Berlin Wall

If you’re looking for a place that’s rich with remnants of the recent past, then Germany’s the place for you. As you may well know, Germany was a key player in the previous world wars.

Thus, it filled Germany with monuments to the stories of our grandfathers about times long past but never forgotten.

1.) Berlin Wall

There’s no other place in Germany that’s more suffused with charged up emotions than the Berlin Wall. You can just imagine the tears and the blood shed over this very wall. This remnant of the wars stands as one of the greatest monuments to democracy known to man – a sign that freedom will always come out victorious.

2.) The Romantic Road

Driving through the Romantic road would be one of the most pleasant drives you’ll experience in your whole life. This road is flanked by scenic landscapes on both sides. Occasionally, you’ll pass through a picturesque town, a beautiful gothic church, and sometimes, a quaint countryside inn.

3.) Augsburg

Passing through the Romantic Road will lead you to Augsburg, a town founded by the Roman Legions and named after the esteemed Roman emperor, Augustus. This picturesque town contains such historical places as St. Anne’s Church, the place where Martin Luther took refuge, and Dom, a very unusual Cathedral. You can also find here the Renaissance Golden Room, a sight that will make you squint with its shine.

4.) Neuschwanstein Castle

Did you know that Walt Disney used a castle found in Germany as his inspiration for the castle of Sleeping Beauty? It’s true, those alabaster walls and those high towers and wide parapets were all based on the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is now hailed as one of the most popular tourist spots in Germany.

5.) The Castles of Fussen

Like most of Europe, several castles are littered throughout Germany. It contains the other two of Ludwig’s castles, the first one being the Neuschwanstein Castle. This is a must-see for all those families who are traveling through Germany because the place literally looks like it’s been torn out of a storybook.

6.) Lake Constance

Lake Constance is both a tourist spot and an essential source of life for the Germans. Several areas in the country rely on this very lake for their drinking water, and this large lake is also a great place to swim and to go bird watching. Indeed, if you’re one for beautiful natural sceneries, then Lake Constance is not to be ignored.

7.) The Black Forest

The name looks like it has been taken from one of the fairy tales, doesn’t it? The Black Forest – it sounds like a place where evil witches reside and cursed trees grow, but don’t let that deter you though. If anything, the Black Forest can hardly be related to its name as it’s a sunny forest with tall and sturdy firs. It’s a great place to go hiking and a great place for picnics.

8.) Cologne

When you hear the word, Cologne, what comes into your mind? A beautiful fragrance, right? Well, meet the town that’s called Cologne for a reason, and indeed, the town of Cologne has its own peculiar fragrance that’s very pleasing to the nose. Also, there you will find a beautiful view of the River Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral.

9.) Dachau

Take a break from the fairytale castles and mystical forests and go to the place called Dachau. Dachau is a concentration camp – a remnant of Germany’s dark past where you can just imagine the horrors that took place in this very spot. However, you will also find there a statue bearing the inscription, “Never Again”, a solemn promise of the German people that they will ‘never again’ commit such unspeakable acts – another true victory for peace.

10.) Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest – technically, it’s not a place, but it’s just too good a festival to leave out of any ‘top ten list’ that concerns tourism and Germany. This fun-filled festival in the town of Bavaria is guaranteed to leave you intoxicated and euphoric. You can spend days on end just drinking authentic German Ale and just letting yourself loose.

source: www.ezinearticles.com/?Top-Ten-Places-to-Visit-in-Germany&id=976649

We think that Germany is one of the crown jewels of travel and our opinion seems to be in favor, as Germany is one of the leading tourist destinations worldwide.

Scenic landscapes, beautiful villages, quaint castles and a profound sense of history are just a few of the reasons travelers are attracted to this delightful country. Germany’s industrious culture mixes the old with the new, the common with the technologically innovative and, in the process, manages to create a country that is both unique and impressive.

Be sure to see our new road map of Germany, based on Google Maps. Our map shows the location of our recommendations for the Best Places to Visit in Germany, Your can also route between locations using the map or view a satellite image of the country.

