“I want to spend more time in Saxony” I pondered. So out with the dart, throw it to the country map on the wall, and off to Burkhardtsdorf I go.

One thing that jumped out at me was the church ruins of St. Michael. No, it wasn’t flattened during a long-forgotten conflict, it was destroyed on Valentine’s Day 1945.

A little imagination is all that’s needed to see what it must have once looked like. The Cemetery Chapel was also hit, but villagers rebuilt that one.

Another church to see is St. Mary’s. Follow that up with a stop to the Village Church in Eibenberg, one of Burkhardtsdorf’s four districts.

Anyone who appreciates a unique museum will love the Lanz-Bulldog-Museum. No, it’s not about the laziest dogs on the planet — but tractors. They’re called bulldogs because their unusual design is said to resemble the face of the breed.

I don’t know about all that, but it’s something to think about while you’re off traipsing around the Ore Mountains. Burkhardtsdorf is known as the Gateway to the Ore Mountains. Another name for the town is the Pearl of the Zwönitztal.

Again, I don’t know about all that — and there’s no time to think about before heading off to the Buchdruckereimuseum (Book Printing Museum), or finding one of the circular walking trails through town.

No time to ponder much, other than the typical whole drinking and eating thing, at one of Burkhardtsdorf’s festivals. The combined Kirmes and Volksfest is a 2-day fete in October, and the Village Festival is another 2-day event the month before.

I will think that’ll take myself over to the half-timbered house with its own sundial, though. And I think I’ll take some lovely photos of the Postmeilensäule (Mile Marker Post) from 1723.

Oh, would you look at that? It’s the Luthereiche, a tree that’s almost 300 years old. Hmm, and I thought turning 40 was rough…

No time to think about that either, since it’s off to the Kneipp foot baths in the village of Meinersdorf. They got some of the best views right here. So I’ll stop for a while to consider everything so far — even my need for more darts. ;-)

Conveniently located in one of Germany’s Biosphere Regions, the Swabian town of Pöttmes sure is pretty to look at. I’m sure that being located in Bavaria kinda helps.

The Mandlachsee does too. This lake, with its own sandy beach, makes for a grand time. That is, if you can take the chilly water temp. Yup, Mandlachsee is a cold water lake. Good for the circulation, I’m guessing.

Don’t worry about it, you can always warm up at the lakeside pub. There’s camping alongside it, so you don’t even have to go too far to snuggle up with someone special to keep warm.

Of course, you’ll be missing out on the rest of Pöttmes if you turn in now. A good photo op is the historical Markttor (Market Gate), just so you know.

I’d like to think you’d want to see Schloss Pöttmes (it’s the center of many of Pöttmes’ cultural events), too. Not much of anything remains of what is believed to be a 10th century castle at the Burgstall Wagesenberg in the village of Immendorf.

You don’t come all the way to Germany not to see any of its castles, or what used to be its castles. ;-)

You wouldn’t want to come this far not to see its many outstanding churches either. Just about every one of Pöttmes’ 13 districts has its own church, each with their own story and history.

Take the 18th century Pilgrimage Church in Baar, for example. OK, not all the churches in Pöttmes are pilgrimage churches, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come to see the 15th century tower at St. Mary’s in Schnellmannskreuth, and the Chapel of St. Joseph (1750) in Kühnhausen.

I like the fortified St. Mary Magdalene Church in Handzell and the Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) of St. Magnus in Schorn.

Schorn, by the way, is where you’ll find the Abschnittsbefestigung Schorn. A super long German word that simply means it’s an archaeological site. Quite fitting since folks have been making this place their home since prehistoric times.

With a little imagination you can kind of see how the conservation area of Echsheim might’ve looked way back then. And since the area is so pretty — you can see why some folks never left. ;-)

Whoo-hoo, another town where you can hit the motherlode of German castles. Oh yeah, Polch is seriously ranking among my favorite places in the Rhineland-Palatinate.

But first, a little history, if you’ll indulge me. It’s said that Polch’s beginnings go back to at least Merovingian times (circa 500 A.D.). At least that’s what the ancient graves that were found here show.

In all actuality, Polch’s history goes back before that — because on the spot where you’ll find the St. George Chapel (from the 11th century & one of the oldest of its kind in the area) was once the site of an Ancient Roman Temple.

Two more churches round out your trip to Polch. First the Pfarrkirche St. Stephanus (1849), and the Hospitalkapelle, a neo-Gothic chapel from the 1880s. Sorry, make that three — the Abbey of St. Matthias (built 1748) is a must as well.

The last religious site in Polch is the former Synagogue. It was used by Polch’s Jewish Community from the 19th century — right up until the 1930s. Today it is used again, this time as the town’s Cultural Center.

