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The city is known for its beautiful climate and plenty of tourist attractions. The lovely City Center, Christmas market, and the oldest inhabited bridge of Europe are some of the signature spots of this beautiful German city. However for some unknown reason this small city is known for its somber and quiet surroundings and quality accommodations of this city is quite reasonably priced. If you wish to plan your next holiday Germany at a budget plan you should never skip paying a visit to Erfurt.

Some other prime Germany attractions are located in Erfurt Germany, Cathedral Dom and old Church. Erfurt Cathedral is one of the most famous spots in Erfurt. Shopaholics should visit this place to attend the fairs which take place here around the year. Other tourist attractions of this place are Fischmarkt, Krämerbrücke, the bridge, Anger, the main square of the city that hosts lots of shops are some obvious attractions of the city.

Besides these places The Citadel, a historical defense system, the Old Synagogue, the oldest museum for exquisite collection of Jewish Jewelry, and Severikirche, the old Gothic church deserve special mention in the list of prime attractions of Erfurt city which pull millions of tourists each year.

Erfurt maintains its great nostalgic charm in narrow streets, old buildings, green parks, and plenty of little bridges over the River Gera, Stadtpark and the Nordpark situated on different sides of the city center; the Augustinerkloster (Augustinian Monastery) displays a museum in the memory of Luther Exhibition, which has lots of rare books, etc.

The Barfüsserkirche is a heritage site which is in ruins now caused by war destruction. The construction was built on 14th century and it was a huge church.

Erfurt Cathedral is a striking Gothic cathedral with some Romanesque parts positioned on a hillside in Erfurt. There are several art masterpieces inside the church.

The Predigerkirche is one of the most visited churches for the Dominicans. The Predigerkirche Church was finished in AD 1400, and has a religious practice of organ recitals during summer season as a part of ritualistic custom.

Erfurt has plenty of hotels with great arrangement of accommodations. Thüringer Bratwurst is the specialty sausage available here, which is a famous finger food of this city. This capital city of Thuringia is connected via regular flights with all major cities of Germany as well as major countries of world. Erfurt holds a significant place in travel guide Germany.

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The Church of Our Lady in Munich is a signature landmark of Munich and it is located in the Mariensquare. The sturdy towers of the Church shape the skyline of the city. If you want to take a 360 degree view of the Munich cityscape and the Alpine beauty of Bavaria, climb on top of the tower and get soaked in a breathtaking view.
You may love or hate beer, but if you love festivities and merrymaking, there is no way that you can holiday Germany without taking a trip to the Oktoberfest. It is most ‘celebrated’ beer festival under the sun and unlike other sorts of festivals; the admission here is completely free for all. You can swoon to the tunes of the rowdy revelers and drench yourself either in booze or in happiness, for most it is both, and all these unbridled celebrations of events and Oktoberfest parades are also free! If you are still surprised, all you need is a single journey to this extravaganza.

Every travel guide Germany will tell you about the natural splendor and magnificence of the country. This capital of Germany is your gateway to all the grandeur of Alps. This busy city is surrounded by the green Bavarian countryside. Starnberg Lake is located sixteen miles south from the cityscape of Munich. Lined by several of the most amazing palaces of King Ludwig, this place will offer your harried senses a new feeling of rejuvenation.

Anyone eager to know a new place must take a walk around the unknown destination as only it can help you get better in touch with the life of that place. You can participate in one of those English-speaking and free walking tours through the landmarks as well as corners of Munich. It is an excellent of getting introduced to a new country. The guides of such tours will keep you entertained with their anecdotes and interesting stories.

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Fraunhofer Wirtshaus is a very popular restaurant that serves traditional Bavarian delights that include organic and hearty specialties such as potato dumplings, knuckles of pork, coleslaw along with exciting vegetarian options as well as excellent salads. This restaurant was established in 1874. With down-to-earth and cozy atmosphere, this restaurant has been drawing an interesting blend of people that include tourists and locals, students, professionals and various actors from nearby theaters. It is one of the Germany attractions that have seen growing number of visitors every year.

An interesting beer hall got married with a dazzling sushi bar and Nomiya was born. This is a culinary concept that has shaken the world with an amazing Bavarian Japanese tone. Combining the finest of both these worlds, here you can blend the yummy tuna roll with handmade wheat beer created with Bavarian magic. You just need to sit back and cherish this new fusion.
An affordable and effortlessly hip restaurant is Hey Luigi. With an interesting international cuisine, this restaurant offers simple yet delicious food. There are numerous variations of salads and pasta. Situated in a nice area this place has been one of the often mentioned eateries in travel guide Germany. Relaxed atmosphere and cozy corners make this restaurant one of the most common hang out place for the young lovebirds and the warm reception make this place a welcome joint for travelers as well.