In 2010, Oktoberfest in Munich celebrates its 200th birthday. See our Munich Guide for more details. In addition, the Obergammergau Passion Play, which began in 1633, will be held in 2010 and not again until 2020. If you are interested in attending, the seven-hour play opens on May 15 and is presented over 100 times through October 3, 2010. Here is a link to the Obergammergau Passionpiele 2010 website . Although we do not cover Obergammergau, it is approximately 90KM (one hour) southwest of Munich.

source: www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook\pdest/gmpts.htm

Dusseldorf is one of the nicest towns in Germany. It is a handsome and elegant, modern city on the banks of the Rhine River.

Düsseldorf is a city where everything is close together: just near the wellknown shoppingstreet Königsallee is the Altstadt, the old quarter of the city.

With its 260 cosy pubs and home-brew taverns it is well known as “the longest bar in the world”. A little further on in your trip, you can find renewed proof that the citizens of Düsseldorf love to promenade, go for walks,: the traditional Kö has recently acquired a new companion promenade, which is even two kilometers long.

Now that the new Rhine embankment tunnel has diverted the through traffic, the Altstadt has taken back its traditional place by the Rhine.

While the traffic races along underground, strollers on the Rhine embankment promenade can admire the outlook over the Rhine and the art nouveau facades of Oberkassel. The view swings to the Rhine tower, which rises above the North Rhine-Westphalia government building.

From a bird’s-eye perspective you can see the city, the countryside, the industrialized river. You can enjoy a romantic view of the city by exploring it from one of the many white pleasure steamers´of the “Weisse Flotte” (the “white fleet”).

A trip northwards will take you to Kaiserswerth, following Barbarossa’s tracks to the medieval ruins of his castle, picturesque houses, idyllic places, in the typical Lower Rhine countryside.

The city parks provide a pleasant haven when your feet get weary. End your wanderings in Old Town (adjacent to downtown), which has been turned into a large open-air pedestrian mall with restaurants clubs and stores. Dusseldorf is also home to the largest Japanese population in Europe and boasts a number of excellent Japanese restaurants and shops and a striking Buddhist temple.

There are several old castles and churches in the area. They can be visited as daytrips. Another very interesting daytrip can be made to Museum Insel Insel Hombroich.

Sitting near the Neckar River and ringed by verdant forests and vineyards, Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg in south western Germany.

The city”s center rests comfortably in a valley and has a population of approximately a half million. Stuttgart is one of the best known and acclaimed German towns due to its cultural and economic importance.

Originally founded in the tenth century, Stuttgart previously was known by the name Stuttengarten (“mare garden”) and was used as place for breeding horses for the Emperor”s cavalry. It acquired its present name as an abbreviation of Stuttengarten.

Later, Stuttgart gained prominence by becoming the residence of the dukes of Württemberg. During World War II though, the center of the city was almost completely destroyed by air raids. After the war, the Marshall Plan merged the two states of Baden and Württemberg and declared Stuttgart as its capital.

The history of Stuttgart Germany hosts several important inventions. Two of these include the creation of the motorcycle, and the four-wheeled automobile. The city was the start of the automotive industry and car manufacturing remains prominent in it today. Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Maybach are all made in Stuttgart.

Additionally, the first design of the Volkswagen Beetle was produced there. Further cementing Stuttgart’s importance as an economic center is its stock exchange–it’s the second largest in the nation behind Frankfurt’s. As a result of this, many important German companies keep their headquarters in Stuttgart.

But there’s more to Stuttgart, both in history and in present times, than automobiles, and high tech industry. The city is famous for its culture and vineyards with a rich wine-making tradition.

Because of the damage suffered during World War II, there aren’t many original historic buildings standing. However, efforts have been made to reconstruct much of what was destroyed and are seeking to recapture history of Stuttgart Germany. A museum of particular interest is the Württemberg Museum. Located in the reconstructed renaissance castle, one can take in the history of Stuttgart Germany while inside and then stroll amidst the lovely architecture of the inner courtyard. From there, one can take a short walk to a nearby flea market in Karls Square.

