For anyone out there who appreciates the clean air of Upper Bavaria, then I’d suggest to you the town of Brannenburg, located on the edge of the jagged Alps, through which the German Alpine Road runs.

Ohh, is that Austria I see? It sure is. However, there’s too much to do right here to worry about that. ;-)

Yeah, sure, Brannenburg’s got the traditional sightseeing of old churches and lots of festivals, of course. And just so you know, it offers so many outdoor recreational activities that’ll keep yourself beyond busy — no matter what season it is.

For the sake of this conversation, we’ll hit up the old buildings, OK?

The Church of the Assumption is a good starting point, it was built in 1772. St. Margaret’s is way older than that — this Grande Dame has been here for more than 500 years. And the Pilgrimage Church of St. Mary Magdalene has had pious visitors come visit for centuries.

Speaking of religious treks, Brannenburg falls along the Way of St. James; you know, that route for Pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. You’ll know when you’re on it, because you’ll keep seeing the blue sign with the yellow shell.

I’d also suggest you visit the Artist Colony, which has been around since the 19th century. There’s always something going on around here to tickle your inner artist, with everything from art exhibits to poetry readings.

It’s quite easy to tap into your artistic side here — the craggy mountain peaks of the Alps will do that to you. You will, however, have to have some sense of adventure if you’re going go mountain biking or mountain climbing on them. The marked hiking trails will take anywhere from an hour up to good eight hours. Or, for some biking on more level ground, have a go on a portion of the Innradweg (Inn Bike Trail) along the Inn River.

Rather spend that time doing something else? How about Nordic Walking, a guided Orchid Hike, swimming, tennis, or learning something new on the Naturerlebnis-Pfad (Nature Adventure Path)? Ha, and I haven’t even gotten to the winter sports yet — there’s cross-country skiing, tobogganing, sledding, and snowshoeing.

Forget it, I’m heading to the Beer & Wine Festival (every May), or the Spring Festival (April), or maybe to watch the Corpus Christi Procession. And the moonlight rides on the Old Railway are quite romantic.

Didn’t I tell you there was too much to do here to worry about Austria? ;-)

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve gotten to visit some of the best German towns; and I don’t think I could have picked a better place than Grabow — a town and Collective Municipality of 4+13=17 hamlets up here in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

It’s a place where you can take a historical walking tour, pick mushrooms, or find a quiet walking path — and no matter what you choose to do (or not do) — you’ll love it.

Each of its villages are unique onto themselves, and the very fact that Grabow has prospered after being, uhh, what’s the right word? Let’s just say, the town didn’t do too well after World War II ended. Interesting, considering the town remained relatively intact during the war itself.

Anyway, that’s something you can learn along the 25 stops of the town’s Historic Walking Tour, that’ll take you along places like Canal and Church Streets. No trip to Grabow would ever be complete without seeing its Gothic brick church of St. Georg, whose oldest part is over seven hundred years old.

Grabow’s historic Rathaus (Town Hall) isn’t anywhere near that old (built in 1727), though historic nonetheless — and a source of pride among its citizens. Not too much of the town is as old as some of the Stone Age artifacts that were found around the village of Dambeck. This village, too, has a Romanesque/Gothic Church.

FYI, the village of Karstädt was also a Stone Age town.

Visitors cannot live by history alone, so you’ll want to see places like Kremmin, filled with cycling, hiking, and horse riding paths. Grabow, by the way, lies along the Müritz-Elde Waterway, so might I suggest a walk with a water view?

Milow, which borders Brandenburg, also has a good number of biking and riding, and hiking trails. Oh yea, and offers the chance to go mushroom hunting.

Steesow is also into mushroom picking, as well as having its own pretty Village Church. Zierzow is the party animal of the bunch, hosting the Summer Party, Harvest Festival, and Village Festival.

Anyone who loves those half-timbered houses that are world famous here in Germany, you’ll love Grabow’s Altstadt (Old Town) that’s got quite a number of them from the 18th and 19th centuries — the oldest of which dating to around 1702.

Castle lovers, don’t worry, go to Gorlosen — the village that owns Burg Lenzen and the Festung Dömitz (a former Fortress).

