To call Rechberghausen diminutive might sound insulting, but really, it isn’t. Well, what else would you call a town that isn’t even seven square kilometers? Some might say it’s teeny, others might call it Lilliputian — but I say whatever this town is missing in size, it makes up for it with style.

What I really liked most about Rechberghausen was all its festivals and cultural events. Every July you’ll party with everyone for its Städtlesfest, held on the Kirchplatz. But, officially the party doesn’t get started until the parade comes through the Oberes Tor. Called the Upper Gate in English, it is the only one of its kind in the entire Göppingen District.

Nothing like a little history added in with our events for good measure, right? ;-)

Other great events in Rechberghausen would be the Christmas Market, held on the first weekend of Advent. You’ve also got the Artist Market taking place in May — plus they really get into the Carnival spirit around here, and lets not forget about the Children’s Theater Week. This last one just proves the town’s claim of being a real family-friendly place.

Rechberghausen is also a wonderful place to get away from it all. Its location within the Schurwald, and close to the Swabian Alb, makes some of the best scenery for hiking and biking through southern Germany.

No wonder camping’s a big deal around here — and if you got an RV, the campsites are open from March to October.

Then again, you’ll want to walk through its “city” streets as well. Otherwise you might miss out on seeing its Neue Schloss (New Castle, built 1721) that’s now the town’s Rathaus (Town Hall); and you might want to see the town’s old castle with its St. John Chapel.

Speaking of castles, the Jazz concerts held at the town’s castle are quite popular with just about everyone. People from all over love the sculptures found within the town’s Grüne Mitte, or Green Center.

Plus, I’m a sucker for history, so I truly appreciated what remains of the town’s fortifications, found along the Hauptstraße.

With all this going on, you won’t give Rechberghausen’s size another thought — I know I didn’t. ;-)

Sometimes it really isn’t about all the parties and festivities. Sometimes you’re just happy and content to calm things down a bit, just wandering around in the peace and quiet. When that happens, I’d have to say you should consider visiting the Lower Franconian town of Rottendorf.

Now that I think about it, we Germans don’t just wander — we plan. So, thanks to the folks in Rottendorf, they’ve come up with a great one. You’ll find six cycling trails through the countryside — all devised to experience the best of the region, stretching all the way to Kitzingen and/or Würzburg.

OK, they’re not all that far — each one essentially borders the town of Rottendorf. ;-)

In my not so humble opinion, I think the walking trails are the best. The more adventurous of you can take the 12.9 km Wanderweg Kronstadter Boden trail, which starts/ends at what’s called Am Marienheim.

I kind of like the Von Kirche zu Kirche, or Church to Church, route. Just follow the yellow cross signs to see Rottendorf’s three churches (like the medieval Church of St. Vitus), a couple of chapels, and quite a number of shrines along this 6.2 km route.

Just a tad bit shorter is the Rothofwanderweg, a looped trail of just 6.1 km that’s really popular with hikers from near and far.

The shortest of the town’s marked routes is the Forest Trail, just 1.8 km chocked full of information about its animals, birds, and local plant life. A lot of joggers like running through here — and who can blame them, it’s pretty.

When you want a little history with your sightseeing, come on over to the Kulturstall. Acting as a Local History Museum of sorts, you’ll learn all about what rural life was like around here, wine making, and even handicrafts.

You won’t need to spend a whole lot of time here in Rottendorf, but what time you do can be spent enjoying the fresh Lower Franconian air, and the peace of quiet.

Right at the border to Saxony-Anhalt is the Thuringian town of Roßleben, just 22 kilometers from Sangerhausen, along the Unstrut River. This isn’t its only grace, Roßleben has quite a bit going on for it, I must say.

First off, Bottendorf (one of its three villages) lies right along a nature reserve. Perfect for anyone wanting to leave their cubicle or indoor job behind. That’s right, come outside and enjoy the fresh air and see some local wildlife.

At one time in Bottendorf’s history, the town was known for copper smelting — which was done over at the Bottendorfer Mühle, an old mill that’s still standing to this very day.

Standing even longer is the Klosterschule, or Monastery School, originally for boys back in the 16th century. Almost half a millennium before that, there was a medieval monastery here before the school. The school was closed for sometime during the Thirty Years’ War back in the 1600s, but eventually reopened — right up to modern times.

It is believed this non-assuming school is one of the oldest educational institutions in the entire country. Now that’s impressive, I think.

