It’s probably subjective to consider the Bavarian city of Immenstadt im Allgäu one of the most beautiful places in, not just Germany, but all the world. Plus, it will only take one tiny look at the majestic German Alps and the crystal clear waters of the Alpine Lakes for you to agree.

Be it summer or winter, you’ll find an abundance of activities for the entire family to enjoy and some of the most glorious views you will ever lay your eyes on.

It seems that everything in Immenstadt is destined to keep you outdoors, no matter the season.

When Spring and Summer come to town, it’s a chance to get out on Kleiner Alpsee (Small Alpine Lake) for swimming (the water’s heated) or surfing (yes, surfing!). On Großer Alpsee or Large Alpine Lake you can do a bit of fishing or sailboating. Better yet, do both!

More outdoor activities are GPS treasure hunts, hiking along trails around the Alps, an Alpine Slide (called an Alpine Rollercoaster), and great festivals like the Maypole Festival on May 1st where you’re treated to plenty of music, traditional costumes, and the “best of the best” of local goodies.

In September, the Cattle Round-up is more than fun for the whole family, and yes, more local treats to eat. Small Alpine Lake is the spot to be for the Lakeside Festival and “Immenstadt Summer” with endless music and fun for everyone all summer long.

Don’t think for a minute that when the first snow comes that there’s nothing to do. As a matter of fact, that’s when the town comes alive for just about any winter sport you can imagine. Put on a parka, get outside, go ice skating, do some cross country skiing, sledding, or for the really adventurous — get snowboarding!

After a day of all you’ve certainly earned some time relaxing at one of the numerous spas and saunas you’ll find here in town.

You probably might not want to wait for warmer weather to go exploring around the castle ruins within the region (yes, they’re worth it). Two of the most notable are the 12th and 13th century beauties, Castles Rothenfels and Hugofels.

Though, the most gorgeous one is the 15th century Laubenbergerstein Ruins with its Hall of Knights. While it has been uninhabited since the mid 16th century, it fills with people at the annual castle celebration and any number of the concerts held here.

As if the outdoors and castles weren’t enough, there are quite a few old churches with some spectacular artwork as well. Just as everyone seems to love the Hofmühle, a great old local history museum that’s incredibly hands-on and kid friendly.

So, get here — no matter the season — and enjoy Immenstadt in the majestic Allgäu!

The whimsical town of Lauterbach, very close to the volcanic thermal springs town of Herbstein, has lots of little sightseeing treats. You’ll be delighted by what you’ll find at every turn.

The incredibly beautiful and scenic Vulkanradweg or Volcano Cycle Track is close by so rent a bicycle and enjoy! A stop over at the High House Local History Museum is a good place to start your trip here before you go riding off into the distance.

When you’re in the center of Lauterbach you’ll find that the town looks like something straight from a fairytale with a few fabulous little festivals held throughout the year.

A few of the biggest ones are the Lauterbacher Stadtfest (City Celebration, 2nd weekend in September), the Herbstmarkt or Autumn Market on the 1st Sunday in November, the Prämienmarkt (Upper Hesse’s largest festival, one day before Corpus Christi), and the Romantische Nacht an der Lauter (Romantic Night at the Lauter, 1st Saturday in July).

But, not to worry, Thursdays are regular market days where you’ll get the chance to buy some great locally grown fruits and veggies.

Try the locally brewed beer! Lauterbacher Bier (established 1527) is the oldest beer you’ll find in all of Hesse. Just don’t have a few before you try the Schrittsteine a.k.a. Stepping Stones, the original shortcut to the town’s old water fountain. It’s going to take some real balance not to fall right in the water. ;-)

At least you’ll stay dry when you visit one of the most beautiful sites in all of Lauterbach, Schloss Eisenbach. It’s a huge foreboding castle that’s still home to one of the region’s old barons (lucky guy, ’cause this place is GORGEOUS).

Schloss Sickendorf is another beauty that’s now home to the town’s Golf Club with both an 18 hole and short 6 hole course. There’s nothing wrong with practicing your swing on a driving range at a centuries old manor house, or is it? :-)

There are more medieval sites to see in town (besides old castles), such as the Ankerturm, the only remaining tower left from the original fortification wall that was also used as a prison. Then take a tour around the beautiful Michaelskirche to see some amazing 14th century artwork.

For an old town Lauterbach feels young and fresh with plenty of fun activities that many can enjoy. Of course there’s history, but combine that with a good local beer and you’ve got yourself one heck of a good time.

