Bruckmühl (with around 20 local neighborhoods) is quite conveniently located approximately 44 km or 27 miles south-east of Munich — in the shadow of the German Alps.

The dramatic landscape of this Bavarian region along the Mangfall River will have you captivated from first sight, no matter the season. The lush green meadows of summer or a fresh blanket of snow in winter are sure to have you thinking you’ve found your own personal Eden and it’s a canvas of color no matter the season.

Nevermind that there’s quite a bit to see here in Bruckmühl, if all you do is sit and watch the sky turning from azure to a dark lavender over the Alps — you won’t be disappointed! :-)

But, if you choose to be a bit more active there’s the town’s Pilgrimage Church to see, built in 1653, as well as the Parish Church St. Michael in Götting which was built in the 12th century.

They’ve got a 1000 year old Lime Tree, which is only just a snippet of time here since Bruckmühl has been inhabited for a few thousand years, actually. When excavations at the Bruckberg Mansion, originally owned by Dr. Schanzenbad personal doctor to King Ludwig, were done Roman coins were found under the foundation. The Mühlrad is symbolic of the 14th century mill that was once here.

There’s also an Animal Museum, which is the life work of Adolf Peschke, who documented and preserved indigenous mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects. The People’s Music Archives opened here in 1985.

There’s more music around town at the Folk Festival which has been held here every year since 1952. Get in on Cycle Racing Night held annually since 1991. The countryside is graceful and serene, all the more perfect to take a leisurely bicycle ride around to see it.

Bavaria is one of the most visited regions in all of Germany, and with cute towns like Bruckmühl it’s not rocket science to understand why it’s so popular.

You’ll find serenity here, even if all you do is watch the clouds go by. :-)

There’s just something comforting about a rustic farming village. A serene place where people aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in the soil and get back to basics.

Leopoldshöhe and its surrounding villages are just such a place located in North Rhine Westphalia, not too far from the cities of Paderborn and Osnabrück.

Don’t think for one minute that all Leopoldshöhe has to offer is some fresh fruits and veggies at some small vending stand, ’cause nothing could be further from the truth in this town that’s about to turn 1000.

Leopoldshöhe takes great pride in their farming past and their more modern festivals. The Homeland Yard is a wonderful way of showing the family the inner workings of what was once a 15th century farm. Situated right next to the Local History Museum, it’s your chance to get an understanding of how life used to be here 400 years ago.

Be treated to any number of concerts, readings, and lectures held here regularly. Don’t be surprised to see a few blushing brides and nervous grooms at the museum because it’s a very popular site for wedding ceremonies! ;-)

Two of the more popular festivals are the Sunflower Celebration held on the last Sunday in August and the Men’s Singing Celebration held the last Sunday in May. Though technically not a festival the Easter Sunday outside service is celebrated by everyone!

One of the most celebrated festivals is the International Festival where everyone in town gets in on all the festivities. There’s everything from African drums to music from Celtic Highland pipes, plenty of folklore story telling, veil dancing, and best of all: FOOD!

Here’s your chance to try a local specialty called Lippischer Pickert — a small cake made from flour, potatoes, currants, and raisins. The locals eat it warm with some butter or homemade jam.

Guten Appetit! :-)

Wittstock (Dosse) in Brandenburg is one of the most dazzling cities in all of Germany, besides that it’s also the fourth largest in all of Germany as far as the area size is concerned.

There’s so much to see and do in Wittstock, you may not know where to start. Thankfully, the town has planned out a few routes (both walking and cycling) depending on your preferences — be it historical, religious, or natural — to make it easier.

In fact, why not stay a while here and see it all?

One place to start is the Alte Bischofsburg, which once was a formidable castle (only the 32 meter high tower remains of the oldest part built in 1271). It’s now the Ostprignitzmuseum, a museum of regional history with a permanent exhibit dedicated to the Thirty Years’ War (as one of the bloodiest battles of the entire war took place here).

Another bloody war took place here some 300 years later. The Museum of the Death March (Museum des Todesmarsches im Wald) is dedicated to the thousands killed on one of the SS’s death marchs from the Ravensbrück and Saxonia Concentration Camps in April 1945.

There’s another castle to visit, Freyenstein Castle. Built in 1556 it’s now used for concerts, lectures, and readings. It’s new counterpart, Neues Schloss Freyenstein (built 1650 and was once a hotel from 1926-1945), is now a book market.

