Germany offers a huge choice of regions (16 states called Bundesländer or short "Länder") most of which could provide an enjoyable and fascinating holiday. Germany is also famous for its forests, mountains and lakes.
Let�s begin for the North: Germany has coasts to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. In this part of the country you can find the famous Fairytale Road with white, sandy beaches, resorts and seaports. There is also the city of Bremen, the Germany�s second port; there are galleries, the town hall and the Roland Statue. The Germany�s number one ocean gate way to the world is the international port of Hamburg; there are chic shops, elegant hotels and great museums. We can not forget Berlin, Germany�s capital, one of the mega cities in the world and the top travel destination in Germany. Berlin offers a wonderful combination of history, night life, architecture and culture.
In the Germany�s south you can find from the beauty of the Black Forest to the dazzling allure of the Alps. There is the city of Heidelberg, where stay the Germany�s most famous castle ruins. Other important city is Freiburg, the capital of the southern Black Forest; it is also known for its magnificent cathedral, an excellent example of late gothic architecture. There is also Munich, Bavaria�s capital and one of Germany�s most beautiful and charming cities, it is home of the world-famous Oktoberfest and of the Deutsches Museum, the largest science and industry museum in Europe. Other areas of interest in Germany�s south include Triberg, Lindau, Dinkelsbühl and the historic Franconian city of Würzburg.
In the middle, you can find Europe�s center of international business and finance: Frankfurt. The city is vibrant, dynamic, and flashy, earning it the questioning distinction of the most Americanized city in Germany. In the eastern part of Germany, you can find extraordinary cities: Leipzig, Weimar, Schwerin and even Dresden, famous for its Frauenkirche and historic center. In the western part cities still have some French influence, discover Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne (the heart of the Rhineland), Trier (the oldest city of Germany) or Aachen with its impressive cathedral and history back to Charlemagne.
We have to recommend the Germany�s valleys, well-known as �Romantic Wine Valleys�. Let�s begin for the Rhine Valley; its unique beauty unfurls across the legendary River Rhine. It is famous for its wine festivals during the autumn. The next romantic valley is the Moselle Valley; it attracts visitors not only for its beauty, but also for the friendly atmosphere created by wine and song. Other beautiful valleys are The Ahr Valley, the Weser valley, the Neckar valley, and the Altmühl valley.
Germany is an excellent destination all the year although its climate can be unpredictable. Most people prefer to visit it between May and September (high season) when the sunny days are most likely. A lot of activities are popular in this season, especially outdoor events (hiking, cycling and swimming) and festivals. Cold and wet weather should never be unpredicted in Germany, however: between one-third and one-half of the days each year brings some amount of precipitation. In June and July, school groups filled the major youth hostels, bringing noise and confusion.
The other seasons (from March to May and from October to early November) bring fewer tourists. Usually, in April and May the weather can be mild and sunny. On the other hand, between November and early March skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing (there are only six or eight hours of daylight); in this season, travel to Germany is becoming more and more popular, especially to the ski areas in the Bavarian Alps. Keep in mind that the rain is a possibility in any month, so try to be cautious.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Cologne Travel Guide
COLOGNE is situated on the river Rhein in North Rhine-Westphalia and is the fourth largest city in Germany. Cologne's very name bears witness to its Roman past as the town of Colonia. The city has an extremely lively arts and culture scene and it is known as the "capital of Rhenish joie de vivre".
Cologne is Germany's oldest city and, until the 19th century, the grandest - a status still reflected in the scores of spires that serrate its skyline, and its massive cathedral, or Dom. Cologne, like most areas of Germany, has its very own local dialect of German, though this is improbable to hinder the average sight-seeing tourist.
As many cities in Germany, Cologne was bombarded during the World War II. All the buildings of the Altstadt were damaged and the reconstruction process brought to light a period of Cologne's history that had been a mystery for centuries. This evidence showed that Cologne was an important city during the Christian era.
In Cologne there is so much to see, from the old Roman towers to the modern opera house, it is gradually becoming the fine-art capital of Germany. Cologne spoils its visitors: it heaps on the magnificent architecture, splendid museums, superb theatre and concerts, excellent dance clubs, and enormous department stores, and then, if that wasn't enough, it heaps some great food and beer on top.
As a matter of fact, Cologne is one of Germany�s leading gastronomic lights, from venerable breweries offering unique Kölsch beer and typical Cologne delicacies to first-class restaurants - boasting well in excess of 3000 public houses, restaurants and breweries.
