On the North Sea Cycle Route is Jever, a place where picturesque farms and windmills dot the Northern German landscape — a place with a history that dates back to the days of the Romans.

One of the best ways to experience Jever and the Jever Land (as the surrounding countryside is known) is by bicycle. Ride over to the town’s 18th century windmill, then follow the route by Jade Bay that will take you along to find even more. There’s nine total along this route and the countryside between them is simply beautiful.

There are other sites and memorials through town, as well. On the Maria Road you’ll find a memorial, by artist Udo Reimann dedicated to the 67 Jewish citizens of Jever who died at the hands of the Nazis, listing each name on a large book.

Jever’s home to the Bismarck Museum with exhibits detailing the life of the Prussian leader, Otto von Bismarck. Residents throw a huge birthday bash on April 1st for the good Chancellor.

Schloss Jever is a 15th century castle with an onion dome that now doubles as the local history museum. It’s here that Jever and Frisia‘s cultural, folklore, and archaeological history is explained. There’s also the Spijöök Museum in neighboring Varel, filled with curiosities and legends of the sailors who once sailed the waters of the North Sea.

Jever’s also home to the Friesia Brewing House. Opened in 1848, the brewery now is open to tours and has its own brewery museum where you’ll get the skinny on the one of the most popular local brands (it’s also the largest building in the entire town).

No better way to end a day here than with a local brew. Ah, better yet, make it two! ;-)

When traveling in the North of Hesse you’ll find a fabulous bunch of little towns and villages; and Lohfelden is no exception, located at the southern end of Kassel. Truth be told, there isn’t too much to see here, but what is here will have you duly impressed.

If you’re a serious art lover then look no further than the Monastery Weißenstein and Schloss Wilhelmshöhe (the latter in Kassel). The castle is now filled with many works of art, most notable are the many from 17th century Baroque painters from Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany (of course!). To top it all off, this 12th century monastery is a work of art in its own right with Protestant services still held in its historical chapel.

Lohfelden’s Parish church Alban is another piece of art and architecture. This church has been looking after this town for over a millenia since it was built in 1008. But, its the nearby 14th century Martinskirche that’s been the final resting place of Hessian Counts and many important townsfolk.

If you’re up for exploring around, the Hessian countryside couldn’t be a better place to do it. Rent a bicycle, follow a hiking trail, or even take a short train ride. No matter what you choose, you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised by what can be found around these parts.

As you can see, Lohfelden is a great town to visit if you’re looking for beautiful artwork and spectacular architecture. And its quiet serene beauty will only have you even more impressed with this town.

South of Darmstadt is the 1200 year old town of Mühltal, it could also be known as the land of Frankenstein. The ruins of Frankenstein Castle are Mühltal’s landmark and it dominates the background of this tiny town.

Besides the infamously named castle, there are ruins of at least four other castles nearby. So, if you’re here to see some of the great castles of Germany, then this is a top spot.

Burg Frankenstein is the setting of the largest Halloween Festivals in all of Germany. When it’s not October 31, the castle has a fantastic restaurant with an observation deck and the Gate Tower is a feat of German engineering. The castle’s chapel is picture perfect, if not anything and there’s a memorial here dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the First and Second World Wars.

Despite the fictional story surrounding the name of the castle, it is not reported to be haunted. But, “Frankenstein’s lair” does double as a comedy club on occasion.

Right to the south of Burg Frankenstein you’ll find ruins of another 13th century Schloss. Since 2005 a group of “knights” give a living picture of life here at Schloss Alsbach with everything from carpentry to the cooking in a medieval kitchen.

Castle Alsbach isn’t the only one to get in on reenactment business, Schloss Auerbach also hosts many “Knights Tournaments” and plays. Thanks to recent renovations it’s now possible to explore around the castle’s South Tower and Schloss Auerbach is considered to be one of the most impressive castles in the entire region.

So is the 13th century Burg Tannenberg in neighboring Seeheim-Jugenheim. The castle has been in ruins since it was destroyed by a cannonball in 1399, one of the first in Germany to be ruined in this manner. It is, however, where one of the oldest handheld weapons in all of Germany was found that now sits in the National Museum in Nuremberg.

