We know that Germany is world famous for its beer, but its world-class wines are worth their weight in grapes. Remshalden sits along the Rem Valley Route where you’ll have the chance to sample some of the best the region has to offer.

They’ve certainly had the time to get it right, as even monks have been making the vino here since 708 A.D. Actually, the Romans should be credited, too, as they’re thought to have brought the wine making grapes here even before that. There’s nothing wrong with wine tasting a few wineries along the way to find the one you like best.

Imbibing on a few glasses of Riesling isn’t the only thing that’s worth doing here. Remshalden is lucky enough to be in the Swabian Alb, which means the countryside is nothing short of gorgeous. There are so many bicycling trails throughout the area, though take caution… some trails go up to a 1000 meter (approx 3000 foot) elevation.

There are also 8 walking trails taking you through the woodland countryside.

You might want to join a guided tour to really gain some insight into this beautiful, yet rugged, terrain. No one said life was easy here in the Alb, but any time spent here is worth it!

After all that, you might not have the energy to swim in Remshalden’s two outdoor swimming pools, but at least try. Maybe you might want to save the hiking and cycling trails until after you’ve toured the town and seen all the old timber framed buildings.

If you can manage to pull yourself away from the great outdoors, Remshalden has a wonderful local history museum with an entire exhibit on the ceramics made in the region from the 12th through 14th centuries.

So, if you find yourself near Stuttgart do yourself a favor and head off about 20 km (approx 15 miles) northeast to Remshalden and enjoy a few glasses of the good stuff. If you’ve walked or bicycled up the mountains, you’ve certainly earned it.

If you find yourself in nearby Paderborn, then hop the bus on over to Borchen. Well, even if you’re a bit further away getting here is relatively easy as there are flights in and out of the nearby Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport (PAD).

All right, now you’ve gotten here by plane, train, and/or automobile; so, what do you do once you’ve gotten here? You could go grab a local Westphalian specialty, known as Paderborner Brot (Paderborn Bread) made from rye and a bit of wheat. There’s also some locally grown fruits, all the better to fuel up on to see the sites around town.

Your first stop should be Borchen’s Local History Museum with over 300 exhibits on life in this Westphalian town from the 19th century through World War II. It’s a fabulous way of learning more about this incredibly pretty region on the Altenau River.

Another way of learning about what life was once like here, look no further than Borchen’s churches. One of the prettiest is the secluded Gallikapelle. This tiny chapel was originally built around 1015, but what stands today comes from Borcheners who rebuilt it in 1663.

Parish Church Michael, once used as a military church, is another stunner that was built in the 12th century. It’s a marvel of grey stone with a beautiful high tower and two steeples. But, it’s the Parish Church Walburga that steals the show with its sandstone Madonna from around 1420.

Older than any of the churches that are found here is Castle Borchen, since its original dates all the way back to sometime in the 9th century. Now, its a entire complex that’s been at least convalescence home, a sanatorium, an old-age home, and boarding school just in the 20th century alone.

At least the Castle Borchen still stands, unlike the ruins of Castle Etteln. This castle has been uninhabited since over 500 years since it was destroyed in 1454. But, if you’re going to see any castle in the area make it Castle Gellighausen. The area of the castle has seen activity since at least the Stone Age, as weapons and other items have been found here. Actually, there have been graves found in the area dating back some 5000 years!

If this isn’t enough to get you here, be glad to know you’ll find many more old historic churches and half-timbered structures, plenty of walking and cycling trails, and sculpture art scattered around town for good measure.

And after you’ve seen it all, go grab more of that Paderborn Bread and wash it down with a fresh beer. ;-)

Settlers from days as far back as 2000 B.C, they probably had little clue that the area of Bad Bramstedt would turn into the bustling town that it is today. In fact, it turned out to be such a huge health resort, that it boasts over 800 rooms at local hotels and inns for all its visitors.

Even though Bad Bramstedt is a health resort town with many therapeutic wellness centers, many of which are designed to help arthritis sufferers. Especially thankful are those of us over the age of 30. You might not find the proverbial “fountain of youth,” but you’ll find Gesundbrunnen known around here as the “fountain of health.”

After you’ve managed to work the kinks out of those joints, you’ll be able to explore some beautiful Schleswig-Holstein scenery. There are biking and walking trails stretching along the wooded, tree lined hills that seem to go on for miles.

If you prefer to try your luck on the green instead of a bicycle, you’ll find two courses; one a 9-hole the other an 18-hole.