Cologne is Germany's oldest city and, until the 19th century, the grandest - a status still reflected in the scores of spires that serrate its skyline, and its massive cathedral, or Dom. Cologne, like most areas of Germany, has its very own local dialect of German, though this is improbable to hinder the average sight-seeing tourist.
As many cities in Germany, Cologne was bombarded during the World War II. All the buildings of the Altstadt were damaged and the reconstruction process brought to light a period of Cologne's history that had been a mystery for centuries. This evidence showed that Cologne was an important city during the Christian era.
In Cologne there is so much to see, from the old Roman towers to the modern opera house, it is gradually becoming the fine-art capital of Germany. Cologne spoils its visitors: it heaps on the magnificent architecture, splendid museums, superb theatre and concerts, excellent dance clubs, and enormous department stores, and then, if that wasn't enough, it heaps some great food and beer on top.
As a matter of fact, Cologne is one of Germany�s leading gastronomic lights, from venerable breweries offering unique Kölsch beer and typical Cologne delicacies to first-class restaurants - boasting well in excess of 3000 public houses, restaurants and breweries.
Dresden Travel Guide
DRESDEN, once known as "Florence on the Elbe," is the capital of the German federal state of Saxony. It is an industrial, governmental, and cultural center, worldwide known for the Frauenkirche and its historic centre. Dresden is considered by many visitors as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.
The city was founded in 1206 and recognized as a World Heritage Site. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with extraordinary cultural and artistic splendor. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became one of the centres of the Romantic Movement. Phenomenal poets such as Goethe, Schiller, Herder, Kleist and Novalis met in the salons held by Christian Gottfried Körner- later the house of Ludwig Tieck.
In the World War II the city was bombarded and the face of the city changed dramatically. The historical center of Dresden was completely destroyed, including the priceless art treasures that made the city world famous. Also, more than 30,000 people died in this terrible bombarding; the ruin of the city acted as a call for peace among the different nations of the world. Dresden was reconstructed as a large socialist city during the GDR years. The historical center is nowadays in large parts restored to its former glory, some parts are however still under reconstruction. The city is a vibrant, beautiful tribute to the human spirit.
Dresden�s attractions are beautiful churches and palaces, as well as many world-class museums, among the finest in all of Germany. The Frauenkirche, the largest Protestant domed building in history, dominates the Dresden skyline with its incredible baroque architecture- its renovations were lately completed. The Altstadt and Neustadt, on opposite sides of the river are other beautiful examples of Baroque architecture and offer plenty of lovely restaurants, shops and picturesque streets to wander.
The economic life of Dresden is improving: tourism, an innovative computer industry and consumer goods are important sectors. Dresden is also a popular location for conferences and conventions.
The city was founded in 1206 and recognized as a World Heritage Site. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with extraordinary cultural and artistic splendor. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became one of the centres of the Romantic Movement. Phenomenal poets such as Goethe, Schiller, Herder, Kleist and Novalis met in the salons held by Christian Gottfried Körner- later the house of Ludwig Tieck.
In the World War II the city was bombarded and the face of the city changed dramatically. The historical center of Dresden was completely destroyed, including the priceless art treasures that made the city world famous. Also, more than 30,000 people died in this terrible bombarding; the ruin of the city acted as a call for peace among the different nations of the world. Dresden was reconstructed as a large socialist city during the GDR years. The historical center is nowadays in large parts restored to its former glory, some parts are however still under reconstruction. The city is a vibrant, beautiful tribute to the human spirit.
Dresden�s attractions are beautiful churches and palaces, as well as many world-class museums, among the finest in all of Germany. The Frauenkirche, the largest Protestant domed building in history, dominates the Dresden skyline with its incredible baroque architecture- its renovations were lately completed. The Altstadt and Neustadt, on opposite sides of the river are other beautiful examples of Baroque architecture and offer plenty of lovely restaurants, shops and picturesque streets to wander.
The economic life of Dresden is improving: tourism, an innovative computer industry and consumer goods are important sectors. Dresden is also a popular location for conferences and conventions.
Düsseldorf Travel Guide
DÜSSELDORF, capital city of the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia, is located at the confluence of the Düssel and Rhine Rivers; and it is one of the Rhineland's most dynamic cities, boasting a strong economic and cultural foundation. After Frankfurt, Düsseldorf is the largest financial center in Germany and is home to a large and wealthy elite class. Its hallmark is the upmarket Königsallee.
Düsseldorf is internationally renowned for its cosmopolitan culture and is one of Europe's main fashion and fair hubs. It is big and commercial; full of banks and industrial offices and skyscrapers, but it's also refreshingly clean. Düsseldorf is also residence to the largest Japanese population in Europe and boasts a number of excellent Japanese restaurants and shops and a striking Buddhist temple.