Then there’s the Starkenburg (close to Heppenheim) looking down ominously on the countryside from a 900 foot high vantage point. Built in 1065 this castle stood guard over the town for 700 years, finally being destroyed in 1765. The tower was blown up (on purpose) in 1924 to preserve the condition of the rest of the castle. The tower might be gone but it’s thought that something remains here, since many think the castle to be haunted.

With everything you’ll find here in Mühltal, from a large festival fit for a Frankenstein, lunch in a castle restaurant fit for a queen (or, king), and castle ruins, ghosts are just one more reason to come!

Where’s a sensational camping destination with great recreational lakes, only a stone’s throw from the historic towns of Bremerhaven? The answer is the old village of Schiffdorf, easy to get to by rail from Bremerhaven.

There’s a good bit to see and much of it is divided into three hiking tours that help with finding your way around (don’t panic, you can also bicycle your way around).

The Schiffendorfer Red Route goes around for approximately 30 kilometers (approx 20 miles) and follows a more historical route through the region.

The first stop is the 700-year-old Martinkirche and then travels on to what is probably the town’s most famous landmark, the Schiffdorfer Mill built in 19th century. Now in the 21st century the windmill is a popular wedding venue.

Also on this route is the town church of Bramel (13th century) and the Kluskapelle built in 1490, replacing the older wooden church that had been destroyed by fire in the same year.

The 26 km Blue Walking Route is the way to go if you’re looking to be more in touch with nature. The route follows the moorlands to the Friedheimer See and the Apeler See. Climb up the observation tower for a birds-eye view of the moor. You’ll see why people have lived here for thousands of years; the moorland countryside is stunning.

The Green Route finds a great balance between the historical and the natural. It circles around for 28 kilometers past the half timbered 18th century Hokemeyershus. The route also takes you to the Oldenburger House, a 17th century timber framed farmhouse, where many musical concerts, theater performances, and book readings take place.

Take a break from hiking (or cycling) when you arrive in Sellstedt, there’s a local history museum — all the better to explain more about where you’ve wandering around.

The Green Route ends at the Silbersee (Silver Lake), where you’ll find over 200 camping sites. It really is a fantastic way to end the day.

If anyone has any energy left, there’s a kid’s playground and a football field!

Once upon a time, the Upper Franconian city of Pegnitz wasn’t really German at all. It was, in fact, part of what was known as Bohemia, the modern day Czech Republic.

No matter where Pegnitz’s roots come from, it’s a lovely modern city nowadays but still manages to keep its medieval beginnings.

One of the best examples of medieval life is Pegnitz’s City Hall, built in 1347. This neat and tidy building with beautiful flowerboxes adorning the windows really belies its age.

Next, you’ll be transported back to the days of the Middle Ages when you visit Monastery Michelfield, built in the 12th century.

Very little remains of the 14th century Burg Boeheimstein and Castle Hollenberg, but it won’t take too much imagination to think of how imposing (and beautiful) they must have been (they still are beautiful, actually).

No imagination is needed in the case of the 10th century Schloss Pottenstein (in neighboring Pottenstein). This castle is nothing short of astonishing with its tower, castle gardens, and Knights’ Hall.

Pegnitz was also a mining town and the Lug Erwein is an entire museum dedicated to mining history and culture.

Today, it’s also a town that hosts thousands of visitors for the annual summer Music Festival. There’s also plenty of concerts held at many of the town’s historic locales in July and August for the Pegnitz Summer Concert Series.

If you prefer to get out to see the Bavarian countryside, the neighborhood of Hainbronn sits on the edge of the Nature Park Veldensteiner Forst, great for a healthy hike. Or, play a fun game of miniature golf, great fun for the whole family.

After all that you’re bound to be thirsty, so get a beer at any number of beer gardens scattered throughout town. Or, grab some local delicacies at the Zaussenmühle (an old mill built in 1450 and powered by a volcanic spring) now a bar and restaurant.

Special Tip: Do like the locals and order Flinderer (a strong local beer) with some Pegnitzer beer roasting sausage!

The spa town of Bad Wörishofen is a jewel in the crown of Bavaria, located right in the unforgettable Allgäu region.

What you’ll find here is nothing short of spectacular with relaxing hot springs, activities designed to get you to enjoy the Bavarian air, and there are some historical sights thrown in for good measure.