No meal in Germany is complete without a mug of beer. Every beer connoisseur must take a trip to the Hofbräuhaus as this is the most renowned beer hall of the world. Offering all these variety, no wonder these are the best restaurants of Munich.

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Located within the bustling cityscape of Munich, English Garden is one of the biggest city parks within Europe. This garden is not just any small garden or park as this place expands from the central areas of the city to the far north eastern limits of the town. This green heart is bigger than even the Central Park of New York. This park is loved by the locals as well as the global crowd that have been flocking this country since the last three centuries. Ideated and developed by Sir Benjamin Thompson, an affluent American, this nearly limitless park serves as the life giving oasis amidst the crowd and noise of the city.

You can sit and laze around this beautiful area and take a much needed break from all the stresses of sightseeing around the city. Established in the eighteenth century, this place is one of the most famous Germany attractions and renowned for its numerous lakes, traditionally designed beer gardens, lush lawns such as the well-known Schoenfeld Wiese, overgrown paths and many such beautiful distractions. Nude sunbathing is also legal in this area. Therefore, you can stroll around the area or just lay there sunbathing; this quiet beauty will revitalize your mind, soul and body.

During the summer time, you will find people surfing in the river Eisbach. You can follow suit by renting a surf board or you can just take swim in the pure waters. You can also rent paddle boats to explore the waterways of Lake Kleinhesseloher or visit Seehaus, the tranquil beer garden. There is the Chinese Tower with its massive beer garden that can accommodate as much as 7000 people. Over a lazy weekend, you can participate in the traditional oriental tea ceremony in the Japanese Tea house. Offering these wonders at the same place, no wonder English Garden is a staple in all travel guide Germany.

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Munich’s Mariensquare is one of the oft-visited tourist spots in the country. This section is the center of the city and has been the heartland of history since centuries. Located in the Mariensquare, the Old Town Hall is one of the most prominent places in the city. Situated at the Eastern side of the Marienplatz, until 1874, this building was the dwelling of the town’s municipality. Today this building is used as the domicile foe this city council of Munich. Back in the fourteenth century, it has served as the original building for the city hall. The Grand Hall was constructed sometime between 1392 and 1934. The Talburg Gate of the former city wall served as the spire. This magnificent architecture is mentioned in every travel guide Germany as one of the must-visits in the country.

During 1470 and 1480, the Old Town Hall was redesigned by Jörg von Halsbach in the Gothic design. This Grand Hall under the architect’s supervision was extensively decorated by Morris dancers sculpted by Erasmus Grasser. The years from 1861 to 1864, was important in the history of the Grand Hall. This building was restored during this time after the façade was altered in the Renaissance period. During 1874 the municipality was shifted to the more furnished New Town Hall. The Old Town Hall currently houses the amazing Toy Museum of Munich exhibiting an assortment of the exclusive historic toys from United States of America and Europe.

This Old Town Hall got severely damaged during the World War II. Later the partially destroyed spire was reconstructed between 1971 and 1974. With so many Bavarian chronicles unfolding, you must visit Munich if you are planning out to tour Germany.

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If you are party animal and a hardcore foodie, Regensburg is ‘the’ place to hang around. There is no dearth of entertainment in this quaintly beautiful city. If you want to go on a gastronomic extravaganza, Regensburg offers traditional Bavarian cuisine, international fare, gourmet food and numerous high- class boutique restaurants. You can start your journey of these Germany attractions by visiting Kneitinger. This is the quintessential brewpub of Bavaria. Offering some top-of-the-class hearty home cooked food, delectable house suds as well as extremely filling yummy frolics. In business from 1530, this place also offers a tour of the pub’s brewery on every Wednesday.

Spitalgarten, situated on the banks of Danube, is the one of the most frequented places in this town. As the legend goes, this pub has been brewing its own beer or today’s Spital since 1350. Guzzle down tons of beer and sausages in this amazing place amid the cosmopolitan crowd of locals and global tourists.

Hemingway’s is the café and the lounge for the happening people of Regensburg. The ambience is unique with walls of black marble, dark-wood paneling and housed in an antique and historic building, Hemingway’s is one of the trendiest bars of Regensburg. Friendly, experienced and relaxed services by the café will ensure that you feel comfortable as soon as you enter this lounge. Fresh ingredients are used to prepare the delicacies offered here. After a heady nightlife in Regensburg, you can also dine on the sidewalk of this lounge to get the real feeling of the European café cultures. Offering so many splendid amusements, Regensburg nightlife is known as one of the most interesting aspects of Germany.

