Drats, the dreaded writer’s block strikes again. What really stinks about that is, I know there’s plenty to see and do in the Bavarian Swabian town of Wiggensbach. And that’s not even the most awesome part of it either — you see, a priceless hoard from the 3rd century was found here.

It was so amazing, by the way, the find is most definitely museum worthy.

Not everyone’s lucky enough to find such an incredible discovery — but I’d say just enjoying Wiggensbach for its own sake is incredible enough. How could anyone disagree, the town’s (all 72 hamlets and 2 other towns of it) located in the Upper Allgäu, just west of Kempten.

Wandering around the Bavarian countryside hoping to find your own hoard might be an effort in futility. However, any time spent in the great outdoors around here is nothing short of spectacular. Perhaps this is why there are dozens of kilometers of bike trails, some 10km of Nordic Walking trails, and even a golf course if you got the urge to play the links.

And if you’ve got an urge to follow along some fantastic scenic routes, this is the place to be. Wiggensbach is situated ever so nicely along such routes like the Way of St. James, the Oberallgäuer Rundwanderweg (a circular hiking route), and a Käselehrpfad (Cheese Trail).

Cheese making has been done around here for a long time, so if you visit the Wiggensbach Information Center you can learn more about it — plus a bit of local history while you’re at it.

There’s another way to experience a piece of the town’s history without ever stepping into a museum setting. Just come see some of its architecture, like the Gothic church in Ermengerst, originally built way (way, way) back in 1360 as just a tiny chapel.

And for something a bit “darker,” come visit the Plague Cemetery. Poor Wiggensbach, it lost half of its population from 1628 to 1635.

A whole century before that (in 1525 actually), the Castle Suseck was destroyed — giving you the opportunity to visit a real medieval castle ruin.

Sweet!

Wait, that never comes out right when getting all excited about something like that. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to seriously consider changing my ways — but there’s no time since Wiggensbach always has something exciting going on. For me this time it’s the Weekly Market to keep me busy for a few hours on a Wednesday, but if you plan ahead you’ll be able to come for the Advent Bazaar in late November, the winter hikes, or the two Village Festivals.

Ohhh, would you look at that, my writer’s block has gone away. And I realize that all of Wiggensbach is priceless, not just its historical hoard. Don’t you think so, too?

Life here in the town of Hohenahr isn’t particularly exotic or, dare I say it, even cosmopolitan. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t like it. So, if you accept it for what it is — a traditional, humble, small German town — you’ll absolutely enjoy yourself.

For the most part, Hohenahr isn’t a place where you’ll find one medieval church after another. What you will find is its own medieval castle, albeit in ruins these days. High up on the Altenberg is Burg Hohensolms, built back in the second decade of the 14th century. I gotta tell you, the views from this 442-meter vantage point are well worth the ten minute walk from the bottom of the mountainside.

Once you’ve gotten to the peak you’ll be able to see clear on over to the Rothaarbirge, the Westerwald, and the Taunus. So be sure you’re got plenty of batteries in the camera to take lots of pictures.

To make things even more beautiful, Hohenahr lies right in the Naturpark Lahn-Dill-Bergland.

Making an even bigger argument for spending time in the great outdoors, starting with the traditional (notice I didn’t say typical) hiking routes and cycling trails. Then you’ve got the Aartalsee, a fantastic spot to enjoy such activities as sailing, fishing, and swimming. But I would have to say they’re better activities for the warmer months, along with grilling some grub at one of the barbecue areas.

Winter sports can also have fun around here, with such fun activities like skiing (including the cross-country kind) and tobogganing. Not too shabby, is it?

While I said the place isn’t chocked full of old churches, doesn’t mean you won’t find one or two. Seriously, the village of Erda (one of Hohenahr’s six) is over twelve hundred years old, so you’re gonna find some old architecture.

Ohh, I know, the old Rathaus (Town Hall) at Freithofstraße 2, and the Evangelical Pfarrkirche (that used to be known as the Church of St. Nicholas) are intriguing, too. Hohenahr even has its very own Jewish cemetery and some half-timbered houses, if you’re interested.

