Europe Explored » Germany

Holiday in Germany – Places to See and Things to Do

Claire — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:50:52 +0000

Europe is lucky to have a wealth of fantastic countries, the romance of France, the history of Greece and Italy, not to mention the chocolate of Belgium. The list just goes on and on. However, one of Europe’s greatest countries is sometimes forgotten and doesn’t get the fame it deserves. In fact, there are three words that you rarely see put together and these are Holiday in Germany.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany by Nite Dan

So what does holiday in Germany actually mean and what can you do if you decide to travel there?

Germany is one of Europe’s most important countries and has had a huge influence on the continent for many years. It might have a chequered past in some respects but in others it has shown the way forward and become a fantastic place to visit.

Starting with the cities it is already clear that Germany is a shining light as far as architecture, history and culture are concerned. Let’s start at the capital city of Berlin where there is everything that is required for a wonderful city break. You can see some of the best classical music performances around at the Berlin Philharmonic; see the most famous German landmark, the Brandenburg Gate or visit one of the many amazing museums that the city has to offer. Then there is the chance to reflect on how German life has moved forward at the Memorial of the Berlin Wall and a chance to relax in the Potsdam’s Gardens. Holiday in Germany is looking good already.

Of course, there are lots of other cities in Germany that are right up there with the best in Europe. If your holiday in Germany idea is to see some of the best cities around then you might like to try Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dresden or any number of others, there are, in fact, so many that you could find it hard to visit them all.

Dresden, Germany / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

That said, holiday in Germany doesn’t just mean a city break because there is more to the country than that. Its countryside is simply breathtaking with green meadows, stunning forests, large winding rivers and superb mountains. So if you enjoy scenery and the outdoors you will be hard pressed to find a better destination. Maybe take a boat trip along the Rhine or Danube or visit one of the many vineyards for a fun filled wine tasting tour. It is all there if you make the effort to find it.

Then comes Christmas and the Germans do love a Christmas Market. Christmas market trips are one of the best ways to nearly all of the cities, towns and even some villages will get into the Christmas spirit with a large and spectacular fair, selling everything from traditional warm winter drinks to tacky souvenirs. The build up to Christmas is great in Germany and the atmosphere is probably as good as anywhere in the world.

Christmas Market in Bayreuth, Germany / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

So maybe holiday in Germany should be something that we think about more often. Because those who do are already having the trips of a lifetime and it is about time that you did too.

Author: Carlita Morandi who is passionate traveler. She loves to write trip tips related articles online.

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Hamburg – The New Berlin

Claire — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:32:16 +0000

Find out why Hamburg should be the first name on your itinerary when visiting Germany.

Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany, has traditionally lived in Berlin’s shadow – but not anymore.

The northern metropolis has become a media and industrial hub in modern times, with Hamburg now one of the most affluent and best places to live anywhere in Europe.

And tourists can’t get enough of Hamburg’s charms. From art to history and music to marathons, the city now attracts over four million visitors each year. Read on to find out about some of the interesting and innovative places to visit when Staying in a Hamburg hotel this year.

St Michaelis Church

A truly iconic landmark of Hamburg, visitors are drawn from across both across Germany and further afield to gaze upon and worship at St Michaelis Church. The glorious Baroque building was originally constructed in 1786 and is dedicated to the archangel Michael. One of the main attractions of the building is the glorious bronze sculpture of Michael vanquishing the Devil, which welcomes tourists as they enter through the main entrance.

Today, visitors can climb St Michaelis’ 132 metre-high spire, where they will be able to soak up fantastic views of Hamburg’s skyline and harbour district.

A view from St Michaelis Church, Hamburg, Germany by Marcus Winter

Tierpark Hagenbeck

Hamburg Zoo was originally opened in 1907 and is the rival of any in Europe. The zoo was the first to pioneer cageless exhibits, and it still uses moats to this day to improve visitor experiences by providing them with panoramic and lifelike enclosures.

The zoo has 210 different species of animals, with tourists able to feed the hugely popular elephants, lions and polar bears during their trip to this highly-respected conservation centre.