The Parish Church Marienkirche, built in the 13th century, has a beautiful sandstone Madonna and a tower that rises 68 meters into the heavens. Many more framework and historic churches can be found on the “Shower Brook” Route, the Bishop’s Route, and the Monastery Route.

If you head over to the former monastery (which is on the 48 km Monastery Route) there are weekly concerts held here from May to September (at 7pm). Better be prompt, this is Germany and things run on schedule! ;-)

You’ll also have a wonderful view of the forest from the Blumenthal Observation Tower (that stands some 48 meters high). Make certain to stop and see the Sweden Stone, an 80 ton stone left here from the last Ice Age.

On the Smuggler’s Route, cycle through the forest past lakes and meadows. Wonder if these smugglers ever stopped to smell the proverbial roses in this picturesque landscape?

With everything that is Wittstock you might not even dare ask, which three German cities are even bigger in size?

Seeheim-Jugenheim is the quintessential medieval town and looks exactly like most of us would envision when thinking about Germany.

Though the merged villages of Seeheim and Jugenheim and their seven municipalities weren’t united until the late 20th century, their town’s histories span back to at least the 13th.

Seeheim-Jugenheim borders the city of Darmstadt and sits on the edge of the Odenwald, a low mountain range that’s the place of many German legends, songs, and castles.

There are a few great castles to visit. Schloss Seeheim was once a summer retreat for Ludwig II. And Schloss Heiligenberg is the ancestral home of the Mountbattens besides also having been a summer retreat for the Russian Czar.

A sight to see here is the Tomb of Mountbatten, the final resting place for the Great-Grandparents of England’s Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband. You can also enjoy one of the many concerts and art exhibits held here.

The 13th century Burg Tannenberg (now in ruins) was the discovery sight of the world’s oldest handheld weapon that’s now on display in the German Museum in Nuremberg.

Seeheim-Jugenheim once had a 13th century monastery. While it now lies in ruins, the Grand Duchess Wilhelmine tried to have the monastery restored in the 19th century. A large golden cross stands in Seeheim-Jugenheim dedicated to this beloved grand lady.

Even walking along Jugenheim’s main street, you’ll find plenty of half timbered buildings including the town’s library and marriage hall from 1556. Jugenheim’s Church Chapel is a 15th century beauty! And Seeheim’s city hall dates to 1599 and is the location of the local history museum.

For a more modern Seeheim-Jugenheim, besides being the training center for the national airline Lufthansa, there’s the Free Light Stage or Freilichtbühne — an amphitheater in the middle of the forest holding many cultural events and concerts.

For a bit more nature, go visit the Goldschmidts Park as it’s just lovely with its fountains and rare flora and fauna. The mansion and gardens were once the private residence and now belong to the city.

All in all, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every minute of the scenic Seeheim-Jugenheim — from the wonderful outside art exhibits and concerts in the forest to the romantic ruins of life in medieval times.

At the northern edge of the mystique Black Forest lies the picturesque town of Karlsbad (not to be confused with the much larger city in the Czech Republic).

Its five villages Auersbach, Ittersbach, Langensteinbach, Mutschelbach, and Spielberg are conveniently located very close to Karlsruhe. Each village is individually unique and considerably old since they’ve been around since the 12th and 13th centuries respectively.

A stop at the Local History Museum will be most beneficial to explain all about Karlsbad and the inviting entrance to the Schwarzwald.

Although Langensteinbach wasn’t officially recognized until 1197, there was a castle built here sometime around the year 1100. It was only inhabited for only a hundred years and abandoned sometime around the year 1200. Only a fraction of what is known as the Roman Tower remains today but stood some 35 meters high (approx. 100 feet).

Then there’s the medieval Parish Church Barbara, once a pilgrimage church, located not too far from the ruins of the Langensteinbach Castle.

Being within the Black Forest, you’ll find a different kind of culture in Karlsbad than in other places within Germany. The region is famous for wood carving so be sure to buy a souvenir cuckoo clock to take home. You’ll also eat great here, with Black Forest specialties like the world famous Black Forest ham and Black Forest cake (made with chocolate and sour cherries).

Then with all that great food you’ll be fueled up for hiking around the Schwarzwald (the largest nature park in all of Germany).

