Raunheim has a long and distinguished history that dates back as far as the Stone Age. The town’s also a stone’s throw on the Autobahn (or train) to Frankfurt, and right behind the Frankfurt Airport [FRA], making it quite convenient to visit there.

Raunheim’s local history museum is a fountain of information and probably the best place to start your journey. Set in a historical 18th century building, the museum has exhibits on Raunheim’s history from the Bronze Age, through the days of the Romans, church life, and its all around urban story.

After a stop at the local museum you can head off to see many of the mentioned local sites, like the Mönchhof Chapel. Originally built in the early 12th century and destroyed by a fire in the 1650’s, it was rebuilt in the ornate Baroque style that you see today. You’re gonna have to look for it though, it’s hidden within an old cemetery and most definitely worth finding.

Don’t forget about the beautiful Martin Luther Church that’s worth a stop, too.

One of the more unique places to visit while staying in Raunheim is the OPEL Zoo (in Frankfurt) where you’ll find everything from elephants to giraffes, and flamingos to crocodiles.

It’s also near the Palm Garden, an oasis of floral beauty in the heart of the big city. The museum has beautifully designed natural habitats for some incredibly exotic plants, from the tropical rainforests to the African Savannah.

And while Frankfurt is the place to go for any number of theater or opera performances, Raunheim has plenty of its own local artists exhibiting their artwork, in addition to many literary readings that are frequently held right here in town.

And, if all that’s not enough for you, then check out the Raunheimer Waldsee (Raunheim Forest Lake). Not only can you jump in for a swim, but there’s surfing and fishing, too! Get in on a game of beach volleyball or tennis, and the kids will love running around the playground.

For a town that’s so close to the big city, Raunheim is a gem that can stand on its own and shine bright in its big sister’s shadow.

On the A8 motorway between Luxembourg and Salzburg is the tiny town of Quierschied in the Saarbrücken District of Saarland.

It isn’t your typical thousand year old town. It’s quite modern and you won’t find old medieval churches or castles as far as the eye can see.

The modern town, today, is a far cry from the days of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) when Quierschied was completely destroyed and a totally abandoned ghost town. What you might notice is that Quierschied is a wet town, receiving almost 37 inches of rain a year, but, don’t let that stop you for one minute of enjoying it here.

If you come to Quierschied expecting the town to be full of medieval churches, old castles and watchtowers, you’ll find yourself a bit disappointed. Quite surprising for a town that dates back to the year 999 A.D.

The closest to a Schloss here is the castle looking water tower in Göttelborn. And, the Catholic Parish Church Josef wasn’t built until 1934, so there’s no medieval church either. It did have to be rebuilt, however, after suffering bombing damage in WW II.

What you will find, is a local history museum filled to the brim with life through the years in this old mining town. There are exhibits on working life here in town, such as iron smelting, glass making, beekeeping, and dairy farming and exhibits that detailing Quierschied’s cultural life, as well. Keep in mind that this little museum is only open to visitors on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.

But, Quierschied’s beauty lies from within its countryside. The outdoor air is refreshing while swimming in the town’s outdoor community swimming pool and the indoor pool will have you thinking you’re at the beach with its very own wave making machine. Guess, it’s to get you in the mood for a game of beach volleyball. A game of tennis or miniature golf isn’t a bad idea either. ;-)

Even though Quierschied doesn’t have an overabundance of historic castles or churches, the town’s so lovely that you probably won’t miss them for a minute.

What was once known as Vicus Murrensis to the Romans is now known to us as the town of Murrhardt in Baden-Württemberg.

This hamlet, approximately 40 km northeast of Stuttgart along the River Murr, sits conveniently in the middle of the Swabian Forest. Actually more than 50% of the entire town is forest so it makes for some beautiful countryside.

There also have been some prehistoric discoveries like the petrified turtles and dinosaur fossils that are only a mere 200 million years old.

That’s a long time before the Romans came and built a castellet and a temple dedicated to one of the many Roman gods on top of Erich Mountain. A visit over to the Carl Swiss Museum has plenty of exhibits on Roman life here in Vicus Murrensis and has plenty more displays on prehistoric and medieval life here as well, all of which have made indelible mark on the region.

A few centuries after the Romans, a man by the name of Walterich came to Murrhardt and opened a monastery in the name of piety sometime in the 9th century. The Murrhardt Monastery is now the Town Church and one of the best examples of Late Roman architecture in all of Southern Germany.

