Germany Ecstasies - A Vacation Guide

Beer Festivals in Germany

2010-09-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Berlin Beer Festival:

Usually held on the first weekend of August annually, this festival boasts the longest beer garden in the world – one mile long! One million people come to this festival each year. Stalls offer 2,000 types of beer from over 300 breweries from 86 countries with a focus on smaller, private breweries. However long it might take to sample 2,000 varieties of beer, the Berlin Beer Festival sounds like a great way to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. Live music and shows also keep the crowd entertained.

Website: www.bierfestival-berlin.de

Aachen Wine Festival:
Located in North Rhine Westphalia, Aachen is an attractive Roman spa town, famous for its therapeutic waters, hot springs and 1000-year-old remains. This lovely town hosts a summer wine festival in the town center each year with over 400 wines on offer from 20 or more wineries in Rhineland Palatine. Featured wines include Riesling, Mueller-Thurgau, Kerner, Dornfelder and Spaetburgunder. Good food and wine, music and a generally great atmosphere make this Wine Festival a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Website: http://www.aachen.de/

Upcoming Beer Festival : MUNICH OKTOBERFEST

Amusement Parks in Germany

2009-09-25T03:13:00.000-07:00

Europa-Park

Situated in RustIt's, Europa Park is the biggest one in Germany and (between Freiburg and Offenburg), in South Germany. It has beautifully enscapsulated European ranges of topics. This facility in the Black Forest has varied driving attractions, color-magnificent shows and the "6 land worlds." It's a popular trip goal for visitors from the whole world. The Amusement Park nestles in the 550 years old facility of the Balthasar castle and is considered as one of the most enticing Theme Parks world-wide. The park has recieved varied credentials.

Phantasialand

Situated in Bruehl by Cologne, in the middle-west of Germany, Phantasialand was built in 1967 as a fairytale park. Since then, one year hardly passes, in which the park does not offer new attractions.

There was range of topics old Berlin were inaugurated in 1972, which modelled on the flair of the capital in the 20's and 30's. Also the first landmark of the Phantasialand was developed, the Brandenburg Gate, on a scale of 1:2. The facility can be characterized as a large leisure park with many extravagant arranged ranges of topics, show attractions and rapid driving offers. One of their roller coasters in Phantasialand was opened by Late Michael Jackson!

The best possibility to get an overview of the park is a trip with the "Phantasialand Jet." It's a Jet which drives in a height of approx. 10m (33ft) above the ground, and its way leads nearly across the entire area.

Heide Park

Situated in Soltau in the "Lueneburger Heide," Heide Park is between Hamburg and Hannover, in North Germany. It is one of the largest Amusement Park of North Germany and showcases more than 50 attractions. The park is picturesque, and its maintained facilities are brilliant. In a wildlife park ,you would observe 200 native animals. These animals are described as the "real stars of the show." . The Heide Park is also the biggest wood roller coaster of the world!

World Heritage Sites in Germany

2009-09-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

Some of the famous World Heritage Sites of Germany are :

Cultural

* Aachen Cathedral (1978)
* Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch (1991)
* Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar and Dessau (1996)
* Berlin Modernism Housing Estates (2008)
* Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl (1984)
* Classical Weimar (1998)
* Collegiate Church, Castle, and Old Town of Quedlinburg (1994)
* Cologne Cathedral (1996)
* Frontiers of the Roman Empire (1987)
* Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz (2000)
* Hanseatic City of Lübeck (1987)
* Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar (2002)
* Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg (1996)
* Maulbronn Monastery Complex (1993)
* Mines of Rammelsberg and Historic Town of Goslar (1992)
* Monastic Island of Reichenau (2000)
* Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin (1999)
* Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski (2004)
* Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof (2006)
* Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin (1990)
* Pilgrimage Church of Wies (1983)
* Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier (1986)
* Speyer Cathedral (1981)
* St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim (1985)
* Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen (2004)
* Town of Bamberg (1993)
* Upper Middle Rhine Valley (2002)
* Völklingen Ironworks (1994)
* Wartburg Castle (1999)
* Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square (1981)
* Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen (2001)

Natural

* Messel Pit Fossil Site (1995)
* The Wadden Sea (2009)

Source : http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/de

Lindau Vacation Guide

2008-05-13T01:52:00.000-07:00

Situated by the Bodensee, Lindau is an old city center is on an island in the sea, connected to the mainland with two bridges. In the southwest the district borders Lake Constance, more precisely its eastern part known as Obersee. To the north the countryside rises to the hills of the western Allgau mountains.

Lindau is a district in Bavaria, Germany enclosed by the district of Unterallgau, Austria, lake Constance and the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. The city of Lindau became a Free Imperial City in the 13th century, that means it was directly subordinate to the emperor. The rural areas around Lindau were property of monasteries or tiny counties, that emerged and sank in the region. When French troops under Napolean entered the area, all these entities were dissolved. In 1806 the region fell to Bavaria

Garmisch Partenkirchen Vacation Guide

2008-05-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

Garmisch Partenkirchen is the largest alpine resort has a split personality, rather, it's because Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany is both a world-class ski resort and a summer vacation playground. When the skiing finally stops in early May, the town has just over a month to prepare itself for a summer onslaught of hikers, mountain-climbers, cyclists, spa aficionados, folklore enthusiasts, and high-altitude sun seekers. The town consists of two towns that were merged for the 1936 Olympic Winter Games.

The town has some 27,500 residents, but the daytime population may be closer to 50,000. Still, there's plenty of space for sportif folk and sightseers--ranging from the 73 km of marked ski pistes and 100 km of walking paths in the winter to more than 300 km of alpine trails in the warmer months.

The town also boost a rich history and culture. Local people of the town often dress in traditional styles, Dirndl" for women and "Lederhosen" for men. Many of the older buildings are decorated with beautiful frescoes - wall paintings that are often centuries old. All around is magnificent mountain scenery, dominated by the mighty Zugspitze to which lifts rise over 2,100 meters from Garmisch - producing one of the world's biggest lift served verticals.

Wurzburg Vacation Guide

2008-05-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wurzburg, a university town, capital of the realm of Lower Franconia. The abode is situated on the Main, 60 m. by rail southeast. An ancient stone bridge 650 ft. long and adorned with statues of saints, and two modern bridges, the Luitpold, built in 1887 and the Ludwig built in 1894, connect the two parts of the town on each side of the river. On the lofty Leistenberg stands the fortress of Marienberg, which from 1261 to 1720 was the residence of the bishops.

The Main-Franconian region of Wurtzburg lies in a basin below the wooded mountains of the Spessart that guarantees a mild climate and makes it possible to cultivate wine grapes. The high proportion of open land to industrialized area makes for clean air, peace and quiet. There is a network of footpaths as well as extensive bike paths throughout the domain.

The Wuerzburg is a cultural city that encloses the classics and the avant garde, a fondness for local traditions and an openness to the world. Some of the famous events in the region such as the Mozart Festival, a world-class festival of classical music or the Africa Festival, one of Europe's major festivals of African music, attract hundreds of thousands tourists all the year round.

Rosenheim Vacation Guide

2008-05-12T23:58:00.000-07:00

Located in the lovely Cheigmau is an knot point of very old streets from northern Europe to the south or from west or east. Road over 2500 years ago traders were riding from the northern coasts of Germany dealing with amber in Italy and bringing back stuff from there to the countries. Later on the salt traders used these station to rest on their way from Salzburg to Augsburg or coming from Insbruck to Regensburg. Situated in the picturesque Southern Bavarian foothills between Munich and Salzburg, Rosenheim is situated approx. 10 km from Lake Sims and 25 km from lovely Lake Chiemgau.

Rosenheim is a booming town and is appropriate for short sweet vacations. This old trading town on the river Inn has a historic town center offering a certain amount of Italian flair with its pretty cafas, restaurants and good shopping opportunities. The informal sector into and around Rosenheim is of great importance. The proximity to the mountains and lakes as well as cultural highlights offer much to it's guests. The alps are very close for great winter skiing and Rosenheim prepare lanes for ski-walking. There are many enchanting lakes which are invites tourist to swim in the summer.

Germany Maps

2008-04-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

Hoff Information

2008-04-27T22:11:00.001-07:00

HofF is a district in Bavaria. Encompassed by the districts of Wunsdiel, Bayreuth, Kulmbach and Kronach, the states of Thuringia and Saxony and the Czech Republic. The city of Hofis enclosed by, it is nonetheless the district's administrative seat. Hof was originally called Rekkenze and established around the year 1080.

Hoff is famous for two local dishes- Schnitz, a kind of hotpot, and sausages boiled in a portable, coal-fired brass cauldron, which are sold in the streets by the sausage man. There is also a particularly strong beer or the Schlappenbier, that is available only on the first Monday after trinity sunday. Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday after Pentecost in the Christian liturgical calendar.

Augsburg

2008-04-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

Situated about 40 miles north of Munich, Augsburg was founded in 15 BC under the rule of Emperor Augustus. Augsburg went on to become a center of medieval trade and banking, with the elaborate Renaissance buildings to prove it, and that, with the canals, give it an almost Italian feeling.

The main tourist attraction of Augsburg consist of the medieval streets, with its many old houses. The Fuggerei, the world's first social housing project for the poor is a must see for the travelers across the world. The heart of the city is the Rathausplatz, with terraces a visitor can have a beer in summer and a big Christmas tree in winter. Other tourist spots include the Dom, the Maximilianstrasse and the Maximilian museum

Passau Travel Information

2008-04-08T22:36:00.001-07:00

Passau is a located in the southeast of Bavaria and serves as a district. It encopasses the city of Passau geographically from two sides. Neighboring districts are Rottal-Inn, Deggendorf, Freyun-Grafenau.

Significantly, Passau consists of two geographically different parts, segregated by the river Danube. In the south of the Danube river the landscape is only hilly with plains between the valleys of the Inn and Rott river.

One of the favorite tourist spot of the city is the wonderful Baroque buildings that were built after the great fire of 1662. One of the most striking is cathedral of St. Stephan, which boasts the world's biggest church organ. One of the best ways to enjoy the magic of Passau is with a sightseeing tour by ship.

Regensburg Travel Info

2008-04-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Located on the bank of Danube river, Regensburg is a medieval city with an old charm. For more than 600 years, until Napoleon came, Regensburg has been a free imperial city and a buzzing trade and cultural center. Lots of the medieval architecture survived the centuries and even the devastations of Second World War. Regensburg is significantly a historic city in a unique state of preservation, living witness to two thousand years of rich and colorful history.

The 2,000-year-old heritage of Regensburg, don't make the city into an architectural theme park. It's an vibrant, generous and prosperous town of 142,000 with a major university that gives a lively boost to the cultural and entertainment scene. Best of all, Regensburg is off the main American and British tourist circuit, so you'll feel that you're visiting "the real Germany".

At every turn, a tourist can explore a truly outstanding historical monuments and architectural marvels. The experience is deepened by the exquisite collections at the city's fine museums, and made yet more enjoyable by the typically Bavarian hospitality of the locals. Located on the beautiful Danube, Regensburg is also the perfect starting-place for river cruises and excursions.

Donaueschingen Information Guide

2008-04-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

This is one of the picturesque destination in Germany. The major tourist attraction of this enchanting old royal seat include its pretty Art Nouveau houses, the palace of the princes of Forstenberg and naturally also the source of the Danube. Donaueschingen is the cultural and economic center of Baar, a high plateau region between the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb.

Location:
Located in the Central Black Forest , at the intersection of three national roads: B27, B31 , B33, A81 autobahn Stuttgart-Singen. Central railway station with IR, IRE and RE services. Airports: Donaueschingen-Villingen airfield, Stuttgart (100 km), Zurich (Switzerland, 100 km).

Nearby attraction
Roman baths ruin in Hfingen (3 km)
Narrenschopf Carnival Museum in Bad Drrheim (8 km)
German Clock Museum in Furtwangen (20 km)
Triberg Waterfalls (Europeﾒs highest falls, 25 km)

Sarland Information Guide

2008-04-02T20:41:00.001-07:00

The Saarland is the smallest of Germany's state regions. It is located Southwest of Germany, between France, Luxembourg and the German regions Pfalz and Hunsruck. The region occupies partly wooded hills and is beautified by the river Saar, that flows in endless bows from the industrial regions of Saarlouis and Volklingen towards its mouth right in the wine region around Trier in Rhineland-Palatinate. The main tourist attraction is Saarbrucken, the capital and a modern, industrial city with beautiful churches. You will find that Saarland basically lives the french way, especially in the field of cuisines.

Your tour to Saarland is will enable you to encounter with ever changing faces, unique landscapes and culture. Surrounded by France, Luxembourg and the Rhineland-Palatinate, the Saarland has a very special charm. If you enjoy hiking, bicycling or water sports, you will find extensive possibilities there. It is also possible to trace history in the Saarland. Testimonies of the Roman and Celtic periods and the impressing monuments of the industrial culture excite more and more people each year.

Nightlife in Prenzlauer Berg

2008-04-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Germany - Prenzlauer Berg, east of Kreuzberg, is not a place to have a casual walk. Kollwitzplatz and the Grunderzeit, area around Prenzlauer Berg, are still better, the rest became part of a’civilization’ project. But night life is quite exotic here as it boost many night clubs that comes to life after 10.

Schwarzauer
Address: Kastanienallee 13

A famous place for tanking up in the neighborhood scene and always full. In summer you find the crowds on the pavement outside, which is due to the masses of pubs and clubs in the area. Daily the bar opens at 8am and closes at 6am.
connection: U Eberswalder Str

Casino Berlin
Address: Saarbrücker Str. 36-38

This night club is the best and is well known amongst youngsters as well with those who love to rock the floor. This old bread factory glorify itself with big name DJs and houses some insider sub clubs. In summer the big courtyard invites you to take it easy, but is often too full of chic. The timing is from Fr+Sa from 11pm, Su from 5

connection: U Senefelderplatz

Café und pension Amsterdam
Address:Gleimstr. 24

This is a unique place that endorses a multi cultural and multi sexual culture at breakfast time, The DJs are usually changed in the evening and in a relaxed atmosphere. The resort also provide a beds in guest houses for those who are excessively drunk. Daily 9am -1am, guesthouse round the clock.

connection: U+S-Bhf. Schönhauser Allee
tel: +49 (0)30 448 07 92

Eckstein
Address: Pappelallee 73

It is a funky cafe overcrowded with people. It gives stiff competition to others in summer. It remains pens from Monday to Thursday from 9am -2am, Friday+Saturday till 3am.

Kulturbrauerei
Address: Knaackstr. 97

A unique venue noted for its culture and is worth visiting, the Kulturbrauerei is organized in three sections each featuring parties or theatre. Concerts in the Kesselhaus, always big party at Saturday from 10pm.

connection: U Eberswalder Str.

Transsilvania, Horror Rock Kafe
Address: Schönhauser Allee 5

This is amongst the wildest nightclub in Berlin. The same club has many branches in 18 Italy cities are quite successful. But it's only half as wild as it sounds -in the gravedigger's decor complete with coffins you can stage your own horror picture show to the accompaniment of sounds from past decades.

connection: U Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz

Prenzlauer Vacations

2008-03-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

The abode that pulsates during night in the old working-class area between Schönhauser Allee and Prenzlauer Allee. Significantly, more youngsters and families have moved here and the scene has grown here more rapidly than anywhere else in Berlin. At the moment Prenzlauer Berg is a hub of creative life.

Relax at Prenzlauer Berg!

A visitor will always find a mixed colorful scene in Anita Wronski or Kommandantur. Another good place to relax after hectic round is Café M.A.K., where you can spend evening lying on a sofa listening to the DJs. Santiago, with its good cheap cocktails. Pasternak or Gugelhof is special restaurant during November. The joint is good but quite expensive. Just a distance away from Gugelhof is Nostalghia, a Russian studio theatre with teas and red vodka. Go inside and you're in another world. The colorful little touches and the lively atmosphere take you deep into the Russian soul.

