Travel in Germany
Travel to Germany
You are planning a trip to Germany with friends, family, or your sweetheart and you are wondering what to do in the most populous country in the European Union? Here are some ideas for activities that will make your trip to Germany unforgettable.
The first thing you need to know about Germany is that each of its regions has something to offer tourists. Thus, your points of interest and the places you will visit change depending on the type of German trip you have in mind.
The country is so rich in history, culture, and archaeology that one trip is not enough to really appreciate it. Nevertheless, there are some essential places that every tourist must visit during their trip to Germany. Here are a few.
The Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall is probably the first thing that comes to mind when we think of a trip or an organized tour of Germany. Indeed, this historic wall 167.8 kilometres long, which served as the barrier between the conflicting ideologies of East Germany and West Germany for more than 20 years from the end of World War II, attracts millions of tourists every year. And for good reason: it is covered with paintings, graffiti, and historical reminders of the division that reigned in the country after the collapse of the Nazi regime under Hitler! So it is a must see.
The DDR Museum
In Berlin, many museums are dedicated to explaining the history of the Berlin Wall. One of the most frequented is the DDR Museum, the German acronym for the GDR (the German Democratic Republic). The only museum dedicated to presenting daily the life in the GDR – the former communist country before the reunification of the two German states – it has many objects used by the inhabitants of the period in an apartment that tourists will want to examine closely to understand. It is a real experience for students of history fascinated by communism!
Aside from its plethora of museums, the city of Berlin is also one of the liveliest capitals of Europe. It includes hundreds of restaurants, cafes, bars, and grandiose shopping malls to make everyone happy.
History and Culture
You might also want to visit Berlin to attend an opera, see a play, or explore an art gallery. In short, Berlin is a cultural and vibrant city that you will want to visit in the course of an organized tour of Germany or any other trip to the country.
Germany as a whole abounds with museums and cultural sites commemorating its rich 2000-year-old history. Only in Germany are there 39 sites – including urban complexes, landscapes, and historical monuments – that have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is a sign of the richness of the country's history and cultural heritage.
Bavarian Castles
Those who are more seduced by castles and romantic landscapes will not be disappointed in Germany, since the country is beset with idyllic castles. The most spectacular are found in the free state of Bavaria, the number one tourist destination in the country.
Each year, millions of curious visitors came from all over the world to enjoy the sights of its medieval towns and picturesque villages, crystal-clear waters, enchanted forests, national parks, and nature reserves, to name a few attractions.
Discovering the Tourist Routes
The three Bavarian tourist routes are the Romantic Road, the Castle Road, and the German Alpine Road that allow tourists to visit the region of Bavaria by theme and see some of the most beautiful points of interest in all of Germany.
There are more than 150 tourist routes in Germany combining discovery and the pleasure of driving. There is something for every taste.
Munich, the Capital of Bavaria
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is also the German capital of the art of living. Munich is known worldwide for its annual celebration of Oktoberfest, during which millions of people come from all over the world to party for more than 15 days and to taste some of the best German beers. For lovers of beer, partying, rides, and the outdoors, Munich is the place to be from mid-September to early October!
Besides Oktoberfest, the city of Munich is famous for its open-air beer gardens, castles, and majestic landscapes, museums, the Old Pinakothet – exhibiting one of the world's most famous collections of Old Master paintings – great restaurants, and plenty of places to celebrate.
Frankfurt and its Skyscrapers
The richest city in Germany, Frankfurt, is also one of the best to visit during a trip to Germany. Reminiscent of New York's Manhattan because of the river that runs through it and its tall skyscrapers, bustling nightlife, and unrivalled cultural wealth. There are also many museums worth visiting, such as the Film Museum, the Museum of Architecture, and the Museum of Applied Arts, to name but a few.
Promenade along the Rhine
If you want to see some of the best views of Germany, head to the banks of the Rhine – the long river that passes through many countries of central Europe, including Germany – for a picnic or a walk along its kilometres of turquoise water surrounded by stunning scenery, ranging from rocky paths to quiet valleys, extensive vineyards, and romantic castles.
In short, if there were two words to describe Germany, they would have to be "history and culture," but it goes without saying that the country also has its share of beautiful beaches for those looking for relaxation and mountains waiting for ski and winter-sports enthusiasts. The diversity that it offers tourists makes Germany one of the most attractive travel destinations in the world.
