A trivia question could be, where did the town of Westerburg get its name? Is it the name of a river? No. It’s because it lies in the Westerwald? Nope. Give up?

It got its name from its castle — rightfully deserving the title of the town’s landmark.

While the town’s landmark is its medieval castle (and it’s lovely 13th century chapel), there’s too much other stuff to see and do around town. A quick trip to the Tourist Information Center, located at Neumarkt 1, will give you all the tools necessary to see the best of the place — including where to find a local city guide to take you all around.

I’d wager they’ll also tell you to go see the Liebenfrauenkirche, an old pilgrimage church. Just as I’m sure they’ll tell you to call ahead to schedule a tour of the Ofenbauer Museum in the village of Gershausen, and they’ll be able to point out the very pretty half-timbered Burgmannenhaus. Another of Westerburg’s museums is the Trachtenmuseum, giving you a glimpse into traditional “costumes” of the area.

Many of the town’s old buildings tell a tale of the its history, but the town is really much older than it lets on. In fact, graves dating back to around 700 B.C. have been found here. I guess it makes the 19th century Jewish Cemetery not seem that old, huh?

Forget about old for a few minutes, now it’s time to party. One of the biggest events is the 3-day Pfefferkuchenmarkt, or Gingerbread Market, at the end of November — which is followed by the Nikolausmarkt in early December. Summer’s just as much fun as any other time, that’s when the Burgmannfest is held (June), with the Kirmes and Kirmesmarkt in August.

When you’re not partying in Westerburg, you can always be playing. You’ll find all sorts of outdoor recreational activities out here in the Westerwald — winter’s got skiing, tobogganing, and sledding; whereas you can go fishing, hiking, Nordic Walking, cycling, and golfing when the weather’s a tad warmer.

Cold or warm, you’ll never want to leave this town known as the Heart of the Westerwald — but one thing’s for sure, it surely stole my heart.

Let me start off by mentioning you need to get your most comfortable shoes when you visit the town of Ebensfeld. This place consists of some 23 villages, each with something to see and do.

Sorry to say I don’t have that kind of time, but I can give you highlights.

It’s possible that Ebensfeld’s historic old buildings are outnumbered by all its festivals. No, I’m not planning on counting — I’m planning on partying.

First, let’s do the traditional sightseeing, OK?

Some of Ebensfeld’s sights would include the statue of St. Florian, put here in 1740 (at Hauptstraße 38); and at Kirchgasse 10 you’ll find a mid-17th century church — with a War Memorial right outside. At Prächtinger Straße is a quaint 19th century Cemetery Chapel.

In the village of Döringstadt you’ll find the prettiest sandstone fountain (built 1742), lots of half-timbered houses, and the Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) of St. Martin (built 1715). That’s around the time the Pilgrimage Church “Maria Schmerz” was built (1709) in the village of Eggenbach.

What else is there in Eggenbach? A medieval stone cross lon Breitenloh, and some more quaint timber-framed houses.

Is it time to party yet? It sure is, but the real question is where to start? With so many villages and churches it’s no wonder there are a whole bunch of Kirchweih celebrations. There are like two in June, and other in July. Which, by the way, are not to be confused with the Pfarrfest (in Döringstadt), and the Patronatsfeste (Eggenbach’s is in September, and another in August).

July’s still not done with the parties — you’ve got the Summer Festival and the Old Town Festival. Whereas August is the month for both the Weinfest (Wine Festival) and Brauereifest (Brewery Festival).

May is just a good time as any, because that’s when Ebensfeld holds its Corpus Christi Procession (OK, that can change due to the calendar — but let’s not split hairs), and the Küpsen Lindenfest.

It’s so much fun in Ebensfeld, isn’t it? Just don’t forget those comfy shoes — or you won’t find it so fun. ;-)

For the most part, Echzell is a typical Hessian town with a castle, cultural events, half-timbered houses, and lots of biking and hiking trails.