As old as Hohenahr actually is, it’s also a town of modernity — with both a solar farm and a wind farm, producing enough electricity to power over 12,000 homes. Not too bad for a town that doesn’t even have 6,000 residents.

Again, Hohenahr isn’t what you call the most continental place in all of Germany, yet it’s lovely and enjoyable — wouldn’t you say?

Have you ever been fascinated and creeped out all at the same time? Hence my dilemma with the town of Mudau, in Baden-Württemberg near both the Hessian and Bavarian borders.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing w-r-o-n-g with Mudau, it’s charming enough, and densely forested, but there’s just something…

Actually it’s the gallows, they kinda creep me out. History lover I am, I can appreciate this for its own sake. For hundreds of years this was a public execution site, the last one being some 250-plus years ago.

It’s a good thing the spectacular views from its high vantage point here in the Odenwald kinda distracted me.

Whew! With the creepiness out of the way it’s on to brighter things around Mudau. The town itself is quite old, once on the edge of the Roman Limes. That’s right, you’re walking right along in the footsteps of Roman soldiers. Cool to think about that, right? Good, you can do it while you’re on a Limes hike on the Neckar-Odenwald Limes Route.

The Romans too far back in history for you? It’s okay, you can find historical stuff from a more modern time — the Middle Ages. Come to Burg Wildenburg to see a medieval castle ruin, once belonging to the Hohenstaufens. The castle itself was built sometime in the 1200s, only to be destroyed during the Peasants’ War in the 1520s. Just so you know, the castle is pretty much open all year long — but to get a guided tour you have to do it between April and October, then only on public holidays and the second Sunday of the month (provided it hasn’t changed already).

Guided tours around Mudau are available other times of year, or you could just follow along the Culture Trail’s 19-stations (known as the Kulturhistorischer Rundweg). Whatever you choose to do, no trip to Mudau should be without visiting the very romantic looking Schloss Waldleiningen. Sorry to say this is not a medieval castle, it wasn’t constructed until the 1820s — it was, however, used by the military at one time.

And you absolutely need to visit the former Rathaus (a gem of a Town Hall from the 1430s), while the tower over at the Church of St. Pankratius came along in the year 1510. Yup, so it’s officially more than 500 years old. Then you’ve also got the Marian Column (built 1736), and the St. Veit Chapel from the 1490s — around the same time Christopher Columbus was sailing to the New World.

Ahh, what am I talking about him for, he wasn’t German. ;-)

Ha-ha, I crack myself up over here — but at least I’m not creeped out anymore. ;-)

Oh yeah, I’m back over by one of my favorite castles of all time — Braunfels Castle. Now I didn’t say I was exactly in its home town, but right next door — in the town of Waldsolms. And I’m close enough to this medieval castle that it could count as an attraction, by the way. It does have a museum, so yes, I’d say it most certainly counts.

But, Waldsolms is more famous for its Coptic Monastery Church (dedicated to St. Anthony) instead of a daunting castle from the Middle Ages. Oh, I’m not complaining — the Coptic Church is the first of its kind built in all of Europe.

Pretty nifty I’d say, wouldn’t you?

Another of Waldsolms’ attractions would be its half-timbered houses located on Wehrstraße, and its Backhaus in the village of Kraftsolms. But, in my (not so) humble opinion, the best of Waldsolms is seen out and about in its countryside. Trust me, if you’re here in this town, you’re in the Taunus Nature Park — so you’ll most definitely love the outdoorsy side of the place.

There are a number of well-marked hiking trails through the countryside here — some with “themes,” like the Köhler Path; a 3km scenic area that’s all about the local vegetation. The Huguenot Path is all about the historical Huguenots (who founded the village of Hasselborn here), while the Panorama Trail will only take about an hour to finish. And if you got some time, there’s a dense forest in the village of Kröffelbach to get lost (not literally) in.

Kröffelbach itself is a charming little village of just over 775 people, dating back to the Middle Ages. It once had a thriving Jewish community, but sadly its synagogue was destroyed back in 1938.

Griedelbach is another village with around the same population, and located in what’s known as the Solmsbachtal area. Perfect… yet another charming village to wander around. You could head over to Weiperfelden, a village of less than 300 people, if you want to go someplace a tad less “crowded.”