There are even more beautiful and historic buildings scattered throughout town, so have your camera ready (and loaded!). The Walterich Church, once a pilgrimage church, has a beautiful 16th alterpiece but the inside is only open to visitors on the Karwoche Festival (a church’s consecration day festival).

Don’t miss the Villa Franck with the most gorgeous art gardens and plenty of timber framed buildings around town thrown in for good measure.

But fabulous architecture isn’t the only thing that Murrhardt has going on. She sits right in the middle of the Limeswanderweg, a path of walking trails through the forest that stretches for almost 245 kilometers (approx 185 miles). Get a great view of the Swabian Forest from the top of the forest’s observation tower and just as wonderful a view at the bottom with any number of the forest’s biking trails that seem to go on forever.

The Forest Lake is another popular stop for both locals and visitors alike with plenty of camping facilities nearby in case you want to stay a night or two in the wilderness.

Without a doubt, Murrhardt is a lovable little town from its natural history and her created one, no matter what name she’s gone by.

At the end of the 9th century the little town of Niederzier in North Rhine-Westphalia was officially founded. Yet, it won’t take but a minute to see why people have taken up residence as far back as the Stone Age.

This old coal mining town, once under French rule, is a likable place with old castles, half timbered buildings, fun festivals, and yummy local food.

In 1921, the town of Niederzier purchased and restored a 13th century water castle that’s now the sight of the town’s administration office.

Schloss Hambach is another 13th century creation, by the 18th century it was used as a monastery and by the 20th century it was used as a refugee camp after World War II. It really doesn’t matter what it is or was used for, it’s still nothing short of beautiful after 700 years.

Also in Hambach is the exceptionally old Schloss Obbendorf. This castle’s foundations date back to the 9th century. You’ll feel like royalty when you stay in a thousand year old castle that’s now a fabulous hotel.

Or what about the Horn House, a half timbered beauty from the turn of the 17th/18th century. It’s now a grand local history museum with a look into life here in Niederzier a couple hundred years ago.

Long before the Middle Ages, the Romans were here and a few monuments from their time are still found around town. There’s a replica of a Jupitergigantensäule, a monument dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter and a Roman Milestone dedicated to the Emperor Constantine (circa 325 A.D.).

You’ll find all this near the nature park known as Sofienhöhe with an old Roman Tower nearby that has great views of the Westphalia countryside.

Paragliding is another way to get a birds-eye view of the countryside, just as well as keeping your feet on the ground with countless hiking and biking trails. The Monte Sophia is an annual race that goes around and across the Sofienhöhe attracting thousands from around the region.

That’s not the only popular celebration here in Niederzier, though. There’s a costume ball and lots of children’s activities during the town’s Carnival Celebration. At the end of June is Niederzier’s annual Folk Festival with great dancing, music, and delicious food.

Whether you want to experience life in a castle, paraglide around the countryside, follow in Roman footsteps, or just eat your way through town; you’ll be able to do it all in Niederzier.

Sandhausen is a conveniently located town in north Baden-Württemberg; very close to tennis town Leimen, prosperous Walldorf, and the big city chick Heidelberg.

Sandhausen’s officially been around since the mid 13th century, yet there’s evidence that the Romans used to call this place home (it was probably the ancient Roman Settlement they found).

Today, it’s a great place to spend the day and close enough to go out and enjoy some surrounding towns and countryside, not to mention plenty of art-filled churches scattered throughout town.

One of Sandhausen’s oldest buildings is its 18th century Old City Hall which doubles as its local history museum, making this a proper place to start your trip. An 18th century synagogue (originally an old church) is now the place to be for Sandhausen’s many cultural meetings and the town has dedicated a memorial stone to its Jewish community that was lost during the war years.

Besides plenty of tennis courts in nearby Leimen, there is also an indoor pool, but the countryside is just so pretty you might rather enjoy being out in the fresh air playing miniature golf, or walking along the many forest trails.

Perhaps while strolling along one of those trails, you’ll find yourself headed toward the Welde Brewery in nearby Plankstadt. Sandhausen sits within a large hop growing region, you’ll be drinking the best of locally grown ingredients; which will only make you appreciate the special local blend even more.

If you’re looking for a good deal of historicity, as well as a chance to join in fun festivities, cultural concerts, sports, and locally brewed beer, then you’ve found it with Sandhausen.

In Saarland is the combined town of Spiesen and Elversberg, located only 15 km or 10 miles northeast of Saarbrücken. It’s bordered by the Saar River (a tributary to the Moselle River) and the Lorraine Region of France which makes French widely spoken around town.

