In northern Baden-Württemberg you’ll find an old city known as Eberbach that was once on an old trade route from historical Mannheim, Germany to the magical city of Prague, Czech Replublic. To think all Eberbach has to offer is selling this quaint town (and yourself) short, its long history only makes this place all the more interesting.

Castle Eberbach is a great place to start your journey, since it has stood here from the town’s beginnings. It has been abandoned since the 1400’s and the small arched doorways and six foot thick castle walls now blended in beautifully with the natural landscape, as trees and ivy have now grown through them. You’ll find that the castle has the most prime view of the city, as it sits high in the Odenwald.

In addition to Eberbach’s castle ruins, it’s proud of its many half timbered buildings (some from as far back as the 16th century), including the grand Bettendorf House. The Michaelskirche (with the Marien Chapel) dates a bit further back to the 15th century, and it’s most definitely also worth a look.

Eberbach’s Old Town is now a fantastic pedestrian district great for seeing all the standing medieval towers and shopping around the Old City. Much of the older neighborhood was destroyed by Allied bombing towards the end of WW II, but a number of historical buildings remain. The Pulverturm (Powder Tower), from the 15th century, is still part of the attachment on the original Stadtmauer (Fortification Wall).

One of the other remaining watchtowers is cutely named the “Blue Hat” and can be found at the southwestern end of what was once the old part of town. It’s older sister, the Rose Tower, has stood guard since the 1200’s. Oh… if walls could talk. What makes the Rose Tower more impressive and stunning is how its six foot thick walls are gracefully lined with ivy and make for a wonderful snapshot to take home.

Hopefully, you’ll be lucky enough to visit Eberbach during any of the festivals that the town hosts throughout the year. The Apfelfest, or Apple Day, is celebrated every October (a perfect autumn treat) and the Spring Festival is held every May. But, the best is the Kuckucksmarkt, the town’s folk festival on the last weekend in August, bringing partiers from all over the region.

No worries, if you come to Eberbach any other time of the year, you’ll surely still have a dandy good time. :-)

You’ll know why Bavaria is the most visited region in all of Germany once you get a glimpse of a place like Altdorf bei Nürnberg. It’s a town with an amazing mountain landscape, yet filled with history. Quite fitting for a place that’s only about 25 km or 15 miles from the city center of Nuremberg.

So entwined are these two Middle Franconian towns that a local train runs between them every half hour. When venturing out that way, make sure to see Nuremberg’s landmark, Nuremberg Castle. It was just about totally destroyed from bombings in 1944 and 1945, but now completely restored and absolutely gorgeous!

Altdorf has a long history since it’s been around for more than 1100 years. It’s a dream spot for those who love medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

The Parish Church Laurentis, built in 1407, is on a definite “must-see” list and Altdorf’s City Hall (built sometime during the 1500’s) is located right next door (another must-see).

You’ll also going to find three remaining towers on part of the original Stadtmauer with two city gates at each end of the marketplace, all which have stood here for centuries.

To see some wonderful 13th century artwork, then Schloss Gruensberg is the place with its superb stucco ceilings. Too bad it’s only open for visitors on the first Sunday of the month because you could spend a month of Sundays wandering around this gem.

There was another castle in town and you’ll find it by looking for the local police department since they’re the new occupants. At least you’ll have it much better now than the original 13th century dungeon. ;-)

Eismannsberg is one of the 25 small neighborhoods of Altdorf and its Parish Church Andreas and Bartholomaeus, built on Roman ruins, are worth a look.

Check out Prachenfels, too. While it only has a hundred residents, it does have its own hotel if you want to stay in this charming village. There was once a castle here, but sadly, its long gone and covered over with time.

What else you’ll find are plenty of local artists (there’s a fabulous Art District) and you’re sure to find some great crafts to take back home. What better way to forever remember your time here in Altdorf?

Pope Pius X was a firm believer in the curative properties of the water and hotsprings found in Bad Lippspringe, a small spa town in the Teutoburg Forest only ten kilometers north-east of Paderborn.

Everything here is designed to relax your mind, body, and soul, as it has been for the last 175 years. Not to say that it doesn’t have its fair share of historical sights to visit, since Bad Lippspringe’s been around for more than 1200 years!

Make all the historical sites the first part of your visit then spend the rest of your time enjoying the spa life. Your first historical sight should be the ruins of the Lippspringe Castle, which has been uninhabited since 1785 leaving behind just a stone shell.

The local history museum at the Haus Hartmann explains more of the castle’s history and town’s cultural life with an exhibit dedicated to the Red Cross in Germany.

There are some great old churches in town, too. The Lindenkapelle’s simplicity is what makes it truly beautiful. The 19th century St. Martin Church is stunning with all its stained glass.

