You would never guess that Kalkar recently celebrated its 775th birthday.

While it IS filled with old historical churches and castles, Kalkar is also modern and full of good old-fashioned clean fun. There’s a bit to do here and there’s plenty of overnight accommodations (hostels, vacation home rentals, and even camping facilities) to suit any situation or budget.

The first thing anyone notices here is the mid 15th century Gothic Town Hall (built 1446) that just towers over the center of town. Right down the street is the St. Nicolai Church, one of the best examples of Gothic and Renaissance art in the area with an alter that dates back 1500.

If you get hungry, there’s an old brewing house in the town center serving up Rhenish specialties or grab a bite at the 16th century Ulft House that’s now a popular restaurant.

For more medieval sites check out Saints Peter and Paul Church in Grieth, which has stood here for more than 500 years. You’ll find ruins of a 10th century castle (Monreberg Castle) and the grand 13th century water castle Boetzelaer in Appeldorn; both will keep you pleasantly occupied for a while.

The City Windmill at the Hanselaer Gate is hard to miss and the view of Kalkar from the top will be hard to forget. Up the way a bit is a 17th century Jewish cemetery. After the cemetery, the street curves taking you around to the 15th century Pigeon Tower, once used as a prison.

Not too far from the tower is the recreational Wisseler Lake. There’s an abundance of activities here to keep you busy all day. Go swimming, shoot down the waterslide, rent a boat or a bicycle, fish, or relax out on the sandy beach. There’s camping facilities here if you want to “rough it” for the night.

If you’re looking for some rollercoaster fun, a day at the Kernie’s Amusement Park is in order. For more simple pursuits, there are a number of ferry rides available along the Rhine River.

Now just go enjoy some good old-fashioned clean fun here in Kalkar. ;-)

Langerwehe sits within the Eifel Nature Park created by the last Ice Age. The Belgian border isn’t too far away, so don’t go too far otherwise you’ll probably be hearing Dutch instead of German.

There are lots of historic neighborhoods (D’horn, Crept, and Stütgerloch were once Frankish and Roman settlements) to explore filled with castle and monastery ruins, old churches, and museums, so you’re likely to want to spend a good bit of time here in town.

A great place to start out your stay here in Langerwehe is at the ruins of Monastery Schwarzenbroich that goes back to around some time in the 1300’s. Only a few of the brick walls remain in the Meroder Forest, but there is a beautiful (and historic) memorial stone dedicated to the Apostle Matthias.

Then a visit to Schloss Merode is in order. This 12th century manor house is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the region, so make sure not to miss it. But, the castle’s park is open for business and where you’ll find the annual May Celebration held every Spring.

Merode’s also the village where you’ll find a World War II Soldier’s Cemetery (for you war history buffs), a final resting place of 220 soldiers.

There’s a monastery in Wenau as well, and it’s now the place for many religious music concerts; so catch one if you can. Wenau also sits on the north end of a wonderful Nature Park, so you’ll be able to get some hiking in after you’ve visited the village’s Parish Church Katharina (another must-see).

For something a bit culturally different, come see the Pottery Museum. Some time around the turn of the last millenia, Langerwehe started producing pottery and for several hundred years the industry was a boon to Langerwehe’s economy.

The museum is also where the Eifel Market is held every September and a chance for finding a great bargain. In July Langerwehe has its own Summer Festival with great food, music, and merry making for everyone.

Forget about finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow; you’ve found something much better here in Langerwehe at the end of the forest.

Anklam, near the Baltic Sea, besides sitting on the banks of what is called the “Amazon of the North,” is a city that takes to the skies.

Thanks to the life’s work of a certain Mr. Lilienthal who was born right here in town. But, long before that, Anklam was just your quintessential medieval town with many of their monuments still around today.

Anklam’s landmark, the Steintor or Stone Gate, is now an awesome museum with five floors of exhibits on life here in northern Germany. Once you manage to get to the top you’ll be handsomely rewarded with views of the town and Peene river.

If you prefer to be on the water, take a kayak and camp out a few kilometers down the river (but, only from May to October — this is the fresh north!).

For land lubbers, you could go visit the Marienkirche that was built in the 13th century, or the 14th century Nikolaikirche. The old Garrison’s Church is a 13th century original, but now what you see comes from about 500 years later.

