If this was written 220 years ago Saarwellingen wouldn’t even be a town in Germany. But, the town’s loss to France during the French Revolution was Germany’s gain. But, the old landholding country of France (Luxembourge, too) is less than 30 minutes away.

Good thing land barons put up boundary stones (that are still found here) a few centuries ago to let you know whose land you were on.

It also has a therapeutic Kneipp wading bath; which you’ll need after you’ve gone exploring all around Saarwellingen Proper and the neighborhoods of Reisbach and Schwarzenholz.

Of course, no town here in Germany would be the same without a castle. The French loved them, too, so you won’t miss out as there is one here; known as Schloss Saarwellingen. This Baroque castle was built in 1766, when the area was still French. Doesn’t that make it a chateau, instead of a Schloss? Just something to ponder-but there’s a great Schlossfest held here annually on the 1st weekend of August.

There’s also the ruins of another castle nearby, known as the Altenburg. Only some 13th/14th century bricks remain hidden within the surrounding forest. Again, Schloss/chateau, you decide. Either way, there’s always something romantic about castle ruins, no matter what you call them.

Then again, no town in Germany is complete without a church either, as life really centered around them centuries ago. You’ll find three here, St. Bartholomäus, the Parish Church Blasius, and the 19th century Parish Church Marien. None of which should be missed while you’re here.

The countryside in this part of Saarland is exceptional (the wine grapes seem to favor it) and your time here is best spent outside. Not only is there a fantastic outdoor pool (with waterslide and beach volleyball) and an artificial lake for more outdoor fun, but also a wildlife game park with everything from deer to wild pigs. There’s even a petting zoo for the little ones.

Since the town is now German, Willkommen to Saarlingen fits more proper than Bienvenue. But, no matter what language you say it, you’re Welcome in Saarwellingen.

Schleswig-Holstein has been holding out on the rest of the world, trying to keep a place Rellingen all to itself. However, with frequent bus and rail service from Hamburg you’ll be able to enjoy this little explored jewel very easily.

Rellingen is most known for its striking octagon shaped church. Its original was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War (1618 -1648) and rebuilt in this Baroque style in 1754. The church itself is Rellingen’s landmark and takes so much pride of it, that it displays prominently on the town’s Coat of Arms.

One thing that should be displayed on its Coat of Arms is a musical note, considering how important music is here. There are many church music concerts throughout the year; as well as the annual Schleswig-Holstein Musik Fest with upwards of 150 concerts going on throughout the festival. The MaiFestival is another musical treat with another 3 days of concerts.

Yamaha must realize how important music is here in Rellingen, where they have a musical instrument manufacturing plant.

You’ll most likely still be humming along while stretched out relaxing at Krupunder See. Sorry, you can’t swim in it any longer but, still a great place to sit and unwind by the water. It is a nature preserve, so enjoy the birds and other wildlife.

It is in the neighborhood of Egenbüttel that you’ll find some of Rellingen’s objects of interest. One is a stone memorial dedicated to lives lost in wars from the 19th and 20th centuries. A somber single Iron Cross memorial with names of local residents who lost their lives in the First World War.

Back to party, Rellingen looks forward to its other festivals, as well. Nothing says Fall more than apples, exactly why Rellingen has an awesome Apple Celebration that’s held on the last Saturday in September. There’s nothing better than the smell of an apple pie or other goodies made from this most delicious fruit.

More local goodies and fun can be had at Rellingen’s Summer Celebration. With, guess what, more music! And, it doesn’t get much better than that!

When thinking about a town like Hünxe, graceful just seems to come to mind. Quiet, idyllic, peaceful are a few others, as well.

This isn’t a fast-paced bustling city, more like lush green meadows and tree-lined streets. A German version of a Norman Rockwell painting. This is most likely the reason that Hünxe is so popular with bike riders and motorcycle enthusiasts through the Westphalian countryside.

Once you get here you’ll understand how painter and sculptor Otto Pankok could have found inspiration here. His house, where his daughter still lives, is a piece of work in itself. Haus Esselt (Otto-Pankok-Weg 4) was originally built in 1482, but the gorgeous building you see today dates from the 17th century.

Hünxe’s Local History Museum explains more of the region and Esselt House’s history.

