Let’s say you find yourself in either Regensburg or Nuremberg and you want something a little different, then I’d have to say come on over to the town of Velburg — both of which are about equal distance. Not to take away from its much larger nearby neighbors, but the forty-nine villages of Velburg are quite inviting, and downright historical.

It seems with all those little hamlets there’d be just as many churches to see, and you’d be right. Now I’m a realist, there’s no possible way to see them all — but look around, you might find a few you like the most.

For me it’s the little yellow colored Chapel of the Sacred Heart in Finsterweiling; the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption with its enormous onion dome (built 1763); and the Gothic styled Sanctuary of St. Wolfgang — even with its bleak looking tower.

You’ll find Velburg’s Town Center to be quite the opposite, with gaily decorated buildings lining the streets, by the way.

And there’s always beauty to be found in a proper German castle, too. Excuse me, there’s beauty to be found in what used to be a proper German castle. Burgruine Helfenberg was one of those castles, although not much remains of this grande dame.

And did you know there were Bronze Age graves found nearby? No, I didn’t either.

Another castle (or, used to be castle) is found at the Burgstall Habsberg. Built a thousand years ago, the castle didn’t survive more than three centuries before being destroyed — at this point it’s been a ruin a lot longer than the castle stood.

Don’t confuse this castle ruin with the ruins of what used to be the Velburg Castle — destroyed by the Swedes during the dreaded Thirty Years’ War.

Oh well, consider it a chance to explore around the Franconian Jura. You could do that as well, if you’re traveling around the town’s eleven marked hiking trails. There’s even a way to explore what lies beneath Velburg, just come to the König-Otto-Tropfsteinhöhle, or King Otto Stalactite Cave, to see what I mean.

Of course if you’d rather enjoy the surface side of town, then you’re more than welcome to give skiing and camping and barbequing a go. Oh yes, there’s a lake to enjoy — complete with a beach volleyball court.

That’s reason enough to leave Regensburg and Nuremberg, don’t ya think? Even better when you add in all the rest of it, too. ;-)

Life is fun here in the town of Satteldorf. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t always the way, but these days they’ve got plenty of festivals to keep you busy all year long.

I guess it is true, Germans work hard — and we play hard.

Proper planning would be the best thing, this way you can see what Satteldorf’s got to do, and still have plenty of time to party hard.

Well, the Hammerschmiede (it’s a Forge) is only open from early April to the end of October, so you might not want to combine a visit here with say, the Christmas Bazaar or Lantern Festival and Wine Festival, since they only happen in November.

I’m pretty sure the winter’s not the best time to visit the beer garden of Schloss Gröningen (built 1611), it’s not like they’ll let you inside the old castle to warm up since someone lives here. If I owned it, I’d invite you all in. ;-)

So what if it’s a little cold and snowy outside? That’s the perfect weather to enjoy the town’s cross-country skiing trails. Don’t worry, they’re not too long — just 9 km and 6.5 km respectively. As for regular trails, you’ll find four marked hiking trails, and two marked bicycle trails.

One more sight to see, Schloss Burleswagen, said to be one of the oldest castles in the entire area since it dates back to the 11th century. We’re in the 21st century, Folks, if that’s any indication of how old this castle really is. Too bad this one’s privately owned, too.

Nope, I apologize, there’s one more thing to see: A wall in the middle of wide open field; and no, I’m not being funny. That’s all that’s left of the Kloster Anhausen, just one piece of wall from the 15th century monastery. Yes, it’s worth it, if you ask me.

All right, now it’s time to party in Satteldorf style. They like to celebrate with Starkbier (Strong Beer) events during Lent, while May’s the month for the town’s Maypole celebrations; Straßenfest (Street Festival); Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival); and the 2-day Unterdorffest (Lower Village Festival).

It doesn’t end there, by no means. June’s a great month, that’s when you’ve got the Dorfplatzfest; Fischerfest (another 2-day event); and the Gemeindefest. July and August are quite busy with the three Summer Festivals, and yet another Gemeindefest. Come September and October, the Thanksgiving Festival; Autumn Festival; and 2-day Mill Festival sure are great fun.