Situated at the one end of the Swabian Bath Road, Bad Wörishofen is the ultimate place for relaxation. In fact, Dr. Sebastian Kneipp started his wellness movement right here in town. A visit to the Sebastianeum is a glimpse into his life and practice.

You’ll also find a variety of accommodations and spas that follow the good doctor’s teachings, with hydrotherapy, nutritional therapy, and even phytotherapy (using medicinal herbs) to promote better health.

The Therme Bad Wörishofen is the largest of the “health resorts” with swimming pools, saunas, and jacuzzis all geared to improving your health and the chance to destress. Get in on the hot springs bandwagon and soak away all your stresses.

Renting a bicycle to ride through the tree lined streets can also be relaxing since everything here just seems designed to please the senses. Just as well as wandering through the rose garden, created from 8000 bushes out of 500 varieties, in the Kurpark.

Other ways to enjoy the Bavarian sunshine is to get out on the two 18 hole golf courses, 22 tennis courts, or on the countless hiking and cycling trails. For even more adrenaline pumping fun, the Allgäu Skyline Park’s roller coasters could do the trick.

Don’t let winter stop you from enjoying this paradise, go ice skating, snowboarding, or skiing!

Between spa treatments and getting your heart rate up there’s a few places that just shouldn’t be missed, like the historical Parish Church Justina built in 1519. Or the Monastery Wörishofen from the 18th century with beautiful stucco artwork that just needs to be seen.

So, no matter your reason or season in Bad Wörishofen, you surely will enjoy every minute here.

The largest city in Saxony is the medieval wonder of Marienberg, sitting in the shadow of the Ore Mountains. The mountain range is a natural border that separates the town of Marienberg from the Czech Republic (or Bohemia depending on what century you’re from ;-).

The mountains are a great place for sightseeing, and quite popular too with almost a million visitors a year. Don’t stress that it’ll be crowded, the mountains stretch for a few hundred kilometers, so you might feel that you actually have the place all to yourself.

The mountains were (and still are) important to the city of Marienberg, so they pay homage with the annual Mountain Parade.

Castle Lauterstein once offered protection along the mining road (and through the Ore Mountains) between Leipzig and Prague, lying in ruins since it was destroyed in March 1639. The Bergmagazin is a former storage facility for the miners; now a mining history museum.

You’ll also find some other great sites here in Marienberg to visit. The Military Church in the Lauterbach neighborhood dates to the 15th century.

And, the Zschopauer Gate in Marienberg proper is the last remaining city gate from the original five. Once you walk through the gate towards the town square, you’ll think you’ve walked through a time warp back to the days of the Renaissance. A fire in 1610 destroyed 550 houses (just about all in town) and everything was rebuilt in the popular style.

You’re also able see the Parish Church Marien from the Zschopauer Gate which has stood here since the 16th century. The church’s steeple is so high that you’ll have to stand across the street to get the entire thing in a photo.

There’s a popular local specialty called Lauterbacher Tropfen. A secret spicy drink that’s dark green and made with 40% alcohol.

So, whether you come to Marienberg for its natural beauty or its history, at least know you’ll be able to enjoy it with a great drink. Just don’t ask how it’s made… the recipe’s TOP SECRET! ;-)

At the foothills of the Teutoburg Forest in the northern Münsterland, near Steinfurt, is the fascinating town Neuenkirchen (Westphalia).

Be aware this isn’t a town with an overabundance of medieval churches or castles to visit, but that’s quite alright. In fact, it’s a relatively modern place and what it lacks in quantity of historical sites, it definitely makes up for it with quality of other things.

The landmark of Neuenkirchen is the Catholic Parish Church Anna, built in 1899 (it’s built on the spot of a 12th century original) and to simply say that it’s stunning is an understatement. One of the inspirations for this double towered New Romanesque style church is the 13th century Abbey Church Maria Laach in Glees.

Since Neuenkirchen sits at the Teutoburg Forest that should be your next stop after seeing P.C. Anna. A hike along the sandstone rock formations, like the Doerenther Cliffs or sitting by the “Squatting Woman” (a rock formation that looks like a squatting woman), will have you clearing your head of all your worries in no time.

There was once a famous battle that took place here in the forest back in 9 A.D.; the Hermannsdenkmal Memorial stands here dedicated to that epic battle.

For more time outside the Offlumer See is just the right spot. The lake isn’t a totally natural formation, as it was created by the craters left behind from mining. No matter how it got here, it’s great for swimming and/or fishing. Don’t let winter stop you from enjoying Offlum Lake, when it freezes go ice skating.

The cafe that just recently opened here is an excellent place to grab a bite after working up an appetite playing on the lake. You’ll find some picturesque biking trails around the lake, too. If you ride over to the village of Wettringen you’ll find a 500 year old farm, one of the oldest in all of Westphalia. Now, that’s quality!

The combined towns of Edingen and Neckarhausen sits within one incredibly historic region of Germany, the Rhein-Neckar-Kreis.

In fact, the towns themselves date back to around the late 8th century and right in between the historic cities of Mannheim (approx 15km/8mi) and Heidelberg (approx. 7km/4mi), so you couldn’t ask for a better location as a jumping off point to see so much.

You can actually “kill two birds with one stone” when you visit the beautiful 17th century Schloss Neckarhausen. This stunning yellow building doubles as the town’s local history museum with exhibits that change frequently, so you’ll always learn something new. One thing does remain constant, the English Gardens at the Schlosspark, which are exceptionally beautiful.

If you need more of a castle fix, the spectacular ruins of Castle Heidelberg look down menacingly on the city (and is a must-see). If you don’t mind going back to school, Mannheim Palace is now part of the University of Mannheim; it’s still stunning after all these years so try not to miss it.

If castles and churches aren’t for you and you prefer life in the fast lane, there’s the Auto Museum in Ladenburg with the life’s work of Dr. Carl Benz (yes, of THE Mercedes Benz). If you wish to leave less of a carbon footprint, there’s always a game of tennis or bochi ball going on. And, a chance to take a dip in either the town’s indoor or outdoor pool.

One thing Edingen-Neckarhausen likes to do is party, as there are a number of festivals and celebrations held here throughout the year. The Gockelfest is always held on the 3rd weekend in July and the town’s City Celebration is held the weekend before. The religious Kerwe Festival is held in Edingen on the 1st weekend in October and Neckarhausen’s is on the 1st weekend in September. Lastly, the Fischer Celebration goes off on the 3rd weekend in August.

No matter what you do in the area of Edingen-Neckarhausen you can’t go wrong since you’ll find everything from history to funky film festivals, to cars and culture, and just about everything in between. That’s what makes Edingen-Neckarhausen a quiet place to be to see it all!

In Middle Franconia you’ll find Eckental located less that 15 miles (approx 22 km) from the famous city of Nuremberg.

While it would be exceptionally convenient to visit the big city, you’ll also be centrally located to visit some of the smaller surrounding municipalities (Eckenhaid, Eschenau, and Forth) that make up the this Bavarian hamlet.

Eschenau’s history goes back to around the start of the 14th century when the Parish Church Bartholomäus was built. After a stop there, go see the ruins of the 14th century Eschenauer Schloss, having been uninhabited since the 19th century. There are a few other castles within the area if you’re so inclined to seek them out.

The city of Nuremberg has an exceptionally beautiful 11th century castle, that was painstakingly restored after it was heavily damaged during the Second World War. There’s also the 12th century former emperor’s residence known as the WenzelSchloss. It sits on an island in the middle of the River Pegnitz in Lauf an der Pegnitz which is now a school.

In addition to the Bartholomäus Church in Eschenau, there are a few other churches that are worth your time. Like the 14th century Lutheran Parish Church in Eschenau and a 15th century Lutheran Church in the Forth District.

But, don’t think you’re limited to just visiting old burgs and churches. Eckental has many outdoor activities to get you outside enjoying the Bavarian scenery (Bavaria isn’t the most visited region in Germany for nothing).

If you’ve got a hankering for getting out on the green have at it on Eckental’s golf course. There’s also tennis courts, horseback riding, an indoor and outdoor pool, and countless walking paths. Again, this isn’t the most visited area in all of Germany for nothing — so get outside and see it. ;-)

After that, there isn’t any reason in the world not to head off to one of the many local specialty restaurants or beer gardens for a bite and a beer; you’ve probably earned it!