Between Cologne and Dresden, the forests and their legends

In Cologne, the cutting-edge Kolumba Museum, run by the city's Roman Catholic Archdiocese, is a peerless structure. Designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, winner of the Pritzker Prize, the building has crisp, angular lines that immediately draw the eye. Erected on the foundations of an ancient church, the museum provides a handsome home to exquisite collections of religious art dating from the birth of Christianity to the present day.

Located next to the hotel, the Hardenberg Distillery in Nörten-Hardenberg, founded more than 300 years ago, has become something of a local institution. Since 2019, it has produced a single-malt whisky, handcrafted using barley grown in the region and pure water from the Harz Mountains. Embodying the local terroir, the distillery works to a maxim of ‘from field to glass.' With spirits double-distilled in the Hardenberg still, before being aged in three types of cask, this German whisky is truly unique. To be enjoyed in moderation.

Surrounded by wooded hills and lush forests, Nörten-Hardenberg is an idyllic setting for leisurely, sun-dappled walks, where you'll stroll among verdant mosses and ferns beneath mighty oak and beech trees. A marked forest trail leads to the impressive ruins of Hardenberg Castle, which dates from the 18th century. Further still, the old watchtower at the top of the hill offers splendid views of the surrounding landscape and valleys.

The German naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt is said to have described Hannoversch Münden as <em fontscheme='2'>'one of the seven most beautifully located cities in the world.' At the nexus of three rivers and three forests, the old town still boasts more than 700 magnificent half-timbered properties. Decorated with inscriptions, ornate embellishments and carved doorways, these properties, along with the superb Weser Town Hall, are truly exceptional examples of Renaissance architecture.

This splendid Lutheran church is the symbol of the city. After being completely destroyed during the Allied bombing of 13 February 1945, the church was rebuilt exactly as it was and reconsecrated on 30 October 2005. The cross on top was made by an English artist, Alan Smith. In addition to services, concerts are held here.

Located in a former arsenal, this museum reveals different aspects of the military world. I really like the modernity of the site, which re-opened in 2011 after being completely overhauled by the famous American architect Daniel Libeskind. The museum contains hundreds of thousands of objects, ranging from a simple soldier's medal to the Soyuz 29 capsule, in which the first German cosmonaut, Sigmund Jähn, flew in 1978.