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Boasting of a very vibrant past, about 5000 BC Regensburg was the home of Neolithic settlements and then Celtic settlements. Regensburg is situated on the wonderful Danube River that extends to Vienna and Black Sea. Regensburg is joined to Rhine through Main-Danube Canal. Other than the river canal, Regensburg offers a comprehensive and all connecting public bus service. This heartland of the city is pretty compact and generally offers ample access to the pedestrians. Therefore, this city can be best discovered on foot. Transporting around the city is not at all a problem as the city offers extensive network through train, bus, car and boat systems.

There are numerous Germany attractions all around the city. The major attraction is the city center of the medieval ages. It is preserved excellently with the interesting stone bridge and the cathedral being the two most prominent places of the town. These historic attractions have survived the test of time as this city was not massively attacked during the Second World War. It is famous as “the northernmost city of Italy” as this town has many Italian-style towers, merchant houses and offers charming outdoor cafes like Italy in the summer months. Lying on the banks of Danube, you can enter this historic city of Regensburg by crossing the stone bridge built during the Medieval Ages.

If you want to explore this splendid city while you holiday Germany, you can easily take part in one of the many outstanding guided tours. You can also listen to the Domspatzen or the renowned boys’ choir by visiting the mass on a Sunday in the Cathedral. Other than these attractions, Regensburg offers an interesting gastronomic experience for every traveler. Offering so many fascinating experiences, no wonder Regensburg is one of the most popular places in Germany.

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The heart of this bustling city lies in the quarters of Marienplatz. Explore this centrally located square as this cross section from where many landmarks of Munich can be easily explored. You can walk down to the wonderful churches, archaic architecture such as the Mariensäule. It is the exquisitely designed Marian Column that has been topped by Virgin Mary’s carved golden statue. This place also houses the New and Old Town Hall of the city. One of the most popular Germany attractions, the New Town Hall has more than one hundred years old amazingly created carillon or the Glockenspiel. Every noon this place sees huge crowd that gather here to watch 32 life-sized figurines reenacting the history of Bavaria and hear the fascinating Glockenspiel chime. Make sure that take a look at the beautiful golden bird that chirps thrice for marking the ending of every show.
You can journey to the largest church of Munich which is the Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady. It does not matter if you are a devout Catholic as this place is more than religion as it is a witness of history. This place can hold as much as 20000 people inside. Along with the huge Town Hall, the two towers of this Cathedral have been decorating the Munich skyline since ages. Also you can visit at the top of the towers for a stunning view of the Alps and the cityscape.
If you are a New Yorker and have always been proud of being a Central Park jogger, your holiday Germany will not be completed until you take a trip to English Garden. Larger than Central Park, this huge park extends from the central regions of the city to the far north eastern limits of Munich. Make sure you paddle boat in the waters of the lakes, sunbathe in the Schoenfeld Wiese or participate in the oriental ceremony of tea drinking.

Do visit the Dachau Concentration Camp and take trip to the bustling victuals market as these top 5 interesting things always feature in every travel guide Germany.

The very first church in this site was developed in the 4th century in the northern parts of the city walls when the city was under Roman rule. As the story goes, the church was on the burial grounds of the Romans, but the bones in the burial grounds were of Theban Legion. The Theban legion is the legendary Christians who were executed during the ancient times as they were not ready to renounce their Christianity. In your holiday Germany you will come across such entertaining histories and each of these histories has a very interesting story to tell. Your travel guide Germany will not include such fascinating stories. You will find such stories only if you traverse the corners of the country.

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The St. Paulin-Kirche was named as Church of St. Paulinus after the Bishop of Trier. This breathtakingly beautiful basilica has undergone quite a few plunders and natural disasters. However, no attack could fade the charm and mystery of this sanctorum. This church still houses one of the rarest Germany attractions – the ancient bone fragments and skulls supposedly that belonged to the Theban Legion. Certain religious and liturgical celebrations prompt the authority to make these legendary relics available. No wonder, this mystifying history encourages the travelers to holiday Germany years after years. After the near destruction of the first Church, subsequently another Romanesque structure was built in the manner of an exquisitely carved two-towered basilica.