Tierpark Hagenbeck, Hamburg Zoo, Germany by Stephan Mosel

Tierpark Hagenbeck: https://www.hagenbeck.de/en/tierpark/start.html

Hamburger Dom

The Dom is the largest fair in Germany and can more than match anything Berlin has to offer in terms of excitement. Held for 30 days in spring, summer and winter, it is located at the heart of Hamburg in front of St Mary’s Cathedral. Tourists can not only enjoy its Ferris wheel and other fairground attractions but buy local delicacies and products from the Dom’s market stalls.

Hamburger Dom, Hamburg, Germany by BineHerzog

Hamburger Dom: https://www.hamburg.de/dom/

Long Night of Museums

This renowned event sees many of Hamburg’s excellent museums and cultural institutions throw open their doors for an all-night extravaganza. The idea might have originated in Berlin but Hamburg has perfected it. Around 40 top attractions, including the Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Deichtorhallen, stay open into the night, allowing visitors to enjoy their collections in the unique moonlit conditions.

Hamburg State Opera

The city’s opera company is the envy of art lovers across the world, with Hamburg one of the leading lights in staging productions. Opera dates back to 1678 in the city and is now housed in the innovative Staatsoper building. The company has received international acclaim for its pioneering programme and tourists are as likely to be able to enjoy a world premiere of new and exciting shows as an operatic classic.

Hamburg State Opera: hamburgische-staatsoper.de

What do you want to visit in Hamburg?

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The Best Theme Park In Europe?

Claire — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 12:42:43 +0000

Theme park enthusiasts and families flock to Disneyland Paris and Alton Towers in their droves but mysteriously few people outside of France and Germany seem to consider Europa Park as a destination or even know of its existence. The park is admittedly a little off the beaten track near the Black Forrest in Germany but it is relatively easy to travel to and can be incorporated into holidays to Southern Germany and Switzerland. More to the point I believe this is the best theme park in Europe!

Europa Park, Germany / License: Image author owned

Getting There

Europa Park is situated close to the A5 Autobahn 39 km north of Freiburg. It is a hassle free drive from the channel ports but if you wish to fly the park can be accessed from Basle and Karlsruhe airports both of which have shuttle buses to the park. Europa Park has a dedicated exit from the motorway and plenty of parking and so you will rarely be delayed on arrival in the area.

Layout

The park is ranged in areas themed on European countries and is beautifully landscaped. Each area features rides, attractions, restaurants and shops with something to please everyone in the family. The food is generally excellent, an uncommon occurrence in theme parks, and prices are surprising low for the quality of the food. There are plenty of places to relax and watch the world go by and a scenic lake in the centre of the park affords the opportunity for a pleasant walk when the rides have become too much!

Europa Park, Germany / License: Image author owned

Highlights

There is truly something for everyone at Europa Park. If you want peace and tranquillity you can explore gorgeous gardens with dancing fountains, beautiful woodlands or take a spin around the lake. There is an area dedicated to rides and attractions for small children and family favourites like the log flume and Fjord Rafting. Serious roller coaster enthusiasts should check out the magnificent steel coaster Silver Star, the launch coaster Blue Fire and the incredible new woodie, Wodan which has the best queue line ever! If that is not enough thrills then there is also a bob sleigh ride, a coaster in the dark and the Matterhorn Blitz, a wild mouse ride with a unique twist at the start. Finally you will not believe Poseidon a visually stunning ride which is a roller coaster and water ride all in one. The best thing of all is that this park runs with relentless efficiency. The queues move quickly and the rides never seem to break down.

Accommodation

You will need more than one day to experience all of the attractions on offer and so an overnight stay will be required. Europa Park offers 5 beautiful themed hotels on site. The newest option is the Bell Rock hotel a masterpiece of New England styling with rooms that feature real wooden floors, oak furnishings and beds for children in the shape of boats. All of the hotels offer excellent dining, bars and entertainment. If the on-site hotels are beyond your budget there are numerous privately run local hotels which are very reasonably priced and are walking distance from the park.

Europa Park, Germany / License: Image author owned

Give it a try!