The AKBA Lounge in Sredzskistraße is quite different as it plays hit music. In front of AKBA is a bar, that is always jam packed with youngsters, as you move behind you will find the club room. All sorts of concerts are held in Knaack-Club and on weekends there are three different discos come to life as they jerk on pop to punk to house. Fans of harder sounds gravitate to Duncker in Dunckerstraße.

Significantly, the Pfefferberg is an old brewery with one of the most endearing beer gardens in the city. It endorses varied programme with lots of music from all over the world. Prenzlauer Berg is very much a beer garden Eldorado. Prater in Kastanienallee invites you to linger with its ideal mix of beer and culture. The Volksbühne's second theatre stage is also located here.

Getting Around

As soon as you think of Prenzlauer Berg, the first thing that comes to mind is the area around Kollwitzplatz and the water tower. But the old working-class district is much bigger than that, and various different scenes have now developed there.

Most of the endearing pubs and cafés are clubbed around Kollwitzplatz and Wasserturmplatz. A few years ago it was still an experimental area for adventurers and creative spirits, with an air of improvisation. Most of the houses have been reconstructed in terms of design as they simply glow with their freshly-painted turn-of-the-century beauty, charming and picturesque like a glossy advent calendar. Only a few still have peeling plaster façades and the remains of old shop signs and crumbling brickwork. It boost a young crowd dressed beautifully and they can be seen here both daytime and evenings.You can sip an elegant cocktail outside the Akba-Lounge in Sredzkistraße or in one of the many cafés and bars in Rykestraße, Kollwitzstraße or Husemannstraße. In winters, the people are a bit more choosy - as they come here for a coffee. The bizarre little Luxus Bar in Belforter Straße is an exception that only fills up late and where you can stay forever. Tandoor or Bahu in Rykestraße offer very cheap Indian delicacies.

Kollwitzstraße is quite famous as Little Italy and significantly most of the restaurants here are Italian, in all price categories. Belluno is a perfect combination of expensive and tasty food. Gugelhof is the right abode in this area for a big leisurely breakfast. At Wasserturmplatz, you have the option to taste a large variety of cuisines from different countries and cultures: Russian in Pasternak, Jewish food in Restaurant am Wasserturm or Spanish in Aragon in Diedenhöferstraße. Or you can simply pick up a falafel or shawarma and sit in the park above the tower with a view of Mitte district and a couple of boccia players in the background. In communist times this neighborhood was already something very special. Its cozy atmosphere is not only decisively cordoned off geographically by Prenzlauer Allee and Danziger Straße.

The Life here seems more pleasant as the people know each other. You might face a problem in understanding the language as they basically communicate in Berlin dialect everywhere. You won't find fashionable pubs here, but changes are in the offing: for instance, new shops and restaurants are setting up in Winsstraße.

Titanic is the fascinating sports avenue where you can try relaxed game of billiards. And if you wish to buy cult furniture and accessories from 60's and 70's, Anna Chron, in Marienburger Straße, is the best place as these products are available at much cheaper prices than in Mitte. In Immanuelkirchstraße you will find many Indian restaurant where you can eat tasty food at affordable prices. Tucked away in a backyard and oddly enough, right next to a fitness studio, is Blow-up, a cosy neighborhood cinema with worn-out velvet and good movies. The Filmtheater am Friedrichshain, close to the area's major park, is the best cinema halls with several screens that feature good films .

The Kulturbrauerei close by, between Schönhauser Allee and Danziger Straße, endorses parties and concerts that are embellished by art and culture, because galleries are moving in alongside the dance floors and people with a taste for melancholy and nostalgia can indulge themselves in the Russian studio theatre.

Another tourist spot near Kastanienallee is Mauerpark just below the Jahn Stadium. The park can hardly be described in terms of classical beauty, but it's still a very popular place for people to meet, read peacefully and lie in the sun.

Thuringia Vacations

2008-03-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Thuringia attracts tourist from all over the world majorly due to Thuringian forest, that stretches from the Werra River in the west to the Saale River in the southeast. A tourist have the chance discover this enchanting region by bike, by foot or even on horseback. This region is special mainly as it endorse many tourist routes that are worth exploring.

Thuringia is one of the smaller Federal States of Germany. Come and explore the beauty of the enchanting land! Come and relax in natural surroundings, travel to mountains and castles, enjoy the a medicinal spa treatment , as well as experience historical towns with their multitude of cultural offers - that is exactly what connects the visitor to Thuringia. Their expectations will be fulfilled just as completely in the Thuringian Forest as in the town of Eisenach or Erfurt or in one of the many spa resorts

Thuringia endorse a unique history. Interestingly, during the 17th century it was divided into more than 20 states and until 1919 it consisted of seven earldoms and one prussian municipality. This explains the variety of small cities and villages and the amount of 193 castles within a relatively small area of little more than 16.000 sq km. Most of the less than 2.5 million inhabitants live in villages with less than 2000 inhabitants. The most famous castle in the region is off course the "Wart burg" near Eisenach , where Walther von der Vogelweide, Wolfram von Eschenbach, Saint Elisabeth of Thuringia and Martin Luther once lived.

Few cities that has gained important place in Germany tourism are Goethe and Schiller as they are rich in German literature and culture. Other tourist destinations that are worth exploring are Naumburg and its enchanting cathedral or Erfurt, the biggest city of Thuringia.

Ansbach

2008-03-31T00:16:00.000-07:00

Ansbach is a small picturesque town that has the seat of Government for Middle Franconia, located in the southern part of Germany. Situated in the northern part of Bavaria, approximately 117 miles southeast of Frankfurt and 26 miles southwest of Nuremberg. Approximately 40,000 people live in Ansbach and 90,000 in the greater Ansbach area. There are some nice shopping centers in the city and excellent shopping possibilities within a 30 mile radius. Restaurants and entertainment areas are simply outstanding. Ansbach is an old town close to very famous historical places. Middle Franconia is more a rural area but still very interesting.

Ansbach is an enchanting city with a rich historical past. Margrave's Palace, the Orangerie and Park, and the Kasper-Hauser-Memorial are just a few of the many historical sights that are worth seeing.

Flensberg

2008-03-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Flensburg is situated on the northernmost town on the German mainland, right at the Danish border, and makes a nice stop on your way to or from Scandinavia. Flensburg is a pleasant harbourtown of more than 700 years and about 85.000 inhabitants. The heart of the city or Altstadt is especially attractive. The pedestrian zone is about 1000m long and offers lots of shopping facilities and cafés, restaurants and beautiful facades. Have a closer look at the beautifully renovated yards to the left and right of the pedestrian zone.

Flensburg's surrondings are lush and green, with quiet beaches and lots of possibilities for water sports (sailing is especially popular).

Flensburg´s younger neighbourhoods have grown around the historic city centre, and there is a different atmosphere in each of them. Solitüde is the most north-eastern district near the firth, while Ostseebad on the north-western side of the firth almost reaches Wassersleben at the Danish border.

Eating out At Flensberg

Flensburg
Flensburg offers a variety of restaurants that serves cuisines that range from regional as well as international. You won't find anything really exotic though. If it's not German, it's probably Italian, Greek or Yugoslavian.

Taverne Nafplion
Address Süderfischer Straße 3/ 24937 Flensburg
tel 0461-22539

Borgerforeningen
Address Holm 17/ 24937 Flensburg
Tel 0461-23385

Café Restaurant Bellevue
address Am Gastseglerhafen/ 24937 Flensburg
tel 0461-180740

Tourist Information of Frankfurt

2008-03-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

Tourist Office Main Station
Address: inside the Hauptbahnhof

The tourist office usually opens at weekdays from 8 am to 9 pm and in weekends only until noon. At the tourist office you can get a Frankfurtcard which gives you reductions to all museums, as well as free use of public transport. The lifestyle magazine with all current events, the "Fritz" is available.

Medical Services

It provide a round the clock doctor service. The University Clinic at Theodor Stern Kai 7 in Sachsenhausen provide good midnight emergency.

Telephones

The international country code for Germany is +49
The national city code for Frankfurt is 069
If you call from abroad dial +49 69 followed by the individual number

Bookshops

There is a British bookshop in the Boerserstrasse at no. 17. It has a really good collection. Hugendubel at the Steinweg also has English books. It is a cosy place where you can sit and read the books you consider buying.

Post Offices
Address: Zeil 108-110

It opens from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays, and remain open until 1 pm on Saturdays. There is also a post office in the central station and on the airport that remains open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.

Get More information on Frankfurt from Its Official Site

http://www.frankfurt.de/sixcms/detail.php?id=stadtfrankfurt_eval01.c.317693.de&template=hp_flash

Frankfurt Tourist Attractions

2008-03-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

Frankfurt am Main boost many tourist attractions to explore. The city skyline, the modern landmark of this business and finance metropolis, stands at the ready to welcome visitors from afar.

The main tourist attraction are Frankfurt Cathedral, St. Paul´s Church and the Goethe-House. Close by, Frankfurt´s museum landscape is on show along the Main River on the unique museum embankment. As far as shopping is concerned the main area is the downtown Frankfurt, make sure to take some rest in one of the many streetside cafés - it´s the perfect way to take in the charm of the city, particularly on a warm summer´s day. You van also try the Frankfurt´s local beverage of preference, known as "Ebbelwei" or "Stöffche", that is a part of Old Sachsenhausen as is "Frau Rauscher", one of Frankfurt´s most-loved personalities, who has gained quite a reputation for giving patrons a spray-down with the garden hose during hot spells, among other things.

Botanical Gardens

Frankfurt Zoo
Address: Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16, 60316 Frankfurt/Main

Frankfurt zoo is amongst the oldest in the world and was founded by citizens in the 19th century. On 8 August 1858, Germany's second zoo that was opened by the zoo company, the first one is in Berlin, with 600 animals. On about 130.000 sqm you can admire and observe.
opening hours: Daily 9am (summer) - 5pm (winter) or 7pm (summer)

Historical Gardens
It is easy to observe the foundations from the Roman and Medieval times,
address: Nearby the cathedral.

Palm Garden
Address: Palmengartenstr

It is amongst the nicest botanical gardens in Europe. On 50 acres, the gardens showcases numerous beautiful and interesting plants throughout the year.
tel: +49 (0)69 21 23 82

Historical Buidlings
The Old Town
Frankfurt's an enchanting medieval quarter, located around a cluster of Gothic buildings known as the Roemer. The Cathedral and the Hauptwache are only two of these buildings.

The Römer
Address: Römerberg
The Römer, is a famous tourist destination in Frankfurt, and it has been the symbol of Frankfurt for more than 550 years now. Since 1612, the German emperors after their election celebrated large banquets here. In 1944, when great parts of the inner city were totally destroyed by the Allied Forces in World Wasr II.
tel: +49 (0)69 - 212-01

The Old Opera House
Address: Opernplatz

The monument was opened in 1880 and the Opera in Frankfurt tasted its first success with Mozarts "Don Juan". Designed by the Berlinian architect Richard Lucae, the building was dominated by Renaissance and Hellenistic elements and is obviously influenced by the buildings of Gottfried Semper in Berlin and Dresden.
tel: +49 (0)69 34 03 75

Town Hall
Address: Römerberg

The old Town hall on the, known as Römer, consists of three 15th century houses. The museum opens daily from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Entrance 3 DM.

Churches of Frankfurt

St. Pauls Church
Address: Paulsplatz, west of the Cathedral
tel: +49 (0)69 - 281 098

The "Paulskirche" is an important institution of German history. In 1848, the first German parliament met to formulate a German constitution. The church was designed by Johann Andreas Liebhardt in 1787 in late classicistic style.

Karmeliterkloster
Address: Münzgasse 9
Tel: +49 (0)69 - 212-38425

The church was constructed between 1460 and 1520, this monastery houses the famous wall frescoes in the cloister painted by Jörg Ratgeb. The church remains open from Tuesday - Sunday from 1pm to 6pm, on Wednesdays from 11am till 8pm.

Cathedral St. Bartholomäus
The Cathedral is one of the few monuments remaining from prewar times. In 1235, the erection of this new church replaced the old Carolingian "Salvatorkirche". Since 1356 ten German emperors were crowned here. It comprises the most imposing Gothic tower whose height is of 96 metres. Nearby are the historical gardens.

Museums

Postal Museum
Address: Schaumainkai 53
url: www.museumsstiftung.de

The entrance into this museum is free and is of definite interest to the filatelist. They have the collection of the former Reichspostmuseum in Berlin.

Museum Judengasse/Boerneplatz
Address: 10 Kurt-Schumacher-Strasse

This small museum that lies with the complex of the Jewish Museum of the City of Frankfurt am Main. The main attraction are the architectural remains of the old Jewish quarter, the attached exhibition illustrates the street's history. The museum remains open during Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday from 10 am -5 pm, Wednesday from 10 am- 8 pm.

Admission: 3 DM; children/students, 1.50 DM.

German Film Museum

The German film Museum is a good option for tourist to pass their time. It is inexpensive, only 2,50 marks and they have an interesting collection of movies.
address: Schweizer Strasse near the water.

German Architecture Museum
Address: Schaumainkai 41

It is an exhibition hall with no permanent collection.The quality of the shows varies depending on wht and who is showcasing his /her products. Admission 8 DM . Students may ask for reductions in the entrance fee.

Goethe House
Address: Grosser Hirschgraben 23-25

The Goethe House is built in honor of the famous German poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe. The museum was reconstructed after World War II true to the style of Goethe’s time. openings: Mon to Sat 9am to 6pm

The Schirn Gallery
Address: Römerberg
url: www.schirn.de/

The gallery showcases the exhibitions of paintings and art from the ancient world through the postmodern area. It is also known for holding temporary exhibitions. You witll be requite to pay 10-14 DM for the entrance.For Children/students, the entrance fee is 6-9 DM
The gallery opens on Sunday & Tuesday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; Wed.-Sat.: 11:00 AM-10:00 PM

Frankfurt

2008-03-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

Popularly known as Mainhattan and Bankfurt, Frankfurt is a rich city in central Germany with 650.000 inhabitants. This is the first place where the traveler lands as the exotic abode boost an International airport, the leading freight airport in Europe and largest in terms of passengers on the European continent. Frankfurt plays a dual role in Germany: on the one hand it is the cut-throat financial capital of Germany and on the other it is a civilized place which spends more per year on the arts than any other city in Europe. Frankfurt is an exotic abode where a traveler will discover a lively international city boosting many activities.

Unveiling Frankfurt!!
Frankfurt endorses many theatres and galleries, and an array of museums. The city has seen a destructive past as over half of the city was destroyed during world war II and the re builders opted for innovation rather restoration.

Frankfurt is a great tourist destination as it attracts tourist from all over the world. It is a dynamic European metropolis and a melting pot of cultures, languages and lifestyles. Hundred of decades ago, the city was the center of the German parliamentary movement of 1848/49 and the meeting place of the "Frankfurt National Assembly” which was of historical importance for the democratic development of Germany. In 1948 it was Frankfurt, where the first steps were taken to found the Federal Republic of Germany.

The city shows its full splendor on the banks of the Main river and significantly the biggest part of town lies on the north bank. The city center lies in the east where most banks and other institutions are located. The south bank is known as Sachsenhausen and is very nice place to explore. Most of the museums could be found at Museumsufer, the south bank of the main, near the city center. Römerplatz is the good tourist spot to explore the historical buildings of that area, such as the Römer and the St. Bartholomäus church.

Climate of Frankfurt
Frankfurt have a temperate climate with warm summers and mild cloudy winters. The climate is more continental with warmer summers and colder winters. The Alpine and upland regions have cooler weather and more rain. Rain is expected throughout the country and all the year round.

Frankfurt's summers are warm with occasional wet days, expect temperature range between 10 and 32 degrees Celsius. In the winter, temperatures range between -10 and 10 degrees Celsius.

Getting There
By Airways:

It boost an International airport and for tourist it works like a gateway to Europe. It is Europe's leading freight airport and in terms of passengers it comes second, after London Heathrow. So a lot of people are likely to arrive by plane. From the airport there is a fast suburban train to the city center. The departures are frequent and even for people who only have a stop-over of only 4 hours, it is worth going to the town.

