Germany is one of the
most influential countries in Europe because of their many technological
advances in many different fields and for having a very high standard of life.
The country is well-known because of its culture, large history and their
famous scientists.
Germany is the largest country in Central Europe; it counts with many different landscapes and climates due to its location in Western and Central Europe.
In the north, Germany has a big coastline along to the North Sea and the Baltic Seas, there, the landscape is plain and the climate has mild temperatures and strong winds which enhance the creation of resorts along the Baltic Sea in The East Frisian Islands like Rügen and Usedom.
The central half of Germany is a mixture of fields and forests with larger cities. Here we can find tourist destinations, like the Rhine Valley, the Bavarian Forest, the Ore Mountains the Black Forest, the Harz and Saxon Switzerland.
In the extreme south, Germany contains a small portion of the Alps, where we can find the Germany highest elevation, the Zugspitze at 2962 m (9717 ft).
Among regions, Germany is very diverse each region has their own particularity with each own traditions and culture. Germany is divided into 16 states that are geographically grouped into five areas: Northern Germany (Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schleswig-Holstein) Central Germany (Hesse, Thuringia) Southern Germany (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria) Western Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland) Eastern Germany (Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt).
Experience a unique Germany vacation and live like a the locals do: Live Like a German can help you to find and book quality Germany vacation rentals. Their web site also has plenty of Germany travel tips and resources.
If you want to travel around all the major cities of Germany ensures your car with landlord insurance.
Germany possesses Romantic castles and picturesque villages like the dreamed castle of Neuschwanstein, the most iconic of German castle, and cities and towns, like the Rothenburg ob der Tauber city, and towns, like Bamberg, Celle, Heidelberg, Lübeck, and Quedlinburg.
The most famous cities of Germany are: Berlin, the capital of Germany, with elegant clubs, shops galleries and restaurants ; Bremen, a historical city; Cologne , contains many archaeological sites, cathedrals and churches, Düsseldorf, Germany's capital of fashion; Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city, Munich, famous for the Oktoberfest
Germany Basic
Facts
The Federal
Republic of Germany is located
in Western and Central Europe; it is the most populous state and has the
largest economy in the European Union. It comprises 16 states and its capital
is Berlin, the largest city in the country. It is one of the major political
powers of the European continent and is a leader in many technological
advances.
- Population: 82,057,000
- Size: 357,021 km²
- Adjacent countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland. - Geography:
Germany is located in the centre of Europe. It forms a bridge between maritime West of Europe and the continental East, between the warmer South and the cool North. Germany is a triad of mountain ranges, uplands and low-land plains – the Bavarian Alps in the South, the pleasant wooded mountains of the Mittelgebirge in the centre of the country and the low country along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts in the North. - Highest point:
Zugspitze (2,962 m) - 31% of the country is covered with forests. - Coastal line: 2,389 km
- Climate:
Germany’s climate is temperate. The average temperatures are around 20-30°C in the summer (June/July – August/September) dropping around 0°C in the winter months (November/December – February/March) - Life expectancy:
77 years (Men - 73 years; Women - 80 years) - System of government:
The Federal Republic of Germany is a democracy with a liberal free-market economy, freedom of religion and freedom of the press. Germany is a member of the European Union (EU). - Capital:
Berlin (3.47 million inhabitants) - States in the Federal Republic:
16 - Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia - Railway system: 43,966 km
- Freeways and roads: 633,000 km
- Cycle tracks: 40,000 km
- Federal and national water
ways: 10,000 km
- Sea water routes: 23,000 km²
- Time zone:
In Germany, clocks are set to Central European time. From the end of March to the end of October (summertime) they are put forward one hour. - Electicity: The voltage is 230V.
Germany History
Middle Ages
In the first centuries the Merovingian kings of Gaul conquered many German tribes, these Colonists of Gaul were also focused in change the religion. The missionary activity funded monasteries at Würzburg, Regensburg, Reichenau, and other places. Many years later, from 772 to 814, the king Charlemagne extended his empire into northern Italy and the territories of all west of Germany, including Saxons and Bavarians. When Charlemagne was confirmed as emperor of Rome, the “Holy Roma Empire” was established. The years passed and the empire was divided into several parts because of the many fights between Charlemagne’s grandchildren, this division gave place to the beginning of the Frankish Kingdom under the government of Duke Henry of Saxony. The time between 1096 and 1291 was the age of the crusades and knightly religious orders were established: The Templars, the Knights of St. John and the Teutonic Order, many towns, castles, bishops’ palaces and monasteries were founded in this age. But from 1300 The Empire started to lose territory on all its frontiers. In the 15th century the king Maximilian I tried to reform the Empire but it was frustrated by the continued territorial fragmentation of the Empire.
