Südbrookmerland in the Aurich District of Lower Saxony is comprised of ten formerly independent municipalities: Bedekaspel, Forlitz-Blaukirchen, Moordorf, Moorhusen, Münkeboe, Oldeborg, Theene, Uthwerdum, Victorbur, and Wiegboldsbur. They have merged in 1972 to create what is now Südbrookmerland.

It is an area that dates back to the early Middle Ages, and today it remains an area filled with historic churches, as religion had once dominated medieval life. Maybe that’s the reason why there are no less than seven churches scattered throughout this town. There are also quite a few windmills dotting the landscape from at least the 19th century.

Shall I list some or all of them? Yes? Okay…

The first is the Church Bedekaspel of 13th century origin. A storm on Christmas 1717 severely damaged the church, and has continuously been been flooded throughout the years and quite expensive to renovate after each.

The Church Engerhafe (in Oldeborg) and its Roman Style date back to 1250. With the western part added twenty-five years later, in 1285, it was redesigned in the Gothic Style. When the church’s size was reduced in 1806, it was shorted by at least 3 meters (approx 9 feet). Gone are the 16th and 17th century bells, having been replaced now by bells from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Church Forlitz-Blaukirchen is a simple understated church designed in 1847 when the two municipalities were joined. The Church Moordorf was built in 1767, with the new tower added in 1908. The “new church on the block” is the Church Münkeboe Moorhusen, built in 1900 in a Gothic style. The tower was struck by lightening in 1927 suffering severe damage and went under extensive restoration 1976.

The Church Victorbur is quite an imposing structure with walls up to 2 meter (approx. 6 feet) thick and built in the 13th century. Excavations show there was once a wooden church here, and the oldest section is the center tract, while the Gothic windows are a bit younger.

The Church Wiegboldsbur is another 13th century building and also had an original wooden structure prior. Once having three bells, only 1 remains from the 16th or 17th century.

Don’t forget the restored windmills that are scattered throughout the area of Südbrookmerland. The Mill Wiegboldsbur dates from 1812 and the Mill Munkeboe, dates from 1854. The Mill Bedekaspel was used right up until 1920 for drainage of the land.

Chances are, no matter how long you stay in Südbrookmerland or what village or district you visit, you’re sure to see churches and windmills as far as the eye can see! Why else would I dedicate an entire page to them? ;-)

The modern town of Frankenberg (Eder) in the Waldeck-Frankenberg District in Hesse is not to be confused with the other Frankenberg that can be found in Saxony.

Despite a fire in 1476 that destroyed just about the entire village, including the town’s church and Town Hall, the Middle Ages seemed to be good to the town economically.

After the fire, the merchants and the craftsmen of the town went right to work restoring the Liebfrauenkirche, which was originally built in the 1200s, that had been completely gutted. Gone was the 10-towered Town Hall (each tower represented one of the town’s guilds) and was quickly rebuilt to look the same as its predecessor.

The fire didn’t seem to hurt one of the town’s oldest buildings, the Steinhaus (Stone House), dating back to 1240. Built around the same time is the St. Georgenberg Monastery with additions made to the complex up until the 17th century. The former Cistercian Monastery is now home to the town’s local history museum.

Frankenberg didn’t receive too much damage from the Second World War but did undergo a redevelopment in the 1960’s. Many half-timbered homes were demolished, but there are still some beautifully restored ones remaining on Neue Gasse (New Lane) and Steingasse (Stone Lane).

The Hexenturm (Witches Tower) still stands from the 13th century with walls almost 9 feet thick! Of the 25 towers that protected Frankenberg through the centuries, the Hexenturm is the only one that remains today.

Frankenberg does provide you with something other than historical old buildings, though. It’s got its own swimming pool, miniature golf course, and the Ederberglandhalle, the cultural center of town.

There are also a few yearly festivals in town, including the Maistadtfest (May Town Festival) and Nightgroove, a pub festival.

Now relax, enjoy the view, and have a beer! :-)

Weil der Stadt in Baden-Württemberg at the foothills of the mystic Black Forest is steeped in history, science, and religion dating back some 700 years. It’s a medieval city that was home to many scientists and members of the clergy throughout the years and the birthplace to two men who were essential to what is now modern science and religious reform.

