A town must really be spectacular in order to be part of the infamous German Framework Road a.k.a. Deutsche Fachwerkstrasse. What’s that you say?

It’s a route of 100 cities and towns running some 3000 km or 1864 miles north and south within Germany — filled with historic places, monuments, and parks. Babenhausen (Hesse) is one such town on the Framework’s Purple Route, so you’re sure to be delighted in what the town has to offer.

It’s a nostalgic town with a wonderful medieval harvest festival, a Forest Celebration (held the 2nd Sunday in August) and a large Christmas Market (on the first weekend of Advent). There are even wonderful concerts held here every February.

Babenhausen lies in the south of Hesse with grassy meadows as far as the eye can see, yet conveniently located near the big cities of Frankfurt and Darmstadt. It’s a town with a history that spans some 800 years.

The Middle Ages seems to come to life here in Babenhausen as the Stadtmauer (fortification wall) almost encircles the entire old town. Also the Hexenturm (Witch’s Tower) and the Breschturm (the name of this tower comes from the time of the Thirty Years’ War — but not sure why) still stand guard here.

There are plenty of half-timbered houses here, looking exquisite with their flower window boxes, the oldest one in town dates back to the early 1400’s. The 15th century waterwheel mill is now a wonderful restaurant and beer garden.

During Feudal Times no village was complete without a castle. The original castle here was built in the 12th/13th centuries. The castle was once protected by a moat but it was filled in sometime in the 19th century.

The Protestant Church Nikolaus on the Marketplace and the Protestant Gothic Church (a wonderful 19th century church) shouldn’t be missed, too.

Almost as old as the castle and St. Nikolaus Church is Babenhausen’s Old Oak, an oak tree that’s some 550 years old. Sit for a picnic under that noble tree and listen to the stories it will tell you! :-)

From the time of the Bronze Age there have been people lucky enough to live in and visit Schrobenhausen. The town’s 21 “quarters” are now home to some 16,000 residents, but it wasn’t too populated in the 9th century when the first parish church was built here.

The Romans knew a good thing when they saw it. They built one of their castellets here in Upper Bavaria when it was originally on a Roman Road from Augsburg to Regensburg.

Today, Schrobenhausen is home to a scenic countryside, medieval churches, fabulous festivals, and a museum dedicated to asparagus.

The churches that stand in Schrobenhausen today date from the early 15th century, like the Parish Church Salvator (built in 1432), once a pilgrimage church. Also the Parish Church Jakob and the Frauenkirche, both were built in 1404 in a Late Gothic Style. Jakob’s beautiful ornate tower stands high above the Lenbachplatz and the Frauenkirche once had an attached hospital.

The Lenbachplatz is where Schrobenhausen’s market is held (since 1333!) on Thursdays and Saturdays. The annual Schrobenhausen Folk Festival is held here also on the Saturday before August 15th. While the Schrannfest, a citizen’s celebration, is celebrated here the weekend on/before June 24.

For other celebrations (weddings, etc.) and concerts a visit to the Schloss Sandizell, a water castle built in the 18th century, is in order.

The town also excessively celebrates the asparagus! There’s an entire museum dedicated to the town’s cultivation of the vegetable in the 15th century medieval Stadtmauer, very much appropriate for the reigning asparagus queen! ;-) In fact, many people come here to visit during the asparagus growing season (April-June).

You can educate yourself more on Schrobenhausen’s history as well as see many art exhibits at the City Museum housed in a 16th century building. Get a real life look into life here at the Craftsman’s House, a half timbered structure built in 1478. It’s one of the oldest in all of Upper Bavaria.

By the way, you may be wondering of all those “Lenbach” related names scattered throughout town. That’s because Schrobenhausen was the birthplace of the famous painter Franz von Lenbach, who was born here in 1836. Being one of Schrobenhausen most famous sons, Franz went on to paint the likenesses of emperors, popes, chancellors, and kings. The Lenbach Museum in the house of his birth has many of his paintings and sketches.

Not too many places can boast a Roman (and medieval) history, a celebrated painter, and vegetable party queen, but Schrobenhausen truly can!

For the one place that truly has everything, a trip to Boppard is it! A UNESCO world heritage site in the Rhineland-Palatinate region, you won’t know what to see or where to start first as the history of the 10 municipalities of Boppard date back some 13,000 years!

But it were the Romans who first made their mark here, including the harvesting of grapes for wine. In what is called viticulture, the culture of wine, has played a significant role in the local economy for 2000 years (even the monks got in on it!).

