Our journey begins with a visit to the Deutschordensmuseum, which is located in Bad Mergentheim, Baden-Württemberg. This place is a real gem for lovers of the history of the Teutonic Order. The museum is housed in an impressive castle, which for centuries was the seat of the grand masters of the order.

To get to the Deutschordensmuseum, it is best to use a car or public transportation. The museum is located at Schloß 16, 97980 Bad Mergentheim. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the museum from Bad Mergentheim's main train station.

The museum is open to the public all year round. Opening hours are usually 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it's worth checking the official website for exact information before visiting. Admission tickets cost about 9 euros for adults, and admission is free for children and young people under 18.

The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts related to the history of the Teutonic Order. Among them are original documents, weapons, armor, as well as everyday objects. Of particular interest is the exhibition devoted to the organizational structure of the order and its role in medieval Europe.

For families with children, the museum offers special educational programs and interactive exhibitions that introduce the history of the order in an accessible way. Noteworthy are the mock-ups of Teutonic castles, which allow you to imagine what these impressive buildings looked like in their heyday.

After visiting the museum, take a walk through the picturesque castle gardens, which are a great place to relax and contemplate. There are also several cozy cafes and restaurants near the museum where you can relax and enjoy local specialties.

For those interested in deepening their knowledge of the Teutonic Order, the Deutschordensmuseum regularly organizes lectures and thematic workshops. It's worth checking the calendar of events on the museum's website before planning a visit.

A visit to the Deutschordensmuseum is an excellent start to our journey in the footsteps of the Teutonic Order in Germany. It allows us to understand the historical context and importance of the order, which will be extremely helpful when visiting the next places on our route.

Continuing our journey in the footsteps of the Teutonic Order, we can't miss the impressive castles that still testify to the power of this organization. One of the most important is the Deutschordensschloss in Bad Mergentheim, which is located at Schloß 16, 97980 Bad Mergentheim. This castle, which was once the seat of the grand masters of the order, is a perfectly preserved example of medieval defensive architecture.

The castle is open to the public daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at the museum's ticket office. Note that the ticket price also includes admission to the Deutschordensmuseum, which makes the visit even more attractive. A guided tour of the castle allows you to discover many fascinating details and secrets of the place.

Another place worth visiting is Hohenzollern Castle, located in Burg Hohenzollern, 72379 Germany. Although not a typical Teutonic castle, its history is closely linked to the order. Perched on top of the Hohenzollern mountain, this castle offers incredible views of the surrounding area and is an excellent example of Neo-Gothic architecture.

Hohenzollern Castle is open to the public year-round, but opening hours vary depending on the season. Admission tickets cost about 12 euros for adults, and 6 euros for children under 17. The castle can be reached by car or by using local bus transportation from nearby towns.

For those who want to explore more castles related to the history of the Teutonic Order, consider a visit to Heidelberg Castle. This impressive complex, located at Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, is one of the most important Renaissance monuments in Germany. Although it was not directly associated with the Teutonic Order, its history and architecture reflect the influence of various knightly orders on German culture.

Heidelberg Castle is open daily, and admission tickets cost about 8 euros for adults and 4 euros for children. The castle can be reached on foot from the city center or by taking the cable car, which is a tourist attraction in its own right.

Also worth mentioning is Cochem Castle, located on the Moselle River at Schlossstraße 36, 56812 Cochem. Although not a typical Teutonic castle, its history dates back to the time when the Teutonic Order was a power in the region. The castle offers beautiful views of the Moselle valley and is an excellent example of medieval defensive architecture.

When visiting these castles, look out for distinctive elements of defensive architecture, such as high walls, towers and moats. Each of these castles offers a unique experience and gives you a better understanding of what life was like during the Teutonic Order's heyday.

For families with children, many of these castles offer special educational programs and interactive exhibitions that introduce medieval history in an accessible way. It's worth checking before visiting to see if a particular castle organizes knight shows or medieval crafts workshops, which can be an excellent attraction for the youngest.

When traveling in the footsteps of the Teutonic Order in Germany, it's worth remembering a few practical tips to help us fully enjoy this fascinating trip.

First, when planning to visit castles and museums associated with the Teutonic Order, consider purchasing a tourist card, which often offers discounts on admission to many attractions. For example, a Taubertal Card is available in the Bad Mergentheim area, which can significantly reduce the cost of a visit.

When traveling between destinations, take advantage of Germany's Deutsche Bahn rail network. Tickets can be easily purchased online or from vending machines at stations. Special offers are available for families that allow for cheaper travel.

When visiting castles and museums, be sure to dress appropriately. Many of these places have stone floors and stairs, so comfortable shoes are essential. On colder days, a warmer garment is useful, as some castles can be quite chilly.

For those interested in learning more about the Teutonic Order, we recommend purchasing a guidebook or audioguide, which are often available at ticket offices. Many sites also offer smartphone apps with interactive guides, which can be a great option for younger tourists.

If traveling with children, look out for special educational programs offered by museums and castles. For example, the Deutschordensmuseum in Bad Mergentheim organizes workshops and field games for children, which introduce the history of the order in an accessible way.

Local culinary specialties are also worth noting during your visit. The Baden-Württemberg region, where many sites associated with the Teutonic Order are located, is famous for its excellent wines and regional dishes. Try local specialties such as Maultaschen or Spätzle.

For outdoor enthusiasts, many of these regions offer excellent biking and hiking trails. For example, in the area around Cochem Castle, you can combine sightseeing with a bicycle tour along the scenic Moselle Valley.

Also remember a camera or smartphone with a good camera. Castles and museums associated with the Teutonic Order offer many picturesque views and architectural details worth capturing.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the opportunity to participate in local festivals and historical events. Many towns and castles organize medieval fairs or historical re-enactments, which can be a great addition to our journey in the footsteps of the Teutonic Order.

All in all, traveling in the footsteps of the Teutonic Order on the German side of the border is a fascinating expedition into history. Visiting places such as Deutschordensmuseum, Hohenzollern Castle or Heidelberg Castle, we have the opportunity not only to admire the impressive architecture, but also to better understand the role that the Teutonic Order played in shaping European history. It's a trip that combines elements of education, adventure and relaxation, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.