It’s a great way to learn more about Schloss Gartrop, too. Now a restaurant and meeting facility, the castle was originally built in 1375. When a fire ravaged the castle in the late 17th century it was rebuilt in the popular Baroque style of the time. The three acre English Garden seems to fit perfectly with the elegant manor house and surrounding ponds.

There are a few times a year that Hünxe let’s its proverbial hair down and sheds its quiet demeanor. The Rock & Bike Fest is one such time. For two day, people from all over come to “rock the house” concluding with a battle of the bands.

But, nothing will prepare you for the most famous of the festivals here. It’s another two day festival, this time hard-core “Death Metal” music. Any of you who grew up in the ’80’s should remember Metal Music, now multiply that by 20 decibels. No wonder its played out on an old airfield! ;-)

Despite a few days of rock-n-roll and Heavy Metal, Hünxe still remains mostly a serene, quiet town just perfect for bicycle ride on tree-lined streets.

There are two things that will really make you remember Linnich. The first being its long history dating back to at least the days of the Romans (though, the town is filled with medieval churches) and its traditional festivals and city celebrations. It’s also famous for its painted glass, with a chance to see how it’s made at the glass museum.

OK, so maybe that makes this town in North Rhine-Westphalia famous for at least three things. ;-)

It is hard to summarize all of Linnich’s history, but if we do it by time period it may make it easier to go see those highlights from your favorite time period.

In 20th century history, you’ll find a memorial dedicated to the Linnich Synagogue that once stood here for a few hundred years, until November 1938. There’s also an old Jewish Cemetery located in the neighborhood of Boslar.

Further back in time (in 1779) Linnich dedicated a stone cross, known as Hubertuskreuz, for a battle that took place in November 1444. Almost 500 years later (to the day!) the cross was damaged (by a tank) when another battle took place here in November 1944! :-)

Even older are many churches that date back to the days of the Middle Ages. Old Village Church was built over an even older Romanesque church and now holds many concerts, lectures, and book readings. You’ll also find an 11th century church (St. Margarethe) in the neighborhood of Kofferen. But, it’s the Parish Church Martinus that’s the most famous. St. Martinus has intricate alter carvings from the early 16th century, but the church itself is much older having been built in the 12th; on top of an 8th century original.

If you’re lucky to be here on the 1st Monday in December, then you’ll enjoy the Andreas Market. Since 1571, Linnich has made this livestock market even better with plenty of local Rhenish food (potato pancakes) and wine.

Culture Week, held every other year, is another chance to eat, drink, and be merry; then eat and drink more!

You can still drink plenty, even if there’s no festival going on, as there’s a great local brewery and distillery.

Oh, guess that will make four things that make Linnich stand out…

Only a few places in the world manage to have just about anything and everything a visitor could ever ask for; and Bad Soden-Salmünster is one such place. A wonderful health resort town with art, history, and culture all wrapped up, neat and tidy.

You’ll know this isn’t your typical health spa town when you see the Dead Sea Salt Grotto. Tons of Dead Sea salt have been brought over from Jordan (the salt is known for its curative properties) and enhanced with special lighting and mood music.

The Dead Sea Grotto isn’t the only place to go to restore your senses, as there’s also the Therma Sol Spessart Hot Springs. You can relax and play in a few different mineral filled pools with fountains, a water “couch,” and even a wave pool.

For others, a round on the 18 hole golf course in the Alsberg neighborhood can be just as therapeutic.

Before you go off relaxing your mind, here’s your chance to expand it. Bad Soden-Salmünster is just filled with a few historic churches, such as the Baroque style Saints Peter and Paul. This church is also the location of a very popular Passion Play held every few years that attracts thousands from all around.

Another famous Baroque building is Bad Soden-Salmünster’s City Hall. What makes it unique is that it’s the only Baroque framework city hall in all of Hesse.

That’s not all that’s here, you’ll also find the 16th century Schloss Hausen that’s now a Christian Youth Village; and Burgruine Stolzenberg that was built in the mid 13th century. It’s too bad that no one has lived there since the 18th century.

What’s a castle without a fairytale? The Theater Ensemble Feel-X is an amateur theater group performing everything from the classic fairytale to comedies for your enjoyment.

Nowhere else but in Bad Soden-Salmünster will you start off your trip thinking, “Once Upon A Time . . .” ;-)

Interestingly enough, the town of Neunkirchen (Siegerland) is built around an extinct volcano. But, that’s not the extent of what makes the old mining town, which translates to “Nine Churches,” interesting.

