As just about anywhere in all of Franconia, you’ll love every minute of being outside. Feucht is no exception. In a town that’s right on the Reichswald, you’re best wandering around the great outdoors.

It’s also quite easy to get here, since Nuremberg is the next town over and only a few minute away. If you’re coming from anywhere else, get on the A9 Autobahn or take the train.

Feucht’s City Center is a hustle and bustle of restaurants and street cafes. It’s here that if you sit, you might just see the entire town stroll by.

If you don’t see them there, you’ll most certainly find them out on Feucht’s golf course, or on the Nordic Walking, hiking, and biking trails. You’ll also find over a hundred cyclists for the Radltour at the end of August; which starts and ends at the Zeidlerschloss Gardens.

Come visit when the weather turns to winter because then you’re able to go ice skating on Feucht’s outdoor skating rink. Even better if you can come around Christmastime for the chance to eat some Lebkuchen — a sweet treat made with nuts, spices, and honey. Very fitting, since beekeeping and honey production have gone on here for centuries.

There’s even a Honey Museum, known as the Zeidel Museum. This little museum, located at Pfinzingstrasse 6, is open only on Sunday afternoons.

Right down the block at Pfinzingstrasse 12 is the Hermann Oberth Space Travel Museum. Mr. Oberth was a pioneer in the exploration of space and the museum is dedicated to his life and life amongst the stars.

If you want to pursue something more down to Earth, you’re able to do a bit of fishing or swimming along the few lakes around Feucht. (Who would have thought… since feucht translates to damp!)

Come to think of it, Feucht is great to enjoy inside, outside, and in the pursuit of yummy culinary delights. Good thing traffic moves fast on the Autobahn, you’ll be here in no time.

Hidden in the colorful Swabian Alb is the wonderful town of Erbach (Donau).

If you’re looking to make the most of your time here, there’s two ways to do it; bicycle or on foot. Hey, people from the Stone Age didn’t have any problems walking around here, the scenery is gorgeous. ;-)

No self-respecting medieval town within the borders of Deutschland would be without its own castle (or, at least one nearby). This place boasts a wonderful museum looking into life in the 16th century when it was built. Afterwards sit and enjoy a decent meal, as it’s also a restaurant. You might be able to catch a show, too, since it’s also used as a theater.

It’s no wonder that Erbach sits on the Upper Swabian Baroque Route (Oberschwäbische Barockstraße), as you’ll find four wonderful churches here to visit. St. Martinus (1767) is located right by the castle, making it the easiest to visit first. There’s also St. Michael’s in the Donaurieden neighborhood.

But, it’s St. Kosmas and Damian Church (1711) that will take your breath away. Its alter is made of the most beautiful marble and the church’s statue of the Madonna with her baby Jesus will leave you utterly speechless.

You might wonder what could possibly top that? Well, Erbach is also on the old Jacob’s Pilgrimage Way that used to lead to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. Even if you’re not too religious, there’s something a bit sacred walking on a road used by the pious hundreds of years ago.

You might want to rent a bicycle after that walking. As Erbach sits along the famous Danube River, it also has cycling routes along the Danube Cycle Track, considered to be one of the finest in the region. It also meets up with the Donau-Bodensee Cycle Track that starts in Ulm along forest lanes, meadows, and hills.

No matter what you choose to do, or how you choose to do it; you’re going to enjoy every minute here in Erbach (Donau).

Usingen near the Taunus Moutains is just utterly charming, located not more than 35 km or 20 miles north of Frankfurt. Of course, the big city life is always great, but when you come to a small quiet town like this you really get a feel of a bygone day.

Usingen’s City Hall alone tells the story of what it once looked like here. This grand dame was built in 1687 and now holds the City Museum. There are even exhibits on some large archaeological finds dating back to a whopping 11,000 B.C. If you’d rather see more “live,” there are ancient Stone Age grave hills here, too.

Within the Usinger Forest you’ll also find its quartz cliffs that rise up over a hundred feet skyward. You’ll also find the Hattsteinweiher, the only lake where you can go swimming in all of Usingen County. OK, there’s also an indoor pool, but the lake has great views of the countryside.

Dividing the town from the lower and upper parts is the Usinger Schloss. Now a beautiful school, the castle built in 1873 replaced an earlier one. It’s here in the Palace Gardens that you’ll find an ornate and intricately carved stone War Memorial and a memorial to the Princes of Nassau, who used to “rule” the region. Since they don’t rule here anymore, the Prince’s Palace is now an administration building. No one would mind going to work in digs like that everyday! ;-)

More impressive is the 11th century St. Laurentis Church. Thanks to a fire in the 1600’s, the church underwent a bit of a reconstruction, evident by its Baroque Tower. This church was meant to be seen. While following along the old Stadtmauer, you’ll have a great photo-op looking up to it.