Grabow is so nice, I’m glad I picked back up my trek around Germany here. And now… I don’t want to leave. ;-)

Drats, writer’s block yet again. I’m not entirely sure why, considering the town of Plaidt has more than it’s fair share of stuff to do.

For one thing, it sits in the Eifel region — you know, that lovely volcanic area of Germany. Plus, Plaidt is a stop on the German Volcanoes Route AND the Volcano Park’s Information Center is located here, so that’s likely a good place to start.

Also having to do with volcanoes is the Laacher See, created when its volcano last erupted more than 12,000 years ago. And it’s been said that an airplane bomber from World War II sits at the bottom of it. Hmm, interesting, a piece of natural and modern history all in one place.

As super-cool as volcanoes are, you can’t spend all your time in Plaidt in search of them, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy one of the town’s many festivals. The Pellenz Outdoor Festival is a 3-day affair in August, which is also the month of the town’s Summer Festival. May’s a nice time to be there, and the month Plaidt hosts the Bürger- und Familienfest.

If it were anywhere else, I’d say it I was sorry to hear Plaidt doesn’t have its own Christmas Market, but it does offer community get-togethers to some nearby; but with the Christmas caroling and other celebrations you might be too busy to notice it’s missing. The community comes together at Easter time for the town’s Easter Egg Hunt, and every March for the Spring Festival.

In between festivals is a good time to see some old buildings. In the village of Saffig is the Church of St. Cecili, a real Baroque beauty; and then you’ve got the Church of St. Dionysius. Over in Nickenich you’ll find a neo-Romanesque church, but in all fairness, it sits atop what was once a 12th century real one.

Nickenich is where you’ll also find a reconstructed 1st century Tumulus; and where archaeologists found both Celtic and Roman artifacts. The Romans also left behind a mine, too. You can see it at the Römerberg Meurin in nearby Kretz. Cool, right?

Oh, I guess I got over that writer’s block once I realized how exciting it was to tell you about Plaidt. ;-)

For anyone who thinks we Germans don’t have a sense of humor, you’re sadly mistaken. Any country that decides to have a handful of towns or villages with the same name is just doing it to get a giggle out of trying to see figure out which one you’re supposed to go to.

Either way, the one in the Westerwald it is this time around.

I really think you’ll like Waldbrunn (Westerwald), it’s a charming town of five hamlets with all sorts of cultural events and historic buildings.

One of the most famous is the 14th century Burg Eller, a ruin that’s in pretty good shape considering it’s been abandoned for almost 500 years. It’s also the site of the town’s Burgfest every August. Oh, and it has an observation tower, too.

You’ll probably be in Eller the longest, since you’ve still got to see its former Jewish cemetery and its St. Maximinus Church, and to find parts of its 14th century Stadtmauer.

Hausen is another nice village, full of walking trails and a church from the late 19th century. It’s really known for its Kirchweihfest, held on the second weekend of August every year.

Fussingen’s church is one of the youngest, St. Leonard was built in the early 20th century. Lots of folks flock to this village of less than 600 people every year in June for its annual Fair.

Lahr is one of the most historical, found on an old border between the Houses of Nassau. It’s also got some framework houses, a very old cemetery (they make good parks), a whole slew of biking and hiking trails, and a Pfarrfest and Carnival Parade to party the days away.

I’m pretty sure I’ve missed some festivals in Waldbrunn…

Oh yes, the Kirmes in Hausen in August, the Kirmes in Hintermeilingen, a Thanksgiving Festival in September, and an Autumn Festival in November.

Oh yeah, I’ve also left out telling you about the village of Hintermeilingen — a town known for its numerous walking trails (including Nordic Walking), and its Church of the Annunciation.

It might be funny to find your way to the right Waldbrunn, but it’s a seriously great place to be once you’re there.

It is towns like Hermeskeil in the Rhineland-Palatinate that epitomize everything a German town should be. It’s got interesting museums, a dark history to tell, a castle (of course!), nature areas, and festivals that can make the grumpiest person you know crack a smile.