Sassenberg has found a perfect balance of old historical sightseeing and recreational fun.

Besides, Sassenberg is asparagus country and the little appreciated veggie has been grown here for “only” about 3000 years.

There’s a big celebration here in town at the end of April, celebrating the start of asparagus planting season. If you miss the big festival, that’s all right, there are plenty of other locally grown goodies to be found at the weekly Farmer’s Market.

If you’re not shopping at the market, here’s your chance to see any number of the historic old buildings.

The Parish Church Maria Ascension has stood on the church square since 1251. It actually stood here longer, since it was built over an older existing one. Parish Church Johannes, an ornate Baroque style church, is a few hundred years younger built in 1678, and most definitely worth your time.

There are a couple of old mansions here that are worth a picture or two, like Schloss Kettler and Schloss Korff. In case you’re interested, there are ruins of a 14th century castle nearby.

If you need more of a castle and lock fix, rent a bicycle and follow along the “100 Castle Route” that will take you through much of the gorgeous Westphalia countryside. Or, just simply enjoy one of the many Nordic Walking trails that stretch through the protected nature reserve (don’t worry there are a few fitness levels).

Also nestled in the countryside is the popular Mark Lake and Bird Sanctuary Island. It’s here that everyone enjoys “beach” swimming and even a game (or two) of tennis. The kids will just love the beachside playground. There’s also camping nearby if you want to stay the night to get more in touch with nature.

And, if all that’s not enough, there are plenty of festivals and special market days in town for even more fun (and shopping). The kids are the center of attention at the Kid’s Carnival held every February, and flowers take center stage in March at the annual Flower Market.

All in all, Sassenberg has found a brilliant blend of history and culture mixed within a fantastic landscape. You’ll find so much to do here that you won’t sit still. ;-)

Eppelheim’s official birthday is 770 A.D. but, there have been a lot of archeological finds from not only the Iron and Bronze Age, but as far back as the Stone Age!

Eppelheim’s landmark doesn’t date as far back as you would imagine, it’s the 156 foot high water tower built in 1907. That’s not say that there isn’t anything more historical to see here, because nothing could be further from the truth.

Take the Pauluskirche, for example, a stunning beauty that looks great for being over 500 years old with the ruins of Heidelberg Castle nearby.

For nature lovers, there’s plenty of little gardens and parks with lush green and colorful flowers that will just delight the senses. For the best of them, head over to Günter-Rühle-Platz, Hugo-Giese-Platz, Gottlob-Hees-Platz, Leonie-Wild-Platz, and Jakob-Neu-Garten. Oh, and get out on the 18 hole golf course for the chance to enjoy the surrounding countryside even more.

Eppelheim has plenty of festivals to enjoy too, so hopefully you’re lucky enough to be here at the time. What about the second weekend of July during the annual City Celebration filled with food, fun, and even hayrides? There’s also the Kerwe Festival, a religious celebration held on the first weekend in October.

And as most German cities, on the first weekend in December Eppelheim gets into the Christmas spirit with the Christmas Village Celebration.

Eppelheim is special, and men by the likes of Victor Hugo and Mark Twain have written about this place so eloquently. All you need to do is follow in their footsteps, and then you’ll see just how wonderful it really is, too.

Stemwede is a enchanting little town that lies on the Westfälische Mühlenstraße (Westphalian Mill Road). You know what that means… You’ll be treated to some artful historic windmills dotting the landscape!

There are three districts and thirteen local neighborhoods that comprise Stemwede. They aren’t densely populated, though, which is really is good news when you want to explore the hilly forest and moorland countryside looking for a little solitude.

In a town that’s over a thousand years old, you’re expected to see some old churches and castles. Well, you’ll find them, but maybe not necessarily what they were originally used for.

Schloss Haldem (13th century) is now a rehab center. There’s a beautiful half timbered parsonage building from 1834 that’s now a library and brewery. Books and beer, could you ask for anything better? ;-)

The town may lie on the Westphalia Mill Road, but maybe there should be some kind of old German Church Route too since you’ll find quite a few here. One of the most historic is the Protestant Church Levern. It was built in the 15th century over a wood church from the year 1000 A.D.

Some more churches in Stemwede, filled with exquisite artwork, are the 13th century Parish Church Marien, 14th century chapel at Martini Church, and 15th century Holy Cross Chapel Haldem; all of which are worth the time to see.

Interestingly enough, Stemwede’s Local History Museum is dedicated to the town’s culture from centuries ago with an exhibit dedicated to how clothing has changed over the centuries with an entire exhibit on the emigration of Germans to America. What a great and fun way of learning about this culturally rich region.