St. Laurentis hosts an annual festival here on the 2nd weekend of September, bringing visitors from all over Hesse.

One of the more unique churches is the Huguenot Church in the Upper City. This grand church is now the town’s library, also holding many of the town’s cultural meetings and weddings. Who wouldn’t want this beautiful church in the background of their wedding photos?

Actually, this place is so great you’ll just want plenty of pictures of it, not only just for a wedding.

Hösbach is a cute little market town in Lower Franconia, only about 50 km or 35 miles east of Frankfurt am Main.

Its town center seems a bit more modern than some of her other counterparts, but that’s all right. Hösbach has some of the most beautiful mountain biking, jogging, hiking, and regular old cycling trails that you can physically handle.

It’s a quiet place within the forests with no cars, allowing for deep reflection and delighting the senses. Don’t fret historyphiles, there’s something here for you, too. ;-)

You might as well get the historical sightseeing out of the way first, as you might not have any energy left after tackling the countryside. Hösbach’s landmark is its Romanesque style St. Michael’s Church. This stunning stone church has a huge spire that has stood over the town for centuries.

If a castle’s what you’re looking for then Castle Johannisburg is it. The oldest part of the castle is its “keep,” also called a donjon or tower was built sometime in the 14th century with the rest of the castle built around 1605. There are also the ruins of Monastery Schmerlenbach, even older than the castle, as it dates back to the 13th century.

With that out of the way, it’s time to go off on any number of hiking, walking, cycling, or mountainbiking trails. There’s a great mountainbiking trail, known as the Edelweiß Kappelle Route, with plenty of wine tasting opportunities along the way.

Along the Steiger-Zu den Weyberhöfen Route, which is a leisurely bicycle route, you’ll be excited to get to the end. You’ll be more than handsomely rewarded with dishes and beer at the local brewery restaurant, Weyberbräu.

The region around Hösbach has been settled since the days of the Stone Age (around 4000 B.C.). So as you’re out walking around the old dirt road past the old brickyard on the Günthersbach Route, think of all those who came before.

When you find yourself within this area of Bavaria, you’ll not want to miss Hösbach. Once you’re here, you’ll understand why those Stone Age settlers stayed.

On the edge of the beautiful Taunus Mountains you’ll find one of the most welcoming towns you can imagine. Eppstein has been around for centuries and it has all the old buildings to prove it. Yes, castle ruins included, but it doesn’t end there.

If breathing fresh mountain air is your idea of a good time, then this is the place to do it. You could never get bored exploring all the hiking and cycling trails through the mountain terrain. For those of you of more rugged stock, you might want to give mountain biking a try.

If you think you’re up to the challenge, Eppstein hosts a Mountain Bike Marathon every summer. If not, there’s nothing wrong with being just a spectator at the annual Rund um den Henningerturm, a cycle race held every May 1st.

For one of the best views of Eppstein and of the ruins of Burg Eppstein, visit the Kaisertempel. Looking more like an ancient Greek temple, you might never guess that it was only built at the turn of the 19th century. Either way, it’s still a lovely place to enjoy a summer lunch.

If traditional German dishes are what you’re looking for, then head off to the Vockenhausen District with its fair share of restaurants serving local goodies.

Summer’s also the time when plenty of concerts and theater performances take place at the ruins of the castle (Burg Eppstein again). It’s also when the castle holds its annual Burgfest. Really, though, anytime is the right time to visit the 12th century ruins overlooking the whimsical town because this is where you’ll find Eppstein’s City Museum.

Castle Eppstein might give a great view of the town below, but the view of it from the bottom isn’t too bad either. When strolling along the Wernerplatz, all you have to do is look up when shopping at the many flowerbox framed stores on cobblestone lanes.

Petershagen-Eggersdorf in Brandenburg is located just east of Berlin, making it a wonderful day trip away from the big city chic. Getting here couldn’t be more convenient with frequent rail service to/from the capital.

You might be wondering, why should you come to this neck of the woods when a place like Berlin has so much to offer? Simply put, two words: a marvelous lake created from the Ice Age. Okay, that’s actually more than 2 words, but you get the point.

There is no better to cure to tired muscles than relaxing beachside and the Bötzsee is just to the place to do it. This lake stretches for about 2 miles within a Nature Preserve inside the Oderland. Thanks to the melting ice of the last Ice Age, you’re able to enjoy its beach or rent any number of row boats that are readily available.

The entire place really has a quiet relaxed feel, as motorboats aren’t allowed which really does cut down noise factor. Bötzsee also makes the perfect stage to sit and enjoy the musical concerts played here.