Oh goody, it’s getting to be time to see the nearby castles, isn’t it? A couple more things first, though. I need to tell you about the bike path that runs along an old train route, the Toy & Doll Museum, and the very fun (and good eats) Rapsblüten & Spargelfest every May.

With all that said & done, time to head to any one (or all) of the four castles surrounding Polch. Burg Eltz is probably the most famous, and if you’re into the whole “could be haunted” thing, this is the right one for you.

I haven’t heard of any ghosts at Burg Pyrmont, just stories about it architecture from when it was originally built back in the 13th century.

Burg Bischofstein is most famous for its white ring of plaster on its 20 meter high tower, that has somehow has managed to survive all these years. Heck, it even managed to survive after the French destroyed this late 13th century castle in 1689.

Saving my favorite for last, Burg Wernerseck is a castle ruin — built by Werner von Falkenstein, an Archbishop of Trier. It’s not as if the castle is haunted, nor do I know of any naughty deeds by Mister Werner. I just love the starring at this 14th century castle. Not to mention the views of the surrounding Eifel.

That sure is a lot of history in and around Polch. And many thanks for indulging me as I wander about the town and its surrounding castles. Next time we’ll do it together!

Whether it|s raining or shining, winter or summer, Bavaria is going to delight you. Perhaps this is why the state is the most visited part of Germany. I don’t know, I can only guess — but when you find places like Vilseck, along the Vils River, it is an educated one.

A few hundred years ago I wouldn’t have been able to make that statement, considering almost the entire population was wiped out due to the dreaded Black Death over four years in the 1630s. And who ever wasn’t wiped out by that had to suffer through all the pillaging of the Thirty Years’ War.

And WWII brought the United States Army to Vilseck, which the town celebrates with an annual German-American Volksfest.

It ain’t a one-horse show, ya know. Vilseck gets its party on for its annual Vilsecker Kirwa and its Ebersbacher Kirwa (in August). These are just two of its 35 villages, so there’s something to do just about every time you turn around.

For instance, Burg Dagestein has its Castle Festival in July, and its Burgkirwa on the 4th weekend of October. Ohh, a creepy 10th century castle around Halloween? Fantastic!

For a piece of history with a good bite to eat, look no further than the Pflegerhof, now a hotel & restaurant built into what used to be part of the town’s Stadtmauer, or city wall, from the 14th century.

There are a couple of old churches here in Vilseck. The Pfarrkirche St. Ägidius is both a Romanesque and Gothic design, while the Church of St. Georg has a Romanesque tower. The baby of the bunch is the Leonhardskirche that didn’t come along until the 16th century.

That’s around the same time the Axtheider Schlößl, once a home of the Bishops of Bamberg, was built.

One of the most modern places in Vilseck is its outdoor pool, complete with waterslide and beach volleyball court.

As cool as all this is, the Oberpfälzer Bienenlehrpfad is the best. What’s that? Oh, it’s an educational Bee Trail where everything is all about the mighty bee.

Best stay clear if you’re allergic though. If so, visit the Vogelturm (Bird Tower) that’s become the Deutsches Türmermuseum, or German Tower Museum; the first of its kind, that is.

Now do you see why Bavaria, and small towns like Vilseck, are so popular?

What’s the saying? Some days the bear eats you, and other days you eat bear. OK, I might not have it exact; but something close enough. But, what’s this all got to do with the town of Velden (Vils)?

It’s kinda simple, really. Sometimes a town eats you, and others you eat it. No, I’m just fooling around — but this is how my sometimes crazy brain works. The saying got me to thinking about food. And where else can you find the very best of German cuisine?

Right you are, at one of its festivals.

There are more festivals and markets in this little town, located on the Vils River around 30km south of Landshut, than you could possibly imagine. I’ll try to do them all in order, and ask for your forgiveness if I don’t.

When Spring awakes after a cold Winter slumber, you can look forward to the Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) in April, that includes a Horse Market too. In case you miss this one, there’s another in early May. And at the end of May Velden holds its Fischerfest, or Fisherman’s Festival.

Also at the end of May is its Pfingstmarkt, or Pentecost Market. It follows the Christian calendar, so it changes. The biggest of all of Velden’s festivals is its Volksfest.

I say its big, ’cause it’s a ten day affair with all around dancing, drinking, shopping, eating and more drinking event.

How do you follow something like that? Simple. You add in a Village Festival (Dorffest in German) at the end of June, a Summer Festival in early July, smattered with a Petersmarkt, a Forest Festival (Waldfest), and end with yet another Summer Festival at the end of the month.

Stick around, we’re not anywhere near done yet. August has its Summer Festival, as well as Velden’s Lorenzimarkt, and a Parish Church Festival.

Nope, still not done partying in Velden. September is the month for the Herbstfest and a Weinfest. A week after the Wine Festival is the White Wine and Beer Festival.

September closes out with the Autumn Market, only to have the Michaelimarkt and another Wine Festival in October.

