Hüllhorst’s motto is Leben in Guter Atmosphäre, meaning Live In A Good Atmosphere and nothing could be more true. Though not all of us are going to be lucky enough to live here, we are lucky enough to at least visit!

A wonderful way to see around town is either walking or cycling. Since Hüllhorst is on the Westfälische Mühlenstraße or Westphalian Mill Road, you’re treated to many wonderful windmills along the way. Windmühle Struckhof is one such windmill, having been built in 1797.

Hüllhorst’s Nature Park is another way of enjoying the great outdoors and filled with many local plants, trees, and forest animals. There’s paragliding and hot air balloon rides over the windmill and nature park in the warmer months, great for seeing so much more of the Westphalian countryside.

You’ll also find half timbered buildings along many ol’ delightful tree lined streets, which seem to only add to the town’s beauty.

If old architecture is right up your alley, you’ll be more than happy stopping at the Andreas Church. Its tower dates back to 1310 even though the church was rebuilt in 1870. Built a few centuries after Andreas Church in 1646 is Hüllhorst’s Wassermühle (Water Mill), one of the town’s more historical sites.

Nothing seems to be older here than the finds in the neighborhood of Büttendorf. It’s where you’ll find archaeological finds from the 3rd through 1st centuries B.C.

For even more in-depth look at Hüllhorst’s history, the Local History Museum is filled with many old pictures of how this place looked from years past. There’s also a large private collection of old furniture and clothing, as well as an old Toy Museum with exhibits on old handmade dolls and cars.

Of course, you’re not limited to just old historic buildings and flying around the town’s friendly skies. This place likes to party, which is more than evident at the annual May Celebration and its Harvest Festival (held annually in September). There’s even a lovely outdoor theater that hosts concerts or plays.

Most of Hüllhorst is best enjoyed in warmer months when you’re able to get out and explore this town that’s been around for a thousand years. But even if you happen to visit when colder weather and snow have made their annual appearance, you’ll still enjoy a Leben in Guter Atmosphäre. ;-)

If you’re looking for something other than just your average “run of the mill” place, then the Grenzach-Wyhlen is the real deal.

Located right along the borders of France and Switzerland, east of the city of Basel, you are just about as southwest as you can go to still remain in Germany. Or, depending on how you look at it, the perfect place to start your German vacation when coming from this tri-border region.

Best of all, you’re within the famous Black Forest.

One of the most important places to visit in the region is the South Black Forest Nature Preserve, filled with wonderful surprises of waterfalls, local flora and fauna, and historic old churches. Grenzach-Wyhlen is also right within the Dinkelberg, a small mountain range situated in the South Black Forest, so get ready to hike mountain style.

No one should miss out on trekking within this totally amazing region of Baden-Württemberg. To get the entire outside experience here, go hiking the protected area of the Buchswald, too.

Not to mention, what town could be complete without a castle or at least, the ruins of one. Burg Hornfels is one such ruin and Schloss Grenzach is another treat, making these the most popular around town.

One of the more unusual museums is the Roman Mansion, a beauty right down to its original pools and columns. Those ingenious Romans had a way with marble, so make sure you see all the stunning artwork of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd centuries A.D.

Be it history, nature, or both the town of Grenzach-Wyhlen has everything and anything both visitors and locals could ask for. Not only that, its wonderful location along the River Rhine only adds to its appeal.

Schermbeck is one of those towns that will utterly amaze you. You’ll find a fair share of many historical sites in a town that’s been here for more than 12 centuries, as well as a nature park, and some kind of festival or cultural event just about every time you turn around.

Schermbeck’s Local History Museum is the ultimate place to begin, or follow along the town’s Circle Route highlighting over 20 of the town’s best places to visit.

If you’re looking for something historic, start at the 15th century Schermbeck Castle and Stadtmauer (fortification wall). Then take a tour around the St. George Church with its impressive artwork, including its triptych from a famous German artist. There’s also the Catholic Church St. Ludgeras, but Parish Church Gahlen is the oldest in all Shermbeck’s eight boroughs.