Beside being so close to France, Romans also made Spiesen-Elversberg their home. Roman graves, weapons, money, and even old Roman homes have been found here, but, Spiesen’s official birthday is 1195.

Elversberg is the younger sister, who didn’t come along until the mid 19th century. Which is really evident when looking at many of that town’s historical buildings, since many have come from that era.

Grab your camera for a few pictures of the Gänselieselbrunnen, a fountain built in 1935 that’s dedicated to a young girl — legends says she saved the town from starvation during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648).

You’ll have the chance to learn more about the town’s legend at Spiesen’s Local History Museum, located on Marktstraße in the town’s oldest building. And Elversberg also has it’s own Local History Museum situated within the Parish Church Ingberter.

Both villages have some beautiful old houses, like the 19th century Lion House. Parish Church Ludwig (late 19th century) is another great photo op and just lovely.

One of the town’s most famous sites, located between Spiesen and Elversberg, is the 20th century Galgenbergturm. It was originally the Adolf Hitler Tower when it was built in 1937, and it offers incredible views of Saarbrücken and surrounding mountains from the top. Once you climb down again, there’s a beautiful (and heaven scented) rose garden at the base.

Besides its centuries old history, Spiesen-Elversberg is a cultural city and running the gamut from concerts, readings, literary nights, and even church concerts. The town also likes a good party with a local folk festival.

Plus, the German-French countryside is remarkable and can be enjoyed by taking advantage of the many walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails sprinkled throughout the region.

All in all, you will find it to be a culturally rich town with wonderful food and many artsy activities within a stunning countryside with a historic flair. :-)

What you’ll find here in Malsch (the one near Karlsruhe) is a great mix of history and culture blended with some wonderful sporting activities, all destined to make your stay quite a memorable one.

Malsch’s Local History Museum is a great start, but only open on the 1st Sunday of the month between March and October. Otherwise, let this be your guide to what to see and do here in the thousand year old city of Malsch.

One of the most famous places to see is the Schindlerhaus, once childhood home of Theodor Schindler (painter and teacher) and now a museum and meeting center.

One of the most remarkable of the Malsch’s sites are the “100 Small Thinking Marks” placed around town. They are usually crosses or statues that were built by the town’s faithful over the centuries, the oldest of them has stood for more than 400 years.

A little bit older than that is the Mill Wheel (now a monument) from the days of the original 15th century mill house.

The Parish Church Chapel Cyriak is probably the oldest building in town, since it was built in the late 11th century (filled with beautiful artwork). It’s now the place for many of Malsch’s concerts and cultural exhibits.

Near to Cyriak Chapel is a memorial stone dedicated to the town’s Jewish community (the last of Malsch’s Jews were deported October 1940), found at Hauptstraße 26.

But none of these are as old as the ancient Roman ruins over in the neighborhood of Sulzbach and where you can walk along an ancient road that’s a few thousand years old.

If that’s not enough, trek though the Baden countryside with Nordic Walking Trails that go on for over 100 km (approx. 60 miles) and 13 routes of bicycling trails (3 levels of difficulty), and even mountainbiking. The town even allows hunting in the forest, during certain seasons of course (just between us, wear neon if you’re headed out into the woods).

Really, you won’t have to hunt for food if you get hungry along any one of these forest trails, since there are plenty of barbecue pits scattered along the many trails.

From ancient Roman history, to the life’s work of a famous painter you’ll like spending time here in Malsch. After a thousand years, they’ve had time to get it just right.

In what’s known as Münsterland is the tiny little 9th century town of Reken, located on the romantic “100 Schlösser Route” (just filled with the most beautiful castles and mansions). Reken’s also close to the border of the Netherlands and easily accessible by bus, and two train stations.

No matter how you get here, you’re bound to enjoy the countryside since everything here just beckons you to come outside and play.

In addition to the 100 Schlösser Route, there’s a 100 km Nordic Walking trail (with 6 levels of difficulty) that takes you along past some of Reken’s local history. You’ll go right along to the Old Windmill, which is the town’s landmark, and the old Forest Chapel (called Eremitage).

If you prefer something at a slower pace there are many walking trails, in addition to countless bicycle trails and horseback riding routes. If all that doesn’t keep you occupied in the great outdoors, there’s an 18 hole golf course and an outdoor pool, to boot.

You nature lovers are going to think that the Nature Park Hohe Mark is pure heaven with plenty of camping facilities nearby to really be “one with nature” within the Münsterland.