The Peace Chapel is just striking and reserved for quiet meditation in the forest. Look for a beautiful religious column called a block with a pieta (an artistic rendition of Jesus being removed from the cross) that villagers built in town in 1696. There’s also a dazzling 19th century pastel colored Prince’s Palace that just can’t be missed.

One unique place to visit and unwind is the Salzgrotte, a salt grotto designed to help with allergies, asthma, and arthritis. Bad Lippspringe even has an “allergy training garden,” ironically filled with most plants and flowers that can actually cause allergies, designed to desensitize allergic reactions.

And again, you’ll also have a choice of spas to visit here and one thing’s for sure, Bad Lippspringe takes its spas seriously. The Westphalia Hot Springs is exceptionally popular with some 1,500 guests DAILY. The spa boasts a pool with a waterslide, four whirlpools, a sauna, and fitness center.

If you have some extra time and can pull yourself away from the hot springs travel over to Wewelsburg. In Wewelsburg you’ll find an extraordinary 17th century castle built in a unique and striking triangle design. The original castle was built in the early 12th century but was completely destroyed by the villagers revolting against a Count a few centuries ago.

It wouldn’t be the only time the castle would be laid to waste. In the 1930’s and 1940’s the infamous Heinrich Himmler used the castle as a meeting place and training facility for Nazi officers. Nazi officials decided to blow the castle up in 1945 completely destroying this glorious building.

Considering what you will find here in Bad Lippspringe, from hot springs to history, you’ll not only refresh your body and soul, but expand your mind as well.

In the Teutoburg Forest is the relatively young town of Spenge, or so you would think.

Even though the current municipalities of Spenge weren’t formed until 1969, the little villages that are now Spenge have been inhabited since as far back as the Stone Age. Spenge has had archeological finds, including grave hills, from the Bronze Age.

While Spenge’s history dates back quite a few thousand years, most of what’s to see here dates from the days of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The Parish Church Martin was built in 1470 on foundations from the original 9th century church. The Marienkirche, built in 1096, has a beautiful organ from 1650. Neither of which should be missed!

Schloss Mühlenburg is a majestic old castle (with a romantic pond in the backyard) that was built in 1468 around the same time as the Renaissance style Schloss Werburg. This very castle, having survived countless wars (especially the Thirty Years’ War), has a well maintained gate house, two farms, and a children’s museum, so it’s be prepared to spend a few hours here.

There’s also a great windmill from the 1830’s and lots of half timbered houses. There’s even a memorial stone standing in town for one of Spenge’s residents, a Ms. Franziska Spiegel, who was kidnapped and killed by the SS in November 1944.

Don’t think that all there is to do in this town is some old historical stuff! This town loves to celebrate, especially in the great outdoors. Join in on the Spenger Film Forum, held on the first Wednesday of the month. And, the Spenger City Fest, held on the second weekend in September and the annual RockFest, is incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike.

Also, Spenge has a fantastic pedestrian district for some great shopping and eating, and the town’s City Hall has many art exhibits of local artists.

If that’s not enough for you, then head out of town to explore its jogging, hiking, and walking trails within the Werburger Forest. The forest setting is a great background for Spenge’s two outdoor pools.

As you can see, Spenge looks great at forty and it’s only going to get better.

The once booming medieval mining town of Hettstedt sits between the southern edges of the pretty Harz Mountains and the Wipper Valley. It was this mining fueled economy that allowed for the building of a few exquisite churches and the protection giving Stadtmauer (fortification wall) and defense towers.

Legend tells that the Sankt Gangolf Chuch was built on the site of where two brothers first found copper. In reality the church was built in the 1200’s and is one of the oldest churches in the region.

Everyone can find out more of Hettstedt’s mining history and legends at Hettstedt’s Mining Museum. At least the kiddies will certainly get a real kick on riding the museum’s railway cars!

If you come to Hettstedt’s Old Town from the north on your way to the Market, you’ll pass right through the Saigertor, the former northern gateway into the city that was built in 1535.

The Zuckerhutturm (Sugar Loaf Tower), built in 1434, is another defense tower and originally attached to the Stadtmauer, as was the Hexenturm, or Witches’ Tower. You’re also quite close to the Sankt Jacobi Church, which stands here for more than 700 years.

During a more recent century, Hettstedt was an industrial town, helping the German war effort in the 20th century. Although, the war didn’t hit so close to home until April 1945 when the town was hit hard by Allied bombing. Over fifty people here lost their lives and over 100 buildings were destroyed but many pre-war homes were spared in the residential Molmeck District.

After the war, Hettstedt dedicated memorials to the “victims of fascism,” Polish workers who had been kidnapped and killed in the labor camp, and the New Village Cemetery has one dedicated to many other prisoners of war.

Hettstedt also has some great festivals, like the Steam Engine Festival held on the last weekend in August at the mining museum. There’s also an excellent Christmas Market held in December.