You’re gonna need to relax after you’ve gone sightseeing around here. Sadly, one of the most interesting of places sits empty. It’s the Dorfkrug, or Old Village Inn, and if you listen closely you’ll hear the din of its 600 year history and the story of how it was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War.

Older than the Dorfkrug is the Country Inn on Mill Pond. It was once a mulberry plantation and has been a staple of the town since the 13th century.

Closeby you’ll find the Büdnerhaus, a charming half timbered building that survived a 19th century fire only because residents had moved it across from its original location years before.

There is no “following the yellow brick road” here, but you’ll be able to visit the yellow brick Evangelical Church in Eggersdorf. It was built in 1870 in the “new Gothic” style, so it actually looks older than it is.

You can see the church from the Eggersdorf Market Square, surrounded by little shops. It’s also where everyone gathers for any of the town’s functions and holidays, including the town’s popular medieval festival in May.

Yeah, sure, you can choose to spend your time in Berlin. But, Petershagen-Eggersdorf deserves some of it, too.

To say that Pößneck is an interesting place would be an understatement. One might call this Thuringian town down right pretty, but it’s also filled with many wonderful old medieval buildings. Yet, the humble town of Pößneck is actually a movie star.

One of the best places to start your visit here is its City Hall. This magnificent 15th century building is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Thuringia. Plus it’s where you’ll find the City Museum, great for learning more of what’s to be found around town.

City Hall sits right on the Market Square many of its medieval wells. The square is the center of many other old half-timbered buildings, giving it a wonderful Old World charm. You’ll also find some wonderful sculpture art along the Well Route, designed in the 19th century by the son of a former mayor.

What’s a medieval town without a medieval church? Good thing you’ll find two here. The God Field Church was built in 1300 and used as a cemetery church sometime in the 16th century and now an exhibition center.

But, it’s most likely going to be the City Church that catches your attention. St. Bartholomäus was originally built in 1280 and has undergone a few facelifts over the centuries, from Romanesque to Gothic. It’s THE church for the art history lover.

Another way to appreciate Pößneck is atop Der Weiße Turm, or The White Tower. Standing over 90 feet high, the tower was originally attached to the town’s Stadtmauer (City Wall) and used to hold prisoners before their “demise.” Be happy to know that it’s possible to visit its observation tower without worrying about being sent off to the gallows afterwards. ;-)

Make sure you take the time to see the nearby Leuchtenburg, or Light Castle. This menacing fortress, that was built around the year 1200, stands high on the mountainside. It’s nothing, if not beautiful, and houses a lovely little museum that even explains the region’s viticulture (that’s wine growing), so be prepared to imbibe on some of the locally grown stuff. There’s a super fun castle festival held here annually with lots of food, beer, and more wine.

In the 20th century, Pößneck was once part of a divided Germany, East Germany to be more precise. In September 1979 two families, the Strelzyks and Wetzels, made a daring dash for the West in a homemade hot-air balloon. In the dark of night eight people (4 adults/4 children) flew 18 miles to freedom, eventually landing in Naila, Bavaria. Besides having their balloon saved for posterity at the Nailer City Museum, Disney made a movie of their daring escape from the Eastern Block, making Pößneck a movie star (Night Crossing, 1982).

Now with a reunified Germany, you can just come visit without having to make any mad dashes for the border. ;-)

There are some things in this world that are quintessentially German. Cars, to name one and sausage another. But, it’s beer that makes its mark in Lich.

The Licher Brauerei in this history filled Hessian town has been brewing the good stuff for over 150 years. Private tours of the brewery are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, so make sure you plan accordingly.

Beer’s not the only thing to keep you quite entertained when visiting around town. Lich Proper and its surrounding villages have been around since the days of the Bronze Age. Though, most of what’s here dates from much later.

Lich’s City Center is where you’ll find most of the hub-bub, fringed with many beautiful timber framed buildings. You’re even able to see the remnants of Lich’s original 15th century Stadtmauer and city tower stretching 150 feet in the air.

What’s older than Lich’s fortification wall is its Marienstiftskirche. Originally built in 1316, you’ll find it filled with priceless works of art, including a Renaissance crucifix from 1500 and a Baroque style pulpit. On the southern wall of the church choir you’ll also find a memorial stone dedicated to the lives lost during the Pogroms of 1938, as well as a World Wars Memorial.

Another site of religious and historical significance is the medieval ruins Monastery Arnsburg, originally built in 1197. Though no longer used in its former capacity, it is still actively used for religious events.

Not used for religious reasons anymore is Lich’s Bezalel Synagogue Cultural Center. No longer used for religious purposes since November 1938, its now the place to be in town for concerts. In a twist of irony, it’s a far cry from the days when Nazi officials used the former synagogue for their own purposes.