The New Palace is the host of the Baden-Württemberg state government and features numerous styles: from Baroque to Imperial. A summer festival is held each summer, attracting over a half million people, and is a much see for any traveler in Stuttgart.

The city”s cultural vibrance owes the most to the Staatstheater and Staatsgalerie. The Staatsgalerie is a world-class museum while the Staatstheater hosts an opera house and three smaller theaters. Within you”ll find ballet, opera, concerts, and theater productions. For five years in a row, the Stuttgart Opera won the “Opera of the Year” award.

Those looking for palatial accommodations will not be disappointed. More than one luxury hotel in Stuttgart Germany is available to the traveler with a generous budget. The Le Meredien Stuttgart is an international five star resort that overlooks Schlossgarten Park. Both suites and regular rooms are available. Another luxury hotel in Stuttgart Germany is the Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin which is also located near the city center.

Frankfurt Germany has had the reputation for sometime as being a center for business and finance. By no means is this incorrect. It is home to the European Central Bank and is one of the major finance centers on the continent.

However, there”s so much more to the city than the business flowing through its streets and the skyscrapers that dominate the view. Beneath the surface, Frankfurt tourism actually thrives on the arts. Located in the state of Hesse, Frankfurt is a thriving metropolis full of international and local cultural flavors. Located along the banks of the Main River, the city serves as an essential trade hub for the rest of Europe.

Yet the atmosphere is surprisingly open and relaxed for a city famed for its business. Since 1980, the city has even organized a drive to bring back those who were driven away from the city because of National Socialism. Frankfurt Germany has striven to make its population even more cosmopolitan and can boast a foreign population of more than 25%.

There are plenty of interesting places to visit in Frankfurt Germany and, much like the rest of the country, many of them relate to history. Poetry lovers will of course pay a visit to the birthplace of Frankfurt”s own Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Meanwhile, the Imperial Cathedral, known as the Kaiserdom, is an excellent historical landmark. It was within those hallowed walls that the leaders of the Holy Roman Empire were chosen. Over the years it witnessed the coronation of ten Emperors.

Further shattering the stereotype as a town for business and nothing more is the incredible stretch of museums along both sides of the river Main. Thirteen museums can be found there, and another twenty more can be found throughout the city. Frankfurt tourism is cultivated by hosting new exhibits on a regular basis.

Of all the places to visit in Frankfurt Germany the most aesthetically pleasing is probably the Palmengarten. It was established in 1868 by the citizens of Frankfurt; fifty acres of gardens bloom with flowers and other unusual plants throughout the year. During the summer, concerts and festivals are held and during the winter, flowers are grown inside greenhouses. In the Palmengarten in Frankfurt, Germany it”s okay to stop and smell the roses.

However, there”s more to Frankfurt tourism than just what is within the city limits. Within an hour by car or bus you can find places to try local wine or even take a ride on the river Rhine to Loreley Rock. Nearby are mountains and forests which are excellent for hiking.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the different options? Don”t worry, there are plenty of guided tours that stop by most of the interesting places to visit in Frankfurt Germany. Day trips are an excellent way to get to know the city leaving your evenings free to explore the bustling nightlife.

The region is dotted with quaint frescoed villages, spas and health retreats and has a wealth of outdoor possibilities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, canoeing and para-gliding – much of it year-round. The ski season lasts from about late December until April, while summer activities stretch from late May to November.

One of the largest resorts in the area is Garmisch-Partenkirchen, one of Munich’s favourite getaway spots. Other noteworthy bases are Berchtesgaden, Füssen and ­Oberstdorf.

Most of the resorts have plenty of reasonably priced accommodation, though some places levy a surcharge (usually about €3) for stays of less than two or three days in peak seasons. Most resorts also charge a Kurtaxe (less than €2) for overnight stays, but this entitles you to certain perks, like free tours, a city bus service and entry to special events.

About a quarter of the 50,000 inhabitants are gathering in the AOL Arena in order to watch the team of HSV closely beating the city rival St. Pauli. But Hamburg offers lots of more attractions – for Wunderland’s people as well as for Wunderland’s visitors.