What? Don’t make fun of me, some folks want to get away from overcrowded big cities; making Waldsolms absolutely perfect — and not only because of its proximity to one of Germany’s best castles.

Ever heard of the Seven Wonders of the World? Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? How about the Seven Wonders of Stadtilm?

Ha-ha, I knew I’d get you on that last one. ;-)

A few decades ago the Thurningian town of Stadtilm was located within the Soviet occupied zone, but these days we’re all able to explore around town — and find those Seven Wonders.

One of those wonders is the town’s Stadtmauer, the town’s fortification wall built back in 1302. It even had a moat, and its wide top allowed for guards to walk around up top.

Another of Stadtilm’s wonders is the town’s bridge. Oh, this isn’t some simple bridge, it’s the tallest of its kind in the entire state.

Stadtilm’s Marktplatz is also on the list of Wonders, and said to be the longest Market Square to be found in Thuringia. Better put on some comfortable shoes, the Marktplatz is some 204 meters long.

How many is that? Three, right?

OK, number four is the Zisboden. Oh, this dour looking building might not seem like much, but it’s been around since 1350 — and been used for a number of purposes, everything from a prison to a pigsty.

Number Five, sadly, is gone. It was the Klosterlinde, a tree that was over five centuries old. As for the Kloster, or Monastery, that’s gone, too. However, you can kinda still see it since the Rathaus (Town Hall) was once part of the monastery complex. These days the Kloster Schloss Rathaus complex is also the town’s library and City Museum (you just gotta call for an appointment if you wanna visit).

The crypt in the Rathaus makes number six on the list of wonders, by the way.

As with many towns with medieval monasteries, you’re sure to find some sort of medieval church, are you not? Well, here in Stadtilm, it’s the Church of St. Marien, constructed in the 1100s. While it might’ve received a Baroque renovation, you can’t miss its medieval beginnings; nor should you miss seeing its lovely frescoes.

As for other structures you shouldn’t miss about town, the 19th century Railway Viaduct is a given. Its graceful arches are a feat of German engineering at its best.

There’s also the Eckoldtbrunnen, a bilious green fountain found on the southern part of the famous Marktplatz, given in thanks by an honorary citizen in 1880.

And I sure wouldn’t miss out on one of the town’s festivals, either. The Stadtilmer Market Festival is a doozy, held every year in August; just as I think you should come for a proper Christmas Market.

Of course if there’s no festival going on, feel free to hike or bike around the Thuringian countryside on the Ilmtal Radweg, or meander around the Thuringian Forest.

So, isn’t it great everyone’s able to enjoy Stadtilm’s Seven Wonders? But I think with everything, there should be more. ;-)

Whoo-hoo, was I wrong! For the most part I don’t usually get all excited when I’m “not correct,” but here I was thinking Bavaria was a true outdoor lover’s dream destination — turns out Hesse is really the place be.

Ohhh, excuse me, the town of Diemelsee is the place to be.

Bordering North Rhine-Westphalia (and only about 60km to Paderborn), Diemelsee has been touted as a Hiker’s Paradise — and I’d have to say they’re right. This is landscape created some 360 million years ago (by a volcano, no less!), a staggering concept if you think about it. Anyway, grab your most comfortable pair of shoes — and let’s go!

Because Diemelsee is a hiker’s delight there are plenty of well-marked hiking trails, often leading out to some fantastic vantage points. Go ahead, grab your camera — I’ll wait for you.

And when regular old hiking paths aren’t enough, you can try walking along one of the Nordic Walking paths. Plus, there are hiking packages available in town for the die-hard hiker out on the Diemelsteig.

Not everyone’s interested in hiking, but I seriously would suggest visiting one of the nature areas. The Diemelsee Nature Park is over 350 square kilometers — and encompasses part of the Rothaargebirge, as well as branching out over two federal states. Yup, this place could keep you busy for quite some time.

History lovers in the group can be busy with visiting the Kloster (Monastery) Church in the village of Fletchdorf (just one of lucky 13). The monastery was started more than 900 years ago, lasting until the Protestant Reformation. Today the church still stands, a true medieval Romanesque church if ever you saw one.

You’ll also find another Romanesque church in the district of Adorf — actually I think they call it a “fortified church” to protect its people from invading marauders.

