Wendlingen am Neckar is a perfect suburban stay away from the big city stuff, yet close enough to see all the great sites in the Neckar area.

Technically Wendlingen has been around since only 1132, but excavations have found one of the largest Roman Baths in all of Baden-Württemberg, so the area seems to have been inhabited for much longer than that. In neighboring Köngen, there’s a large Roman Museum with a Roman Park.

Wendlingen is also on the Way Of St. James (Jacobsweg) that traced the route of one of Jesus’ apostles from Istanbul to Spain (Santiago de Compostella). So the churches found here in the area are definite places worth a visit, as well as places of worship.

Speaking of which… The Unserer lieben Frau im Hürnholz Chapel and Gothic Cemetery was built in 1275 and the church bell is over 350 years old. Not as old is the Eusebiuskirche from the 15th century with a huge Gothic tomb. Then the Parish Church Kolumban was built in 1490 and now houses Wendlingen’s City Museum.

Don’t worry, it’s not all churches and Roman ruins over here in Wendlingen. There’s stuff to do in the great outdoors here as well! Head over to Schäferhauser See, for instance, as there’s plenty of jogging, hiking, and biking trails for all fitness levels.

When not hiking or shopping, relax over at the outdoor swimming pool or on the miniature golf course.

Once you’re done with all the sports stuff, you’re longing for some seriously good eats, right? Then check out one of the local baking houses. Better yet, have one of the region’s specially made brews!

And to round it up, the town’s market operates twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It also has a super sized town flea market eight times a year.

With all the great history and activities found here in Wendlingen am Neckar, who needs to head over to Stuttgart, or anywhere else for that matter? :-)

On the border of France and not too far from Luxembourg is where you’ll stumble upon the town of Rehlingen-Siersburg.

This medieval town is great for wandering around the countryside and filled with old castles, locks, churches, and farms. If you’re looking for a historic haunt, you’re most definitely going to find it here.

A must see here in Rehlingen-Siersburg are the many Lorraine style farmhouses (or, Lotharingian type houses). They were quite popular when the area was under French control of the Lorraine Valley a few centuries back.

There are a whole bunch of castles to see here, too. For example, Schloss von Hausen, a 16th century castle, now houses the Local History Museum and holds many of the town’s cultural meetings. Then the Schloss Itzbach, Schloss Fremersdorf, and Großhemmerdorf are also worth to visit. The Schloss Hemmersdorf lies in ruins and was sold off in pieces in the early 1800’s.

The grandest castle is the 12th century Burganlage Siersburg overlooking the valley. Though it lies in ruins, it somehow only adds to its beauty. It’s also the place for the town’s annual medieval market and festival.

Since Rehlingen-Siersburg has ten local neighborhoods, there are also quite a few old churches to visit here, which means some really great old artwork. Make sure to enter St. Martin (built 1758) and St. Rufus (built 1890). The oldest churches are St. Nikolaus which was built in 1480 and the Parish Church Willibordus Chapel and Herb Garden which was built in 1523.

Rehlingen-Siersburg is another one of those German towns that’s also inviting to experience outdoors. Besides all the exploring of the towns castles and churches, there are many Nordic Walking, hiking, and biking trails around here.

Still outside but a bit more below street level is the Niedaltdorfer Tropfsteinhöhle (with stalactites). It’s a cave that’s about 10,000 years old and it wasn’t discovered until the 1880’s — now it’s a popular tourist attraction.

It’s sometimes thought that the “whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Well, they obviously have never been to Beckingen in Saarland, where its parts (or, in this case the neighborhoods) are truly worth so much more.

Each of the neighborhoods that make up Beckingen have seen more than a thousand years of history, and they were once part of a bustling Roman Road.

It’s a place of green meadows & pastures and dense forests all painted with a mountain backdrop that was once part of France. In fact, the castle that once stood here is now in ruins thanks to the French Revolution.

Beckingen Proper was once on the old Roman Road and is the place to go for a serious game of tennis or to sit by the local swimming pool. It also hosts the immensely popular Beckinger Schmaus festival.

Its Hargarten district likes to party too, hosting the Children’s, Halloween, and Farmer’s Market Festivals. It’s also one of the youngest of Beckingen’s neighborhoods, having been around since only 1179.

For a great view of Beckingen and surrounding Saarland go atop the Litermont in Düppenweiler.