Modern Düsseldorf, on the left of the city, is represented by the Gehry buildings in Media Harbor while in the old quarter, obviously on the right, there are quaint passageways, old churches, traditional brewpubs, bars and restaurants. The two sections are connected by five bridges, being the most impressive the Oberkassel.
Düsseldorf is known for its many bars in the downtown (Altstadt) area. In fact, many visitors refer to the Altstadt as the "world's biggest bar," so called for the more than 500 clubs and discos that line the cobbled streets. There you can drink the �Altbier� or simply �Alt�, it is a dark beer served in small glasses and is available at practically any restaurant in the city. But, �Alt� is not the only beer that you can enjoy, there are many other beers as Schlüssel, Uerige, Schumacher, and Füchschen.
Immediately south of Altstadt are some the most important museums and galleries, K20 is famous for its masterpieces by Klee, Picasso and Dalí. K21 is the city's newest contemporary art museum, containing works by Nam June Paik and Bill Viola, and showcasing the latest photographic, sculptural and painting talent.
Düsseldorf is internationally renowned for its cosmopolitan culture and is one of Europe's main fashion and fair hubs. It is big and commercial; full of banks and industrial offices and skyscrapers, but it's also refreshingly clean. Düsseldorf is also residence to the largest Japanese population in Europe and boasts a number of excellent Japanese restaurants and shops and a striking Buddhist temple.
Modern Düsseldorf, on the left of the city, is represented by the Gehry buildings in Media Harbor while in the old quarter, obviously on the right, there are quaint passageways, old churches, traditional brewpubs, bars and restaurants. The two sections are connected by five bridges, being the most impressive the Oberkassel.
Düsseldorf is known for its many bars in the downtown (Altstadt) area. In fact, many visitors refer to the Altstadt as the "world's biggest bar," so called for the more than 500 clubs and discos that line the cobbled streets. There you can drink the �Altbier� or simply �Alt�, it is a dark beer served in small glasses and is available at practically any restaurant in the city. But, �Alt� is not the only beer that you can enjoy, there are many other beers as Schlüssel, Uerige, Schumacher, and Füchschen.
Immediately south of Altstadt are some the most important museums and galleries, K20 is famous for its masterpieces by Klee, Picasso and Dalí. K21 is the city's newest contemporary art museum, containing works by Nam June Paik and Bill Viola, and showcasing the latest photographic, sculptural and painting talent.
Hamburg Travel Guide
HAMBURG is the second largest city in Germany, it formed with Lübeck, Bremen and Rostock and other European ports the medieval Hanseatic League. Hamburg is a city-state, being as far as possible independent of other states that existed and exist in Germany. However, during the centuries, Hamburg has always been an international city, not only because of its position in international trade, but also in political dimensions.
The city is known as one of the most important harbours in Europe and the world, and it is the greenest city in Germany: 13 % of the city are park and greenland, 23 % protected countryside and 6% nature reserves. Nevertheless, two thirds of the city are occupied by parks, lakes or tree-lined canals, giving this huge harbour city a refreshal rural feel.
Culturally, Hamburg is said to have more in common with its trading partners and neighbors in the Low Countries, Denmark and even England, than it does with southern Germany. In Hamburg, there are more than 50 museums offering an educational and fun experience; from the Museum of Art and Craft to special exhibitions in the Bucerius Art Forum. There is no limit to art!
Hamburg has many faces and contrasts are evident wherever you look there. The finest parks and buildings are revealed around the Alster Lake in the city center while the neon-lit Reeperbahn at night revive old memories of �Sin-City Europe�. And a walk along one of Hamburg�s many canals explains why this city has been called the �Venice of the North�. Recently, the city has become a Media center, half of the Nation�s newspapers and magazines have their roots here.
Unfortunately, large parts of the city were destroyed during the devastating air raids of World War II. In spite of it, Hamburg still has large quarters with expensive houses and villas, home to merchants and captains, surrounded by lots of green. Hamburg keeps its tradition of being an open, yet discreet city. Hamburgers sometimes appear to be quite reserved at first, but once they get to know who they are dealing with, they will be as warm and friendly as you would wish.
The city is known as one of the most important harbours in Europe and the world, and it is the greenest city in Germany: 13 % of the city are park and greenland, 23 % protected countryside and 6% nature reserves. Nevertheless, two thirds of the city are occupied by parks, lakes or tree-lined canals, giving this huge harbour city a refreshal rural feel.