We could end this article here if that’s all there was to Echzell, but it’s not — so we won’t. ;-)

I won’t even say there’s a lot of history to Echzell. Nope, I’ll say there has been a lot of living over the years instead. People kind of made this area their home from around 500 B.C., with the Romans really putting their mark on the place.

In fact, Echzell lies right along the German Limes Road — more specifically, the Upper Raetian Limes and the Limes Hochtaunus. Echzell’s Roman Fort is 2000 years old; and its Roman Bath has been reconstructed so you can see what it must’ve looked like. The Romans had their gods, and the Jupitersäule is a monument to one of them.

In case you didn’t know, Echzell’s Evangelical Church is built right atop some Roman foundations.

After the Roman Empire fell, Europe was plunged into the Dark Ages — the very early days of the medieval period. Ooh, the Middle Ages, the time period that started to give us those castles we all love so much.

OK, so what if the Bingenheim Castle didn’t come along until the 15th century — but I can tell you this, a great view of it is looking through the trees over by the bridge.

FYI, the village of Bisses used to have one, but not since the Thirty Years’ War. That stinks, huh?

If you permit me, I’d like to go back to mentioning scenic routes again. Not only will you find Echzell along the old Roman border — but also close to the Barbarossaweg, along the Volcanic Cycle Route, and the St. Boniface Route (a pilgrimage route that marked the saint’s funeral procession).

When you’re not delving into the town’s history or traversing along the marked cycle routes, maybe you’d like to party at one of the awesome cultural events that happen around here? You know, stuff like Easter concerts and the Children’s Flea Market (April), and the 4-day Kerb every October.

I might have started off calling Echzell a typical town, but it’s far from it. That’s OK though, typical and ordinary is overrated — there’s nothing wrong with being exceptional. ;-)

There is one thing you never say to a German: just wing it. Just wing it? You mean like be spontaneous? No planning? That just goes against a German’s sensibilities — and not gonna happen.

All this proper planning is why you’ll know a festival or market is going to take place at a specific time and place, like in the town of Sittensen, found right between Bremen and Hamburg.

For instance, you can set a clock to the fact that exactly two weeks before Easter, Sittensen is going to hold its Spring Market.

And you’re comfortable in the fact that the Erntedankfest (Harvest Festival) comes the first weekend of October. Or what about the Bayrische Abend (Bavarian Night) in August. Not to mention the traditional Labor Day festivities on May 1st.

Plus, knowing beforehand you’ll find Sittensen’s landmark, the tower of the St. Dionysius Church — and the Heimathaus (Local History Museum) are conveniently located by the town’s Mill Pond, makes for great German efficiency.

The rest of Sittensen can be enjoyed at your leisure. Take your time hiking along the bogs of the Nature Reserve Ekelmoor, where you can make a game of identifying birch trees and cranes.

The Moorbahn Burgsittensen is also a wonderful place to be outdoors. For over sixty years peat was taken from here along an old narrow-gauge railway line, now it’s filled with hikers who want views from a lookout tower.

What have I missed? See, you forget when you don’t plan properly…

I left out mentioning the Low German Theater performances, and I left out the Melkhus — a place where the weary traveler can grab a delicious cold milk, ice cream, or milkshake.

That sounds like a good idea after playing a round at Sittensen’s golf course, or after a fun summer day at the local swimming pool.

Visitors to Sittensen will find much more to see and do if you add in the towns that belong to the Collective Municipality Sittensen — and that, my friends, brings on another round of planning. ;-)

Being that the town of Schlüsselfeld is only about 24 kilometers southwest of Bamberg, it’s probably fitting the town has more than a handful of breweries.

For some, that might be just the draw to come here. For others, maybe not so much. That’s probably good that Schlüsselfeld also has a whole slew of other stuff as well then, huh?

You most certainly will love the fresh air of the Steigerwald, so just about any one of its hiking trails — or city streets for that matter — will do wonders for your state of mind.

And with some 22 villages that make up the town of Schlüsselfeld, there’s a whole lot to choose from.