One of the most fun is the Bulb Market, held in mid October and where they crown the town’s Bulb Queen. If that’s not reason enough to come visit Hettstedt! ;-)

Markranstädt is a small suburban town of 17 little villages that’s located only about 10 kilometers west of the big city chick, Leipzig.

The town has managed to survive not only countless wars, but the dreaded plague and numerous fires that reduced its population to less than 150 residents in the 17th century. Markranstädt is now a thriving community of more than 15 thousand residents that embraces its past, yet is completely modernized.

Because of its close proximity to Leipzig, it’s easily reached by plane (via the Leipzig/Halle Airport), train, and automobile. You won’t find many large hotel chains here in Markranstädt, just a few small friendly guesthouses and that’s the way it should be.

Napoleon knew that Markranstädt was special and stayed here in town at the guesthouse Zum Rosenkranz in 1807. It was the “Battle of the Nations” that took place here in 1813 that led to Napoleon’s downfall and ultimately his exile in Elba. A monument, the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, stands in Leipzig marking the end of Napoleon’s reign in Europe.

Napoleon wasn’t the only famous person to live and work here. Johann Sebastian Bach was a cantor at the nearby St. Thomas Church. The Parish Church Laurentius, built in 1518, hosts many music concerts through the summer.

And, no German town is complete without its own castle. The Altranstädter Schloss, once a 12th century monastery, now has spectacular art gallery exhibitions. It also makes a romantic background for many wedding ceremonies that are held here every year. The Botanical Gardens and the old windmill in Lindennaundorf are also romantic (and sweet smelling) places to visit.

There are many wonderful celebrations held throughout the year, so anytime is a great time to visit. The district of Großlehna hosts a music celebration, a potato celebration, a fire brigade fest, and a kinder (that would be kid’s) festival held in June. There’s also an Easter celebration in the Göhrenz District that’s fun for everyone.

It doesn’t matter that Markranstädt sits within the shadow of Leipzig, you’re walking in the footsteps of Napoleon and Johann Sebastian Bach. And, they knew a good thing when they saw it! ;-)

Niederkrüchten in the Lower Rhine region is just perfect if you love small forestal towns.

Besides the obligatory castle ruins and churches from the days of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it’s really the outdoor activities like horseback riding and camping that you’ll find here along the River Schwalm, that really makes it worth a trip.

Most of the town’s churches are worth a peek, even if only for a few minutes, including the Parish Church Bartholomäus and the 16th century Parish Church Martin. Make sure to go see the 13th century Parish Church Laurentius and the 15th century manor house in the neighborhood of Elmpt — on the border between Germany and the Netherlands.

The Elmpter Chapel Maria an der Heiden, built in 1703, looks simply stunning within the forest landscape (its alter dates back even further to the year 1530).

The forest observation tower gives a smashing view of the moorlands and you’ll find a bunch of regional restaurants in town for some local goodies when you’ve worked up a hearty appetite gallavanting all over town. And in the neighborhood of Brempt, there’s the Chapel of St. George and ruins of Brempt Castle and the watermill.

Afterwards, try your hand at fishing, ’cause it seems to be a very popular fishing hole. The Venekotensee is another lake popular with fisherman and the birds love it here, too.

If fishing isn’t your thing, relax… there’s plenty of walking paths and even a tennis court near the lake. Another great lake popular with the local residents for boating, paddleboats, and swimming is the Hariksee. And if you get hungry, there’s plenty of barbecue pits to enjoy a picnic by the lake.

One of the more popular sports here is Nordic Walking, with trails for all fitness levels so no one’s left out. What’s also great are all the camping sites along Niederkrüchten’s rivers and lakes that really make for good times in the great outdoors.

When you come to Niederkrüchten come for the wilderness and the unspoiled beauty, and be pleasantly surprised by what you’re going to find here. In as much that it’ll be hard to say what you liked the most.

Bürstadt in Hesse, named for an old Frankish Prince, technically dates back to the 8th century when the area belonged to the Monastery Lorsch and is only about eight kilometers from the city of Worms. It’s much older really, since there are old grave hills from as far back as the Stone Age.

The Romans made the region of Bürstadt home and their old settlements sit on the outskirts of the Bürstadt forest. There’s an Archaeological Museum in nearby Worms that really gives an informative (and fun) history lesson of Roman life here in Germany.

Other than that, there aren’t too many historical old buildings or many museums here in Bürstadt (but don’t let that deter you). We could blame this on the Thirty Years’ War (1618 – 1638) when the entire town was destroyed and remained a ghost town for some ten years before anyone decided to come back.

OK… there is one museum — the town’s Local History Museum which houses in a building from 1734. It’s filled with old tractors, musical instruments, and crafts from the last few centuries. And, one old Baroque church St. Michael’s which was built in 1732.