Gahlen’s church tower dates back to the 12th century, but it was originally built sometime in the 10th century. It won’t take but a minute around these classic structures, in a 1200 year old city, to find out this place is nothing short of remarkable.

If walking around town isn’t enough exercise, then maybe hiking or cycling around the Nature Park Hohe Mark might be; having done for locals and visitors alike since it was created in 1963.

Schermbeck has more than just old churches and a nature park. This is a place with all sorts of cultural events and festivals taking place throughout the year. You’re sure to enjoy any number of cooking events, art exhibits, its annual horse show, Shooting Festival, and its Summer Street Festival which brings partygoers from all over Westphalia.

Schermbeck’s most famous festival is its Trachtenschützenfest Üfte (held in the borough of Overbeck in September). This festival is so large that it is held only once every five years (1999, 2004, 2009, etc).

Schermbeck really isn’t your average town and the best place to visit if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary. Come enjoy everything it has to offer — you’ll be glad you did.

In the grand scheme of things, it is the little things that really make all the difference in the world. Considering what you’ll find in Steinheim (Westphalia), you’ll know exactly what makes that statement true.

It is here, on the edge of a 14 million year old extinct volcano (in the neighborhood of Sandebeck), that Steinheim makes itself at home. This is just one thing that really makes this town exceptionally cool!

Besides sitting on the lip of an old volcano, you’ll find two fantastic castles. Schloss Thienhausen is a grand example of a Renaissance castle filled with beautiful artwork (don’t miss the sculpture of the Madonna and Child), built in 1609. The Wasserschloss Vinsebeck is an incredibly unique Baroque water castle built on a square island. You’ll find a fancy Baroque style garden in the Schloss Park Vinsebeck that’s been here since 1718.

You’ll also find some wonderful festivals and celebrations held here in Steinheim. The Rosenmontagszug in February is one of the most popular and oldest of the region’s celebrations. Steinheim’s Music Festival, held at the end of April, is the best around for enjoying a variety of local music with plenty of local Westphalian food.

If you’re looking for some other kinds of sightseeing to do around town, you’ll find a few historic timber framed beauties, such as the old Parsonage Building that was built in 1729. There are also remnants of the 13th century Stadtmauer and even a Furniture Museum (furniture was vital to the town’s economy).

Interestingly enough though, Steinheim’s landmark is known as the Kump. Built in 1855, this deep well pipeline was the town’s main water source for drinking and industry until 1933.

As you can see, Steinheim (Westphalia) has just about a little bit of everything to make your stay here a memorable one. You’ll love the old buildings and museums, its history, and fun-filled festivals.

As if teetering along the rim of the old volcano wasn’t enough… ;-)

There are only a few places in our modern world that drum up romantic images like a medieval castle. And, Bovenden is lucky enough to have a spectacular one that dates back to 1015 A.D.

Not only does Burg Plesse have a fantastic gourmet restaurant offering views of stunning the Lower Saxony countryside, it also offers a chance to eat like a Lord or Lady of the manor for a medieval meal in the Knights’ Hall.

It’s also a fantastic place for a wedding, for which many are held here. If you’re looking for something romantic, why not renew your vows in the shadow of an 11th century castle tower. Burg Plesse’s formidable tower (with walls 12 feet thick) is where you’ll find most of the castle’s history exhibits and an awesome view of the surrounding forest.

There was another castle to be found here in the neighborhood of Harste. An old water castle, built towards the latter half of the 13th century, it has been in ruins since the 18th century. It now sits within an administrative complex and surrounded by old farms, making it have real Old World charm.

To say that Bovenden’s only claim to fame are its castles would do the town a serious injustice. This place sits within some wonderful forest with many cycling and hiking trails within south of Lower Saxony. When hiking, look out for the European Eibe, an evergreen tree that’s one of the oldest species in all of Europe. Sadly, this majestic tree is now considered to be endangered.

There’s also a wonderful town swimming pool and tennis courts.

