Germany

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Why visit Germany?

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Prepare for a roller coaster of feasts, treats and temptations as you take in Germany 's soul- stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic palaces and half-timbered towns. Few countries have had as much impact on the world as Germany, which has given us the printing press, the automobile, aspirin and MP3 technology. This is the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Albert Einstein and Karl Marx, of Goethe, Beethoven, the Brothers Grimm and other heavyweights who, each in their own way, have left their mark on human history.
There is something unquestionably artistic in the way the scenery unfolds: the ridged, dune- fringed coasts of the north, the temperamental forests, romantic river valleys and vast vineyards of central Germany's backbone, and the off-the-charts splendor of the Alps, carved into rugged glory by glaciers and the elements. All are integral parts of a magical natural matrix that is bound to give your camera batteries a workout.
Eating well is as important to a memorable journey as captivating scenery and great architecture. And you will quickly discover that German food is so much more than sausages and pretzels, schnitzel and roast pork accompanied by big mugs of foamy beer. Beyond the clichés awaits an abundance of regional and seasonal taste teasers. Indulge in Black Forest cake, doner kebab, Spaetzle or Michelin-starred haute cuisine.

What does Germany bring in mind?

Brandenburg Gate

More than any other landmark, the Brandenburg Gate is the national symbol for Germany. Built in 1791, the gate was a symbol of peace. It is crowned with the winged goddess of victory, riding a four-horsed chariot. During the cold war, when Berlin was divided in two, the Brandenburg Gate stood between East and West Berlin. It was here, in front of the Gate, that former American President Reagan said his famous words, “Mr. Gorbatschow, tear down this wall, Mr. Gorbatschow, open this Gate.” After the wall fell in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate became the symbol of Germany's reunification.

Romantic Rhine Stretching between the cities of Bingen and Bonn, Germany, the Middle Rhine flows through a dramatic geological formation called the Rhine Gorge. This region features a spectacular landscape dotted with some 40 medieval castles, picturesque villages and terraced vineyards. The best way to experience the Romantic Rhine is by a riverboat cruise.

Neuschwanstein

The most photographed building in Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is also one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. This fairy-tale castle served as the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Heidelberg Germany’s oldest and most famous university town is renowned for its baroque old town, lively university atmosphere, excellent pubs and evocative half-ruined castle, which draw 31⁄2 million visitors a year. They are following in the footsteps of the late 18th- and early 19th-century romantics, most notably the poet Goethe. Britain’s William Turner also loved Heidelberg, which inspired him to paint some of his greatest landscapes.

Rugen Island

Located in the Baltic Sea, Rugen Island is the largest island in Germany, connected to the mainland by the Rugen Bridge and Rugen Causeway. Charming villas, romantic seaside resorts and beautiful beaches all draw tourists to Rugen Island, but the star attraction is the Jasmund National Park, famous for its unique chalk cliffs rising 161 meters over the sea.

The Cathedral of Cologne One of Germany's most important architectural monuments and the third tallest cathedral in the world. It took over 600 years to construct this gothic masterpiece, and when it was finished in 1880, it was still true to the original plans from 1248. When Cologne was leveled by bombings in World War II, the Cathedral was the only building that survived. Standing tall in an otherwise flattened city, some said it was divine intervention. A more matter-of-fact explanation is that cathedral was a point of orientation for the pilots.

Hofbräuhaus and Oktoberfest It might be a cliché, but it is an essential German experience: Visit the Hofbräuhaus in Munich, the most famous beer hall in the world. This Bavarian institution has defined gemütlich (“comfy”) since 1589. Wash down Bavarian specialties and giant pretzels with beer that is only served in one-liter glasses.

The Black Forest

If you imagine Germany with rolling hills, small villages and lush forests, visit the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), where you can experience it all. The vast expanse of hills, valleys, and forests stretches from the posh Spa-town Baden Baden to the Swiss border, covering an area of 4,600 square miles. Walking, biking or driving, there are many scenic routes that will lead you to tiny villages, wineries and old-world monasteries. Two of the most recommended tours are the Wine Route and the German Clock Road, which traces the history of the cuckoo clock. But remember: No visit to the Black Forest is complete without a piece of Black Forest Cake, with chocolate, cherries, cream and a good dash of cherry schnapps.

Trier, the Oldest City in Germany

On the banks of the Moselle River lies Trier, Germany's oldest city. It was founded as a Roman colony in 16 BC and became the favored residence of several Roman emperors. Highlights of the city are the Porta Nigra, and the Cathedral of Trier, which houses a holy relic that draws many pilgrims: the Holy Robe, the garment said to be worn by Jesus when he was crucified.

Great FUN things to do in Germany!

• Visit Berchtesgaden National Park

• Get the full picture of The Berlin Wall

• Taking a ride by the Museum Island

• Walk in the Old Town of Regensburg

• Visit the Old Town of Quedlinburg

• Europa Park combines great fun with unobstructed, pleasurable learning. Nested in the heart of a top-of-the-range resort, the theme park boils down to a pocket-size version of the continent, where the highs of the most beautiful European countries can be experienced hands-on.

• If beer is what you're coming to Germany for, and your trip doesn't coincide with Oktoberfest, head to Bamberg and compensate for the loss at one of its best breweries.

• Having a tour in BMW Museum.

• Catch a ride to the Reichstag’s dome

• Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial

• Feast your eyes at food markets

• Dip into Berlin’s vibrant street art scene

• Get shivers at the Topography of Terror

• Enjoy sounds for free

• Admire the Berliner Dom

Top cities of Germany

Berlin

A federal state and the capital city of Germany, Berlin is widely associated with its World War II history and former division of East and West Germany by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. Since the fall of the historic wall in 1989, Berlin today is now a vast, unified city diverse in ethnic groups and abundant in sightseeing attractions, museums, sports, culture and nightlife.

Munich

Best known as the origin of the world famous Oktoberfest, Munich is one of the best places to visit in Germany with a great culture scene. Munich is home to several sophisticated opera houses and theaters like the National Theatre. The city center is an attractive blend of classic and modern architecture, teeming in historic churches, medieval walls and royal palaces as well as bustling shopping centers and nightlife venues.

Frankfurt

A true capital of finance and business, home base for one of the world’s largest stock exchanges as well as the European Central Bank, Frankfurt hosts some of Europe’s most important trade fairs, including the largest book and motorcar fairs anywhere. Frankfurt consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities, with a rich collection of museums (second in Germany only to Berlin’s), lots of parks and greenery, a lively student scene, excellent public transport, fine dining and plenty to do in the evening. Nightspots range from cozy neighborhood apple- wine taverns to some of Europe’s most pounding techno-discos.

Leipzig

The largest city in Germany’s federal state of Saxony, Leipzig is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene shaped by famous music composers like Bach, Richard Wagner and Felix Mendelssohn. Tourists enjoy performances of Bach’s music at the St. Thomas Church where Bach once served as choir leader and is now buried.

Cologne

Situated on the Rhine River in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne is one of the most popular places to visit in Germany. The city offers a vibrant array of attractions, buzzing nightlife and a stellar arts and culture scene. Cologne also packs impressive landmarks such as the city’s informal symbol, the Cologne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church.

Dresden

Before it was severely damaged from World War II bombings, Dresden was known as the Jewel Box because of its lavish collection of stunning art and architecture. After many years, the city has restored much of its former glory. The capital of the federal state of Saxony, Dresden offers a number of historic sites like the stunning Frauenkirche Cathedral.