A town old enough to have an old monastery is bound to have a number of old churches, right? Right. The oldest of them all is Sankt Johannes, believed to have been built sometime around the 13th or 14th century. Too bad no one quite knows, but at least they can put a date on the Church of St. Andreas (or St. Andrew, depending on who you’re asking) — it came along back in 1728. And the Church of St. Maurice (or St. Mauritius, again, depending on who you ask) was built over an old castle.

As pretty as Roßleben’s churches are, its festivals are also something to remember. There are two Kirmes celebrations in September, a third held in October, and the Summer Festival is quite fun as the whole town gets involved.

For something quieter, try cycling along the Unstrut Cycle Path, a 190 km scenic route through the Kyffhäuser Region.

I told you Roßleben has quite a bit going for it — and it’s all been wonderful, wouldn’t you say?

Sometimes I try to imagine how a place looked many years ago; and I try to imagine what someone from years ago would think of the place today. Like, would someone who lived in the Saxon town of Raschau-Markersbach many centuries ago like the place that it is today?

If they were smart, they would. Think about it, during the Thirty Years’ War, Raschau-Markersbach was totally devastated and burned down. Today it’s a charming place with tidy homes and neat little lanes.

What’s not to love about that, right?

Medieval residents of Raschau-Markersbach would recognize its Church of St. Barbara, right down to its Gothic features and pointed arched windows. The Baroque roof might throw them off a bit, though. In reality, this church is thought to be one of the oldest in all of the Erzgebirge — or the Ore Mountains in English.

FYI, come to think of it, medieval residents might not recognize the name — the formerly two independent towns of Raschau and Markersbach weren’t joined together until 2008.

The All Saints Church is another oldie in Raschau-Markersbach, but its “new” Baroque design belies its original Romanesque foundation. On the inside you’ll find beautiful old murals. Always good to see, I think.

Over by All Saints is its Rectory; a goodie to see because of its half-timbered design. You’ll find quite a number of framework houses here in town, many of them farmhouses from the 17th century.

A new addition to the place is the Kalkwerk, a 19th century testament to industry. Located in the Langenberg district, it’s in ruins now, but at one time it was a bustling place along a limestone quarry.

And in the village of Unterscheibe there are a couple of mills from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well. One of them is even a Technical Museum, if you’re interested. Raschau-Markersbach’s other monument to German engineering is the Markersbacher Viadukt, standing some 37 meters high.

Yeah, Raschau-Markersbach might look a bit (a lot in some regards) different from its medieval and Renaissance days, but today it’s a wonderful place to be. Well, if you’re smart, you’ll think so.

Holy Mackerel, I wasn’t expecting all this in the town of Pottenstein. I was so totally blown away, a minute (or two) is needed before I can write this.

All I can say is, if you love castles and Bavaria (would that be castles in Bavaria?), then look no further than right here. What’s even better are the two “scenic routes” that lead you through some of the best countryside in Franconian Switzerland. But, first, the castles.

The most famous would be Burg Pottenstein, once a temporary residence of St. Elisabeth in the 13th century. The castle dates back centuries before its famous resident, sometime in the 11th century. It’s changed a bit over the years, but what’s there now is really remarkable — and its garden is one of the best places to overlook the countryside.

As I said, this isn’t a one-castle town. Nearby is Burg Gößweinstein, another 11th century medieval castle. It, too, has seen destruction and rebuilding over the last 900 years — and you won’t want to miss its Gothic figurines in the Castle Chapel.

Two castle ruins await at Burgruine Kohlstein and Burgruine Hollenberg; the former destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, while the latter during the Peasants’ War in 1525.

Excuse me, there’s another castle. Burgruine Leibenfels (built around 1300) saw action during both of those wars — but it was the Thirty Years’ War that left it in ruins.

Believe it or not, you can’t live by castle hopping alone — so off to the Teufelshöhle for you; which is full of stalactites in this 1.5 km cave. If you want to see what’s above ground, then head to the Marktplatz that’s got lovely half-timbered houses.

You can pick up the Elisabeth Route from here, which runs along for a few kilometers in honor of the saint who called this place home. There’s also a chance to travel along part of the Jakobusweg, or Way of St. James, too.

I’d have to say it’s best to stick around for a while; you wouldn’t want to miss the Christmas Market, the always fun Carnival, or the seven (yes, 7) Kerwa events. One of the best cultural events is the Johannesfeuer, where everyone gathers around this huge bonfire at the Summer Solstice.