Germany Reformation
In the 16th century began the Germany reformation under the philosophy of Martin Luther and his “95 theses” against the abuse of indulgences to the church. Luther translated the Bible establishing the basis of modern German. By 1555 the era of religious tensions seemed to end with the Peace of Augsburg. In the 17th century the Thirty Year’s War devastated Germany, and the religious tensions continued, and the conflict was widened into a European War by the intervention of King Christian IV of Denmark, Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden and France under Cardinal Richelieu, the regent of the young Louis XIV. Germany became the main theatre of war and the scene of the final conflict between France and the Habsburgs for the predominance of Europe. The war resulted in large areas of Germany being laid waste, in a loss of something like a third of its population, and in a general impoverishment. Finally, the war ended with the Peace of Westphalia and the German territory was lost to France and Sweden; Netherlands also left the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire was formally dissolved on 6 August 1806 when the last Holy Roman Emperor Francis II resigned and the Confederation of the Rhine was established under Napoleon's protection. Later with the Wars of Liberation began the destruction of Napoleon’s army and Germany was liberated from French rule.
Germany Confederation
After the fall of Napoleon, European monarchs and statesmen convened in the Vienna in 1814 for the reorganization of European affairs. On the territory of the former "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation", the German Confederation (Deutscher Bund) was founded, a loose union of 39 states (35 ruling princes and 4 free cities) under Austrian leadership, with a Federal Diet (Bundestag) meeting in Frankfurt am Main. In 1867 the German Confederation was dissolved. In its place the North German Confederation (German Norddeutscher Bund) was established, under the leadership of Prussia. Austria was excluded, and would remain outside German affairs for most of the remaining 19th and the 20th centuries. The North German Confederation was a transitory group that existed from 1867 to 1871, between the dissolution of the German Confederation and the founding of the German Empire, led by Otto Von Bismarck who was declared chancellor. With it, Prussia established control over the 22 states of northern Germany and, via the Zollverein, southern Germany.
German Empire
In 1871 The German Empire was funded with 25 states, three of which were Hanseatic free cities, and the Chancellor was Bismarck. It was dubbed the "Little German" solution, since Austria was not included. Bismarck's domestic policies as Chancellor of Germany were characterized by his fight against perceived enemies of the Protestant Prussian state. Other Bismarck's priority was to protect Germany's expanding power through a system of alliances and an attempt to contain crises until Germany was fully prepared to initiate them, then in 1879 Bismarck formed a Dual Alliance if Germany and Austria-Hungary, later Italy joined to the Dual Alliance to form a Triple Alliance against France colonial policy. In spite of Bismarck policies, the 29 year old Wilhelm II removed Bismarck of his chancellor position. In 1898 the Triple Alliance was dissolved by differences between Austria and Italy and Germany was increasingly isolated.
First World War
Imperialist power politics and the determined pursuit of national interests ultimately led to the outbreak in 1914 of the First World War, sparked by the assassination of the Austrian heir-apparent Franz Ferdinand and his wife. Germany fought on the side of Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire against Russia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and several other smaller states. Fighting also spread to the Near East and the German colonies. The entry of the United States into the war in 1917 following Germany’s declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare marked a decisive turning-point against Germany. On November Kaiser Wilhelm II and all German ruling princes abdicated and the Social Democrat Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed a Republic who signed the end of the war at Compiègne. After First World War, Germany was obligated to cede many areas, allied troops occupied the left German Bank of the Rhine for a period of 5-15 years, and the German army was to be limited to 100,000 officers. Furthermore, Germany and its allies were to accept the sole responsibility of the war, and were to pay financial reparations for all loss and damage suffered by the Allies. The humiliating peace terms provoked bitter indignation throughout Germany, and seriously weakened the new democratic regime.
Weimar Republic
In 1919, under the Weimar constitution, Friedrich Ebert was named as the first German President, but the Weimar republic was not accepted by the National Socialist German Workers' Party and German Communist Party. In 1923 began other the problems when Germany defaulted on its reparation payments French and Belgian troops occupied the heavily industrialized Ruhr district. The German government encouraged the population to passive resistance and later the occupation became a loss-making deal for French government. As consequence of this, many lost all their fortune and they would become bitter enemies of the Weimar Republic. Fortunately, in 1928 Germany’s industrial production improved. At this time, Hitler made his first appearance with storm troopers in Munich and after the national elections in 1932, the new president Hindenburg appointed him Chancellor.
Nazi Revolution
With Hitler, the Communism was begun. He also formed a slim majority government and obtained the full legislative power with the Enabling Act of 1933, only the Social Democrats were against this act. The Enabling Act formed the basis for the dictatorship, dissolution of the trade unions and all political parties other than the Nazi party were suppressed. A centralized totalitarian state was established, no longer based on the liberal Weimar constitution. In 1938, Hitler entered into Austria and he was acclaimed, many Austrians voted for the annexation of their country to Germany.