I ask you, what’s the point of coming to Germany if not to enjoy its old castles and churches? In the village of Reichmannsdorf you’ll find both an 18th century castle, and a 15th century church.

Look around some more here, and you’ll find parts of the original Town Wall (with 2 towers no less), and an old pillory that was used for those who were quite naughty way-back-when.

The village of Aschbach also offers its visitors a glimpse of an old castle (built 1672), and the Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) of St. Lawrence. It’s Protestant now, but dates back to before the Reformation swept through Germany. Yeah, it’s that old. ;-)

People have also been coming to the St. John the Baptist Church for a very long time. Pilgrims have been using its Jakobsbrunnen (Jacobs Well) for much needed water before heading off to Santiago de Compostela.

If you’ve come to Schlüsselfeld between May and October, services are still held at the Marienkirche. Those are good months to be here, because that’s when a good number of its festivals take place.

Let’s see, what do they got going on? Oh yes, the Parish Fair in April, followed by the Pfingstmarkt (usually in May), the Jahrmarkt in June, mid-summer bonfires, and the Summer Festival in July.

In case you can’t make those months, there’s both a Martinimarkt and a Kirchweih in November.

But, hey, at least you got those breweries all year to look forward to. ;-)

Technically the town of Stadtoldendorf is the “administrative center” of the Collective Municipality of Escherhausen-Stadtoldendorf. As a whole, the population is around 15,000 people, encompassing some 121 square kilometers.

Nothing personal to the whole municipality — but it’s a busy week, so I’m only concentrating on the 24 square kilometers of Stadtoldendorf itself.

Besides, you don’t care that much about political intricacies anyway, do you? ;-)

It isn’t as if you’ll be scrounging for things to do — there’s plenty to keep each and every one of you busy enough. History buffs should appreciate Burg Homburg. Built around the year 1050, this castle stood for some 500 years before being destroyed in 1535 — making it a ruin for just about as long as it functioned.

Another one of Stadtoldendorf’s medieval sites is the Kloster Amelungsborn, believed to be the second oldest in all of Lower Saxony. Imagine the stories it could tell from its humble beginnings in 1135, to how it managed to survive through the Reformation, and how it was severely damaged during World War II.

The 20th century gave today’s Stadtoldendorf some places to see, too. On weekends from March to October, you’re able to visit the Motorcycle Museum (which has some old cars, too), and it wouldn’t be right not to see the Freizeitpark Mammut. Oh this latter one is a treat if you like to go off-roading or “mudding” in monster trucks, ATVs, or 4-wheelers.

Too tired to drive home? No problem, there are campsites here to spend the night.

While you’re bound to meet some mighty nice folks at the off-road track, you’ll meet more at one of the town’s festivals. You’ll certainly eat good if you’re here for the Potato Roasts, the Kartoffelbratfest (Potato Festival) in September, and the Volks- und Schützenfest every June.

Don’t worry if it gets too noisy for you — it’ll be quiet enough along the Pilgerweg Loccum-Volkenroda, a 300 km long pilgrimage route running right through town. Looking at the regional artists’ work at the Alte Rathaus (Old Town Hall), or from atop the Stadtoldendorf’s landmark, the Försterbergturm (Ranger Mountain Tower), won’t be a noisy venture either.

Another quiet place is the Jewish Cemetery (ain’t that true for most cemeteries) — as the town once had a bustling Jewish population. There was a synagogue here too; a memorial stone marks its former spot.

A lot of Stadtoldendorf’s history can be learned from its City Museum, about how the town has changed and remained the same over the years. All I know is, I’ll have to come back again to do the other villages of Escherhausen-Stadtoldendorf — and that’s all right, I loved what I saw already.

Bordering the town of Hechingen is the Swabian town of Bodelshausen.

It truly is a family-friendly spot — a place that was located right along the border between what was once Württemberg and Hohenzollern.