By Railhead:

Frankfurt boost many good and frequent trains and other European cities, both within and outside of Germany. A fast train to Amsterdam only takes about five hours to reach the Frankfurt. Other fast rail link includes Berlin, Munich, Hannover and Cologne. In most cases it is necessary to register in advance.

Getting Around Frankfurt
Frankfurt endorse a good public transport system. Buses, tramways and the underground are more popular in Frankfurt. Taxis are generally not used as they are quite expensive.

U-Bahn
This is the underground line and boost a two major lines. One track is going from the Central Station north to the Berger Strasse, via Theaterplatz, Roemerberg and Konstablerwache, the other going round the center an into Sachsenhausen. You can change at Consatblerwache and at Theaterplatz.

S-Bahn
The S Bahn takes you to the Central Station first north to the Opera, then via Fressgasse to Zeil and Konstablerwache. From there it turns south and crosses the Main and goes to the Bahnhof of Sachsenhausen.

Bicycle
People in Frankfurt love cycling and is a common mode of transportation over there. There are many bicycle lanes and cars tend to be quite polite to bicycle riders. You can take bike on rent at the Central Station or from Radschlag in the Hallgartenstrasse 56.

Hessen

2008-03-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hessen is the fifth largest regional state in Germany, spanning over an area of 21,000 sq km. The state holds great significance in the economy of the country and has one of the strongest economies as compared to any region in Europe. Hessen a vital point in terms of finance with over 400 banks, the stock exchange and the Bundesbank in Frankfurt am Main. The state is also an important industrial and technological base. It host countless international trade fairs and the site of the Rhine-Main airport, largest freight carrier and second-largest passenger airport in Europe.

Unveiling Hessen!

Hessen is also a good tourist destination full of variations. The activities that you might take up is sailboarding, windsurfing and sailing at the Edersee, hang-gliding and gliding at the Wasserkuppe in the Rhön, skiing and toboggan at the Feldberg in the Taunus, horse-riding. Hessen offers lots of golf, wandering, cycling and tennis facilities. Wiesband is the capital of Hessen and is a famous international spa. Frankfurt am Main, or 'Mainhatten' is a commercial and industrial city and offers you a lot of really interesting museums. A cultural jewel is also the Schloss Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel. The old university town of Marburg with the early Gothic Elisabethkirche attracts travelers from world over. The small town of Miltenberg and Worms with its cathedral are worth seeing.

Weather and Climate of Germany

2008-03-26T02:14:00.001-07:00

Germany mostly boost a temperate marine climate with rare extreme difference in temperature. Winter temperatures vary from west to east, with about freezing temperatures in the west and well below freezing in eastern Germany. Summer temperatures are typically between 20 and 30ﾰC, with more rainfall during the summer.

Central and Southern hills
Germany climate don't show much temperature difference except for the coastal regions and North and Southern Bavaria. Generally, the summers are warm from Leipzig and Dresden to Stuttgart with frequent rainfall. Winters can be cold. The amount of snowfall and average temperatures are influenced by altitude rather than by diverse climate regions. Germany boost a continental weather is that varies from year to year, interestingly the cold spring and rainy summers can be followed by spectacular sunshine in the next year.

Baltic Coast and North German Plain
Due to the influence of the sea, the climate of Baltic and North Coast is quite reliable and show little difference. In contrast to inner Germany, the difference between seasons is less distinct. However, winters can be severe with chilly winds and freezing temperatures. The Summers are warm and pleasant with frequent rainfall. The abode is blessed with sunshine, while the amount of rainfall guarantees green and fertile landscape.

Best time to visit Germany
The best time to visit Germany is between May and September when skies are mostly clear. A tourist will find many beer gardens and cafes that bustle in all the wee hours. Apart from this, outdoor events and festivals rejoices the cities and villages that attracts tourists from all over the world . Few other things that attracts tourists are hiking, cycling and swimming and are amongst the popular pursuits. The only drawback of traveling in summer travel is, larger crowds at museums and other tourist destination. Accommodation isn't a problem, but it is recommendable to book your beach and mountain resorts popular with tourists.

Wittenberg

2008-03-25T23:07:00.001-07:00

Located in the eastern part of Saxony Anhalt, Wittenberg lies halfway between Berlin (80 km) and Leipiz (70 km). The city of approximately 54,000 serves as the county seat of Wittenberg.

Wittenberg became popular with the town where Martin Luther started the reformation. In those days, the city was an important intellectual and cultural center, Interestingly, the city have still endorse many monuments that were built during that period.

Exploring Wittenberg!

For a visitor the best sight to start is the Market where you will find City Hall, a beautiful renaissance building built in 1535, as well as St. Mary's Church. Together with the facades the houses facing the marketplace, these two buildings form one of the most beautiful historical ensembles in Germany. Due to this reason, this whole area has long been protected as an historical site.

The Castle Church, in the Wittenberg Castle is one of the important tourist destination where Luther posted his 95 theses - the initial point of the reformation.

Built by Frederick the Wise, the Castle and All Saints Church were constructed between 1490 and 1511. The Church constitutes the third wing of the structure. One of the castle towers was reconstructed in 1892 and made into the spire of the church. The Castle Church was known both for its artistic interior and for Frederick the Wise's unique collection of relics. Beginning in 1507, the Church also served as the University chapel. As the Seven Years' War finished, in 1760, the Church was destroyed by fire and was reconstructed in 1892 as a Monument to the Reformation. Cranach and Melanchthon Houses are good examples of renaissance architecture from this part of Europe as well and is a good place to explore.

Rheinsberg

2008-03-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

On the shores of Grienerick See, Rheinsberg is primarily famous for its Schloss Rheinsberg. Situated 20km northeast of Neuruppin, RHEINSBERG, a small resort at the southern end of a network of lakes, dotted with campsites and water sports facilities. It's an enchanting eighteenth-century town, best known for its associations with Frederick the Great, moldering quietly on the shore of the Grienericksee, the southernmost end of the Rheinsberger.

The main tourist attraction over here is the lakeside Schloss, a three-winged building in smudged white at the southwestern edge of the center. An earlier building on the same site was the residence of Frederick the Great from 1736 until he was put to the throne in 1740. He spent his time in Rheinsberg in the study of science and art, later claiming it as the happiest period of his life. His favourite architect, Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, was commissioned to design the present structure as a palace for Frederick's younger brother Heinrich, who spent sixty years there, enjoying the company of attractive young men and redesigning the gardens. Highlight of the Schloss's interior is an allegorical ceiling painting Day Drives Away the Night.

Spreewald

2008-03-25T23:01:00.001-07:00

Spreewald is the green city of the Berlin Area. The towns of Lubben and Lubbenau, only 13 km apart, rival as the enchanting capital of the Wald. One of the best thing to do in the Spreewald is to visit the forest by boat. By boating you can cross the canals.

Hiking and walking are also a very good options to try in Sprewald. You can get the walking routes from the tourist office in Lubben that sells the maps. The best hike is from Lubben to Lubbenau (13 km).

Take out some time to visit Lehde as well, the Venice of the Spreewald. It has a museum that exemplifies good Sorbian architecture. The Spreewald is easily reached by train to Lubben.

Tourist Attraction
The major tourist attraction in the town. Reconstructed in the 1740-ties, the Schloss is a predecessor of Sanssouci in Potsdam. It was spared in WW II, and many art treasures have been brought to the Schloss Museum afterwards. The schloss is being rebuild and redesigned. It remain open from April to October from 9:30 to 5 pm. Admission is 6 DM.

Cottbus

2008-03-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

Cottbus, the green city on the river Spree, is located at the southern end of the Spreewald (Spree Forest) about 70 miles south of Berlin. The city popularly known for its parks and has more recently established itself as a university town. These days Cottbus have established itself as a center for trade fairs and congresses in the Niederlausitz. This bilingual town's history has been shaped by both Germans and Sorbs. Located between Berlin and Dresden, close to the Spreewald (river Spree forest), Cottbus is an easy tourist spot to reach. The city boost exotic culture, art and nature that offer many opportunities for the travelers to explore.

Located only 20 miles away from the Polish border, Cottbus and its surrounding villages are home to many Slavic race resident in Germany. You will also notice the name Chosebuz, as it is the Sorbish name, and further information about their culture and lifestyle can be found in the Wendisches Museum in the city center. Many of the streets are sign posted in both languages as well, but Sorbish, as expected from a Slavic language, is more related to Polish and Czech than to German.

Exploring Cottbus!
The major tourist attraction in Cottbus is Schloss Branitz or the Branitz Castle, that was almost rebuilt after the fall of the Berlin Wall and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1996. The castle itself was designed by Gottfried Semper, is a museum devoted to the life of Fürst Hermann Pückler (1785-1871)

The eccentric and enigmatic landscape gardener whose gardens are the major sight of this complex. These gardens were created over 40 years (1846 - 1888), indeed Pückler did not live to see them completely finished. The major claim to fame is the "Seepyramide", a large pyramid set in the middle of a lake. The gardens became much more well-known after the Bundesgartenschau, a national exhibition of gardens, which was held there in 1995.

Potsdam

2008-03-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

Popularly known as the City of Palaces and Gradens, the city of Potsdam is better known for its the residence of the Prussian kings in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the enchanting history of this place is much older. Traces of human life have been found from times as old as the beginning of the Stone Age 12,000 years ago. The “Roman Entrenchment” near Sacrow was built in the Bronze Age about 3 000 years ago and is one of Europe’s oldest military constructions.

Exploring Potsdam

Sanssouci Palace

Sanssouci Palace is the one of the popular palaces of Potsdam’s, a masterpiece perched at the top a hill overlooking the Havel landscape.

Park Sanssouci

The Park Sanssouci spans over 724 acrescompared to Central Park’s 840and has three palaces: the rococo Sanssouci Palace, the Baroque New Palace and Charlottenhof Palace within the complex. Sanssouci presents an ensemble of palaces and gardens that form the centerpiece of Potsdam’s unique cultural and historical landscape.

Charlottenhof Palace

It is a small palace with an outstanding example of romantic classicism in Germany. Its artistic entity of buildings, gardens and landscape park can easily be seen by its architecture.

Brandenburg Street

Brandenburg Street has restored 18th-century residential area that has been transformed into a wide pedestrian boulevard filled with eclectic book stores, antique shops and bistros.

Cultural Programme

The city rejoice itself with the Das Quartier, a big cultural programme. The cultural fest brings all sorts of people together. from squatters to lawyers. Generally Fridays are dedicated to parties. A visitor has the choice to show off their skill at billiards or darts here. You really shouldn't miss the last Saturday of the month - soul and live Black music create a really rollicking atmosphere. And admission is usually free. In warm weather there's a peaceful garden in the backyard.

Shopping At PostDam

G-Punkt
A perfect place to buy clothes. Scene clothes and everything to gladden sprayer's hearts. Kurfürstenstr. 2, S Potsdam Stadt, tram 96, 92 The shop remain open from Monday to Friday 10am - 7pm

Görtz M
Fashionable shoes at cheap prices. In the Stern-Center, S Griebnitzsee, bus 690, 696, This shop opens from Monday to Friday from 9.30 am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 4 pm.

Brando 4
This shop sell fashionable clothes for people with money, Brandenburger Str. 14, S Potsdam Stadt, tram 92, 93 to Bassinplatz. The shop opens from Monday to Friday from 9:30 am -8 pm, Sa 9 am -4 pm

Brandenburg

2008-03-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Brandenburg is the surrounding region of Berlin, but now its difficult to find the difference between the fast paced capital and the quiet countryside. It is about the size of Belgium as it stretches between the Elbe and Oder rivers and from the lakes around Rheinsberg in the north to the lakes in the south around Cottbus. The State of Brandenburg spans over an area of 29,056km² . Apart from pine and fir forests this region mostly consists of sandy plain. The area boost around 3000 rivers and lakes - the Havel and the Spree rivers flow through it as well. The town has a population of around 2.53 million people.

Phenomenally, there were 500 hectares of parks and 150 buildings constructed between 1730 and 1916. The complex of palaces and parks of Potsdam form a unique whole which lines the banks of the Havel and the Glienicke Lakes. It is important to note that Voltaire lived in the Sanssouci Palace, built under the guidance of Frederick II during the period between 1745 and 1757. Other tourist attraction in this state are the St. Jacob's Chapel in Perleberg and St. Katherine's Church in Brandenburg an der Havel, dating back to fourteenth century. In Brandenburg, there is also a Romanesque cathedral which had its foundation laid in the twelfth century, and was reconstructed in the fourteenth century in the Gothic style and it was restored in the 1960s.

Other popular tourist spots in Brandenburg includes the Spree Forest , Frankfurt/Oder, Wittenberg and Sachsenhausen with its former Nazi concentration camp.

Hills of Black Forest

2008-03-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

South West of Germany lies the Black Forest that covers a range of birch and pine studded hills along 100 miles. The forest is famous as a holiday mecca with its scenic fairy-tale villages, spa-bath resorts, hiking trails and ski resorts. The first famous holiday maker to enjoy rest and fun in the Black Forest was the Roman emperor Caracalla, who stopped at the natural spring waters, around 2,000 years ago. Since then the forest has been the chosen destination of the rich and famous, has come to take the waters and enjoy the forests natural beauty.

Significantly, during the medieval times, the local people developed the traditional skills of woodcarving, glass-blowing, jewelery-making and clock-making, and these are still followed today to the delight of tourists with spending money in their pockets. The Black Forest has also renowned for its local delicacies like Black Forest ham and cherry cake.

Lake Constance

2008-03-25T22:24:00.001-07:00

Also referred to as the Bodensee, Lake Constance is 42 miles long and covers an area of 208 square miles. The depth of the lake is 827 feet . Significantly, the borders of three European countries run through Lake Constance. The Foothills of the Alps in the country of Austria, that lies in the southwestern end of the lake, are also visible in the upper left and upper center of the image. To the northeast or left of the lake is the country of Germany. To the southwest or right of the lake is the country of Switzerland. The Lake Constance had been essentially formed by the Rhine Glacier during the ice ages.

The shallow waters of Lake Constance play a major role in the life of the 250,000 waterfowl and shorebirds that nest there. In the shallow water zone that makes up only 14 percent of the lakes surface, these birds find the water plants, mussels, and other organisms that they depend upon for food. The annual drop in the lakes level also exposes lake bottom in which ducks forage for food during the fall

Friedrichschain

2008-03-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

Friedrichschain is an old district, south of Karl-Marx-Allee, that maintain its austere charm and is a retreat for those who wants to be away from the hip-hop of the city life. As a traveler, you can discover a nice neighborhood, and spree of old architecture houses that have their own legacy to tell. Gradually, lots of students have moved in here since 1991 or simply transferred because rents in the old houses were quite low.

Unveiling Friedrichshain!
As far as tourist spots are concerned, you won't be disappointed as the district endorses many destination that are worth exploring. Right by the Oberbaumbrcke, there is a East Side Gallery, the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall (more than 1 km long). The artworks were created immediately after German unification - this is a piece of wall that was never painted in communist times. Here on Spreeufer is Speicher, an American-inspired amusement complex with discos and bars on 4 floors. As you move further to the east, directly under Warschauer Stra￟e S-Bahn station, dance fans can swing a leg in Matrix.

Party time folks!
After exploring that bit of Friedrichshain, you might be tired and Karel Duba gives you a perfect living room to relax and to energize yourself. Just a few steps away from Karel Duba is Non Tox, where the weekend parties are full of subversive musical contrasts. You can also try-Busche, that presents another kind of music, a haunt for gay men and lesbians.

Let's Shop!
Friedrichshain is no less of shops, in fact, you can find some lots of interesting shops in Simon-Dach-Stra￟e and Whlischstra￟e. Conmux is renowned for its Sunday buffet breakfast - though the jokey sculptures here are not edible. If you feel like dressing yourself in great outfits, you can try the Seven Sisters and No Naked, perfect for loud gear and club wear. Around Boxhagener Platz are pubs, record shops and health food shops.