Another beauty is Schloss Lich, still inhabited from the 13th century, but the moat has been gone for centuries. There’s a monument at the castle’s front yard of former resident, Prince Ludwig. It was at Prince Ludwig’s request to have the castle gardens designed. It’s the largest castle garden park in all of Upper Hesse and one of Lich’s most popular places to visit.

If you have the kids with you and wandering around old draughty buildings isn’t for them, rest assured they’ll love the Animal Game Park. The park is filled with lamas, apes, birds, and playgrounds for the youngsters to burn off some energy. Not bad for only 3 Euro a person (discounts for little ones under 6).

As you can tell, Lich has something for everyone in the most beautiful of settings. After all that exploring around town, you’ve most certainly earned that fine German beer. ;-)

If you’re looking for eclectic nightlife and partying good time, then a place like quiet Stahnsdorf isn’t for you. If you’re looking for something a bit more reserved, then you’ve found it right here next to Berlin.

Mostly what Stahnsdorf is really known for, other than beautiful Brandenburg scenery, are its churches and a most unique place of meditation.

There are at least four churches that must be on any “to see” list when coming here. Dorfkirche (Village Church) Stahnsdorf is the oldest of them all, as well as considered to be one of the oldest in the entire region. It was built in the early 13th century, but its bell is a few centuries younger from around the year 1500.

In the Schenkenhorst neighborhood, there’s another gorgeous Village Church filled with wonderful religious art. This little stone church has been here since the 14th century, though it had to be redone in 1911. Amidst the old farmhouses, you’ll also find another lovely church from the 13th century.

One of the most beautiful examples of a 13th century Romanesque Church is the Village Church in Güterfelde. But, as it was said, that’s not all Stahnsdorf has, as it’s here in Güterfelde that you’ll find Güterfelde Palace. It’s a stunning building with “onion domes,” built in a Neo-Renaissance style.

Churches aside, the most remarkable of all the sights in Stahnsdorf is known as Südwestkirchhof. Not only is it the final resting place of some of Germany’s best and brightest of the 19th and 20th centuries, but it does double duty as a nature park. There’s a pretty wood chapel within the cemetery (Friedhofskapelle) and the entire complex is designed for quiet contemplation.

The cemetery itself was a by-product of the split between East and West Germany after the Second World War. Once the infamous Berlin Wall was erected, it was nearly impossible for visitors from the West to visit. Now, it’s a wonderful park for everyone to visit with a unified Germany.

It’s not hard to see that Stansdorf isn’t your crazy party town, you’ll find more of that with its next-door neighbor, Berlin. When you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city chic, Stahnsdorf is a great place to reflect and remember.

It’s going to be hard to figure out what you’re going to love most when you come to Haßfurt. But, without knowing what’s here it’ll be really hard to judge. I guess that leaves the next question to; what is there to see in this Lower Franconian hamlet?

One of Haßfurt’s most exciting places is the Nature Park Haßberge. If you’ve got the incentive to see it all, then you’ll be treated to just about everything Mother Nature has to offer from rolling hills, to woodlands, to running streams.

You’ll also have some wonderful man-made delights to explore from old vineyards to no less than 15 castles (some are castle ruins) and 26 manor-houses scattered along the park — adding to Haßfurt’s charm.

There’s also a thing to be said about a town’s history when something over 300 years old is considered new. That’s the case of Haßfurt’s “New” City Hall. It’s “old” Rathaus counterpart is located on the marketplace and is about 500 years old (built 1514 for some quick math).

Haßfurt’s two city halls aren’t even as old as some other buildings around town. Oldest of them all is the Kloster Kreuztal Marburghausen, built in 1237.

A hundred years later Haßfurt built both the Hospital Chapel (1430) and the Ritterkappelle (Knights Chapel) in 1431. There’s an amazing collection of 238 medieval knights’ coat of arms within the Knights’ Chapel. Also from the days of medieval knights are both Haßfurt’s tower gate and remnants of its fortification wall, or Stadtmauer.

A few centuries after the medieval knights, in 1888, the Jewish residents of Haßfurt built a lovely little synagogue. It was destroyed some 50 years later (November 1938), now there’s a memorial stone dedicated to its history.

If you’re lucky enough to visit in July or October, you’ll be able to see everything here AND enjoy the MeeFest (on the Festplatz) and Haßfurter City Parade (along Hauptstraße), respectively. Of course, if you’re here any other time (depending on the season) you’ll be able to enjoy a dip in the town’s free-form swimming pool or catch an exciting game of ice hockey.

It’s no wonder that Bavaria is the most visited region in all of Germany. Because, it’s places like Haßfurt that make people really want to come visit, not to mention celebrate Bavarian style.