W-H-O-O H-O-O, plenty of space to move around here in the town of Niedernberg. Oh, it isn’t because the place is gigantic or anything (just over 15-and-a-half square kilometers), it’s simply because the place lacks tourists.

So, here I am, a German tourist in a little known place right next to Aschaffenburg.

Oh damn, now I just told a whole bunch of people where to find it — thus bringing on a flock of more tourists. That’s OK though, the town actually wants you all to come visit.

Niedernberg isn’t one of those Franconian towns comprised of dozens of little villages and hamlets. Nope, Niedernberg is actually only one village — divided into four quarters. The Center is where you’ll find a bunch of the historical stuff, including its Church of St. Cyriacus. The oldest part you see today came along during the mid-15th century, but actually there was a chapel here a good hundred years before that.

Pretty old, right? Yeah, well, that’s nothing compared to some of the old Roman artifacts found around here. One such item was so exceptional it’s in Aschaffenburg’s Stiftsmuseum. So while you’re out and about along Kirchgasse, think about how those Romans once tramped along the same route.

I’m thinkin’ they stuck around because they fell in love with the pretty countryside. Hey, it’s a good guess, considering there’s a swimming beach — that has to be it, right?

Even if you don’t want to swim you’re more than welcome to hike along the many well-marked hiking trails, or grab a bike to cycle your way around town to see such landmarks like the watertower.

And just because Niedernberg isn’t swarming with tourists, doesn’t mean there isn’t much to do. Every year the place is host to its own Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival, March); its own Dorffest (Village Festival), boasting the Longest Beer Mile in all of Lower Franconia; which coincides with the Kermis, by the way; and its very own Wine Festival.

Now I’ll just have to sort my own stuff out before all those new tourists come running all over me… ;-)

This is it, my very last article here on the pages of MyGermanCity.com — all because I fell in love with the town of Oberaudorf. Yes, I’ve said this before, but this time I really (really, really, really) mean it. ;-)

Don’t look at me like that, this place is so amazingly fantastic that I’m confident you’ll feel the same way once you’ve gotten here, too. I don’t even know where to start in telling you all the wonders I’ve found around its 38 districts, which are easily reached from surrounding areas, and even Austria.

Ha-ha, that last one is right next door, you could jump it.

Enough babbling on, this page isn’t going to write itself.

What’s great about Oberaudorf is its blend of all things outdoorsy — and even has a historical side. The hardest part is determining which side of the town you’re going to love the most.

For me it’s a no-brainer, I love the historical side. Which, by the way, will bring you to places like the village church in Niederau.

And if you’re a castle lover, then it’s onward to what was once a medieval castle — believed to have been built before the 12th century. Even though the castle’s gone, no reason not to visit the Burgtormuseum, is there?

And you need to visit the Kloster Reisach, although it’s not one from the Middle Ages. Built in the flowery Baroque style, the monastery wasn’t an Oberaudorf addition until the 1730s — and you shouldn’t miss its amazingly gorgeous Nativity Scene.

Just as beautiful is the countryside of Oberaudorf. Here in this part of Upper Bavaria it’s all about being outdoors (again? yes!), so no more spending time inside than absolutely necessary, OK?

A good place as any to start would depend on the season. Winter is busy with folks looking to ski the trails, the pros looking for some serious air time at the ski jump, or screaming kids (or kids at heart) on the toboggan run (located in the village of Hocheck).

Warmer weather ushers in thrill-seekers or those looking to relax along the shores of the lake — with a waterslide, no less. For something a bit more solitary, I’d say you should head towards the Brünnstein in the Bavarian Alps — and the Brünnsteinhaus is considered to be a “home base” for anyone looking to conquer the 1,634-meter peak; or breathe in the views of the Unterinntal, which stretches all the way into Austria.

Not everyone has the desire to tackle a mountain, so for you go see the waterfalls at Tatzelwurm. They plunge for 95-meters, by the way, and make for a great photo-op.

Come to think of it, much of Oberaudorf is a photo-op. I probably should take lots of pictures to show you all–but I’ll be too busy moving my stuff in. ;-)

What I learned about the Upper Bavarian town of Wartenberg is there’s also a Verwaltungsgemeinschaft of the same name — thus tripling its population, and its awesomeness. All this goes to show is whether you want the town, or the Collective Municipality, you’re truly in for a treat.

