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Introduction
Germany is a charming country rich in history with over 20,000 castles and home to the first Christmas tree invented in the 16th century. If you like a nice cold beer, the country has some of the best in the world. Whether your preference is pilsner, lager, ale, etc… there’s one for you. You will find a multitude of beer halls throughout your stay. At beer gardens, you can get some succulent food along with beer, from salad to rotisserie chicken to salted pretzel or even beer radishes! Speaking of beer gardens, the largest one in the world is in Hirschgarten in Munich and can seat up to 8000 people.
Did you know that the oldest brewery in the world has been around since 1040 and it’s located in Weihenstephan district of Freising, Bavaria?
The country also has an impressive transportation network. The train is commonly used all over the country, the U-Bahn within the city, S-Bahn for the suburbs, the regional train connecting cities/towns as well as the high-speed train intended for long distance travel. The tram is another option in major centers but it is more secluded. Buses are also commonly used inside and outside of urban areas and are a cheap alternative. Taxis are to be considered, however, they tend to lean more on the pricey side.
Throughout this post, you will soon learn that Germany is a spectacular country, well-liked by foodies for their schnitzel, sausage, amazing bread and pastries. Germany is opulent with greenspace such as forests and woodlands. You can find the black forest region which is long parallel to the Rhine River, where you will find the most beautiful traditional German farmhouses. It is also home of the first cuckoo clock which was created here in 1737.
Nearby is the town of Schonwald, Hungry! This area will certainly satisfy your appetite and thirst with their black forest cake, black forest ham and kirschwasser. If you’re looking to relax, Baden-Baden is the place to go, a town renowned for their famous spas.
Berlin
Berlin, Germany’s capital as well as the country’s most populated city, is well-known to have the tallest structures in the country. Take a moment to go up the TV Tower and enjoy the view of the city and the suburbs. Berlin also shelters over 150+ museums, enough for everyone’s taste. There is also one of the most iconic landmarks in Berlin, The Brandenburg Gate.
The Brandenburg Gate was in between west and east Berlin for almost 30 years during the cold war. Now that the wall has fallen, the Brandenburg Gate symbolizes unity between east and west Berlin. You can walk a portion of the wall that is still standing today.
While walking on the east side, you can view some fantastic graffiti that reveals thoughts which will make you reflect on their story. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit CheckPoint Charlie, as it served as a crossover between the east and west.
Berlin is a city that has so much to offer and full of history for all different taste, from the Reichstag to the beautiful parks and many markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Hamburg
Hamburg is a city with stunning architecture from Romanesque to Gothic to Modern. If you like Gothic go visit the Church of St-Nicholas, a beautiful cathedral that was rebuilt in 1874, as the original one was unfortunately burnt down in 1842.
Hamburg has the largest port in Germany which is connected to the North Sea by the Elber river and houses more than 2000 bridges inside the city’s limits, more than any cities in the world.
Taking time to visit Alter Elbtunnel is strongly recommended. The well engineered tunnel built in the early 1900’s is still fully functional today, as it crosses under the river. Hamburg has several parks and museums including the world's largest model railway “Miniatur Wunderland” museum.
Looking to have fun at night? This city has a vibrant and diverse nightlife including floating clubs, many music festivals and of course, the infamous red-light district, which is lined up with restaurants, nightclub and bars. There is plenty of things to do to keep you busy in Hamburg.
Did you know the first hamburger was created in this very city in the late 1800’s? Figures!
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a beautiful mediaeval styled city in Bavaria that holds the most famous and best Christmas market in Germany. Here you can find handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats such as gingerbread and almond cookies.
While walking through the streets, grab yourself a nice wurst on a bun with horseradish, sauerkraut and a side of potato salad. This is where the first Rostbratwurst was created. Yummy!!
Cologne
As you exit the Hohenzollern Bridge, you will be walking into Cologne and see the magnificent Kolner Dom, the largest German cathedral, packed with art and treasures.
The city provides a vast array of museums and churches, including the Fragrance Museum, where the eau de cologne was first invented in the very room it is displayed in, in the 18th century.
Cologne also hosts a chocolate museum which operates in collaboration with Lindt & amp; Sprungli maître chocolatier.
After a nice day of smelling cologne and tasting delicious chocolate, you can relish the beauty of the city by relaxing on a boat and cruising through the Rhine River.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Wurttemberg state that lies beside the Black Forest. This city shelters many prestigious research centres and academies.
What to do, you may wonder? Rent a canoe for a couple of hours and enjoy the stunning landscape! Or, go on a vineyard tour and taste some of the different local wine. Although, if you decide to do the above mentioned activities, we recommend you start with canoeing first!
Undoubtedly, Germany is amongst the world leaders in automobiles with manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and more. As a matter of fact, Mercedes-Benz was founded in Stuttgart. Why not go for a visit at the Mercedes-Benz Museum or the Porsche Museum?
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is one of the warmest cities in Germany, where fruit trees can grow with ease. Here you will find the oldest University in the country and also visit the renowned ruins of the Heidelberg castle.
Rothenburg
Rothenburg, a charming town surrounded by a city wall, is known for the beautiful old and mediaeval structures. You can visit the entire place by walking the cobblestone lanes in one day.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt has one of the busiest airports in Europe due to its location and is also the primary hub for Lufthansa - the leading German airline. Frankfurt is an international business centre and an important financial centre in Europe. That being said, you can only imagine the many skyscrapers the city has.
In Frankfurt you don’t have to wander far to stumble upon a museum. The city has dedicated an entire district reserved for an array of museums or “Museumsufer”. The “Stadel Museum” has art exhibitions including the works of Rembrandt, VanGogh, Renoir, Bosch, Picasso and many more.
While you’re in Frankfurt, you must try the green sauce (Grune Sosse) which is served with boiled potatoes and a hard-boiled egg, delicious! Also, don’t forget to try a pretzel with a glass of German apple cider at the Romerberg square, which is bordered by half-timbered buildings of different colors. Afterwards, you could take a stroll at Mainkai for an exceptional view of the river and its bridges as well as the city’s skyscrapers.