Here it is, folks, time to play “Six Degrees of Separation” again here at MyGermanCity.com. Heck, I don’t even think we’ll get as far as six — but here we go…

Can you make the connection between the small town of Kallstadt (which lies within the Collective Municipality of Freinsheim), a President of the United States, and one of the largest producers of condiments just about anywhere in the world?

I’ll give you a minute…

Gave up?

Kallstadt is the hometown of Friedrich (a.k.a. Frederick) and Elizabeth Trump — the grandparents of the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. His grandparents emigrated from Kallstadt (back then the town belonged to the Kingdom of Bavaria) to the United States in the early 20th century.

Let’s get to Part Two. Kallstadt is also the hometown of Johann Heinrich Heinz, the father of Henry John Heinz — the founder of the H.J. Heinz Company. You might have recognized the name from their ketchup and mustard labels.

And while Johann Heinrich Heinz might have emigrated to the United States in the middle of the 19th century — it turns out Henry Heinz and Frederick Trump were cousins. What can I tell you, it’s a small world and Kallstadt is a small town of just over 1,200 people these days.

As for Kallstadt of the present century, it’s an utterly amazing town known for its wine. Wine growing and viticulture really take center stage here — and it’s no wonder since they’ve been making the stuff in these parts since around the first century A.D. Yeah, that’s a mighty long time.

To celebrate the fermented grape, Kallstadt has more than a handful of cultural events throughout the year. One of the biggest is the Erlebnistag Deutsche Weinstraße, or Adventure Day on the German Wine Route. For one day in August, some 80 (yes, eighty) kilometers of road is closed to car traffic — and you’ll find people just strolling from wine stand to food stand and back again.

Another popular event is the Fest der 100 Weine, or Festival of 100 Wines. Held near the Church Tower, this festival is 4 days of wine (of course), music, and all-around good cheer.

Four days sounds like a long time, but it’s nothing compared to the 50-day Wine Festival — known as the Kallstadter Herbst held from September into November. Almost two months of drinking wine? Oh yeah, Baby, I am so lovin’ this.

Wine festivals aren’t the only thing wine related (seriously, it lies along the German Wine Route for a reason, a good one). Guided vineyard tours are available for anyone who’s interested, and quite a number of Wine Houses to see (I mean drink at), too.

There’s more to Kallstadt than just wine, though. As I mentioned before, wine making dates back to the Romans — so you know it’s a historical place to visit. Remnants of a Roman Villa were found here, and its Church of St. Salvator dates back to sometime in the 15th century.

Kallstadt even once had a thriving Jewish Community, and its synagogue was built in the 1830s. These days the Jewish house of worship is long-gone, so you can’t visit it — yet it’s most definitely worth mentioning.

Another thing worth mentioning is the Bismarckturm (Bismarck Tower), located within the Palatinate Forest. Its viewing platform from its location on the Peterskopf offers outstanding views of the Rhine-Neckar Metro Region.

Hiking and bicycling are two other ways to enjoy the idyllic countryside, and you most certainly will be happy no matter in which direction you travel.

It’s been said the nice people who live in Kallstadt are a bit stressed of all the Trump hype. Nonetheless has Director Simone Wendel produced a humorous movie in 2014 called Kings of Kallstadt. According to Oscar winner, Kathleen Glynn, it’s a film with “a great sense of humor.” :-)

That all being said (written), rest assured if you come for its wonderful atmosphere, its serene countryside, and its fabulous fun festivals you’ll be welcomed with a heartfelt smile, open arms, and a glass of wine. ;-)

Here I am in Erlenbach (Heilbronn), finally the proper one.

You see, there are 19 (!) Erlenbachs in Germany, so it’s easy to get lost. (Academic note: Five of those 19 are towns in political terms, the other 14 are districts of towns.)

Confused? Relax… I’m here to guide you. :-)

THIS Erlenbach that sits just northeast of Heilbronn is a quaint little town of two districts not even measuring thirteen square kilometers, a good chunk of it forested, by the way.

Don’t let its diminutive size fool you. Erlenbach has quite a bit of history (dating back to the Franks) and culture going on. It’s a fabulous wine growing region, so it’s no wonder you’ll find special Wine Tours along specific hiking trails and paths. Plus, this Erlenbach can boast two Wine Festivals, one in July and the other in August.

In keeping with the wine theme, there’s a Wine Museum in its village of Binswangen. Now I’m aware not everyone is into the museum thing, so for you nice folks maybe some centuries old architecture might tickle your fancy?