Every travel guide Germany will tell you about this precious church as today this basilica is the only Romanesque crypt that survives with sarcophagus of the St. Paulinus since the fourth century. Another new building – a single-nave splendid Baroque church was added with this structure. With all these details, the St. Paulin-Kirche has been attracting scores of travelers for its unique blend of beauty and history.

Visit Venice: Heading to Venice is something that everyone has to experience once in their lives. Of course Venice is best known for its canals which replace roads. The entire city appears to be floating on water which makes it absolutely beautiful and incredibly different from the rest of Italy and indeed the rest of the world. But that’s not all it boasts either, as you’ll also find here an incredible amount of great architecture and wonderful places to eat and drink where you can enjoy the views of the canals. Be sure to have a go in a boat too while you’re here.

Eat Out… Lots: There’s a saying that ‘everyone’s second favourite cuisine is Italian’ and the assumption here is that people like their own dishes most. However the reality for many of us actually goes beyond that and it would be fair to say that a huge proportion of people prefer eating Italian food to even their own. However you haven’t really tasted a bolognaise or a lasagne or a carbonara until you’ve had one actually in Italy. And here you’ll also find a lot of great drinks too whether your chosen poison is beer (Peroni is the lager of choice here) or wine.

Shop: Italy is also well known for its shopping, and particularly for designer clothes. Many of the most famous designers are Italian and many of the labels. Come here and buy Giogio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Valentino or Versace.

Meanwhile if you are less interested in being a fashionista and more interesting in buying some cultural and beautiful from Italy then you can find a lot of great keepsakes here too. Perhaps the best souvenir to bring back would be a genuine Venitian mask. If you don’t go to Venice then don’t worry – you’ll find these all over Rome and everywhere else too. Wherever you get them though these beautiful hand painted carnival masks will be a real addition to the decoration in any home, a fantastic gift and a great way to create a themed party.

Trek: Most of us hear Italy and we think of the coliseum or the leaning tower. However Italy also has an incredible variety of landscapes and there’s plenty to do for the adventurer/wanderer. To make the most of Italy you should take a visit to the Italian alps and trek through some snow capped mountains (Cliffhanger was filmed here in part) and you should spend some time on some of the beaches (and in the very warm water).

Sight See in Rome: You should of course head to Rome and here you will be able to see everything from St Peter’s Square to the Coliseum. One tip is to visit St Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museum at night. St Peter’s Square looks fantastic at night and has a magical golden glow, while the museum opens late and looks even more impressive at night. As for the sights it is possible to do the majority of them on one long walk if you plan ahead which makes for a fantastic day of discovery.

Sight See in Pisa: Of course if you want to tick all of the most impressive sites off your list then you also need to visit Pisa. Apparently they have some kind of tower there…

Buy Junk: When you are in Pisa or Rome you will find that everyone is trying to sell you junk. That means small key rings of the leaning tower, and oddly of the Eiffel tower as well. Buying this kind of junk is just part of the experience and it does make a good little keepsake.

Have Nights Out: There are lots of great spots in Italy for nights out. One recommendation is to visit the Ice Club de Roma (in Rome) which is a club made entirely out of ice. Even the glasses and chairs are made from it, and you need to wear a big cloak to go in.

Jeet has been blogging for 1001VenetianMasks.com since its establishment and has been talking about different types of Carnival Masks one can use for the up-coming carnival season.

The church has journeyed through the centuries and each of these has contributed something exclusive to the design of the church. The central parts of the beautiful main chapel were created out of Roman bricks under direction and supervision of famous Saint Helen. It has resulted in an exquisitely designed cathedral that has been gradually added on to instead of extensive rebuilding in various eras.

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One of the most renowned Germany attractions, this is the biggest church in Trier. In 1986, this church has been declared as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. This building was created upon the base of the Roman structure of Augusta Treverorum. This church was conceived as the most magnificent ensemble of various ecclesiastical structures.

The ancient structure included one baptistery, four basilicas, and a number of outbuildings. The present building’s nucleus was formed by the 4 piers of main crossing. This massive structure created during fourth century was destroyed by Franks and was rebuilt later. However, it was again devastated by the Normans. This splendid Dom was restored and reconstructed under the administration of Bishop Egbert.

With all these history welcoming travelers to holiday Germany, the Cathedral of Saint Peter has always featured in every travel guide Germany. This church is the celebration of Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity and was coordinated by Bishop Maximin of the City of Trier. This church is the burial ground for Bohemond II, Baldwin, Henry I and Udo, the four Archbishops of Triera long with the sarcophagus of Franz Georg von Schönborn-Buchheim. Housing the sarcophagus of such mighty religious figures, Saint Peter’s Cathedral is considered as one of the most fascinating Germany attractions.
The church boasts of distinct structural diversities. The five symmetrical parts of the western front exhibits the typical Romanesque architectural design of Salian emperors. The Western end choir was completed during 1196 and it has a unique apsidal semi-cylindrical design on its exterior façade. The interior with Gothic vaulting in its 3 Romanesque naves along with the Baroque chapel complete the central design. Offering such splendor St. Peter’s Cathedral greets you to holiday Germany.

