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.

The post Holiday in Germany – Places to See and Things to Do appeared first on Europe Explored.

Europe’s Best Cultural Hotspots

Claire — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:54:40 +0000

Europe is one of the most culturally significant and historically dense continents on Earth, with most of its major cities crammed to the rafters with ruins and once-powerful empires. However, there are a certain few capital cities which exude their histories like no other, offering worlds to lose yourself in for days or weeks at a time and allowing you to get a glimpse into the beating hearts of many different cultures.

Amsterdam

The compact size of Amsterdam – a city built around a system of canals – means that you are never far from the highlights of the destination, and there is never a dull moment, whatever may take your fancy. There is a charm that comes with the quaintness of Amsterdam, but recently a new wave of urban art has been sweeping the town, with an influx of cool reigniting its bohemian credentials. While Anne Frank’s House and the Van Gough Museum are understandably popular, you should also check out rising photographic talent at Huis Marseille or Foam. Away from the tacky stag-do-central of the Red Light District is Reguliersgracht, where criss-crossing alleys are lined with chilled-out cafés and dinky boutique shops.

Amsterdam, Netherlands by Christian Lendl

Istanbul

While the majority of the population of Istanbul are Muslim, it is a sprawling cosmopolitan city with a huge mix of cultures. Being located on the very edge of Europe and Asia, it is a melting pot of Western and Middle Eastern cultures which will fascinate any discerning traveller. One of the archetypal visions of the city can be found in the Covered Bazaar, where merchants and locals trade wares and offer must-have souvenirs to the tourists who pass through. This will give an idea of the whole city, which is a maze of nooks and crannies, all filled with remarkable cafes and boutique shops offering scents, gold and textiles. The Blue Mosque is a must, presenting fabulous mosaics of ceramics and glass, and offering an insight into the wealth and excess of the home of the Ottoman Empire.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey by Jerzy Kociatkiewicz

Rome

The home of an empire that once included territories in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Rome is a goldmine of cultural artefacts. One of the most popular ruins is the Colosseum, which once held brutal fights to the death for the entertainment of thousands. Standing in the stalls, one can imagine the roars and jeers from the baiting crowds. Opposite is Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, from which some of the best views in the city can be found, looking down over the ruins of the residences of many Roman emperors, including Augustus (27 BC-14 AD), Tiberius (14-37) and Domitian (81-96).

Fontana di Trevi, Rome, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

London

The British Empire is one with a long and treacherous history. London has a regal sense about it, with cultural monuments still standing proudly across the city – many of which, such as Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, are still being used today as the centres of the monarchy and Government, respectively. The Tower of London, along the north bank of the River Thames, was built primarily by William the Conqueror in 1078, with many phases of expansion across the centuries. Juxtaposed with the historical sites is modern urban London, with many waves of immigrants creating a cultural hotpot in areas such as Brixton and Camden, where restaurants serve cuisines from across the globe and boutique shops and market stalls trade in unique gifts.

London, England, United Kingdom by Tim Morris

Berlin

Berlin is a strange mix of cultures, which is sometimes a little difficult to feel at ease with. On one hand, you have the ever-present reminders of its recent history, in the form of Third Reich tours or visits to the Iron Curtain and the location of Hitler’s bunker, where he spent his last few hours. While fascinating, it can also be spine-chilling, thinking how recent those terrible events were. However, there are plenty of opportunities to chill out, with quirky urban spectacles such as pop-up nightclubs, and underground ping-pong events, held in derelict buildings. The best way to do this is get talking to the locals and ask if they know of any happenings close by. A sure-fire destination for weekend parties, though, would be Farbfernseher in Kreuzberg.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany by Bill Tyne

With so many routes and tour companies available to help you travel across the continent or dedicate your time to discovering one particular city, there is no excuse not to learn about these fascinating hubs, no matter what your budget.

Written by Kat Kraetzer, a travel blogger who loves to visit Europe.

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