and after what I’ve seen, I truly do.

I don’t know what’s more fantastic about the State Spa town of Bad Bertrich (which is part of the Collective Municipality of Ulmen) — the spa experience itself, or the whole volcanic landscape? It’s a tough choice, but maybe it’s OK to love them both equally.

It doesn’t matter, because you might choose to love something totally different about this “magnetic” valley village in the Volcanic Eifel region.

But, first it’s all about the spa experience. Like how the thermal mineral water are said to be totally good for you (ex., if you have joint problems or gastrointestinal issues).

The Vulkaneifel Therme, on the village’s west side, is touted as an “oasis of relaxation.” Call it what you want, but there’s something magical about the salty water coming up from its 2,000 meter depth at a balmy 32-degrees Celsius (90°F). Plus, the price of admission won’t break the bank — making it affordable for the whole family.

Then, on the village’s east side, there’s the Römerkessel, Europe’s first Landscape Therapeutic Park complete with seven different themed gardens (Prince, Herbs, Relaxation, Silence, Lava, Motion, Terrace).

Know what else will help you relax? Wine — and there are number of wine shops (and wine tasting events) in the area. I’m sure the exceptionally nice folks at the Tourist Office (located at Kurfürstraße 32) can help with more with the whole Southern Eifel Region viticulture.

I’m also sure the volcanic landscape has something to do with making the wine from this area taste oh-so-delightful. And one of the best ways to enjoy the landscape (perhaps before you’ve had the wine) would be along one of the 70km of hiking trails. One favorite is the 10km long Geo Route, full of geology information.

And to make things even better, Bad Bertrich lies along the Vulkan-Rad-Route Eifel, a 80km cycle route through volcanic proportions with smooth altitude differences. If that’s too soft for ya, the Trailpark might be right up your alley. This is 750km of well marked mountain bike trails (with all levels of difficulty) through the Volcanic Eifel region.

After all this biking, I’m taking a rest at the castle ruins in Ulmen. Hey, don’t judge me, the castle has a pretty cool Burgfest every July.

I have to say the 900-year-old church in the village of Schmitt has caught my history-loving attention, too. The Church of Saint Peter in Bad Bertrich itself is pretty old, too. It dates back to the Middle Ages, and you’ll find it located at Kirchstraße 27.

It’s not easy to fit all this fantastic fun into one day, so in order to add Nordic Walking, horseback riding, and even tennis then you’re gonna have to stay in one of the local guesthouses or hotels.

Too bad it’s not possible to sleep in one of the thermal baths. ;-)

Not far from Bayreuth in the Upper Franconian region lies the tiny village of Bad Alexandersbad, proving once and for all that great things come in small packages.

Ok, that’s a bit misleading because, while Bad Alexandersbad isn’t even nine square kilometers (with a population around 1,000), it does belong to the Verwaltungsgemeinshaft Tröstau, a collective municipality that epands its reach a tad bit (at least politically).

What this tiny spa town lacks in size it makes up for with heart. Consider it your own personal oasis for outdoor activities like Nordic Walking, mountain biking, or just plain hiking.

There’s nothing plain about hiking, really, considering you’ll see some gorgeous Luisenburg rock formations (keep your camera handy) while you’re out exploring.

The sweet Franconian air is also perfect for trying tobogganing (like an alpine roller coaster), there’s even golfing nearby, and if you’ve chosen to come during the winter then you’ve got a choice of either Alpine or Cross-country skiing. Most people, however, come for the healing waters, and have been since its discovery in the 18th century.

Spa culture in Bad Alexandersbad is quite lively, and you can learn a lot more at the town’s Guest Services building, located at Markgrafenstraße 28. These nice people can tell you more about the Altes Kurhaus (Old Spa House), or the Fichtelgebirgsmuseum. The latter is a long name, right, which plainly goes to show that this spa village lies within the wonderful Fichtelgebirge.

The officials will also tell you about Schloss Alexandersbad. It’s quite rare for a small German village to have its own castle, but it does — and what a beautiful one it is. Once used for housing royal spa guests, osteopaths use the castle today for their scientific work and healing abilities.

In the village of Nagel you’ll also find a Kneipp facility, plus a lake (Nagler See) and a couple of “scenic routes” of sorts — like the Franconian Mountain Trail, the Quellenweg, and the Jean-Paul-Weg.

If you’re going to do all this spa stuff, hiking, cycling, and everything in between — at one point you’re going to have to eat. And thankfully you’ll find quite an array of culinary delights, so there’s no way you’ll come away from Bad Alexandersbad hungry.

As if eating, outdoor activity, and spa experiences aren’t enough, Bad Alexandersbad has some pretty awesome cultural events, too. You know, things like Spa Concerts; the Lichterfest (Lights Festival with fireworks over at the castle), and the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market).

Plus, you’re perfectly located for excursions to places like Kloster Waldsassen, or the Wildpark Waldberg.

With history and culture, plenty of spa treatments, and culinary delights — Bad Alexandersbad does amazingly well for its diminutive size. But, seriously, this is Bavaria, did you really expect anything less? I sure didn’t. ;-)

It’s a quiet May morning, the sun barely rising above the horizon, and I find myself totally enamored by the spa town of Bad Bibra. Excuse me, Bad Bibra is actually part of the Verbandsgemeinde An der Finne — a collective municipality of two handfuls of small villages within the Saale-Unstrut-Triasland Nature Park.

Bad Bibra is a spa town that’s fantastic for not only its spa facilities, but also its outstanding natural scenery. And this time of year is perfect to see all the wild orchids that grow within the Nature Park. You don’t need to have a green thumb to appreciate these flowers’ beauty, and guided hikes are available to understand more about them.

Another way to enjoy the great outdoors would be at one of its Kneipp areas. There’s something to be said for walking around in the refreshing water. And if you’ve never done it before just remember to wash your feet before stepping in, OK?

Your feet might need some relief, because you can be on them quite a bit if you want to experience even more around here. I doubt you’ll want to miss seeing the Eckartsburg, a partially ruined castle with walls 2.5 meters thick and a 22-meter high tower.

There are a few other castles around here — like the 15th century Schloss Steinburg that’s been used for everything from a dormitory to a camp. And Schloss Bucha is a pretty Baroque castle with its own Baroque garden.

Castle lover that I am, it was a village church that caught my attention this time. There’s something magical in the weathered Dorfkirche in the village of Altenroda. Maybe it was the low light from an overcast sky, perhaps it’s the old stones?

Don’t know the answer, and that’s not to take anything from the beauty of Golzen’s old church; nor the one in the village of Thalwinkel either.

Wait, can I change my mind about my favorite church? Well, I have the power of the keyboard, so I guess I can. The Mary Magdalene Church (a Stiftskirche) is a medieval marvel of dark stone from the 12th century. Hmm, quite historical and pretty. ;-)

While some of you nice readers might not think old buildings are pretty, so maybe you’ll love one of Bad Bibra’s hiking trails. Each are color-coded — so let me know if you like the Memleben Archaeological Trail or the Finn Hiking Trail, or one of the others that you prefer.

Add in the handful of cycling routes (Saale-Radwanderweg, Unstrut Cycle Route, Finne Cycle Route, and Goethe Radweg), you’ll find yourself wondering which to travel first.

If there’s a question about which one to follow, go see the nice people at the Tourist Office (located at the Haus des Gastes at Bürgerstraße 1). They’ll love to help you learn lots more about their town.

Just as I’m sure they’ll tell you all about Bad Bibra’s cultural events — such as the Finnelauf in May, or the Fairytale Parade that coincides with the annual Christmas Market.

They will also let you in on the Balison, the summer outdoor swimming pool with various facilities (including a 94-meter long waterslide). An entire day of fun for the whole family. :-)

Please, I’m beginning to wonder when the Health Fountain and Bathhouse were constructed. In the 17th century they had an inkling that Bad Bibra was going to be this wonderful. It’s understandable that whirlpools and saunas and other spa activities are needed after seeing and doing all this.

Why do you think I’m up so early this morning, all the more time to enjoy the rest of Bad Bibra.

Reading political documents you will learn that the spa town of Bad Bodenteich is considered a “Flecken” — which is a nice German way of saying (excuse me, I’m paraphrasing) a town that’s small but yet still somehow significant.

Its “Bad” badge alone makes Bad Bodenteich more than significant, it’s downright fantastically fun. Located within the Lüneburg Heath, it’s a town of around 4,000 people and easily reached by rail, bus, and even boat.

No matter what mode of transportation you use to get here, it’s best you stick around for a few days. Otherwise there’s no other way you’ll be able to fit in all the wonderful things to do around here.

I don’t know about you, but for me it was a stop at Burg Bodenteich, a positively medieval castle that once boasted its own moat. But not only that, the 13th century castle (actually it’s said to be a few hundred years older) is also home to the Tourist Office (Burgstraße 8), which is always the best place to start.

While the castle is its own marvel to explore (there’s even a museum located inside), it also has its own Backhaus (Bakery) and Brauhaus (Brewery) buildings, too. And what else it offers are great cultural events like the Burgspektakel (end of April), its own Christmas Market, and “Robin Hood” experiences for the children.

As much as I like children as the next person, I’d rather have some quiet time at the castle’s Barefoot Trail today. Sorry, Little Ones, a writer’s gotta do what a writer’s gotta do. ;-)

What this writer must do now is finish telling you more about what to see and do here in Bad Bodenteich. The forest areas and meadows make for beautiful scenery as you explore around the 40km of hiking trails, or on one of the Nordic Walking paths. Add in fishing, a carriage horse ride, game of golf or tennis — and you’ve earned yourself a rest.

Oops, not yet. I almost left out the guided tours around town. You can even choose a “theme,” like its medieval history, or its “modern” engineering marvels. Then again, you could always jump on the Entdeckerbus, a hop on/hop off bus running on weekends from June to October to nearby localities. Even better that it’s got a bike trailer attached — just in case you’ve gone farther than you intended.

Being that Bad Bodenteich is a spa town you’ve rightfully earned yourself some relaxing time at the local spa facilities at this point. Surely you wouldn’t want to miss out on some sauna time, or a therapeutic massage?

The only thing I think that could drag me away from that would be for one of Bad Bodenteich’s festivals. June is quite a busy month, hosting the local Community Flea Market, the Schützenfest, and the Brunnenfest. Although, the Erntedankfest in October is worth enjoying, too.

Silly me, I got so wrapped up with the spa stuff, the festivals, and the castle that I left out an honorable mention about the local churches. You can’t miss the St. Petri Church with its 45-meter high tower, and both the Church of St. Bartholomew and Church of St. Michaelis are both from the 14th century. All of them are worth taking home.

With all this going on here in Bad Bodenteich it’s easy to see why it would earn the title of a Flecken, so no wonder it’s flecken fabulous. ;-)

You never know where a fine German spa town is going to pop up. This time (luckily for me) it’s the town of Bad Bellingen in the wide-opened Upper Rhine Valley bordering France in the myth-enshrouded Margraves’ Land, attached to the mystic Black Forest area.

Ok, with all that emotionally descriptive geography out of the way it’s time to concentrate on the splendors of Bad Bellingen — starting with the Balinea Thermal Baths. It’s a spa where the water is a balmy 35/40 degrees Celsius (95/104°F), has both an indoor and two outdoor pools, and there’s even a hot-water grotto.

Maybe I shouldn’t have started with the spa, because you can use the spa to relax achy muscles after a day (or two) of sightseeing. What? How else are you going to see the 18th century Church of Saints Peter & Paul (the original dates back to the Middle Ages), or the Kirche St. Leodegar?

For me it’s all about Schloss Bürgeln. I fell in love with its graceful double staircase, not to mention the original castle has been here almost 900 years. Guided tours are available from March to October, and the castle is also the venue for a number of concerts.

Besides old churches and a castle (or two, because Schloss Rheinweiler is nearby), Bad Bellingen is a treat for those who love the outdoors. You’re right on the Römerradweg (Roman Cycle Path), and there are a number of marked hiking trails, and even Segway tours are available.

Plus it seems there’s always some kind of cultural event taking place here (besides those castle concerts), as there are community hikes, a Spring Festival, Spring Market, and both an Autumn and Christmas Market. Ooh, and let’s not forget about the Markgräfler Rotweinnacht (Margraves Red Wine Night) sometime in October, or the wine tasting events between April and October.

No wonder millions of visitors have flocked to Bad Bellingen over the last four decades — and with any luck they’ll have millions more. Some of those flock to the annual Lichterfest (Light Festival) on July’s last Saturday.

Others are eager to attend the Grasbahnrennen in the hamlet of Hertingen, an international cross motorcycle event in August with supporting family-friendly program and parties.

The only things I have yet to mention would be the Bäder- und Heimatmuseum, a museum dedicated to local and spa history; and there’s a nature conservation area, too.

Of course there’s more to see within the area as Bad Bellingen is part of the Verwaltungsgeimschaft Schliengen, but those spa waters keep calling me back. It would be rude not to answer, don’t you think? ;-)

Not to name drop or anything, but the spa town of Bad Bocklet has seen quite an impressive list of visitors over the last few centuries. Goethe, my buddy King Ludwig II, and even Empress Augusta Victoria (also known as Dona) to name a few have come to experience the healing waters within the Franconian Saale River region.

Of course some things have changed over the last few hundred years, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing — because I believe things can improve with age.

A lot of activity centers around the Kurgarten, whose unique design is just one way to start your relaxing vacation with its little paths and colorful flowers.

And while there’s a flurry of activity in (and around) Bad Bocklet’s spa facilities it’s all in an effort to help peel away the stress. The Kursaal is where you’re treated to concerts, and the healing waters themselves are said to aid in everything from stomach to joint issues.

Ohh, that’s good because your joints are certainly going to feel it after you’ve traversed along one of the Nordic Walking trails (like the Mineralwasser-Trail at 6.2km), or one of its ten regular hiking trails. One trail is full of ancient trees (with info boards), and the Moorbiotope runs along the Franconian Saale River.

Let’s not even get into the cycling trails, ranging from a mere 20km to a whopping 95km. Some of you (make that me) prefer the horse drawn coach rides, or the Bäderlandbus, public transport that runs between nearby spa towns (like Bad Kissingen, Bad Brückenau, etc.) from May to October.

Before running off anywhere else, stop by Bad Bocklet’s Tourist Office (Kurhausstraße 2), and the nice people inside will fill you in more of what else to see around here.

Because it isn’t good to live by hiking and biking alone (is it?), it would also be nice to sprinkle some history into the mix. Schloss Aschach fits the bill, not only because it started as a medieval castle — but because it’s home to three different museums (a School Museum, a Folklore Museum, and the Graf Luxburg Museum).

Over in the village of Hohn you’ll find some delightful half-timbered houses (photo opps!). And throughout the town’s other villages you’ll see the Jüdischer Friedhof (Jewish cemetery), and the postcard perfect Bergkapelle.

While Bad Bocklet is all about the spa experience, this is Franconia so it’s all about the cultural events, too. Every August there’s the Kurgartenbeleuchtung (Park Lighting) where the Kurgarten is awash in candlelight and the evening’s climax is a grand fireworks display.

Bad Bocklet also hosts an International Music Festival, known as the Quellentage, in May, also with Park Lightning and fireworks. And the Koffermarkt is an April staple (try saying that fast five times), and come June when there’s both an Arts & Crafts Market and a Gartenfest.

As you can see, Bad Bocklet has something for everyone — and I’m sure it’ll just keep getting better and better with age, just like me. ;-)

No doubt I could easily spend the rest of my natural born days in Bavaria, always having something to enjoy — and the scenery ain’t all that bad to look at either. That feeling comes from visiting places like Wörth am Main in Lower Franconia.

Situated on the left bank of the Main River (hence its name), the town also lies quite conveniently between the Spessart and Odenwald, and within the Naturpark Bergstraße-Odenwald.

What does this tell you? Right, Wörth am Main is a town best enjoyed outside.

Seriously, how else are you going to explore its cycling trails like the German Limes Cycle Route? And what about renting a canoe? You can easily use your own two feet to get around, taking you to look around the Altstadt (Old Town) with its medieval city walls and towers?

One indoor activity to do would be the Roman history exhibit at the Bürgerhaus, a building constructed centuries after the Romans left town. But it doesn’t seem right to leave out the Ship Building Museum (Shiffahrtsmuseum) that’s housed in the old Church of St. Wolfgang. It’s important because marine profession and shipbuilding has been going on here since the year 1513 and 1652, respectively.

Ready to go back outside? Yeah, me too.

From here it’s on to see the (late) 19th century Church of St. Nicholas, maybe the St. Martin Chapel. The latter might not appear that old (it’s not), but a house of worship has stood on this spot since the 6th century. Be sure to keep your camera ready, Wörth am Main also has a number of charming half-timbered houses.

As with many Bavarian towns, there seems to always be some sort of cultural event taking place, and Wörth am Main is no different. July hosts the annual Altstadtfest, and let’s not forget about the Wörther Kerb, the Corpus Christi Parade, the Maypole Celebrations, or something as simple (yet lovely) as community winter hikes.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder you’ll find a couple of Bed & Breakfast accommodations in town — so one more reason to stick around for a little while. Like maybe forever? ;-)

Here I am on a cold winter afternoon in the town of Sulzberg admiring the snow covered streets and castle. Now I could have gone on a 3-hour snowshoe hike they often have going on here, but let’s face it… not gonna happen. I’d much rather sit here with a hot coffee admiring the view.