Culturally, Hamburg is said to have more in common with its trading partners and neighbors in the Low Countries, Denmark and even England, than it does with southern Germany. In Hamburg, there are more than 50 museums offering an educational and fun experience; from the Museum of Art and Craft to special exhibitions in the Bucerius Art Forum. There is no limit to art!
Hamburg has many faces and contrasts are evident wherever you look there. The finest parks and buildings are revealed around the Alster Lake in the city center while the neon-lit Reeperbahn at night revive old memories of �Sin-City Europe�. And a walk along one of Hamburg�s many canals explains why this city has been called the �Venice of the North�. Recently, the city has become a Media center, half of the Nation�s newspapers and magazines have their roots here.
Unfortunately, large parts of the city were destroyed during the devastating air raids of World War II. In spite of it, Hamburg still has large quarters with expensive houses and villas, home to merchants and captains, surrounded by lots of green. Hamburg keeps its tradition of being an open, yet discreet city. Hamburgers sometimes appear to be quite reserved at first, but once they get to know who they are dealing with, they will be as warm and friendly as you would wish.
Hannover Travel Guide
| The capital of the federal state of Lower Saxony, HANNOVER, is an important tourist draw, with many interesting sights. The city is one of Germany�s hubs of industry, transportation and commerce, and its annual industrial trade fair (CeBIT) is still the largest such fair in the world, attracting producers from around the world. Hannover became a tourist destination following the EXPO in 2000.The event drew millions to the city to tour international pavilions and share ways to improve the world into the twenty-first century. The city is a haven for art lovers and for anyone who wants to enjoy some of the most exciting nightlife in Germany. There are also many concert halls that host regular classical and popular concerts. Besides that, Hannover is a modern city with a rich tradition, beautiful gardens, municipal and royal parks. It is a university capital with important cultural centres and admirable shopping facilities. Furthermore, the city has a 14th-century market church, �the Marienkirche�, a 15th-century town hall with the famous gable and numerous museums, such as the Sprengel Museum near the Masch Lake, which is becoming an important center for modern art. A large amount of the historic city center has been re-built many times; the last was after the World War II. Some historical attractions are the �Main Station�, dated from 1880 with its "Stationmaster" King Ernst August, �the Kröpcke� the most central square and a favorite city-center meeting, and the famous theater �Ballhofplatz� among others. |  | |
Stuttgart Travel Guide
STUTTGART is the capital of the Baden-Württemberg state and is located in the center of the populated southwestern of Germany. Stuttgart is an ideal starting point for excursions to the Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, the Lake of Constance, the Hohenloher Land as well as the neighboring countries of Austria, France and Switzerland. Stuttgart is a cosmopolitan area and it is one of the prominent and well-known German towns, particularly due to its cultural, administrative and huge economic importance.
Stuttgart was chartered in the 13th cent and it became a residence of the counts of Württemberg, who made it their capital at the end of the 15th cent. After World War I it became famous for its numerous modern buildings with an innovative architecture. In World War II, the center of the city was almost totally destroyed although after 1945 many old buildings were restored.
Stuttgart is a relaxing city, its wonderful environment including the black forest and lots of acres of vineyards which make it one of the greenest cities in Europe. The region's long wine-growing tradition is carefully documented in a museum. Even as visitors come in to land at Stuttgart International Airport, they will be impressed by a fascinating landscape consisting of mountains, woods, vineyards, gardens, meadows and fields.
In Stuttgart, you can find a lot for the whole family: museums, art galleries, beautiful squares and imposing palaces. There are also exclusive stores, boutiques, modern malls and street cafés � some extravagant, other more elegant � that offer a beautiful view of the city.
The city is the place where the motorbike and the four-wheeled automobile were invented, famous and prestigious brands as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are produced there. One of the Stuttgart�s attractions is the Mercedes Benz museum that is one of the best visited museums.
Stuttgart was chartered in the 13th cent and it became a residence of the counts of Württemberg, who made it their capital at the end of the 15th cent. After World War I it became famous for its numerous modern buildings with an innovative architecture. In World War II, the center of the city was almost totally destroyed although after 1945 many old buildings were restored.
Stuttgart is a relaxing city, its wonderful environment including the black forest and lots of acres of vineyards which make it one of the greenest cities in Europe. The region's long wine-growing tradition is carefully documented in a museum. Even as visitors come in to land at Stuttgart International Airport, they will be impressed by a fascinating landscape consisting of mountains, woods, vineyards, gardens, meadows and fields.