Another way to enjoy this town is to join in on all the action at the Stemweder City Festival. Held annually since 1976, it draws some 20 thousand party goers for a fun filled day of local culinary treats and other regional goodies. Don’t worry… that’s not the only party in town. There’s also the annual Fold Festival held in October and the town’s Music Festival.

Whether you follow the Mill Road or create your own Church Route to follow, you’ll find Stemwede bewitching with memories that will last a lifetime.

Taucha, an old university village in Saxony, bordering Leipzig, allows you to follow the footsteps of guys like Johann Sebestian Bach.

Some of Taucha’s history isn’t so pretty (even though the town itself is beautiful).

It was almost destroyed by the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) and suffered heavily with outbreaks of the Plague for decades in the 17th century. All this didn’t stop its residents from living and many of the sites here are what that sturdy stock built.

Sadly, World War 2 damaged much of the town with bombings from the Allies in 1944. Furthermore, the town suffered heavily because the Central German Engine Works used the forced labor of over 2000 people for arms production.

Taucha remembers the children forced to work in the labor camps with a memorial dedicated in their memory.

The town’s Local History Museum is a great place to delve deeper into its history.

A visit to the old Schloss Taucha and the Stadtmauer (fortification wall) weave a historic tale, as well. And the ancient Brewhouse has another local history exhibit and a delicious restaurant to boot.

Taucha’s crowning glory is the Parish Church Moritz with spectacular mountain backdrop. If you want to get even more in touch with nature, there’s a fantastic Botanical Garden nearby.

You’ll also find plenty of festivals in the region, like the annual film festival known as Dokfestival or the annual Book Fair.

Venture over to Leipzig which hosts the annual Wave Gotik Treffen, or Dark Culture Festival. It’s one huge “Goth” Fest, a far cry from the days of Bach, but fun nonetheless.

Zehdenick dates back to the early part of the 13th century.

There are quite a few medieval buildings (yes, churches and castles!) to see but, it is a modern town with hourly train service to and from Berlin.

It also lies on the famous Berlin Copenhagen Cycle Track Route that stretches along for almost 900 km through Germany and Denmark, which is great if you’re looking to commune with nature!

Some of Zehdenick’s local neighborhoods are quite small but that doesn’t mean you won’t find something interesting hidden within. The best and first place to start out here is at the Renaissance style Badinger Castle, now housing an exhibit of the town’s local history and one of the town’s local meeting centers.

In the little hamlet of the Bergsdorf district (only 509 residents) there’s a former castle which is now the perfect backdrop for many concerts, theater performances, and book readings. There’s also a little museum here that explains this 13th century castle’s history. Fabulous, culture and history all under one roof!

In the neighborhood of Burgwall the oldest building is now a restaurant with rooms for overnight accommodation. Here’s your chance for sleeping in an old inn just filled with historicity.

There are plenty more old buildings in Zehdenick that allow for some great souvenir photos to take back home with you, like the old Elizabeth Mill, a late 17th century village church in Krewelin, and the ruins of the nearby Cistercian Monastery.

Even though Zehdenick’s history is long, you’ll find remnants of a more modern time. This town, too, wasn’t immune to the effects of World War 2 and a memorial is dedicated to the town’s resistance fighters and those who lost their lives in the struggle against fascism.

There’s also a stone memorial dedicated to Marianne Grunthal, a teacher from Zehdenick who was killed by the SS — only an hour before the American Troops arrived in town on May 2, 1945.

If you’re close to Berlin, jump on the train and come see this intriguing modern town. With Zehdenick’s history and all around good fun, you’ll be glad you did.

Markgröningen is the quintessential medieval town in Baden-Württemberg, famous for its traditional Schäferlauf or Shepards Run held at the end of August.

Even though it’s a medieval town, people have lived here a lot longer as archeological digs have found Stone Age grave hills.

Gröningen (as it’s called by the locals) is located on the German Framework Route (Deutsche Fachwerkstraße) with many well preserved half-timbered buildings, giving this town an Old World feel.

The Shepards Run is a huge exciting festival that brings thousands out for the run that’s been held here since the 1500’s. The ultimate goal for the running shepards and single daughters of shepards is the coveted crown, for everyone else it’s the local food and shopping.

Markgröningen’s International Music Festival is always held the week before the run and seems to get everyone in a festive mood. The annual Craftsman Market is a huge deal, too, with plenty of local arts and crafts for sale like homemade bee wax candles, which make for outstanding souvenirs.