You’ll find that Neunkirchen constantly holds many types of cultural events throughout the year, has a beautiful countryside with hiking and biking trails, and small local museums.

As soon as you get to Neunkirchen get your walking shoes and hike on over to the Hohenseelbachskopf, the actual volcano that created the basalt rock formations that dot the landscape (don’t worry, it IS extinct). One of the most famous of these rock formations is the Druidenstein, created about 25 million years ago!

A lot of the basalt was quarried to help create roads. It’s believed that the cone dome at the highest peak was lopped off during the Thirty Years’ War (1618 -1648) for strategic reasons. The dome survived the war (erosion and volcanic activity, too) but it couldn’t survive a lightening strike in 1979 — now supported by six concrete beams.

There’s more here in Neunkirchen to keep you active in the Siegerland countryside. The Kurnstertal is a fabulous local park, great for a barbecue. Or, climb up the Pan Mountain Tower for great views of Neunkirchen’s forests.

Neunkirchen also has an indoor pool (with a pizzeria if you get hungry) and an outside pool with a beach volleyball court (to help you work up that appetite).

Visit the Hagen Outdoor Museum that takes a look back into the technology of yesteryear. Another one of Neunkirchen’s more interesting museums is its East German History Museum, for a look at what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. There are also mining museums located in nearby Herdorf and Wilnsdorf, fitting since Neunkirchen is an old mining town.

After all that sightseeing around town (and hiking around volcanoes), you’ve earned that right enjoy a night of cabaret, classical music, or theater that’s always going on here in town.

Rotenburg an der Fulda (in Hesse) is not your typical old medieval town that’s weathered the test of time. It’s much more than that, now a vibrant thriving community with plenty of sightseeing and activities for everyone.

Besides the expected medieval churches and watchtowers, Rotenburg had a Jewish community that played a vital role in the town’s history since the 14th century.

Rotenburg’s Market Place has been the hub of daily life here for centuries and the Renaissance style Town Hall has stood here overlooking things since it was built in 1597. There are also remnants of the Stadtmauer (circa 1290) and the two remaining watchtowers (the Witch Tower was used as a prison) help in maintaining the image of life in the Middle Ages.

The local history museum is a fantastic way of learning more about this unique city with an exhibit detailing the differences between the aristocracy and the daily life of a serf from the time. One glimpse of the 16th century Landgrafen Schloss or the ruins of the Rodenburg Castle are huge clues as to the differences of the classes of medieval Europe.

The “Church” was also the hub of daily life and you’ll be able to see the dedication that villagers put into these incredible buildings. The 14th century Church of Maria and Elisabeth and the 12th century Romanesque church (in the neighborhood of Braach) are utterly smashing. There’s an impressive 16th century alabaster alter that’s the main focal point at the Parish Church Jakobi, built in the 14th century.

Religion also played a daily role in the life of Rotenburg’s Jewish community that existed in town since the more than 600 years. There’s an excavated 17th century mikvah, or ritual bath and considered to be one of the best found in the entire country. In addition to the mikvah, there’s a Jewish Museum detailing the region’s community from its beginnings until the days of the 1930’s.

After a day of sightseeing, or two, enjoy one of the many recreational activities to be found here in Rotenburg an der Fulda. You’ll find horseback riding, tennis, and miniature golf keeping everyone busy.

And, the community pool is heated and free. No separation of any classes here, just a good ole time. ;-)

Bavaria might be Germany’s most visited region, but don’t count out North Rhine-Westphalia when you get a load of places like Marienheide, only about 34 miles (50km) east of Cologne. Not only is it filled with medieval history and novel museums, but offers you the chance to enjoy some great recreational activities within some of the most beautiful countryside.

If you’re not afraid of heights, climb up either one of the two observation towers tucked neatly within the surrounding forest for a great view.

One of the best places to start your trip here in Marienheide is at the Farmhouse Dahl. Built in 1585, it is considered to be one of the oldest farms in all of Westphalia. It also houses a local history museum with exhibits on farming life through the 18th century. Farmhouse Dahl is also a branch museum for nearby Schloss Homburg.