Bovenden is just a stone’s throw north of the big sister Göttingen, making it quite easy to get here. But, the romance of a castle from the Middle Ages and strolling along a forest path looking for a special tree might just be worth anything it would take to get here.

Kelsterbach is the first town north of the Frankfurt International Airport.

In an unassuming building that looks like a half-timbered and contemporary hybrid, you’ll find one of the most unique local history museums, EVER. Not only is it filled with local goodies from the history of the this fascinating town, but also with exhibits of days dating back to Prehistoric Times, the Stone and Bronze Ages, and even Cro Magnon Man (approx 32,000 years ago).

What makes it even better when visiting this jewel of a museum, is how easily you can reach it on the S8 and S9 Railway Lines running from Frankfurt Airport; or by a fun, speed filled trip on the A3 Autobahn.

If you visit on the first Sunday in September, you’ll be treated to Kelsterbach’s Church Festival just filled with food and fun for everyone of every age. You might as well stay the week to explore around town, since Kelsterbach’s Old Town Festival is held the following Sunday after Church Fest, with even more chances to enjoy all the local food and fun.

There are few churches here in Kelsterbach that shouldn’t be missed (and, quite fitting to visit if you’re here for the Church Festival), the St. Martin Evangelical and the New Baroque style Catholic Heart of Jesus. But, truth be told, the best is the Mönchhof Chapel, neatly hidden within a small cemetery, it has stood here on the outskirts of town since the 12th century.

Summer is a great time to visit as everyone heads to the Südpark for all types of recreational activities in what can be considered a “forest town.” It also sits right along the River Main, which makes for a great backdrop while cycling along the many bicycle trails.

No matter the reason or the season you choose to visit Kelsterbach, you’ll be more than delighted at what you’ll find only a few minutes west of the city of Frankfurt. So, speed up on the Autobahn and get here quick!

If you ask yourself why should you come to Solms, the question really should be, why not? This town of five villages lies between the refreshing Westerwald and the gorgeous Taunus Mountains, making this Hessian countryside a superb backdrop for your visit.

There are many historical sites around town to engage your mind, as well as the countryside that will delight your eyes. So the question really is, what to do first? Do you head off into the Hochtaunus Nature Park on many of the hiking and cycling trails? Perhaps, just sit under a 1000 year old oak; reading a book or watching the world go by? Renting a boat for a day out on the water is time well spent, too.

You can’t miss the Solms Local History Museum with exhibits on what life was like here back in the “old days.” One particular exhibit at the museum is that of a stone cannon ball that helped to destroy Burg Solms in 1364.

When not living in castles, members of noble families also lived in monasteries. One such place are the ruins of the 12th century Monastery Altenberg. The 13th century chapel and 17th century farm buildings are now the main attraction when visiting this former religious site.

Still a very much used religious site is the Oberdorf Church, with the original built around the year 788. Excavations have found crypts under the church from Carolingian Times (approx 8th century). You might not be able to go down to explore the old crypts, but you can visit the old Jewish Cemetery in the neighborhood of Albshausen.

Churches and monasteries might have been the center of Solms’ religious life, but mining was the center of its economic life. Which is what you’ll find out when you visit the Pit Fortuna Mining Museum and a look at how mining changed through the years.

Whatever you choose to do here you can’t go wrong since you’ll find just about everything anyone could want here. So, really, why not Solms?

If you think that you’re going to come to Hatten and spend all your time inside museums, you’re sadly mistaken. Hatten sits on the northern edge of the Wildeshausen Geest, a thousand five hundred square kilometer nature preserve in Lower Saxony, making the outside the ultimate adventure.

One of the best ways to see Hatten is from the sky. With hot-air balloon rides available around town and the moorlands, you’ll see just how beautiful this place really is. You can also get another birds-eye view by climbing up the trees in the KraxelMaxel Climbing Forest. Neither of which are for the faint of heart, but OH SO WORTH IT!

If you prefer pursuits down on the ground, you’ll have plenty to do with paddleboat rides, horseback riding, even the outdoor swimming pool offers volleyball, tennis, and miniature golf. If you prefer a regular game of golf, there are two courses here in Hatten.