When you’re all done, relax those tired muscles at one of the spa baths, which, besides the forest, Karlsbad’s been famous for since Count Karl Wilhelm von Baden opened the first one here in 1719.

Many thanks to the Count!

While Penzberg’s history dates to the end of the 13th century the town is more (in)famous for the shocking atrocities that occurred here in April 1945.

On April 28, 1945 the SS Werwolfkompanie killed 16 people suspected of being “resistance fighters.” The mayor of the town was shot for simply wanting to surrender to the Allies to spare his town any significant damage.

A memorial stands in town to those killed in Penzberg in what is remembered as Penzberger Mordnacht. And the City Museum has much to offer for a deeper understanding of its urban history.

That’s not to say that the town hasn’t gotten past the sinister days of the Nazis and the Second World War because Penzberg has many wonderful things to see and do.

Since Penzberg is in Upper Bavaria — so named because of its elevation not its location — the countryside is simply idyllic. There’s plenty to do here to get outside and enjoy life, though the best weather months are usually August and September.

For something a bit off the wall, try Penzberg’s paragliding school for a real birds-eye view of the Lederhosen Land. But if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground the Barefoot Path is a 1.2 km trail in the surrounding forest and the Osterseen, a nature preserve and family recreational area.

Penzberg’s Wellenbad is a completely relaxing finish to your stay here. Its outdoor pool (open seasonally) even has an artificial wave machine in this first rate spa. It’s your very own chlorine clean ocean in the mountains!

Relax in one of the many massage chairs or sit in one of the color coded saunas (orange, magenta, green, blue, or white) all designed to heal and promote health in specific areas of the body. Or, just sit and have a drink in the spa’s beer garden.

Now, that’s relaxing, isn’t it? :-)

Brüggen on the River Schwalm in North Rhine-Westphalia sits very close to the border of the Netherlands. The town’s Schwalmpforte is the former town gate for those arriving from Spain, the Netherlands, and all points east.

The centuries old town was once occupied by the French in the early 19th century who went on to sell Brüggen’s 13th century castle right out from under them (it remains to this very day in private hands). Since the 1970’s the castle has housed the regional hunting and natural history museum. There are also many art exhibits held in its Cultural Hall and is the center for tourist information.

Those cheeky French in 1802 even went on to abolish the monastery that had made Brüggen its home since 1479 (it’s now the place of Brüggen’s Town Hall).

At least the French didn’t sell the Borner See. Not a natural lake, but man made since it was formed by all the peat digging from the 16th through 18th centuries. Today it’s a popular recreation spot for families, both local and visitor.

Brüggen’s sightseeing isn’t limited to only the castle museum or one of the three medieval churches (but they are definitely worth a visit!).

The Parish Church Saint Peter and the Catholic Church Maria Himmelfahrt were built in 1136 and 1166 respectively. The Parish Church Nickolaus was built in 1479 but a fire caused it to be rebuilt in the 1750’s in the popular ornate Baroque style of the time.

After all that religious stuff head over to the Borner Mühle — once a grain and oil mill from around 1412, it’s now a popular restaurant and hotel since 1960.

On top of the historical sights, Brüggen boasts “Sales Sundays” from March to October on the Monastery Route (pedestrian district) for some great shopping (and eating!).

And, Brüggen’s Nature and Wildlife Park is quite popular for kids of all ages.

Take that, France! ;-)

Brake (Unterweser) in Lower Saxony isn’t your typical medieval village. It was once used for training facilities for sailors and the Navy. Many sailors has come through Brake on their way to the North Sea and ports unknown.

Now it’s a wonderful fishing and sailing village that celebrates all things seaworthy.

The first stop should be the Brake Navigation Museum opened in 1965. See how sea travel has changed through the centuries with old sea charts and nautical instruments.

The Plassmannvilla, looking like a huge white Victorian mansion, is a testament to the wealth of the sea here in Brake when Mr. Plassmann made his fortune selling the much needed building materials to the local shipyards at the turn of the 20th century.

A hop on the ferry (which operates every 15 minutes) over to Harriersand with its eight miles of beaches will be great for the entire family. There are plenty of old farms to see on the bicycle path, a tourist cafe for a bite to nosh, and playground for the little ones. The Brake Port looks postcard perfect with ships bound for the North Sea.

