There had to have been some good reason that some early 16th century prince decided to plop his castle right here in what is now Birstein. I’m thinking it might be because of its location along the edge of the Vogelsberg Mountains.

Perhaps the Princes of Isenburg-Birstein liked mountain peaks? I think they still do considering the same family line has been living in Schloss Birstein from its construction in 1517.

My attraction to Birstein isn’t limited to its castle. This place has so many festivals, markets, and other going-ons that my inner party animal can be totally satiated.

Yours will be too if you’re willing to let it out during Birstein’s Blossom Festival and Backfischfest in May; the Fest am Backhaus, Pfarrfest, Bratfest, and Kerb in July.

August is really, really busy with a Biergartenfest, two Summer Festivals (with sixteen villages there’s bound to be duplicates; and who in their right mind would complain), the Birsteiner Fest, a Village Festival, and the Birsteiner Markt. These last three events are multi-day events, so you’ll need to stick around for more than just a day.

September is when Birstein has its Apfelweinfest (yeah, apple wine!), offering guided hikes around the area. Then in October there’s a 2-day Oktoberfest, followed by yet another Oktoberfest, another Kirmes (Church Festival), and a Village Fete.

November is a time of rest, giving you enough time to catch your breath for December’s Christmas Market and Disco Christmas Market.

Let’s just consider for a moment that partying and festivals aren’t for you. I’m not gonna judge, I’ll just tell you that Birstein has something for you too. Nature lovers can head to the Naturlehrpfad Graf Dietrich Weiher, which translates to Count Dietrich Educational Nature Trail, that’s great for catching glimpses of migratory birds, as well as ducks, frogs, and butterflies.

Want a bit of exercise while looking at Mother Nature? Rent a bike — it’s always a good idea. If there’s two of you, you’ll have to learn to work together if you’ve rented a tandem, one of those 2-seater bikes.

Whether single, double, or a group, you’ll love walking the hiking trails through Birstein, with names like Weg des Wassers (Way of the Water).

The Birstein of today might be a tad (OK, a lot) different from when the Princes of Isenburg-Birstein first lorded over the place — but I sure do think they’d love it.

After spending almost this entire week working, writing, and wondering about other parts in Germany, it sure is nice to spend a little bit of time in Hesse. Right now it’s all about the town of Biebesheim am Rhein, located not too far from scientific Darmstadt and religious Lorsch.

Sounds good, right? Did I even mention that Biebesheim lies close to the Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue? Küh-what, you ask? You’ll love it. It’s the “largest protected area in Hesse,” encompassing some 2440 acres.

Simply put, it’s a great area to go bird watching or learning about all the local flora & fauna. Not bad, I guess Biebesheim has to compete with the nearby Odenwald, huh?

What else is nearby is an 18-hole golf course. Hey, some folks will fly halfway around the world to hit the links, so I gotta tell you about them whenever I can.

I know I’d fly halfway around the planet, not to play golf, but to party at a medieval show. Good thing I didn’t have to since Biebesheim has their own Medieval Spectacle in September. Come Christmas when there’s a Medieval Christmas Market where you can see how the holiday was celebrated a millennia ago.

Thankfully we’ve got indoor plumbing these days, which you will need if you’re going to drink (and drink and drink more) at Biebesheim’s Oktoberfest (that’s in October), or at its Summer Festival in July.

You know what else is great about this Upper Rhine Valley town? Camping. Yes, for only a few Euro you can spend the weekend at the local campground that’s in the middle of the Hessische Ried.

Sorry, not me. I’m not into the whole roughing it thing today. But I am willing to do the whole outdoorsy thing to see the Old Rhine; you know, where the Rhine River used to be before some engineering genius decided to move it.

And I’m willing to trek a thousand miles to see a medieval church. Again, I’m glad I didn’t have to because Biebesheim’s Evangelical Church was built in 1209.

Please, if you think that’s old, wait ’til you see the Roman portrait at the Heritage Museum (located at Rheinstraße 44) from around 20 B.C., and the Bronze Age helmet that was found in these parts.

That sure is a helluva lot older than the Schwedensäule, the Swedish Column that commemorates Sweden’s King Gustavus Adolphus coming through here back in 1631.