I’d say your eyes are in for the most delight, as the views from atop where the old Jagdschloss Wittelsbach once stood, are outstanding. Scattered around the old castle grounds are a bunch of Memorial Columns; even if you can’t read them they’re still beautiful.

As is the stunning medieval Chapel of St. Nicholas, that’s also up on the mountainside. Fantastic, yes? I’d say so. Which is also the word I’d use to describe the Church of St. Ulrich, another medieval gem built some time in the late 12th century — making it over 800 years old.

For the rest of Wartenberg (this time the Collective Municipality), Langenpreising is a must-see. Located just 20km east of the Munich Airport, this village couldn’t be any further from urban sprawl. It’s a town of small hamlets, and home to a pretty late Gothic Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) dedicated to St. Martin.

You really should come see its three other churches, by the way. One built in the late 17th century (St. Peter’s), while the Church of St. Exaltation came along in the 1750s, but it’s the Church of St. Stephen that’s the oldest — constructed way back when Romanesque architecture was all the rage in Europe.

Between you and me, I think Berlern is my favorite of Wartenberg’s villages. What? Nothing personal to the other towns — I’m sure you’ll have yours — perhaps it’s Berglern’s Old World vibe that made me love it so much.

Nah, I’m pretty sure it’s all its old churches, although there wasn’t a medieval one amongst them.

Wait, I take that back… The Church of St. Andrew’s modern day building (1678) was built around its medieval core. And over at Kirchplatz 2 is the Pfarrkirche of Sts. Peter & Paul, an onion domed church from the 1730s, that does have Gothic architecture beginnings.

Would you rather hike off into the wilderness? That can be arranged, ya know. A good bit of Wartenberg is wooded, and parts of Berglern lies within a nature reserve area.

Ahhh, maybe this was why Berglern was my favorite. Looking forward to hearing which town of Wartenberg is yours…

A wise woman once said, “travel is a feeling,” or something similar to that effect.

While I might have the exact quote a bit askew, it doesn’t change the fact she’s correct. And nowhere other than in Lenzkirch in the Black Forest region is that more evident.

The feelings you’ll get while exploring around town can run the gamut — everything from delight to excitement, invigorated to even relaxed. How’s this possible?

The relaxed part is easy to explain, since Lenzkirch is a health resort town, neatly located between the Titisee and the Schluchsee. The cooler air up here in the mountainous region can do amazing things for a flustered mind.

OK, there’s that, and not to mention Lenzkirch has some wonderful hiking trails like the Schwarzwald-Querweg. Plus, in the winter (thanks to that high elevation again) there are some 30km of cross-country skiing trails, and a toboggan run.

Not everyone gets excited about winter, so for you summer loving folks out there Lenzkirch thinks of you, too. The town is host to something known as the Lenzkircher Wanderwochen (Hiking Weeks). What that means for you are daily guided tours in Spring and Fall.

Hey, if you’re lucky on a clear day you can see all the way to nearby Switzerland and France from atop its observation tower. Pretty gosh-darn cool, I must say.

Try to come around the end of June, this way you’ll be here for the Eulogiusritt. Not easy to say, but it’s easy to have a good time at an event dedicated to the Patron Saint of Horses and Crafts. The whole thing kicks off over by the picturesque Rathaus (Town Hall) at the Church of St. Nicholas.

C’mon, you didn’t think you’d find some old architecture around here? Please, the 18th century Church of St. Nicholas isn’t even that old compared to some of Lenzkirch’s other churches found throughout its five districts. One of its chapels has been here since 1275, although with its more modern onion dome it doesn’t appear that way.

And over in the village of Grünwald there was a monastery that dates all the way back to the year 1350. Which, coincidentally, is more than a hundred years younger than Burg Alt-Urach. That’s right, Lenzkirch even has its own castle — or perhaps I should say it did have one, since this one’s been a ruin for hundreds of years.

I told you Lenzkirch had everything to make you feel invigorated, relaxed, and excited. What’s not to love about the Hochschwarzwald?