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Hauptmarkt is located near the Cathedral Square of the town and specifically in the garden area that is also known as the district center. Most of the prominent shopping streets get assembled in this square. This main market area was founded by Archbishop Henry I as the sign of sovereignty. Any holiday in Germany remains incomplete if you do not take trip to this market area of the town. Hauptmarkt was used as a commodity trading and sales center in the medieval ages. This area houses quite a few historic structures and buildings that include baroque, classic and renaissance architecture. You can find the necessary details of the town in travel guide Germany. Many of these buildings were destroyed during the World War II. Later with help of the technique of “creative conservation”, these Germany attractions were renovated.

Hauptmarkt is also situated near the Jewish quarters and houses prominent city centers like Municipal House, City Council, Red House and Steipe. Every December this market area attracts scores of travelers who come to Germany as it becomes the center of attraction for its Christmas celebrations.

The market area featuring in nearly every travel guide Germany is usually serene place with Market Cross that was established by the Archbishop Henry I. The Cross has the image of the victory banner, cross bar, and the Lamb of God. Peter Wells is another of the famous Germany attractions and it is located in the Southern part of the Trier square. If you are taking trip to Germany, do not overlook Trier as this city so many historic and interesting experiences to offer.

Any travel guide Germany will include the details of this pristine city. Called as “The Second Rome”, Trier became the home of numerous powerful Roman monarchs. Once you visit this tranquil city, you will find Roman relics strewn in the corners of this town. There is no other city in Germany that bears such vivid evidences of a Roman past. All over the town of Trier, you will come across well preserved, exquisite Roman architecture as well as medieval buildings. There is a wide array of travel destinations in Trier. This city is a unique amalgamation of urban life and nature, antique architecture and skyscrapers. No wonder, Trier is a must see destination in every holiday Germany.

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One of the most prominent Germany attractions in Trier is the Porta Nigra or the “black gate”. It is one of the largest and best preserved Roman city gates situated north of the famous Alps. Dating back to the archaic 180 A.D., Porta Nigra has been declared as one of the UNESCO heritage sites. Created by Constantine the Great, Cathedral of Trier is the most ancient and oldest church in the country. The Cathedral houses a vast range of priceless artworks. Built by the first Christian emperor of Rome, the Cathedral is the seat of the Holy Robe, a well known holy relic. Mentioned in every travel guide Germany, as the account goes, Jesus wore the holy garment while he was crucified.
Every holiday Germany remains incomplete unless you take a trip to the medieval Roman imperial bath completely designed with a unique underground heating system for the scented bath waters. And the politically conscious travelers can visit the house of Karl Marx. One of the most well-known Germany attractions, the birthplace of Marx has been converted into a museum exhibiting the rarest of the philosopher’s works. With so many surprises in its kitty, Trier is justified to be featured in every travel guide Germany.

Bautzen is well preserved for an old medieval city and it has a distinct culture. One can reach Bautzen by train or even car. The city is small enough to be travelled on foot. It’s a good destination for day hikes and walks and the perfect destination to celebrate Easter. Bautzen is famous for its skyline of towers which were built in the medieval age more than anything. The old waterworks, Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Ortenburg Castleand Reichenturm are amongst its well known towers.

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The Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxony are amongst its most beautiful natural beauty and a major tourist attraction. Holiday Germany in Saxony is incomplete without visiting the Elbe Sandstone Mountains which is located thirty kilometers from the capital of the state,Dresden. The stunning landscape is often described as Saxon Switzerland and is great for hikes. The Bastei is perhaps the most popular rock formation in the area and is perfect for a day trip. A hike up the Bastei is well rewarded with the fantastic view of cliffs and the river Elbe, one almost feels like they are on the top of the world.

Other popular route for hiking in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is Malerweg. The route takes one almost through the middle of the Sandstone Mountain region and gives one the opportunity to discover some very beautiful sights of valleys from vantage points and rock sculptures. Its rocky sceneries had inspired artists like William Turner, Caspar David Friedrich and many more. The Königstein Fortress in Saxon Switzerland is it’s another major attraction. It’s a fortress located atop a hill and is considered one of the largest fort on the top of a hill. The fort was used as a state prison for many centuries but it acts as a tourist attraction today. In the mid-twentieth century it was converted into an open air military museum and a lift was built to provide tourists access to it.