Honzrath is another party district with lots of festivities around the “rock cellar” or rock formation caves.

Reimsbach, the oldest of Beckingen’s neighborhoods, sits on what was once an intersection of two ancient Roman Roads. If trees could talk, imagine the stories that the town’s 1000 year old Elm could tell.

And finally, Saarfels is the gateway to the Wolfskopf, a nature preserve filled with rare plants and animals.

For those of you with a green thumb, check out the Wolferskopf Nature Park with over 450 varieties of plants, 30 of them orchids (those buggers are so hard to grow!). In fact, Beckingen is probably best enjoyed outside. The other park, the Saargarten, illustrates this elegantly. Filled with bicycle trails, flowersbeds, and stone artwork you’ll understand why people have lived here since the Bronze Age.

You have to love a place that literally translates to Joke-Live, thinking maybe it won’t take things so seriously and you’re bound to have a grand time!

This university city in Hesse was once in the viticulture (that’s the wine business) back when the city was founded in 1225. Witzenhausen is now known for the cultivation of the cherry (instead of the grape) and the yearly cherry festival in July even crowns a Cherry Queen.

There are hiking and biking paths along the “Cherry Route” for those looking to enjoy the countryside. And, a variety of other festivals to celebrate like the Harvest Festival held on the 4th weekend in August.

While there’s no cherry museum, there are a few others in town worth the trip. The Tropical Plant Greenhouse goes back to the day when the University of Kassel (which is only about 20 km or 12 mi away) opened a school here in 1898. Its hope was to teach agriculture of tropical plants to those who would go on to farm in the German colonies.

There’s also the Local Folk Museum, the tobacco factory and museum (ironically, it’s a nonsmoking facility), and the Automuseum in the Ziegenhagen District.

Since Witzenhausen dates back a few centuries, it has its fair share of half timbered buildings, many of which are in the historical town center. There’s also the Liebfrauenkirche, the Thief & Owl Towers along with the remaining Stadtmauer (fortification wall) from when Witzenhausen did have to take things a bit more seriously.

Somehow it wouldn’t seem fitting if Witzenhausen DIDN’T have its very own castle. Thankfully it does, and Burg Ludwigstein, once a formidable castle, was built in 1415 close to the intersection to the borders (how convenient) of Hesse, Thuringia, and Lower Saxony.

Besides its late medieval history, Castle Ludwigstein was once the training facility for the German Youth Movement in 1933 (that’s the Hitler Youth) and houses the German Youth Movement’s archives. It’s now a youth hostel that offers period garb reenactments, folklore, and dancing, especially during family week (the week before Easter).

A jewel on the Lower Rhine is the town of Grefrath. Not only famous for what it has to offer in the warmer months, but in the colder ones as well.

Having been around since the 12th century, Grefrath has had plenty of time to get things right for all its residents and visitors.

A stop over at the local history museum, housed in the cellar of the Oedt District’s town hall, explains a lot about the region of Grefrath, located only a stone’s throw from Venlo, Netherlands.

After strolling through the local history museum, go explore the Lower Rhine Open Air Museum (called Niederrheinisches Freilichtmuseum). It’s filled with local crafts, houses the toy museum, and the Dorenburg. The Dorenburg is a 14th century manor house, that was once an old water castle. The Dorenburg is also near Farm Speneshuf, a museum filled with historical old pottery and stoneware.

Another site to visit are the ruins of the 14th century Castle Uda. It stood until the French somehow blew it up in the year 1757.

For some other historical buildings to visit, try the Parish Church Laurentis (with its Roman Tower) and the two local monasteries (Mariendonk & Liebe Frau).

What’s great about Grefrath, in addition to all its history, is all the many outstanding outdoor activities going on. There are the town’s weekly markets — Grefrath holds theirs on Thursdays and Oedt his on Tuesdays and Fridays. Then there is the town’s Culture Monday program such as concerts, readings, jazz music, and more.

As far as sport is concerned, many go canoeing on the lake and explore plenty of biking and hiking trails around town or within the Maas-Schwalm-Nette nature park. Plus there are opportunities for swimming, tennis, and horseback riding, to only mention a few of some other sports in the area.

The main attraction, though, is the outdoor ice skating rink. Built in 1970, it’s been the main focus for enjoying the outdoors, the “Holiday On Ice” program, and even concerts.