On a cold, rainy evening I’m sitting here daydreaming about the bright blue skies of Bad Hindelang. Located right next door to the country of Austria, this spa town is the stuff of dreams.

What? I’m not just saying that ’cause it’s located within the alluring Allgäu region, nor am I saying that ’cause it’s a health and spa resort town in the monstrous Alps region — that’s just a plus.

The real reason Bad Hindelang is a dream is, ’cause it’s a blend of these two things, and it’s historical and fun to boot, too.

The town of Bad Hindelang these days is actually six villages, each with their own unique identity. Take Bad Oberdorf, for example; it’s been a spa town since the 19th century — with everyone having come to experience its sulphur mud. And for years its Hammerschmiede was famously known for supplying the army of some old Emperor.

However, the real gem of Bad Oberdorf isn’t its mud (ugh, did I just write that?), nor its old defense industry. Nope, it’s the stunning artwork found in the Church of Our Lady. Plus, there’s a small Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) to visit while you’re here.

Hinterstein is another of Bad Hindelang’s amazingly fantastic villages. This is a great village to experience those bright skies I fondly remembered. What started as just a simple village is now an awesome place of Alpine huts in the Ostrachtal, with really fun festivals.

Bavarian Swabia is kinda known for its colorful cattle drives, and here in Hinterstein you can experience one in all its glory every September. No problem if you can’t make it, just plan your trip for early August when the Dorffest is going on.

Speaking of festivals, the real attraction is Bad Hindelang’s Christmas Market. Tens of thousands of people converge on the place, all enjoying themselves by shopping for little handicrafts; listening to the caroling; and stopping to watch the parade. All this holiday goodness takes place from the first weekend of Advent to the second, so plenty of time to make it.

You know, I enjoyed Bad Hindelang so much — I should promote it in our newsletter.

Ahh, no time for that now; I’m too busy sitting here thinking about its Rathaus (Town Hall). Back in the mid-17th century, it was a summer home for some Prince Bishop — I wonder if he’d approve of his old abode being used in this manner.

Things that make you go, hmmmmm? ;-)

Now that I think about it, Bad Hindelang is a town that’ll make you stick around just a tad bit longer. You don’t want to leave, ’cause there’s always some hidden gem to find; whether it’s a quiet hiking trail, or just a simple cycling path.

For me, I’ll sit right here remembering the jagged peaks of the Alps on this cold, rainy evening…

Another night of not sleeping has me sitting in front of my laptop, but the lack of shut-eye is worth it to tell all of you about the town of Breitungen. Located on the Werra River, and in the Rhön Mountains, this town of around 4,800 people is bound to appeal to both history and nature lovers from all over.

The historical side of Breitungen is a blend of architecture from different eras — but the most famous would probably be the Romanesque basilica that used to be a monastic church. The original Benedictine Monastery church would have celebrated its 900th birthday in 2012 had it not been destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War conflict — at least the monks rebuilt.

The Church of St. Michael was also a medieval church (built 1183), although it did undergo a Baroque makeover back in the 1730s.

However, as delightful as these two churches are, it’s the Church of St. Mary that stole my heart. How could it not, considering the original church was here some 1200 years ago? So what if the original is gone, this one has artwork by none other than Albrecht Dürer.

Yeah, hard to follow up after something like that, right? So don’t — go see the 800 year old Rußwurmsches Herrenhaus or Schloss Herrrenbreitungen (built in the 16th century) first.

I know, I know, some people like things a little more interactive, so for you wonderful people out there I’d send you off to the local Aktivmuseum where you can do exactly that.

Other kinds of activity here in Breitungen that are great to experience would be camping, or hikes through the countryside. Come on over to the lookout tower with excellent views of the annexed Thuringian Forest — or you could take a Night Watchman Tour.

Party animal I can be, it was sad no festival was going on today. Do yourself a favor, plan ahead so you can come for such fun as the Entedankfest in October, the Sternenmarkt held right before Christmas, the Summer Festival in July, or the Mittelaltermarkt (Medieval Market) at the castle in September.

Ahh, no wonder I can’t sleep — I should have been here for that. Next time, we’ll come together, OK?

Where the eastern Westerwald in Hesse meets up with North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate is just where you’ll find the town of Breitscheid.

