A lot of people to day, both young and old, are slowly discovering the benefits and joys of a vegetarian diet. Exploring vegetarianism means living a healthier lifestyle and keeping diseases at bay.

Samâdhi – vegetarian restaurant in Berlin, Germany by Olivier Bruchez

European Vegetarianism

If you’re right smack in Europe because you are vacationing or are there for any other reason, it is imperative to know where to get the best vegetarian meals. Countries in Europe are known to easily provide a pound or more of flesh as Spain, Portugal and most of Eastern Europe are famous meat eaters.

So where should you go if you’re aching to eat salad?

Ghent – Why It is the World’s Vegetarian Capital

Normally, cooking courses and food tours are activities that are not easy for vegetarians but in the City of Ghent in Belgium, there are hordes of vegetarian food tours. Vegetarians can hop from one food destination to the next without saying no to local specialties.

Neuzeke or Tiny Nose is a homemade, sweet, conical cherry candy which you need to try. Augustine beer and the local Gruut beer are beverages that you and your friends should sample. Roomer, on the other hand, is an alcoholic drink made from Elderflowers – it is highly refreshing during the hottest days in that city.

There are many vegetarian desserts in Ghent. Try Belgian waffles but say no to the square ones as the toppings can be really fattening. Look for the oval-shaped Liege waffle which is best eaten plain.

Ghent is a place where you don’t need to buy a vegetarian food map. Just walk around and you can do your own vegetarian tour. Avalon is a famous organic restaurant there with ample servings of vegetable meals. Tasty offers smoothies and 11 vegetarian and vegan hamburgers. Mosquito Coast may not be strictly vegetarian but they have the most diverse vegetable menus to offer.

Say No to Meat at Sicily

Sicily comprises a huge portion of Italy. Look forward to quality produce which comes out of this place. Even meat-eating folks will be enticed to eat their greens once they see the fresh vegetables from this area. Get your fill of caponata, arancine and manicotti, three of the most sought-after recipes in Sicily.

Amsterdam – It’s Time to Try Dutch Vegetarianism

Amsterdam in Netherlands is an ever-progressive city. Liberal-mindedness abounds on this place which is no surprise that vegetarianism has been embraced. There is a huge percentage of vegetable eaters on this city which is why there are strings of restaurants which cater to this growing population of vegetable eaters.

Berlin – A Grander Version of Amsterdam

Berlin is quite similar to Amsterdam in terms of vegetarian lifestyle. The only difference is that, it offers vegetarianism on a bigger scale. The big metro areas are peppered with restaurants which now cater to the vegetable-eating public. So who says Deutschland is all about sauerbraten and wurst?

About the Author: Mary Jean is a writer for MyFood, a company that provides healthy meals via delivery in the UK.

The post Best Cities for Vegetarians in the EU appeared first on Europe Explored.

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.

The post Things to see in Berlin | Germany appeared first on Europe Explored.

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.

The post Great Berlin Camping Destinations | Germany appeared first on Europe Explored.