Oberasbach is a quaint little town that’s about 15 minutes from Nuremberg.

Its 17,000 residents live in what is one of the oldest districts in the area with a history that spans back before the days of the Middle Ages. But, don’t let Oberasbach’s age fool you… It’s still a modern marvel with easy rail connections to Stuttgart and Nuremberg and located near some great Bavarian sights.

Oberasbach’s main attraction is the Protestant Parish Church Lorenz built in the traditional Gothic style and standing watch over town for centuries. Take your time strolling along the medieval streets to enjoy the half timbered buildings in town.

Once upon a time, the town did have its very own castle. Altenberg Castle was built sometime in the 1600’s but it was destroyed and cleared from the city sometime in the 1820’s. Though you’re not too far away to visit Cadolzburg Castle.

Cadolzburg built in 1157 is perched on a steep rocky cliff and once a serious military fortress to be reckoned with. The castle’s museum (which is still in progress) will house documents, arts, and crafts relating to its 900 year history.

The castle did undergo restoration work in 1945 after a serious fire and is yet again undergoing restoration work; but it’s still open to visitors for sightseeing, outdoor concerts, and receptions.

The Middle Franconia region around Oberasbach is best enjoyed outside in the fresh air. And, it’s here that you’ll find a choice of great outdoor activities such as swimming at the town’s outdoor pool, tennis, fishing, 2 golf courses, and even skateboarding ramps.

Heck, the whole family can be entertained at the PlayMobil Fun Park, the area’s own amusement park. Just make sure you leave time for Oberasbach’s Market which is held every other Friday. Sample plenty of fresh fruits and veggies as well as cheeses, spices, and some fragrant flowers that seem to decorate so many of Germany’s window boxes.

Besides being Germany’s first woman Chancellor, you have to hand it to Angela Merkel since she got to grow up in the pretty medieval town of Templin. This small hamlet in the Uckermark is 800 years old which seems to only add to its beauty and graceful charm.

Besides all the history of the Middle Ages, Templin has a variety of outdoor and spa activities to keep the entire family occupied while the surrounding natural landscape is a treat for the eyes. Templin seems to be a popular getaway with Berliners looking to escape the city.

It’ll be easy to use your imagination for daily life centuries ago with its medieval watchtowers that stretch along the town standing some 7 meters (approx 21 feet) high.

There are three gate towers on the original fortification wall, one being the Berlin Gate — a 600 year old brick Gothic building. The Prenzlau Gate now houses Templin’s local folklore museum. The Parish Church George EN chapel from the 14th century is another brick Gothic building located near the Berlin Gate. It still stands having survived the 1735 fire that leveled most of the town.

The Protestant Maria Magalenen Church is another medieval wonder.

Templin’s Town Hall (Rathaus) dates from 1855 and its entire right side was reconstructed after bombing in 1944 had destroyed it completely. It’s here that you’ll be able to hire local tour guides offering in-depth tours around town.

Templin is located near the Monastery Mill, an 18th century farm that once had beekeeping facilities and a slaughterhouse. Besides being a look into farm life, its restaurant offers a 5 course meal for only around 23 Euro.

The Kirchlein is another farm (circa 17th century) offering classical music concerts in the forest. Maybe you’ll find some great souvenirs at the old Glassworks.

One of the more original attractions in town (or anywhere) are the hand trolleys. Riding like a bicycle on old railroad tracks, you’ll get to enjoy the views of the lake and surrounding forest, not to mention an incredible workout. There are still plenty of traditional bicycle routes around town too.

Templin’s Spa, NaturTherme Templin, is great for relaxing after all that sightseeing. The spa has 3 whirlpools, relaxing waterfall, a kid’s waterpark (with waterslide), VIP treatment, and a chance to float with relaxing music and lighting at the Aqua Musical.

If that weren’t enough yet, the Lehmann Botanical Garden is another family friendly attraction with flora and fauna of the local Moorlands.

If you ask me, all of the above makes sense why Templin is a Nationally Recognized Thermal Spa. :-)

Gesher, known as the Bell City (a.k.a. Glockenstadt), is a hidden gem in the Münsterland region — only 15 km or 8 miles from the border of the Netherlands.

To consider it only famous for its bell work would be a serious injustice to the city, though, as it’s cultured in art and steeped in history that spans more than a thousand years.

There are quite a few museums dedicated to life in the bygone days of life in Gescher. Let me introduce you to five of them (see below)…

The Bell Museum houses centuries of chapel and church bells from the 12th through 20th centuries and information on bell casting in the town.