Add Drama to Your Life!
The district also boost several theaters and cinema halls to provide visitors, the entertainment they have never seen before. Boxhagener Stra￟e, Intimes, is the cinema hall over 70 years old; the caf￩ of the same name next door with its light friendly atmosphere attracts an international crowd. After a look at peaceful Knorrpromenade, which is delightful when the trees are in blossom, pop into Knorre, a events center with a varied programmer and a medieval Round Table. A nice caf￩ is ￜbereck, with cheap cocktails and a good buffet breakfast. Nevergreen is an exotic music theater that offers music beyond mainstream. Here you find international music magazines and second-hand rarities along with the usual Cs and vinyl.

Volkspark Friedrichshain is another tourist attraction, a great park that offers lots of sports and outdoor activities. The waterworks in the fountains are another outdoor treat for free. Far from the glamorous shopping streets you can enjoy a very personal atmosphere here.

Esslingen

2008-03-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

The former Free Imperial City situated in the beautiful Neckar valley, surrounded by hillside vineyards. The 1200 years old is a delights for visitors with its winding, cobble stoned alleys in the historical Old Town. The major attractions in the city include the oldest complete street of half-timbered houses in Germany, old patrician and wine-growers houses, beautiful churches, courtyards, gates and towers. Esslingen is also the home of Kessler, Germanys oldest sparkling wine producers.

Tourist Sights in Esslingen

Esslingen Castle : This is the most popular landmark and part of the medieval fortifications, Esslingen Castle have the Pliensau Tower, the Schelz Gate and the Wolf Gate.

St. Dionys Church is the late Romanesque columns, high altar, tabernacle, choir stalls with fine stained glass.

The Frauenkirche or the Church of Our Lady: is amongst the earliest Gothic hall church in south-west Germany with stained-glass windows.

St. Paul s Cathedral: This is am is the oldest surviving church of the Mendicants order in Germany.

The Old Town Hall include the astronomical clock, the glockenspiel and the fine Renaissance fa ade by Heinrich Schickhardt.

Dick: It is a leisure and entertainment centre in a converted factory building from the turn of the century.

Karlsruhe (Carlsruhe)

2008-03-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

Also known as Carlsruhe, the city is linked by canal with the nearby Rhine River.Karlsruhe is situated at the intersection of two important transport axes and is linked to the high-speed railway network ICE. The public transport system enables passengers to reach their destination in Karlsruhe in a few minutes and to get to Frankfurt International Airport within one hour.

Unveiling Karlsruhe!

Karlsruhe is situated in the south west German state of Baden-Wurttemberg and has a population of more than 275,000 inhabitants. Impressively, a recent EU survey ranked the top 15 high-tech regions in Europe, of these 10 were in Germany with Karlsruhe being placed second. Karlsruhe can also boast the highest density of researchers in all of Europe.

The major tourist attraction includes the former ducal palace; a fine-arts museum featuring paintings by Hans Thoma; and a botanical garden. Karlsruhe was founded in 1715 by Charles William, margrave of Baden-Durlach. In the mid-18th century the community was laid out with its streets radiating from the palace. Karlsruhe became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1806. It was severely damaged in World War II (1939-1945).

Tourist Attractions of Karlsruhe

Tourist Attraction at Karlsruhe

Municipal Park
Being a green city, Karlsruhe boost a splendid Municipal Park with an attractive zoo. The park is situated between the railway station and the city center. It is worth spending a day in this city just for the parks alone. Beautiful parks with old trees, well-tended lawns and borders, and the nearby forests are the few gems of the city.

Staatliche Kunsthalle
Built over the period of 1843-46, Staatliche Kunsthalle housed in a Neo-Renaissance building. The museum showcases German and Dutch painting from the 16th-19th century. Gruenewald's famous Crucifixtion (1523) is one of the high force of attraction amongst the tourists.

High court
The Federal Constitutional Court and the Federal Appeal Court are also major attraction of the Karlsruhe and are well-established "residents of Karlsruhe".

Ducal Palace
Built over the period of 1749-1781, the Ducal Palace is the former residence of the Dukes of Baden The palace was reconstructed after it was being destroyed in World War II, but the original interiors were not restored. The palace now houses the excellent Badisches Landesmuseum, which houses a collection of antiquities as well as decorative arts, sculpture, porcelain, and furniture from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Rottweil

2008-03-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

It is one of the oldest city in Baden-Wurttemberg and is located on the bank of upper Neckar river in an idyllic setting. The enchanting medieval historic city center with colorful facades and the narrow streets and the alleys of the old town invite you to stay a while.

The main highlight of the city every year is it's unique form of carnival called the Alemannische Fasnet. On the fool's procession through the picturesque old town locals wear their traditional masks and costumes.

Rottweil is a a cultural city boosting many events that are worth experiencing . The town is also ideally located to explore the stunning nature of nearby Black Forest and Swabian Alb. Those who are looking for some urban feeling can visit the county capital Stuttgart with its many galleries, the famous opera house and shopping facilities, or the Swiss city of Basel, both less than an hour's drive. And of course there is Lake Constance, the so-called "Swabian Sea", a center for water sports in a beautiful landscape, bordered by three countries. Rottweil is a retreat for travelers who want to explore the magic of real Germany.

Mannheim

2008-03-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

One of the largest cities in northern Baden-Württemburg, Sprawled all around the junction of the Rhein and Neckar rivers, Mannheim has some fifteen suburbs, all very large, and it sports the largest shopping districts in the area.

Mannheim endorse few exotic tourist destination that are a delight to travelers. At the outer edge of town to the East, there is a large industrial museum and a planetarium. There are several large churches scattered about town (the Jesuit church to the west is particularly picturesque).Anoth0er attraction is the Mannheim Castle, pictured at left. The eastern side of Mannheim has a number of worker's museums and a planetarium, along with Carl-Benz Stadion and several very large shopping centers.

Tourist Attractions of Mannheim

Destroyed in World War II, Manheim was rebuilt in a conventional style. Only few monuments were not disturbed that includes the Baroque Altes Rathaus and the Secessionist Wasserturm in Friedrichsplatz.

Church of Saint Ignatius and St. Francis Xavier Built in 1733-60 by Alessandro Galli da Bibiena, the church was majorly destroyed in World War II. Church has been largely rebuilt and still boasts its original altars.

Staedtische Kunsthalle This museum showcases art collection housed in a jugenstil edifice. The museum is fairly small and concentrates on 19th and early 20th century works.

Schwäbisch Gmünd

2008-03-25T22:09:00.002-07:00

Schwäbisch Gmünd is an enchanting town that looked great under a blanket of white. The downtown area of Schwäbisch Gmünd was colorful and marked with several magnificent towers. Its surrounding area was high rolling hills that were covered in snow. The people of this city were very friendly. As particulars of the city go, Schwäbisch Gmünd sits on the confluence of the Rems and Josefsbach Rivers. Neither of these rivers are very big, but the depth of the artificial basins they run through nowadays suggest past flooding.

The downtown is really not that big, and can be combed quite comfortably in a few leisurely hours. The tourist bureau's pamphlets were great, marking roughly thirty points of interest that were all easy to find.

Pforzheim

2008-03-25T22:09:00.001-07:00

A small town of Germany situated at the confluence of the Nagold and the Enz, on. the northern margin of the Black Forest, 19 m. S.E. of Karlsruhe by rail, and at the junction of lines to Wildbad and Ettlingen. Some of the enchanting buildings of Pforezheim are the old palace of the margraves of Baden, and the Schlosskirche, the tombs and monuments of the margraves.

Pforzheim is the chief center in Germany for the manufacture of gold and silver ornaments and jewelry, an industry that gives employment to about 22,000 hands, besides which there are iron and copper works, and manufactures of chemicals, paper, leather, machinery. A brisk trade is maintained in timber, cattle and agricultural produce.

Pforzheim is of Roman origin. From about 1300 to 1565 it was the seat of the margraves of Baden. It was taken by the troops of the Catholic League in. 1624, and was destroyed by the French in. 1689. The story of the 400 citizens of Pforzheim who sacrificed themselves for their prince after the battle of Wimpfen in May 1622 has been relegated by modern historical research to the domain of legend.

Ludwigsburg

2008-03-25T22:08:00.001-07:00

Ludwigsburg is a southwestern city of Germany, in Baden-Württemberg located near the Neckar River. The city developed around a baroque castle, built (1704-33) as the seat of the dukes of Württemberg. The castle, amidst the landscaped gardens, now boost a museum.

Ludwigsburg is an active, lively and friendly town in the center of one of the most economically sound regions in Germany. The baroque palaces and the large parks, the Baroque-in-Bloom gardens and the culture and convention centre "Forum am Schlosspark", the famous porcelain factory, or the renowned palace festival are all part of the unique profile of this town.

Sinsheim

2008-03-25T22:03:00.001-07:00

Sinsheim is situated amidst the Heilbronn and the Manheim, and boosts few tourist spots. You will face no problem in finding a good accommodation at Sinsheim.

Exploring Sinsheim!

The Sinsheim Technical Museum is one of the major attraction of the town. The Sinsheim Technical Museum showcases aircraft, ships, automobiles, and other machinery off the Sinsheim-Steinsfurt exit of Autobahn 6 that also has an IMAX theater. The biggest reason people visit Sinsheim, it is open year-round, and it's a full day's tour. There are few castles in the town that beautify the town with their marvelous architecture.

Ulm

2008-03-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

Ulm and its second half Neu-Ulm is situated on the banks of the river Danube and are segregated by the boundary between the Federal Lands of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The population of their city is 170,000 people. Despite of the division the two towns have lot of things common that includes economy, tourism, culture, traffic or in providing leisure facilities. Most striking are perhaps the important traffic routes which meet there in the heart of Southern Germany.

The major attraction of the town are the Ulm's cathedral, the Ulmer Münster. Ulm was also the birthplace of one of the 20th century's most famous persons - Albert Einstein. Some big world-wide operating companies, modern convention facilities, the science park close to the University and colleges, a wide cultural offer both in quantity and in quality and outstanding landmarks of contemporary architecture are characterizing for the modern aspects of Ulm and Neu-Ulm.

Ulm celebrate a big fest every year on the second last monday of July, called the "Schwörmontag". It the day when the governing mayor swears an traditional oath to his people. The same day thousands of people swim and party in the river Danube and the whole city is on its feet.

Tourist Spots of Ulm

Ulm has many tourist spots to explore, making it one of the most enchanting towns in Germany.

Crooked House
It is one of the well known house of the Old town of Ulm and was built in 15th/16th century. The Crooked house is situated in the Fishermen's quarter on the banks of river Blau. According to the "Guiness Book of Records" 1995 it is registered as the "most crooked hotel" of the world. After a complex renovation, it is corrected and secured in its crooked position.

Ulm Munster

It is the second largest example of Gothic ecclesiastical architecture in Germany. Ulm Munster has dominated the city and the region for hundreds of years and its name is, a synonym for the city itself, at home and abroad. With its 161 metres, it is the highest spire in the world. Those who climb its 768 steps are rewarded with a superb panoramic view of Baden-Württemberg's Ulm and Bayern's Neu-Ulm and, in the right weather conditions, a vista of the Alpine range from Säntis to the Zugspitze.

Fishermen's quarter
It is a medieval artisans' quarter situated on the River Blau endorsing scenic houses, bridges and squares.

Freiburg

2008-03-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

Located at the southern tip of Black Forest region, Freiburg is in the immediate vicinity of France and Switzerland. The history of Freiburg's is full of wars and changing sovereigns. Significantly, in World War II Freiburg was accidentally bombed by German planes and almost completely destroyed. But today, its historic center has been reconstructed accurately and in detail.

The town covers 15,300 hectares, and spans over an area of 20 km from east to west and 18 km from north to south. The Rhine is only 3 km away from the town's western limit. The pleasant climate of the area makes the town well-known for being,one of the warmest places in Germany.

Freiburg has many tourist destination to explore but Freiburgs famous cathedral, the Munster, known for the most beautiful spire in Christendom is a special monument to see. Little streams still run through the streets of the Old Town, whose pavements are decorated with pretty mosaics made of Rhine pebbles.

As a university town, Freiburg offers an array of cultural events, restaurants, coffee shops, museums and art galleries without losing its small charm. Its climate is pleasant and allows for extensive vine growing. Freiburg's conventional cuisine, based on asparagus, river trout and 'kssptzle' , a cheese-covered dish of noodles, is something to relish.

History
Established by the Dukes of Zähringen, Frieburg is a medieval town. Its historical development was especially influenced by its more than 400-year-long association with the Habsburg Dynasty. Frieburg was developed from a walled middle-ages market town to a fort city in the 17th/18th century to the present-day modern city of about 200,000 inhabitants. After being badly damaged during the Second World War, the city centre was rebuilt using the layout of the middle-ages city observing traditional urban planning. Freiburg is celebrating its 875th birthday in 1995.

Places to See in Freiburg

Open air museum
Recreated town shows life from the end of the Middle Ages through six centuries.
Attraction type Historic village; History museum

Munster
The majestic cathedral is one of the most prominent landmark, built between the 13th and 16th centuries.

Wenzingerhaus
This majestic structure houses a museum that chronicles Freiburg's history through the 18th century.

Munsterplatz
Named after Freiburg's famous cathedral, the building is a square town building and is still a major center of the city's social activity.

New Town Hall
Situated in one of Freiburg's largest public squares, this building houses the city's municipal government.

Oberkirch
This popular bar on the Münsterplatz attracts crowds of students and other local residents.

Bachle
A collection of small scenic streams that line many of the streets of Freiburg.

University Church
This old church serves as the primary place of worship at the university, one of Germany's oldest institutes of higher education.

Nightlife at Freiburg

Freiburg is a delight for night lovers. If you want to jerk your leg and dance to the tunes of the Dj's Freiburg is the right place for you. Some popular night spots in Freiburg. One of the few night spots in Freiburg where the "clients" (well, some of them) can actually shake their booty

Kagan, a special discotheque that offers spectacular view of the city. Kagan is found in the main complex built onto the Hauptbahnhof. Since the city is majorly occupied by students, it provides adequate facilities to entertain them especially at night.

Getting there

By air:
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (70km, Air-Bus service). Zurich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt airports are also nearbyArriving at 'Euroairport' Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg it takes one hour by bus to get into the city. From the airports of Zurich, Strasburg, Stuttgart or Frankfurt you have to take either bus or car (2 -3 hours). There is a rapid ICE/IC direct rail connection to Freiburg from Frankfurt Airport

By car: Take the A5 Karlsruhe- Basel autobahn or the B3 or B31.

By rail:
ICE services,hourly EC and IC services

Stuttgart - Capital of Baden-Württemberg

2008-03-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Stuttgart is a southwestern city of Germany and the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg, on the banks of Neckar River. The city is a commercial, manufacturing, and transportation center situated in a vineyard area. It is a major railroad junction and a river port and is served by an international airport.

Exploring Stuttgart!

Stuttgart has an array of tourist spots that includes four castles, the famous Weissenhof estate or the television tower. The feature that attracts tourist to Stuttgart is its amiable atmosphere and hospitality. The city's charms do not unfold immediately to the visitor. They remain concealed, waiting to be discovered.

Stuttgart is a shoppers paradise! The city has exclusive stores, boutiques, modern malls and, of course, the well-known department stores entice the visitor with a wide and attractive range of products. The city is a delight for those who loves to drink hot coffee. Street cafés in the summer, some offering a beautiful view of the city, and a whole host of international restaurants and bars add to Stuttgart's gastronomical appeal.

You will also get the chance to stroll across the various gardens and the parks that offers extensive tranquillity and relaxation to peace lovers. The city's vineyards will spoil you in a different way. Their wines are not just popular here. The region's long wine-growing tradition is carefully documented in a museum.

Stuttgart is a small city and can also be covered on foot. The City Circuit includes the Central Train Station and the two-hour Historic Stuttgart walk which starts at the Altes Schloss at Schillerplatz. Yellow signs direct the walker to many modern and historical areas.

Getting There

By Air
The Stuttgart international airport (SGT) is an international airport served by most major domestic and international airlines. The airport is 13 km from the city. A 30-minute train ride will take you right downtown. Frequent train service connects Stuttgart to all major German and many international cities, as well as to smaller, regional destinations.