But, if all this activity is too much for you, then I’d say the Heinzenmühlensteg, a covered foot bridge, makes a great spot for quiet reflection. Hmm, Germans like peace & quiet just as much as we like to party — so it seems Satteldorf has the best of everything.

If you’d have come looking for the Hessian town of Neuberg before the year 1971 — guess what? You’d be outta luck, because no such place existed. Before that you’d have been in the towns of Ravolzhausen (established 1227) and Rüdigheim (established 1000), respectively.

Ok, does everyone know where we are? I might be a little confused on the geography, but what I do know about the modern-day town of Neuberg is, it’s really close to the Bavarian border, and you’re right at the foothills of the Vogelsberg. And century upon century before anyone thought of Neuberg, Ravolzhausen, and Rüdigheim — the Romans called this place home.

By the way, you’re really close to the 1st century Kastell Rückingen, full of information boards about those rascally Romans. That’s right, you guessed it, a Roman fort means you’re along the German Limes Road (and the Germanic Limes Cycle Path scenic route).

Plus the Romans loved wine, which reminds me about the area dominated by viticulture.

Long after the Romans left town, came the Dark Ages — also known as the Middle Ages. I don’t know about you, but anyone smart enough to build a castle doesn’t seem like they’re living in some dark age. Either way, Burg Ronneburg is a grand medieval castle from the 13th century; and it’s now a museum and a venue for an Easter Market, Jousting events, and Christmas Market. Sounds like just the right place for a Medieval Castle Festival, doesn’t it? Good thing there’s one every Autumn.

These aren’t the only events going on in Neuberg. Heck no, you’re more than welcome to join in all the fun for the Community Festival and Summer Festival in June, another Summer Festival in July, the Kartoffelfest (Potato Festival) and Kelterfest in September.

Whatever name you might’ve known Neuberg before, doesn’t matter — you can just call it a wonderful and vibrant place to visit.

At first thought, I was sure that I had been to the Naumburg (Hesse) before. Turns out I was, on the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße — or German Framework Road.

Oh great, a second look at its historic Altstadt (Old Town); not to mention spending time in the Habichtswald and a Kneipp Resort town.

Oh no, not another toss up of tackling the outdoorsy stuff vs. the historical stuff. Because I’m a huge sucker for a fine German castle, I’m gonna have to do the history stuff first. But, then again, by walking around the 9.4 km circular route around Elberberg Castle I’m able to do both at the same time.

Just don’t be distracted from the amazing castle (that was once an abbey) by what remains of the the Baroque Italian/English Garden. The castle itself doesn’t look like its original Gothic design, but who wouldn’t love taking pictures of the neo-Classical design of it now?

Another castle is the Weidelsburg (over in Ippinghausen, part of Wolfhagen. Well, it’s a ruin these days. This is a massive castle, said to be the largest of its kind in all the region. The views from the castle are nothing short of outstanding, as is the handiwork of the castle’s original masons.

The castle is steeped in legend, by the way. You’ll have to come all the way over to the Riesenstein (a 9ft tall sandstone rock), said to have been thrown towards the castle by the giant, Goliath. I don’t know about all that, but I do know the Riesenstein was once used as a place of worship in prehistoric times.

Another one of Naumburg’s legends is found at the Weingartenkapelle, a pilgrimage chapel built where villages stood when the town burned many centuries ago. True, or not, I can’t be certain — but you’ll find the dark stones and black roof of the chapel to look much more sinister from the outside compared to the light and bright feeling of its interior.

Yes, I just said some chapel looks sinister, but you come see it on a dark and dreary day in late Autumn, and you’ll see what I mean.

You could hardly way the Fatima Grotto has a dark look to it. The grotto is a peaceful and serene place started by Portuguese pilgrims, known for its statue of the Madonna.

Naumburg’s St. Crescentius Church also has a famous Madonna statue, albeit this one from the 14th century. What do you expect, the Gothic basilica has been around almost 700 years, did you really think it wouldn’t have all kinds of old stuff in it?