Hey, never once have I said the Middle Ages were all “hearts and flowers.” ;-)

By the way, mining was a big deal during the medieval period, dating back to the 1200s. Come visit the mining museum to learn more about the whole industry while you’re here.

The 20th century wasn’t without its fair share of turmoil either. Diemelsee was once home to a bustling Jewish community for a few hundred years, only to be wiped out in 1939 — losing its Jewish school, its ritual bath called a mikvah, and its synagogue.

Now that the 21st century has gotten into full swing, Diemelsee is a delightful place of picnic areas, wetlands and forests, plus pretty architecture to gawk.

This place sure can give Bavaria a run for its money.

Before you think you’ve entered some weird alternate universe, you might often see the town of Stetten am kalten Markt written as: Stetten a.k.M. Rest assured you’re still in the right place.

And where would that be, you ask? Ahh, in the Swabian Alb, near the Danube, right next to Sigmaringen to narrow it down some more.

Some people might know it as a “military town,” home to thousands of German soldiers, but that’s just a teeny-tiny part of it all. And between all the castles, old churches, and outdoorsy stuff to do — you’ll be lucky to get it all in on one visit.

Oh, who am I kidding — there’s no way to get it all done in a short period of time. ;-)

It’s hard to figure out what (and where) to go first, so I’d say start at one of the old churches. The lovely St. Zeno Church has been a beacon for the faithful for almost 900 years. However, the St. Martin Chapel is hundreds upon hundreds of years older — the original has been here from the year 889.

You know that saying about April showers bringing May flowers? Well, medieval churches bring on medieval castles — so it’s off to see Burg Weckenstein. Pardon me, it’s off to see what’s left of this mid-12th century castle, because it was destroyed some 600 years ago.

Just don’t get things twisted, just because Stetten am kalten Markt is old when it comes to architecture, doesn’t mean the place isn’t young at heart. You’d be hard pressed to find another fun loving town anywhere in this state.

Want to have some fun? Then come for the Dreitrittenfest (on Fronleichnam (Corpus Cristi)), or the Sichelhenke Festival in September, the Rockfest in November, or the two Summer Festivals (both in June/July, one being a multi-day event).

You’ll most certainly eat heartily during these events, but probably none better than around Shrovetide (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), where you can fill up on the yummy cream-filled pastries of chocolaty and cherry goodness.

No wonder there are kilometers upon kilometers of hiking and cycling trails around here — ya gotta work off those desserts somehow. Then again, you’re smack-dab in the middle of the Upper Danube Nature Park (Naturpark Obere Donau), so it’s a treat for the eyes as well as being good for you.

Thank your lucky stars you’re not in some weird alternate universe — but the wonderful world of Stetten am kalten Markt.

Bavaria is a place that’s always guaranteed to excite and delight — making the town of Petersaurach a sure bet that you’ll love it.

Scattered throughout over 41 square kilometers, Petersaurach’s sixteen districts (located right next to Ansbach, by the way) are nothing short of charming; a town filled with old churches, a medieval castle ruin, and community events that make Bavaria one of the best states to visit.

And since I mentioned Petersaurach’s churches first, I’ll start there. Within Petersaurach proper you’ll find the Church of St. Peter, a Gothic church that’s been hearing sermons for more than 600 years.

Another of the town’s must-see churches is the one dedicated to St. Mauritius in Gleizendorf. The original one goes back to around the 13th century, even though the one you’re staring at these days is like 300 years old. Plus you’ve got the Church of St. Mary, which underwent a more modern renovation in 1783. I guess it needed it after 300 years.

Not too shabby, eh?

The 18th century was good to Petersaurach, as that’s when the Old Mill was constructed — as well as the old Tithe Barn, and one of its old bridges. Oh, c’mon, bridges can be romantic — besides, a couple of rivers flow right on by around here, so you can count on the scenery being romantic, too.

I don’t know if I’d say the Hirtenweg (Shepherd’s Trail) would be romantic, more spiritual than anything else since it has 12 “Stations” with a meditation theme.

Of course it’s hard to meditate when there’s a festival going on — but it’s easy to get your party face on, at least. I’d suggest coming for the Christmas Market at the end of November; the Kirchweih at the end of September; and at the end of August is the 3-day Kärwasau.