The city of Hamburg has been created on 200 square meters, including all of the real cities’ most famous details. More than 1,500 trains, with Wunderland’s people from Scandinavia, Knuffingen or Switzerland, arrive at Hamburg Mainstation daily.

From here, they leave for numerous attractions such as Hagenbecks Zoo, the Köhlbrandbrücke, St. Michael’s Church or the Wunderland in the Wunderland. By the way, the smallest train of the exhibition on a scale of 1:900 circulates in the Wunderland’s Wunderland.

Apart from the various tourist destinations known to the traveler situated in Germany there are also located several cruise destinations here. The Hamburg cruise destination is by far the most famous cruise destination amongst tourists on a vacation to Germany. The city of Hamburg has to it this distinctive feel which makes it very attractive to the holidaying crowd. It presents to them an odd yet interesting mixture of modernity yet at the same time a peep into the yester years.

The Hamburg cruise destination is known for its active night life and therefore has its own distinct charm with the cruising community. The harbor at Hamburg cruise destination is very much approachable from the major tourist destinations in Hamburg and therefore makes moving around very easy for the vacationing tourists.

Tourist Locations:

When divided broadly, the major tourist destinations at the Hamburg cruise destination are the areas around the harbor and the city centre of Hamburg. With lots of boutique shops there are plenty of options to carry out shopping and getting acquainted with the German culture here at the Hamburg cruise destination.

The Hamburg city centre lives to relay its old glory by the few remaining old churches while the rest got destroyed in a major fire which ravaged this city centre twice. The major places of tourist attraction here at Hamburg cruise destination include The Reeperbahn, Saint Pauli, Speicherstadt warehouse museums as well as the Alster Lake which is situated near the harbor. With abundant greenery and lush green landscapes this holiday destination of Hamburg cruise destination has in it all the essential elements of providing you with a well rested and enjoyable break from your active and fast paced lifestyle.

Best Places in Germany are all over the country, no matter which side you look or where you travel.

Bavaria
With mountainside castles that appear as if they must be from fairy tales, Bavaria has a storybook atmosphere. In many ways, this is the image that many of us carry in our heads of the German Alps. Bavaria is a part of Germany that visitors should see and explore.

Romantic Road

Crossing idyllic appearing countryside and winding its way through quintessential “tourist Germany”, the Romantic Road,  wanders from Würzburg to Füssen. The towns along the  “Road” provide an atmosphere of times long past and are among the most visited in Germany.

Augsburg

Offering fine churches, good food, and a pleasant location, Augsburg is one of the best known towns on the Romantic Road. As one of Bavaria’s larger cities, it provides a broader range of lodging opportunities than you will find in most other towns on the Romantic Road.

Founded in the in 15 B.C., as an outpost of the Roman Empire and named in honor of the emperor Augustus, Augsburg is the oldest city in Bavaria. The city was an important center in the Middle Ages. Today, it offers interesting museums (including the Roman Museum and the Maximillian Museum) and several attractive historical buildings.

Be sure the visit the Rathaus (City Hall). Although severely damaged in World War II, this beautiful building has now been restored to its former glory and its Golden Hall is worth seeing.

Frankfurt Travel Galaxy
Frankfurt is one of the best places in Germany. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the great city when travel Germany! There is nothing in the world that can’t be found in Frankfurt am Main. Because it really has everything whatever your heart desires.

Frankfurt is extremely rich in sightseeings and attractions of Germany. In fact Frankfurt is famous for (you are sure to forget about boredom):