Schloss Homburg isn’t the only castle around these parts. Schloss Gimborn, a former water castle, is only open once per year on the Schloss Celebration. If you’re not lucky enough to see the inside rest assured, the outside is stunning and most definitely worth a snapshot or two.

Marienheide once boasted its own Pilgrimage Church, known as Maria Heimsuchung, where legend tells of a holy picture that was said to perform miracles here at this 15th century church. There’s a special week-long festival for the Maria Heimsuchung running from the first Sunday after July 2nd.

If you love religious art, then Kirche Müllenbach is just perfect for you. This old military church has centuries old bells in the tower and gorgeous ceiling paintings from the days of the Middle Ages.

With all of your history out of the way, rent a bicycle or put on your walking shoes and pack your swimgear. There’s a bunch of walking and cycling trails through the Westphalia countryside and even two artificial lakes. Over at Brucher Dam, the lake offers sailing and surfing. For camping facilities and bird watching, the lake over in Lingesetalsperre is where you’ll want to be.

Running the gamut from art, to history, to unique museums, and old castles; Marienheide is where you’ll want to be!

Schleiden is a splendid surprise hidden within the Eifel nature park. Not only that, this town of 24 neighborhood is also a Kneipp Health Resort town.

To be honest, that’s only the beginning of what you’ll find around the old town. All you have to do to get here is hop on the regional rail line from Cologne. Really, that’s much faster than the route the Romans took from Cologne to get here. ;-)

One of the most popular sights in all of Schleiden is its early 13th century castle chapel. It was eventually converted over to a Gothic Church in 1516 and was originally part of the 12th century Schleiden Castle (now a senior citizen home).

In the Olef District, you’ll find plenty of old half timbered buildings all framed so neatly with flowerboxes.

Another popular spot is within the Eifel National Park itself, along a 24 km (approx 18 miles) stretch known as Wildnis Trail. This trail is considered to meander along some of the most beautiful Park countryside. There a few more walking, hiking, and biking trails locally ranging from only 6 km (4 miles) to a 365 km (226 miles) “Water Castle Route” that highlights North Rhine-Westphalia’s best.

Don’t let the snow stop you from enjoying the Eifel, cross country skiing is exceptionally popular and those trails go through some picturesque protected areas.

There are also two outdoor swimming pools here in Schleiden, one in Gemünd and the other in Deiffenbach. Both boast an outdoor volleyball court, but Deiffenbach’s got the waterslide and “sandy beach.” Don’t feel bad for Gemünd though, you’ll be too busy treating yourself to a Kneipp treatment to notice the pool much. ;-)

With a wide array of activities and history, this spot really makes for a great time. So, if you’re looking for something spectacular when you’re in North Rhine-Westphalia, look no further than the fun-filled town of Schleiden.

Once a rural settlement on the western edge of the Tharandter Forest the 750 year old city of Wilsdruff is a pretty cool town, located not too far from Dresden in what is known as the Elbland. In addition to quite a few historical old buildings, you’ll find activities like golf and entertaining festivals throughout the year.

The first (and best) place to start here in Wilsdruff is the town’s local history museum. Can you think of any better place to explain all about Wilsdruff’s fourteen neighborhoods? It’ll showcase how the town’s Nikolaikirche, that’s been around since the 13th century, still holds services every Sunday (Protestant after the Reformation). That’s still a whole lot of sermons over the last 700 years!

Jakobikirche has had almost as many since the church was built in 1447. It houses one of the oldest bells in all of Saxony and has an Honor Cemetery with fallen soldiers from the First World War.

Almost as old as Nikolaikirche is Schloss Limbach. Built in the 15th century, this manor house remained within one family’s possession for over 500 years until 1945. Sadly, it fell into decay but now the lock is in the process of being renovated.

Not only does Wilsdruff have its weekly market day on Thursday, but it also hosts an annual Amateur Film Festival on the 1st weekend in May (since 1985). Stick around for a month and enjoy the Fire Brigade Festival on the 1st weekend in June, as well.

If you want something a bit on the quieter side you’ll find it over at Wilsdruff’s 9 hole golf course or at the nearby Botanical Gardens. You can’t go wrong, as either way you’ll enjoy some scenic natural beauty.

Whatever your reason for coming to Wilsdruff, you’ll be more than happy you did. For a town that’s over seven centuries old, it really is a fun and fabulous.