Oh, I’m so glad to have gotten back to Naumburg (Hesse) to learn more of it, maybe if I come back a third time I’ll find even more.

Goodness gracious, this sounds like the start of a joke — what do you get when you cross a Cistercian monk with a Walloon, a United States politician, and an owner from Macy’s Department Store? I’ll tell you what you’ll get, the town of Otterberg in the Palatinate, Germany.

Go on, ask, what’s the connection? Let’s start with the easy ones first, OK?

Otterberg is the hometown of Nathan, Oscar and Isidor Straus, the former and latter being co-owners of the very famous Macy’s Department Store — and it was Isidor who was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He tragically died over a hundred years ago on board the ill-fated Titanic. His brother, Oscar, was also a politician, and a diplomat.

Three famous hometown boys? Wow, there must be something in the water over here. ;-)

As for the Cistercians, Otterberg is where you’ll find an outstanding Romanesque/Gothic Abbey Church. The medieval monastery might be long gone, but the old church is still going strong — and said to be one of the largest of its kind in the whole state.

Now, what about the Walloons? And what is a Walloon, by the way? Ah, this took research, my friends. The Walloons are (were) French speakers from the Wallonia region of Belgium — but they came here and built these absolutely extraordinary half-timbered houses that still stand to this very day.

As for old buildings, the Altes Stadthaus (from 1753) is now a Local History Museum that does a much better job of explaining the hundreds of years of history of the place. ;-)

And as you’re walking around town, don’t make the same mistake I did — those old looking walls aren’t just there to fence in people’s yards — they were once part of the town’s original Stadtmauer, or defense wall; and they date back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

Don’t forget when you’re in Otterberg to visit the Otterburg. Yes, I know that sounds funny — but the Otterburg was once a castle from the 1100s, although only parts of its wall are the only thing that remains.

Drats, I want a castle. I guess I’ll have to settle for a festival or two; good thing Otterberg has a bunch of them. There are no less than four Kerwe celebrations (July, August, September, and October), a Wine Festival, an Easter Market, and an Oktoberfest.

Yikes, almost forgot about the Altstadtfest (Old Town Festival) in August, the two Christmas Markets, the Village Festival, and the Schloßbergest.

Hmm, maybe I shouldn’t be making jokes — and pay more attention to the fantastic and enchanting town of Otterberg. ;-)

Do you know what’s the easy part of writing all these pages on MyGermanCity.com? Thanks for asking, I’ll tell you. The easiest part is spouting off facts, figures, and even addresses — the true art is trying to entice you to places like Steyerberg.

Now not every town and village in Germany is going to be the right fit. Some are great for outdoorsy folks, while others are a perfect match for history buffs, or those who appreciate fine art from centuries ago.

Then, once in a great while, you find a place that manages to harmoniously blend it all.

For those of you into the whole outdoor recreational stuff, I’d tell you to hike on over to the Januarsberg. As it’s the highest point in the area, you’ll get the best vantage point to survey the whole Steyerberg scene. While you’re out here, why not tackle the Hexentreppe, or Witch’s Steps — an area known for legend and lore from long ago.

Don’t worry, no one will arrest you for witchcraft these days. ;-)

Your trek around the great outdoors of Steyerberg isn’t finished yet. The gnarled trees, along with lots of other flora & fauna, await you at the Eichenkratt Nature Reserve. I’d say to give one of the two marked bike trails a go (only 15.5 km and 27.5 km, respectively), too.

Ok, now it’s time to do the historical stuff. In the village of Voigtei is an old mill that’s more than 700 years old — too bad it’s only open on special occasions, like Heritage Day.

I guess that means it’s time to visit the War Cemetery in Deblinghausen (another of Steyerberg’s eight villages), along with coming to see the Amtshof, a gorgeous half-timbered structure that’s built right over some castle ruins.

However old these places are, neither of them are as old as the Saxon burial grounds found throughout the region. Many artifacts found through these excavated 1000 year old resting places are on display in a nearby museum.