The Beekeeping Museum shows you how bee keeping has changed through the centuries and even has live bee colonies.

A visit to the Peat Museum has exhibits on the importance of peat mining in the Moorlands for fuel (and the economy) to the town.

The Carriage Museum not only houses exhibits on the days of horsepower but also doubles for local concerts, literary readings, lectures, and children’s programs.

The Museum Yard will show the whole family an indepth look at early 20th century farm life.

Since Gescher is a millenia old city, there are quite a few medieval sights to visit in the area, though a fire destroyed all the town’s buildings in 1570. The tower of the Parish Church Pankratius stands guard overlooking the city.

Gescher sits conveniently located on a wonderful circular bike route through the Münsterland linking 100 castles and locks in the region. There are also many other walking and cycling trails through the protected nature reserves.

To fully appreciate the beauty of the Münsterland, take a stroll through Gescher’s Art Gallery on the Marktplatz. There are quite a few exhibits dedicated to capturing the local landscape. The Pictures of Münsterland exhibit show all the local half timbered buildings, windmills, and water castles in the vicinity. The exhibit by Heribert Schwarthoff shows the marvelous sights of the Münsterland from an aerial view.

In case you’re not able to visit during the winter, you’ll appreciate the beauty of a snow covered Münsterland when you see the Winter Landscape exhibit. The kids will love the expositions on the Münsterland Zoo with plenty of pictures of animals doing what they do best!

Schiffweiler in Saarland is a quiet residential town, not too far from Saarbrücken and once a booming mining town. Mining had fueled the local economy for almost 500 years, from around mid 15th century up until the early 20th century.

The local residents of Schiffweiler during the Middle Ages had to rebuild the entire town when it was completely leveled from the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648).

Schiffweiler is quite family friendly and everyone of all ages will enjoy the Prähistorium — a museum dedicated to the 4 1/2 billion year history of Earth and how climate and meteorite conditions affected life here. The exhibits on dinosaurs are wonderful with great animatronic audio and visual effects. For a real live look at the beauty of Earth’s history, head over to the “Landmark of Stennweiler,” a 1000 year old lime tree.

For more outdoor activities, the Friends of the Holy Forest a.k.a. Theaterfreunde Heiligenwald have theatrical performances in the outdoor community center.

There’s also the Nordic Walking track with four different degrees of difficulty among many other recreational areas in the forest. After all that, there’s always a chance for a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or a fun trip down the waterslide in the summer months of May to September.

One prominent resident of Schiffweiler was the famous German artist, Walter Amber. Mr. Amber, after serving as a soldier on the Eastern Front and a stint in the Bretzenheim Prison Camp, painted many pieces of art that reflected the somewhat darker side of daily life in a mining town. A few of his paintings now hang in the Saarland Museum in Saarbrücken but many have been lost to time.

Another remarkable resident was Johannes Hoffman, the editor-in-chief of the Saarland National Newspaper, who was driven from his home because of his anti-Nazi beliefs. After almost a 5 year exile, he was allowed to return to his home in Schiffweiler and went on to become the first Saarland Prime Minister in 1947.

While Schiffweiler isn’t a town filled with medieval buildings or Roman ruins, it is a town with a big heart and a great love of the outdoors. A town that the entire family (including you!) can enjoy! :-)

The old saying is, when in Rome do as the Romans. Well, in this case of Moosburg, do as the Germans.

Only 10 minutes from the Munich Airport, Moosburg may be centrally located as a bedroom town for Munich but it also has great sightseeing and sporting activities for those lucky enough to visit or live here.

The area of Moosburg an der Isar is in the Freising District of Upper Bavaria and been around since the 8th century when some Benedictine monks decided to make it their home. Though the monks were here some 400 years before the Kastulus Minster was built in 1171.

The 12th century cathedral has survived a few fires over the centuries, thankfully so did the 16th century triptych by local artist Han Leinberg, that now hangs above the choir stall.

Another artist that has artwork here is Antonicci Volti, a bas relief in stone at the the Stalag VII-A Memorial. Mr. Volti was imprisoned here during the Second World War among some 80,000 other prisoners (it was built to house only 10,000!).

Moosburg also has a War Memorial dedicated to missing and dead soldiers from the First and Second World Wars.

Though the name of Moosburg literally translates to “Moos castle” there aren’t any castles in this town. It is, however, close to Schloss Nymphenburg, a Baroque style castle built in the 17th century. The Blutenburg Castle, a 15th century marvel, is host to many concerts and the International Youth Library. And the Schloss Fürstenried was built in the 18th century and is now a Catholic Retreat Hostel.