By Train
It is easy to locate the train station at Stuttgart situated at city center. You can contact 01805 / 996633 for information on trains. This service is available 24 hrs a day. The bus station is behind the train station.

Getting Around

You will face no problem in traveling across the city as it boost a good public transport system. You have the choice of buses, trams, the metro or the U-Bahn and city tram or the S-Bahn. Since there are many tourist spots to cover within the city, it is highly recommendable to buy a 24 hour-ticket, available for two different zones.

By Bike
Another unique way to cover the city is through a bike available at the i-Punkt tourist office. Bike transport on the commuter trains is restricted. The S-Bahn and U-Bahn also have restricted bike access times which should be checked to avoid fines from roving police. The ADFC provides maps and information on organized rides.

By Taxis
Taxis are another way to cover the city at affordable cost.

Heidelberg

2008-03-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

Heidelberg is a picturesque German city situated on the Neckar River. With quaint red tile-roofed buildings nestled between the river and densely-forested hills dotted with old castles, the city is a marvel in itself. The city is home to the renowned Heidelberg University, and manages to convey a bit of the college town feel.

Heidelberg is known for its famous castle, which overlooks the city's Old Town. A trip up to the castle affords a good view of the city and its photogenic bridge over the Neckar, whose form, with its multi-arch support structure, is reminiscent of a Roman aqueduct, and whose tower-flanked entrance was said to have inspired Walt Disney in his design of the Magic Kingdom. The Philosophenweg (Philosophers' Walk), across the river from the Old Town section, is another way to view the city and some of the older castles upriver.

Sights at Heidelberg

Heidelberg Castle
The castle endorse a destructive past, the castle has been a ruin for more than 200 years.The palace boost itself as a romantic place. Litterally lighting up this image does the Castle Lighting, which takes place three times every summer: As it is getting dark, the castle is filled with a glow of fire and a lot of smoke coming from many burning pots placed in and around the castle.

Castle Garden
Designed by the famous garden architect Salomon de Caus, who built several terraces around the castle, giving a panoramic view onto the castle, the Old Town and even into the Rhine Valley.

Old Bridge
A delight for photographers! Well preserved is the medieval bridge gate on the town side, originally part of the town wall, the bridge itself was reconstructed after World War II.

University Library
The university building endorse a magnificient sculptures and ornaments and then visit the busts of famous scientists and the nice basement construction.

Church of the Holy Spirit
The church construction began in 1398 in the late Gothic style, but it took until the 16th century to complete the church tower. The Church is located at Marktzplaz It contains a collection of manuscripts and is located at the Marktplatz.

Getting There
Heidelberg is a well connected city boosting a good railway connections to major German and European Cities. There is a good public transportation system in Heidelberg. Just in front of the Hauptbahnhof (central train station) there is a stop for buses and trams. Take any bus or tram that goes by the "Bismarckplatz".

By Air
Frankfurt International Airport(FRA). It is Germany's biggest airport and is situated 80km north of Heidelberg.

By Road
Coming on A5, switch to A656 at Autobahnkreuz Heidelberg, direction Heidelberg. You can also enter Heidelberg on B3 (Bergstraße) or B37.

By Rail
Heidelberg can easily be reached by ICE and IC/EC trains (express trains) from all over Germany as well as local trains for trips to and from surrounding cities like Karlsruhe.Heidelberg Hbf means Hauptbahnhof and that means central station.

Getting Around

You will face no problem in traveling across Heidelberg as it is a small city with small distances.You might get the chance to easily walk between most sights in Old Town.

By Rails
There are two major railway stations at Hauptbahnhof (railway station) and Bismarckplatz. The one-way fare is 3,40 DM everywhere inside Heidelberg. For extensive use there are a 24h ticket (10 DM) and a 3-days ticket (20 DM).

By Taxis
Taxis are the easiest mode of transportations throughout the city. To call a taxi, dial 06221/302030.

By Car
Be careful while driving a car, especially in Old Town, as there are many driving and parking restrictions, which are eagerly supervised by the local administration.

Baden -Baden

2008-03-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

Baden-Baden is an enchanting summer capital of Europe. Till date it is patronized by an international clientele, who adore the quality arts scene and excellent leisure facilities. Every year brings a packed programme of new highlights at the opera house, theatre, philharmonic hall and the city's museums and art galleries. But out of all- the annual festival, the casino, the racecourse, the fine wine and the Black forest directly on the city's doorstep also provide virtually unlimited opportunities for fun and frolic.

Built on a series of hills at the foot of the Black Forrest. Baden-Baden is famous for its curative baths and hot springs. It has been for centuries, all the way back to Roman Times. The town was spared from World War II bombings and it still retains the splendor of the 19-th century, with luxurious villas, stately mansions and tree lined avenues.

Place to See in Baden and Baden

The Rebland:
The "Rebland, popularly known as the wine country, is one of Baden's foremost wine-growing regions. Beautiful countryside, sun-kissed hillside vineyards, cosy wine pubs. Just a few kilometers from the town centre.Baden Wine Route Leads all the way from Baden-Baden to the southern Black Forest, through the vineyards, orchards and wine-growing villages of the Black Forest foothills.

Europa Park Rust:
Leisure and adventure Europa park rust that is around 70km from Baden-Baden.

Alsace:
This one of the most enchanting French province include scenic villages, old cities like Strasbourg and Colmar, pottery, wine and the famous Alsace cuisine.

Black Forest :
The most popular scenic route between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt provides magnificent views of dark forested peaks, lush green valleys, waterfalls and quiet, romantic lakes - like the legendary Mummelsee - with castles on their shores.

Strasbourg:
60 kms from the hospitable European city in Alsace from Baden-Baden. It includes scenic sights like the Cathedral, Kammerzell House and the European Parliament.

Baden-Wurttemberg

2008-03-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

Baden-Wurttemberg with Bavaria forms the expanded Southern region of Germany. The best known tourist destination in this region are the Black forest with its sparkling mineral springs. The best known spa here is Baden Baden which is visited for its healing water. Freiburg is also called the gateway to the Black forest. This university-city has a lot of architectural work to offer, and a lot of south German atmosphere as well. Another older university town situated in the north of Baden-Wurttemberg is Heidelburg, the most famous place on the river Rhine.

Unveiling Buden Wurttemberg!
Situated 60 km northeast of Strasbourg,in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg. Besides Strasbourg, other close by, worthwhile cities to visit are Freiberg, Baden Wurttemberg, Rothenberg, Hiledelberg and perhaps Stuttgart for the Porsche museum or a Factory Tour.Baden-Wurtemburg boost a number of exotic locales that includes Baden- Baden, Black Forest, Essilingen, Lake Constance and many others that are worth exploring.

Significantly, Baden-Wurttemberg has maintained its traditional customs, encouraging a sense of identity with the State and interest in local history. It is interesting to note that the State Government promotes a wide array of activities and projects which are intended to help keep alive age-old customs and local specialties in a wide range of fields from dialects and poetry to costumes, music and other forms of local expression. It also makes available subsidies for associations in our State dedicated to the preservation of local heritage and which are based in Baden-Wurttemberg.

Culinary Delights!!
The most famous amongst all is the Black Forest smoked ham, and the locally made Gansewurst, a sausage made from smoked goose, is worth a try. Lunch is light, there's a coffee and cake break in the afternoon, then a late dinner.

Tourist Attractions of Hamburg

2008-03-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

Parks

Hagenbecks Tierpark

It is the world´s first zoo with open air enclosures. It is "Carl Hagenbecks Tierpark". The park remains open all year round from 9 a.m. and is annually visited by 1 million people.

How to reach:
BAB 7 (Elbtunnel), Abfahrt Stellingen
public transport: Underground U2, Busses 39, 18.

Address
Address: Hagenbeckallee 31
fax: +49 (0)40 - 54 000 132
pc: 22527 Hamburg-Stellingen
url: www.hagenbeck.de
tel: +49 (0)40 - 54 000 10.

Japanese Garden

One of the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Situated in the park grounds of "Planten un Blomen". The park also held original Japanese tea celebrations are celebrated in the tea house during the summer months.

Churches of Hamburg

St. Michaelis Church
It is the landmark of Hamburg´s. The St. Michaelis Church, called the "Michel" has the biggest tower clock in the Federal Republic of Germany. The clock faces have a circumference of more than 24 metres. The hands are 4.91 and 3.65 metres long. The "Michel" is also the most important baroque church in Northern Germany and the third St. Michaelis Church. The first two churches were destroyed by fire in 1750 and 1906.

St. Jakobi church
Imposive church build in late Gothic hall style typical of the Baltic regions. U-Bahn: Mönckebergstrasse

St. Petri church
One of the oldest church in the center, only 100 meters away from St. Jakobi.
address: Mönckebergstrasse

Museums

Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte - Museum of Hamburg History
House of the history of Hamurg city. This museum showcases historical products related to art, science, music, shipping and trading etc.

Helms-Museum (Museum of Harburg Archeology and History)
Founded by senator August Helms (a trader and businessman.) in 1898, first a museum-club in order to open the first archeological museum in Hamburg. Since then the museum extended a lot.

Hamburger Kunsthalle (Hamburg Art Museum)
The museum showcases many masterpieces by Meister Francke, Caspar David Friedrich, Philipp Otto Runge, Manet, Beckmann, Beuys and many more. The newly-built museum was opened in February 1997, it's now the home of the section "contemporary art".

Things to Do in Hamburg

2008-03-24T21:30:00.001-07:00

Hamburg offers 170 different kinds of sport. Hamburg endorse the world´s biggest fitness studio. With its 15.000 sqm on six floors, it is the biggest recreation center in the world. Hamburg boost itself as the biggest fitness center in Europe. The state boost 150 fitness clubs with 150.000 members in Hamburg. The clubs are reputed to be of first-class standard, with good studios and qualified trainers.

The German Derby, is amongst the most important race for three-year-old thoroughbreds in the Federal Republic, takes place annually in Hamburg. Another first class equestrian event is the German show-jumping, dressage test and carriage-driving event in Hamburg.

The Hamburg Polo Club in Klein Flottbek celebrated its centenary in 1998 and is therefore the oldest polo club in the Federal Republic and the third-oldest in Europe.

For past 100 years, "German International Tennis Tournament" has taken place in Hamburg on Rothenbaum. Surprisingly, more than 50.000 spectators from home and abroad attend this sporting event annually.

People of Hamburg

2008-03-24T21:28:00.001-07:00

The people of Hamburg adore their city. Incidentally, they have faced one of the worst tragedy in the history of Germany as it must have been a horrifying experience for the people on the Süllberg to undergo a blazing destruction of their city in 1943. Those were the days and nights when this town had to pay a shocking price for the war that Germany had started and brutally pursued.

Hamburg is brimming with many cultural activities; the city endorse three state theatres and 35 private theatres, three orchestras and innumerable concert halls, the Kunsthalle art gallery and 40 public and private museums. Of outstanding quality, Hamburg's State Opera Ballet directed by John Neumeier, the Thalia Theatre and the Hamburger Kunsthalle (above) with international modern art in the gallery of contemporary art designed by architect Oswald Mathias Unger. The people over here quite fascinated by the art forms and regularly visit theatres and cinema halls.

Accessibility/Connectivity to Hamburg

2008-03-24T21:05:00.001-07:00

By Ferries:
Ferries from Harwich and Newcastle gather at Fischerhafen from where buses run to Altona station, west of town. Ferries from other tourist destinations dock at St. Pauli Landungsbruecken.

By air:
Hamburg-Fuhlsbuttel airport is situated at the northern edge of the city, in close vicinity to the living areas. The buses run from the airport to the train station, run every twenty minutes, but it is little cheaper to take the HVV airport bus to the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn stop at Ohlsdorf.

Hamburg

2008-03-24T21:03:00.001-07:00

Hamburg is situated about 100 km from the open sea on the River Elbe. The population of the state is recorded as 1,7 million. Significantly, it is the second largest city in the Federal Republic of Germany. It is the biggest harbour city in Germany and also the greenest city in Germany. Interestingly, 13 % of the city is covered under park and Greenland, 23 % protected countryside and 6% nature reserves. However, two thirds of the city are occupied by parks, lakes or tree-lined canals, giving this huge harbour city a refreshal rural feel.

Hamburg’s used to be enchanting place with many monuments but now only few houses and the churches are left from the last century. The Great Fire of 1842 was a main cause of this loss, followed by demolition to make way for the warehouse area, and bombing during World War II.

Hamburg’s share a significant part in cultural attractions of Germany. This town that was once the home of Johannes Brahms have a strong hold on commerce. A visit to the cathedrals of St. Jacobi, where you can see a distinguished 15th-century altar, and St. Michael, a baroque church with a 440-ft/134-m spire offering a great view of the city is a must. The unique Rathaus, a city hall supported by dozens of pillars is an endearing tourist spot to explore. You can also visit the St. Pauli district and the various parks such as Alster Lake that are located in the downtown. Stroll through Hamburg’s famous fish market, that displays many other products apart from fish on sale.

The Hamburg boost more than 40 mi/64 km of canals and 2 500 bridges has an independent entrepreneurial spirit it’s the closest thing to a city-state in Germany. It’s still exciting to watch enormous freighters move up the Elbe for loading and unloading.

Hamburg is a famous tourist spots in Germany and it attracts tourist from all over the world. It is interesting to note that more than 150.000 people visit Hamburg every day and the visitor list includes congress visitors, city tourists and business travellers. The Alster city, Hamburg has a many sightseeing attractions, e.g. the new music and theatre scene in St. Pauli, the State Opera and Ballet, the famous musicals such as “Cats” or “Phantom of the Opera”, popular festivities such as the Port Anniversary and the Dom, Hamburg's version of the famous Oktoberfest, or the Alstervergnügen, the "cultural mile" from the Kunsthalle to the Deichtorhallen.

Festivals of Munich

2008-03-24T21:00:00.001-07:00

The Beer Festival
This festival is held in March every month with the beginning of strong bear season. The traditional serving of spring strong beer in Munich begins every year after the end of Fasching and lasts about three weeks during Lent. The people of Munich are indebted to the monks for this "spring health cure", who since time immemorial had brewed an especially nourishing beer during Lent to strengthen their bodies weakened by fasting.

The Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest is held in September every year with the conventional call "Ozapft, the Lord Mayor opens the Oktoberfest at 12 noon. The biggest fest in the world conventionally takes place at the foot of the Bavaria statue. For over two weeks the visitors will stream onto the Wiesn, where the Oktober always takes place, to try out the new and old fairground amusements and to enjoy beer and food in the beer tents.

The Christmas Festival
This festival is held with full vigor in the month of December. Munich's conventional Christmas Market takes place on the Marienplatz. A huge Christmas tree decorated with lights towers over the Yuletide magic of the vendors' stalls.

Accommodation At Munich

2008-03-24T20:51:00.001-07:00

Munich offers an array of hotels in every price category and for this reason they have been divided the section into three groups:

Category sleep cheap offer single and double rooms up to 80 DM (single room) and 120 DM (double room). The rooms are plain furnished, sometimes there's a sink. Toilet, shower or bath usually are on the same floor. Bed and breakfast offers as well as youth hostels are included in section "sleep cheap".

Resorts within middle class category have shower or bath and toilet. The cost vary from 80 DM to 170 DM for single rooms and between 120 DM and 250 DM for double rooms.
The first class hotel offer deluxe standards, singles start from 170 DM and doubles can be up to 400 DM.

Climate of Munich

2008-03-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Munich's boost a continental climate, that means, it can get very cold between December and February. Snowfall is still possible at the start of May, but then it will soon melt. Summer temperatures normally reach a maximum of 30 Celsius. Weather changes sometimes go hand in hand with great differences in temperature.

A common phenomenon in the Alps is the Fohn wind. This occurs when air masses dropping down behind the mountain range as fall winds, heat up more than they had cooled off while rising. For Munich this means a hot southerly fall wind, a magnificent panoramic view, as well as headaches for the weather-sensitive, circulatory disorders, and gloominess.