If you like theme parks and you haven’t visited Europe Park then give this place a try. I know of no other park which is run so well and offers such a fantastic range of attractions for everyone to enjoy. The hotels are superb and the prices very reasonable, there really isn’t a reason not to go.

Sally Stacey is an enthusiatic blogger and theme park fan currently writing on behalf of National Furniture who supllied the fantastic oak furnishings for her new bedroom inspired by the Bell Rock Hotel.

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Berlin: Get Yourself Comfortable in the Heart of Germany

Claire — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:00:46 +0000

The largest capital city, one among the sixteen states of Germany, second most populous location and seventh urban area of Europe is Berlin. It is situated on the northeast part of Germany on the bank of the River Spree with more than six million residents. This city offers real comfort than any other travel destination as its one third part comprises parks, rivers, gardens, lakes and forests that provide actual nature’s beauty. It is a city of multiple races, culture, media, science and politics. The annual economy of the state entirely relies upon the service sector that includes convention centres, media corporations and creative industries. The place act as the hometown of orchestras, celebrities, museums, research institutes and also hosts numerous sports events.

Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral), Germany by Holger Weinandt

Berlin is famous for its diverse architecture, festivals, nightlife, standard of living and contemporary arts. A trip to the city can surely get a comfort feeling besides it is planned well. There are many considerations that come into account such as places to visit, means of transport, food culture and many more. All these can be known by consulting a travel agency that is responsible to provide the entire details of the trip including the travel expenses. If the financial part of the tour looks like a hurdle, one can overcome easily through same day cash loans. There is a possibility where one can secure a holiday loan to enjoy the complete trip immediately without delay. This money can then be paid back once you receive funds. It is also advised to have a travel insurance policy that safeguards you from health emergencies.

The top attractions of Berlin

Berlin wall Eastside gallery

The wall which was not at all famous previously has recently gained a great attraction grabbing many visitors by getting the title of the world’s largest open air gallery. The graffiti artists from all over the world have gathered to make the wall filled with beautiful colours stretching from Ostbahnhof to Oberbaumbruke.

Berliner Dom

The history of the city is hidden in this magnificent basilica that stands top among the rest. It confines more than eighty sarcophagi of Prussian royals that are worth exploring while the other famous areas are the organ, stained glass windows and pulpit.

Brandenburg Gate

It is the symbol of impressive art that is located behind the Berlin wall. Although it was prohibited to access through the gate, the renovations made including the Pariser Platz has made it accessible with a beautiful sight especially at nights.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany by Thomas Wolf

Berlin Jewish Museum

The significant architecture treasure and the lively conducted solitary exhibitions have gained international reputation to the museum. This building is door less and windowless in most of the areas that is built by Daniel Libeskind. The entry of this museum is along the Berlin museum with the invincible aspects of history scattered all over.

Charlottenburg Palace

One of the most ancient and largest palaces of the city is Schloss Charlottenburg. This antique architecture was actually built as summer home for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of the first Prussian king, Elector Fredrick III. The palace is filled with masterpieces and the pavilion of the gardens is really attractive. Although most of the palace was dismantled in the World War II, there are some untouched attractions worth seeing.

Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin, Germany by Times

About the Author: The guest post was contributed by Michelle, Passionate guest blogger from Manchester, UK. Find out more about her finance related blogs @financeport

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Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park – made up of 3 islands

Claire — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 23:30:51 +0000

Upon visiting Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park (Hamburgisches Wattenmeer in German), you will find that it is made up of 3 islands. The smallest one out of all three islands is called Neuwerk. It is an island that is known to be very lush and green and the population of those that reside there is 40; a very small residence.

Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park, Germany by Vincent van Zeijst

The group of islands is located in northern Germany which is in Elbe estuary and it is the protectant of thousands of coastal mudflats. Tourists and visitors often have a wonderful time exploring this unique destination which has a variety of different attractions. The tern colonies are of a huge variation including Common, sandwich, Artic, and little. There are areas where guides will take visitors on walks throughout the terrain so that people can have a better opportunity to explore the lands. There are several natural features at this destination that are very much appreciated by the tourists. Many of these features have a historical story line to them since they have been around for so long.