That’s all in addition to the other cultural events held throughout the year, just so you know.

Which, by the way, is exactly why I said you’re sure to love it around here — I know I do. ;-)

With such magnificent neighbors like Bad Griesbach and Bad Füssing, it’s easy for a town like Rotthalmünster to get lost next to its prominent neighbors. But, I say, no way — the 85 districts of this town (with such traditional German names like Leherbauer, Eggenberg, and Auggenthal) are fantastic enough to keep up.

Add in the fact that Rotthalmünster is neatly tucked away near Austria — it’s fairly easy to find within Lower Bavaria.

But I’m not here to just talk about Rotthalmünster’s geography; although you’ll find it right along the Via Nova Pilgrimage Route. With a scenic route with a name like that, you’re sure to have a pilgrimage church, right? Of course you are — and it’s the Pilgrimage Church of Mater Dolorosa, built only in 1737.

Do you want an older church? Who doesn’t? And the oldest one in town belongs to the Kloster Asbach, an 11th century church that once belonged to the Benedictines. But, the Monastic Church of St. Matthew is really another creation from the 1730s.

Over in the village of Weihmörting the Pfarrkirche St. Martin is also a medieval church, from the 14th century. And there’s yet another Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) that’s a great example of late-Gothic 15th century architecture.

As for some of Rotthalmünster’s other architectural gems, I’d suggest visiting an old guesthouse (one of them dating back to the 17th century); the Rathaus (Town Hall) from the 1830s; and there are plenty that frame around the Marktplatz.

Ohh, I almost forgot all about the Brauhaus (Brewhouse) on Griesbacher Straße. How could I ever do that, it’s been here since the 19th century. I must be slipping in my old age. ;-)

You know what, maybe you shouldn’t always listen to me — go learn more at the Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum), which is open from May to September on Sundays and holidays. I’ve probably said it a million times, these local history museums are a treasure trove of what life was once like around here.

Forget about what was, it’s great as it is now. Just don’t tell my history loving side I said that, OK?

If you literally translate the town of Burgwald it would be “Castle Forest.” That’s not a bad name for the place, except that it doesn’t have a castle (anymore), but it most certainly does have a forest. A big one, mind you, since about half the town is forested.

And just because Burgwald doesn’t have a medieval castle any longer (too bad, it was fraught with intrigue and bigamy at one point), doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come on by. Because if you didn’t, you’d miss out on a good ol’ German town to spend plenty of time outdoors.

Hellooo, didn’t I say the place was plentifully forested?

Anyway, quite a number of “themed” hiking and cycling routes meander their way about town. The Lahn-Eder Cycle Path being one of them. Plus there’s both the Hessische Radfernweg R6 and R8, going through the villages of Bottendorf and Birkenbringhausen (two of its five districts). Think of it as a great way to see the 250-million year old cliffs while you’re out there.

The Hugenotten-Waldenserpfad might be my personal pick — maybe it’s the history buff in me. Which, by the way, is happiest when looking at old churches like the very pretty Evangelical Church in Wiesenfeld, and the Evangelical Church over in the village of Bottendorf (one of Burgwald’s landmarks).

Bottendorf, by the way, is quite an old town that dates back to Frankish times — that would be around the 700s, in case you didn’t know.

Speaking of things you might not know — did you know you don’t have to cram everything in during the warmer months either? One of the coolest (I mean warmest) things about Burgwald are its mild winters. Yup, despite its location hundreds of meters above sea level the town experiences winters that won’t freeze your… ahhhh, fingers and nose off.

Ha-ha, you thought I was gonna say something else. ;-)

Sorry, I’m in a jovial mood since Burgwald is a great place to have a grand old time. It might not be a place that’s chocked full of traditional attractions, but it is a place chocked full of festivals and cultural events. I’m probably going to miss one (hopefully not two), so for that I apologize in advance.

Let’s see what there is going on around here…

First, Burgwald is known for its Heimatfest in June (and its local sausages); the Pfingsfest, held every year at Pentecost; the two Summer Festivals (one in June, the other in September); and its Laternenfest every November.

Sweet — who needs a castle after all this?