Weil der Stadt was the birthplace of famous 17th century astronomer, Johannes Kepler in 1571. Kepler’s calculations of the planets, somehow was the basis for future space travel, some 500 years later. There’s a memorial dedicated to Kepler in town and for all you amateur astronomers take a trip over to the Kepler Observatory. The Kepler Museum in his house of birth tells of his life.

There’s so much respect for Kepler that the town was spared much artillery damage during WWII, just because it was his hometown.

Religion played a vital role in Weil der Stadt’s medieval life and one of the most influential of the time was Martin Luther. Johannes Brenz, the theologian, was born here in Weil der Stadt in 1499 and one of Luther’s important students and responsible for bring the Reformation to Württemberg. So important was Johannes Brenz that when a new church in the town was built in 1889, it was named after him.

There are so many old buildings to see and visit here. Let me cover some of the most popular attractions…

In the Old Town is the City Church of St. Peter and Paul from the 15th century and built on a 6th century Roman Church. The Hospital dating from the 14th century was used as a nursing and old person’s home for 600 years. The Spitalkapelle (Hospital Chapel) also dates back to the 14th century with carved alter from around 1500.

The City Museum gives a great account of the city’s history and findings in the area, while the Fool’s Museum is dedicated to figures from the Weil der Stadt Carnival. Carnival is still celebrated in Weil der Stadt, but usually more quiet than some larger cities.

No matter, anytime is a great time to see Weil der Stadt. ;-)

Think there’s a place in the world to visit paved not with gold, but built from diamonds? Well, Nördlingen in Bavaria just is that very place!

Less than 8 km away, the Nördlinger Ries, a deep crater in the Earth, was created by a meteor some 14 million years ago. The force of the impact somehow created 72,000 tons of diamonds, all a size less than half a millimeter. Quarried stones were used to create the buildings that grace the glittering hamlet.

A trip to the Ries Crater Museum explains all the nuances of the Ries, as well as having fossils, rocks, meteorite exhibits, and guided tours of the crater. NASA was even gracious enough to loan the museum real pieces of moon rock, which are on permanent display. Even better… the museum sits in a medieval barn built in 1503!

A building a bit older than the medieval barn is the St. Georg Church and the Daniel Tower. Construction on the church began in 1427, with the foundation to the tower starting in 1454. St. Georg’s Church was originally Catholic, becoming Protestant sometime during the Reformation from 1523/1525. The “Daniel Tower” wasn’t completed until 1639, soaring some 90 meters above the ground. Climb all 350 steps to the top and enjoy a prime view of the town and countryside.

Nördlingen’s Town Hall is the oldest stone-built structure in town. Dating back from the 13th century and once a monastery, it has stood as the Town Hall for over 600 years.

You can learn more about the history of Nördlingen at the Town Museum housed in the former Holy Spirit Hospital. There are exhibits that tell the story of the area’s settlements dating back from the Stone Age, Roman times, and through the Middle Ages.

For any of you over the age of 30 (as I am), you might remember the end scene of Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory, (the Gene Wilder 1971 version for the rest of you) when Charlie, Willy Wonka, and Grandpa fly out the factory on the glass elevator and over a brilliant little town.

Well, that brilliant little town was Nördlingen. And no, you won’t have to find one of Wonka’s Golden Tickets to visit it. ;-)

Laupheim is tucked away in Upper Swabia and is a most appealing town with more than a thousand years of history. Dating back to 778, its charter still sits in the archives of the St. Gallen Monastery, though there’s evidence that the area has been inhabited as far back as 15,000 years ago by nomadic tribes.

What also makes Laupheim different is that since the area was once two different independent states, the town lays claim to not just one, but two castles.

The castle Schloss Großlaupheim was once just a wooden structure from the 12th century. When the peasants of the town destroyed the original building in the Peasants’ War they were forced to rebuild the stone feudal castle you pretty much see today, in the 16th century.

The oldest parts of the castle date back to that time. One part of the castle complex is the Little Castle, the Kleines Schlössle as they call it so kindly, built in the 17th century as home for the widows of the rulers of Laupheim.

In the castle, the Museum of Christians and Jews, documenting 2 centuries of the town’s relationship between Christians and Jews. The town of Laupheim had the largest Jewish Community within the whole Kingdom of Württemberg. After August 19, 1942 there were no more Jews left in Laupheim and the town’s Synagogue was destroyed on Kristallnacht in 1938.