Neuwerk’s affiliation with Hamburg is a very interesting one. Their affiliation reaches all the way back to the year 1299. There are paths that are located along the island of Hamburg which lead to the countryside all the way to a tower at the front of Elbe. The tower was used to fight off those that would commit piracy which occurred during the Hanseatic era. Those that visit are able to take walks in between Scharhorn and Neuwerk on the mudflats. The mudflats seem as though they are endless so the tourists are able to walk as far as they desire.

One of the main attractions that people enjoy when they visit Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park is the Seabirds. There are several colonies which were created for the seabirds to reside.

The sandbank is an area that is untouched but people can view it from afar. The bird colony that is there is closed off to those that visit there but they can take a glimpse of the colony when passing by.

Summary of Highlights

Visitors can take carriage rides across the mudflats starting in Sahlenburg and ending at Neuwerk

Take boat rides in Cuxhaven; they end in Neuwerk

Tour guides lead walks across the mudflats

Tours to view the birds, mudflats, salt marshes; in Neuwerk

Tour guides to Scharhorn

Visitors can go on a search for Amber on the island of Kleiner Vogelsand

View the Amber exhibition on the Neuwerk island

Other Things to Do

Walking along the main dyke is one suggestion that many people enjoy doing while visiting Wadden Sea National Park. While you are on this walk you can see the foreshore; there is a great view of it. The bird colonies are very popular, and many people love exploring them.

There are not vehicles allowed on the island. Tourists can either walk or ride in a horse carriage to the different locations.

If you are looking for some accommodation in or around the national park, then try trivago’s comparison tool and find the best hotels.

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Navigating Frankfurt’s Menu for Vegetarians | Germany

Claire — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 07:53:00 +0000

Germany is of course famous for sausages and beer – Frankfurt even has a sausage named after itself: the frankfurter. Here are some dish suggestions for vegetarians headed over to visit our beer-loving cousins across the world, who don’t want to miss out on sampling traditional foods. Just bear in mind this is a cold climate country and the food, although very tasty, is not likely to be light on your figure, so indulge responsibly!

Grießklößchen by Markus Hagenlocher

The Bread

German bread is precisely a case in point and is deserving of its own paragraph. Many an Australian has been dismayed to discover that what is sold as expensive artisan bread over here, is actually regular everyday bread elsewhere. I am not going to go into the 600 plus different kind of breads made in Germany (yes, the Germans are serious about bread and everything else), but my favourites are dark and moist rye sourdough breads like Schwarzbrot, but I also love poppy or sesame seed-covered rolls for breakfast (Brötchen or mini-breads!), especially if nutella is anywhere in sight…Germans also love their fruit preserves and cheeses, so you’ll always find something delicious to go with the rolls. One of my favourites here is Quark, or German cottage cheese – forget ricotta, which seems like a fake version of this lovely, creamy and indulgent cheese, which comes either in blocks that you can cut with a knife or a softer kind in containers. And it is usually neutral, so you can go either savoury or sweet with it. So book your airfares to Frankfurt and enjoy this delicious food.

Dumplingorama

Germans love their gnocchi like (but larger) potato-based Klöße, which you can have with veggie sauces like Frankfurt’s Grüne Sosse (green sauce: parsley, sorrel, dill, burnet, borage, chervil and chives mixed with cream and quark), which was resident’s Johann von Goethe’s favourite, or Chanterelle (mushroom sauce with cream and butter, yum!). Germany is also one of those amazing countries which sometimes serves sweet dishes as mains! So if you are a dessert-for-dinner enthusiast like me, you’ll enjoy Germknödel (fluffy yeast dough dumpling topped with poppy seeds, butter and sugar, and filled with spicy plum jam) and Dampfnudel (a little like steamed buns), served with vanilla custard, preserves or fruit compote. You might consider a glass or two of the local Apfelwein or apple wine to help you digest all this…

Green Sauce – a cold sauce with fresh herbs – Frankfurt speciality by Eigenes Werk