You’ll find two beautiful churches to visit, the first being the Church of St. Michael (in Binswangen). It’s a stunning church of intricate art, gold, and marble from the late 18th century. The other is the Church of St. Martinus, known for its ceiling frescoes. St. Martinus is also from the 18th century, yet both churches from today aren’t the originals — both were rebuilt over much older ones.

Erlenbach’s Rathaus (Town Hall) is also quite old, having been built sometime in the 1600s — and its Marktplatz is postcard perfect with its half-timbered buildings. Don’t you just love them?

Most of us like parties, too. So for some cultural fun, come for the festivals and other events. This is a town that celebrates Carnival, has its own Corpus Christi Procession, and in June the village of Binswangen hosts its Pfarrhoffest, while the Summer Festival come in July.

Winter isn’t without anything to do (trust me, I’m writing this on a cold February afternoon), with winter hiking events (in and around the Swabian-Franconian Forest, the latter of which you can do in the warmer months), and had I come in December I’d have been around for its St. Nicholas Day Celebration and/or its Christmas Market.

Well, if I come here every month I get to experience all events and goodies this Erlenbach has to offer. :-)

In a nice pocket halfway between the vibrant cities of Munich and Ingolstadt in Upper Bavaria, you’ll find the lovely little town of Reichertshausen. Besides its numerous biking trails, Reichertshausen has its own castle and plenty of churches, not to mention all the little gems surrounding it.

All of this is great, but c’mon, we’re talking about Bavaria here — so it’s full of great festivals and cultural events. Carnival is a really big deal around here, but then again, so is the Advent with all kinds of seasonal celebrations including a Christmas Market at the end of November.

In keeping with the whole religious theme, it reminds me of all of Reichertshausen’s great old churches. You’ll find these architectural wonders throughout the town’s handful of villages — like the tiny chapel found on Bärnhausener Straße. Lovers of the Middle Ages will appreciate the Church of St. Martin, originally built as a Romanesque church. So what if it saw a few different overhauls in later centuries.

As for the medieval, the nearby Schloss Jetzendorf certainly qualifies as a true castle from the Middle Ages. One stood here back in the 9th century, although the original parts that still stand from that time period didn’t come until much later — like the 12th and 13th centuries.

The oldest parts of Reichertshausen’s own moated castle go all the way back to the 11th century, making it just about a thousand years old. You’d never guess it from its 16th century, late-Gothic design these days.

Another medieval wonder would be the nearby Kloster Ilmmünster — but this old church also saw quite a few renovations in the 11th, 15th, and 18th centuries respectively. Oh, and the Kloster Scheyern, once a Benedictine Abbey, is also a must-see from the Middle Ages. Uhh, make that a must-see from the Baroque period since it had to be rebuilt after the Thirty Years’ War.

Here I go from Reichertshausen’s churches to its castles back to its churches — almost done though, just a couple more. So, I’ll quickly tell you about the Church of St. Michael’s beautiful onion dome, the Pfarrkirche St. Anna in the village of Steinkirchen (built 1850), and the Chapel of St. Mary (18th century).

Old churches might not do it for everyone, so for other people, come on over to the Town Square with its fountain and Rathaus (Town Hall). Don’t be fooled by its 20th century modernity, this area has been the center for community life for centuries.

Wouldn’t it be nice to stick around here for that long? ;-)

Sometimes I sit behind my keyboard wishing I had a time machine instead of a laptop. Weird, I know, but could you imagine going back to the days of the Romans — especially in places like the town of Rheinzabern?

What’s so special about Rheinzabern and the Romans? Uhhh, plenty, since the Roman pottery made here some two thousand years ago was famous all over the Roman Empire. Except it wasn’t called Rheinzabern back then; the Romans named it Tabernae Rhenanae.

Whatever name you want to call it, you can see their handiwork at the Terra Sigillata Museum right on the town’s Hauptstraße. And for those of you who don’t know, pottery has to be fired up in kilns — and you can see the old Roman kilns, too.

After the Romans left there’s not much to tell about Rheinzabern for a while (but wouldn’t it be nice to hop in that time machine and find something). It was the devastation of the Thirty Years’ War that left its mark on the place. Many of the town’s original buildings were totally leveled, so in the 18th century the Town Hall was rebuilt, as was the Church of St. Michael.