In Stuttgart, you can find a lot for the whole family: museums, art galleries, beautiful squares and imposing palaces. There are also exclusive stores, boutiques, modern malls and street cafés � some extravagant, other more elegant � that offer a beautiful view of the city.
The city is the place where the motorbike and the four-wheeled automobile were invented, famous and prestigious brands as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are produced there. One of the Stuttgart�s attractions is the Mercedes Benz museum that is one of the best visited museums.
Frankfurt Travel Guide
FRANKFURT AM MAIN is called �the Manhattan of Germany� because of its location on the Main river. The city is the financial heart not only of Germany but also of the European Union, pumping euros into the world economy. Frankfurt is a dynamic metropolis and for many visitors it will be the first point of call in Europe, because its airport is the largest in terms of passengers on the European continent.
During World War II Frankfurt was deeply bombed, and as consequence, its medieval city was destroyed. Happily, the city recovered quite quickly after the war, and its modern shape was formed. With the rebuilding process, one of the Europe�s most efficient underground transportation systems was developed. That system includes a subway train system (S-Bahn) and a deep subway with smaller coaches (U-Bahn). Frankfurt also contains the tallest skyscraper in the European Union, the Commerzbank Tower, which is also the second tallest on the continent (after the Triumph-Palace building in Moscow).
Frankfurt is frequently seen only as a transit hub or a business centre, but it is so much more. In fact, it is a prosperous cultural centre for the entire Hesse, with a good collection of theatres, galleries, museums, amongst them some architectural highlights. While Frankfurt is not the size of London or Paris, it will not keep you wanting in terms of cultural activities.
Frankfurt is a city with two faces: On the first it is the competitive financial capital of Germany and on the other it is a civilized place which spends more on the arts than any other city in Europe. If you have more time to spend, Frankfurt is a perfect starting point for daytrips up the Rhine River towards Rudesheim or Heidelberg and only a 30 minutes train trip away from Wiesbaden, Mainz or Marburg.
During World War II Frankfurt was deeply bombed, and as consequence, its medieval city was destroyed. Happily, the city recovered quite quickly after the war, and its modern shape was formed. With the rebuilding process, one of the Europe�s most efficient underground transportation systems was developed. That system includes a subway train system (S-Bahn) and a deep subway with smaller coaches (U-Bahn). Frankfurt also contains the tallest skyscraper in the European Union, the Commerzbank Tower, which is also the second tallest on the continent (after the Triumph-Palace building in Moscow).
Frankfurt is frequently seen only as a transit hub or a business centre, but it is so much more. In fact, it is a prosperous cultural centre for the entire Hesse, with a good collection of theatres, galleries, museums, amongst them some architectural highlights. While Frankfurt is not the size of London or Paris, it will not keep you wanting in terms of cultural activities.
Frankfurt is a city with two faces: On the first it is the competitive financial capital of Germany and on the other it is a civilized place which spends more on the arts than any other city in Europe. If you have more time to spend, Frankfurt is a perfect starting point for daytrips up the Rhine River towards Rudesheim or Heidelberg and only a 30 minutes train trip away from Wiesbaden, Mainz or Marburg.
Berlin Travel Guide
BERLIN is the largest city in Germany and it is best known for its historical associations as the German capital. It offers a wonderful combination of history, night life, architecture and culture. Berlin has modest beginnings, but over time it grew into a European powerhouse and since reunification in 1990 it became into a dynamic and creative city.
Berlin has wonderful sights although it is not as centralized or small as other European cities. It is also known as one of the greenest cities in Europe: over 60% of its surface area is either a park or a river, it is beautiful! Berlin is also an industrial city; key industries such as electronics, manufacturing and information technology reflect the hopes for a brighter future for the city.
In Berlin, you will find the leisure time activities that you would find in every big city all over the world, and in the city limits there are numerous recreational areas, nature reserves and parks. You can find a lot of amazing things simply strolling along one of its fascinating streets. Berlin is a city that thrives on change and that has made a virtue out of reinventing itself s one of Europe�s finest capitals.
Berlin has wonderful sights although it is not as centralized or small as other European cities. It is also known as one of the greenest cities in Europe: over 60% of its surface area is either a park or a river, it is beautiful! Berlin is also an industrial city; key industries such as electronics, manufacturing and information technology reflect the hopes for a brighter future for the city.
In Berlin, you will find the leisure time activities that you would find in every big city all over the world, and in the city limits there are numerous recreational areas, nature reserves and parks. You can find a lot of amazing things simply strolling along one of its fascinating streets. Berlin is a city that thrives on change and that has made a virtue out of reinventing itself s one of Europe�s finest capitals.
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