The Cakes

No respectable post on German food could possibly dream of evading talk of desserts. German Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) is a sacred traditional ritual much like afternoon tea and biscuits in England. In other words , if there wasn’t a café culture, the Germans would have invented it, only the Italians beat them to it. Do yourself a favour and try a baked cheesecake, which is made using quark described above. Mmmmmmm. There are also plenty whipped-cream intense tortes like the famous Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake with cherries), but they can be nauseatingly fluffy and sweet and heavy at the same time – at your own risk. Definitely try a Berliner – a round German-style doughnut filled with jam, and assorted baked cakes with fruit, like plum cake. Hopefully you won’t come back too plump

Patricia Bieszk is a freelance writer who loves to travel and sample local delicacies around the world.

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Fun Things To Do During A Weekend Break In Munich, Germany

Claire — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:41:22 +0000

Munich, a highly popular tourist destination due to its popularity especially with its beer brewing tradition, drinking a beer in one of Munich’s beer halls is essential to really grasp the Munich experience. A friendly city with its motto being “München mag Dich” meaning Munich likes you. The city is full of life and is always busy with things always going on and many places to visit.

Isar River north of Munich, Germany by Florian Schütz

About Munich

Munich’s 1.3 million population is the 3rd largest in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. It is the capital of Bavaria a free state within Germany. Munich sits at the bottom of the Bavarian Alps and is positioned on the Isar River (pictured above). Germany has had a considerably large amount of economic success in the post-wars years which has helped the city grow into the most popular tourist destination in Germany.

Its economic success has been helped by huge businesses like BMW originating from there; Munich is a high-tech city. Known not just for its beer festivals it is a hub for business. Munich has a great and a spirited night-life with a large number of night clubs and the tradition of drinking beer making everywhere a place to buy alcohol. The city has a sparkling artistic community and opera, theatre, dance and popular music flourishes in Munich where you will find musician’s performing everywhere.

National Theatre, Munich, Germany by Andreas Praefcke

What to do in Munich

As said above the night-life in Munich is full of music, entertainment from clubs to opera to theatre. Indulge yourself in the great brewing tradition of the city and enjoy a beer and give your taste buds a treat with a Weisswurst, a German delicacy, a white sausage traditionally served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.

Why not visit one of the football teams in Munich, Bayern Munich, TSV 1860 and SpVgg Unterhaching all apply their trade in the city of Munich in the Bundesliga. Visit the Allianz Arena (home of Bayern Munich) a huge stadium with a capacity of 71, 137 seats (pictured below). The Munich club are the most successful in German history and a visit to the Stadium would be great for any follower of football or architecture.

Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany by Mattes

Munich is a large cultural city and many composers have emerged from the city such as Richard Wagner, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Orlando di Lasso amongst others. The city still contributes to the modern music theatre and have theatres to visit in the city such as the Deutsche Theater, which is Germany’s largest theatre for guest performances.

One of the oldest Science museums in the world is located in Munich, the Deutsches Museum or German Museum which is found on an island in the River Isar. Munich also has several coveted art galleries such as the Neue Pinakothek and the Alte Pinakothek.

The home of BMW is in Munich and a visit would be great for any lovers of cars and for those who love sport the BMW headquarters is located next to the Olympic Park.

BMW Head Quarters in Munich Germany by Cccc3333

Conclusion

In conclusion the city of Munich is one of the best cities in the world and you won’t run out of things to see and do. When in this marvellous city, make sure you get a hire car, get lost in the culture of beer and sausages, and enjoy the parties, festivals and night-life. Visit a Stadium such as the Allianz Arena or the Olympic stadium.

For those who are looking for a more cultural aspect visit the theatres and museums, Munich really has something for everyone.

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Things to see in Berlin | Germany

Claire — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:36:23 +0000

One of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Germany is Berlin. Germany is famous for their beer, great food, and hospitality. Another great benefit of visiting Germany is that English is widely spoken. This is ever so apparent in the large city of Berlin. Here, are some fun activities and places to see in Berlin Germany.