The St. Michael Church, also located on the Hauptstraße, still keeps its Gothic tower — and it’s conveniently near many of Rheinzabern’s half-timbered houses. Of course you’ll find plenty more off the main street, and little wonders like Baroque crosses scattered around town, plus a World War I Memorial on the Rehgartenweg.

Of course if I had a time machine I could go back to any one of Rheinzabern’s cultural events over and over again. The weather is beautiful around here in the summer, so come for the Summer Festival in July that’s a lot of fun, and the Marktplatzfest is a multiday affair.

Not everyone likes a full blown party — so how about coming along one of the winter hikes?

Does this sound like enough? Nah, I didn’t think so either. What’s great about it all is Rheinzabern is part of the Collective Muncipality Jockgrim, adding four more towns to its handful of villages. Nothing personal to the other towns, but Hatzenbühl is probably my personal favorite. Probably because of its medieval church from the 13th century (whose tower is the town’s landmark) and its charming Rathaus (Town Hall).

Whichever town or community you like best you’re bound to love being out in the Bienwald, so put on your most comfortable walking shoes and explore.

Of course, if you had one of those trusty time machines, when you get tired you could go back to when you’re refreshed & do it all over again. ;-)

It’s been a long day, not much has gone right, pretty much from the time I woke up this morning. My first thought was run right back to bed, trying to forget today ever happened. Ohh, what an opportunity I would have missed out on — a full moon shining on the water of the lake here in Zarrentin am Schaalsee.

Bright hope for a brand new tomorrow. ;-)

Once hidden behind the “Iron Curtain” in East Germany (and on the Inner German border & bordering Schleswig-Holstein), Zarrentin these days isn’t just a town between Schwerin and Hamburg, it’s also the “Seat” of the Amt Zarrentin — the Collective Municipality — giving it four more communities to its original twelve districts, and increasing its population from just over 4,900 people to almost ten-thousand.

One of the most popular places for all its residents is the old medieval Cistercian monastery. The view of the former monastery is great from the banks of Lake Schaal, but it’s really known for its many concerts and other cultural events. There are even exhibits about the Kloster’s history from its founding in the 13th century, so you’ll learn something on top of being entertained.

FYI, you’ll find a number of events also held in Low German, if you’re interested.

Another 13th century addition to Zarrentin is the Church of St. Abundus, although the half-timbered addition didn’t come along until some 400+ years later. Oh well, these things happen.

Generally being one to get all giddy at the thought of a medieval church, this time it’s the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area around the Schaalsee that did it for me. Puhleeze, if thinking the lake was stunning in the light of a full moon — that was nothing to seeing it in the bright sunshine.

A sunny day is just what I needed after yesterday, so I was excited to travel on over to Gallin to see its exceptionally pretty timbered church, and over to Vellahn to see its charming stone church.

Too bad Castle Melkhof is privately owned — wouldn’t have minded sitting there for a spell, especially under the light of that full moon.

When you’re out and about in Bavaria, rest assured you’re going to find something that’ll render you kind of speechless. As a writer, that’s not always a good thing, but no worries ’cause I’ll eventually come to my senses and write all about such places as Hahnbach at MyGermanCity.com.

Ok, ok, maybe totally speechless is a bit of an exaggeration — but it is kind of hard to spout off at the mouth (a niceway of saying someone talks too much) when you’re in awe of such magnificent old churches. And since Hahnbach is comprised of some 27 districts, you’re bound to find one or two that’ll strike your fancy.

For me it was such places as the Holy Trinity Church, built in the 17th & 18th centuries. In fact, many of Hahnbach’s churches came from that period — like the Pilgrimage Church in Mausberg (built 1750) and the Kehl Chapel (it’s kinda pyramid shaped).

Want older? Ok, that would be the Pfarrkirche St. Jakobus — this sweet old church was originally built in 1434; as did the former chapel in Irlbach, that’s also a 15th century addition. Just don’t let the Church of St. Ursula trick you into thinking she’s a Baroque original, she didn’t come along until 912.

All the great architectural gems (like its landmark Amberger Tor) of Hahnbach can be pondered at one of its many festivals and cultural events, by the way. Nowhere else can they throw a party like the Bavarians, so get your party face on for such goodies like the Marktfest in July, the Frohnbergfest in August, or the obligatory Kirwa in September. Or, you could just enjoy the ambiance of the Advents Market at the end of November.

It’s no problem if there isn’t a festival going on — use the time to explore the Upper Palatinate countryside. You never know what you might find. Years ago an archaeological excavation found all kinds of medieval artifacts. I don’t think I could ever be that lucky to find such a treasure, so I’m content to hike along the 6.1km Naturlebnisweg or take a canoe ride (so long as it’s between May and October).