Bad Bramstedt has had its fair share of famous visitors to this neck of the woods. One of the most famous was King Christian IV of Denmark who arrived here in 1625. During his visit he fell in love with a farmer’s daughter and they bore two children together over the years. Decendents of Wiebke Kruse still live in the area and there’s a beautiful sculpture dedicated to her.

King Christian not only gave Wiekbe children, but gave his love Das Schloss, or The Castle, as it’s called around these parts. The original castle was built in the mid-16th century and sadly was torn down when it fell into disrepair. Its gatehouse was converted into a lovely manor house, which offers guided tours. Maybe some can answer the question of, what did the queen of Denmark say about its former resident?

Das Schloss is also the starting point for city sponsored guided tours around town. These city tours operate at 3pm every Saturday from May through September.

During the winter, tours operate on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. This will give you a more in-depth look at places like Das Schloss and Maria Magdalena Church. Maria Magdalena is a history and art filled church whose towers were built in the early 13th century and its alter comes from the late 14th century.

Bad Bramstedt is nothing short of fun, yet relaxing at the same time. It’s also great for the mind as it’s filled with some wonderful history with an interesting take on a fairytale.

For those of you who don’t speak German yet, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Anytime you hear the name Schwarzwald, think of lush forests and yummy local cuisine (some famous the world over), because this is the name for the Black Forest and just about everyone’s heard about Black Forest Ham and Black Forest Cake, both of which came from this region.

Now you know where the cute town of Sankt Georgen im Schwarzwald is lucky enough to be. You’ll also find it a most beautiful town, in a region that is within some of the most striking real estate on the planet.

To be totally frank, St. Georgen, for short, does get its fair share of snow in the winter, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the old girl. You might not be able to swim in the Klosterweiher (a huge lake) with its own bathing beach, but it’ll give you an incentive to come visit again when the weather’s a bit warmer.

No matter the season really, you can enjoy visiting some of its other sites like the old monastery ruins, the German Phono Museum, St. Georgen’s Local History Museum, or the restored copy of the 15th century Kobisenmühle.

Just a tip, it might be better to visit the Black Forest Outdoor Museum with live exhibits of an old medieval farming village when the weather’s warmer.

With all this running around Sankt Georgen visiting its old churches, fun lake, and some old medieval mills you’re sure to be famished. Here’s your chance to indulge in some great eats. One tasty dish is known as Flammkuchen that’s made with cheese, ham, and cream.

You’re also bound to have a great time during Fastnacht, with thousands celebrating on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. Seems to be the German version of Mardi Gras and a fantastic time for the whole family. Again, with more delicious food, which is ALWAYS a good thing. ;-)

You’re also bound to find some of the most beautiful scenery within the region. It’s worth seeing no matter whether you chose to see it by bicycle or off the power of your own two feet.

Either way, with this town on the Deutsche Uhrenstraße (German Clock Road) you can’t go wrong.

When you come to a place like Lotte in the dignified Tecklenburger Land you can be certain about a few things.

First, you’ll find many historic mills since it’s at the idyllic Westfälische Mühlenstraße (Westphalian Mill Road). Second, you’ll have the chance to experience some wonderful local cuisine. And third, you’ll find a region proud of its incredibly long history.

That said, you’ll find at least three beautiful mills within Lotte. Mühle Kluth is the youngest of them all, dating back to 1908. Mühle Tüchter is another gem, but it’s Mühle Bohle that takes the cake. It was used for over 300 years, not bad considering it was built at the turn of the 13th/14th century.

If you want even more mills (that includes windmills, too) then follow along the Mill Way that stretches for some 97 kilometers through the countryside. There are even fantastic castles and manor houses along the route. So, you’ll never know what you might find.

Old windmills aren’t the only buildings that are worth visiting. Lotte also has amazingly beautiful churches, all filled with some fantastic artwork. The oldest is the Romanesque Evangelical Dorfkirche Wersen, built in 1150. Not too much younger is the beautiful Gothic Evangelical Lotte, circa 1312. Nearby is Kloster Osterberg, a former monastery that was built in 1410.

But, no building here is older than what’s known as the Sloopsteine. On what looks like just a pile of old stones are the remnants of a megalith, created by residents of Lotte from the Stone Age around 3000 B.C.

All this activity will certainly have you hungry. All you need to do now is look for a local specialty called Apfelkraut made with apples, sugar, butter, and a few other ingredients. A bunch of time goes into making that Apfelkraut, since it has to sit for three months before you get to eat it!