It’s quiet for a little while, but then it gets going again in early December for its Christmas Markets. Yes, that’s plural, since Velden has more than one.

All these markets and festivals don’t leave much time for traditional sightseeing, but if you got time for one thing — make sure it’s the St. Peter Church, built in 1450 with a tower that hovers at 64 meters.

No, make the the Church of St. Lambert, a late Gothic design from 1507. Ohh, maybe I should have said the Outdoor Museum with all the sculptures.

Ah, go see them all — I’m sure you can work it in between festivals. ;-)

What’s the definition of the word debris? Don’t be afraid — shout it out. Yes, it’s a word for rubble, trash, waste, even garbage will work.

Before anyone gets all indignant, I’m not saying that the town of Kropp is all about refuse. Heck no. It’s just that Kropp is built atop what’s known as a moraine. Glacial debris, if you will.

So as you’re walking around Kropp you’ll be walking on what was left behind from melting ice. All the better to walk or bicycle around the land between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

Prefer something more quiet? Go bicycle around in the village of Erfde where there’s a lake, or try to find the Windmill Gisela (one of those Gallery Dutch models from the 1880s).

You know what, walking is just as good. The Ochsenweg (a unique scenic route) is meant to be done by using your feet anyway.

Oxen, bison, they’re the same, right? Just kidding, but there is a Bison Park over in the nearby village of Tetenhusen. This is also where you’ll find a nature reserve (Tetenhusener Moor Nature Reserve) too.

What other kind of stuff does Kropp have? Storks! I never heard of a stork sanctuary before, but they got one in the village of Süderstapel. They also got an 800 year old church (St. Catherine’s) , and a bunch of specialty shops too.

I got so wrapped up about shopping that I forgot to tell you about the guided tours of the storks during their breeding season at the Bergenhusen Conservation Area.

When the nature side of Kropp is not enough, there is the festive side of town too. The Childrens Festival kicks off in May, as does the 2-day Jahrmarkt. The Village Festival (Dorffest) is a weekend full of fun in August, and then there’s the Summer Festival and Christmas Market too.

This is all in addition to horseback riding, tennis, and camping here in Kropp. Not bad for being built over the Earth’s trash, huh?

If your family has all these different personalities, everyone will want to do something different on the family vacation. And that’s with the assumption that you’ve all agreed on Germany. Of course you have, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this. ;-)

Well, do I have a town for you. Karstädt in Brandenburg is lucky enough to have both historical sites and outdoorsy things to do — perfect for the most finicky or seasoned traveler.

Karstädt lies within the Biosphärenreservats Flusslandschaft Elbe-Brandenburg. That’s just a long-winded German name for, Holy cow — look at all the local plants and birds.

The Elbe Cycle Path comes through the Biosphere, and it truly is one of the best ways to experience it. I don’t wanna hear you don’t remember how to ride a bike — once you learn, you don’t forget.

Suppose you never learned how to ride a bike? It’s all right, you can always head to Karstädt’s villages to see many of its Village Churches. You’ll find one in Garlin, one in Laaslich, one in Pinnow, and one in Mesekow.

However, it’s the Patronatskirche Stavernow that steals the show. OK, that’s my opinion — but maybe because I see the former glory of the church that was built in 1726 amidst the crumbly brick.

Nah, I’m not the only one since many weddings are held in the ruins.

I like the church in Reckenzin too, with its little windows and imposing tower. The one in Pröttlin is another stunner with its brick and grey stone.

Just as beautiful are Karstädt’s castles. Burg Stavernow doesn’t look like it came from the Middle Ages, but you can stay here since it’s now a guesthouse with a winter garden.

What stands out about Schloss Birkholz are all its windows, and you’ll find Schloss Dallmin right on the Marktplatz.

Last stop is Karstädt’s outdoor pool. They’re totally into the whole family thing, hosting events like the Neptune Festival, the Children Festival, and the Family Festival.

See, didn’t I tell you that you’d find something for every personality in your family? :-)

If you had asked me five years ago where I am today, I’d have given you a totally different answer. Right now I’m in Hörselberg-Hainich, but half a decade ago I’d be in either Hörselberg or Behringen.

Confusing, right? It doesn’t have to be — since in 2007 the two villages came to known as Hörselberg-Hainich. The second half of its name is because this Thuringian town lies right along the southern part of the Hainich National Park.

You know what that means. Yup, lots and lots of hiking and biking trails. And since the Nesse and Hörsel Rivers flow right through town you’ve got a choice of which one you want to follow.

No, hit them all. The Sculpture Trail is only 6km long; and you could get a guide to take you out into the Hainich if you want.

It’s good to have choices.

And you’ve got a choice to decide which castle you’d like to see first. There’s the pretty Schloss Neuscharfenberg, Schloss Tüngeda (1582), and the Renaissance Schloss Behringen that’s now a library and Local History Museum.

