Where can you find fabulous little museums, historical old buildings that date back centuries, festivals that are fun for everyone, all within the Lauenburgische Seen Nature Park? You can find it in Ratzeburg, known as the Island City since it’s connected to the mainland by three dams.

One of the best museums here is Barlach Museum dedicated to the work of German sculptor and writer Ernst Barlach (1870-1938), who’s buried here in Ratzeburg. His beautiful sculpture artwork can be found at Ratzeburg Cathedral (built in 1170), the Magdeburger Cathedral, and even the National Museum in Nuremberg.

Art of a religious nature can be found at Parish Church Petri (built 1787) and Parish Church George originally built in 1066. But the Ratzeburger Cathedral is a class of its own, it was dedicated by Henry the Lion.

The A. Paul Weber Museum is filled with the works of this German painter and writer (1893-1980) who lived right here in town. During the turbulent days of the 1920’s and ’30’s, besides writing satire on politics and National Socialism, he was editor of a resistance magazine, landing him in a stint in prison.

Learn more about these two celebrated artists and more about the town’s history at the Local History Museum, housed in the old manor house. Another way to learn about Ratzeburg is to mingle with locals. Its Middle Ages Market and City Celebration (held in August) with food, fun, and lots of fanfare is one of the best way to rub elbows the town’s residents.

To get away from it all, hike out in the Naturparkweg, a nature trail running through the area of Ratzeburg and linked to four other nature parks within Schleswig-Holstein. This is where you’ll find the Ratzeburger See and the Schaalsee, the main attraction at the annual June Regatta.

But, if you keep hiking you’ll find 40 little lakes scattered throughout the nature park and so much more!

Oh, Melsungen how do begin to start singing your praises? You’re such a lovely historic Hessian town and anyone’s who’s ever come here has got to be hailing your virtues.

This town isn’t on the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (German Framework Route) for nothing and not just for its 16th century City Hall with a Bartenwetzer in the tower.

For those of us who have no clue what a Bartenwetzer is, in this case it’s like a cuckoo clock — minus the cuckoo and using a hachet instead. Ahhhh, better to see it yourself as it goes off twice a day at noon and 6 p.m.

Schloss Melsungen comes from the same time period as the town’s city hall, but its foundations were built over an earlier castle. The lovely English Gardens were a later addition though but, there’s something to be said for a romantic European castle no matter when some things were added.

Probably the best of Melsungen’s history is to just live it first hand over at the Gasthaus Zur Traube, a hotel that’s been here since 1756. The hotel must be doing something right to have guests keep coming for over 250 years!

Older than both the castle and the hotel is Melsungen’s Gothic Town Church. Built in 1415, it is the quintessential looking medieval European church. The fact that it’s a dark steel grey color doesn’t make it look foreboding, it somehow only adds to it its beauty.

Parish Church George’s claim to fame is that it’s Melsungen’s second oldest building in town. How is that possible since the half timbered structure wasn’t built until 1789? Well, the fact that the church is built over an older one gives it its honorary title.

When you’re done with all things historical, you’ve got all things culinary. Grab a table along the Market Square to people watch and try a couple of local specialties, like Aahle Wurscht (Awl Sausage) and Weckewerk. You’ll be so enamored watching the world go by, you won’t even bother to ask how that sausage is made — all with a great view of the Bartenwetzer. :-)

You’ll find many little towns in and around the Swabian Alb ending in -ingen and Uhingen certainly isn’t any different in that regard.

It is different, though, in respect to a few unique museums that call this place home (old photo museum, anyone?) but, it also has a real “down home” feel.

Being only 37 km or 20 miles east of Stuttgart makes getting to Uhingen quite easy too. All you have to do is hop on the Filstalbahn, the local train line between Stuttgart and Ulm. Then the only thing you’ll be asking is, what do I do when you get here?

A great place to start any trip is at a local history museum and as luck has it, Uhingen has one. What a fabulous way of hearing about the town’s history and culture, including medieval glass making. You’ll also get the history behind many of the town’s old buildings.

As in the case of the Berchtoldshof (circa 1477), that’s now the town’s public library and just about the oldest building in town. Uhingen’s City Hall isn’t too much younger, another historic edifice over 500 years old.

It’s quite the opposite when you see Uhingen’s Culture Center, a modern glass structure where many conferences, concerts, and celebrations are held. You would think that it might look out of place in a town that’s known for its old buildings, like the early 16th century Late Gothic Cäcilienkirche, but everything seems to flow just nicely here.

Another mix of old and modern world is the annual Kandelhock festival held on the last weekend in June, where thousands of locals from all over come for a day of food and merriment. When not here during the festival, why not eat at Schloss Filseck, a 13th century manor house that’s now a restaurant, cultural center, and Uhingen’s archives? That’s a lot of history (and good food) under one roof!

Better yet, you’ll find a lot of history and culture all under one banner. Locals just know it as Uhingen. ;-)

Groß-Zimmern is an unpretentious Hessian town located just south of Dieburg.

Also considering its proximity to the Odenwald, to say that the countryside is more than pleasant is an understatement. It’s a place where history and the modern world are in perfect union.

This isn’t more true than at the Glöckelchen, once a 19th century school house and used as the town’s city hall from 1929 to 1976. It does more than triple duty as Groß-Zimmern’s library, local history museum, holds countless art exhibits, musical concerts, and is even used as a wedding venue.

After a trip to the Glöckelchen, a visit to the nearby Hessian Federal State Museum might be a good idea. Opened in 1820, this museum is filled with Greek and Roman collections of art, medieval ivory and alter paintings, and even the fossils of prehistoric animals found in the region.

You’ll find more prehistoric history over at a UNESCO World Nature Place in neighboring Messel.

This rustic town also holds an annual Kirchweih festival. Starting with an early morning church service (it is a religious festival, after all) you’ll find plenty of music, food, and even a parade. Here thousands of local residents party with much fanfare at the largest celebration in town.

If the kids aren’t entertained with all that, let them run around any number of playgrounds conveniently placed around town.

If the family wants a fantastic way to see the countryside, get out on the horse riding trails. Groß-Zimmern’s neighbor, Rossdorf, is known for horse breeding so you’ll have the chance to ride some excellent animals.

You’ll love all that Groß-Zimmern has to offer from its prehistoric fossil finds, to its religious art and celebrations. This town truly has a unique mixture of old and new, natural and man made history, making it truly a great union.

Aßlar’s slogan on the town’s official website is Willkommen in Aßlar and you’ll really have that feeling once you’re here.

This diminutive town of seven boroughs has, besides history spanning more than 1200 years, a thermal salt bath to relax after all the sightseeing around this Hessian town.

You’ll be happy to know that there are many old historic buildings around this medieval town and quite a few are within the borough of Werdorf (Who Village). For example, Werdorfer Schloss not only houses a local history museum (open 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month) but also popular for holding wedding ceremonies.

What bride wouldn’t want to get married in a heavenly Baroque manor house from the 17th century? Well, maybe unless they would rather do it over at the exquisite Protestant Parish Church built in 1253. Either way, you need to see both even if you’re not there looking at wedding venues.

Werdorf has also been known for its Jewish history. This town’s Jewish population dated back to the 17th century with its own synagogue and ritual bath known as a “mikvah.” On Breitenbach Road there’s an old Jewish Cemetery used from 1888 through 1941, when the last Jewish burial took place here.

Another place that was once of great historical importance was the Kloster Altenberg, a 12th century monastery where many a noble resided. What you’ll find there today is a 13th century church and many 17th century farm buildings.

While religion was big in the Middle Ages, so was mining. A huge boon to the economy, the mining of iron ore went on here until 1983. After that, Aßlar opened the Pit Fortuna, a museum telling all about the town’s mining history.

After a day of strolling the streets and sites of Aßlar, there’s no better place to relax than in the thermal salt baths at Laguna Aßlar. If you’ve brought the kids with you, they’ll have a jolly good time on the twisting waterslide.

This town’s slogan might be that you’re welcome in Aßlar, but you’ll just be saying, “Thanks, Aßlar!”

In order to best appreciate all of Obersulm, it’s a good idea to take your time exploring each neighborhood on its own. You’ll find that it’s more than just a historical town that dates back to the 8th century, but also a fun town on the edge of the Nature Park of the Swabian-Franconian Forest.

Affaltrach, the most historic of Obersulm’s neighborhoods, has two magnificent churches but it’s the John the Baptist Catholic Church’s 15th century Madonna statue that steals the show. Schloss Affaltrach’s not too bad on the eyes either; it’s a stunning example of a 17th century Renaissance castle.

If you’re looking to follow your Jewish roots, then you’ve come to the right place. The Jewish Cemetery of Affaltrach is one of the oldest in the entire district, dating back to 1670 and used right up until 1942, when the last of the Jewish population was deported. Within the cemetery is a war memorial dedicated to Jewish soldiers.

Obersulm’s Jewish history is more detailed in Affaltrach’s former synagogue that houses the Jewish History Museum. There’s also an old synagogue to be found in the neighborhood of Eschenau.

If you’ve managed to get through all this, you certainly earned yourself a right to get over to one of the local wineries for a taste of the vino. Better yet, take a wine tasting tour and try them all.

No matter which one you choose, you most certainly won’t be disappointed since viticulture’s been big around here since 1262 — leaving Obersulm’s plenty of time to perfect the wine.

You could also grab a few bottles to your liking and go camping within the Swabian-Franconian Forest and Breitenauer See. What makes traversing these taxing hills worth it (besides one heck of a workout with beautiful scenery) are the Nature Park Markets scattered throughout the park selling excellent regional products.

Yeah, more wine! ;-)

Thank you, German Purity Laws. For without them, beer production in Germany would be just like everywhere else in the world and not as special as it truly is. And sadly, that would make Mainburg just your average little town.

But, laws as they are and geography as it is, Mainburg isn’t just you average town, it’s situated within the largest hop growing region in the world, known as the Hallentau (no hops, no beer).

For you non-beer loving folks, Mainburg also has stuff of historical importance, as this area’s been around since the 8th century. ;-)

But, for right now let’s stick with all things beer. Mainburg’s home to the German Hop Museum, a curious little place that explains all about the little plant that makes beer, well beer. There’s also an annual Hops Celebration held on the 2nd weekend in June and VERY popular attracting thousands of visitors from all over.

In addition to the hop, asparagus is also widely grown throughout this region. But, sadly the little yummy veggie doesn’t get the recognition it deserves next to the beer making hop. Might we suggest eating some and washing it down with a good brew?

For a wonderful blend of culture and history Mainburg’s Gallimarkt is one of the oldest fairs in all of Bavaria, having been held for more than 600 years. The Gallimarkt is a four day festival with plenty of eating, drinking, music, and even an animal auction.

For something a bit quieter, a visit to the 10th century Monastery Scheyern might be in order. There must be something special about this place as the current Pope Benedict XVI was once a frequent visitor.

Another great way to see Mainburg is along the Old Railway. These former railroad tracks are now bicycling trails through the inviting countryside.

Bavaria isn’t the most visited region in Germany for nothing; and it’s places like Mainburg, with its history (and beer), that make it that way.

You have to hand it to Lower Saxony on this one. Pattensen isn’t just your everyday “run of the mill” bedroom town that gets forgotten because of its larger neighbor (yes, it’s that close to Hanover).

In a town that obscurely dates back to the 9th century, it has a long and interesting history. Not to mention that sitting right on the Deister, doesn’t hurt either.

One of the most unique finds in Germany came from right here in Pattensen. An early Bronze Age gold necklace, known as a Goldlunula and thought to have come from Ireland on ancient trade routes. Only a few Goldlunulae are known to exist in the world and you’ll be able to see it at the State Museum of Lower Saxony.

You’re also able to see quite a few castles (some in ruins) here in Pattensen. One of the most beautiful is Schloss Marienberg, once the 19th century summer residence of George and Marie, the last King and Queen of Hanover.

However, the ruins of a 13th century water castle known as Schloss Calenberg are quite beautiful and a bit unique. Its large underground cellars go on for so long that it’s quite easy to get lost.

You’ll also sure to find more castle ruins along the Deister, but that’s not its only claim to fame. Scattered throughout this chain of hills, that stretch for about 20 kilometers, is an abundance of cycling trails that take you past rare flora and fauna and grave hills from much earlier civilizations (called tumuli).

With hourly bus service from Hanover to Pattensen there’s no excuse for not taking a quick jaunt over. If not to eat the locally grown sugar beets (that are quite popular in the region), but for its rich history and natural beauty. Remember, this was a town fit for a queen.

Osnabrück has one incredible suburb right next door, the town of Belm.

This is a town that’s best explored outside since almost everything to see centers around the great outdoors on some well laid walking and cycling trails, in addition to the many celebrations held here.

One of the best walking trails you’ll find here in Belm is the DiVa Walk. It does go on for about 105 km, do all or part of it, your choice, but it really highlights the best of the best of Belm.

The Stone Sea is one of those highlights; these stones appeared after the days of the last Ice Age, with some weighing a good 70 tons! The trail then goes along to follow in the footsteps of the dinosaurs that roamed the region a few million years ago.

You’ll find more recent history along the DiVa Trail, like the 13th century water castle Alto Barenaue, built on a sand island in the moorlands (it’s gorgeous!). But, a couple of owners decided to move sometime in the 19th century and had the new Schloss Barenaue (and garden) built and moved lock, stock, and barrel.

On the trail you’ll also find the Well Arene Refuge, a 14th century castle chapel and 18th century manor house hidden within the middle of a golf course.

If you want more castles, there’s the ruin of the 12th century Holster Castle in nearby Bissendorf and the 17th century Schloss Osnabrück may just be your cup of tea. ;-)

During the summer Belm hosts “cultural summer” programs from June ’til the end of August with different performances, including Friday night concerts. When the first weekend in September comes, it’s time for Belm’s September Market. Marking the end of the summer, Belmers party for three days filled with food, music, and even pony rides for the kids. A month later, it’s party time again at the Belm’s Kirmes (religious celebration) on the 2nd weekend in October.

Great, more food, fun, and beer! :-)

What you’ll find when you visit the little town of Stein (English: Stone) is a Bavarian delight right in the heart of beautiful Middle Franconian countryside, that’s a fit for a Count with a kingdom created from pencils.

Graf von Faber Castell (19th century) was a pioneer in the pencil industry and his company (that’s still family owned) is a leader in luxury writing instruments (which is a nice way of saying it makes one heck of an incredible pen). If his home says anything about the quality of his pens and pencils then you’re in for something more special than you could imagine.

Schloss Faber-Castell is a 19th century architectural wonder with the best of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Classicism styles all under one roof. You would think with all that going on it would be a bit too much, however, Schloss Faber-Castell is nothing short of breathtaking.

Count Faber-Castell’s castle remained in his family up until the 1930’s; it’s now a fantastic meeting center. There’s even a Faber-Castell Mining Museum here, too.

If you can tear yourself away from Schloss Faber-Castell (oh, it’ll be hard), you’ll find a myriad of walking paths in town with plenty of timber framed houses along the way. In fact, one of the oldest buildings (dating from around 1635) doubles as Stein’s local history museum. Even better, admission is freeeee! :-)

To make the most out of your time here try to come for the Steiner City Celebration held every May. Join the townsfolk celebrating this adorable town complete with music, food, and fun for the entire family.

If you’re not able to make one Stein’s festivals you’ll still be able to enjoy this awesome town anyway, well, because this is Franconia! Which means get outside and follow along any one of the Stein’s walking trails including a spiritual pilgrimage path known as Jacobs Way, or visit Stein’s outdoor Aquarium and Terranium (great for both kids and adults).

Of course, being so close to Nuremberg it’s tempting to head over there, but that won’t be necessary. You’ll find most of what you need right here.