After refueling on that apple butter, you for sure have the energy to get out on Lotte’s Nordic Walking Trail. Don’t worry if you’re a novice, there are various levels of difficulty.

After a walk like that, maybe you’ve earned yourself some more of that scrumptious Apfelkraut? ;-)

If you think you’re going to come to Erbach, a charming town in the foxy Odenwald region, and find only some old timber framed buildings and a castle you’d be only half right.

Erbach (Odenwald) does have both, as its City Hall dates from 1545 and its Protestant Church built in 1750, but it also has so much more all which will pleasantly surprise you. A quick stop to the Tourist Center on the Marktplatz will be your best bet on learning even more about it.

In 2005 Erbach paid a staggering 13 million Euro to purchase Castle Erbach. Now, you no longer have to be a Count or Countess to see this beautiful 12th century original and enjoy its gardens.

Right outside the castle is a memorial dedicated to one former resident, Count Franz I who is credited with bringing the ivory trade to town — forever making Erbach known as “Ivory Town.” (Please be advised that most of us are aware that the world today is trying to stop the trade of ivory due to poaching, but Franz’s day was back in the 1780’s — so let’s cut Erbach some slack ;-).

To see some of the most beautiful ivory artwork that the town is famous for is the Deutsches Elfenbein Museum; yup, the German Ivory Museum. Opened in 1966, you’ll find some intricately carved ivory from as far away as Asia and Africa, but also as far back as the Middle Ages. There’s even a chance for you to see carvers in action plying their artistic trade.

Erbach’s not all museums and castles, there’s a great spa here too. Alexanderbad is the perfect place to be to swim, play some volleyball, soccer, or relax to a great massage. Massages are extra but, all the rest can be enjoyed for merely a few euros a person making it affordable for the whole family.

After lounging around at the spa all day, get gussied up and head out for a night enjoying some chamber music concerts or theater performance, as Erbach has them, too.

The Hessian climatic spa town of Biedenkopf is so lovely, you might find yourself wanting to live here.

In the Wizard of Oz Dorothy is told to follow the Yellow Brick Road, taking her on the most amazing journey. Well, here in Biedenkopf the brick road isn’t yellow, but you’ll at least get embark on your own amazing journey.

What might stand out is the beautiful brickwork road right in the center of town, leading along to tiny winding lanes filled with many old timber framed buildings. As with any picturesque town, when combined where you can eat some of the most delicious food, makes it even all the better.

Brott takes place every autumn to celebrate its potato harvest. Potatoes are cooked outside in charcoal then eaten with lots of butter and salads. More of the popular salads served during the festival are radish or onion salads. This festival isn’t the only one in town, but it is held annually.

Unlike the Grenzgang Festival which is held only once every seven years (1998, 2005, etc). There are plenty of local specialties getting eaten during this 3 day festival, but you’re going to work for food since it’s a medieval tradition for everyone to walk around the entire surrounding forest.

All that great food will give you the sustenance you need to see all the other sights around town. Schloss Biedenkopf has a wonderful museum to visit, though this 12th century castle is gorgeous in its own right and sits high up on the mountainside. To make it even more worth your while, you’ll find a delicious restaurant and beer garden at the castle. And it’s the place to be for numerous concerts and theater performances.

There are also a few other tiny local history museums within Biedenkopf’s 18 neighborhoods. Plus, a wide array of sporting activities to keep you more than busy. What better way to see even more of the town than to trek along its many cycling (including mountain biking) or hiking trails. Make the Perfstausee you’re last stop so you can just relax on its bathing beach.

Biedenkopf is one of those places that you’ll do more than fall in love with. You’ll be asking yourself, when can I move into this climatic spa town? ;-)

Brunsbüttel is a little known jewel within Schleswig-Holstein.

This town really should be known for its wonderful location along the not only the Elbe Cycle Route, that runs for an amazing 980 kilometers; but also along the North Sea Cycle Track (running for a whopping 907 km through Germany). So this a fabulous destination for those who truly appreciate the exercise with some amazing North German and North Sea scenery.

In case you’re looking for some sightseeing of the walking kind, Brunsbüttel has that too. Of the religious kind, you’ll find the oldest of the three churches is the 17th century Jacobuskirche. This church was rebuilt in the 18th century because of a lightening strike. Maria Meeresstern Chapel and the Pauluskirche aren’t as old, but most certainly worth your time to peruse.