Another choice is which church to see. Over in the village of Wolfsbehringen (one of 17, BTW) is St. Laurentius from 1475, the Lutherkirche was built in 1846 over an older church, and then there’s the Church of Saints Peter & Paul.

And I wouldn’t dare to leave out the Lutheran Church in Kälberfeld, which is a medieval Romanesque original.

What other choices do you got in Hörselberg-Hainich? Let’s see… How about which festival to attend?

The Maytime Festival is grand with its parade and dancing, then you’ve got Das Fest der tausend Lichter (festival of a thousand lights) and the Laubmannfest that are both in June. The Frau-Holle-Fest takes place during the Christmas Season, in case you need to know.

Um, this isn’t a choice — go to them all. ;-)

With all these choices, I’m bound to have missed something? Ah, yes, I left out telling you about the Bronze Age Archaeological site nearby; and the medieval Atonement Cross in the village of Craula. Lots of half-timbered houses in this village, I must say.

I think I’ve managed to get in all of Hörselberg-Hainich’s goodies. There are certainly enough of them, don’t you agree?

To the southwest of Steinfurt, you’ll find the sweet little town of Horstmar; filled with pizzerias and quaint ice cream shops.

Ah, now you see why I said it was a sweet town.

A quick bite and a few delicious calories aren’t all that Horstmar is known for. And with some 22 cycling and biking routes to follow, there’s no need to worry about any additional caloric intake, is there?

Go right to the Kirchplatz and buy yourself a map to see what route tickles your fancy. One route will take you to the Herrenholz, a Burgruine (castle ruin) that was totally razed in the 1630s.

Another route goes to the Haus Alst, a Dutch Renaissance castle from the 1620s that was built over an earlier one since the original was damaged during the Thirty Years’ War.

There doesn’t appear to be any sordid history at the Haus Loreto, but you’ll like the park and walking paths all the same.

All the exercise makes everyone tired, so a night at farmhouse will do you good. The Bauernhof Raue has pony rides if you want a farm experience without having to spend the night in a barn. ;-)

No one could confuse the St. Gertrude Church with anything farm related. Its exterior is 14th century Gothic creation, while inside has all sorts of goodies — like its Rococo pulpit.

Horstmar’s Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is another one of the town’s gems. It was built in 1571, and is now a meeting room. You can’t miss it — it’s that squat building with blue and white shutters.

Speaking of colors, you should see the greens surrounding its Wind and Watermills, located along the Schöppingenberg. From bright to Hunter green, the explosive colors really catch your eyes in this quiet slice of Heaven.

Come Mühlentag (Mill Day) when the scenery is enhanced by all the eating, drinking, and all around music-making merriment.

Horstmar isn’t a one-horse town, other cultural events range from theater performances to guided bike tours, as well as craft events for the children and the famous Tanz in den Mai (Dance into May).

What another wonderful way to burn off those ice cream parlor calories. ;-)

Not all that far from Stuttgart, along the Neckar River, is the lovely Swabian town of Deizisau. It isn’t very big, just over five square kilometers — but its small size doesn’t stop it from being pretty gosh-darn awesome.

Thus earning it its nickname: Perle im Schwabenland. Sweet, a Swabian gem.

Its central location makes it a great place to stay while you’re off castle hunting in this part of the region.

Too bad it’s only the outside you can see at Schloss der Freiherren. It is privately owned — but if I’d own it, I’d let you all in. ;-)

Oh well, at least you’re welcome at its Polizeimuseum. That would be Police Museum in English; and you’re more than welcome to visit the inside of the Alte Rathaus (Old Town Hall).

Along the Marktstraße are many of those framework houses we all love in Germany, and every Saturday is Deizisau’s Weekly Market from 7am – 11:30am. Yes, we love those in Germany too.

Oh, I know — we love Christmas Markets as well. So come the second Advent weekend when Deizisau holds theirs.

While Deizisau might be small, it isn’t a one horse show. They host an annual Hauptfest with Kinderfest on the weekend before the summer holidays kick off; and they hold the annual International Neckar Open — which isn’t golf or tennis, BTW. Nope, it’s a chess tournament.

Oh, did you know that Deizisau had the first post office within the Holy Roman Empire? Yeah, I didn’t either until today.

And speaking of Romans, Deizsau is just north of the Kastell Köngen (in Köngen), built in the 1st century A.D. Today there’s a Roman Museum Archaeological Park.

Hmm, I wonder what the Romans would think about Deizisau now? I’m sure they’d love it — especially since they could grab themselves a quick Coca-Cola, being that there’s a plant here now.

And I’m sure they would love visiting nearby Kloster Denkendorf to see its Romanesque Crypt and its frescoes.

Yeah, Deizisau might be small, but it does live up to its name as the Perle im Schwabenland.