Nightlife in Munich

2008-03-23T22:36:00.001-07:00

Munich at times may be considered as a traditional town, but as far as its nightlife goes a visitor can play around for many a nocturnal hour, curfew or no curfew. The various districts have an almost village-like atmosphere at night. Apart from the probably best-known quarter of Schwabing, it is Haidhausen, Neuhausen, the inner city and the Glockenbach quarter that have profiled themselves as rallying points for nightlife fans amongst young people and those who fancy themselves as such.

In nearly all the different realms of Munich, there are array of restaurants and bars. The two best-known areas for this reason are probably Kunstpark Ost and the area in Schwabing. Kunstpark Ost is a receptacle of clubs, bars, rehearsal rooms and restaurants, also better known as Little Harlem. Besides cultural life, sports addicts will be pleased as well. Especially Schwabing has a high concentration of bars where you can experience live music- whether country and western, jazz or Latin American music.

Things to See and Do in Munich

2008-03-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

Zugspitze - The Highest Mountain in Germany

Take a trip to Garmish-Partenkirchen which is an 1.5 -2 hour trip from Munich on the train. From there you can take a trip up to the summit of the highest mountain in Germany - the Zugspitze. The Zugspitze can be found in the Bavarian Alps, straddling the border with Austria.

Dachau
This abode is counted both in town and the site of the first Nazi concentration camp. The site of the camp can be visited though, it might be difficult to findthe route there is not well marked. Be prepared for an emotional experienceno one leaves unmoved or unchanged by a visit.

BlutenburgA traditional castle with a late Gothic chapel from the 15th century. The main building houses the International Youth Library; the gate tower contains the Erich Kästner memorial site, while another wing overlooking two small lakes accommodates a concert hall and restaurant.

Neuschwanstein
Built by King Ludwig II on an imposing rock in the seclusion of the mountains. Close by are the old castle of Hohenschwangau and the crystal clear Alpsee lake. About two hours by car from Munich.

Königsee
It is long emerald-green mountain lake at a stretch of 10 km, considered the pearl of the Berchtesgadener Land. Some of the most splendorous panorama views across all of Bavaria can be found here. To preserve the purity and tranquillity of the water only electrically-powered boats have been allowed on the lake since 1909.

River rafting on the Isar
Romantic trip on traditional wooden river rafts through the beautiful Isar valley. Departure point is Wolfratshausen, a small town about 30 km south of Munich.
Fax (908) 689-9640 USA
Tel (908) 689-3050 USA
email haast@warrenhills.org

Glentleitn
It is an open-air museum showcasing farm buildings and handicrafts. You can watch potters and other craftsmen at work. The museum is situated near Lake Kochelsee, about 1 1/2 hours by car south of Munich.

Hofbrauhaus
As it became a royal brewery in 1605, since then beer has been a famous drink of this world-famous tavern site in the center of Munich. Also known as 'gemuchtlikheid', that has emanated directly from the Hofbrauhaus in Munich along with the beer. The joyful ambiance that reigns constantly in the establishments different halls is helped along by the foot-tapping strains of traditional Bavarian 'oom-pah' bands and drinking songs. When the beer becomes too much, soak it up with a delicious salty pretzel or a German specialty from the menu, such as liver dumplings, potato soup or a variety of savory sausages.

Marienplatz
The Marienplatz is the nerve center of Munich, it also endorses the most important historic buildings. The square is dominated by the Neo-Gothic Town Hall featuring its famous Glockenspiel, both built in the 19th century. The Town Hall has a tower that can be accessed by a lift. The center of the square that was once a vibrant farmers market features a statue of the Virgin Mary after which Marienplatz was named. Tourist can also explore a toy museum in the Old Town Hall on the square, and the Frauenkirche, Munichs cathedral, dating from the 15th century.

Olympia Park
Constructed for the 20th Olympic Games in 1972, Olympia Park remains a marvel of modern engineering. Its main stadium is a like a massive tent, that can accommodate 70,000 spectators, topped by the largest roof in the world, extending for 720,000 square feet and made of tinted acrylic glass. Visitors to the site can enjoy a spectacular view from the revolving restaurant and observation terrace which tops the 950ft high Olympic Tower.

Alte Pinakothek
The museum houses one of the most important collections in Europe on two floors of a large neo-classical building. The museum showcases nearly 1,000 paintings on display, featuring the work of the greatest European artists from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Highlights include works by Dutch and Flemish masters, as well as the Italian masters such as Botticelli and Titian. The gallery is massive, consisting of dozens of rooms, and requires a great deal of time to explore thoroughly.

Munich

2008-03-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Munich is known for its art and culture. It has countless historic monuments and museums as compared to any other city of Germany. Significantly, its collections even surpass those of Berlin in quality. The Wittelsbachs ,the ruling family of Europe from approximately the 13th century to the early 20th century, were great collectors and have left behind a city full of treasures.

This 800-year-old charming city is the capital of Bavaria and the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest. Despite its name, the events within the city starts in late September and spills into the first week of October ﾭ dancing oompah bands and food dominate. The festival season offer exotic dished apart from drinks. A tourist will sausages, whole oxen for instance are cooked on giant spits. While the food is good, fest goers never let it distract from the main focus of the festival: beer. The city is filled with thousands of casual and committed beer drinkers guzzling foamy brew for days on end. If this sounds like heaven by all means go and enjoy it but if it doesn't avoid Munich at all costs during this time. It is recommendable to book your accommodation well in advance for Oktoberfest.

One of Munichs most attractive structures is the twin-onion-domed Frauenkirche or the Church of Our Lady. The old exterior provides quite a contrast to the stark white interior rebuilt after war damage gutted the church. BMW aficionados may want to make a pilgrimage to the BMW museum for some history of the company.

Tourist Attractions At Bavaria

2008-03-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

Romantic Road
The Romantic Road is amongst the most popular attractions of Bavaria. From the Main River and Wurzburg down to Fussen in the "Allgau" , a tourist will find a series of sensuous towns and villages with castles, churches and landscapes like in a fairy-tale of the Grimm Brothers. After crossing the 350 km, the Romantic Road opens up the richness of the south German culture. Off the highway the traveler can enjoy both silence and a various choice of impressions: episcopal residences, princely courts, proud trading cities, Bavarian palaces, all surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Most famous tourist spots are Rothenburg, ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbuhl, Augsburg close to Schwangau.

Peiting
Situated in the Upper Bavarian "Pfaffenwinkel" between the rivers Lech and Ammer Peiting is a very attractive town with some 12th century buildings such as the St. Michael Church and the Maria chapel. Peiting is considered a good starting point for a tour to the "Hoher Peissenberg"

Steingaden

This is the place where the Romantic Road crosses the German Alp Road, travelers will find a "Praemonstratenser" monastery founded by duke Welf VI in the times of the second crusade and the well known pilgrimage church "Wieskirche".

R?ttingen

This romantic wine village has a historic city wall endorsing half-timbered houses that showcases the typical character of a traditional south German city.

N?rdlingen im Ries

N?rdlingen im Ries was, like Feuchtwangen, a former free city of the Empire. It is the only German town with a totally original preserved city wall, on which you can walk and enjoy the view on this marvelous town.

Donauworth
Located near the rivers Donau and Wornitz meet, it is counted amongst the bigger towns along the Romantic Road it is a perfect retreat for the travelers including sights like the town hall, the munster church, a Baroque monastery church and some museums.

Landsberg am Lech

Located on a steep slope along the Lech river valley, Landsberg is quite popular for its Gothic "Bayertor" (gate tower) and the wild Romantic landscape around.

Schillingsfurst

This imposing town is known for its Baroque palace, built between 1723 and 1750 by the prices of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfurst. Interesting contrasts can be seen in the city museum, that shows, how rural life looked like at the same time.

Feuchtwangen

Being the former free city of the Empire, Fewchtwangen is located in the W?rnitz river valley. It offers a lot of sights such as the market square, the town church with the famous "Wolgemutaltar", a Frankish museum and open air festivals in the historic Romantic cloister.

Bad Mergentheim

Enchanting half-timbered houses build by the rich burghers and the impressive castle of the Teutonic Order of Knights characterize this middle aged city.

Weikersheim

Formerly the residential city of the princes of Hohenlohe, Weikersheim is located on the western banks of the river Tauber. The old "Schloss", the castle, built in Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo style, is completely furnished in the original way.

Bavaria

2008-03-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

Scenic and enigmatic, an enchanting abode for a perfect holiday of a lifetime. Mesmerizing castles, snow-cladded mountains, traditional beer festivals, opera and high-tech industry all go to make Bavaria one of Germany's richest regions, providing an copiousness of experiences from the historical to the ultra modern.

Bavaria is third largest city in Augsburg, endorses some of the finest churches and wonderful restaurants and beer gardens. Birthplace of poet, playwright and political satirist Bertolt Brecht, Augsburg is home to the Brecht museum, dedicated to the work of the artist. A visit to Bavaria would be complete without a visit to the Oberammergau Passion Play. Staged every ten years since 1632, it is the world's longest running play.

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Bavaria is Munich' s yearly Oktoberfest but a travelers festivals all the year round, great beer and lively music in the hundreds of villages scattered in the region. Some other interesting places to spend in the surrounding region are Nuremburg, Passau, Regensburg, Wurzburg, Augsburg - all these cities offer cultural programs and nightlife, the countryside calm and relaxing atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.

Tourism has become an increasingly important economic factor in the Free state of Bavaria. The total number of overnight accommodations in all hotels and private lodgings, with a total capacity of about 715.000 beds, amounts to nearly 93 million, inclusive also of camping sites. As regards international tourism, the Free State has shown phenomenal growth as one in nearly five visitors comes from abroad.

Breman Tourist Information

2008-03-23T22:03:00.001-07:00

Tourist office: You won't have any problem locating the tourist office as it situated outside the main train station. The tourist office opens from Monday To Wednesday from 9.30am – 6.30pm; and from Thursday to Friday from 9.30am – 8pm; Sat, Sun 9.30 am – 4pm. For any information about the city, you can contact the responsible personnel here.

Tourist Attractions At Breman

2008-03-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

The city boost many tourist destination for the travelers that are worth exploring.The main tourist destination are located in the Altstadt, on the Weser’s northeast bank. You will find the Renaissance town hall and the late Gothic cathedral that are worth visiting. A life-sized bronze statue of the city’s most famous residents - the Bremen town musicians (a rooster cat dog and donkey) heroes of a Grimm Brothers’ story. Few of the most exotic areas around are the Bötcherstrasse and Schnoorviertel areas. Here you will find many small shops, galleries and cafes that are worth trying.

Major Tourist Attraction

Cathedral (Dom St. Peter) -

This is the most impressive early Gothic Cathedral of St Petri. The most fascinating thing abot the church is its brooding interior, that differs from Romanesque to late Gothic. (Easter – October It remain open from Mon to Fri 10am – 5pm, Sat 10am – 1pm, Sun 2pm – 5pm).

Bötcherstrasse

It is located south side of the Markplatz, the Böttcherstrasse was transformed in the 1920s by the Bremen coffee Magnate Ludwig Roselius, who commissioned local artists to convert the alleyway into a Gothic-cum-Art Nouveau fantasy. The street, today a 110-metre pedestrian walkway area.

Market Square and Roland
For past many centuaries, the Market Square has been located at the heart of the Hanseatic City. The square is located around the Hanseatic Cross, and is built in commemoration of those Hanseatic members that took part in the War of Liberation.

Right in the center, you will find the stone statue of Knight Roland, Bremen's most famous sight that holds the eyes of every visitor. Built in 1404, the Roland is depicted as a symbol of civic rights and independence from its archbishop. He now stares at the modern Parliament building, one of the ugliest edifices to disgrace a German town.

Rathaus -

On the Market Square lies the historic Rathaus showcasing an unrivalled Renaissance-style façade. It is called to be one of the most attractive edifice in northern Germany. You can only visit the interiors as part of a guided tour (Mon – Sat 11am, noon, 3pm and 4pm, Sun 11am and noon, entrance fee 5,- DM). The place is worth visiting as you come to know many things about the architecture of the building.

Liebfrauenkirche -

This is the main shopping street of Bremen, you will find the Liebfrauenkirche, a lovely hall church engulfed by a flower market.

Breman Nightlife

2008-03-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

Comparatively, Bremen is a small city of Germany, but still it boost an exotic night life. The night life of Bremen include bars and nightclubs.

Bremen has something for every kind of traveler. To find more information about Bremen is to pick up a copy of MIX. This magazine is freely available all over the city. This is a weekly magazine that gives you details about day-by-day listing of what's hot in every bar and club in Bremen.

Beat Club: This low-key Discotheque that offers different type of music every day of the week. The music may vary from oldies to rock to ska etc. The club is located at Bahnhof

Kapitol: Unfortunately is only open once a month, but hey, you know hat that means! To get there you have to take a special bus from Bahnhof!

Tower: This club is located by Bahnof . The club rocks with the heavy music in a cave-like atmosphere. This nightclub has the best Halloween parties that are even publicized in various magazines.

Stubu: offers hip-hop music and is always full. It has a great ‘club' atmosphere. Located by the Bahnhof, past Woody's.

Bars

Hagarty's: This is one of the authentic Irish pub that attracts tourist as well as youngsters. The pub is quite expensive but is unique as it offers live music every weekend. It is located at Strassenbahn #4 into Viertel, 2 stops, and then left.

Irish Pub in Schnoor: One of the smallest Irish pub that offers a quaint ambiance, in one of Bremen's most traditional areas.

Café Lui: This is a student run Café and it is most conveniently located inside Luisental 28. It opens only Monday and Wednesdays.

Lagerhaus: Situated on a side street in Viertel, this place has great cheap food and drinks! It is counted as one of the most affordable pub of the area.

Breman

2008-03-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

It is unique Hanseatic town that maintains its old charm, and is counted amongst the main north German cities. This city was badly damaged during the last World War but it has gained a reputation for itself since 1949 when Bremen was declared an autonomous “Land”. In the same year, it elected the first Green MP’s in 1979. Despite the vast damages the town still retains a nice big harbour atmosphere and has a few sights worth visiting.

The city has many tourist spots for the travelers. It endorses 1,200 years of historical heritage in the buildings and monuments on the historical Market Square and in the famous Böttcherstrasse and the picturesque Schnoor quarter. Today, Bremen is an enchanting modern city with many tourist attractions, including the Schlachte promenade on the Weser river, the spectacular building of the Universum Science Centre, guided tours of the Space Travel Visitors Centre and the brand-new production of the hit musical Hair.

Nightlife At Cologne

2008-03-23T21:38:00.001-07:00

It is easy to concentrate on Cologne's nightspots in four distinct quarter. Most prominent of these is the zone around Gross St. Martin in the Altstadt, that catches the eyes of tourists as well as businessmen, yet manages to create a distinctive atmosphere in places. Down the road from the university, in the southwestern zone, the Quartier Lateng is more like the real thing as far as mingling with locals is concerned, even if it has lost its trendy edge. The Südstadt, or St. Severins Quarter, now has the most stylish bars and cafes, of the pack. The more relaxed Belgisches Viertel, just to the west of the center, is nowhere near as packed or self-consciously trendy. Very few of the night cafes and bars open before 9pm, but they compensate for this fact by staying open until the small hours of the morning.

If you love concerts, theatre plays, operas or ballet performances, then you are at the right place, they are held nearly every evening. You can buy tickets and informations for all important events from the following oulets
Theatre box office at Neumarkt, Tel. 21 42 32
Rudolphplatz theatre ticket box office, Tel. 23 83 57
Köln Ticket, Roncalliplatz, Tel. 28 01

Cologne

2008-03-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

Cologne, or Köln is an enchanting city endorsing many pubs, restaurants, and nightlife, but also old, with lots of history, monuments, and sights. Carnival celebrations in Cologne are famous, and that's a great time to visit the city.

You can also enjoy the boat trips (from cologne) on the Rhine all the way to Strasbourg in France. The most picturesque part of the route lies between St. Goar. There’s a pleasant train ride from Frankfurt to Cologne passing Lorelei the Rhine Valley and other pretty places.