Second World War
In 1939, after six years, The Nazi regime prepared the country for World War II. The Nazi leadership occupied countries through forced deportation and genocide, now knows as the Holocaust. By 1945, Germany and its partners (Italy and Japan) had been defeated, chiefly by the forces of the Soviet Union, the USA, Britain, and Canada. Many people had been killed between six million Jews and five million non-Jews, and much of Europe lay in ruins. World War II resulted in the destruction of Germany's political and economic infrastructure and led directly to its partition, considerable loss of territory, and historical legacy of guilt and shame. Germany was divided into four military occupation zones by the Allies; the three western zones would form the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) while part of the Soviet Zone became the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). The Germans were repatriated to the Eastern Europe (German exodus). In this process of expulsion, millions of Germans died.
After 1945
After war, Germany population lived on near starvation levels. In the early 1950s, West Germany eventually came to enjoy prolonged economic growth. The recovery occurred largely because of the previously forbidden currency reform of June 1948 and from 1949 on partly by U.S. assistance through Marshall Plan loans. Across the border, East Germany soon became the richest, most advanced country in the Warsaw Pact, but many of its citizens looked to the West for political freedoms and economic prosperity. In 1970, West Germany under Brandt's Ostpolitik was intent on holding to its concept of "two German states in one German nation." Relations improved, and in 1973, East Germany and West Germany were admitted to the United Nations. German reunification happened in 1990 when East German authorities suddenly allowed East German citizens to enter West Berlin and West Germany. Hundreds of thousands of people took advantage of the opportunity; new crossing points were opened in the Berlin Wall and along the border with West Germany.
New Germany, France and other European countries formed the European Union. After all, Germany became into a country of remarkable diversity, with cultural differences, although Germans will never forget the dark past.
In the first centuries the Merovingian kings of Gaul conquered many German tribes, these Colonists of Gaul were also focused in change the religion. The missionary activity funded monasteries at Würzburg, Regensburg, Reichenau, and other places. Many years later, from 772 to 814, the king Charlemagne extended his empire into northern Italy and the territories of all west of Germany, including Saxons and Bavarians. When Charlemagne was confirmed as emperor of Rome, the “Holy Roma Empire” was established. The years passed and the empire was divided into several parts because of the many fights between Charlemagne’s grandchildren, this division gave place to the beginning of the Frankish Kingdom under the government of Duke Henry of Saxony. The time between 1096 and 1291 was the age of the crusades and knightly religious orders were established: The Templars, the Knights of St. John and the Teutonic Order, many towns, castles, bishops’ palaces and monasteries were founded in this age. But from 1300 The Empire started to lose territory on all its frontiers. In the 15th century the king Maximilian I tried to reform the Empire but it was frustrated by the continued territorial fragmentation of the Empire.
Germany Reformation
In the 16th century began the Germany reformation under the philosophy of Martin Luther and his “95 theses” against the abuse of indulgences to the church. Luther translated the Bible establishing the basis of modern German. By 1555 the era of religious tensions seemed to end with the Peace of Augsburg. In the 17th century the Thirty Year’s War devastated Germany, and the religious tensions continued, and the conflict was widened into a European War by the intervention of King Christian IV of Denmark, Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden and France under Cardinal Richelieu, the regent of the young Louis XIV. Germany became the main theatre of war and the scene of the final conflict between France and the Habsburgs for the predominance of Europe. The war resulted in large areas of Germany being laid waste, in a loss of something like a third of its population, and in a general impoverishment. Finally, the war ended with the Peace of Westphalia and the German territory was lost to France and Sweden; Netherlands also left the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire was formally dissolved on 6 August 1806 when the last Holy Roman Emperor Francis II resigned and the Confederation of the Rhine was established under Napoleon's protection. Later with the Wars of Liberation began the destruction of Napoleon’s army and Germany was liberated from French rule.
Germany Confederation
After the fall of Napoleon, European monarchs and statesmen convened in the Vienna in 1814 for the reorganization of European affairs. On the territory of the former "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation", the German Confederation (Deutscher Bund) was founded, a loose union of 39 states (35 ruling princes and 4 free cities) under Austrian leadership, with a Federal Diet (Bundestag) meeting in Frankfurt am Main. In 1867 the German Confederation was dissolved. In its place the North German Confederation (German Norddeutscher Bund) was established, under the leadership of Prussia. Austria was excluded, and would remain outside German affairs for most of the remaining 19th and the 20th centuries. The North German Confederation was a transitory group that existed from 1867 to 1871, between the dissolution of the German Confederation and the founding of the German Empire, led by Otto Von Bismarck who was declared chancellor. With it, Prussia established control over the 22 states of northern Germany and, via the Zollverein, southern Germany.
German Empire
In 1871 The German Empire was funded with 25 states, three of which were Hanseatic free cities, and the Chancellor was Bismarck. It was dubbed the "Little German" solution, since Austria was not included. Bismarck's domestic policies as Chancellor of Germany were characterized by his fight against perceived enemies of the Protestant Prussian state. Other Bismarck's priority was to protect Germany's expanding power through a system of alliances and an attempt to contain crises until Germany was fully prepared to initiate them, then in 1879 Bismarck formed a Dual Alliance if Germany and Austria-Hungary, later Italy joined to the Dual Alliance to form a Triple Alliance against France colonial policy. In spite of Bismarck policies, the 29 year old Wilhelm II removed Bismarck of his chancellor position. In 1898 the Triple Alliance was dissolved by differences between Austria and Italy and Germany was increasingly isolated.