The biggest question regarding Hermeskeil is where do you begin? We could start at the beginning of “history,” going back to the days of the Celts. On the first Saturday of the month (between May & October), come see the old Celtic fortification. They’re not the only people in history to tromp on through — the Romans were here, as were the Gauls.

Centuries after these guys were gone, along came the medieval builders of Burg Grimburg. The 12th century castle offers guided tours on what life was really like during the Middle Ages; and the Ritter auf der Grimburg (Knights on the Grimburg) every August brings the period’s history to life in a totally fun way.

For the real people of the Middle Ages, maybe they didn’t think it was all fun & games, and many of them were scared for their lives. The Burg- und Hexenmuseum is where you can learn all about the witch hunts, and the ingenious ways of torturing these poor souls.

Life in Hermeskeil couldn’t have been all bad, it sits just 25 km southeast of Trier, and lies within both the Hunsrück and the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. Yeah, that’s some mighty pretty real estate, no wonder no one wanted to leave. You’re gonna have to take me out of here kicking and screaming. ;-)

I’ll compose myself long enough to tell you about the Flugausstellung Hermeskeil, that’s an aviation museum; and the Hochwald Museum, detailing daily life in the region. And there’s also the Rheinland-Pfälzisches Feuerwehrmuseum (Rhineland-Palatinate Fire Brigade Museum), showing how fire fighting has changed over the centuries. Hey, someone’s gotta protect the half-timbered houses, right?

Stick around for a while, you’ll want to travel along the Hunsrück Radweg (a Cycle Path), or the Ruwer-Hochwald-Radweg for a while.

Prefer to use your own foot power? Then I’d suggest heading over toward the Catholic Church, there’s a pedestrian zone with shops over there.

You’ll be in luck if it isn’t crowded, as Hermeskeil is quite popular when a festival’s going on. Oh, they’ve got aplenty, too. I counted no less than five Kirmes events (1 in April, 2 in May, 1 in June, another in July); a Summer Festival; the July Bergfest; a June Castle Festival; the Potato Days in October; a Flower Market; a Christmas Market in December…

Chances are I’ve missed something, there’s a lot to take in here.

Oh well, it’ll give me an excuse to come back for another go-around. ;-)

What on Earth is that? Is that… Oh yes, it is — a hazardous waste landfill before my very eyes.

Lucky for me, I’m distracted by shiny things, and there are plenty of things here in the town of Billigheim to catch my attention — and yours.

Seriously, waste landfill aside, Billigheim really is a charming town in the Odenwald, located not too far from Mosbach. It has a long history, dating back to before the Romans. They, however, are the ones who left behind quite a number of artifacts that are now housed in the Römermuseum.

Quite a few centuries later, the Monastery Billigheim as built (around 1000 A.D.); and it remained a holy place until 1803. It was then given over to the Counts of Leiningen who thought the medieval monastery would make a good castle.

They were kinda right, I must say. ;-)

Let’s face it, life in the Middle Ages wasn’t easy. But, you can see what it was sort of like over at the Odenwälder Freilandmuseum. Throughout its sixteen buildings you’ll learn what life was like for folks back in the 1300s, all with modern day conveniences, of course.

The Pfarrkirche St. Michael also comes from Billigheim’s medieval building boom. It was once a monastery church, until it was dissolved in 1584. And the St. Anne Chapel is the only building in the village of Allfeld (one of Billigheim’s districts) to survive the Thirty Years’ War.

Thankfully, no one has to dodge marauding soldiers today, so you’re free to enjoy your pilgrimage along the Way of St. James scenic route (just follow the blue sign with the yellow shell), or to bike along the Schefflenztal Radweg.

A really nice way to see Billigheim is to take the Historical Walk, which follows some fourteen boards that detail specific events, and both village and rural life here in this part of Baden.

Another interesting part is its Katzental district, which, interestingly enough, translates to Cats Valley. ;-) Not that you would find lots of cats here (well, perhaps you will), but its catholic church (built 1751) has a very beautiful altar.

Billigheim is really a friendly town, a place where new residents are welcomed with open arms and a welcome reception. And even if you’re just passing through, the folks over at the Tourist Office are mighty friendly.