During a holiday Germany in Saxony, a visit to Meissen is a must for those who love porcelain. One of the oldest towns in the state, it was also the first place inEuropewhere porcelain was invented and the factory continues to function even today.

The Tiergarten Park is quite big and full of trees and there are small lakes as well. If the kids had packed their roller blades with them then this is the perfect place to skate and enjoy them. One can even ride bikes amidst the trees in the park; interested parents can easily hire bikes from the Bike rental located near the western entrance of the zoo. Te paths between the trees are leveled for kids to ride their bikes so parents can enjoy a little picnic in the garden and enjoy the day while the kids can burn off some excess energy.

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Kids can become irritable and quite unmanageable if they do not get to do some physical activity. The Victory Column at Tiergarten Park is perfect for children to burn a bit of energy. The black and gold Victory column stands to commemorate Prussian victories. The kids can climb up 285 stairs to reach the top of the column and take a bird’s eye view of the Park. If you like taking pictures, the top of the Victory column is a great place to take some pictures.
The south east corner of the Tiergarten houses one of Berlin’s favorite spot for kids – The Berlin zoo. The Berlin zoo will almost always find a mention in a travel guide Germany. It is a definite must see for kids. The fun starts with the Chinese styled ornate gates at the entrance. There is another Elephant gate at the western entrance. The zoo is full of promenades, life size sculptures of polar bear, fountains as well as fantasy animals created by the children from chicken wire and paper mache. The animals of the zoo live in open enclosures which make it easy for kids to spot. The Hippo pool is a definite favorite at the park, one can see the hippopotamus underwater through the glass. The hippopotamus look much bigger than they actually are under water so it’s fun for kids to compare them.

Besides the zoo and its animals, there is an aquarium in the same zone as well. The aquarium contains fishes which are native to Europe along with some other very interesting exhibits including Komodo dragons, crocodiles, octopus and jelly fish. There’s a large playground with climbing structures near the aquarium.

The Bauhaus-Archiv Museum

The Bauhaus art movement of 1919 to 1933 produced some of the finest modern art from artists such as Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky. See permanent installations from these artists at the Bauhaus-Archiv Museum,located at Klingelhoferstrasso 14, in central Berlin. Guided tours start at 2:00 in the afternoon every Sunday.  It can get very busy, so make sure you arrive well in advance to guarantee a place.

Museum fur Gegenwart

Experience German history at the centrally located Museum fur Gegenwart, housed inside the former Hamburger Bahnhof railway station. The museum was originally built in the middle of the 19th century but went through extensive restorations to update and expand exhibition areas. The museum remains one of the most important contemporary art showcases in the world and is a must see for any tourist keen on the arts.

Museum Berggruen

The Museum Berggruen features over 100 pieces from Pablo Picasso’s Time collection. The exhibit includes paintings, sketches and sculptures from Picasso’s earlier career and stretches into his Cubist period. Islamic, Asian and Russian art is also featured along with many of Germany’s finest artists.

Kreusbery and Prenalauer Berg

For a bohemian experience, the renovated districts of Kreusberg and Prenalauer Berg are well-known for their alternative art happenings. Hip and trendy art galleries line the streets, along with numerous restaurants that feature local and international artworks.

Outdoor Art

Berlin’s abundant art offerings aren’t confined to indoor spaces. Contemporary sculptures and public artworks dot the city landscape testifying to Germany’s position as one of the most important cultural centers in modern history. These can be find all round Berlin, so make sure you bring a good camera to snap all of the city’s artwork.

Tourists visiting the area for an extended period of time may be interested in renting an apartment in Berlin. Berlin apartments provide comparable amenities to those found in other major cities across Europe.  They are often located near the city centre amongst many of the cultural attractions and range in price from budget to high-end with prices fluctuating depending on season and availability. Renting an apartment gives you more flexibility and also allows you to live as a local Berlin person would do.

Robin is a travel blogger who writes about destinations and tourist attractions throughout Europe.  Robin also recommends places to stay in some of these citiies like renting Rome apartments, staying in hotels in Paris and hostels in London.

The Berlin Wall

Discover the city’s rich history through the ruins of the famous Berlin Wall. You can find remains of the site along the southern tip of Mitte and Wedding. You can swing by Checkpoint Charlie to know more about the story behind this priceless ruin that evokes not just a piece of architecture but a timeless narrative as well.