After all that wonderful sightseeing (and feeling like a tourist) it’s time to live like a local! Have a go on the golf course or take a dip in the town’s outdoor pool. (Tip: For some adult only time, the pool offers adult only evening swims for only 1 Euro!) It won’t be just the kids that love the waterslide, diving board, and volleyball court either.

Since Moosburg is too cold to swim in the winter months, the town then opens the indoor pool. It also opens the ice skating rink from November to February.

With all the history, art, sports, and culture that Moosburg an der Isar offers, it may just have you forgetting all about the big neighboring city of Munich after all!

Rhauderfehn is a jewel in the crown of the Leer District of Lower Saxony in what is considered to be part of Ostfriesland (East Frisia), a coastal region of Northern Germany.

Many in Rhauderfehn are the of the traditional seafaring stock since the area is full of tiny canals and so close to the North Sea. The little canals were cut out a few centuries ago for locals trying to cut peat for fuel, and now the landscape is dotted with romantic bridges, windmills and Gothic churches.

The 18th century Lutheran Church of Wesrhauderfehn and its 52 meter high tower (the highest in the East Frisia) and Guide Organ is one you’ll find here.

There’s a 162 kilometer cycle tour around the Ostfriesland area with more magnificent churches and Windmühlen (windmills). It shouldn’t be too difficult, the area is mainly flat making cycling the area quite easy.

For you seafood lovers, there’s probably no better place to be than Rhauderfehn. Some of the best regional food can be found here in the likes of fresh fish and crabs being so close to the sea. The marmalade and sausages are quite delicious too with all those locally grown ingredients!

And, in a country where coffee is king, here in East Frisia tea rules supreme, especially when the winter chills the air (that, however, freezes the canals and then everyone is out ice skating)! There’s even a special tea ceremony with a special blend of ten different teas served with a coarse white candy (called Kluntje) and cream. YUM!

The Fehn and Westrhauderfehn Naval Museum (this building from the turn of the last century was also used as a firehouse during the Second World War) has its very own tea room (sorry, only open Sundays) besides a regional history of ship building and fishing Rhauderfehn.

You’ll even find a wonderful castle not too far, the Evenburg Castle in Leer, built by a Dutch Colonel (Rhauderfehn borders the Netherlands) for his wife in the mid 17th century. You know, the Colonel must have truly been head-over-heels for his bride when you see the marvelous cream colored palace and gardens.

Once you’re there you too will scream, “Honey, I’m home!” ;-)

The town of Schmelz (which translates to Glaze) is made of six municipalities, Schmelz itself, Hüttersdorf, Limbach, Michaelbach, Primsweiler, and what translates to the Village in the Bean Valley (you got to love that name!) since 1974.

These independent villages in the Saarlouis district date back to Roman times, but became much more economically and strategically important during the days of the Middle Ages when iron and glass were melted here.

Besides its long history Schmelz is an active town with an array of outside attractions and activities, most of which are very family friendly.

The outdoor swimming pool is great fun for the whole family and complete with waterslide, water mushroom, beach volleyball court, and energy replenishing snacks.

Schmelz also has three Nordic Walking courses, each designed for your comfort and experience level. Take the Blue Course for a less extensive workout, while the Black Course is for some heavy distance walking. The town’s 31 kilometer Cycle Round Course, is great for cycling around the Saalouis mountain countryside, while the higher elevations may only be suitable for more experienced riders.

Schmelz is also home to an outside fitness garden all designed to exercise in the great outdoors.

And for you hikers? You’ll get a treat hiking up the sandstone cliffs! ;-)

For something a bit more of a slower pace there’s plenty of places of interest to visit around town at your leisure. The Court Lime Tree (which is really an Elm) was planted in 1730 and still going strong. The Engelgrundweiher, a protected nature area, has the Naturdenkmal — a 380 year old Oak.

Since Schmelz is such an old town actually, the Aussener Bell Tower (Außener Glockenturm) dates to the 12th century and Limbach’s dates to the 13th.

Then there’s the restored Bettingen Mill House which offers authentic bread baking courses (and a chance for some really good eats!).

You’ll be lucky if you’re in town during its Autumn Days Festival (a.k.a. Schmelzer Herbsttage) held in September with two days of enjoying local food and fun for the whole family.

Schwalbach (Saar) in the Saarlouis District of Saarland is a small, mousy town. While it is considered to be a young town, it prides itself on tradition and its local customs, from their local celebrations and markets to the annual Christmas Market.