The best thing about Bürstadt is its countryside. There are many curving tree line roads, making it popular with the motorcycle types. And, over 10km of hiking and jogging trails for those who prefer to use their legs.

Don’t worry cyclists, there’s plenty of biking trails too, so you won’t feel left out! ;-)

Tennis is big here with an indoor court, but get outside and enjoy the comfortable summer air at the outdoor courts. The outdoor pool is solar heated and has a great panorama of the surrounding forest.

Some just might prefer one of the Biergärten (beer gardens) like the Ratskeller. Shaded by trees, the garden is not touristy or overpriced, just rustic and genuine (and a bit romantic at night with candlelight on the tables) serving delectable local cuisine in a converted 18th century farm.

After everything there’s to see and do here in Bürstadt, a beer garden is a great place to end the day, isn’t it?

Zerbst (Anhalt) is one of those little hamlets that has an extraordinary history, even though it may seem a bit bittersweet.

Zerbst’s history dates back more than a thousand years, but the town didn’t grow into its own until sometime in the early 1200’s when Albrecht der Baer built a new castle on top of an even older one.

Zerbst had suffered severely by Allied bombing at the end of the Second World War. 80 percent of the town had been destroyed after burning for four days in April 1945.

A lot of what stood here was rebuilt in the decades that followed but some remain in ruins to this day. Lost forever was the 15th century Town Hall, many half timbered houses, and the Flower Mill.

Zerbst’s 17th century castle once housed the town’s archives, but has laid in ruins since the 1940’s when it, too, was destroyed by the bombings.

A wonderful way of learning more of what is (or, once was) here in Zerbst is at the town’s local history museum. It’ll only help you fully appreciate all of what you can find here.

There are a few buildings here in Zerbst that weren’t destroyed (or rebuilt), such as a few of the town’s 13th century churches, like St. Nikolai, the Marienkirche, and the Bartholomaeus Church (all dating from the early to mid 1200’s). The Stadtmauer (or, what remains of it) dates to around 1250.

And many enjoy the ruins of the Orangerie, which is the perfect backdrop setting for many summer concerts.

Check out the Francisceum (high school illustre), the oldest high school in all of Saxony-Anhalt, as well as the Schlossfreiheit — a 18th century yellow Baroque palace with the most heavenly of gardens.

The Trinitatiskirche is another Baroque beauty that’s a must-see. The Roland Statue made from sandstone has been symbol of the city since the 15th century, it was severely damaged from the bombing in 1945 and lovingly restored in the 1980’s.

But, Zerbst isn’t all history, it’s a town that likes to get outdoors. There’s a big autumn festival where the town gets to crown its yearly “Bulb Queen.” And the Asparagus Celebration is held every year in May, where you’ll find some great local grub made with all things asparagus!

Even if you don’t like your vegetables, you’ll still like here.

It’s hard to find a town in Germany that wasn’t touched by the ugliness of the Second World War and Blankenburg in the Harz Mountains wasn’t immune.

It was here in 1933 that the ill-famed SS-Obergruppenführer Friedrich Jeckeln tortured and killed 140 opponents of the National Socialists, and the Gestapo opened a hard labor camp here sometime in the 1930’s.

Blankenburg also once had a thriving Jewish community (as far back as the 12th century), including a synagogue, but by 1938 the Jewish community was all but gone.

As dark as those days were, this town shouldn’t be forever shadowed by the atrocity of the war.

What should be remembered are the romantic medieval castles, like the 12th century Schloss Blankenburg with it’s Baroque garden, tea house, and city museum. Schloss Regenstein (12th century) may be in ruins but is still beautiful after more than 800 years. There must be a reason that Blankenburg is on the Romanesque Route…

There’s beautiful medieval artwork to be found in the Parish Church Bartholomaeus which was built in 1200. Not as old, but still beautiful, is Blankenburg’s Town Hall built during the days of the Renaissance.

For a aerial view of the town and its surrounding mountains head over to the Ruins of Luisenburg, a lookout point for the Duchess Christine Luise von Braunschweig in the 18th century. You can also see for miles up on Oak Mountain at the Wilhelm-Raabe-Warte, a watchtower built in 1896.

Ziegenkopf is totally awesome — an observation tower that stands 30 meters high with its wooden top disguising the stonework bottom and right next door to a mountain retreat hotel. Don’t miss the Devil Wall, a unique natural sandstone formation, which is closeby.

What else should be remembered are the the monks who loved it here and built the Monastery Michaelstein in the 10th century. In addition to the monk’s herb garden and musical instrument museum, there’s also a summer monastery celebration and many concerts.

Of course, there are plenty of other festivals around town. The Wikingerfest (held around Easter), the Knights Tournament in July, and plenty of Historical Weekends. And, again, not to forget its history since Blankenburg is just shy of its 900th birthday.

And, this is exactly how this town wants to be remembered, it seems.