Life here in Erwitte, simply put, is good.

Erwitte, just 9 km south of Lippstadt, is one of the best little finds that once was an integral part of the salt trade route of the Middle Ages (and site of one of the many witch hunts of that time).

There’s an abundance of sports to keep you active, as well as historical, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. And the best way to explore that is by foot or bicycle on the little narrow lanes that give the town its character.

The town’s castle wasn’t built until around 1600. It was once used as a military hospital and the Nazis used the castle as some sort of training facility — now it’s a popular hotel and restaurant in town.

The 19th century Schmerlecker Windmill is also a nice restaurant and cafe.

The half timbered King’s Yard (or Königshof) is a large farm dating back quite a few hundred years with a most magnificent fireplace. The Homeland Yard with its agricultural museum shows 300 years of farming life here in Erwitte.

As much as farming was important to the history of this town, so was religion. The Parish Church Laurentis has a Roman Tower that’s 800 years old. The church is home to many beautiful pieces of art, including the “Grace Cross” from around the year 1200.

The Parish Church Cyriakus may have a Baroque Steeple from 1750, but the Tower dates to when the church was built in 1125. Many of the villagers sought refuge here during war times and it was a “depository” for collected “taxes.”

Another place that shouldn’t be missed is the Town Hall, designed by the famous Baroque architect, Michael Spanner.

After all that sightseeing and history stuff, you’ve certainly earned a stop over at the Bad Westernkotten district. Its hot springs and pool will have you feel most relaxed with the spa’s holistic approach to better well-being. There’s also tennis, horseback riding, miniature golf, and an 18 hole course.

Now that no one has to worry about witch hunts or hiding in the church tower, instead visiting some great historic sites and soaking in the hot springs, life here in Erwitte is good! And I’m sure you’re gonna love it! :-)

The area of Preetz, near the Baltic Sea, dates back to Prehistoric times and has a few grave hills from around the time of the Bronze Age.

While Preetz in Schleswig-Holstein may be a small town, it’s not small on great things to do here.

The Local History Museum is great at explaining the area since it’s divided into urban history, local handicrafts, and regional archeology.

Preetz’s Monastery dates back to the 13th century when it was built to house young ladies of the nobility back in the 13th century. Originally it housed some 70 nuns. Many of the original buildings were replaced through the years due to quite a number of fires (the last was arson in 1959). Legend tells that one of the large Oaks on the compound comes from the time that the monastery was established, making it almost 700 years old!

The Town Church is about the same age, having been built in 1210, but has many additions and decorations from the following centuries.

Another way to see Preetz is the Shoemaker Eight a.k.a. Schusteracht. It’s a cycling and walking track configured like the figure 8 intersecting right through the middle of town. One track runs approximately 30 km to the northwest and the other running in the opposite direction of southeast for approximately 33 km.

Enjoy time over at Natatorium, with the indoor pool and sauna. There’s a whole aquafitness program including aquajogging and water gymnastics.

Just about everyone loves circuses and Preetz is home to the first Circus Museum in all of Germany. There are plenty of costumes, pictures, and models to make us feel like kids all over again.

What those circus acrobats also use are shoes, and this town has another museum dedicated to these utensils — the Wooden Shoe Museum, housed in an old shoemaker’s workshop. Stop over to see, Mr. Lorenz Hamman, a 5th generation shoemaker.

There are also plenty of local crafts to be found at the annual Craftsman Market (called Kunsthandwerkermarkt), held on the third Sunday in August on the marketplace.

This small town is big on history, sports, and culture (the art museum is filled with works by local artists), and Preetz, also known as the Shoemaker’s Town, is so much more than that!

Hövelhof is a hip modern family friendly town that’s been around for a good thousand years.

Your first stop to see once you arrive here in Hövelhof should be the Ramselhof — a 12th century farm and the oldest within town — for a chance to see what life was like hundreds of years ago. The connected farmhouse with courtyard isn’t quite as old, it only dates back to the 18th century. The house is private property but the owner allows for marriages to be held here once a month.

Another building that’s a few centuries old is the Hunting Seat or Jagdschloss, a mansion built by the Prince Bishop of Paderborn in 1661, makes for a great photo op!