It’s geographical borders don’t change the fact that for a small town of just over 5,000 people, you’ll have lots of fun; and the opportunity to see some endangered species of animals.

The best place to see these rare animals is by the Butzensee, wetlands that’ll keep you busy trekking along the countryside of the Black Forest Nature Park and the Swabian Alb.

This isn’t the only place to go hiking or biking, by the way. The Pastureland Zollernblick is easy enough — just 2.5 km in a loop so you don’t get lost. And if that’s a little too tame, try the Tübingen Cycle Route #3, or the Hohenzollern Cycle Route.

As for fun, Bodelshausen is a nice place to be the week before Easter, when it hosts its Easter Fair. Then you’ve got the Dorfstraßenfest (Village Streets Festival) in July, and its Carnival Parade in February. The Easter Fair, by the way, is held right by the Rathaus (Town Hall) — and the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is built right over what used to be a medieval chapel.

Yeah, you knew there was going to be some history somewhere, didn’t you?

Bodelhausen has a cute Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) that keeps changing its exhibits, so you’ll always see something fresh and new. Still, it’s a good way to looking how the town used to be a simple farming village. You just need to do it on the first Sunday of the month between April and October. It’s possible to see it at other times, but you’re going to have to call ahead.

And if you’ve got the time, there’s a Fossil Museum and the Roman Outdoor Museum located close by. It’s possible to be distracted by the half-timbered houses found along Altenhofenstraße, though.

The Schwarzwald, or just about anywhere in Baden-Württemberg for that matter, will never cease to amaze you — especially since it’s filled with towns like Bodelshausen.

At first thought I believed the only thing I was going to see in the town of Blaichach was going to a whole bunch of churches and chapels. Really, how could I not, there are like a million-gazillion little hamlets that make up the place, each as old as the next.

Then I realized I was sitting right in the Oberallgäu. Um, this is no place to be indoors, that’s for sure.

That’s not to take away anything from the chapels and churches that dot this Upper Swabian landscape. Heck no, places like the St. Wendelin Chapel and the Chapel of St. Florian have been around for centuries — like the 17th and 18th respectively. So, if you don’t mind spending a few minutes outdoors, I’d suggest you come on by.

A good way to combine both history and the love of nature is to visit the ruins of Burg Ettensberg. The views from this castle are impressive, to say the least, and with a bit of imagination you can get a good idea of how this 13th century fortification might’ve looked.

Once you’ve managed to square all that away, it’s time to experience what being in the Gunzesrieder Tal is all about. Right, that means doing things like mountain biking, or regular old bicycling (like the Iller Bike Path).

Your own two feet can get you around quite nicely; and every June the whole town gears up for German Hiking Day. If you can’t make it for that, try the 13 km and 8 km Nature Experience hiking trails — a good way to kill 3-6 hours in the sunshine.

Too much work for you? No problem, go on over to the Große Alpsee, a big lake that’s surrounded by forests and meadows, and a totally relaxing beach area.

And if you think this is quite enough to do, I haven’t even gotten to the winter sports yet. This town doesn’t roll up its sidewalks when the frigid season comes around. No way, Blaichach opens its toboggan run, gets its cross-country ski trails in top shape, and marks out its snow shoeing paths. Ski tours are even available for anyone interested.

Wanna know something else? We haven’t even gotten to Blaichach’s festivals and cultural events yet — and I’m already tired. One of the more unique events is the Klausentreiben, a noisy December event — but loads of fun. I like the Martiniritt that starts with a blessing of the horses — an event that’s been going on for almost 400 years.

However, if you like to eat, the Käse-Kräuter-Sommer (Cheese Herbs Summer) is perfect. This is a summer long festival of sorts from July to September with garden parties, workshops, and wine & cheese events. Yummy.

Cheese, by the way, is big business here. 1872 symbolized the start of the Emmentaler cheese production outside of Switzerland (commenced by the Swiss man, Johann Althaus), spreading through the Allgäu and beyond.