A great way to see the community in action is to come for one of its festivals. The Waldfest (Forest Festival) is held in May, as is its Pentecost events. July is a popular month for festivals, hosting both its Fisherman’s Festival and Schlossparkfest. Carnival’s a big deal around these parts, a nice way of enjoying those dark winter days.

Wasn’t I right? I told you there was plenty here to keep you busy. :-)

Dude, it’s time to visit Dudenhofen.

Ha-ha, I crack myself up — but what isn’t funny is how delightful the place is. And you’d think being just three kilometers away from posh Speyer (it’s the next town over), they’d have some complex about its much more famous neighbor.

Not so, I tell you.

Interestingly enough, it’s a food that gets top billing around here, because Dudenhofen pays homage to the King’s Veggie. That’s right, Asparagus reigns supreme here in the Palatinate, too; and every May everyone joins a hike along the Spargelwanderung.

You’ll also find it all over menus in its restaurants, and there are even community Asparagus dinners.

There are other cultural events in Dudenhofen, like Maypole dancing (May 1st), and the Family Festival (also in May) — and April’s a really busy month for stuff to do. You’ve got the Spring Festival, the town’s Flohmarkt (Flea Market), and a Kerwe, too.

The fun doesn’t end here, ya know. Dudenhofen is part of a Collective Municipality, so you’ve got a few more towns where you can get into all the fun.

The town of Harthausen, for instance, also has its own Kerwe, held the second weekend of August. And it’s got the Tabakdorffest (Tobacco Village Festival), held the 3rd weekend of every September. It’s where you’re not expected to smoke, but you are expected to have a good time.

There is a “serious” side to Dudenhofen, too. No, make that a pious side — because there’s a really pretty Baroque village church dedicated to St. Martin (in Hanhofen), and you’ll find wonderful religious art in the Flurkapelle (from the 1850s), a 19th century Cemetery Chapel (with old tombs), and the St. Gangolf Church from the 1860s.

Oh, plus Dudenhofen is a stop along the Way of St. James, too.

Aaand the Holiday Park is also very close. ;-)

So, the next time you’re in Speyer — just remember, Dude we got to head on over to Dudenhofen, it’s delightful.

For the most part I hardly see a German town that gets me feeling all philosophical, or something of the kind — it’s usually light and humorous; a grand old time for the having.

Between you and me, my experience with the town of Uebigau-Wahrenbrück, it was a little of both.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, this town is lovely (to say the least), but back during the middle of the 20th century — it wasn’t. On the final days of World War II the town of Uebigau-Wahrenbrück was a stop on what’s known as the “Lost Train” (Verlorener Zug in German). Let me explain…

In April 1945 three trains left the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp — the last and final train rode through this region; and many of the 2000+ souls are buried along the way — with the final stop being Uebigau-Wahrenbrück’s neighbor of Tröbitz.

In the village of Langennaundorf (kilometer marker 101.6) is a memorial dedicated to them. Also there’s a Jewish Cemetery in Tröbitz with an even bigger memorial, and one in the village of Wildgrube (kilometer marker 106.7).

Yes, it seems like a lot of history slammed into one, small webpage — but if you’re here seeing them all, at least you know why.

Uebigau-Wahrenbrück’s history isn’t limited to just the 20th century. Heck no, the villages of the town have been around for centuries. One of the oldest places is Kloster Dobrilugk (in nearby Doberlug-Kirchhain), one of the oldest monasteries in Lower Lusatia — from 1165.

Plus, Brandenburg is known for its many village churches. I like the ones in Langennaundorf, Drasdo, and Wildgrube. Nope, sorry, I think my heart belongs to the medieval one in the village of Wiederau.

And we all know I love castles — so off to Neudeck Castle (a village with a population of 72 people). It was built in 1521, but you’d never know it from its Baroque renovations in 1711.

You will also love to visit the Brikettfabrik Luise in the Domsdorf district, a former briquet factory that was in production for 110 years (from 1882 to 1992) — which is the reason why it’s part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage.