Sport Events

If you are fan of sports, then you should be aware of Berlin’s active participation in some of the world’s biggest sports activities. The city played host to the World Olympics in 1936 and to the FIFA World Cup Finals in 2006. The city’s elegant hotels are ready to welcome you if you are planning of dropping by for a weekend football match.

Cuisines

Satisfy your appetite by relishing the city’s signature dishes. Known for its diverse set of culinary expertise, Berlin takes pride in offering a flexible menu ready to serve the global palate, no matter how distinctive. As a starter, try the famous currywurst, Berlin’s very own fast-food offering. It is made of pork sausage, curry ketchup, and tomato sauce resulting into one amazing snack. You are also free to explore downtown area and find a wide array of fine dining restaurants and holes-in-the-wall.

Sceneries

Built as a summer sanctuary for Queen Sophie Charlotte, the Charlottenburg Gardens is a perfect place for some quiet afternoon walks. This spot is part of the Hohenzollern residences boasting of verdant surroundings and sophisticated chambers, suites, and apartments. Strolling through the place, you can easily recognize its artistic emblems elaborately created by world-class architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel.

Make your Berlin getaway a lot more productive by learning some few basic German words. Now, that is one exciting cultural escapade for you! Happy trip!

This travel article was written by Hannah of the things to do in Berlin guide, www.berlincityguide.net

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Munich City Centre – The Five Courtyards or the Fünf Höfe located between Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz is a pedestrianised shoppind square and an excellent blend of culture, art and shopping. It is a class by itself when it comes to fashion, literature, lifestyle and café. One can find the latest and trendiest designs at this shopping centre for clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. One can also find books and cosmetics and if you get hungry and don’t mind spending a bit, the Dienerstrasse – one of the finest delicatessens in all of Munich is where you should head towards.

Hamburg’s Mönckebergstrasse – Germany is known for world class electronics goods and its technology so when a travel guide Germany ought to point out the largest electronics store in the world which is located in Hamburg’s Mönckebergstrasse. To make the best of this experience it would be wise to make a list of all electronic goods that you need to buy with a list of prices in your country. Besides electronics it is also home to the largest sports shop and shoe shop inEurope.

Heidelberg Old Town – This shopping destination is truly enchanting because of its history and has a true old world feel. It is located between Karlstor Arch and Bismarckplatz and it is heaven for shoppers. One can stroll down the one kilometer stretch and shop at the antique shops, second hand book store, go to boutiques or try out trendy designer labels. The street has art galleries as well therefore even if you do not intend to make purchases you can have great fun just walking down the street and have a beer at a student bar.

Bremen’s Schnoor district – The narrow streets are dominated by the Church of St. John. It is one of the city’s oldest districts with small houses. A large number of shops, galleries and restaurants are located along the streets. Shops and restaurants in the Schnoor have a very individualistic feel to it and is the perfect destination if you want to pick up some exquisite items.

Lubeck’s town centre – TheLubeck town centre is famous for its marzipan found at the CafewNiederegger. One must not leaveLubeck without taking some marzipan back home.

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The capital of Germany, Berlin is a nice place to explore classical music. Berlin boasts of seven professional symphony orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra which is one of the most famous orchestra in the world. Along with orchestras, Berlin also has three opera houses. The Berlin State Opera located on the Unter den Linden is one of the oldest opera houses in the world.  The Komische Opera and the Deutsche Opera are a very important part of the city’s heritage as well.

Baden Baden located on the foothills of the Black Forest has emerged as an important destination for music lovers all over the world as almost all major orchestra of Europe and America make it a point to play in Baden Baden. If you travel to Germany for classical music stop at the Baden Baden festival theatre, the programme is usually posted on the Festspielhaus website, it would be wise to go through the programme before picking a date to travel to Germany. The concerts at the Festspielhaus are worth centering your trip around.

The Semper Opera House in Dresden is a treat to the ears and the eyes. While the concerts are a feast to the ears, the architecture of the Opera House is a feast to the eyes. One can even take a guided tour of the Semper Opera House and discover its architectural beauty and unique acoustics. These tours are available in a variety of language and one can purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Bayeruth is known to the world for its association with Richard Wagner – The Bayeruth Festival centre was created exclusively to play Wagner’s composition. If you travel to Germany during the summer, you can attend the Bayeruth festival; one can listen to some of the greates composition by Wagner during the festival. The festival is known to draw people from around the world and if you are interested in attending it, you must first try getting tickets to the festival before making any other arrangement such as hotels or flights. Besides the many other opera houses in Germany there are many music festivals held in Germany as well.