For only a few Euro you can enjoy wine tasting at some of the family owned wineries (Thursday nights 8pm from April thru October).

Perhaps the best way to start your first tour through Boppard is to take the mini train that circles all the city’s sights, then go back to visit at your leisure. The mini train circles past the 4th century Roman castellet (near the Market Place). The walls of this Roman fortification were used up until the days of the Middle Ages.

You’ll also go past the 13th century Parish Church Severus, which was built on foundations of a 6th century church, which was built on the foundations of a Roman military bath. Another church, Carmelite Church built in the 14th/15th centuries, was once the home of a 13th century monastery.

And they’ve got the church in Hirzenach, built in the 1100’s, that has the oldest Gothic choir in all of Germany.

Be sure to take your walking shoes because you’re just going to love walking around Boppard in the footsteps of the aristocracy. Many of the area’s Lords and Ladies used to call this town home from the 13th thru the 15th centuries — many of their homes still stand today!

After all that walking and picknicking, a trip on the chair lift up the mountainside will be welcome. You’ll be richly rewarded by what is called the “4 sea view” where the Rhine loops sharply looking like four lakes instead of one continuous river. You’ll also get a great view of the two other castles nearby, Burg Liebenstein (Castle Love Stone) and Burg Sterrenberg.

Boppard is quite accessible by train from Buchholz and considered to be one of the prettiest stretches of countryside in all of Germany traveling on the Hunsrück Mountain Railway. The train travels some 330 meters up the mountainside, over two viaducts, and through five tunnels.

For those more adventurous, there are quite a few hiking trails on the mountain. And to relax after all that, head over to the health resorts in Bad Salzig.

Boppard is just the right place for romantic countrysides, great wine, and a twist of history. The Romans loved it, the aristocracy loved it, and you too will quickly fall in love with it. :-)

Loxstedt isn’t your typical German town. You won’t find here the traditional Rathaus (or Town Hall) built in a half timbered style or even in an ornate Baroque period as in other German villages scattered throughout the country.

What you’ll find here close to the North Sea in Lower Saxony is the blending of some 22 villages, all unique and offering a myriad of activities. Some are a bit more modern, while others have a look and feel of a century past.

The area of Loxstedt has been inhabited since around 100 B.C., though the town of Loxstedt proper dates to 1247 when villages built the monastery.

While you’re here, a visit to St. Mary’s Church is necessary to see the early 15th century ceiling paintings.

The village of Stotel has been around since the Roman Empire, but wasn’t recognized officially until 1105. Besides being a great fishing town, they party hard celebrating the Oktoberfest every two years.

If you’re into something a bit more historical, then go visit St. Margarethen Church as it’s another 14th century milestone.

Or, you can head on over to the village of Wiemsdorf. While it has many modern homes the town is still chocked full of half-timbered houses dating from around the 1630’s.

Then there’s the village of Büttel, founded in 1105, with its St. Marien Church from the 1500’s.

Or what about Bexhövede, around since around the late 1100’s, has one of the oldest churches in the area. One of the Bexhövede’s famous early 13th century residents Albrecht von Buxthoeven, is the founding father of Latvia’s capital Riga.

Village Dedesdorf is the home of the Gallery Dutch Mill (Wedding Mill) and the St. Lawrence Church. It is also the home to one of the longest continuous markets at 857 years. It is here in Overwarfe legend says from 1656, lies a well with special healing powers near the House of Hassein.

OK, ’nuff said — what remains is for you to go visit Loxstedt. ;-)

Königslutter am Elm wasn’t always the city as we know it today, as it was originally the village of Lutter, dating to the year 1150. Although archeology has determined the area to have been inhabited much longer before, it now encompasses 18 municipalities since 1974.

Some 50 years prior in 1924, Königslutter proper incorporated the village of Oberlutter into the city, with it brought the town a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century.

There are some nice sights to see here, especially since it lies on one famous German Route (more below).

The Parish Church of Peter and Paul was the monastic church of the monastery, donated by the Holy Roman Emperor Lothar in the early years of the 12th century. When Lothar III died in 1137, he was buried in the unfinished cathedral, as was his wife and several other family members. When the cathedral was finally completed it was richly decorated by an Italian stone-cutter, but the towers weren’t added until some time in the 1500’s.

Today, the cathedral is host to many musical concerts throughout the year.

For those of you wishing to learn more about daily life in Königslutter, the Urban History Museum is THE place. You’ll get a more in-depth history of the cathedral, the Emperor Lothar, crafts, and daily life in the city that’s over 900 years old.