So much has happened through the ages around here that it seems like just the right place for a Heritage Museum (called Heimatmuseum), two of which you’ll find in Uebigau proper and in Wahrenbrück proper.

You’ll most certainly find a good number of festivals going on, as well. Who doesn’t love a good Oktoberfest (in October, mind you), and a Village Festival in August.

Uebigau-Wahrenbrück is a place of quiet reflection, countless years of history, fantastic cultural events, and so much more — philosophical, or not.

For anyone whose close to Stuttgart, you might want to consider a day trip over to the town of Bondorf. You don’t need too much time here, and it’s easy enough to get to considering its easy accessibility along the A81 Autobahn, and the number of bus routes that trek on over here.

With the logistics out of the way, you’ll find the countryside of this Swabian town just delightful.

For the most part, Bondorf is an everyday average town, but don’t let that fool you. It has some good stuff to see, ya know.

One of the best place, in my not-so-humble opinion, is the Arboretum Bondorf. Along the footpath you’ll find some seventy different species to try identifying, but you’re totally on your own at the “insect hotel.”

So what if they can’t escape, I ain’t going anywhere near bugs. ;-)

I will, however, go over to the local golf course. Ah, some 27-holes await in an area of the Korngäu — a sweet area between the Black Forest and the Neckar Valley.

Drats, I’m over par because I was too busy oogling the landscape…

Too bad the Romans didn’t golf, they probably would’ve loved playing here. They were here, though, and all that’s left of them now is what remains of the nearby Villa Rustica, which wasn’t even discovered until the 1970s.

There really isn’t any incentive to head indoors yet, just so you know. The Schönbuch Nature Park is just wonderful, even if all you do is just mosey along a hiking trail.

Ah, there is one place that will take you indoors — the local Lutheran Parish Church.

There is one dark spot to Bondorf’s history, an old sub-camp of the Hailfingen-Tailfingen Concentration Camp was located just to the north of town at an old military airport. You’ll find a memorial to those who were here, if you’re on a quest to learn more about 20th century history.

Now in the 21st century, Bondorf is a place that’s bright and fun — and with that comes fun cultural events like the Krämermarkt in June (second weekend), and the Christmas Market (first weekend of Advent) — where folks are milling around, food is always a good subject, and the beer mugs are raised in good cheer.

Did I suggest a day trip to Bondorf? Silly me, it seems like you might need more time than that.

Here is a tongue twister name of a town for you. Try saying it slow: Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel. Ha-ha, guess what? It ain’t so easy to say in German, let alone trying to get it out in English.

Saxony, I think you’re messing with us.

What Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel is doing, on the other hand, is offering one of the best spa towns around. The scenery of the Ore Mountains and Saxon Switzerland isn’t so bad, either.

Most of the town’s villages, by the way, date back to the Middle Ages, offering some historical stuff on top of the multitude of spa services available. Some of the town’s sights are easily seen, like the old Milemarkers from the 18th century. Some sights you’ll have to look for, such as the numerous shrine stones.

There are a bunch of memorial stones scattered about, a number of them in honor of those who died on a Death March in 1945. One of my favorite monuments is the one to the Olympic torch from the 1936 Games. Everyone loves the Olympics, right?

As I said, the history of Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel goes back many centuries ago, which is why you’ll see an old castle (Schloss Friedrichsthal), and a gaggle of churches. St. Peter’s dates around the 13th century, although you’d never know it.

Must be that fresh mountain air, or something. You can be well preserved, too, if you get into the whole spa and exercise thing. There is a Kneipp area, a spa park, promenades to walk, Nordic walking trails, hiking along the Augustusberg (the views are worth the effort, trust me), swimming, and cycling. Plus, you won’t regret climbing up the Bismarckturm, either.

Sounds like the perfect time for a massage. In my world it is.

While relaxing you can think about how the hard to say town of Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel once belonged to the Kingdom of Bohemia. What do you expect, the Czech Republic is literally right next door.

Despite being plundered and pillaged during the Thirty Years’ War, occupied by French troops, and bombed by the Red Army — Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel has become one of the best hidden treasures of Saxony; even if the place is the hardest thing to say in any language.