What I found out about Pottenstein is too much to do at one sitting — this is gonna require another visit… :-)

Once you think you’ve figured out all there is to Prüm, you’re sadly mistaken. Some might know this town as a holy place, others as a winter wonderland — complete with all the snowy activities you could think off, for some it’s history that draws them, while others ponder its serene countryside within the Eifel.

The amazing part? Each and every one would be correct.

With proper German efficiency, you could actually combine the history and holy together for this one. How so? Simple, the Prüm Abbey. Excuse me, the Abtei Prüm, as it’s called in German. Whatever name you’ve chosen to call it, still doesn’t change the fact that the Prüm Abbey looks mighty good for being thirteen hundred years old — founded way back in 721.

That’s not even the most historical part of visiting the Abtei, by the way. Housed within these stunning pinky/peachy twin-towered walls are said to be the Sandals of Christ — relics from two millennia ago. Another piece of history is also housed within the now Baroque church walls, since this is the final resting place of Lothar I — King of Bavaria, King of the Lombards, and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

As exciting as learning about all that might be, I’m gonna have to say Prüm’s countryside will also get you up out of your seat. Because it’s out here in the fresh air that you’ll find things like the ruins of Burg Schönecken, a Fountain & Sculpture Park, and more hiking and biking paths than anyone could possible do with a month of Sundays.

My favorite is the Eifel-Ardennes-Venn Cycle Route, a route hat somehow manages to condense three entirely different landscapes in just 40 short kilometers. Sorry, you’ll be on your own if you’re tackling one of the longer trails.

I’d rather be saving my energy for all the winter activities — downhill skiing, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. However, it’s during the summer that Prüm pulls out all stops. Every year from the last Sunday in June, through August, there are all sorts of shows and competitions taking place, in what’s known around these parts as Prümer Sommer, or Prüm Summer.

Summer, Winter, whatever the season (and reason) you’re coming to Prüm, I know deep-down you’re just gonna love it.

It was an early summer evening, just as the sun was starting to set, did I get my first glance at Olbersdorf. Didn’t seem like much at first, just over 15 square kilometers, but what unfolded as I meandered around was enough to keep me hooked for a lifetime.

You see, Olbersdorf lies in the Zittau Mountains — where Germany meets both Poland and Czech Republic in Saxony. The network of hiking and bike trails are extraordinary, stretching far out into the Bohemian countryside.

Another great way to see it is from the top of Berg Töpfer, a whopping 582 meters above sea level.

If this kind of scenery doesn’t do it for you, maybe a sunset over Lake Olbersdorf might. There’s something magical when you see the lake just as the sun’s going down on a summer’s night. The gold hues, the green of the trees, and the light reflecting off the water — I could have stayed here forever.

It wasn’t to be, too much else to do… Olbersdorf is close enough to Oybin, a small village with its own Burg- und Klosterruine. The monastery and castle might have been bustling in the Middle Ages, but today the old stones make a great concert hall; not to mention, it’s a stop on the Via Sacra.

Don’t let Olbersdorf’s diminutive size fool you — great things come in small pages. Come April when all sorts of folks make their way over for the Zittau Mountain Run, and the O-See Challenge takes place every May. People also come to see the Uhrenhof, an exhibition on clocks and watches. If you’re interested, call ahead because there are no set times for when it’s open.

You’re going to have to call ahead if you want reservations at Schloss Althörnitz, a 17th century castle (over in Bertsdorf-Hörnitz) that’s now a hotel. Even if you don’t spend the night, Schloss Althörnitz is still wonderful to see from the outside — and has been since it was built in the 1650s.

As you can see, Olbersdorf has quite a bit going on for anyone willing to take the time to get to know it. Hmm, if only I had more time — I wonder what else I’d find.

I might not speak Sorbian, but I know enough the Saxon town of Oderwitz’s Sorbian name is Wódrjeńca.

One thing to know, it’s easier to find things to see and do than try to even attempt to pronounce that. ;-)

Whether you want to call it by its German or Sorbian name doesn’t change the fact that Oderwitz truly is a fun and festive town. It doesn’t have too much in the traditional sightseeing department, though what it lacks in “attractions,” it makes up for it with a mighty good party.

For anyone with a penchant for windmills, this might be the right place for you. The youngest of all Oderwitz’s mills is the Neumann Mill, built in 1867; however, it is the Birkmühle that’s popular for weddings these days. And one of the oldest is the Berndtmühle, a mill that’s been around for more than 200 years.

