After a full (and wearing) week up in the North, it’s time to head south to the town of Moosthenning. Located just north of Dingolfing in the Isar Valley, this tradition-loving Lower Bavarian town is simply the right place for those seeking typical South German festivals, outdoor fun, and old architecture.

Oh, did I mention the wine? No? Well, let’s start there then. The village of Thürnthenning has been making wine for a whole lot of centuries. Yup, for hundreds of years they’ve been making this delicious drink, so come visit at the end of October for the Wine Festival.

Some of Moosthenning’s other festivals are just as grand, like the 4-day Volksfest every August. And the Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival) is also another multi-day event, but you’ll have to attend that during the Lenten Season.

Um, that’s like late Winter/early Spring, whereas the Sommernachtsfest is a summer event in July, while the Oktoberfest comes around early October, and all the Advent/Christmas events are November and December.

Now that you know when all the parties are, you’re able to plan around all that to go meandering around the Königsauer Moos. I’m pretty sure the area looks much different compared to the days when the Celts were tromping around — but that didn’t stop folks from finding Bronze Age artifacts and Celtic tombs.

Wouldn’t that be fantastic to find one yourself? History buff that I am, I’d say so. ;-)

Nothing else man-made is as old as the tombs, but that doesn’t mean the sculptures of the late 17th century church of Sts. Mauritius & Florian isn’t worth a visit. And let’s add a trip over to the Baroque Pilgrimage Church of St. Trinity, also known as the (deep breath…) Katholische Wallfahrtskirche Hl. Dreifaltigkeit.

Two of Moosthenning’s churches come from the 15th century (the 1400s, if you’re curious), the Church of St. Stephen, and the Church of St. Kilian — my favorite, found in a open field.

And there’s also the Church of St. Nicholas in the village of Rimbach, known for its hops and grapes.

Hmm, it always goes back to the wine and beer in Bavaria, doesn’t it? ;-)

Being the town of Kröpelin and only a dozen kilometers from the fresh Baltic Sea air isn’t the only thing going for this charming town, or its other villages in the Collective Municipality of the same name. Nope, it just means you’re able to enjoy the best of the Baltic and a traditional northern German town.

Now, if I’m anything, I’m honest, so I’ll tell you there’s not a whole lot to do as far as traditional sightseeing. But, don’t let that stop you — because Kröpelin is a party-throwing town, if ever I saw one.

Since I mentioned sightseeing first, we’ll kick it off there.

You’ll want to see its Stadtkirche (City Church), whose origins date back to more than 700 years ago. That’s right, do the math, making this pretty brick church a medieval one. It’s also the venue for a number of Kröpelin’s cultural events.

Many centuries later, along came its Galerieholländerwindmühle (Gallery Dutch Windmill), only built in 1904. Want more old stuff? Ok, then head to the village of Groß Siemen, where on An der Sieme you’ll find things like a thatched roof cottage, an old manor house, and even a half-timbered barn.

Altenhagen has one of those old 19th century farmhouses, and Kröpelin’s Rathaus (Town Hall) in the Classicist style that was popular way-back-when. And while you’re at it, go to Hauptstraße 5; that’s where you’ll find the Stadtmuseum (City Museum). Its schedule changes during the winter months, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

Don’t balk at a north German winter — how else will you be able to enjoy the town’s two (that’s right, 2) Christmas Markets? Puhleeze, this isn’t even the half of it, although most of Kröpelin’s parties are when it’s a tad warmer.

The Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis Night) festivities are a great way to welcome the much awaited season, held in April, followed by the Maibaumfest the very next day on May 1st, followed by the Apfelblütenfest (Apple Blossom Festival) in the same month.

Mid-June is perfect for both the Rosenfest (Rose Festival) and the Mühlenfest, or Mill Festival. July isn’t gonna be outshine, so it has a 2-day rocking Dorffest (Village Festival) as well as a classical Sommerkonzert (Summer Concert). And August has the Stadterntedankfest, or City Thanksgiving.

Phew! Didn’t I tell you this place was a party town? Maybe it’s that Baltic air…

Today’s journey took me to the Lower Bavarian town of Schöllnach, near both the Czech Republic and Austrian borders.