Ha, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I found the words to talk about Hahnbach — although I’m sure some appreciated my silence. ;-)

Today I’m spending time in the town of Wörthsee staring at its rolling hills awash in bright Autumn colors. Oh, I know the darker days of winter are ahead, but I kind of like it here on the banks of the same-named Lake Wörthsee — so even when the water turns grey, I won’t mind. Neither will you.

The town (and the lake) of Wörthsee is located just about 15km northwest of Starnberg, and not all that far from Munich. So when you find yourself wanting to get away from the bigger cities, you know where to come. Besides, Wörthsee (the lake) can boast it’s one of the cleanest lakes around.

Go ahead, jump in all you want (splash around, swim, sit around one of the lake’s beachside restaurants). Just don’t think you’re gonna be allowed on the lake’s Mausinsel. Yes, Lake Wörthsee even has its own island. Too bad it’s privately owned.

Hey, what’s a guy gotta do to own his own island?

Ahh, I think about that later since I have plans to visit the nearby Kloster Andechs. Don’t let this old monastery’s Baroque church fool you, this is a real medieval one from the 12th century. It’s also got its own brewery, if you’re interested.

Wörthsee’s nearby monastery isn’t the only old building around, ya know. The Schlossbauernhof on Alte Hauptstraße in the village of Walchstadt is a good place to start looking at old architecture. Plus, you’ll find the Church of St. Martin (built 1760) here, too.

There is a list of “monument protected” buildings you could check out, and some (like the 19th century landmark column) have been removed. Either way, you’re not gonna wanna miss a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas, another Baroque church from the mid-1700s. Ohh, nor will you want to miss checking out the many 20th century villas that dot the countryside.

Too bad I missed out on all the summer fun though. August would be a great month to visit if you’re into medieval jousting events; while July’s Summer Festival is fun for the whole family. The consolation is I’m here in the Fall, so party on at the Herbstfest every October — and I wish I could stick around for the Christkindlmarkt in early December.

Hmm, that’ll just give me another reason to come back to Wörthsee. Next time we just might come together… ;-)

Ever heard the saying “All good things must come to an end”? It’s like saying don’t get used to something ’cause it won’t last. Well, whoever came up with that obviously has never been to the town of Gschwend.

You see, Gschwend is the last town on the charming Idyllic Route, a scenic route that’s meant to be experienced on foot, or bicycle if you so choose. This is some pristine real estate (with over 150km of hiking trails), so why not get out to enjoy the Swabian-Franconian Forest, the surrounding Schurwald & Walzheimer Wald, the Swabian Franconian Nature Park, or the 10 stations of the Art & Meditation Path — known as the Walderlebnisweg?

In all my excitement, I almost forgot to mention the Hagbergturm, a tower that has the most stunning views of the Walzheimer Forest (open on Sundays). And I haven’t even mentioned about hiking to go see the Teufelsküche (Devil’s Kitchen), and Teufelskanzel (Devil’s Pulpit) yet. Although, I’m not all that sure why the horned naughty guy gets any mention of these two natural formations — the countryside is, shall we say, Heavenly?

Speaking of the divine, Gschwend has some very lovely old churches to visit. It’s totally your choice if you want go to the older Church of St. Andrew, a Gothic one built way back in 1447 — although its Mary statue is older than the church itself.

Prefer the Baroque? Ok, that would be the (former) Church of St. Nicholas — built some 300 years after St. Andrew’s was constructed.

The wonders of Gschwend don’t really end, especially if you’re here for one of its great festivals or cultural events. This is a town where community matters, finding everything from community blood drives to church concerts. It’s also host to the Wein und Schlachtfest (September); a Cattle Drive in October; the Sankt Martinsritt (November); an Advent Bazaar; a couple of Village Festivals (June); a Summer Festival (July); and even a Brunnenfest (Fountain Festival) in April.

Just when you think you’re all done, Gschwend throws out even more for you to do. Come shop at its Farmers Markets, or its Krämer Market, grab something delicious to eat since there are quite a selection of restaurants to choose from, or visit its Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum, located in the old Schoolhouse) with exhibits on everything from crafts to agricultural.

Oops, looks like I might have been wrong — my time in Gschwend has come to an end, although the wonders of this idyllic town don’t. ;-)

Although its name translates to “Overseas,” it’s rural. It’s near Austria. It’s located on Lake Chiemsee. OK, so what is it?