For the more musically inclined, the town has its very own musical instrument museum (called Museum Mechanischer Musikinstrumente), most of which are still functional.

And, since the town’s history dates back much further than the Middle Ages, the Geo Park Center will educate you on plant and animal life in the region. The Geo Park Center is conveniently located between the town hall and town church.

As I mentioned, Königslutter is on the German Framework Road a.k.a. Deutsche Fachwerkstraße, a route of approximately 100 towns, famous for half-timbered houses, nature walks, festivals, food, and beer. Königslutter sits on this famous German route that goes from the River Elbe plains through the Harz Mountains.

In what can easily be translated in words the “city of heartbreak” is a serious misnomer of the religiously passionate town of Herzenbrock-Clarholz.

On the contrary, Herzebrock-Clarholz will easily win your heart over with its rich history of religious devotion and medieval charm.

In the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany lies this little enclave of two municipalities, Herzebrock and Clarholz, with Herzebrock dating back to sometime in the mid the 8th century. While Clarholz is the younger sister of the two, it’s just a mere 400 years younger.

Since religion played an integral part of daily life from the days of the Dark Ages clear through the Middle Ages, it’s no wonder that Herzebrock-Clarholz got some wonderful old churches and monasteries celebrating centuries of religious life.

Herzebrock has a wonderful Local History Museum located in the former Benedictine Monastery. The local monastery museum in Clarholz gives you a glimpse of monastic and local village life. Keep in mind, these local museums are only open on Sundays for only a few hours in the afternoon.

The monastery buildings of Herzebrock, the originals dating from 1313, were moved to their current position after several devastating fires.

Make sure you visit the Parish Church Christina and its 12th century towers. The Parish Church Laurentius is also quite remarkable and its beauty is only enhanced by the changes and additions added on through the centuries on the original Roman Basilica that stood here.

For whatever the reasons, there were very few Protestants here in Herzebrock through the centuries and only after the Second World War did they build the Protestant Cross Chuch in 1952, when the Protestant population surged from incoming refugees.

Clarholz also had a large refugee community building its own church, the Protestant Grace Church also in 1952 after the faithful had held their services for years in an old restaurant.

A cat jump south of Freiburg is the spa town of Bad Krozingen, a town inhabited since around 2800 B.C.

Bad Krozingen sits on a picturesque countryside in the Margraves’ Land surrounded by one of Germany’s best wine growing area. Besides having more traditional historical sights to visit and delight your brain, you’ll find that it’s a spa town that will just also delight your other senses.

For those of you who prefer a good wine, you’re bound to find at least one with many wine tastings offered through the area.

For a more cerebral sightseeing experience, check out the Bad Krozingen Castle. Built in 1579, it now houses a large collection of musical instruments. The castle plays host to many musical concerts throughout the year.

Then there’s the Glöcklehof Chapel, built around the year 1025 it has some of the oldest frescoes in the entire region.

Since Bad Krozingen once belonged to Austria, the area itself pretty much remained Catholic throughout the Reformation in the mid 1500’s. So, the Parish Church Alban remained Catholic since its founding in 1144.

There are a few other chapels to visit built through the 14th through 19th centuries that are worth a tour. Of course there are plenty of wine tasting tours in the area too! ;-)

Bad Krozingen’s thermal springs, first discovered around 1911, are thought to treat disorders of the vascular, circulatory, and cardiac systems. There are some seven rehab centers and three private clinics in the area to help facilitate a healthier well being.

Bad Krozingen is also home to the Vita Classica, a resort designed to promote a healthy well being. Vita Classica offers four indoor pools, an outdoor pool with a “bubbling” grotto, massage jets, and a waterfall.

If that’s not enough to relax any tired muscles you might have, check out the Japanese Garden, the Red Pearl Grotto, or the Steam Temple as they may just do the trick! ;-)

Hilchenbach is older than the medieval structures it has left behind. The original town’s church dates to the Dark Ages, built sometime between the years of 950 and 1000.

But Hilchenbach wasn’t officially recognized until 1292, when it was originally known as Heylichinbach.

The medieval buildings that remain here are the Ginsburg, a 12th century castle. Only the Keep is preserved today, though, and the rest lay in ruins. The Keppel Convent, built in 1239 was a teacher’s college from 1837 until the First World War. It’s now a gymnasium

Hilchenbach was a mining town. For 600 years, the mine continued almost nonstop, from 1313 until its closing in 1931. It is one of the oldest mines in the country. You can learn all about it at the local Mining Museum, which you’ll find in the Wilhelm Castle (at the end of the Market). Enjoy the exhibits exploring the history of the town from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Best of all, admission is free!