First World War
Imperialist power politics and the determined pursuit of national interests ultimately led to the outbreak in 1914 of the First World War, sparked by the assassination of the Austrian heir-apparent Franz Ferdinand and his wife. Germany fought on the side of Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire against Russia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and several other smaller states. Fighting also spread to the Near East and the German colonies. The entry of the United States into the war in 1917 following Germany’s declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare marked a decisive turning-point against Germany. On November Kaiser Wilhelm II and all German ruling princes abdicated and the Social Democrat Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed a Republic who signed the end of the war at Compiègne. After First World War, Germany was obligated to cede many areas, allied troops occupied the left German Bank of the Rhine for a period of 5-15 years, and the German army was to be limited to 100,000 officers. Furthermore, Germany and its allies were to accept the sole responsibility of the war, and were to pay financial reparations for all loss and damage suffered by the Allies. The humiliating peace terms provoked bitter indignation throughout Germany, and seriously weakened the new democratic regime.
Weimar Republic
In 1919, under the Weimar constitution, Friedrich Ebert was named as the first German President, but the Weimar republic was not accepted by the National Socialist German Workers' Party and German Communist Party. In 1923 began other the problems when Germany defaulted on its reparation payments French and Belgian troops occupied the heavily industrialized Ruhr district. The German government encouraged the population to passive resistance and later the occupation became a loss-making deal for French government. As consequence of this, many lost all their fortune and they would become bitter enemies of the Weimar Republic. Fortunately, in 1928 Germany’s industrial production improved. At this time, Hitler made his first appearance with storm troopers in Munich and after the national elections in 1932, the new president Hindenburg appointed him Chancellor.
Nazi Revolution
With Hitler, the Communism was begun. He also formed a slim majority government and obtained the full legislative power with the Enabling Act of 1933, only the Social Democrats were against this act. The Enabling Act formed the basis for the dictatorship, dissolution of the trade unions and all political parties other than the Nazi party were suppressed. A centralized totalitarian state was established, no longer based on the liberal Weimar constitution. In 1938, Hitler entered into Austria and he was acclaimed, many Austrians voted for the annexation of their country to Germany.
Second World War
In 1939, after six years, The Nazi regime prepared the country for World War II. The Nazi leadership occupied countries through forced deportation and genocide, now knows as the Holocaust. By 1945, Germany and its partners (Italy and Japan) had been defeated, chiefly by the forces of the Soviet Union, the USA, Britain, and Canada. Many people had been killed between six million Jews and five million non-Jews, and much of Europe lay in ruins. World War II resulted in the destruction of Germany's political and economic infrastructure and led directly to its partition, considerable loss of territory, and historical legacy of guilt and shame. Germany was divided into four military occupation zones by the Allies; the three western zones would form the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) while part of the Soviet Zone became the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). The Germans were repatriated to the Eastern Europe (German exodus). In this process of expulsion, millions of Germans died.
After 1945
After war, Germany population lived on near starvation levels. In the early 1950s, West Germany eventually came to enjoy prolonged economic growth. The recovery occurred largely because of the previously forbidden currency reform of June 1948 and from 1949 on partly by U.S. assistance through Marshall Plan loans. Across the border, East Germany soon became the richest, most advanced country in the Warsaw Pact, but many of its citizens looked to the West for political freedoms and economic prosperity. In 1970, West Germany under Brandt's Ostpolitik was intent on holding to its concept of "two German states in one German nation." Relations improved, and in 1973, East Germany and West Germany were admitted to the United Nations. German reunification happened in 1990 when East German authorities suddenly allowed East German citizens to enter West Berlin and West Germany. Hundreds of thousands of people took advantage of the opportunity; new crossing points were opened in the Berlin Wall and along the border with West Germany.
New Germany, France and other European countries formed the European Union. After all, Germany became into a country of remarkable diversity, with cultural differences, although Germans will never forget the dark past.
German
cuisine
varies
according of each region. For example the southern regions of Bavaria and
Swabia are very similar to Switzerland and Austria cuisine; they usually eat
meat in sausage form and are known as the world's most beer-loving people. The
northern regions traditions include rustic and hearty dishes with pork, goose,
fish, peas, beans, cucumbers or potatoes.
STARTERS
MAIN COURSES & SOUPS
- Wiener Schnitzel
- Grilled Bratwurst
- Fish in Beer
- Knackwurst with Spinach
- Badischer Pike
- Venison Sauerbraten
- Bavarian Sauerbraten
- Rhineland Sauerbraten
- Beckenoffe (lamb, pork, beef)
ACCOMPANIMENTS
- Semolina Dumplings
- Spatzle
- Heaven and Earth
- Turnip and Sauerkraut Casserole
- Baked Sauerkraut with Apples
- Homemade Sauerkraut
DESSERTS
Festivals in
Germany
Germany is a
country full of traditions and festivals, all year around you will find a
possibility to have fun with the public festivities.