Hmm, what a charming — and nationally recognized — resort town this has turned out to be.

Ok, the fact that it’s March and the Starkbierfest is in full swing has N-O-T-H-I-N-G (and everything) to do with. ;-)

That being said, the Strong Beer Festival isn’t the only party in town. In fact, there are quite a number of them to keep you busy if you’re lucky enough to be here for them. So be sure to plan your trip to be here for the 2-day Maifest (early in May), or the 4-day Volksfest in August, and the Adventsmarkt at the end of November.

Since I just jumped from warmer weather stuff to those in the cooler months, you’re gonna have to decide what else you’d like to do here. Winter lovers might appreciate the cross-country skiing trails and the sledding; while those that prefer the warmer climate might like to go horseback riding, mountain biking, or even hang-gliding. There are also all kinds of nature areas to scope out a variety of animals and plants, too.

Another choice to enjoy the great outdoors is Schöllnach’s outdoor swimming pool. For only a few Euro, it’s a day to enjoy the heated pool, its gardens, and its cafe.

Nature lover that I am, doesn’t mean I don’t fully enjoy old architecture — more specifically old churches. Out in the Bavarian Forest (in the village of Außenzell) is the Pfarrkirche Maria Himmelfahrt (don’t let the name scare ya, it is the Church of Assumption), built in the 14th century. And there’s also the Church of St. Leonhard, whose construction started in the 15th century.

Do yourself a favor, add a trip to see the St. John the Baptist Church to your list of things to see. Oh, it isn’t out of your way… you’ll find it on the Marktplatz, where it’s been since the late 1400s.

Appreciation of Schöllnach’s architecture doesn’t have to be limited to its churches and chapels. The town even has some centuries old farmhouses, which are also quite lovely — and that’s definitely not the Strong Beer talking. ;-)

Here it is, a blank screen before me — unable to express the images of Mintraching from my head to the page. That happens more than you know, and usually when it’s a place as pretty as this.

What can I say, the Upper Palatinate has that effect on me.

For the most part, Mintraching itself is a place of over two dozen villages, just 17km southeast of the city of Regensburg. Close enough to enjoy city life, yet might as well be miles away from the hustle and bustle. Mintraching is quiet and scenic with its wayside chapels, and even gets to boast a castle ruin.

Sweet… nothing like the Middle Ages to appreciate today’s indoor plumbing. I joke, but there’s nothing like a proper medieval castle. Well, the Burgstall Haidau used to be a castle, that was until it was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. A sad end for this 13th century creation, yet these days it’s an archaeological site.

Also from the medieval period around here is the Church of Saints Peter & Paul in the village of Mangolding. You’ll find this original 13th century church along the appropriately named Kirchstraße, which is also where you’ll find a medieval Jewish gravestone.

The village of Roith also gets to boast its own medieval church, found at Sankt Georg Weg 1, if you’re interested.

Some of Mintaching’s other village churches came along a few centuries later — but that shouldn’t stop you from looking at them. The Church of St. Florian (in Rosenhof) might be simplistic in its design, but it’s still pretty. And the Pilgrimage Church of St. Mary (in Scheuer) has managed to blend Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo art and architecture just beautifully.

Be sure to add the Pfarrkirche of Saints Peter & Clement (a medieval/Baroque one) to your itinerary, as well as the Church of St. Giles in the village of Sankt Gilla. The latter village, by the way, has a very pretty 19th century castle, as well.

Oh, sure all these old churches are grand, but none of them are as old as the Villa Rustica found around these parts — and they’re certainly not anywhere as old as the Neolithic graves found, either.

Maybe they were discovered because Mintraching falls within the Danube Floodplain… but I think it’s ’cause folks just wanted to explore around the fresh Bavarian countryside.

Who wouldn’t… which might explain why I’m sitting here daydreaming about it. ;-)

Nothing like chilly late winter air up here in Schleswig-Holstein, and the Collective Municipality of Molfsee. My only lament is not being able to enjoy the warm beaches of Northern Germany. Yeah, that’s right… I’m dreaming of beach weather.

Maybe I should use that excuse to come back to Molfsee another time. Good idea, right?

At least the Schleswig-Holsteinische Freilichtmuseum is open. Well, on Sundays only this time of year (daily from April to October) — but that doesn’t negate the fact this outdoor museum is the largest of its kind in all of Northern Germany. Set out over 60 acres, the museum is a treasure trove of information — with its own mills, an 18th century gatehouse, and even has a house framed with the jawbone of a whale.

Utterly fascinating, to say the least. And consider yourself lucky if you’re here for one of the museum’s special events with all kinds of craftsmen (or craftswomen… don’t want to sound sexist). ;-)

For a change of pace, that white Thomas Church over in Schulensee with its very high anthracite spire might stand for a modern twist of this town.

As for the rest of Molfsee (both the town and Collective Municipality), its location along the Eider makes it a very pretty piece of German real estate, but it’s the village of Schierensee that lies within the Westensee Nature Park. Plenty of space to move around, as Schierensee is the largest land area of Molfsee with the smallest population.

Rodenbek is a village found in the Eidertal, and whose Westensee is great for that beach-going I mentioned earlier. It used to belong to Mielkendorf, a hamlet that still manages to keep a rural flavor despite being only a short distance to Kiel.

Perhaps the thatched roof cottages have something to do with that?

No time to ponder about it, I’m also dreaming of Molfsee’s cultural events. Yes, I’m sure to come back again — for the Maibaum events, or the Oktoberfest (in September), maybe? Don’t know, but whatever reason to come back I’ll be sure to lounge around on the beach of the Großen Schierensee. Call me if you want to come along.

History? Prehistory? What the hell (excuse me, heck) is the gosh-darn difference?

The start of my tirade started at the beginning of quest around the primeval town of Herbertingen. Sounds simple enough, a German town in the Schwarzachtal region, on the edge of the beloved Swabian Alb and in the Upper Danube Nature Park, right? Ha-ha, no.

Wait, let me start from the beginning. I learned something about Herbertingen’s history going back some 2500 years. What? Please, Herbertingen lies right around the Heuneburg, a hilltop fort that dates back to the Bronze Age. Um, that’s like the 15th century B.C. Yup, that’s even more than mere 2500 years…

FYI, there’s a Heuneburg Museum which’ll tell (more like show) you what life was like back then. Uhh, pretty rough I’d say — no indoor plumbing.

And, there are a couple of Celtic burial graves around — which also date back to a few thousand years ago. Yes, I’m aware that’s “prehistoric,” but it’s historical nonetheless. By the way, it sure makes sense why the the town of Herbertingen holds an annual Celtic Festival, and why there’s a 8km Archaeological Trail in their honor. The latter is called Archäologischer Wanderweg and starts at the Heuneburgmuseum.

These days we like to think we’re a sophisticated lot — but prehistoric men and women knew a good thing when they saw it, which might explain why they stayed around here.

Hello, didn’t I already mention this is some very pretty German real estate? ;-)

Probably the best way to see it is along the Donau Radwanderweg, or Danube Cycle Trail, relaxing around the Schwarzachtal See — where you can also fish or swim — or travel around on the 7-Kapellenweg, the Seven Chapels Route.

Oh c’mon, you didn’t think I was gonna go one webpage without mentioning an old church, did you? In this case, its two of ’em — the Chapel of St. Nicholas (built 1795), and the Church of Sts. Peter & Paul, known for its gorgeous Rococo Pieta even though the church is much older than you’d think.

There’s also no way I’m going to write a page without mentioning some of the other festivals Herbertingen hosts. Faire Woche, or Fair Week, is held in September — which is the same month as the Dorffest (Village Festival). There are two Wine Festivals in October, and both a Waldfest and Angerfest in July. The latter, by the way, coincides with an Arts & Crafts Market.

One of these fun festivals, or having some fun in the great outdoors, might not make history — but it sure will make some great memories. ;-)

Bureaucracy strikes again, thanks to the fact that the town of Creußen is also the “Seat” of the Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Creußen.

What does that mean to the average guy or gal reading this humble page? Simply put, it just means there’s more to see and do here in Upper Franconia. :-)

As for the politicians… I have no idea what they get out of it. ;-)

Who cares about them, I’m here for you — and my first duty is to tell you about the beautiful Franconian Switzerland countryside (not to mention the head of the Rote Main in the Lindenhardter Forst).

Here in the Fichtelgebirge, winter’s great for such activities like cross-country skiing. And no worries if the cold white stuff isn’t your idea of fun, a good old-fashioned hike could work wonders for the body and soul.

Plus, my outdoor loving friends, there are a dozen marked hiking and cycling routes — ranging from 2.8km to 16.5km. You’re only limited by your time and ability.

My history loving readers won’t be without things to do either. The Church of St. James has been around since the late 15th century, even though it did have to be rebuilt in the 1700s. Now don’t go confusing this religious structure with the Church of St. Michael — known for its absolutely stunning altar from the first years of the 16th century.

Even older than the churches is Creußen’s Stadtmauer, or city wall, built over the course of three years from 1358 to 1361 — giving Creußen that beloved medieval look & feel. The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is another historical building — built in 1470 to be exact.

Even if a building isn’t intact, doesn’t mean it isn’t without value, ya know. In the hamlet of Eimersmühle (whose population is zero!) the old dilapidated mill is still a very pretty architectural gem. And you’re close enough to go see the Burgstall Altenkünsberg, a castle originally from the 13th century.

As for castles, Schloss Bühl is nice to visit — that is if you’re into 15th/16th century building styles. Hell, who doesn’t like castles? I do, and I’m not afraid to say it. ;-)

Just be sure you leave enough time to visit the Krügemuseum, or Jug Museum. The kids don’t pay the entrance fee, so it’s affordable and informative for the whole family to visit.

More family fun is found at one of Creußen’s festivals or cultural events. You might want to leave the kids home if you’re visiting the Brauereikeller for beer tasting, but feel free to include the little ones in on the Kerwe (in early August), while the Brunnenfest (Fountain Festival) takes place at the end of June.

Shopper that I can be, I’m upset to have missed the International Pottery Market (Töpfermarkt) held on the second Sunday of July, while the Gregorifest is a 4-day event held every two years — it’s also quite historical having been celebrated here since the 1600s.

And while I have no idea what the modern day politicians get out of changing/adding/morphing the geography of Creußen, there’s no changing the fact that this place is nothing short of fabulous.

Before the pages of MyGermanCity.com are written, I make little notes to myself with snippets of information regarding each and every German town I’ve come across to date. However, the problem is… now I can’t remember why I wrote “Mill Culture” (quite big, mind you) along the page for the town of Contwig.

It’s understandable that I’m not going to remember each & every detail about a place (hence the notes), and it isn’t as if Contwig’s two districts aren’t worth remembering… perhaps Middle Age memory loss is setting in?

Ugh, no time to think about it — I’ve got to tell you all about Contwig before I forget anything else. You know, like how the place lies within the Pfälzer Mühlenland, an area where you can get in on guided tours with knowledgeable guides in “period garb.” Or, you could hike through the region all on your own.

I’ll suggest trekking along the Steinhauerweg for starters. Just follow the yellow signposts (no complaining, it’s only a 16km route) that’ll take you along old churches and rolling hills.

Speaking of old churches, the town’s Protestant Church might not look that old… but trust me, this particular one was originally constructed in the 1100s.

Some 900 years later, the Catholic Church of St. Laurentius was built, and its grotto was created in thanks for the town being spared from serious destruction during World War II.

These days Contwig is perfect for all sorts of outdoor recreational activities, such as miniature golf; tennis; and bicycle trails. Then again, it’s also a fantastic place to come for all sorts of German festivals and cultural events.

Winter’s the time for Carnival, while Autumn is chocked full of events like Oktoberfest (that’s really in October); the Pfarrfest (Parish Festival) in September; a Wine Festival (another October event); and then there’s the Autumn Festival (also in September).

Sorry, you might have to wait for the Dorffest that’s held on the first weekend of July, every three years. At least the Fischerfest (in May) and the Christmas Market is an annual event.

And I finally remembered why I wrote Mill Culture… because there was once one here in the 19th century. The Pfälzer Mühlenland has quite a number of old mills, and often there are special tours and other happenings going on.

Middle Age memory loss? I think not, there’s no way I’m gonna forget about having a good time. Thanks, Contwig, for helping me remember that. ;-)

Oh sure, big cities and larger towns in Germany might appeal to the masses (trust me, I’m not poking fun), but there’s something special about the smaller, lesser-known towns and villages that have quite an allure, as well. This time it’s Erdmannhausen, a town of just 8.71 square kilometers, between the Neckar and Murr Rivers.

The attraction of Erdmannhausen lies in the fact the place is classically German. It’s a place where normal people go about their daily routine — all in the shadow of the Lemberg.

Oh, so I guess it makes it a pretty place to be on top of it all.

Easily reached by the S-Bahn (you’re not that far from Stuttgart), Erdmannhausen is a town that hosts Chamber Music evenings, literary events, Advent celebrations, and a whole slew of other cultural events.

You’re a discerning crowd, so I know you’ll want to know like what other kind of cultural events. Well, for starters, there’s Carnival (usually in February), but there’s also the Maypole celebrations, followed by the Maibaumfest. May’s also the month for the Father’s Day Festival, while the Summer Festival is an annual July affair.

September’s kind of busy, as that’s when both the Straßenfest (the 2-day Street Festival), and the Autumn Festival take place. Of course you also have the town’s Kermes in December, and at the end of November is the Weihnachts- und Hobbykünstlemarkt — a blend of a Christmas and Hobby Market.

I’m sorry, I take that back. The Market is held on the first Sunday of Advent, so that can actually change.

What doesn’t seem to change is how stunningly gorgeous this part of Germany really is. I know I already said that, but I didn’t mention Erdmannhausen lies within the Württemberg Wine Region, or the Swabian-Franconian Forest area, did I?

As for being outside, during the summer there’s an outdoor cinema — so even if you can’t understand the words on the outdoor movie screen it’s a night of good, clean fun. And isn’t that an appeal all its own? ;-)

There’s something magical and all-around wonderful about little fishing towns, none as much as the town of Büsum. And while the Low German speaking town maintains its Old World fishing flair, Büsen (its Low German name), it has changed considerably over the centuries.

Because Büsum lies along the Wadden Sea coast, the low-laying was once an island a few centuries back. Flood after flood has changed the landscape some, but since the 19th century the fishing village has also been a popular resort town.

Fantastic place to grab some fresh seafood dishes and relax a bit, wouldn’t you say?

Büsum’s beach is the best place to accomplish the relaxation part of that statement. Who wouldn’t love lounging around Büsum’s sandy beach in one of those covered beach chairs (called Strandkörbe)? Um, I think I could handle a day (or two) of that. ;-)

What’s even better about Büsum’s beach are the superb Summer Concerts held on the Main Beach. There’s something sensual about listening to sweet sounds while lying on a sandy beach with a warm salty breeze blowing in from the North Sea.

Ahh, here I go getting all romantic and mushy — best run off to mudflat hike on the Wadden Sea instead, so long as the tide’s out. Although I’m pretty sure land lubbers would much rather visit the Harbor Museum instead. The museum, by the way, is located pretty close to Büsum’s gorgeous Lighthouse, whose light can be seen for some 19 nautical miles from shore.

The lighthouse itself is a beautiful structure, by the way, that celebrated its 100th birthday in 2014 — a mere blip in Büsum’s architectural history. The Church of St. Clement is pushing 900 years old, and still looking good. If you wish to still wander around the town’s terra firma, come on over to see its early 20th century Rathaus (Town Hall), or head to the village of Wesselburen, whose Church of St. Bartholomew is known for its totally unique dome.

I don’t know about all that, but I am aware that Büsum hosts a great Weekly Market on Friday mornings from April to October. What? This is extreme northern Germany, it does get a bit chilly up here in the wintertime.

Other events held in Büsum would be the Drachenflugtage (Kite Days), held in April. And I already mentioned the beach concerts — so all that’s left to do is actually show up to experience it all.

Me? I’m not leaving — I don’t care how cold it gets in winter. ;-)