Nearby is the Altenberg and the hiking trails through a 13th century mining settlement. There are more hiking trails near the Breitenbachtalsperre, a dam supplying fresh water through the Siegerland.

Interestingly enough, Hilchenbach is home to a Kneipp Barefoot Path. Take off your shoes and feel the grass, thick river stones, cool water, and more under your tired aching feet! ;-)

Besides the Barefoot Path, enjoy the outdoor swimming pools and cycling paths. But the outdoor fun doesn’t stop when summer is over. Hilchenbach is home to great winter sports as well, including snowboarding. The snow capped trees and undisturbed snow paths will have you thinking you’re probably in the best winter wonderland anywhere.

At the crossroads of the historic German Framework Road and the German Fairy Tale Road lies probably one of the most beautiful German cities, Hofgeismar.

It won’t take but a moment to realize why the area around this thousand year old city in the Reinhard Forest has been inhabited for some 7000 years.

It was officially recognized in 1082, has seen its fair share of love and war though the centuries, yet today retains an air a long bygone day.

The medieval days have made such an indelible mark on Hofgeismar. Many of the buildings of that time still exist. For example, the 12th century Altstädter Church, one of the most influential Hesse churches, has Roman arcades and Gothic portals. It has remained a Protestant Church since 1535.

The Neustädter Church is only a few hundred years younger (built in the 14th century) and was once the lecture church of the Huguenots.

Since Hofgeismar is located on the German Framework Road you’ll stumble upon plenty of half timbered buildings. For instance, the Protestant Kekanat had its first floor built in 1329 with the second added in the 16th century. Then the House Malzfeld which has remained pretty much unchanged for more than 300 years, while the Urban Guild and Wedding House has been around since 1620.

Now let’s give thanks to two Wilhelms…

Thanks to Wilhelm IV, Hofgeismar is home to the Tierpark Sababurg (one of the oldest animal parks in Europe) and home for sheep, goats, donkeys, cattle, wild pigs, deer, and children’s zoo.

Thanks to another Wilhelm (this time to Wilhelm IX), you can visit his 18th century castle and gardens (now a conference center for the Protestant Academy). Also thanks to the same Wilhelm for the health spa and the Health Well, said to help the blind see and the deaf to hear!

Last but not least, the City Museum is a wonderful way to learn about Hofgeismar’s history and geography, including the many Wilhelms and other aristocrats that have shaped the history of the area. Besides housing a remnants of medieval pottery, the museum is dedicated to preserving Jewish Culture in Hesse. There are over 2000 volumes of Judaic literature in there.

Even the local Forest and Hunting Museum is housed in a 350 year old farmhouse dedicated to teaching about the forest’s ecology.

Bassum in the Diepholz District of Lower Saxony is lucky enough to be located on the Grüner Ring and good 30 km or 19 miles from Bremen.

Three rings of sightseeing, historic railways (like the Moorland Express), and 800 kilometers of bicycle paths all to explore the surrounding countryside, plus quite a few half timbered houses.

The Grüner Ring is quite famous for the many outdoor garden concerts and quite a few beer gardens tucked neatly away! You won’t find many big name hotels here, but the small B & B types work quite well in the local landscape.

Bassum is home to many fine local restaurants. There’s also an outlet mall located between Bassum and Bremen for some great discount shopping on brand names.

Its Petting Zoo (within the Grüner Ring) has some 400 animals and 80 species for the entire family to enjoy. You’ll find everything from apes to antelopes but the zoo’s specialty is birds including rare parrots, pheasant, and swans.

After a day of all that exercise, take a dip in one of Bassum’s two pools (open daily).

The area itself dates to sometime around the 9th century when a monastery was built here in the 860’s and was once part of the Holy Roman Empire. Many of the original monastery’s buildings are gone. A fire in 1327 destroyed many more but the 13th century Romanesque and Gothic style church still stands. The church’s towers were so badly damaged in the fire and were never rebuilt.

There is so much beautiful artwork to be found here, including a shrine and reliquary from 1150 holding the relics of St. Viktor, though the gold decoration on the wood was stolen so many years ago. The relics of St. Benedict and his sister are interred here. Life in the monastery was quite difficult for the ladies of the nobility after the monastery tried to implement Benedictine rule in the early Middle Ages, such as strict enclosure and not allowed to leave of their own volition.

At least you’ll be able to come on yours to visit this amazing piece of history!