In January there are few events being the most important the Three Hallowed Kings festivity.
February is the month of Carnival (Fasching), in almost every Germany’s city there are many big parties and parades. Although it is true that some carnivals are celebrated in November 11, the real festivities start in February. The most popular cities where carnival is celebrated are Aachen, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Mainz, Munich or Muenster.
March is the beginning of the spring and the end of the winter, so there are many festivals and events. There is a festival made for kids and why not the whole family, we are talking about the Berlin’s Spandau Spring Festival; there are roller coasters, rides, food stands and fireworks exhibitions. In Munich is celebrated the Strong Beer weeks, a traditional beer is brewed for this occasion. The beer has to contain about 6.5% alcohol; from there comes its fame of “Strong Beer”.
In April, the most important festivals are relative to the spring. In Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich there are many spring fairs, meanwhile Dresden is home to the FilmFest and the International Dance week. But the most important celebration in this month is Easter; it is celebrated 46 days after Ash Wednesday. Germany has many traditions in this festivity like the Easter egg beautifully decorated, paschal lamb, paschal bunny and Easter fires among others.
May is full of annual events, spring and summer festivals and many music festivals. In this month Germany is really beautiful, full of color and interesting places to visit. The most important events are the Munich Spring festival, the Bodensee Festival on Lake Constance in Friedrichshafen, the Dresden Music Festival and the Asparagus Festival in Darmstadt.
Germany’s June festivals include music festivals and sport events. The most important musical festivals are the massive Rock am Ring and Rock am Park and the festival of classical music in Dresden. In this month, the biggest sailing event of the world is the most popular sport event; about 3.5 million people arrive to Keil and enjoy this event.
July is also time of musical festivals, many of them free such as the Rheinkultur Bonn, Schlagermove pop music festival, Zeltfestival in Hamburg and the Das fest in Karlsruhe. This month is also famous for its summer and wine festivals.
August is popular for beer festivals, wine festivals and theatre festivals. In the regions of Mosel and Rhine, the wine festivals are the favorites for visitors. The cities of Stuttgart, Hamburg, Mainz, Frankfurt or Aachen don’t stay behind; these are famous destinations for beer fans. One of the most important festivals in this month is the Berlin Beer Festival, is like the Oktoberfest but in a different location.
In September the wine, beer and music festivals continue. The most attractive music festivals are the Beethoven Festival in Bonn, the Alstadt Autumn Festival in Dusseldorf, Berlin Musicfest and the Potsdam Jazz Festival. In the last days of September, the Oktoberfest begins in Munich; this is one of the most famous festivals of Germany. Many people arrive to the city just to try the delicious beers especially made for this occasion. The Oktoberfest ends in early October.
In November and December the Christmas markets appear, doesn’t matter the German city where you are, there is always a Christmas market. There you will find good ideas for Christmas gifts. One of the most famous markets is in Nuremberg.
In January there are few events being the most important the Three Hallowed Kings festivity.
February is the month of Carnival (Fasching), in almost every Germany’s city there are many big parties and parades. Although it is true that some carnivals are celebrated in November 11, the real festivities start in February. The most popular cities where carnival is celebrated are Aachen, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Mainz, Munich or Muenster.
March is the beginning of the spring and the end of the winter, so there are many festivals and events. There is a festival made for kids and why not the whole family, we are talking about the Berlin’s Spandau Spring Festival; there are roller coasters, rides, food stands and fireworks exhibitions. In Munich is celebrated the Strong Beer weeks, a traditional beer is brewed for this occasion. The beer has to contain about 6.5% alcohol; from there comes its fame of “Strong Beer”.
In April, the most important festivals are relative to the spring. In Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich there are many spring fairs, meanwhile Dresden is home to the FilmFest and the International Dance week. But the most important celebration in this month is Easter; it is celebrated 46 days after Ash Wednesday. Germany has many traditions in this festivity like the Easter egg beautifully decorated, paschal lamb, paschal bunny and Easter fires among others.
May is full of annual events, spring and summer festivals and many music festivals. In this month Germany is really beautiful, full of color and interesting places to visit. The most important events are the Munich Spring festival, the Bodensee Festival on Lake Constance in Friedrichshafen, the Dresden Music Festival and the Asparagus Festival in Darmstadt.
Germany’s June festivals include music festivals and sport events. The most important musical festivals are the massive Rock am Ring and Rock am Park and the festival of classical music in Dresden. In this month, the biggest sailing event of the world is the most popular sport event; about 3.5 million people arrive to Keil and enjoy this event.