Hmm, no wonder the Deutscher Mühlentag (German Mill Day) is a popular holiday around these parts. You can join in the Mill Day celebrations if you’re in town on Whit Monday, usually in May.

Other celebrations in Oderwitz can be found just about any other time of year. The year starts off with the Vogelhochzeit, or Bird Wedding, a fabulous way to break up those long winter nights. Walpurgis Night is another biggie, usually celebrated with a big old bonfire. One of the biggest events though is the Volksfest, usually held on the second weekend of June, followed by the Gründelfest in July.

Autumn brings some other great festivals, like the ever popular Oktoberfest; and around this part of the country, keep a look out for intricately carved gourds for Flenntippl right around Halloween. The year ends nicely with a charming Christmas Market, where you’ll find just the right gift to bring home.

As if this isn’t enough to keep you quite busy, a horse ride through the Upper Lusatian region is just what you need for some serious stress reduction. Or go camping, hike the Spitzberg, or careen down over 39 meters along a summer toboggan track.

Oderwitz’s Tourist Office can do a much better job of explaining anything else I’ve missed — just as they might explain how to pronounce Wódrjeńca. ;-)

Goody, goody, gumdrops — there are castle ruins and all kinds of amazing hiking and bike trails in and around the town of Sontheim an der Brenz. What I thought was going to be a quiet town along the Swabian Alb, turned out to be quite a remarkable place.

Found in the Danube Valley, Sontheim is one of those places that makes you glad to be outside. Marked bike trails, ranging from 43 to 55 kilometers, are one of the best ways to see it. The Höhentour route (43 km) will snake you along the Lonetal, passing quite a few castles along the way.

Places like Burg Güssenburg, a 14th century castle once belonging to the Hohenstaufens. Who cares if it’s been a ruin for more than 500 years — the crumbling stone gives it character. The ruins of the Kaltenburg also have character — but then again, if you’ve been around for more than 800 years, you’d have some too.

The Middle Ages saw a building boom in Sontheim, as that’s when the Galluskirche was built. Well, I should technically say, that’s when the church was built over the original Roman structure that used to be here.

The St. George Church might not have come from the medieval period, but there’s nothing wrong with visiting a proper Baroque one — complete with stucco artwork. And Schloss Brenz came from the Renaissance, which today is a Local History Museum.

Inasmuch as Sontheim embraces its past, the present town is pretty gosh-darn good. This is a town that holds wonderful music concerts throughout various venues; and it plays host to its Spring Joseph Market and Matthäusmarkt (Matthew Market) in September. Doesn’t matter which one you attend, you’re in for stalls of good food, friendly people, and fresh Swabian air.

It’s always a delight to come through South Germany, especially when you’ve found little-known gems like Sontheim an der Brenz — can’t wait to come back again.

Ok, let’s get a couple of things straight about the town of Sersheim. First, it isn’t very big; not even 12 square kilometers. Second, it has made an astounding recovery over the last 360-plus years, when it was totally destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. And, third, this is where you’ll want to come when you want to party and drink lots of wine.

Oh, now I got your attention, don’t I? ;-)

Before we get to the booze and community bashes, let’s get the responsible stuff out of the way first.

Sersheim is where you’ll find one of the oldest mills in the entire state — dating back to the late 14th century. It’s still a mill after all these years, in addition to now being a museum.

The other must-see museum is Das Schmiedemuseum. Known as the Forge Museum, these exhibits are all about the Blacksmiths — and the building itself is quite historical, it’s from the late 15th century.

“Can we get to the wine yet?” No, you should cycle along parts of the 160 km long Stromberg-Bitzer-Weg bicycle route first. And you really need to see what’s left of the Untere Schlössle (Lower Castle, built around 1479), and the Obere Schlössle (Upper Castle) from the 16th century.

All right, now we can get to the wine. I can’t think of any better place to drink some of it than at the Weinbau Götz. They’re mostly known for its Trollinger grapes (they produce a red wine); and you’re always welcome at a wine tasting. One of the greatest things to do at the winery is to take a Fackelwanderung, or torchlight hike.

Sounds like a good time, doesn’t it? That’s not even the half of it, either. Summer is a great time to come, that’s when the Summer Festival takes place (in June), and the Pfirsichfest (Peach Festival) is a fun July event, while the Göckelsfest is a September treat, and October’s the month for party in Oktoberfest style. And how can I leave out mentioning all the Advent celebrations and Christmas caroling?

Didn’t I tell you there was a lot to do here in Sersheim — makes me want to sit down with a nice glass of red and relive it all. ;-)