In order to really get the outdoor experience, why not try camping outdoors. There are plenty of BBQ pits if you get hungry and plenty more bicycle trails through the countryside. You’ll most assuredly pass by many of the old Stone Age and early Christian grave hills that dot the landscape within the Preserve.

If you consider camping to be “roughing” it too much, there are a few farms that double as guest houses. You can still enjoy the outdoors, and maybe learn to milk a cow, all while enjoying the local feel of Hatten.

But, the town is not all outdoorsy and farms. This is a town of culture, as well. Locals enjoy plenty of classical, gospel, and international music concerts that are held here throughout the year. If you want something historic (and still be able to enjoy the outdoors) is over at the ruins of the stunning 13th century Monastery Hude.

It won’t matter if you see Hatten from the air or land because either way, I’m sure you’ll have a blast.

Großenkneten is one of of those towns in Lower Saxony that you might find yourself in quite by accident. With only just one look around when you get here, you’re more than happy that you found it.

Großenkneten really isn’t too hard to find, it’s on the train line between Oldenburg and Osnabrück. For some reason trains play a vital role here in the Northwest of Lower Saxony, as there are two (yes, two) railway museums nearby.

Actually, even a meteorite had found this teeny town from the far reaches of outer space, as well. Too bad what remains of this 4.84 kg (10.67 lb) space rock isn’t on display, even though its new home is at the nearby Museum Village Cloppenburg.

There are other natural (and man mane) attractions found within Großenkneten. As people have lived here (who wouldn’t, this place is gorgeous) since the Stone Age (approx 8000-2000 B.C.) there are many grave hills scattered throughout the surrounding woodlands. One of the more famous of the stone graves is known as the “Bride & Groom” that sits within a large nature protected area.

What you’ll also find here is one incredible church. Parish Church Briccius was once used as a military church, a place where villages went to hideout when marauders decided to pillage. The original was built back in 855 but brick and red roof building you see today was built in 1100 and has the most absolutely stunning ceiling paintings that are over 500 years old.

Another centuries old religious site is an 18th century Jewish cemetery located on Delmenhorster Straße. This Jewish cemetery was used for over a 130 years (1787-1919). In keeping with the religious theme, you can even visit the ruins of the old Hude Monastery.

Regardless of how (or why) you’ve come here to Großenkneten, it was probably a lot easier (and many less kilometers ) than that meteor from the far depths of space. So, if a meteorite can make the trip here, so can you! ;-)

Much of what can be seen and done in Neubiberg centers around its next door neighbor, the big city chic Munich. That’s not to say that this affluent suburb of this much larger city doesn’t have anything to offer its guests.

Neubiberg is really quite easy to get to, with bus service linking it to other suburban towns (Ottobrunn, Putzbrunn, Waldperlach), train service to/from Munich, and along the A8 linking Munich with Salzburg. So, really there’s no excuse not to come and take a look around.

Much of daily life in Neubiberg centered around the waters of the Hachinger Brook; and has for centuries. The Romans needed the water when they came to stay in the 3rd and 4th centuries. So, why not come sit by the water with a good book and watch the world go by? You could also go see the Parish Church George that’s stood in Neubiberg for centuries. Better yet, do both!

Or go out and explore around the old World War II airport that’s now a protected area for endangered flora and fauna. Old airplane runways are now used as access roads, making it easy to get around. The old airport might be gone, but the military isn’t, as Neubiberg boasts the University of German Federal Armed Forces and it’s the home of the Air Force Music Corps.

That’s not the only music that gets played around town, Neubiberg is famous for the Unterbiberger Hofmusik, a family ensemble, playing a blend of jazz, classical, and local music. You’ll find the music to be quite eclectic, using instruments like the harp, trumpet, trombone, and even a tuba.

You’ll find that Neubiberg is a friendly Upper Bavarian town that has been welcoming visitors for thousands of years. Remember, this is the land of lederhosen, beer, and Oktoberfest, so you’re bound to have a great time no matter what! :-)