As if its topography isn’t enough to entice you to come, what you’ll find underneath just might be. Stick around, you’ll find all other kinds of goodies on top (and below) it all.

The region around Breitscheid is historical enough, graves dating back to the Hallstatt period (around 550 B.C.) have been found in the village of Erdbach — one of Breitscheid’s five.

In my not so humble opinion this village is my favorite, probably because this is where you’ll find the Karstlepfad. It’s a four kilometer hiking trail that’s all about the unique geological features of the area; plus some prehistoric fossils have been found around the area so you might get lucky.

The village of Erdbach is also where you’ll find the Herbstlabyrinth Advenhöhle. Yeah, it’s a mouthful but you’ll be speechless once you see this magnificent cave system that’s said to be one of the largest in Hesse. Whatever, all I know is the cave is over 9,200 meters in length at a depth of 82 meters — as well as being within the National Geopark Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus.

Rather look upwards? Hey, everyone’s got their own opinion — so for you folks come on over to the village of Gusterhain. This village of some 800-plus people sits right at the foot of the Barstein, a local mountain that’s bound to inspire your nature loving side.

Hiking mountains and cave exploration aren’t the only two activities to keep you busy. Let’s see… you could try Nordic Walking, swimming, and cycling.

What’s even better is the winter doesn’t seem to slow anyone down since there are a couple of cross-country skiing trails and winter hiking. Although it’s probably a good idea to wait to BBQ for when the temperature warms up some. ;-)

Anyone wishing to exercise their mind, for you it’s off to the Zeitsprünge, a museum dedicated entirely to the region’s geology, as well having exhibits on archaeological finds, and even a bit about the local railway system’s history. Here’s a museum that’ll truly take you through the ages.

For me, I’ll take the Middle Ages; so I’m all excited about the medieval paintings found at the medieval church in the village of Mendenbach.

Ok, so I’m excited about all its half-timbered houses, too.

All right, I’m excited about all of Breitscheid — just as I know you will be, too.

Between you and me, Niederstetten is yet another Hohenlohe town — and you know what? The novelty of being in the “Land of Castles” (Land der Burgen und Schlösser) has not worn off.

What really surprised me was there was so much more to do around Niederstetten that I didn’t even have time to visit a million-bazillion castles up here in northeast of Baden-Württemberg; which, coincidentally, lies just between Bad Mergentheim and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Where was I? Oh yes, talking about the wonders of Niederstetten…

What you might notice right away is how much of a medieval flair the town still retains. I suppose it’s the big round Schimmelturm over by the Rathaus (Town Hall), or maybe it’s all the half-timbered houses that give it that an Old World feel. I’m also sure the Romanesque fortified church in the village of Oberstetten has something to do with it, too.

Another remnant of Niederstetten’s medieval beginnings is the nearby Kloster Frauental. While it hasn’t been a Cistercian monastery for years, its church is still an architectural gem, and well worth the visit while you’re here.

Of course, what’s the Middle Ages without a castle or two? One of the more popular ruins to visit is Castle Brauneck, although Schloss Haltenbergstetten is the venue for the every-other-year (odd-numbered) Amateur Outdoor Theater performances.

No problem if you can’t make that; there’s always the Heimberger Fest, along with the Niederstetten Christmas Market. But, it’s the Genießermarkt (Gourmet Market) in April, Rossmarkt in January, and Fall Festival in September that the town’s most famous for.

Although famous in a different way, the ill-fated Hindenburg has some roots in Niederstetten — this is the hometown of Albert Sammt, a Zeppelin commander who once served onboard as an officer. He didn’t perish on that fateful trip, but his hometown does have a Zeppelin Museum that bears his name.

If castle and museum visits aren’t your thing, maybe you’ll love the Nature Trail. Don’t worry, it won’t take you too long to walk along its 4.5km, filled along the way with endangered birds, pretty orchards, and information boards to help tell you what you’re looking at.