July is also time of musical festivals, many of them free such as the Rheinkultur Bonn, Schlagermove pop music festival, Zeltfestival in Hamburg and the Das fest in Karlsruhe. This month is also famous for its summer and wine festivals.
August is popular for beer festivals, wine festivals and theatre festivals. In the regions of Mosel and Rhine, the wine festivals are the favorites for visitors. The cities of Stuttgart, Hamburg, Mainz, Frankfurt or Aachen don’t stay behind; these are famous destinations for beer fans. One of the most important festivals in this month is the Berlin Beer Festival, is like the Oktoberfest but in a different location.
In September the wine, beer and music festivals continue. The most attractive music festivals are the Beethoven Festival in Bonn, the Alstadt Autumn Festival in Dusseldorf, Berlin Musicfest and the Potsdam Jazz Festival. In the last days of September, the Oktoberfest begins in Munich; this is one of the most famous festivals of Germany. Many people arrive to the city just to try the delicious beers especially made for this occasion. The Oktoberfest ends in early October.
In November and December the Christmas markets appear, doesn’t matter the German city where you are, there is always a Christmas market. There you will find good ideas for Christmas gifts. One of the most famous markets is in Nuremberg.
Where and when to
go in Germany
Germany offers a
huge choice of regions (16 states called Bundesländer or short
"Länder") most of which could provide an enjoyable and fascinating
holiday. Germany is also famous for its forests, mountains and lakes.
Let’s begin for the North: Germany has coasts to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. In this part of the country you can find the famous Fairytale Road with white, sandy beaches, resorts and seaports. There is also the city of Bremen, the Germany’s second port; there are galleries, the town hall and the Roland Statue. The Germany’s number one ocean gate way to the world is the international port of Hamburg; there are chic shops, elegant hotels and great museums. We can not forget Berlin, Germany’s capital, one of the mega cities in the world and the top travel destination in Germany. Berlin offers a wonderful combination of history, night life, architecture and culture.
In the Germany’s south you can find from the beauty of the Black Forest to the dazzling allure of the Alps. There is the city of Heidelberg, where stay the Germany’s most famous castle ruins. Other important city is Freiburg, the capital of the southern Black Forest; it is also known for its magnificent cathedral, an excellent example of late gothic architecture. There is also Munich, Bavaria’s capital and one of Germany’s most beautiful and charming cities, it is home of the world-famous Oktoberfest and of the Deutsches Museum, the largest science and industry museum in Europe. Other areas of interest in Germany’s south include Triberg, Lindau, Dinkelsbühl and the historic Franconian city of Würzburg.
In the middle, you can find Europe’s center of international business and finance: Frankfurt. The city is vibrant, dynamic, and flashy, earning it the questioning distinction of the most Americanized city in Germany. In the eastern part of Germany, you can find extraordinary cities: Leipzig, Weimar, Schwerin and even Dresden, famous for its Frauenkirche and historic center. In the western part cities still have some French influence, discover Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne (the heart of the Rhineland), Trier (the oldest city of Germany) or Aachen with its impressive cathedral and history back to Charlemagne.
We have to recommend the Germany’s valleys, well-known as “Romantic Wine Valleys”. Let’s begin for the Rhine Valley; its unique beauty unfurls across the legendary River Rhine. It is famous for its wine festivals during the autumn. The next romantic valley is the Moselle Valley; it attracts visitors not only for its beauty, but also for the friendly atmosphere created by wine and song. Other beautiful valleys are The Ahr Valley, the Weser valley, the Neckar valley, and the Altmühl valley.
Germany is an excellent destination all the year although its climate can be unpredictable. Most people prefer to visit it between May and September (high season) when the sunny days are most likely. A lot of activities are popular in this season, especially outdoor events (hiking, cycling and swimming) and festivals. Cold and wet weather should never be unpredicted in Germany, however: between one-third and one-half of the days each year brings some amount of precipitation. In June and July, school groups filled the major youth hostels, bringing noise and confusion.
The other seasons (from March to May and from October to early November) bring fewer tourists. Usually, in April and May the weather can be mild and sunny. On the other hand, between November and early March skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing (there are only six or eight hours of daylight); in this season, travel to Germany is becoming more and more popular, especially to the ski areas in the Bavarian Alps. Keep in mind that the rain is a possibility in any month, so try to be cautious.
Let’s begin for the North: Germany has coasts to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. In this part of the country you can find the famous Fairytale Road with white, sandy beaches, resorts and seaports. There is also the city of Bremen, the Germany’s second port; there are galleries, the town hall and the Roland Statue. The Germany’s number one ocean gate way to the world is the international port of Hamburg; there are chic shops, elegant hotels and great museums. We can not forget Berlin, Germany’s capital, one of the mega cities in the world and the top travel destination in Germany. Berlin offers a wonderful combination of history, night life, architecture and culture.