Anything missing? Yes, of course, the party side of Steyerberg. Although, I’m not sure if the Christmas Market could be considered a party — there’s wine, so yes, we’ll say isn’t that enough to entice you be here? ;-)

Being the history lover I am, I was totally fascinated with the Hessian town of Niedenstein. Here I was expecting the usual run-of-the-mill town, only to be utterly surprised by the layer cake of history here in this climatic spa town, located just 15 km southwest of Kassel.

I’d have to say the best places to learn about the millennia of history is at any one of Niederstein’s museums. Yes, there is more than one. In the village of Kirchberg, there’s a Heritage Museum (open the 1st Sunday of April, July, and October) that’s a good start. You better just plan your itinerary ahead of time, because the Altenburg und Stadtmuseum is also open the first Sunday of the month.

The Altenburg, by the way, is a settlement that dates back to the second millennium B.C. — so just think about how the artifacts found here pre-date Christianity. Many of them, believe it or not, are housed in the State Museum over in nearby Kassel. A good place for them, yes?

From here you can continue on the Eco-Path Altenburg-Falkenstein to the Burgruine Falkenstein. At this point this old medieval castle has been in ruins longer than the castle stood, built in 1346 it was totally destroyed by the end of the 1670s. Still, a castle is a castle is a castle.

Even with all these great buildings around, none of them are Niedenstein’s landmark. That honor is reserved for the Hessenturm, a tower overlooking the Habichtswald. Open from Easter to October, they serve coffee and cake on Sundays — so that’s the best time to go, between you and me.

I might be a lover of history, but cake and coffee are two of my favorite things. ;-)

Another good thing is camping. If you also like roughing it outdoors there’s not too many places better than right here; and with some 70 km of hiking trails, you won’t be without anything to do.

The other things to keep you busy here in Niedenstein are its festivals and other cultural events. Germany’s Christmas Markets are world famous, and it’s also because of the ones found in Niedenstein. Of course you’re always welcome to come during its Kirmes (in August), or its May Day Celebrations, or the Dorffest (Village Festival) held in June.

One thing’s for sure, there’s nothing ordinary or run-of-the-mill about Niedenstein. Don’t you agree?

Lucky, lucky me. Today I’m checking out the town of Deggingen, a name that somehow doesn’t flow all that easy from an English speaking tongue, but it sure is easy on the eyes. How could it not, when it’s on the Schwäbischen Albstraße? Oh yes, another one of those German words that doesn’t come off easy English — so we’ll just call it the Swabian Alb Route.

Would you look at that, not even a paragraph in — and we’re already hit up a beautiful scenic route. And while not technically part of a Roman themed scenic route, Deggingen lies in an area that’s known as the Alblimes. It’s all because of its Kastell Deggingen, a Roman fort from around the first century A.D., but somehow remained hidden until the 1970s.

The town’s more modern and industrial history is found at the Heimatstube, a local history museum (that’s only open on the first Wednesday of the month) with exhibits on household, farming, and industry.

This, my friends, is the only acceptable time to be indoors. Grab your most comfortable shoes, then get outside. There are seven marked hiking trails, which you can do from just over an hour, to maybe three hours. Not a bad way to fill an afternoon, ya know.

Biking is popular in the Swabian Alb, and the Filstalroute has got to be one of the best. It’s a doozy — a whopping 67 kilometers, so be sure to take provisions.

Not me, I’m taking a horseback ride. Then I’ve got to finish it up with a hot air balloon ride over the countryside. This seems to be exceptionally popular, so you better call ahead for reservations.

Although you might want to hold off on the balloon ride if one of Deggingen’s festivals is going on. The May Market is fun, as are all the Carnival festivities. It wouldn’t be right to miss out on all the Village Festival fun (in September), while the kids might prefer the Children’s Festival in July.

If that’s too loud for you, then maybe you’ll want to take a quiet walk along the Franziskuspfad, a walk dedicated to the Canticle of St. Francis of Assisi — a religious song praising God for nature.