Poor King Gustav, when he was here Biebesheim didn’t have pizzerias or ice cream parlors like there is now. No wonder he moved on, and didn’t dare to stay. ;-)

It’s not unusual to see someone’s name with some letters added at the end. For example, doctors add M.D. or D.O, lawyers add Esq. You know, that sort of thing. But, what does it mean when a place adds letters to its end? In the (official) case of the town of Haag its “i. OB” added at the end means that Haag is “in Oberbayern.”

Oberbayern, in case you didn’t know yet, is Upper Bavaria, which is one of the most beautiful places, since this is where you’ll find the Bavarian Alps and other goodies.

Who can’t get excited with the Alps’ jagged peaks off in the distance? Just don’t let it stop you from seeing the rest of Haag, OK?

It won’t take too long, as there isn’t all that much to see. Everything centers around the massive Burg Haag. Or, should I say, what used to be Burg Haag as it’s now a castle ruin.

Sure, its medieval tower still overlooks the town at 42 meters; and the old 12th century castle is partially restored enough to house Haag’s Local History Museum.

Sightseeing around Haag would also include visiting the Spitalkirche (Hospital Church), built in 1558; the Gothic Pfarrkirche (Parish Church), and the old Löwenbrunnen (Lion’s Fountain) that was built in 1557.

Like beer? Enough to want to be really close to it? How about staying at the guesthouse that belongs to the UNERTL Brewery? Good idea, this way you don’t have to go too far after you’ve sampled their Wheat Beer and Beer Schnapps.

Even if you can’t get a room at the inn (so to speak), you can always try the locally made beer at one of Haag’s markets; like the Fastenmarkt in March, the Pfingstmarkt in May, Herbstmarkt in September, and the Allerseelenmarkt in October. This is all in addition to the Christmas Market in December.

Don’t worry about any calories… you can always hike through the countryside. Haag lies in an area known for its Toteiskessel, which funnily translates to Dead Ice Bowl. Don’t worry about slipping on anything in the middle of Summer, Dead Ice was created from receding glaciers that pock-marked the landscape.

Hmm, I’m learning new stuff every time I turn around. Maybe one day I’ll be smart enough to add some letters to the end of my name. ;-)

When you first get to Knetzgau you might think there isn’t a whole lot to see or do. But with eight villages, you have to look at it like a layer cake. As you examine each layer (i.e., each village/hamlet) you’ll find that they have their own flavor, offering everyone something.

Take Hainert, for example. Their attention grabber is its Village Church. No, maybe it’s the Lake Festival every June. OK, it’s both.

Oberschwappach is a doozy. This village, which holds an annual Palm Sunday Procession, also has a beautiful 17th century Baroque church dedicated to St. Barbara. They also have their own Summer Festival every June and a Bach Festival.

Oberschwappach is also where you’ll find the lovely 18th century Schloss Oberschwappach. Come summertime when the castle is the venue for a Wine Festival.

Westheim might not have much in terms of old buildings, but they’re famous for their Village Festival and their Fair on the last weekend of September.

Zell am Ebersberg is one of the busiest villages of Knetzgau, despite having only around 790 people. Everyone loves the vineyards here in Lower Franconia, I guess.

Here in Zell you’ll find all sorts of wine events, wine tours, and everything that’s got to do with Lower Franconian wine. The area is especially popular from September to mid-October when the harvest comes in.

You’ll love the Schlossberg too, a medieval castle from 1115 that was destroyed not once, but twice. There was an even older castle over at the Böhlgrund, built in 1011. These are nothing compared to the Celtic tumuli found in the area.

Zell’s got some great hiking and biking trails, and even better festivals. The Wine Bike tour in May is fantastic, but so is the Pfarrfest, Maypole, and Oktoberfest.

The other top reasons to come to Knetzgau is the Steigerwald Nature Park, and the place also lies along the edge of the Haßberge. For anyone thinking water is refreshing, you’re in luck, Knetzgau lies right along the Main, which slices right across the northern tip.

It looks like there’s more to Knetzgau’s eight layers than I originally thought. Funny, many of them taste like wine. ;-)

Either way, now I know why they call themselves Die 5 Sterne im nördlichen Steigerwald (The 5 Stars in the Northern Steigerwald)…

You know, I think Brandenburg gets a raw deal, not getting the respect it deserves. Yes, Berlin lies right in the middle of it all, but that’s not technically Brandenburg. It’s places like Ketzin (Havel) that is the true face of Brandenburg.