Holocast Museum

A must see in Berlin is the Jüdisches Museum. This museum shows the story of Berlin’s Jewish population. The museums beauty is more about the architecture itself rather than the artifacts contained within it. A more emotional visit can be had by visiting the Denkmal für die Ermordeten Juden Europas. This is a memorial dedicated to the lives lost in the Holocaust.

Holocast Museum, Berlin, Germany by Studio Daniel Libeskind, Guenter Schneider

Berlin Wall

Anyone interested in more recent history should check out the Berlin wall. Though most of the wall has been destroyed, there is a restored area along the southern border of Wedding and Mitte. A visit to Checkpoint Charlie would be a terrific way to get a feel for the history. Checkpoint Charlie was the famous east-west border control which is now a tourist center. There is a one mile stretch running called the “East Side Gallery” which has been largely left alone to preserve the true history.

The Berlin Zoo

Though not the most famous in the world, the Berlin Zoo, is still a massive tourist attraction. The zoo contains almost 14,000 creatures, including many rare and endangered animals. The Berlin Zoo opened in 1841 and is the most popular zoo in Europe. A visit to the Berlin Zoo would be terrific for a family with children.

Charlottenburg gardens

No visit to Berlin would be complete visiting Charlottenburg gardens. The gardens are not only beautiful to see, but are rich in history. These gardens were restored after world war 2, and certainly will amaze anyone.

Charlottenburg Palace and gardens, Berlin, Germany by Imamon

Getting Around

The Best way to get around Berlin is by rent a car it is really easy to drive in Berlin and the biggest car rental company in Berlin is Sixt Rental Cars.

But the public transportation is also good but sometimes you can wait more then expected so renting a car is the safest bet.

Berlin is a remarkable and vibrant city. Whether young or old and no matter the activity preference, there is something to do for everyone. Berlin is a renowned tourist destination year round, as the ambiance is comfortable at all times. Often-times, because the city is so large, it is easy to find cheap lodging and transportation. A visit to Germany without seeing Berlin is an incomplete visit.

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Great Berlin Camping Destinations | Germany

Claire — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 05:41:51 +0000

There is no better way to experience the vibrant capital of Germany than by retreating from the bustling heart of the city, away from the heaving pubs and beer culture, and far out of the urban neighborhoods that Berlin is synonymous with, into the quiet and tranquility of the countryside.

South Berlin is a vast district and has some of the most lush forests surrounding Berlin’s biggest lake, and is perfect for exploring the old towns and getting back with in touch with nature. For the ultimate camping adventure in and around the city of Berlin, here is a list of some of the best sites:

Zeltplatz Saatwinkel

Just 100m away from the beach, the Zeltplatz Saatwinkel Campsite is situated on the banks of the Lake Tegel Saatwinkel, in the Reinickendorf district in Berlin. There are stunning camping areas available on the vast site. Spanning 17000sq mm, plenty of water sports and other amenities like a soccer field and volleyball court are available, as well as a large area for camp bonfires in the evening. There is also a clubhouse with games like foosball and pool for when the weather is miserable.

Lake Tegel, Berlin, Germany by Aconcagua

The Camping Club, Breitehorn, Berlin

The perfect setting for a wonderful family holiday right on the banks of the River Havel, there is space for caravans and tents as well as plenty of fun and exciting activities. The site hosts a summer festival every year under the big shady trees. People camping here can take their dogs with them to enjoy the outdoors, and the campsite is really close to the beach. There are also washing facilities available on site. Play table tennis, darts or enjoy a gas BBQ with your friends and family.

Wohnmobilepark, Tegel

Just 20 minutes from Berlin city center, Wohnmobilepark is located at Tegel Creek, in the beautiful, tranquil countryside. Main amenities and facilities are excellent, with the shower block having undergone refurbishment in 2008. Spaces are expansive and the grounds are really well kept, harkening back to the days the site was a nursery. This is the ideal spot for a peaceful stay but within easy access of all the sights and sounds of downtown Berlin.

You may have heard of Tentstation. This was an urban campsite, just a five minute walk from Berlin city center. Unfortunately, recently the license wasn’t renewed so city camping is currently suspended in Berlin. It is worth keeping an eye out for news though, as the organizers of Tentstation are looking for a new site.