Thanks, but I don’t need any help telling me that I’m looking at one amazing town. Thanks, Niederstetten, for not letting the novelty of this pretty Franconian countryside wear off. ;-)

Let’s be 100-percent honest. If I lived here in the town of Großaitingen I’d probably never get any work done. It would be impossible since there’s too much to experience and plenty of festivals and cultural events to enjoy — not just in the town itself, but also the Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Großaitingen. That’s right, you guessed it, you got a town and a Collective Municipality of the same name, but all that does is just about double the goodness. ;-)

Now, because this is the Swabian region you’d think the first thing to tell you to do is rush right off into the idyllic countryside — and you’d be right. How else are you going to see things like the nearby Schloss Mickhausen?

However, I’m not going to fling you from one of Großaitingen’s villages to another and back again today. Nope, I’m going to keep it all together — starting with the village of Oberottmarshausen. The 18th century was good to this village, since that’s when its lovely Parsonage was built, and the Church of St. Vitus underwent its renovation from its medieval beginnings to something more “modern.”

Oberottmarshausen is also the place to be for a good party — especially the Starkbierfest in March (Lent, actually); an Oktoberfest every September; the Pfarrfest in October; followed by the Christkindlsmarkt at the end of November.

Kleinaitingen also has a whole bunch of fun festivals, as it too, has a Starkbierfest and a Pfarrfest, but also a Summer Festival in July and a Wine Festival in September. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

And if you’re not partying your little heart out, c’mon over to see the village’s Church of St. Martin which has seen many an event over the last 700-plus years.

Now it’s on to Großaitingen itself — a treasure trove of historical old buildings. It’s totally your choice if you want to start your journey at the Chapel of St. Ottilia (built 1710), or the St. Sebastian Chapel (1628). Or, if you prefer, you’ll find the Church of St. Nicholas at Am Alten Markt 1 — where it’s been since its construction in the year 1200. At Am Alten Markt 2 is Großaitingen’s 18th century schoolhouse, and on Augsburger Straße 2 is an old tithe barn.

Just a couple more things before you run off, OK? I just want to tell you about the St. Justina Chapel in Reinhartshofen, the late-Gothic Church of St. James (1669), and the Waldkapelle Vierzehn (1764).

Why make such a big deal about old churches? What’s the attraction?

The art and architecture of these grand dames are like a snapshot of long-gone era, they’re what still gives Germany it’s Old World charm and flavor.

Wait… maybe it’s the Starkbier (Strong Beer) that does it! ;-)

Though being a Germany expert, sometimes I don’t know what to expect when wandering around aimlessly from one town to another.

Yeah, who am I kidding, that’s really not the German way — but I’m serious that I didn’t know what I was going to find in-and-around the town of Angelbachtal.

What I found lives up to its name, heavenly. ;-)

Sometimes names can be confusing, so turns out what I thought was a forest with the name Waldangelbachtal wasn’t. Turns out it’s a river, leading right into the Rhine River system. No matter, this is some gorgeous real estate so everyone will love it.

Just as I think everyone will love the vineyards that dot that stunning landscape. That’s right, wine making as been around since the Middle Ages; not to mention the Kraichgau-Stromberg Wine Road scenic route runs right on through.

Sure it’s easy to get excited about a fine German wine, which you’ll find at one of Angelbachtal’s many cultural events. In my not so humble opinion, the Medieval Fair is the best. Held on the second weekend of August, this is a 2-day event with everything from jousting to sword fights, medieval music to period souvenirs.

Then again, you might like the Gartenmesse (another 2-day event) in May, the Highland Games (complete with men in kilts) in July, the Kerwe on the third weekend of October, the Christmas Market always held on the first weekend of Advent, or the Schlosspark Serenade every June.

A Schlosspark generally includes a castle, does it not? Of course it does — and you got a choice to which one you like the most. It might be Schloss Eichtersheim, a moated manor house from the 16th century. Or, it could be nearby Schloss Michelfeld, this one from the 1750s.

Angelbachtal’s castles aren’t the only outstanding architecture found around the town’s 17.92 square kilometers. The pink-hued Michelfeld Evangelical Church (built 1767) is lovely, as is another of the town’s Evangelical churches. My favorite is the Baroque one that used to be a medieval fortified one.

Sounds old, right? That’s nothing compared to the prehistoric graves dating back the Late Iron Age found in these parts. And in case you didn’t know, that would around 2,500 years ago.

Do you think prehistoric man wandered around here aimlessly? Nah, even those guys were smart enough to stick around Angelbachtal. ;-)