Ketzin is located between Potsdam and Brandenburg an der Havel, along the Havel River, hence its name.

Along the water is the Havel Promenade, a great place to stroll along or take a bike ride. Ketzin’s Tourist Information Center is located nearby, so they’ll help you figure out where to go next.

I know… how ’bout to Paretz with its castle (so named Schloss Paretz), Schleuse (a sluice where boats come in & out), its Windmill, and Village Church.

Falkenrehde too has its own Village Church, and a Soviet Memorial from its days of Soviet occupation.

Tremmen is quite the active place; and you can’t miss its Church of St. Mary with its Onion-domed Baroque towers — although the building itself is a 15th century Gothic creation.

Ketzin itself has a Baroque church, St. Peter’s, built in 1758 — but the tower is much, much older, from around the year 1200, making it over 800 years old.

What’s even better is that Tremmen and Ketzin both have their own Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum). Only difference is Tremmen’s has a Museum Festival in August.

Don’t freak out if you can’t make this festival, plenty of other chances to party here. You’ve got a Pfingstfest in May, a Village Festival in June, a Summer Festival in July, and a 3 day Fisherman’s Festival where someone is crowned the Fishing Queen.

As cool as all this is, I think the Moonlight Canoe Tours top the cake. You just better make your reservations early, these awesome night adventures book up early. For those who rather be out in the daylight, take one of the Louise Culture Tours with your guide in period costume.

Fantastic, isn’t it? Now do you see why Brandenburg deserves a little more respect?

Up here in northern Brandenburg, in what used to be Mecklenburg, is the eight district town of Fürstenberg (Havel). From its name you can probably tell that it’s located along the famous Havel River.

What’s even better (is that possible?) than being on the river itself, is that Fürstenberg lies along the Baalensee, the Roblinsee, and the Schwedtsee. Yup, three lakes for the bargain basement price of one town.

Sounds like bliss, doesn’t it? I know it is. Which, by the way, is probably why Fürstenberg has been a tourist spot for more than a hundred years. The Preußische Nordbahn (Prussian Northern Railway) helped too.

For a while it wasn’t, though. Sadly during World War II, Fürstenberg wasn’t the carefree place it is today. This was the location of the infamous Ravensbrück Concentration Camp (Konzentrationslager Ravensbrück) — the largest women’s camp in Nazi Germany. Today a memorial marks the spot of this dark stain on German history so it doesn’t happen ever again.

You’ll find two other memorials here, one is a Soviet War Memorial (from its days of Soviet Occupation), and another to the men who lost their lives in World War I.

Further back in Fürstenberg’s history is the Kloster Himmelpfort, now in ruins. You can still see the monastery’s village church and brewery.

The oldest building still around is the old Wasserburg, a moated castle found on Brandenburger Straße. A castle is always good, don’t ya think?

A few other old buildings you should see here in Fürstenberg would be the town’s Rathaus (Town Hall), its Stadtkirche (City Church), and the Schloss Fürstenberg. The latter of which being a Baroque gem built over the course of 11 years from 1741 – 1752. It’s been used for a variety of reasons — a castle, a sanatorium, a hospital, a nursing home, and a hotel.

There’s also a museum in town, too. You’ll find the Brandenburg Forest Museum at Rathenau Straße 16.

And what if I told ya that you could find a piece of Christmas? There’s a Christmas Post Office in town — so send your letters to Santa here. ;-)

With your Christmas stuff done early, there’s plenty of time to enjoy Fürstenberg’s cycle paths, its dragon boat races, heck… they’ve even hosted the Motorcross National Championships!

My guess is that Santa & his sleigh were much faster than those guys. ;-)

I’m gonna sit here for a few minutes to tell you all about the town of Floh-Seligenthal. Well, I’ll try to, anyway.

Floh-Seligenthal started simple enough, as a Frankish Settlement back in the early days of the Middle Ages, along the Schmalkalde River and in the Thuringian Forest.

It is this forest, by the way, that gives Floh-Seligenthal its biggest draw — the Rennsteig. Not only is the Rennsteig one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking routes, but it is (was?) considered a border between the Thuringian Forest and the Franconian Forest.