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Located on the Baltic Sea, Rugen is the ultimate getaway if you want peace and pampering. There are a large number of seaside resorts which can fit into almost any budget. One can find hotels as well as holiday apartments in Ruben, needless to say holiday apartments are a much cheaper option as compared to hotels but if you want luxury, you will not be disappointed in the island’s hotels. While at Rugendo taste local food in restaurants like fischbrotchen which is a piece of bap stuffed with pickled or smoked herring as well as vegetables. Those who like seafood are in for a treat, restaurants in Ruben serve a nice variety of fresh seafood. Also, during season one can get some really tasty and fresh asparagus.

Ruben has many diverse islands with fishing villages as well as endless beaches. Tourists can enjoy water sports like yachting, diving and water skiing. One can receive training for these sports as well as all necessary equipments on rent on the islands. Driving lessons often include underground trip to wrecks as well. Other than water sports one can also try horse riding, kids usually find it very appealing. One can have a great time relaxing at the beach or explore the island. One can also take a bike tour of the island; there are many bike rentals that will not only provide you with bike and safety equipment but with bike trails as well. Bike tours are relatively cheap way to spend some great time to spot some amazing sights.

When you travel to Germany, few places can give you both beaches as well opportunity to try your climbing skills but Rugen does. Forest climbing is available in Rugen for amateurs as well as experts. The many attractions of Rugen include the smallest national park of Germany in Jasmund. One can visit Putbus to view classical architecture and Kloster to see the island church. The narrow gauge railway between Gohren and Putbus is an excellent way of transport and one can see a variety of interesting spots during the journey.

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At any given time of the year Gendarmenmarkt attracts a large number of people and its Christmas markets are famed across Germany. Even if you do not come in time to visit the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market, the market itself is still worth visiting. Its fantastic architecture makes it really stand out and worth visiting for tourists who travel to Germany to view the country’s grandeur. Its architecture ensemble of the cathedrals and concert hall makes for a truly stunning vision. The architectural ensemble at Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin consists of a German Cathedral, a French Cathedral and the concert hall. The concert hall often hosts performances; the list of programmes are often listed on their website therefore those interested can plan their visit to the Gendarmenmarkt accordingly.

The town square and the cathedrals were built in the eighteenth century and its architecture reflects the time period. The concert hall on the other hand was built much later in the nineteenth century. It was almost in ruins during the Second World War but it has been restored to most of its former glory. Those interested in history and museums would be pleased by the museums housed in the cathedrals.  While the French Cathedral houses a restaurant, provided a viewing platform and provides a Hugenot museum, the German Cathedral on the other hand houses a museum of German history. The museum of German history was reopened fairly recently in 1996 after the German reunification.

Today the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin is a very fashionable part of the town with many restaurants, cafes and shops. People often visit it to just wander around the square, look at people and simply soak in the atmosphere of the place. It is a lovely place to just relax after a busy day of sightseeing; one can also drop in at one of the restaurants and café for dinner before calling it a day.  While German markets are quite famous in general and some in particular, most tourists who travel to Germany agree that the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin is the best market for tourists to visit. The vendors at the Gendarmenmarkt are known to have some lovely ware which are typically German and perfect souvenirs to take back home.

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Hostels are the cheapest accommodation options in Germany. Fortunately, German tourism offers a comfortable number of hostels and these hostels are usually quite clean and safe.Germany is a fairly expensive country and even hotels that advertises itself under budget hotels are considered expensive and are definitely unaffordable by backpack travelers. Those travelling in groups and planning to tour a single German tourism region can opt to hire holiday apartments which are often available at fairly economical rates and are very economical for large groups. Holiday apartments are found almost all over Germany.

Travelling in Germany is usually cheaper for students if they carry their student identity proof they are eligible for many concessions. For those who can afford it, driving on the autobahns is an excellent way to discover Germany but one must be well versed with German traffic laws to be safe as well as to avoid paying steep fines. One appealing feature of the German autobahns is that one does not need to pay toll tax on them. German public transport is quite efficient but the best way to explore German cities and most rural areas is on a bicycle. Germany is extremely bicycle friendly and there are plenty of bicycle rental shops.

Germans are known for their hearty appetite and one does not have to shell out a lot of money to enjoy good German food while touring in the country. Restaurants in German cities are usually not meant for budget travelers but there are plenty of stalls and cafes that stock typical German food and can be enjoyed by tourists without burning a hole in their pocket. