One of Germany’s favorite celebrities, Dieter Bohlen, calls Rosengarten (Harburg) home. What does this musician, songwriter, entertainer, TV personality, producer, and writer know about this suburb of Hamburg in Lower Saxony that the rest of us don’t? No worries, I’ll fill you in on a couple of its secrets. ;-)

For starters, check out the Wildpark Schwarze Berge. No doubt, the kids (or, the kid in us) will love feeding the 1000 animals that call this place home. If you get hungry yourself, there are also a number of restaurants and cafes within the area, offering everything from regional specialties to international cuisine.

One of the most interesting of places is the outdoor Museum Kiekeberg. There are 33 buildings dating from the 17th thru 20th centuries with a look on farming, culture, and an added emphasis on life within the Lüneburg Heath.

Nature lovers will fall in love with the heath which runs the gamut from lush forests to the mysterious moorlands. History buffs won’t be left out, as there are also some medieval monasteries out there to explore.

One thing is for sure, the Lüneburg Heath and Rosengarten sure do love a good party. With Rosengarten’s 10 villages and what is held within the Heath, you’ll find a great festival or market just about every time you turn around.

Don’t miss the Battle Celebration in January, the Craftsman Market in March, and the Plant Market which is held in April and August.

For you gourmands, don’t miss the Cheese Festival held in May or the Beekeeping Festival in August. You can just taste the freshness from these locally made yummies!

There are more local goodies to be had at the annual Harvest and History Festivals held in October. Of course, who can resist all the shopping to be done at all these festivals? :-)

With all of Rosengarten’s history and fun festivals, not to mention its beautiful countryside, it’s no wonder that Herr Bohlen would call this place home. Now that you know his secret, make sure you come and make a couple snapshots!

The village of Großefehn is a collection of fourteen different localities and a land full of wondrous beauty, both natural and man-made.

Inland waterways make up much of the area providing that inner sailor to enjoy a casual boat ride. The grasslands and flat meadows make the perfect backdrop as you’re off to sail the ocean blue. OK, maybe not the ocean but, I can dream, can’t I? ;-)

Since the water plays an integral part of daily life here, it’s no wonder that the area is ripe with visitors flocking to Großefehn’s beaches and stay at the hotels within town. Camping is also widely popular with many campsites available for those who are willing to “rough it.” It’s a small price to pay to wake up to that fresh countryside air.

To enjoy the best of everything take a walk along the Timmeler Sea Water Route (approx 25 km) to the best of the town’s beaches and through some of its lovely countryside.

Visitors also love to come to Großefehn for the many windmills spread around the area. Known as the “mill municipality,” you’ll find five beautifully restored mills scattered throughout town making some great photos to show back home.

If the windmills don’t do it for you, then perhaps the old churches will. The most beautiful would be St. Petri, a stunning stone church that dates back over 700 years. While famous for its old organ, any church this old tens to be famous for more than just that.

Something else famous in these parts (or, in any part of Germany) is beer. Lovers of the brew will want to spend some time in the neighborhood of Bagband. As this is where you’ll find not only a historic brewing house, but also a new brewery as well (in operation since 1999).

If you want something non-alcoholic then you’re in the right place since Großefehn lies within East Frisia. Unlike the rest of the coffee drinking country, tea is king around here. Try yours sweetened with Kluntje (a rock sugar candy) and/or heavy cream. During special occasions and weekends the tea is served with little cookies or a cake.

Großefehn isn’t your typical German destination but it has everything anyone could ask for. So, come have a spot tea, a beer, and enjoy those East Frisian beaches.

You know you’ve got it good when you find a town that combines the best of what Germany’s known for. A town where the German Wine Route crosses the Autobahn, near to the northern border of the Palatinate Forest. And, conveniently located only about 25 km or 15 miles from the city of Worms. How lucky for the 13,000 people that call Grünstadt, the Green City, home.

Grünstadt’s history dates as far back as 5000 B.C. with archaeological finds from those ancient hunters and gatherers found around these parts. If you find yourself within Peterspark, know you’re walking around some seriously old real estate. The Romans once buried their dead here, as well as having built an elaborate temple complex. Once the Christians came along, they added their touch to the area when they built a church here.

Come to think of it, walking is probably the best way to see Grünstadt, especially if you’re going to do some serious wine tasting. Consider following the 3 Castle Walking Route which is one of the best. When following along this route, it’ll take you to the medieval Castle Altleiningen. Even better, you can start your journey here at this 12th century castle, since its available for inexpensive overnight accommodation.

Though if you do consider biking it, you’ll find some wonderful bike trails running through the forest. One of the more popular routes is the “Herb and Carrot Cycle Route,” which runs on for about 137 km through some wonderful forest countryside.

Besides the medieval castles and bike routes named after food, you’ll find some beautiful places to explore, too. One of the most notable is the elaborate Baroque-style Jewish synagogue which has been beautifully preserved, as there hasn’t been a Jewish presence here for about 80 years. The town has even preserved the old Jewish cemetery.

People not too fond of the colder months will find a festival that is held every March pretty interesting. The festival called Stabausstecken centers around an event called Winterverbrennung, or Winter Burning, where winter is symbolically burnt away.

Grünstadt has so much to offer from its walking and biking trails through wine country, to its medieval castles and Baroque synagogue, and even a fun “get rid of winter” festival. How could you not enjoy the Green City?

Pritzwalk is one of those small towns that million words could never do it justice. Its history is long, its streets are filled with amazing old buildings, and its countryside is simply idyllic.

Like many German towns, Pritzwalk surely makes itself at home brewing the really good stuff at the Brauhaus Preussen Pils. There’s both a city and brewery museum down in the dark cellars of that Pritzwalker Brewery and even an honorable mention over at Bismarckturm.

The Bismarck Tower was built in 1905 for the First Chancellor of the German Empire and testament to German engineering. It now offers a fantastic birds-eye view of Pritzwalk from the top. It actually looks much older than it is, but that somehow just adds to its charm.

That’s not even the half of the beautiful architecture found around town. The Town Hall is regal in its simplicity and has charmed this town since it was built in 1840. But, it is Pritzwalk’s churches that have really outdone themselves.

St. Nikoli’s is a medieval jewel that’s been around these parts for the better part of seven centuries. However, amongst all the churches found around here, it is the austere brick church in the village of Sarnow that really steals the show.

Pritzwalk seems to have been designed to literally “get you thinking.” You’ll find memorial stones and “Thinking Marks” scattered throughout town designed for quiet reflection. You’ll also find a memorial stone on Havelberger Road dedicated to victims of fascism. Plus, there’s one on Perleberger Road and another at the Jewish Cemetery respectively; dedicated to those killed in forced labor and concentration camps of the Second World War.

The forest here is both a quiet place of quiet reflection and a place full of activity. Pritzwalker Hainholz is a wonderful park with a dense forest backdrop to the town’s swimming pool and petting zoo. The many hiking and cycling trails are another way to enjoy the view.

If you’re traveling from Berlin up to the Baltic Sea, make sure to put this great historic hamlet on your itinerary. On second thought, Pritzwalk is so nice that you should come here no matter where you are in Germany. A place where a million words wouldn’t be enough to sing its praises. :-)

Did you ever notice that when you think you’ve discovered some new wonderful place that you just have to add it to your “50 places to visit in this lifetime” list? OK, maybe not all of us have that list, but Buseck is one of those towns that will have you yearning to visit.

If you find yourself in neighboring Gießen then you’ll want to check out Buseck in its east. The Hessian countryside is quite picturesque with more than your fair share of hiking and bicycling trails. Even if you just walk or bike along one or two of the trails, you surely won’t be disappointed. You’ll also find plenty of grill huts for rent scattered along the way, in case you get hungry for a picnic.

Buseck’s beautifully maintained outdoor pool is another great way to pass the time. It’s reasonably priced, too, only 2 Euro for an entire day’s fun.

For more water sports, there is always canoeing along the nearby Lahn River.

If you decide to spend the night, accommodations won’t cost a bundle either since there aren’t any overpriced hotels. What you will find are reasonably priced, not to mention quaint, guesthouses — including one that’s been welcoming travelers to Buseck since the 1850’s.

Castle Nordeck and its chapel have been around much longer than any of the town’s guesthouses, though. Visitors are welcome to visit this 12th century castle’s tower with some advance notice. No advance notice is required to see the excavations of a 14th century castle, whose walls were found under the new Community Center.

You’ll find Buseck to be a wonderful blend of old and new, as well as a place for economical fun for the entire family. The fact that the town is ideally located within some of the prettiest countryside, is an extra added bonus. If you don’t have a list of places to visit, start one with Buseck.

It is a place like Tauberbischofsheim that makes people get away from their daily grind and want to travel.

Who wouldn’t want to get away from their typical suburban abode, that looks just like everyone else’s, and be transported back to medieval life? A place where you can stroll along cobblestone streets and wander around looking at many old timber-framed buildings and still not give up any modern convenience.

This is Germany, after all. ;-)

German royalty always had the most modern conveniences of their day and no where is this more evident than at the Kurmainzisches Schloss which was built around 1250. Come visit its grand Gothic halls and rooms, with its museum that has exhibits of Renaissance furniture, clothing, and an all-around look into daily life.

Adjacent to the castle is Tauberbischofsheim’s landmark, the Türmersturm which was built around 1280.

If you want to look deeper into medieval life don’t miss St. Nikolaus with its beautiful frescoes. There’s also the Parish Church Wolfgang Chapel (1472) and many other time-weathered churches around from Gothic to the Baroque that should be visited.

If walking around old buildings isn’t what you’re looking for, then maybe getting outside is. Franconia has some of the most stunning countryside, might as well enjoy it along any number of Nordic Walking, mountainbiking, or cycling trails. One such cycling route comes right through the middle of town along the Swabian Frankish Romantic Road.

You can only imagine where any of the winding walking paths will take you. Since early Stone Age grave hills have been found around town, you’ll find yourself following in the footsteps of those who came long before you did.

It’s pretty much a guarantee those Stone Age guys didn’t have too many life’s modern conveniences, like a cozy guesthouse or Bed & Breakfast. Nor, could they sit at a small cafe enjoying a locally brewed German beer, one of the best of all modern conveniences. ;-)

The residential town of Tostedt is just that, residential. However, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then you’ve come to the right place in Lower Saxony.

It’s not just its tree lined streets, or its views of the outlying forest that will do it for you. Tostedt is perfectly located alongside the historical and naturally beautiful Lüneburg Heath and even has it own beachside lake.

It doesn’t hurt that the town has some pretty fun festivals and markets, too.

When visiting the Lüneburg Heath make sure you’ve got on your good walking shoes, because you’ll be here for a while. It’ll take some time to see all the Stone Age grave hills, explore the woodlands and bogs, and taking pictures of the countryside — especially the many huge boulders carried here by melting Ice Age snow. If art history is what you’re looking for, then you’ll find it at any of the six medieval convents scattered throughout the Heath.

There’s also a timber framed farmhouse museum with a look into 19th century farming life. Another one to visit is the Naturkundliches Museum, a fun museum for the kids filled with all sorts of animals. The young ones might also enjoy whacking around a few golf balls at the miniature golf course. They might also like spending a night out under the stars at one of the area’s campgrounds.

In spring (May), Tostedt hosts the Hamstermarkt — a lively market for those looking to purchase plants, flowers, and small animals. If you’re visiting in the fall, make it the first weekend in October for the Töster Markt. It’s the largest Flea Market in all of Northern Germany with vendors coming from all over Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. November brings the Messe Tostedt, or Tostedter Fair, where the entire town comes out to party (and eat).

People might ask, why Tostedt? Well, why not visit a town that looks as it should belong on postcard? Why not visit a place where the landscape was transformed by the last Ice Age? With a place this beautiful you can answer with, why not Tostedt? :-)

Near Lake Constance you’ll find an old medieval town, not too far from Ravensburg. Plus, the Upper Swabian countryside is quite pretty and there’s more than enough around town to keep the whole family entertained.

Not only the kids will love its Mini Mundus Bodensee, a museum filled with all things small. Well, not exactly. This museum takes some of the world’s largest objects and buildings and cuts them down to a much smaller size.

You’ll find a tiny replica of Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall, Ankor Wat in Thailand, the Titanic, the German Brandenburger Gate, and that’s not even the half of it. Mini Mundus Bodensee is right near the Ravensburger Spieleland, a recreational park is designed for families with younger children.

Don’t worry there’s stuff for parents to do, too. Perhaps, visiting in August for Meckenbeuren’s Wine Festival and City Festival, or shop at the Autumn Market in October.

Might as well get a visit in to the Humpisschloss that was originally built in 1277. It’s not the most magnificent looking castle in Germany, but it is an informative museum and does have its own restaurant.

Meckenbeuren also has three gorgeous churches filled with fabulous artwork, just waiting to be visited. One of the somber sites is its War Memorial at the church’s square dedicated to the town’s soldiers who served during the First and Second World Wars.

As if walking around Meckenbeuren itself isn’t enough, you’ll have the chance to do some Nordic Walking. With varying degrees of difficulty, you’re bound to have no problem making your way around.

For a more leisurely pace you can always walk along the Jakobsweg, or St. James’ Way, which is an old pilgrimage route for the devout on their way to Santiago de Compostella in Spain.

You see, Meckenbeuren has something for just about everyone; from the reverent to the young whippersnapper and those in-between.

What do you do when you have a few towns within the country by the name of Oldendorf? Well, you add Preußisch to it, thus ending any confusion.

Some might say that there’s no need as this North Rhine-Westphalian town, that’s only about 20 miles from Osnabrück, is quite memorable in its own right and in no way can be confused with any place else. I’m sure the post office might have a different opinion than the lucky ducks who come to visit. ;-)

Preußisch Oldendorf is an incredibly old town with many historical old buildings to prove it. The oldest being the church of St. Dionysis. The original church dates back over 10 centuries to 969 A.D. but the building you’re looking at wasn’t built until 1510. Dionysis’ artwork shouldn’t be missed, especially its mid-17th century Baroque alter and organ.

Oh, there’s more than just St. Dionysis to visit, as that’s just Preußisch Oldendorf’s warm-up.

If you’re coming to see some of Germany’s castles then you’ve come to the right place. Schloss Hüffe, a late 13th century manor-house, is private property but you’re still able to get some great pictures of its exterior.

Even though Schloss Hollwinkel is now used for office space, this 13th century gem is surrounded by many of the town’s timber-framed buildings. While Schloss Crollage, a 14th century masterpiece, plays host to many chamber music concerts within its garden courtyard.

A look at these castles can give you an inkling at what the ruins of the 13th century Limberg Castle once looked like. Here you’re able to climb its “donjon” or tower to overlook the countryside.

There’s more here than just its castles and churches. If you’re looking to engage your body, as well as your mind, then head out to Preußisch Oldendorf’s two miniature golf courses, or its Fire Brigade Museum, or maybe just picnic at any one of the town’s parks.

It’s clear that with all to see here in Preußisch Oldendorf, you’re not bound to confuse it with any other place in the world.

If you find yourself in Osnabrück you’ll really need to make a trip out to Bohmte. Not only is this town steeped in history, but Bohmte just loves a good festival or two.

Best of all, you’ll find some of the prettiest walking and cycling trails here that go on for kilometers. If you follow any (or all) of these well marked routes you’ll be able to see the best of the best of Bohmte.

For example, follow the White Clover Walking Route (Kleeblattweg), going on for about 55 km or 34 miles through the countryside. It’ll take you around the city, Bohmte’s golf course (there’s an old 14th century castle in the middle of it), past the 18th century church, and around lovely meadows and fields of Lower Saxony.

With three awesome cycling routes it’ll be hard to choose which one to do first. The Gartentraumtour or Garden Dream Route, appropriately marked by the pink rose signs, goes on visiting some fantastic private gardens.

If castles are what you’re looking for, though, then the Schloss Route (approx. 125 km or 78 miles long) is what you’ll want to be on. Sixteen old castles line the route, most of which you’re able to go in and visit.

When following the DiVa Route (approx. 111 km / 69 miles) you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the dinosaurs. Sure to make this one WAY popular with the little ones! ;-)

For just some individual sightseeing on your own, you might want to visit the Nature Preserve on the FestPlatz in the neighborhood of Herringhausen. There are also many war memorials scattered throughout town dedicated to its fallen soldiers. Bohmte also has lots of old buildings, many from the 19th century.

As you can see, coming to this town is great anytime but, if you’re here in July then get ready to party. On the first weekend in July Bohmte Proper has its annual city festival, the neighborhood of Stirpe-Oelingen has theirs a week later, and Hunteburg two weeks later. That’s just about a month’s worth of festivities, food, and beer!

Don’t worry… if you can’t make it in July, there’s a Harvest Festival in September giving you another chance to eat, drink, and be merry.

Oh well, you’re gonna love it here. :-)