Don’t judge me, you have no idea the splendor of the Alps located just to the south of here. So it’s no wonder Sulzberg often has plenty of winter activities going on. Go ahead, take your pick: cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing, and I already mentioned the snowshoe hiking (meeting up at the Rathaus (Town Hall) on Wednesdays).

Now I should have planned to come when the weather was warmer, but with so many towns in Germany to explore that’s not always possible. Now had I come in the summer, I’d have been treated to swimming and fishing, a game of beach volleyball, and pedal boating at the Rottachsee. Pedal boating can be done at the Sulzbergersee, too, by the way. Plus, there’s the beautiful Öschle See for you campers out there (hey!).

And winter isn’t the time to visit the Burgruine Sulzberg. Sorry, but it’s only open on Sunday from May 1st to October 31st. And, it’s crumbling grey stone walls are still gorgeous from a distance. On the first weekend of September is the 12th century castle’s Medieval Burgfest, and there are often “Knight Adventures” for the kids. What a fun way to teach them history, huh?

Another thing that’s open between May and October is the Kreislehrgarten, a delightful garden filled with thousands and thousands of plants. The entire display has free admission, so please donate generously.

Other ways to enjoy Sulzberg would be on one of its hiking routes — and with 140km of trails, there are plenty to choose from. Some are relatively easy, like the Heinrichweg’s Green Trail or Red Trail. They measure 10.5km and 10.2km respectively, and both begin at the Town Hall. The Burgweg is kinda short, only 2.3km, taking you about a half hour to ramble.

Even if you’re just wandering around town you’ll see such beautiful gems like the Pfarrkirche Heiligste Dreifaltgkeit, a Catholic Church whose construction began in the 15th century.

The wonderful architecture of Sulzberg doesn’t end here. You’ll find little chapels (like the Josepfskapelle), chalets, and half-timbered houses throughout the town’s little villages.

The splendor isn’t just above ground either. Underneath your feet is the Jodbadquelle Salzbrunn, a totally unique experience that does take proper conditions to be able to visit (oxygen levels in the tunnels, that kinda stuff). So if you’re interested in visiting you’re gonna have to check with Tourist Office first (located at Rathausplatz 4).

Back above ground, Sulzberg has quite a number of cultural events, like the Bockbierfest and Maibaum celebrations. And the town is home to a Fire Service Museum with two centuries of firefighting history. It also has an exhibit on military hats — I guess to keep things even more interesting.

Puhleeze, as if Sulzberg isn’t interesting enough — even if all you do is admire the Alpine view with a good coffee. :-)

I’m grateful to spend some time in the lovely town of Wilhelmsdorf. While there is some interesting stuff to see, it is small enough to ease back into things.

So, if you’re looking for a small town that’s got history, pretty scenery (this is Upper Swabia, yay!), and other attractions then this is a fine place for you.

It’s been said Wilhelmsdorf was “founded” by Pietists (a Lutheran movement) in 1824, but underneath it all lies the heart of a true medieval town. How so?

Well, Burg Zußdorf was built in the 13th century. That’s from the Middle Ages, right? Too bad the old castle was demolished in the 1820s. And there might not be anything left of the Ringgenburg (built around 1200) either. But interestingly enough, it was built over a prehistoric Celtic fort.

And while Wilhelmsdorf might have been started by a frugal religious sect, the town today is an inviting place with lots of cultural events throughout the year. Things like outdoor theater events, community winter hiking events, and even a Christmas Market and Autumn Market.

One of the best has to be the Riedfest in August, and the Pfrunger-Burgweiler Ried (a wetland) is beautiful enough to enjoy (almost) any time of year. It’s a nature conservation area with its own Conservation Center, and its bog area is home to a wide variety of animals — like beavers, birds, lizards, snakes (yikes!), and swans.

And if you dare to flee from those lovely snakes, Lake Constance is only 30km away. ;-)

If that’s too far for ya, go to the local Lengenweiler See — a comparably small lake that still means fun for the whole family.

Now I think some of you prefer nature only on, say, the Discovery Channel. So for you nice people, Wilhelmsdorf has a wonderful museum instead. Built in an old Swabian Farmhouse is the Museum für bäuerliches Handwerk und Kultur — which is a really long German way of saying the Museum of Peasant Crafts and Culture.

As you can see Wilhelmsdorf was (is) the best place to get your writing groove back — a perfectly small blend of what makes German towns as wonderful as its cities.