Well, none other than the Upper Bavarian (as if you couldn’t already guess) town of Übersee. Both a summer and winter loving town, Übersee is fun to be around in any season.

But then again, I did say this was Upper Bavaria — so what’d you expect? ;-)

Übersee was also home to Julius Exter (1863-1939) and Walter Lederer (1923-2003), two local artists from different centuries. One look around and it’s easy to understand why both were inspired. As a matter of fact, a handful of other artists (ex., Fritz Harnest, Walter Brendel) also enjoyed their time here.

Exter died here back in 1939, and some of his works are on display at the Künstlerhaus.

The real question is, who has time to paint when there’s so much going on? I did say Übersee was great in summer and winter, but I think the Fall is another strike. Hello, that’s when the town hosts the Autumn Market (October), and there’s a Leonhardiritt (Leonhard Ride) in November, followed by the Advent Market.

I know, I know, most people aren’t into the cooler weather. Maybe you’re better off coming for the Wine Festival, or the Reggae Festival every Summer instead. And if you really want to explore the great outdoors in the summer, there are guided bike tours every Monday. And on Thursdays, by the way, there are guided Mountain Biking tours — for those who like it a bit more strenuous.

Not me, I’ll take the Cable Car ride instead (it’s not all that far). Of course, sitting by the beach area (or its beer garden) to watch the sunset sounded like the perfect way to end an afternoon.

Just remember to leave time in your busy schedule to go see the Romanesque Church of Saints Peter & Paul in the hamlet of Westerbuchberg (just one of 36 villages). Excuse me, it isn’t Romanesque anymore since it underwent a Gothic rebuilding back in the 15th century. Ahh, who cares, the original church is some 900 years old — and its frescoes from the 15th century are worth the visit.

You also need to add a stop over to the Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) of St. Nicholas, although this particular church didn’t come along until the first years of the 20th century.

The good thing about visiting one of Übersee’s churches, it doesn’t matter what season you do that — so long as you come visit them, or the town itself. You’re always welcome here.

Hello, Roland, my old friend, nice to see you again here in the Upper Franconian town of Weismain.

It’s always nice to catch up with Roland. He’s a piece of German history — he looks pretty gosh-darn good for being over 400 years old. I guess good Franconian living will do that for you. ;-)

And living is just what they do around here, totally surrounded by history and culture. Weismain is a town of private breweries (insert your jokes about Germans and beer here!), graceful old churches and chapels, and ensconced by the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park. Does it get any better than this?

Quite possibly, yes, yes it does. Maybe that’s because of the castles. My history loving heart enjoys them immensely, so I’m excited to tell you all about the ruins of Burg Niesten. The original castle is just about a thousand years old, once had a donjon that rose 24-meters in the air, and boasted its own chapel dedicated to St. Leonhard.

Schloss Giechkröttendorf isn’t anywhere as old as Castle Niesten, but that shouldn’t stop you from loving this late 16th century castle, ya know. Besides, you’ll be too busy wandering around all of Weismain’s old churches to pay it any mind.

One of the oldest of them is St. Andrew’s, in the village of Wieden, as it was constructed more than eight centuries ago; which is right about the same time as St. Erhard’s in Geutenreuth. Maybe not as old, but certainly worth the trip, would be the Church of St. Martin (a Gothic church from the 1500s), the Church of St. Nicholas (built 1732), and the Pilgrimage Church of St. Clement in the village of Neudorf from the 1730s.

Everyone got all that straight? Good, ’cause it’s time to move on to some of Weismain’s other historical buildings, and what-nots. Like the town’s original medieval city wall (circa 14th century), the Upper Gate (the only one left, and once used as a jail), and some amazingly beautiful half-timbered houses (there are plenty of them). But, my personal favorite is the Dietzenhaus, said to be the oldest house of its kind in the entire town.

Roland, you’re a smart guy; no wonder you decided to stick around here. Who wouldn’t want to leave, especially when you’ve got traditional festivals to attend. September’s the month for the Dorffest (Village Festival), coincidentally is the same time of year for the Jura Beer Day and a Kirchweih.

If you’re not here for the festivals, then come to walk along the 6km Apollo Trail (all about the butterflies), the Nordic Walking trails, the hiking paths, or the Summer Theater.

With all this, I think I’m gonna do the same as my pal, Roland, and most certainly stick around for a while… Thank Heaven this is my last stop for the week, so I’m gonna take my time to enjoy it. ;-)