Make sure to take plenty of pictures of the 15th century Pulverturm or Powder Tower, with parts of the Stadtmauer still attached and the 18th century Dutchman Windmill.

If you wish to take flight, then Anklam is the place for you. It’s the birthplace of Otto Lilienthal, a 19th century aviation pioneer. It was Lilienthal’s life work that was the forerunner to aviation history as we know it. In fact, the Wright Brothers used Lilienthal’s theories to help them on their quest to “fly the friendly skies.” The Petrol Lilienthal Museum and the Aeronauticon is the place to learn more about it.

So, whether you get here by plane, train, automobile, or boat (it IS on the river, don’t forget) you’ll find Anklam an incredible city that embraces the past and looks forward to the future.

Neckargemünd on the Neckar River is one of those wonderful towns where you’ll be pleasantly surprised just about every time you turn around. In addition to the old churches and castle ruins you’ll find around the region, the Nature Park Neckartal Odenwald alone is enough to keep you busy for quite some time.

Since Neckargemünd was once a medieval town there are many timber framed buildings, as well as an old Stadtmauer (fortification wall). You can learn more about medieval life here at its local history museum housed within the Old City Hall.

You’ll find out that Neckargemünd’s School of Music is a far cry from the 16th century hotel and brewery it once was.

There are also a few smashing churches here that are certainly worth your time. The St. Bartholomäus Church in Dilsberg was built in the late 14th century and the Protestant Parish Church within Neckargemünd proper is a late Gothic style church that goes back to the turn of the 13th century.

The castle ruins you’ll find around Neckargemünd go back to around the same time. Castle Dilsberg stood for six centuries but has laid in ruins since the 19th century. It now is the place for summer concerts and the annual Craftsman’s Market. There’s also the Burg Reichenstein, which has been abandoned for the better part of 600 years.

Much older than any of the castles or churches that can be found in Neckargemünd (or anywhere else in the region) are the lands of the Nature Park Neckartal Odenwald. While there are numerous hiking and biking trails, one of the most stunning is the Katzenbuckel (cat’s embossment), an extinct volcano from only about 60 million years ago. When standing atop the forest’s observation tower, you’ll really be able to appreciate the sensational views of the mountains and lush forest.

No matter what you choose to see first here in Neckargemünd, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by it all. Now, get out and enjoy it all!

Mindelheim is one of those old towns in Bavaria that you could just fall in love with. This Swabian village has been around for the better part of several thousand years, yet is incredibly modern and an all around great place to hang out for a few days (or longer). Besides the fun festivals and astonishing Bavarian countryside, the museums here are just aces.

Don’t be fooled by the name, the Swabian Crib Museum isn’t a museum with dedicated to a baby’s sleeping arrangements. It’s a fantastic museum filled with Christian religious art from Southern Germany. Every other year the museum holds a special gallery for the Unterallgäu district’s contest winners in four categories.

In keeping with the religious theme, the Textile Museum has a relatively new exhibit on religious garments from the Middle Ages to modern day. Another exhibit takes a look at clothing trends from the late 19th century to the early 20th; great for the fashionista in all of us.

One of the more unique museums you’ll find in all of Germany is the Swabian Tower Clock Museum. Housed in the old Silvesterkirche are some of the oldest watches and other instruments of time telling, the oldest dates to the 16th century. Mindelheim’s Local History Museum is filled with other displays of cultural life, including traditional Bavarian costumes, and art.

The South Swabian Archaeological Museum has exhibits on life here in the Alb during the days of the last Ice Age, when the Romans traveled the area, and daily life of the early Middle Ages.

In sticking with Mindelheim’s medieval feel, the Frundsbergfest is a fun way of looking at medieval life (fun now, but life was hard back then) and a celebration to Knight and Field Captain George von Frundsberg. Held every three years, there are plenty of historical costumes, local food, concerts, and all out revelry for a few days around town.

At least the Spring Jazz Festival is held annually; no waiting three years for that. :-)

And what medieval town is complete without a castle? Mindelheim’s castle is a striking 12th century beauty that was once used as an army hospital. Sorry, there’s not too much visiting the inside, it’s now the offices of a book publishing company, but at least you can have all the “Kodak Moments” you want outside.