* Frankfurt am Main airport is the biggest airport in the EU, thousands of departures and arrivals daily, pay attention to their punctuality; it’s a real pleasure to get in here, because Frankfurt am Main international airport is a great city itself working like a watch, with two terminals, four levels and five gates, do your best and don’t get caught by huge crowds;
* tenacity of life as during the Second World War it was almost destroyed, with little medieval sights left, but many modern buildings, S- and U-Bahn acquired; as well as the highest Commerzbank Tower in the European Union;
* the Twin Towers of the Deutsche Bank, Silver tower, Messe Turm with its Hammering Man, Krochenhochreise literally “crown high-riser”, Frankfurt Stock Exchange and it’s Bull and Bear;
* Frankfurt book fair with more than 100,000 guests dating back to the 15th century, rich in various international book publishers. When a book is bought, go to a snug tavern and taste apple wine (you can hear Frankfurt being called Der Gro?e Apfel or the Big Apple due to the famous apple wine);
* being a German Manhattan and the EU banking city, the so called Bankfurt;
* Frankfurt Cathedral of the 14th century, Rathaus or Romer of the 14th century, Saint Paul’s Cathedral or Pauls Kirche, Concert House Old Opera dedicated to “the wonderful, the real, the good”;
* the Palm Garden, an amazing zoo, Museum embankment, Ebbelwei Express,
* delicious Frakfurter Sausages, Kranz (crown cake, the speciality of Frankfurt) and Rindswurst, Grune So?e made of hard-boiled eggs, vinegar, salt, a great amount of several herbs and oil; savoury pastry of marzipan and almond is Bethmahnnchen
* inflating the EU with euros, do you want to get a bit?

Frankfurt can be called a many-faced German Janus, because it respects its past, nevertheless it looks forward to the new and future. Frankfurt is a chameleon city, it’ll take you centuries to learn all its beautiful and amazing spots, but do it and you will discover a new Travel German Galaxy!

Rothenburg

Considered by many to be the most desirable and authentic  medieval town on the “Romantik Strasse” (the Romantic Road), Rothenburg is the prototypical walled town with dramatic architecture, good food, and great trinket shopping.

Many complain that Rothenburg is too touristy, but it is universally acclaimed as the best example of a medieval town in Germany.

Dresden Treasury

Dresden is a wonderful city of remarkable diversities. It’s a city of mysteries, enigmas, ancient history in Germany, a great location and nice people. To tell the truth it’s almost impossible to believe that the city of super modern streets and high-speed VWs produced here is some 8 centuries old. Last year its 800 anniversary was magnificently celebrated. The city was first mentioned as a historical Drezdany, a place located at the bank of the Elbe river, surrounded by Ore and Sandstone Mountains and settled by the Slavonic tribes.  Though the first Germans came to the settlement in the 10th century and founded Meissen castle with the ruling family of the Wettins. But the first written track of the Dresden history was made in 1206, and Drezdany was depicted as a city that later became Protestant Saxony capital.  The golden years of the city can be named the Baroque and the Rococo epoch.

Dresden hero is supposed to be August the Strong, who was unbelievably powerful and brave, and all the local stories mention him from time to time. He transformed the city into Roman Catholic and was the King of Poland, his epoch was the flourishing city period.

Speaking of Dresden history it should be mentioned that the city was heavily bombed and almost destructed during the two nights of the World War Second, and Dresden is sure to never forget those fatal nights. Fortunately the city government took care and enough effort to renovate and breathe new life into the ancient black and yellow ( its colours) city.

You can head to the old city, the long standing and still beating heart of Dresden, or to the New part where you will be surrounded by skyscrapers and up-to-date constructions and business centrers, banks and offices, here you can feel the air of world affairs and business currents. You can visit the Heathland, some  50 km? forest in the city, or four reservations, where you can touch primeval nature. Or visit the turns of Sightseeings and attractions in Germany, that are Dresden beauties: the Saxon State Opera, or Theatre, or Hercule’s club, the Hygiene, the Transport or the Military Museums or the Treasury, the Zwinger Palace, the Hofkirche, the Grosser Garten, numerous fountains and monuments (e.g. to Martin Luter) and Frauenkirche.

But as well as a culture cot, Dresden can be undoubtedly named an industrial centre of the region because of  such world-famous enterprises as VW, GlaxoSmithKline, Siemens and Elbe Aircraft Works.

The city citizens are very proud  and madly in love with their dear green Dresden, because some 63% of the city is a park and forest territory. Travel Germany and enjoy all the wonderful delights and pleasures that Dresden has in store! It’s tempting, because its store is bottomless and every day you will be gripped by its amazing multiplicity and beauty.

Have you ever dreamt of Florence? What about visiting the German Florence? Travel Germany and visit Dresden, the Florence of the Elbe.