For more cerebral pursuits, the Rekenforum is where to go for any number of theater performances, comedy acts, musical concerts.

Interestingly enough, the former Parish Church Simon and Judas is now a museum filled with old religious artwork, starting with the building’s Roman beginnings. The museum boasts plenty of art and architecture from the 13th to 18th centuries, and its mid 17th century alter is just stunning, to say the least.

In a bit of religious revelry, Reken’s Karnevalsumzug is a huge Mardi Gras celebration celebrated right before Ash Wednesday. For local customs, music, and delicious food, Reken’s Folk Festival is exactly the right place to be. And the town’s NuNoise Festival is supposed to be really loud, so don’t forget your earplugs. ;-)

Along the Württemberger Weinstraße, or Württemberg Wine Road, is Plochingen, located only about 20 km or 14 miles southeast of Stuttgart.

For a city that’s over 900 years old it is very modern, yet does still have some good ole historical sightseeing. How could it not, Plochingen was once on a medieval post office route between Venice and Antwerp…

One of the oldest sights here is the 15th century Romanesque style St. Jan Church, with some beautiful stained glass artwork. The holy site of St. Jan’s is actually even older since it was built over the 11th century Michaelskirche, which was built on top of a 7th century sacred Pagan site.

There is more gorgeous artwork at the Ottilienkapelle in the form of 14th century frescoes.

Oh, there’s still many more historical buildings scattered throughout Plochingen. You’ll want to save some film for great pictures of the town’s timber framed Town Hall, Protestant Town Church (which looks just regal sitting high on the hillside overlooking town), and Plochingen’s Observation Tower which is a great way of overlooking the scenic countryside.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Hundertwasserhaus is a modern colorful building with a 33 meter high “rain tower.” The windows, doors, and water features make this very famous (and playful) building worth a visit.

To further enhance the town’s modern concept, there’s a whimsical outdoor public restroom, known as “les toilettes” by the children’s author and illustrator Tomi Ungerer. This green and pink mini building is creative, yet functional (and totally free to use) located conveniently at the Market Square. While over at the Market Square and Fish Houses, check out all the contemporary artwork (including fountains) from some famous German artists.

If all this isn’t enough, Plochingen boasts a wonderful spa with a fabulous pool and sauna, and a chance to relax with a great massage. If you’re able to tear yourself away, get moving out in the countryside with rock climbing, and countless hiking and biking trails.

On second thought, go do all that first — then go get a great massage, perhaps with a glass of wine. Plochingen is not on the Wine Route for nothing! ;-)

In the Sauerland region you’ll find the appropriately named town of Winterberg. Translating to Winter Mountain, it’s a haven for some serious winter sports.

That’s not to say that if you visit any other season that you would be without anything to do, because besides sports there’s history, culture, and some interesting local cuisine to discover and enjoy.

One of the best historical sights in Winterberg is the 14th century Jacob US Church, but after a few fires it was rebuilt in 1801.

In the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries the Wesphalia region (including Winterberg) was engaged in the pursuit of hunting “witches” with a memorial stone dedicated to six women from Winterberg who died in the witchhunts.

There’s no memorial, but you will find an old historic Jewish cemetery tucked quietly away on the eastern part of town. It’s also where you’ll find plenty of half timbered houses that make for great pictures to take home.

But, what Winterberg is really known for is sports, mostly winter sports. Which is probably why the West German Winter Sport Museum is located right here in the middle of town. There is plenty of skiing, ice skating, and a chance to go what feels like Mach 3 on the Bobbahn, one of the best bobsledding, luge, and skeleton tracks around.

Don’t fret if you like warmer weather, there’s miniature golf in the Kurpark, an outdoor pool, paragliding, and lots of walking and cycling trails. Motorcycle enthusiasts will love the winding twisting roads through a picturesque countryside.

While out exploring look around for the town’s 300 year old Beech tree or sit for some quiet time around the Lennenquelle.

After all that you’re bound to have worked up quite an appetite and there are lots of local specialties to try. The town’s Potato Roast is a huge deal in the Fall with Beech smoked potatoes that are roasted outside and everyone enjoy.

Eggs are also a huge deal here in Winterberg, notably a local specialty called Solei, which are highly salted hard boiled eggs cooked with the Kümmel spice. If you’re adventurous try a local bone sausage called Knochenwurst, usually served with potatoes and Sauerkraut.

In order to remember Winterberg just think of fabulous food and spectacular sports with a smattering of history and culture.

Wow, Winter Mountain, what a wonder!