It’s true that the city of Mindelheim isn’t as well known as some larger cities in Germany, that just adds to her appeal. Take your time getting to know her; it won’t be long before you’ve fallen in love with her.

The teensy 13th century old mining town of Wennigsen is actually much older since those devilish Franks took up residency here for close to three centuries (circa 500-800 A.D), but historians can debate that another time. Though they might not have had an easier time to get here like you can, since there’s more than adequate rail service from places like Hanover.

Once you get here you’ll realize that what most people come to see is the famous Deister. History filled rolling hills that run for about 25 kilometers through Lower Saxony (but there’s so much more to see once you’re actually here). So go on, take your time exploring the natural rock formations, the hiking and cycling trails, as well as seriously old hill graves (think of those Franks, again) also known as tumuli.

You’ll find that the natural and cultural history associated with the Deister will only enhance your time here in Wennigsen and the chance to enjoy both history and the great outdoors all at the same time.

Before you stroll off exploring the Deister, go see Wennigsen’s Local History Museum housed in the town’s Upper Mill. The museum changes exhibits frequently, so you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised by what you might learn.

Also, make sure to spend some time over at Monastery Wennigsen from the 12th century with its Roman military tower that only gets more beautiful with age.

The are some hidden gems scattered around Wennigsen, like beautiful churches in the municipalities of Holtensen and Sorsum. Besides the Parish Church Michaelis in the village of Bredenbeck, there’s the old glassworks building and a splendid 19th century manor house to visit.

If you’re looking for some romantic castle ruins, you’ll find plenty here (many are scattered throughout the Deister region). One of the most striking are the ruins of the 10th century Bennigser Castle, so try not to miss it. Explore around some more and you’ll find the ruins of the 11th century Heisterburg Castle and 12th century Witte Castle.

If you’re looking for a quiet town to spend some time to savor the historical and natural, then Wennigsen is the place for you. You might not hang around here for a few centuries like the Franks, but any time here will be just as rewarding.

Grünberg with its 13 municipalities isn’t really a huge touristy kind of town but convenient to some great sightseeing throughout the Hessian countryside.

By staying in this little hamlet, you’ll know you’re not too far from anything you want to see in this region. The timber framed city hall and town square really looks like a beautiful movie set and the two old watchtowers give the town a real dramatic flair.

If castles are your cup of tea then you’ve come to the right place. Grünberg has a picturesque Renaissance style Schloss that dates back to around the 1570’s.

For something even older, look no further than the 11th century ruins of the Castle Homberg. This thousand year old castle is stunning, if not anything, but it is private property.

The 13th century Schloss Solms (in nearby Laubach) is dazzling with an enchanting English Garden (designed in the 18th century). The castle houses one of the largest private library collections in all of Europe (thanks to Count Solms). Not to be outdone, Gießen’s 12th century castle has its own moat.

One of the oldest Botanical Gardens in all of Germany is close to Grünberg, having been in the same location since 1609. For some other cultural events, the Keller Theater is the place to be, converted from an old German Army Officer’s Club within the town of Gießen. Since it is Germany and beer is ingrained into the culture, the 13th century Brewing House (in Homberg) counts as a cultural activity, especially now since it’s a museum.

Try to be here in Grünberg on the 3rd Wednesday in October when tens of thousands of visitors come for the annual Gallusmarkt. See, by coming to Grünberg, you really are right in the middle of everything!

Lichtenstein (Saxony) is so exceptionally beautiful, that it’ll completely bowl you over.

It’s a place of lush green rolling hills that just scream for you to spend just about every minute outside taking it all in; yet the town is filled with the most wonderful museums.

If the museums weren’t so awesomely cool, it would be a shame to be indoors. But, thankfully Lichtenstein has found a wonderful balance between the inside and outside.

After a visit to the City Museum, Coffee Pot Museum, or the Toy Museum, a picnic at any one of Lichtenstein’s eight parks would be most inviting.

You’ll need the energy to see even more museums around town. Lichtenstein’s Local History Museum is located within the Gerth Tower at the Parish Church Egidien. A fun stop for the little ones would be at the Mini Museums with exhibits of famous landmarks of the world, like the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal, all in miniature.