Wow, was I wrong about what Blaichach was all about — and this time, I didn’t mind not being right. ;-)

Ahh, this is utterly fantastic; wait until you hear what you can do in the Hessian town of Gersfeld (Rhön).

Pardon me, I’m putting the horse before the cart. Gersfeld is a winter sports lovers dream town, located right between Fulda and Bad Neustadt, on the northwestern border of Bavaria. It’s spot along the Rhön Mountains sort of has something to do with it looking like a winter wonderland postcard.

Anyway, in addition to the usual stuff of cross-country skiing and alpine (downhill) skiing — Gersfeld’s got Snowkiting.

Oh my God, this is so cool — you’re flung around the snow on a snowboard attached to this big old kite. You’re pretty much paragliding on the snow — even better that, if you’re not some expert, there are “courses” for the beginner and intermediate skier.

And for those of you who are already old-hat at it, there are advanced courses for snowkiting. Plus, why didn’t anyone tell me about this before? ;-)

Now, everyone isn’t all into the snowy, cold winters that can hit Germany. For you more warm weather loving peeps, you’re in luck because Gersfeld can keep you busy, too. The town is a climate health and Kneipp resort, so hit up the Kneipp pool in the middle of town — or try some of the “cures” over at the Schlosspark Clinic.

You can’t just go working the body without working your mind, too. It’s actually possible to do both if you hike on over to the Osterburg, a medieval castle ruin. The history of the Osterburg goes back to around 1000 B.C. when the Celts first used the area as a stronghold — then came the Merovingians, Carolingians, and Franks. By the time 1600 A.D. came around, the castle was nothing but a pile of rubble.

As if that won’t keep you busy enough, come see the Baroque Evangelical Luthern Church, and make sure you get to see the Wildpark Gersfeld — an animal park full of ibex, deer, pheasant, grouse, and snowy owls to name a few.

Gersfeld is a really special place in Germany. Not only am I still amazed by the whole snowkiting thing, but the town as a whole too — one visit and I know you’ll agree.

What’s not to like about the town of Altentreptow? Seriously, this former Prussian town has history and architecture, its own legend, and was once home to one of the leading Low German writers of all time.

Sounds pretty gosh-darn good, doesn’t it?

In a very un-German like fashion, I’m going to start at the end of things. Did you know that Fritz Reuter used to live here? Who’s Mr. Reuter, you ask? Only one of Germany’s leading Low German writers, that’s who.

Come stop by the Fritz-Reuter-Haus while you’re here — then by the time you get to the Fritz-Reuter-Literaturmuseum (its Literature Museum) in nearby Stavenhagen, you’ll know all about him. ;-)

But, back to Altentreptow for the moment. As much as I love my nose buried in a book, I like looking around at all the awesome architecture found throughout the country.

The town’s Marktplatz is a good place to start, where you’ll find pretty half-timbered houses, and the 14th/15th century Gothic Church of St. Peter. Yeah, looks kind of old — and this isn’t even the original, as there was an older one. Still, this one is pretty damn fantastic with its stained glass and carved statues.

FYI, the church in Loickenzin (one of Altentreptow’s villages) is a pretty church with a stone & timber frame construction from the 17th century — but it’s filled with all sort of 16th, 17th and 18th century treasures.

From around the same time as St. Peter’s rebuilding, a number of Altentreptow’s City Gates were being built (like the 5-story Gothic Brandenburger Tor — built 1450).

Good thing, too, because Brandenburg and Pomerania kept fighting over the region back in the 14th century. And too bad the gates didn’t save the place from being sacked numerous times during the Thirty Years’ War. Oh, and half the town somehow burned down in the 15th century.

See? I told you this place had history.

I also told you Altentreptow had its own legend. Out on the Klosterberg you’ll find this gigantic granite stone (called the Großer Stein), said to have been thrown here by the Devil himself.

Well, I’m not sure about all that — but no one knows how massive this stone really is, because a lot of it lies buried.

Don’t bother trying to dig it out — I already tried. ;-)