That sure does seem fitting here in this idyllic landscape, don’t ya think?

The Hessian town of Grävenwiesbach might not be so easy to say, but it certainly is easy on the eyes — considering it lies in the Eastern Hintertaunus. What’s that mean for you?

Oh, that’s a simple answer; all you need to know is Grävenwiesbach is right in the heart of the Taunus Nature Park, so it’s wonderful for doing all sorts of outdoorsy things, like hiking.

You’ll find four well-marked circular trails, the longest being Trail #1, stretching through the countryside for some 17 km. This trail affords a wonderful view of Grävenwiesbach’s most noticeable landmark, it’s Village Church.

All right, more on that in a minute. You still have three other trails to learn about. The shortest of trails is Trail #3, a short 2 km hike that’ll take you less than an hour. Trail #4 is just a bit longer (3 km), but takes you along the pretty forest and meadows of the area.

Now it’s time to come back into town. First stop: the Evangelical Church; you know, the one you just saw from the distance. It’s been said this gorgeous Classical styled building is too big for such a small village, but I don’t think so.

What I do think is, the peachy/pink & cream colored exterior (along with its onion dome) work harmoniously with deep green of the surrounding countryside.

Ahhh, here I go getting all romantic again. And nothing says romantic these days like a castle. Good thing you’ll find two in the area, first being the Usinger Schloss (over in Usingen), which is now a school.

Wait, there’s nothing romantic about a school, so let’s go see Schloss Neuweilnau (in Weilrod), whose tower is part of the original 14th century castle. Some parts of Neuweilnau Castle came from much later, like the Gatehouse — not put here until 1566.

When you’re not visiting nearby castles, or hiking though the Taunus Nature Park, then I’d have to suggest coming to one of Grävenwiesbach’s many festivities. Come for a Carnival Parade, or the Spring Festival (April), or maybe the Wine Festival in June.

The Dorffest (Village Festival) is another goodie, since it’s a 2-day event; although the Kartoffelfest (Potato Festival) sounds as if you’ll eat fantastically; and come early December, you’ve got not one, but two, Christmas Markets.

With all the great festivals, the pretty castles, and gorgeous countryside, Grävenwiesbach is easy enough to love — albeit not so easy to pronounce. ;-)

Fantastic, it’s been months since I’ve been to North Rhine-Westphalia — didn’t realize how much I missed it until now. Lucky for me I’ve gotten to learn all about the town of Marienmünster, located right next to Höxter, and very close to Bad Driburg.

The biggest “attraction” in town isn’t really an attraction at all. I know, that doesn’t make sense, but what do you call an Abbey Church that’s almost 900 years old? This grand Romanesque Church is stunning, even if the actual Kloster was dissolved more than 200 years ago; plus it makes a wonderful venue for music concerts.

One of Marienmünster’s other medieval churches that you must see is St. Kilian’s in Vörden; even though it was constructed in 1140, the exquisite altar comes from Europe’s Renaissance period. However, it was the St. Patroklus that brought many to its doors — a pilgrimage church in Löwendorf, said to be the place of miracles.

Who couldn’t use one of those right now?

Even the town’s chapels are lovely. In my not-so-humble opinion, I think the tiny chapel in the village of Bremerberg is one of the best — especially in the summer when the trees framing this old building are in full bloom. Others might say it’s the Hungerbergkapelle (built 1779) that’s their favorite.

I promise, you won’t live by old churches alone here. Since Marienmünster lies within the Teutoburg Forest, just breathing in the fresh air is good for the soul. Get used to it, as two of the nearby castles (Castle Thienhausen and Castle Hinnenburg) are privately owned — so you can only view from out here.

The Manor House Vörden, in all its resplendent Baroque glory, is the nearest to see — just be sure to take lots of pictures.

After salivating over medieval and Baroque castles, you’re still not done with the whole outdoor thing. You’ll find Kneipp areas, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and even miniature golf to keep you busy.

Yes, it’s been great making Marienmünster’s acquaintance, all the while renewing my love for North Rhine-Westphalia. I sure hope you like it, too.