You’re also bound to find the museums here in Brunsbüttel a bit out of the ordinary. Its museum exhibits run the gamut from the region’s local history to the story of life along the shipping canals. There are also many timber framed gems scattered through town.

Summer is when Brunsbüttel springs (pardon the pun) to life, as the town hosts many classical concerts for the famous Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. There are many concerts held throughout many towns in this state at the same time, only adding to the Festival’s charm.

That’s not Brunsbüttel’s only claim to the arts as you’ll find two outstanding art galleries. Galerie Stücker is one such gallery, but the most famous is Galerie Rusch — where you’ll find the work of one of the town’s most famous residents, Jens Rusch.

If that all is not enough for you, there’s no reason not to have a dip in the town’s refreshing swimming pool or try a hand at the miniature golf course.

It’s amazing how much fun can be had in the great outdoors when visiting this more than charming town. As much you’ll want to yell from the town’s half timbered rooftops of how great this place is, let’s note and keep this place all to ourselves. ;-)

Most cities and towns in Germany are best enjoyed on the actual surface and rarely do you get to explore what’s actually underneath. Well, not so here in Weilburg as you can enjoy both the “up and flip” sides.

You’re probably wondering, what on Earth could I possibly be talking about? How could the underside of a thousand year old Hessian town be worth looking at?

In a word, Kristallhöhle, a German Crystal Cave that’s considered to be the largest of its kind in the entire country filled with stalagmites and stalagtites.

There are also three tunnels unique to Weilburg. Laid out right next to each other, each is used for its own function of shipping, driving, and the ultra-efficient railway. Well, there’s actually a fourth tunnel, opened to pedestrian traffic.

After some time wandering around underground head off in the other direction to Schloss Weilburg. Sitting high on the mountainside, you’ll be able to have a wonderful guided tour of this 14th century castle. At the castle’s Chancellery there’s a mining and local history museum.

This incredible looking castle has more than that going on, as the castle Garden Park is popular with just about everyone. It was once used as the hunting grounds of former Counts. It’s also where to go for the Schlosskonzerte, a series of concerts of classical music held throughout the summer.

For more castle fun, there are the Knight Games at the ruins of Castle Freienfels, which is held annually on or about May 1st. There’s an annual church festival, known as Kirmes, that’s been held in Weilburg since 1569.

Keep in mind, Weilburg’s Evangelical Church (built in 1763) is worth visiting anytime of the year. So is the Holy Sepulchre Chapel, modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Weilburg is more than just your ordinary town, as you can enjoy it both topside and below. No matter what you choose to do, from visiting its Crystal Cave, to partying at a fun church festival, or taking a guided tour of its 14th century castle, you’ll remember it for a lifetime.

If you’re one of those people who enjoy finding little known “out of the way” places, then you’ve found it in Rödental — a Franconian delight that once had ties to what became forever known as Victorian England.

Okay, how does a town steeped in German tradition, have something in common with the English Royal Family? Well, it was here at the ornate 15th century Schloss Rosenau where Prince Albert, the husband of long reigning Queen Victoria of England, was born. Schloss Rosenau was once the summer home of the Dukes of Coburg, but you only have to pay a mere 4 Euro to walk in the footsteps of royalty.

Don’t forget to walk around the ruins of the 12th century Castle Lauterburg, too.

Another place to walk around is the Goebel Porcelain Museum, but the factory is where you’ll find the most beautiful gifts to bring home to loved ones, including Hummels, so don’t forget to splurge on some for yourself.

After only a short time you’ll see why the German poet Heinrich Schaumberger wrote about his hometown so eloquently. There’s a museum dedicated to this author, but you’re going to have to call ahead to schedule a visit.

No calling ahead is needed if you’re going to visit the Froschgrundsee. This artificially made lake is the perfect place to go for some great outdoor activities; including hiking and cycling trails on shady lined trails.

But, on the third Sunday in October you’ll want to be over in the neighborhood of Mönchröden for the annual Kirchweih festival.

Anytime of the year is great to visit some of Rödental’s other religious sites, some dating back to the days of the Middle Ages. One of the churches to see here is the Parish Church Johannes, built in 1517. But, it’s the Benedictine Monastery that’s the oldest, as it was built in 1149 and used for more than 400 years.

You’re bound to find just about everything you could ask for here in Rödental, from beautiful castles to the most fantastic shopping. No matter what you see or do, you’ve found that neat little out of the way place.