It will be a pleasure for you to try the gastronomical delights Cologne that range from venerable breweries like unique Kölsch beer and typical Cologne delicacies to first-class restaurants - boasting well in excess of 3000 public houses, restaurants and breweries Cologne is one of Germany's leading gastronomic lights. Per head of population, no other city in the Federal Republic boasts so many public houses, and also many top-class.

Discostheques of Cologne

2008-03-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Things to Do in Cologne

2008-03-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

Wheels of Time !
A good place for those who love cycling. It boosts a large network of bicycle lanes extending right into the city center, Cologne can easily be explored on two wheels. Bicycles can be hired at the Rheinpegel in the Old City.

Getting Wet !
Swimmers will adore this! local swimming baths should be prepared for some unusual "side-shows" taking place at the edge of the pool; you may find yourself celebrating an "Italian Week" under the motto "Una festa in piscina - aqua e musica". By staging a series of such events.

Jogger's Delight !
'The city especially offer popular for routes along the river. Many of Cologne's most picturesque areas have been given over to clubs to stage weekly jogging meetings.

Inline-Skating around the Local Lakes
The visitors love online-skating as a leisure pursuit, many organized sports clubs have begun by offering skating tours.

Shopping in Berlin

2008-03-19T00:10:00.001-07:00

Berlin is not exactly a shoppers paradise but it is quite suitable for those who like markets and second-hand shops.One can easily notice the difference between the former western and former eastern area of the German capital. The western site is still far ahead in size, scope and quality of its stores and the merchandise they offer. Significantly, this area also claims to be the Germany's leading fashion centre.

The main shopping districts in Berlin are the Kurfurstendamm, Breitscheidplatz and for some bargains stroll the Budapestststrasse and Tauenzienstrasse. Most of the big stores open at 9.30am - 8pm Mon-Fri and between 9am and 4pm on Saturdays. The markets are usually closed on Sundays, except for small stores in main train stations. In the eastern part of Berlin, the major shopping areas are Unter den Linden and Friedrichstrasse. A tourist may find some nice shops and markets in the sub locations of Berlin, where they can be found.

Accommodation in Berlin

2008-03-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

The accommodation in Berlin could be into split into four subsections. For travelers who strictly go by budget, we recommend the Sleep Cheap sections that offer hotels and hostels for reasonable prices. Friends of camping and caravaning should visit our Berlin/Camping section. Pleasant hotel rooms with some more comfort and private bathrooms you will find on our Berlin/Mid_Range section. For tourists who want perfect comfort and first class service, willing to pay the high bill

Although Berlin is full of hotels, it is recommendable to book the hotels at least three months in advance. In Eastern Berlin you particularly find very chic hotels around the historic city center. The hotels in the western area are mainly grouped within a few steps of the Kurfurstendamm. The more inexpensive hotels are in the outlaying areas. As in the most cosmopolitan cities life distinguishes quite a lot from division.

Sleep Cheap Hotels in Berlin

Odyssee Globetrotter Hostel
fax: (+49) - (0)30 - 29 0000 81
address: Grunberger Str. 23 , 10243 Berlin
tel: (+49) - (0)30 - 29 0000 81

Hotel Azur
fax: +49 (0) 30-5654020
address: Ferdinandstra￟e 39, 12621 Berlin
tel: +49 (0) 30-56540214

A&O Backpackers Hostel

fax: +49 (0) 30-29007365
address: Boxhagener Strasse 73, 10245 Berlin
tel: +49 (0) 30-29007366

Pension Rotdorn
fax: +49 (0) 30-30099292
email: info@pension-rotdorn.de
address: Heerstra￟e 36, 14055 Berlin
tel: +49 (0) 30-30099294

Hotel Aacron
address: Friedrichstr. 124
tel: +49 (0)30 - 282 9352

Hotel Transit
Address: Hagelberger Strasse 53-54, Berlin

Getting In and Around Berlin

2008-03-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

Although, Berlin has been one city since 1990, but still it has not been able to unify the 2 centers West Center and Mitte, or the East Center. Most accommodation is still in the former West and most international flights will land you at Tegel Airport, which is also on the west side. The quickest link into West Center from Tegel by public transport is a 15 minute bus ride- the X9 bus, that will drop you at Zoo Station in West Center. Since most of the historic sights are in East Center or the Berlin Mitte, you can join sight-seeing tours which start in West Center and will take you to Mitte. A tourist may also join a Berlin Walks tour "Discover Berlin" tour which start daily from the taxi stand at Zoo Station in order to explore the enchanting land.

Tickets
A tourist have to buy tickets in order to travel in busses, trams, trains. It is advisable to by tickets and then travel with be-fooling the laws of the city. The following tickets are most suitable for visitors: day passes for individuals or for groups up to 5 people are excellent value for money and are valid until 3am the following day. If you are only making one or two journeys, buy a single fare ticket, good for up to 2 hours travel after validation in any direction. There is also a short trip ticket Kurzstrecke costing which is good for up to 3 stops on the U- or S-Bahn, or up to 6 stops on buses or trams. There is also a special offer for tourists, called the Welcome Card.

Trains
EurAide sells train tickets on behalf of Deutsche Bahn and provides a free train travel information service in English, tel:(030) 297 49241. EurAide office is located at the back of Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten. Rail passes: Eurail, Euro- and Inter-Rail passes are all valid on the S-Bahn, so long as they are validated for the day of travel.

Bycycle
The best way to know the city is through by cycle. A visitor will face no problem as there are specially marked bike lanes everywhere. There are also plenty of bike rental shops.

Trams
The trams operate only in the eastern sections of the city and recently the old trams have been replaced by the new sleek and comfortable trams. They have a wide network of about 30 lines that crisscross the entire eastern half of Berlin.

Trams
Taxis are always cream-coloured and metered; generally the minimum fare is about DM 4 and a cab from Tegel Airport to West Center will, cost approx. DM25. Taxis are easy to find in the center of Berlin, in the inner city there are also some pedicabs called Velotaxis.

Berlin Nightlife

2008-03-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

Berlin is a great place for night birds. The sensuous abode boost a number of pubs, bars, theaters, cinema halls. A place where people meet to spend their leisure time and evenings. Live is buzzing in every single quarter of this fantastic capital. Because of the variety of spots it is a Sisyphean task to name them all.

Western Berlin significantly boost four pivot points for pubs and bars: Savignyplatz in Charlottenburg is for conspicuous good timers, Kreuzberg drinkers normally include political activists and punks, the area around Nollendorfplatz and Winterfeldtplatz is the territory of sped-out all-nighters and the pushing-on-forty crew. Central Schoneberg bars are on the whole more mixed and more relaxed. A tourist will definitely be enthralled by visiting these pubs

The eastern part of Berlin endorse a number of real cosy and even exciting new cafes and bars especially Berlin Mitte. In Prenzleur Berg quarter, a visitor may find a lot of nice pubs in and around Knaackstrasse.The Oranienburger Strasse of Berlin is not far behind in displaying the enthralling charm that usually starts during night. Her you will find the "Tacheless" is paved with nice cafes and pubs.

Berlin - Capital City of Germany

2008-03-18T04:03:00.000-07:00

This is the capital city of Germany, its majestic museums and theaters, urbane restaurants, bustling pubs and raucous nightclubs are few exotic places to watch for. The Wall is gone but Berlin is still divided: there's a distinct segue from the splendor of the west to shabby East Berlin.

Being the biggest city of Germany, it has a population of about 3.5 million and extends over 889 square kilometers. It is located in central Europe, longitude 13:25 E, latitude 52:32 N, 34 m above sea level, at the rivers Spree and Havel. The local time zone is Central European Time with daylight savings time in the summer Few of the exotic cities within Berlin are Berlin Mitte, Charlottenburg, Friedrischain that endorses many tourist spots that are worth exploring.

Berlin is one of the rocking city of Europe, as it boost an exotic night life that for instance other cities don't. The nightlife of most cities is tame in comparison to this city. There are lots of great clubs and dance parlors, just ask around for the best places.

As far as the people of Berlin are concerned, they are often amiable and extremely helpful, although one may also encounter the famous "Berliner Schnauze," a certain brusqueness that can seem rude. Most of the usual good places to go are in West Berlin, but the eastern part of the city under many aspects is more fascinating than the western part. Berlin has an amazing number of sights, though it lacks the charm of Paris as a city.

Things To See in Berlin

Brandenburg Gate
Built of sandstone between 1788 and 1791 with 12 Doric columns according to a design by C.G. Langhans. Six columns support an 36ft transverse beam makes this monument unique from others. The massive gate is topped with a stunning statue of the Goddess of Victory facing east towards the city center. The gate is closed to traffic, as is the adjacent Pariser Platz, a gracious square that was once surrounded with enchanting buildings sadly destructed in the Second World War. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall new buildings have been built, however, to designs closely following those of the originals.

Eastside Gallery
Berlin boost the world's largest world open -art gallery formed by the remains of the infamous Berlin Wall. The longest section of the wall, which has been preserved, stretches from Ostbahnhof station to the Oberbaumbrucke, and has been given over to graffiti artists from around the world. A total of 118 artists from 21 countries have exerted their skills on the 4,318ft long section of the wall, and this collection has become a Berlin landmark and a tourist attraction. Best known paintings are Dimitri Vrubel’s Brotherly Kiss and Gunther Shaefer’s Fatherland . The gallery is considered as an international monolith for freedom.

Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum in Lindenstrasse has gained an international reputation for its significant architecture and unique exhibitions that bring history alive. The bulk of the museum is crafted in windowless and doorless steel-clad, silver building and this monumental heritage was designed by Daniel Libeskind. The museum is located alongside the yellow Baroque edifice of the Berlin Museum. Tourists enter the Jewish Museum through the Berlin Museum to explore the exhibition rooms planned to signify the empty and invisible aspects of Jewish history.

Potsdamer Platz
This pulsating square forms the heart of the 'New Berlin', which has emerged since the fall of the wall in 1989. The original square was once one of the busiest junctions in Europe with a major train station sited on it. However after damage during the World War II and being cut through by the divisive wall, it became a decayed wasteland. Since the fall of the wall, however, a building boom has been taking place around the Potsdamer Platz, which now boasts an exciting mix of restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, a casino, theaters and cinemas that draws both Berliners and tourists seeking good food and recreation. Focus of the square is the 22-story Debis Haus, designed by Renzo Piano, featuring an atrium with cathedral-like dimensions, and its neighboring Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, a shopping mall with an Imax cinema. The Sony Center is the most recent addition, consisting of seven buildings around a light-flooded arena, which also houses Berlinﾒs popular Film Museum. The Kollhoff building features a panorama platform, reached by Europeﾒs fastest express elevator, that offers views of the city.

Health Precaution For Travellers to Germany

2008-03-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

There are few preventive measures that a traveler need to take while traveling in Western Europe and it all depends on the areas your visit and the duration of your stay. For most areas of this region, you should observe health precautions similar to those that would apply while traveling in the United States or any other country.

For all health requirements and recommendations travelers should check with a local Department of Health clinic or U.S Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some of the diseases from which the traveler should take precautions are:

Diarrhea
The number one illness found in travelers is diarrhea and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, that contaminate food or water. Infections due to these pathogens may cause diarrhea and vomiting, fever like the typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis, or hepatitis.

Tick borne Encephalitis
The second disease from which the traveler should take precautions is Tick borne encephalitis, a viral infection of the central nervous system,that mainly occur in Central and Western Europe. Travelers are at risk who visit or work in forested areas during the summer months and who consume unpasteurized dairy products. The vaccine for this disease is not available in the United States at this time. To prevent tick borne encephalitis, as well as the Lyme disease, travelers should take precautions to prevent tick bites.

Things that traveler should bring with them:
Deet contained Insect repellent
Bed nets impregnated with permethrin.
Flying-insect spray or mosquito coils to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes.
Over-the-counter anti diarrheal medicine to take if you have diarrhea.
Iodine tablets and water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available. Sunblock, sunglasses and hat
Prescription medications, make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription.

People of Germany

2008-03-18T02:12:00.000-07:00

Interestingly, around 91 percent of people are ethnically German. Turkish is the next largest ethnic group found in Germany , at 2.4 percent of the population. The remaining 6.1 percent are mostly Serbo-Croatian, Italian, Greek, Russian, Polish and Spanish.

Significantly, approximately 38% of the population is Protestant, who mostly occupies north of Germany, and 34% is Roman Catholic, who cover the south and west. Significantly, there is a small Jewish minority. About half the population in the area that was formerly East Germany has no religious affiliation. Catholic and Protestant churches and Jewish synagogues receive government support through a church surtax levied on members of these denominations. Almost all the citizens of the country speak German. Danes, Frisians, Gypsies, and Sorbs or Wends comprise the indigenous non-German-speaking minorities. Since the early 1970s, millions of guest workers from other countries have come to Germany for employment. These residents include about 2 million Muslims, mainly Turks and Kurds.

Facts about the Population

Age Structure: 0-14 years: 14.9% (male 6,312,614; female 5,988,681); 15-64 years: 67.3% (male 28,213,316; female 27,240,648); 65 years and over: 17.8% (male 5,842,457; female 8,800,610) (2003 est.)

Religions: Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3%

Ethnic Groups: German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Serbo-Croatian, Italian, Russian, Greek, Polish, Spanish)

History of Germany

2008-03-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

The Growth of Prussian power in the 19th century supported by Germany nationalism led to the formation of the German empire in 1871 under the chancellorship of Otto von Bismarck. Although dogmatic in several respects, the empire gradually permitted the growth of political parties and Bismarck was credited with passing the most advanced social welfare legislation of the age. Dynamic development of military power however contributed to astriction on the continent. The weak European balance of power broke down in 1914 and World War I and its aftermath including the Treaty of Versailles led to the collapse of the German empire.

Ups and Downs of Fascism

During the period of 1919-33, the Weimar Republic made an attempt to establish a peaceful liberal democratic regime in Germany. There were many factors that contributed in destruction of this government; it was severely handicapped and the government eventually doomed by economic problems and the inherent weakness of the Weimar state. The boom of the early 1920s, the world recession of the 1930s and the social unrest stemming from the draconian conditions of the Versailles Treaty worked to destroy the Weimar government from inside and out.

In such a condition, the National Socialist Party or the Nazi party led by Adolf Hitler stressed nationalist themes and promised to put the unemployed back to work. The party blamed many of Germany's ills on alleged Jewish conspiracies. By 1930, the Nazi was supported by thousands of people. In fact , in January 1933, Hitler was asked to form a government as Reich Chancellor. After President Paul von Hindenburg died in 1934 , Hitler joined that office as well. Once in power Hitler and his party first deteriorated then abolished democratic institutions and opposition parties. The Nazi leadership attempted to remove or subjugate the Jewish population in Germany and later on in the occupied countries forced emigration and ultimately genocide. Hitler restored Germany's economic and military strength but his ambitions led Germany into World War II. But the war proved fatal for Germany as it is resulted in the destruction of its political and economic infrastructures led to its partition and left a humiliating legacy.

After Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8 1945, the three major forces of the world: the United States the United Kingdom and the U.S.S.R. possessed the country and assumed responsibility for its administration. The commanders-in-chief exercised supreme authority in their respective zones and acted in concert on questions affecting the whole country. France was later given a distinct area of occupation.

Although the United States the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union agreed at Potsdam in August 1945, they even tried to implement a broad program of decentralization and thus, treating Germany as a single economic unit with some central administrative departments, but all these plans failed. The major blow came in 1948 when the Soviets quit from the Four Power governing bodies and blockaded Berlin. Until May 1949 West Berlin was kept supplied only by an Allied airlift.

Political advancement In West Germany
The two forces, United States and the United Kingdom, then progressed to form a nucleus for a future German government by forming a central Economic Council for their two zones. The program later provided for a West German constituent assembly an occupation statute governing relations between the Allies and the German authorities and the political and economic merger of the French with the British and American zones.

The constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Basic Law, was promulgated on May.23, 1949. Interestingly, on September 20, 1949, the first federal government was formed by Konrad Adenauer. The next day the occupation statute came into force granting powers of self- government with certain exceptions.

The F.R.G. then moved to attain complete sovereignty and association with its European neighbors and the Atlantic community. The London and Paris agreements of 1954 restored full sovereignty to the F.R.G. in May 1955 and opened the way for German membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Western European Union (WEU).

The three Western Allies retained occupation powers in Berlin and certain responsibilities for Germany as a whole. Under the new arrangements the Allies stationed troops within the F.R.G. for NATO defense pursuant to stationing and status-of-forces agreements. With the exception of 45 000 French troops Allied forces were under NATO's joint defense command.

However, the political life in the F.R.G. was significantly stable and orderly. The Adenauer era was followed by a brief period under Ludwig Erhard who in turn was replaced by Kurt Georg Kiesinger. Significantly, all the governments that were formed between 1949 and 1966 were established by the united caucus of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) either alone or in coalition with the smaller Free Democratic Party (FDP). As a part of historical step, Kiesinger's 1966-69, formed a "Grand Coalition" that included the F.R.G.'s two largest parties CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). In the 1969, election the SPD--headed by Willy Brandt--gained enough votes to form a coalition government with the FDP. Chancellor Brandt remained head of government until May 1974 when he resigned after a senior member of his staff was uncovered as a spy for the East German intelligence service.

Finance Minister Helmut Schmidt (SPD), served as Chancellor from 1974 to 1982, and also formed a government and received the unanimous support of coalition members. Hans-Dietrich Genscher a leading FDP official became Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister. Schmidt a strong supporter of the European Community (EC) and the Atlantic alliance emphasized his commitment to "the political unification of Europe in partnership with the U.S.A."

In January 1987, the Kohl-Genscher government was returned to office but the FDP and the Greens gained at the expense of the larger parties. Kohl's CDU and its Bavarian sister party the CSU slipped from 48.8% of the vote in 1983 to 44.3%. The SPD fell to 37%; long-time SPD Chairman Brandt subsequently resigned in April 1987 and was succeeded by Hans-Jochen Vogel. The FDP's share rose from 7% to 9.1% its best showing since 1980. The Greens' share rose to 8.3% from their 1983 share of 5.6%.

Political advancement in East Germany

In the Soviet zone, the major political party, Social Democratic Party, was forced to merge with the Communist Party in 1946 to form a new party the Socialist Unity Party (SED). The October 1946 elections resulted in coalition governments in the five Land (state) parliaments with the SED as the undisputed leader.

With in a period of time, a series of people's congresses were called between1948 and early 1949 by the SED. Under Soviet direction a constitution was drafted on May 30 1949 and adopted on October 7 which was celebrated as the day when the German Democratic Republic was proclaimed. The People's Chamber (Volkskammer)--the lower house of the G.D.R. parliament--and an upper house--the States Chamber (Laenderkammer)--were created. (The Laenderkammer was abolished in 1958.) On October 11 1949, the two houses elected Wilhelm Pieck as President and a SED government was set up. Significantly, the G.D.R was recognized by the Soviet Union and its East European allies, interestingly, it remained largely unrecognized by non-communist countries until 1972-73.

The G.D.R. established the structures of a single-party centralized communist state. On July 23 1952 the traditional Laender were abolished and in their place 14 Bezirke (districts) were established. Effectively all government control was in the hands of the SED and almost all important government positions were held by SED members.

The National Front was an umbrella organization nominally consisting of the SED four other political parties controlled and directed by the SED and the four principal mass organizations (youth trade unions women and culture). However control was clearly and solely in the hands of the SED. Balloting in G.D.R. elections was not secret. As in other Soviet bloc countries electoral participation was consistently high with nearly unanimous candidate approval.

Internal German relation
The constant infiltration of East Germans to West Germany placed a tremendous stress on F.R.G.-G.D.R. relations in the 1950s. On August 13 1961 the G.D.R. began building a wall through the center of Berlin to divide the city and slow the flood of refugees to a trickle. In fact, at the end of it the Berlin Wall became the symbol of the East's political exhaustion and the separation of Europe.

Chancellor Brandt, in 1969, proclaimed that the F.R.G. would remain firmly rooted in the Atlantic alliance but would intensify efforts to improve relations with Eastern Europe and the G.D.R. The F.R.G. commenced this "Ostpolitik" by negotiating non-aggression treaties with the Soviet Union Poland Czechoslovakia Bulgaria and Hungary.

German Unification
In 1989, tremendous changes took place in the G.D.R, that ultimately led to German unification. The increased number of East Germans moved to the F.R.G. via Hungary after this incident, the Hungarians decided not to use force to stop them. Interestingly, thousands of East Germans also tried to reach the West by staging sit-ins at F.R.G. diplomatic facilities in other East European capitals. The exodus generated demands within the G.D.R. for political change and mass demonstrations in several cities--particularly in Leipzig--continued to grow. On October 7 Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev visited Berlin to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the G.D.R. and urged the East German leadership to pursue reform.

On October 18, Egon Krenz replaced Erich Honecker as the latter resigned as head of the SED and as head of state . But then also the exodus continued unabated and pressure for political reform ameliorated. On November 4, a demonstration in East Berlin drew as many as 1 million East Germans. Finally on November 9 the Berlin Wall was opened and East Germans were allowed to travel freely. November 12th is an important day in the German history as thousands poured through the wall into the western sectors of Berlin as the G.D.R. began dismantling.

Significantly, the F.R.G. Chancellor Kohl , on November 28, laid out a 10-point plan for the peaceful unification of the two Germanys based on free elections in the G.D.R. and a unification of their two economies. In December the G.D.R. Volkskammer eliminated the SED monopoly on power and the entire Politburo and Central Committee--including Krenz--resigned. The SED changed its name to the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) and the formation and growth of numerous political groups and parties marked the end of the communist system. Prime Minister Hans Morrow headed a caretaker government which shared power with the new democratically oriented parties. On December 7 1989 agreement was reached to hold free elections in May 1990 and rewrite the G.D.R. constitution. As a matter of fact, all the parties decided on January 28 and agreed to postponed the elections to March 18, primarily because of an erosion of state authority and because the East German exodus was continuing at a rapid speed.

Another important fact that came in to light was that on Feburary 1990, the Morrow government's proposal for a unified neutral German state was rejected by Chancellor Kohl who assured that a unified Germany must be a member of NATO. Finally on March 18, the first free elections were held in the G.D.R. and a government led by Lothar de Maiziere (CDU) was formed under a policy of expeditious unification with the F.R.G. The freely elected representatives of the Volkskammer held their first session on April 5 and the G.D.R. peacefully evolved from a communist to a democratically elected government. On May 6th, free and secret communal or local elections were held in the G.D.R. and significantly the CDU again won. On July 1, the two Germanys finally got entrance into the economic and monetary union.

The Role of the Four Powers.
Due to the internal growth of German, the four forces of the world--the United States U.K. France and the Soviet Union-- together with the two German states decided and negotiated to end Four Power reserved rights for Berlin and Germany as a whole. On Feburary 13, 1990, these "Two-plus-Four" negotiations were mandated at the Ottawa Open Skies conference. Significantly, the six foreign ministers met four times in the ensuing months in Bonn, Berlin , Paris and Moscow. The Polish Foreign Minister also participated in the part of the Paris meeting that dealt with the Polish-German borders.

Out of all the problems, the major one was to overcome Soviet objections to a united Germany's membership in NATO. This was attained in July when the alliance led by President Bush issued the London Declaration on a transformed NATO. Important to note that President Gorbachev and Chancellor Kohl gradually announced agreement in principle on a united Germany in NATO on July 16th . This cleared the way for the signing in Moscow on September 12 of the Treaty on the Final Settlement With Respect to Germany. In addition to terminating Four Power rights the treaty mandated the withdrawal of all Soviet forces from Germany by the end of 1994 made clear that the current borders were final and definitive and specified the right of a united Germany to belong to NATO. It also provided for the continued presence of British French and American troops in Berlin during the interim period of the Soviet withdrawal. In the treaty the Germans renounced nuclear biological and chemical weapons and stated their intention to reduce German armed forces to 370 000 within 3 to 4 years after the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty signed in Paris on November 19 1990 entered into force.

Finally of the last settlement made the path for unification of the F.R.G. and G.D.R. On October 3, 1930, formal political union occurred with the accession of the five Laender which had been reformed in the G.D.R. On December 2 1990 all-German elections were held for the first time since 1933.

Getting Around Germany

2008-03-18T01:52:00.001-07:00

Traveling within Germany is not a problem as it has an extensive Domestic air travel . Apart from the excellent air network, the rail network is also great. Significantly, the eastern and western train network have now been fully merged.

The road network with in Germany is equally good and there are no head aches to take up motorized transport to explore the country. The only problem that you might face is of Car Parking that also in very few towns. The national highway known as autobahnen plays an important role in transportation but there are few problem that a travel might face due to the speed-of-light Porsches and traffic jams. Bicycle touring in Germany is quite famous. Interestingly, Germany host a separate cycling routes in the cities, towns and in the countryside.

Generally, train service in Germany is considered the best and it is advisable to take maximum use of trains. Although bus network is quite good but it is much slower and less dependable, less efficient and less comfortable than trains. However, there are, few places like the Harz Mountains, sections of the Bavarian Forest and the Alpine foothills are among such areas, where train travel is more difficult or next to impossible. Importantly, Germany does not boost a nationwide bus network, so private bus companies, each with their own price and schedules, work in the different regions. The frequency of the bus service may differ according to the distance covered. It is advisable for the commuters not to entirely depend upon the bus service as you may find yourself struck and wasting your time in some remote area.

Significantly, traveling through Bicycle is considered fun and is immensely popular. Even in the cities, you'll often find special bike lanes and pavements separated into sections for pedestrians and cyclists. Bicycles are strictly verboten on the autobahns. Germany has over 200 well-signposted long-distance routes.

Accessibilty/Connectivity to Germany

2008-03-18T01:46:00.000-07:00

By Airways

The Frankfurt-am-Main, Munich and Dusseldorf are the three major airports in Germany. In fact, Frankfurt is considered Europe's busiest airport after Heathrow. In Germany, it's generally cheaper to travel by train or bus. Although traveling through train is expensive than catching a bus, but it is generally faster, more comfortable especially during night Interestingly, Germany has an excellent highway system that connects the exotic abode to the rest of Western Europe and also to the roads from Eastern Europe. Another mode of transportation is through the ferries that run between Germany's northern coast and Scandinavia and the UK.

Frankfurt International is the major airport for transcontinental flights, although Dusseldorf and Munich also serve an important role in overseas air traffic. The entire Germany is dotted with number of airports and have some important ones at Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn and Stuttgart.

By Rail heads

Germany has EuroCity (EC) trains that are majorly long-distance trains that connects connecting major German cities with those in other countries. A tourist have a choice between Schlafwagen or the sleepers), Liegewagen or the couchettes, and Sitzwagen or the seat carriage. It is highly recommendable to book your seat, during the peak summer season and around major holidays.

By Road ways

Germany host a number of budget bus companies that run services within and from the rest of Europe and the UK. In Germany buses are more comfortable especially for short routes, more over the cost is exceptionally reasonable.

Holidays in Germany

2008-03-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

Germany is a small strech of land dotted with nice old towns, medieval houses, Gothic churches and small villages. Germany is one abode that is surrounded by the High Alps in the South, the Bavarian plain on one side, and the flowing hills and Baltic Sea, on the other, thus, making it a perfect tourist destination.

Due to the different regional kingdoms, earldoms, monarchies and states, Germany did not develop in its dimensions during the last few centuries. Thus, Germany has not one but many major cities and apparently, each city has its own unique character, formed by its history and the surrounding region. Each city has a whole new world unto itself in which you will experience not only different architectural styles and art treasures but also a very distinctive lifestyle. Local traditions and mentalities are clearly reflected everywhere - in the arts, nightlife, shops pubs and restaurants and the way people work and live.

Unveiling Germany!
For a tourist, North Germany is a perfect holiday destination. One could start with Hamburg, Bremer or Lubeck, those old "Hanse" cities, whose competence arose out of the citizens ship trade market. Berlin, the capital city, is of course one of the top tourist spots in Germany - no matter if you are going there for business, cultural or political reasons or just to enjoy yourself Berlin has everything! Right in the centre Hannover is worth a visit. In the East Germany, you can find glitterring gems like Leipig, Weimar, Schwerin and even Dresden, although it was bombed horribly, saved lots of their prewar architectural heritage. As you move to South, you will sooner or later meet Munich, the capital city of beer, but also of art, with the famous Pinakothek. It is a good starting point to find the treasures of Bavaria.

Explore the enchanting south west of Germany with its exotic cities like Tubingen and many others. Astonishingly, the western part of German cities still have some French influence, reveal Bonn, Dusseldorf, Cologne, the heart of the Rhineland, Trier, the oldest city of Germany and a former capital of the Roman Empire or Achen with its impressive cathedral.

After years of division between West Germany and the DDR, Germany is now growing with full force, the process might take a long time and may be much pain full than many expected. At the same time has Germany become a more normal country. If you look at the history of Germany this century, being normal of it would not be a bad thing.

Culinary Delights!
As a tourist, you would be surprised by a array of dishes served in the exotic cities of Germany. The abode is a special retreat for those who enjoy good food and drink. In addition to top-quality international cooking each region has its own local specialities, ranging from hearty country fare at simple inns to modern light cuisine at star-rated restaurants. Escorted by world-famous beers and wines, all this and more, guaranteed to make your tour of Germany's cities an unforgettable scrumptious experience.

Famous Places of Germany

Berlin
Being the capital city, it has gained strategic importance for itself since it first straddled the Spree River in the 13th century. Today, Berlin has attained a platform for itself that not only restored it as the nation's capital, but also provided a centre stage of reunification Germany's moods.

Berlin is a versatile state and is an exotic abode for lovers of art, architecture and artifacts. The layers of the city's history, from war and violent division to imperial fancy, exist in fascinating proximity to its dynamic present.

FrankFurt

Frankfurt is often considered the business center of Germany, but it's so much more as it offers many tourist destination that are worth exploring. Frankfurt endorses Germany's most breathtaking skyline and Europe's tallest office building. It's also the country's most international town; more than a quarter of its citizens are foreign.

Flneurs is one of the exotic tourist spots that offer an excellent view of Frankfurt. Luckily most of its obvious attractions are located around the city centre. Invest in a 'Museumsurfer Ticket' and cruising Frankfurt's galleries and museums at a fraction of their individual prices.

Lubeck

Lubeck is an enchanting town that got itself listed on the UNESCO's World Heritage list. Lubeck is off the main tourist destination and is easily accessible through Hamburg, in fact it offers quiet alternative to the more fascinating attractions further south.

Munich

Munich, is next to Berlin and is considered Germany's most popular destination after the capital city, that enjoys contradicting itself. Munich is a tightly packed city, but a tourist can spend several weeks exploring its museums, architectural treasures and idyllic surrounds. The Altstadt or the old town is a special retreat for the tourists to stroll around, with its grand avenues and spacious squares that recall the glory of Bavaria's monarchy.

Rhine Valley

Rhine valley is one of the scenic abode of Germany with dramatic landscape fertile vineyards imposing castles and dreamy wine villages. Interestingly, Each village in Germany has at least one wine festival per year. Amongst all, the most popular is the Rhine in Flames, a series of festivals, when water, lighting and fireworks are combined to spectacular effect.

The Harz Mountains

The Harz Mountains is one of the most scenic mountains, initially they have originated from the North German plain. These mountains don't boost the peaks and valleys of the Alps, but they provide a special retreat for tourist who love sports.

Fussen

Apart from the famous trio of Ludwig II castles, Fussen offer much more tourist attraction. It boost a compact centre, has many historical buildings. In fact, the tourist spot offer a panoramic views of the city from the top of Tegelbergbahn. The tourist spots have King Ludwig Weigham II's legacy that consists of the three fantastical castles he had built in the close vicinity.