Also near Schloss Großlaupheim is the Castle Park, designed in an English style and was used to raise trout in the summer and provided ice for a local Brauerei in the winter. The park was neglected for many years and the town has undertaken the task of returning the park back to its original grandeur.

What about the other one, you ask?

The castle Schloss Kleinlaupheim was built in the 1760’s on a hill overlooking the Rottum River with a grand staircase and gables. It’s now the home to a local art gallery and the town’s police station. With an office like that, it must be just dandy to go to work everyday. :-)

The Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul dates back to the early 1600s, taking almost 40 years to build. It was built in the Baroque style of the time and is located near Schloss Großlaupheim.

Laupheim’s Planetarium and Public Observatory is a more recent addition to the town, seeing some 40,000 visitors each year.

If you’re in town the last week of June, take part in its Kinder-und Heimatfest. For five days, the town parties with parades, music, and of course, food! The Brunnenfest (Fountain Party), held on the last Sunday of the summer is a huge Block Party, with local Swabian food, music, and flea market at the Upper and Lower Market Square. What a way to party!

Rhede is not only a small town steeped in almost one thousand years of history, but a town that takes great pride in its cultural programs. On the whole, a very friendly city and the cultural programs in Rhede run the gamut with classical music concerts, cabaret, literary readings, and even the occasional jazz revue.

Situated on the Dutch border, Rhede is a fashionable resort with a flourishing green countryside, restaurants with delectable international cuisine, or sit and watch the world walk by at one of the outside cafes. You’ll come to fully appreciate the town’s slogan of “Load Up On Culture,” as you’ll have a hearty dose of it as soon as you arrive in this fun little town.

There’s a good deal to explore around this town, when you’re not sitting in a pub having a beer or a glass of great German wine, listening to one of the many locals bands.

You can walk or bicycle right over the border into the Netherlands on the old smuggler’s paths. For over 200 kilometers, you’ll be able to explore elegant homes, windmills, and majestic castles. With an abundance of nature reserves you’ll find a lush environment with animals and plants.

The stately-manor house in the town has been in the Salm-Salm family since 1850. It was once a 13th century castle until 1564 when an owner by the name of Lubbert von Rheman had it replaced. To this day, only the northeast wing and the tower still stand, while the Gudula Parish Church has stood in the town since the 1300s. But older still, is the town itself, having existed since 1050.

Besides the 950+ years of history, Rhede is a gracious modern town with a love of the arts, a love of great food, and a love of the outdoors. When you come here, you will be loading up on culture.

Truth be told, there are not a whole bunch of historical sights to see in Schopfheim in the Lörrach District of Baden-Württemberg.

Still, if you’re planning to spend some time here, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how pretty the town is, especially in winter when the snow falls and all ends up looking like a picture perfect postcard.

There’s a good deal to do if you’re looking for some sort of athletic activity, with a golf course, tennis, swimming, and nature walks which you’ll be able to take advantage of when the weather is a bit warmer.

Additionally, both the Alps and the Black Forest are right there at your fingertips making for some great winter fun and some awesome photo-opps! And, Eichner Lake is just about as quiet and peaceful as you can imagine a lake to be.

Schopfheim has been around since 807 but archeological digs show that it has been around since at least the Dark Ages of the 6th century. The City Museum in the Old Town section, just behind the Medieval Church of St. Michael, will give you an idea of what life was like in those good old days. The museum even houses medieval grave boards.

One of the more out of the ordinary museums is the Teddy Bear Museum a.k.a. Bärenstube, having a whopping 300 teddy bears out on display!

For real breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, the Hohe Möhr is a 30 meter high observation tower with views of the Swiss Alps. From the top of the Hohe Flum, you’ll be able to see the stunning Black Forest and Swiss Alps.

Tip: If you’d like to bring home a wonderful piece of Schopfheim, be sure to stop at the little glass shop in the center of town.

Schwalmtal, a tiny jewel in the Viersen District of North Rhine-Westphalia, is named appropriately after the River Schwalm.

Being in the Lower Rhine region, it’s a relatively new town having been named with the reorganization of the municipalities of Waldniel and Amern in 1970. Even though Waldniel has technically existed since 1020 A.D. and Amern since sometime in the 12th century, there have been archeological finds revealing the area’s been inhabited since 2000 B.C. There’s even evidence that the area was once developed for agricultural use since at least the Bronze Age.

That’s quite an impressive history, isn’t it?