In the Germany’s south you can find from the beauty of the Black Forest to the dazzling allure of the Alps. There is the city of Heidelberg, where stay the Germany’s most famous castle ruins. Other important city is Freiburg, the capital of the southern Black Forest; it is also known for its magnificent cathedral, an excellent example of late gothic architecture. There is also Munich, Bavaria’s capital and one of Germany’s most beautiful and charming cities, it is home of the world-famous Oktoberfest and of the Deutsches Museum, the largest science and industry museum in Europe. Other areas of interest in Germany’s south include Triberg, Lindau, Dinkelsbühl and the historic Franconian city of Würzburg.
In the middle, you can find Europe’s center of international business and finance: Frankfurt. The city is vibrant, dynamic, and flashy, earning it the questioning distinction of the most Americanized city in Germany. In the eastern part of Germany, you can find extraordinary cities: Leipzig, Weimar, Schwerin and even Dresden, famous for its Frauenkirche and historic center. In the western part cities still have some French influence, discover Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne (the heart of the Rhineland), Trier (the oldest city of Germany) or Aachen with its impressive cathedral and history back to Charlemagne.
We have to recommend the Germany’s valleys, well-known as “Romantic Wine Valleys”. Let’s begin for the Rhine Valley; its unique beauty unfurls across the legendary River Rhine. It is famous for its wine festivals during the autumn. The next romantic valley is the Moselle Valley; it attracts visitors not only for its beauty, but also for the friendly atmosphere created by wine and song. Other beautiful valleys are The Ahr Valley, the Weser valley, the Neckar valley, and the Altmühl valley.
Germany is an excellent destination all the year although its climate can be unpredictable. Most people prefer to visit it between May and September (high season) when the sunny days are most likely. A lot of activities are popular in this season, especially outdoor events (hiking, cycling and swimming) and festivals. Cold and wet weather should never be unpredicted in Germany, however: between one-third and one-half of the days each year brings some amount of precipitation. In June and July, school groups filled the major youth hostels, bringing noise and confusion.
The other seasons (from March to May and from October to early November) bring fewer tourists. Usually, in April and May the weather can be mild and sunny. On the other hand, between November and early March skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing (there are only six or eight hours of daylight); in this season, travel to Germany is becoming more and more popular, especially to the ski areas in the Bavarian Alps. Keep in mind that the rain is a possibility in any month, so try to be cautious.
Best of Germany
Germany is a country
with a lot of history that had been trough for many troubles to be the
successful country that it is now. A country brimming of beauty with fairy tale
castles, striking landscapes, artistic churches, and incredible culture.
Germany invites you to have an amazing trip with overwhelming attractions. Here we show you the best destinations of Germany.
The Rhine
In Germany, The Rhine has a spectacular beauty and it is a popular holiday destination. There you can find impressive places to visit like castles, cathedrals, vineyards and hiking trails. Its magnificent scenery inspired a lot of painters and poets. In fact, Germany is full of castles, but the Rhine has an especially amount of important castles. Some are ruins and many of them have survived the past of the years.
Trier
Trier is located in Mosel River Valley, is known as Germany’s oldest city. The City was one of the seats of the old Roman Empire, a proof of that is the amazing ruins’ architecture. The most dominant structure is the mixture of two churches: The Dom St. Peter and the Liebfrauenkirche, both build upon ruins.
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgadem, with its beautiful scenery, is an attractive town to visit. The city is mostly visited in winter by its ski resorts on the edge of the Berchtesgaden National Park. There is also the “Eagle’s Nest”, the famous mountain that was refuge of Hitler in the World War II, from there you have an impressive view of the Berchtesgaden area.
Würzburg
Near from Frankfurt, Wüzburg is a vibrant university town surrounded by vineyards and full of architectural splendors. Its cultural scene includes traditions and popular events like the Mozart Festival and the Africa Festival which attract many visitors every year.
Bamberg
Bamberg is a city with an original character and a very special atmosphere. 1000 years of history are united in an Old Town that is a cultural and architectural site of European rank.
Potsdam
Potsdam, capital of Brandenburg state, is a suburb of Germany’s cosmopolitan capital: Berlin. This beautiful baroque city is home for the magnificent palace of Sanssouci that is comparable with other amazing European royal palaces like Versailles and Windsor Castle.
In Germany, The Rhine has a spectacular beauty and it is a popular holiday destination. There you can find impressive places to visit like castles, cathedrals, vineyards and hiking trails. Its magnificent scenery inspired a lot of painters and poets. In fact, Germany is full of castles, but the Rhine has an especially amount of important castles. Some are ruins and many of them have survived the past of the years.
Trier is located in Mosel River Valley, is known as Germany’s oldest city. The City was one of the seats of the old Roman Empire, a proof of that is the amazing ruins’ architecture. The most dominant structure is the mixture of two churches: The Dom St. Peter and the Liebfrauenkirche, both build upon ruins.
Berchtesgadem, with its beautiful scenery, is an attractive town to visit. The city is mostly visited in winter by its ski resorts on the edge of the Berchtesgaden National Park. There is also the “Eagle’s Nest”, the famous mountain that was refuge of Hitler in the World War II, from there you have an impressive view of the Berchtesgaden area.