Tips for Camping in Berlin

Find out in advance if you are able to rent tents, gas burners and other essential camping equipment. Berlin is really jacked up in terms of tourist infrastructure and tent rentals could save plenty of money at the airport with overweight baggage fees.

Rent a car. Many of the campsites are not serviced by public transport as they are too far out of the city.

Don’t pack like you are going to the jungle. Casual wear that is comfortable will be perfect, as you are not going on safari, and are still fairly close to the city. So if you want to explore some of the sites in the city, you won’t be doing so in hiking boots.

If you are camping during the months from October to April, it’s going to be rather chilly being winter and all. Make sure you have warm sleeping bags and thick socks, gloves, hats and coats.

Author Bio:
Guest post contributed by Justin Epley on behalf of the Marriott Hotels – find out about hotels in Dallas. Justin is a freelance travel writer. He loves sharing his travel insights on various blogs.

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Beyond Berlin – Exploring Traditional Rural Germany

Claire — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:11:57 +0000

Whilst the usual destinations for breaks in Germany tend to be locations such as Berlin for the art and culture, Munich for the beer festival, or the port city of Hamburg, as a country Germany has a lot more to offer. Outside of the urban centres are areas of stunning natural beauty, offering fascinating insights into German history and traditions and an opportunity to see another side of Europe’s largest national economy. Whether you’re looking to wile away the hours on a boat on the Danube, or hike in the German Alps, heading out beyond Berlin and the other more popular cities will allow you to see another side of life here.

Germany Alps by Francisco Antunes

If you’re looking to explore rural Germany then using the country’s rivers as a guide is a great idea. The Rhine, Elbe and Danube are just three of Germany’s many waterways that snake through the 130,000 or so square miles within its borders. Whether you want to explore the rivers aboard a cruise boat, or simply follow them in the car, Germany’s waterways will take you through many of the countries most traditional rural areas.

The Elbe, for example, crosses the eastern corner of the country and the Elbe Valley is home to traditional castles such as Albrechtsberg Castle, Lingner Castle and Eckberg Castle, as well as a plethora of charming German villages such as Loschwitz and Pillnitz, and a large number of the country’s vineyards. If you were to choose to explore using the Danube river in the south of the country as your guide, this would take you through the Danube river valley with the steep white cliffs around Thiergarten, rural castles such as Burg Wildenstein and Schloss Werenwag, and the Obermarchtal, or the Upper March Valley.

Somewhere near St. Goar along the Rhine by ilovebutter

In the west of the country, the area around the Rhine is filled with castles, fortresses and ruins constructed along what was once one of the country’s major trade routes. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is now a World Heritage site and a visit here is just not complete without a stop off at the traditional markets of the area, the knight tournaments and festivals.

Another great way to explore the German countryside is to take the Alps as your reference point. The Alps touch Germany in the very south of the country and exploring this area will take you into some of the country’s most famous rural areas. The Bodensee, an area of three lakes, is located just at the northern foot of the Alps and is also known as Lake Constance. The lake is actually situated in three countries – Austria, Switzerland and Germany – and here you can climb up the wooden staircase of the Marienschlucht ravine, visit the bronze age settlement of the Pfahlbauten and wander around the impressive estate of Schloss Salem.

Oberammergau in Bavaria, Germany by heatheronhertravels

The state of Bavaria also touches the Alps, which is home to the Franconia wine region, numerous beer gardens serving the local brews and well-known monuments, such as the Castle of Coburg and Linderhof Palace. Finally, an exploration of the area isn’t complete without checking out the Black Forest, where you can visit some of the best-known waterfalls in Germany – the All Saints Waterfalls and the Triberg Waterfalls – and the famous spa town of Baden Baden that sits at the foot of the Black Forest, as well as tucking into some of that infamous gateau, which is named after the cherry liqueur brewed in the region.

Whatever your idea of adventures, Germany has much more to offer than just its cities. Get out and explore the rural areas and broaden your knowledge of this traditional and fascinating country.

John is a travel writer based in the UK who writes for Alamo Germany – providing car hire across Germany to help you get out and really explore the country.

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