Since religion dominated life in medieval society, it’s no wonder that there are a whooping six churches scattered throughout Schwalmtal, dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

The Protestant Church in Waldniel dates from 1665, the Parish Church Sankt George is a 19th century Late-Gothic church with its alter dating from 1430. The Parish Church Sankt Anton dates from 1491 with church items dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The Parish Church Gertudis Dilkrath also dates from around the same period as Sankt Anton.

The Catholic Parish Church Sankt Michael is a Late-Gothic church, only dating from the 1880’s but its tower stands at an imposing 84 meters high! However, none are as old as the Parish Church Sankt Jakobus that dates back to 1258.

If you’re not having history overload, take a stop over at the Local History Museum in Waldniel for a look at daily life at the turn of the last century. Or, stroll by the Bergermühle, once an old mill and observation tower. For a bit of history while recharging your batteries, head over to the Lüttelforster Mühle, once a mill from 1300, now a restaurant.

Oh sure, Schwalmtal isn’t all history books and old buildings! Go relax by fishing or sail around the Hariksee tucked within the forest. For great summer fun head over to the Heidweiher, a beach for some great summer bathing! :-)

Hechingen is an amazing little town in Baden-Württenberg that’s a dream for any lover of art and culture. There must be something in the water, as this is the birthplace of Elsa Einstein, second wife of THE Albert Einstein, as well as Markus Wolf, the world’s most incredible spy EVER.

Even the Romans knew how wonderful Hechingen was way back in the day. The Roman Openair Museum is an excavated Roman villa from the 1st century and some of the rooms have been wonderfully restored to look as they would have some 2,000 years ago. There’s also a great view of the surrounding mountains from the entrance.

Of course, no town in Germany is complete without a castle…

Hohenzollern Castle was originally built in the 11th century, with additions and renovations in the 15th and 19th centuries. Sadly, the only remnant of the 15th century section of the castle is the Chapel of St. Michael. Some rooms of the castle are open to tours and home to an incredible collection of art and history, including a letter from George Washington to Baron Von Steuben for his service in the American Revolution.

There are also quite a few royals buried in the castle’s graveyard, including Prussian Crown Prince Wilhelm and his wife, Crown Princess Cecile. Don’t forget to stop at the historical Saint James’ Church (St. Jakobus) with the grave of a 16th century count.

The town’s history isn’t all romantic, as there is a darker side. In November 1938 Hechingen’s Old Synagogue, built in 1767, was destroyed by an SA raid known as Reichskristallnacht and laid in ruins in the town for over 40 years. In 1983 work began to lovingly restore this “House of God,” finally reopening to the townspeople in 1986 looking just about as beautiful as the original.

You have to hand it to Hechingen with all the history, culture, and art that can be found all neatly bundled in one place. It really doesn’t get any better than this, or does it?

You’ll simply love exploring every nook and cranny of this 850+ year old town in North Rhine-Westphalia. The scenic beauty of the land will only enhance your visit; maybe you’ll think you many never want to leave this little piece of storybook land! ;-)

In other words, Ochtrup is the Germany of your dreams with romantic old castles and churches.

Your first stop should be to the Old Church or Alte Kirche in the district of Welbergen, a Roman building dating from the 11th century, but has been added-on through the centuries, including a late gothic period.

The original part of the Pin Church dates back a little later than the Old Person Church to the 12th century. The core of the church dates to the 13th century and houses precious artwork and this Catholic Church had a convent and monastery.

The Water Castle House dates back to the 13th century and the castle you see today dates to the 16th century sitting on an island in the middle of water. It’s considered to be on of the area’s oldest water castles.

The town also boasts a 17th century “hotel” that was once used for weary travelers on their way to the neighboring Netherlands. Though a 17th century traveler might have a hard time finding it today, since the “hotel” was moved in the 1960’s from its original location.

In the middle of the city park, there’s the art-nouveau inspired mansion from the turn of the last century with beautiful wooden staircases and its own tower with a uniquely curved “hood.” The park itself is loaded with picturesque old trees, little lakes, and even an 18-hole miniature golf course.

Besides hundreds of years of history, Ochtrup has a wonderful pedestrian zone filled with specialty shops and restaurants. There’s no better way to end a day of touring than to sit and have a nosh, or better yet, head on over to the town’s factory outlet stores and maybe scoring yourself a bargain.