Near from Frankfurt, Wüzburg is a vibrant university town surrounded by vineyards and full of architectural splendors. Its cultural scene includes traditions and popular events like the Mozart Festival and the Africa Festival which attract many visitors every year.
Bamberg is a city with an original character and a very special atmosphere. 1000 years of history are united in an Old Town that is a cultural and architectural site of European rank.
Potsdam, capital of Brandenburg state, is a suburb of Germany’s cosmopolitan capital: Berlin. This beautiful baroque city is home for the magnificent palace of Sanssouci that is comparable with other amazing European royal palaces like Versailles and Windsor Castle.
Communications in
Germany
Communication
systems in Germany are modern and technologically advanced since the World War
II when the reunification was beginning. Germany also develops an integrated
internal system with important advances from land mail satellite
communications. Currently, Germany occupies the third place worldwide in
telecommunications, after USA and Japan.
Post offices
Post offices in Germany offer an excellent service and there are around all the country. Prices are variable, depending of the letter’s size and weight, but usually sending a package from Germany to another country can be expensive. The main post office company is the "Deutsche Post", but there are also other companies that deliver letters and packages.
Telephones
Germany counts with a large selection of telephone services connected by modern networks (fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, satellite system). However, choose the right service is critical. Many service providers put complicated clauses in the contract, So it is important to read carefully the clauses before to sign.
Email and the Internet
Internet is very used in Germany, and in recent years email accounts have been increased reaching the United States in this amount. In the country there are many internet options, so try to look for the service that is compatible with your needs.
Media
In Germany media is an important part of the country’s culture, the quality of journalism is high and the freedom of the press is guaranteed under the Basic Law. Media is also the main channel through the citizens obtain the information: The 51 percent of Germans get their news from television, 22 percent from the written press (newspapers, magazines) and 6 percent from radio.
Post offices
Post offices in Germany offer an excellent service and there are around all the country. Prices are variable, depending of the letter’s size and weight, but usually sending a package from Germany to another country can be expensive. The main post office company is the "Deutsche Post", but there are also other companies that deliver letters and packages.
Telephones
Germany counts with a large selection of telephone services connected by modern networks (fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, satellite system). However, choose the right service is critical. Many service providers put complicated clauses in the contract, So it is important to read carefully the clauses before to sign.
Email and the Internet
Internet is very used in Germany, and in recent years email accounts have been increased reaching the United States in this amount. In the country there are many internet options, so try to look for the service that is compatible with your needs.
Media
In Germany media is an important part of the country’s culture, the quality of journalism is high and the freedom of the press is guaranteed under the Basic Law. Media is also the main channel through the citizens obtain the information: The 51 percent of Germans get their news from television, 22 percent from the written press (newspapers, magazines) and 6 percent from radio.
Costs, Money And
Banks in Germany
In recent years,
Germany showed a substantial improvement turning into the largest economy in
Europe. German government has made great progress in raising the standard of
living, providing an extensive collection of social services. For that reason
Germans describe their economic system as a “social market economy”.
Although it's quite clear that costs and unemployment in Germany are still high, the country is an export powerhouse; exports traditionally have been a key element in German macroeconomic expansion.
Since euro is the official Germany currency, the European Central Bank has set monetary policy.
The Euro (€)
In 2002 with the introduction of the Euro (€) as official currency of the European Union, Germany had to change its official currency, until then The Deutschmark (DM), for the Euro. Currently the DM is not accepted in Germany...
Costs in Germany
Costs in Germany are relatively high but usually prices of rent vary between regions and cities. If you want to live in large and attractive city you have to spend more than third of your income on rent, although lately prices have gone down...
Credit cards, changing money and banks
Credit cards in Germany have a low level of usage compared to other European countries; most Germans prefer to pay in cash. The most common credit cards are the worldwide recognized Eurocard / Mastercard and Visa with which you can make regular monthly payments like rent, telephone and utilities; however credit cards are not accepted in all shops...
Although it's quite clear that costs and unemployment in Germany are still high, the country is an export powerhouse; exports traditionally have been a key element in German macroeconomic expansion.
Since euro is the official Germany currency, the European Central Bank has set monetary policy.
The Euro (€)
In 2002 with the introduction of the Euro (€) as official currency of the European Union, Germany had to change its official currency, until then The Deutschmark (DM), for the Euro. Currently the DM is not accepted in Germany...
Costs in Germany
Costs in Germany are relatively high but usually prices of rent vary between regions and cities. If you want to live in large and attractive city you have to spend more than third of your income on rent, although lately prices have gone down...
Credit cards, changing money and banks
Credit cards in Germany have a low level of usage compared to other European countries; most Germans prefer to pay in cash. The most common credit cards are the worldwide recognized Eurocard / Mastercard and Visa with which you can make regular monthly payments like rent, telephone and utilities; however credit cards are not accepted in all shops...
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