The Homeland Center is also a great stop for some local crafts. You’ll be tempted by the smell of the fresh baked bread coming from the bakery. Yummy! :-)

The kids are surely not going to want to spend any time in a classroom while on vacation, but Hövelhof has the Village School Museum housed in a 200 year old building with a collection of some 1200 school books. So here they’ve got a strong wish to go back to school.

For some local scenery and a chance to enjoy the fresh countryside air, moorlands, and meadows, get over to the Senne Nature Reserve. There are also many bicycle routes within town, each well numbered for the Heath, the Mill, or even Team Hövelhof’s circuit. If you don’t want to rent a bicycle to enjoy the great outdoors, the town has great Nordic (and jogging) paths within the forest.

It’s not all exercise and museums here in Hövelhof, though, there are some exiting festivals here too! On the first weekend in October, everyone gets out to enjoy the annual Folk Festival. Then there’s the Spring Celebration on Hövelmarkt (the marketplace) on April 30 and May 1st. And finally, September is the month for the town’s Harvest Celebration.

Sounds like a nice town for many people? :-)

Königstein im Taunus is a spa town in the Taunus Mountains that dates back almost 800 years. Once a summer retreat for Germany’s rich and famous, it’s conveniently located near the city of Frankfurt as well as another spa town, Bad Soden.

Now just about everyone can enjoy the curative properties found in this spa town; and while most of what can be found here in Königstein is spa related, there are still some great sites to explore.

The City Museum in the Old Town (Altstadt) is a perfect place to start your trip. There’s a special exhibition at the museum explaining Königstein’s history through the last 150 years.

Then continue on your tour to the castle ruins of Schloss Falkenstein (from the 13th century). And Schloss Luxemburg, not technically a castle, is a gorgeous 19th century mansion and now a courthouse. The famous von Rothschilds were frequent visitors here and build the Mansion Rothschild. Wilhelm Carl von Rothschild probably never thought his 19th century summer manor house would someday be a hotel for everyone to live like the “rich and famous.”

The city holds many exciting events throughout the year, including the annual folk festival called Burgfest. There’s also the popular Theater auf der Burg, holding opera and film events outside at the castle ruins.

Since Königstein im Taunus is a “bath” resort there are plenty of nice Bed & Breakfasts and gorgeous hotels for everyone’s pocketbook, and a variety of restaurants throughout town to excite everyone’s palates, too.

But, what really draws people to Königstein are the extensive spa and wellness centers. There are smoking cessation programs, whirlpools, and swimming pools that overlook the countryside all designed to promote a healthy well being for body and soul.

Königstein even has an abundance of nature trails — for everyone from beginners to the more advanced aficionados.

Bad Neustadt an der Saale in rustic Lower Franconia has been around since the Dark Ages (741 A.D.).

Not much remains of that time, though. Most of what stands today comes from the 13th thru 16th centuries. And today? It’s a modern city that befits its name of “New City.”

The 700 year old Salzburg Castle is one of those buildings that still remain and is a definite must-see. The Church Maria Ascension has stood here overseeing her town since the year 1050, and it was updated to the popular Gothic style in 1352.

The High Gate, with its tower that stands 34 meters (approx 100 feet) high has also kept watch over Bad Neustadt since 1578. The Brendlorenzen Parish Church of Johannes der Täufer (John the Baptist) is one of the oldest churches in the region. For sure don’t miss the Karmelitenkirche, this Baroque church is filled with artwork from the Late Middle Ages.

There are a few museums that explain in-depth the history and culture of this region of Bavaria. The Rhön Museum is completely dedicated to the culture around the Rhön, with many exhibits on local historical finds. Another great museum is the Archeological Museum (located in Bad Königshofen) with exhibits on the rich cultural history of Franconia.

Another way of experiencing Bad Neustadt’s culture is their Market Place Summer, a concert series on Saturday nights featuring everything from Oldies, to Jazz, Rock, and Latin music on the Market Square. There are also a few beer gardens around town to sit back and enjoy one of the local brews.

No “bath city” is complete without the resident bath, and Triamare is THE place to relax! The Triamare Complex is completely designed to enhance the senses and the ultimate in relaxation and fun. Rest your tired feet in the bubbling foot basins, or sit back and enjoy the candlelight sauna and water couches. For something more active, Triamare has waterslides for both the indoor and outdoor pools.

Don’t worry, the kids won’t feel left out Triamare has activities for them, too. ;-)