You’ll get a feel for its culture when you head over to the Contemporary History Museum. There you’ll learn all about how Schwalbach was once occupied by the French in the 18th century. Then in 1815, Schwalbach became under Prussian control.

Sadly, the area has seen its fair share of war and is the final resting place of some 1,000 foreign soldiers from the Second World War (in Elm).

Since tradition and history is an important aspect of life in Schwalbach, it was once largely a mining town. Visit the Schmiede- und Schlossermuseum (Forging and Fitter) for exhibits on local mining and craftsmanship.

What might surprise you about this tiny town, which is good for outdoor lovers, is that a quarter of the town is a forest! Besides, it is home not only to its own outdoor pool (and an inside one as well), but during the summer months you can enjoy an outdoor theater in the Hülzweiler Forest. This open-air theater has been host to plays and concerts in the area for over 70 years!

Don’t forget to take the kids to the Doll Theater, where kids have enjoyed puppets telling stories of fairy tales and bringing to life characters of literature since 1978.

Schwalbach is not home to large monuments, an array of churches spanning the centuries, or even a throng of tourists from distant lands. But, that’s allright as it gives you the chance to enjoy this tiny piece of Germany all to yourself!

Aue in Saxony is only a small town but has a long history. Situated near the Schwarzwasser and the Mulde Rivers by the Ore Mountains, Aue has officially been around since 1173, though the history of the area dates back further.

Aue once had large economic growth from its mining industries and its location on the “Silberstrasse”, or Silver Route. But, it wasn’t until the 1620’s that the town received market rights and in the 1630’s Aue had a Blue Dye Works, that helped fuel the local economy.

Aue was also known for it’s “white earth” in making white porcelain.

There were periods of a darker less favorable history, as it was once under East German control after the Second World War, and was location of the Flossenbuerg Concentration Camp. Today, Aue hopes to emerge from the past and looks forward to its developing tourism.

There’s plenty for you to see here. In the Vesternburg Tunnel, originally dating back to 1661 by a local Saxon for his beer, folks found large tin ore deposits. It’s now brightly lit for the tunnel show.

One of the local buildings is the tiny monastery (dating back to the 12th century) and the small church (only about 250 seats) which now holds local concerts. The Katherine Pfarrei Church dates back to the same time; originally a Catholic Church but then after the Reformation (16th century) no Catholic services were held here until 1907.

The Nicolaikirchgemeinde, a Lutheran Church built from red bricks, has a 75 meter (approx 200 feet) tower that allow for stunning views of Aue. The Evangelical Lutheran Peace Church dating from the 16th century was built completely independent of “Roman rule.”

Today, the town of Aue has more to offer than just being a Saxon industrial city. It has the Erzgebirge Symphony where you can enjoy the opera, the choir, or the traditional playings of the Erzgebirge ensemble. Or, just stroll along the 300 acres of the town’s zoological gardens.

Aue also has it’s own indoor “icehouse” or ice-skating rink and indoor swimming pool and sauna.

Bad Münder, a charming spa town that is located in the heavily wooded area known as the Deister in the Hamelin-Pyrmont District of Lower Saxony, is a chain of hills filled with game animals, abandoned coal mines, and plenty of trails for hiking, walking, and cycling.

You’ll feel a sense of calm come over you when you’re staring at the lush green meadows and the undulating hills of the countryside. You’ll really enjoy every minute here in Bad Münder, as it’s one of the prettiest spa towns around to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Bad Münder dates back to the year 840 and was once economically supported by the area’s salt works. The town has seen its share of darker times, when in 1519 it was completely destroyed and again in 1625, during the Thirty Years’ War. In 1757, the area of Bad Münder was occupied by the French during the Seven Years’ War.

The town flourished with industry during the 19th century, when in 1840 the first glassworks opened. In 1870 along came the furniture industry and in 1879, the area’s first health spa opened.

Some must-see sights around Bad Münder is the Hameln Museum, with upcoming exhibits on the area’s history, coin-making, military history, pottery, and crafts. Also famous to the area is the legend of the Pied Piper, made famous by the Grimm fairy tale, which you’ll learn at the Hameln Museum.

Also make sure you take the time to visit the local Heritage Museum.

Bad Münder is nestled sweetly between the Deister and Süntel mountain ranges. The town itself is a place of wonderful half-timbered houses and medieval streets from centuries past.

Above all, you’ll absolutely enjoy the town’s therapeutic springs and conveniently located only some 40 km from the city of Hanover.