No one can live by hiking route alone, but the folks over in Floh-Seligenthal seem to think otherwise. There are all sorts of hiking trails through town, some even with their own theme — like Auf Luthers Spuren (Luther’s Footstep, 19km), 12 Quellen-Weg (10.5km), and the Historische Bodendenkmäler (Archaeological Monuments, 7.4km).

Don’t want to walk all that far? No worries, I won’t judge — I’ll just suggest you head on over to the Baroque Dorfkirche (Village Church) in Struth-Helmershof, or to the late 17th century church in the village of Schnellenbach. And it’s only 5km to nearby Schloss Wilhelmsburg (over in Schmalkalden).

It’s a bit further away (15km — and no one says you gotta walk all that way) to the Altensteiner Höhle, a famous cave in Schweina.

Is that too far for you? Stick closer to Floh-Seligenthal for one of their festivals. Carnival is a big deal, as is the Waldfest (Forest Festival) in May. Like music? Then it’s the Männerchorfest (Men’s Choir Festival) in June, followed by the Dorfkirmes in both August and September.

Later in the year is the Martinsmas (Nov. 10th), and the Advent Festival, Advent concerts, and Christmas Festival all in December.

One of the biggest attractions to Floh-Seligenthal (and the Rennsteig) is the Rennsteig Skiing State Championships. This is where the expert skiers do it. But it reminds me to mention if you’re an average skier, you can hit the slopes too.

That is, of course, if you’re not too busy doing all the other stuff here in Floh-Seligenthal.

OK, so maybe the town of Bayreuth has the annual Wagner Festival thing going on every summer. But, right next door is the town of Weidenberg, a place interesting enough to lure you away from its bigger neighbor for a while.

Don’t you wanna see where the Warme Steinach River empties into the Red Main? No? How about museums?

I was surprised that this small town of around 6500 people had a number of museums. The Glasknopf-Museum (Glass Button Museum), open April-October on Sundays, is a good place to start as any; and then you’ll find a museum totally dedicated to the Upper Franconian military history.

Oh, you’ve also got a Miniature Museum (Zinnfigurenmuseum) and a musical instrument collection to see too.

Yikes, almost missed out on telling you about the Obere Schloss. Yup, a Schloss is a castle — sweet.

For true castle lovers, you’ll find another one in the nearby town of Emtmannsberg. Maybe it’s a good thing there isn’t a castle in every one of Weidenberg’s 53 villages — otherwise you’d never get to see them all. ;-)

Old castles and churches go hand in hand, so off to the village of Neunkirchen am Main to see the onion dome atop a 50 meter high tower at the Church of St. Laurentius that was built in 1467.

I was truly impressed by the altar statues found at Weidenberg’s Friedhofskirche, or Cemetery Church. And it wouldn’t be right to leave out a stop over at the St. Michael Church either. Another church is found in the village of Ützdorf, a hamlet of just 50 people, of whom all get to gaze at the church of Sts. Peter & Paul.

Whether its a hamlet this small, or one of the larger villages like Kirchenpingarten or Seybothenreuth, all are welcome to Weidenberg’s festivals. Come Carnival when everyone wants to eat the locally made pretzels — yummy.

Then in May there is the annual Walburgismarkt, followed by the Childrens Festival. It’s all about the grown-ups at the annual Zwickl-Bier-Fest that’s also in May.

The festivities don’t end there in May. Nope, there’s a Pond Festival, a School Festival, and the Lindenfest. Oh yes, there’s also guided historical tours offered by Weidenberg for anyone who’s interested.

I’m interested, but I’m also interested in eating another pretzel and drinking another beer. Don’t judge… you heard the saying, when in Bavaria drink like a Bavarian, right? ;-)

Surprised doesn’t quite cover the reaction I had about the cute lil’ town of Waging am See. And I, yet again, learned something new about my beloved Germany.

Knowledge, by the way, that I’m always happy to pass on to the rest of you. ;-)

Waging am See lies along the Waginger See, one of the warmest lakes in all of Bavaria, with an average temperature of around 27°C or 80°F. That’s pretty darn hot for being in Upper Bavaria along the Bavarian Alps.

Waging also lies within an area known as the Rupertiwinkel, a landscape that stretches all the way to Austria — which isn’t all that far from here, come to think of it. Either way, it’s named for St. Rupert, a medieval saint.