For the fisherman in you, fishing’s allowed at the East and West Ponds and from the Brommy to Road Bridges. Water is the theme here in Brake and there’s both an indoor and outdoor pool (with waterslides).

For those of you without sea legs, the Pedestrian District is chocked full of shops and bistros. There’s also the Optical Telegraph, a tower of bricks that held the telegraph lines between Bremen and Bremerhaven at the turn of the last century.

The Fischer House, a half timbered home from 1731, was lovingly restored to its original state and located close to the pedestrian district.

Then we’ve got a few churches to see, such as the Friedrichskirche, a 18th century church and the burial place of Brake’s most famous residents. Brake’s oldest church, the Parish Church Bartholemew built in the 13th century, has one of the famous Arp Schnitger organs.

You’re also be plenty entertained with a comedy or tragedy at Brake’s “Shakesperian type” city theater.

No matter what you choose to do or see in Brake, you’ll love all things nautical!

For some history, shopping, and golf, you’ll just love Glinde in the south of Schleswig Holstein located at Hamburg‘s eastern border.

Glinde has been around since 1229 when the Maria Magdalen Monastery was built here, but most of what to do and see here is from a much more modern time.

The company Krupp opened a factory in the Glinder Berg district making crankshafts for German airplanes in 1934. Many of the former worker’s homes were used to house refugees fleeing the East after the war ended.

On the “City Round Course,” you’ll see the old Glinder Mill. What was once used as a copper, wood, and grain mill now houses the local history museum. What is further affectionately known as the “Old Castle” is a great old mansion from the 19th century and used for cultural meetings and weddings as it makes for a wonderful backdrop.

You like ancient buildings that turned into something modern? Then head over to the Mansion Bode, another 19th century residence that is now the yummy Italian restaurant San Lorenzo. The Remise is another great restaurant in town, famous for its music meetings held upstairs.

In the Wiesenfeld District, you’ll find a charming shopping district that was once used as a Labor Camp during World War II. Another “shopping district,” the Glinder Market, is famous for its specialty shops and weekly market. It was made by filling up a large pond that was once here in the 1970’s.

For the nature heart within you, head over to the Gellhornpark Mansion as well as the Gellhornpark. It’s just pretty with its two lakes to relax by.

Another way to get out and enjoy the green world is on the par-72 18-hole golf course or on the 6-hole or 9-hole short courses. Fore!

Life here in Glinde is simple, quiet and unpretentious. It doesn’t matter that the town doesn’t have any intimidating castles or watchtowers from the medieval age. It doesn’t matter there aren’t any super large outlet malls or anything that seems too touristy.

That and more is what makes Glinde special!

There are eighteen municipalities that make up the town of Vechelde in the Peine District of Lower Saxony.

In their own right, each area has been around for the better part of a thousand years in what was once technically in the Brunswick Region.

Not all of Vechelde’s history should be romanticized, though. Life was hard here when the town was founded in 973. The hardships continued through the centuries, as life was no picnic for the peasants in the days of the Middle Ages.

But, what those resident serfs of Vechelde did do, was build (and farm — sugar beets are still grown locally here). They built a castle here some time at the end of the 14th century, which is now the town’s citizen center.

Furthermore, they built the Parish Church Johannes, the largest church in all of the Brunswick Region, and this in the 12th century. The stunning three foot high figure of Jesus hanging in the church dates to 1525 and shouldn’t be missed.

Then there’s the Gleidinger Church which was built in 1587. It’s quite small (only holding about 130 people), but it underwent a major overhaul due to a fire in 1780.

The Village Church in Bettmar with their Gothic Towers, built in the 13th century, is another head turner.

For those of you World War II historians, the subcamp of the Neuengamme Concentration Camp was housed here during the war years. Slave labor was used in the reopening of a spinning mill in the 1940’s, as the mill had closed in the 1920’s due to the nation’s economy (it was built in 1861).

Today, the only thing remaining of that time are the original mill’s gates. Also, the SA- and SS- General Forest Master of the Brunswick Region Friedrich (Fritz) Alpers, who was born in the Sonnenberg District of Vechelde.

What you’ll find today in Vechelde are fields of delicious vegetables, friendly people, indoor & outdoor sports, and the monuments of religious devotion that have withstood the test of time.

So one thing’s for sure, life’s not so hard here anymore!