If you’re still hungry, the museum has a small restaurant, but no worries about portions being minature!

Here’s a tip: The only way you’re going to see the English Garden Park is by visiting Castle Lichtenstein, which was built in the early 13th century. It now houses the Daetz-Centrum, a museum filled with stunning wood sculptures from over 30 countries.

Besides the museum, the castle is now a wonderful look into how the nobles lived in the days of the Renaissance.

Don’t think for a minute that it’s all history here in Lichtenstein. This place is home to a fun and informative Planetarium, with a chance to explore the heavens on a 360-degree overhead screen. The kids (or, the kid in us ;-) are going to love this place!

Of course if you’d rather walk or cycle around the rolling hills of Saxony, you most certainly can’t go wrong. Come to think of it, Lichtenstein is just about perfect! :-)

A place like Sendenhorst, which is nothing short of lovely, can easily get overlooked because of its location between the two cities of Münster and Hamm. However, that makes this Westphalian town a wonderful place to stay, as you’re centrally located to experience everything within the Münsterland.

You’ll find charming and quaint little guesthouses for the perfect overnight stay, which is great for enjoying a more local flavor as there aren’t any large “cookiecutter” chain hotels. It’s all the better to experience a town that’s near the 100 Schloss Route, a route filled with many old castles and manor houses.

One castle that shouldn’t be missed is Schloss Heessen. It’s now a boarding school, ironic since the castle looks a bit like a German version of the Harry Potter Hogwarts. However, this castle’s history is long and seen its fair share of tragedy and infamous “guests.”

How could it not, the castle was originally built in 975, but has undergone many changes through the centuries. When Napoleon was here in the 1800’s he “overtook” the castle, making him one of the more important infamous guests.

Just because you’ll find a multitude of castles around, doesn’t mean that’s all there is in Sendenhorst. If you’re a lover of art the Kunstmuseum is perfect with many exhibits of classic modern art. Exhibits are changed regularly so it’s never the same-old, same-old. Lovers of Picasso’s art will certainly enjoy the Picasso Museum located nearby.

If being in the great outdoors is up your alley, then the Westphalian countryside is just the thing. Rent a bicycle and try your legs (pardon the pun) on a stretch of the lovely European Cycle Route. If you prefer to walk, don’t worry there are many hiking and walking trails along the way, too.

Sendenhorst doesn’t let itself get lost between its big city neighbors. Just remember when you stay in Sendenhorst, you really are central to the Westphalian experience.

Höchstadt an der Aisch is one of those places in Middle Franconia that most people imagine what life is like in a small German town.

It might also be confused with another town of the same name, also within Bavaria. However, this Höchstadt lies on the border of the city of Bamberg.

Of course, as in just about every county of Bavaria you’ll find a castle or palace of some sort. Schloss Höchstadt is in the other town, so not to confuse anyone-the castle you really want to visit is nearby Schloss Geyerswörth. If you can manage to climb to the top of this 16th century palace, you’ll be richly rewarded with a view of stunning Bavaria countryside.

Geyerswörth isn’t Höchstadt’s only medieval sight. The old original fortification wall (Stadtmauer) still lines the old part of town. That’s also where you’ll find Höchstadt’s old City Hall right by the town’s Catholic Church.

For something of more recent history with a touch of science check out the Spix Museum, the life’s work of the scientist Dr. Johann Baptist of Spix.

One good thing about Bavaria is that its steeped in tradition and food and a place like Höchstadt makes the most of it. Every year the entire town gets involved with “Culture Weeks,” including its Schülerfestival — the largest school festival in all of Germany. One year over 40 thousand revelers came to town for the festivities!

No doubt those same partygoers came to drink some of the best locally brewed beer around. There are also plenty of local cakes and other fine Bavarian cuisine to enjoy. If you’re of the adventurous sort, try the Spiegelkarpfen — a baked carp dish that’s quite popular with the locals.

After all that beer and food you might want to work some of those calories off. Good thing Höchstadt has some wonderful walking trails within the countryside, as well as an ice skating rink, and a swimming pool.

Better yet, work out extra hard then go back to eat and drink some more. ;-)