St. Rupert isn’t the only big name around here, BTW. Waging lies along the Mozart Radweg (a bike route that’s all about the famous composer), the holy Benedict Trail, and is the starting & end pint of the Bajuwaren-Radweg.

Back to the lake for a minute… If you love fishing, you’ll love the Waginger See and its connected buddy, the Tachinger See, that’s full of pike, carp, and trout.

Don’t fish? It’s OK, you can sail, swim, or pedal boat ’til you can’t do it no more. ;-)

You can go from the water to the skies in Waging, as you’ll find a museum dedicated to birds. The Vogelmuseum has all sorts of bird exhibits, as well as other animals found in the region.

The other museum in town is the Bajuwarenmuseum (Bavarii Museum), with all types of exhibits on Germanic Tribes and Settlements, Romans, and archaeological finds.

All this activity makes you hungry; and there ain’t no place better to grab a bite than the weekly Bauernmärkte on Saturdays from 8am to noon. You’ll find all kinds of goodies like locally made cheese and baked goods.

I have the feeling I’ve left something out… Museums. Check. Waginger See. Check. Rupertiwinkel. Check. Farmers Market. Check. Festivals. No check.

Ah, that’s what I left out — and there are plenty of them too. How about the Maibaumfest on May 1st, the Wine Festival in June, the Parish Church Festival in June, the Seefest in July, the City Festival and Summer Festival that are also in July, the Market Festival during the same month, and the Village Festival and another Seefest in August?

Just because the weather starts to get cooler in Autumn, there still are more events going on. Besides the Fall Bazaar in September there’s also the Apfelfest (Apple Festival) in October.

Besides festivities, you’ll certainly eat good cheese here as the famed Bergader Cheese Factory have its headquarters in this town (see webcams!).

Oh boy, I’ve gotten this far, and haven’t even mentioned the whole “wellness” part of Waging. You’ll find a Spa Garden with over 500 kinds of plants and trees — a true “Garden of Eden,” as its called.

And for those die-hard castle-loving fans, you’re not all that far from the posh Herrenchiemsee Castle. C’mon, did you really think I wasn’t gonna find a castle?

Heck, I even surprised myself on that one. There’s so much to do that I didn’t think I’d find the time to go castle hunting. Looks like Waging am See surprised me in more ways than one. ;-)

Oooh, wasn’t I thoroughly surprised to find that the town of Weiskirchen was known for its spas and clinics. Well, it’s not like it had the title “Bad” before its name, right?

Located within the wonderful Hunsrück, Weiskirchen is almost half-covered by forest. You know what that means, right? Yup, lots and lots of hiking and bicycle trails and paths.

I guess that explains the Saarland-Rundwanderweg (Saarland Circle Hiking Trail) and the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig then. Or the six Heilklimawanderwege (Healthy Climate Trails (?))… Or the five Nordic Waling trails… Or the up to 19km long Premium Trails (speaking of Zwei-Täler-Weg, Georgi-Panoramaweg, that sort of thing)…

Hey, I’m up for almost anything — but that seems a bit too much for me. I guess I’ll head over to one of the spas for a massage instead. ;-)

After that’s all done and over with, onwards to see the many local gardens that give Weiskirchen a spot on the Gärten ohne Grenzen (Gardens Without Borders) map. Wait, that stretches all the way out to nearby Luxembourg and France.

Again, too far for me to walk. Off to the Weiskirchener Monthly Market on the Kirchplatz. Held on the first Saturday of the month, this market sells everything from fresh fruit to heaven-scented flowers, locally made cheese and sausage (shouldn’t that be wurst) to honey.

Don’t get upset if you can’t be here for this, throughout the year there are plenty of other markets and festivals. The Krammarkt is in July, the Maimarkt is in May, there’s the Fall Bazaar in September, and the unavoidable Christmas Market in December.

For Weiskirchen’s festivals, you’ve got two Summer Festivals (in July & August), a Kirmes in May, and the biggest of them all: the Kurpark Festival on the first weekend in August.

Eaten too much? Not an issue because you can always join one of Weiskirchen’s guided mountain bike rides, or take a night excursion that’s educational about bats found in the area.

Not for me, I’ve read too many vampire stories. Best to take in a Jazz concert or grab another massage while I can. Who knows the next time I’ll find a spa town… ;-)