Once you get all your shopping out of the way, it’s time to see why they’d put Markgröningen on the German Framework Road. There are many well-preserved half-timbered buildings around the town square, including the town hall. There are also some beautiful churches to see, like the Frauenkirche built in the 13th century and was once a pilgrimage church before the days of the Reformation.

One of the most attractive churches in the area is the Bartholomäuskirche. This 13th century church has many priceless paintings and works of art and it would be a shame to miss it.

As a matter of fact, every time you turn around you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you’ll find, a 500 year old hospital, the old Wimpelinhaus fills in as a local history museum, and Markgröningen’s old Schloss is now a high school.

It is an understatement that the town’s countryside is stunning and you can see for yourself how idyllic it really is when you get out on any of the walking and cycling trails (which are usually open from May to October). So, do like the locals and run to and through Markgröningen.

Brühl (Baden), sitting within the Rhein-Neckar-Kreis metropolis, is nestled right next door to the larger cities of Mannheim and Heidelberg.

Since there’s not too much within this River Rhine old fishing village, that just celebrated its 850th anniversary, rest assured that there’s plenty to do within the neighboring countryside.

Before you go off into the big cities give Brühl a day (or more) of your time, just as the Roman Emperor Vespasian did. Yeah, it was the Romans who even built some of the original roads here, but they weren’t the first. People from the time of the Stone Age have lived here, and archaeologists have found graves dating back to the Bronze Age (2300-600 B.C.)!

A few thousand years later villagers built the Krieger Kapelle. This small serene chapel was only built in 1875, but the ground on which it was built has been considered holy for over a millenia.

Try to be here in Brühl during one of the town’s festivals. Since it was once a fishing village, there are two fishing festivals, which is just a seafood lover’s alley. You’re also convenient to the Mannheim Heidelberg annual Film Festival that attracts thousands of moviegoers from all over.

If you can’t make it here for the many festivals, there’s always something going on at the Mansion Meixner, an art nouveau style mansion that doubles as a comedy club, theater, and music hall.

If you’re looking to enjoy the outside, take the kids over to the local Animal Park where you can see all kinds of local and unique animals, including American Bison.

The Steffi Graf Park (yes, the tennis player — this is her hometown!) is also great for enjoying the fresh countryside air.

You could also choose to dive right in to Brühl’s indoor or outdoor swimming pool that’s very popular with all the locals.

From fantastic festivals, to animal parks, and castle ruins you’re sure to find some great reasons to come to Brühl in Baden. Maybe you’ll just want to stay a little longer than Vespasian. ;-)

60 km or 37 miles northwest of Frankfurt has to be one of the most magnificent places in all of Germany, the Hessian town of Bad Camberg, the oldest Kneipp health resort in all of Hesse.

With the beautiful scenic Taunus Mountains overlooking in the distance it will take only one glimpse of this fantastic town to know why people have been living here since the days of the Stone Age.

Bad Camberg became quite popular and thrived economically because of its location within an old trade route between Frankfurt and Cologne. The Autobahn A3, built on this old route, makes for much faster travel to get here, though (also by high-speed train!). It was this trade route, as well, that led to the building of many timber framed buildings around the market square from the 15th through 18th centuries.

The restored Amthof is one such row of half timbered beauties that was once the center of the town’s administrative seat. These wonderfully restored sites are the reason that Bad Camberg now lies on the romantic German Framework Road (Deutsche Fachwerkstraße) — pay extra attention to the intricate artwork found along these lovely old buildings!

No matter how far back in Bad Camberg’s history you go, the town really does maintain a medieval feel. This feeling is more than evident when standing by the town’s two remaining watchtowers, the Obertorturm and the Untertorturm built around 1380. But, sadly little remains of the original Stadtmauer (fortification wall).

It is the Obertorturm and Hohenfeldkapelle that double as Bad Camberg’s Town and Tower Museum. All the better to explain this remarkable town’s long history.

Follow that up with a visit to a magnificent 12th century Catholic Church, Saints Peter & Paul, with all its grand medieval artwork. The town’s landmark, though, is the dazzling Kreuzkapelle, or Cross Chapel, built high atop the mountainside for all to see.

Being a “bath” town since as far back as the 18th century (around the same time the area was occupied by the French), Bad Camberg has had time to perfect itself. There’s a fabulous Kurpark right near the Obertorturm with a Kneipp wading pool, tennis courts, and even miniature golf. So, grab yourself one of Bad Camberg’s locally bottled mineral waters, and ENJOY! :-)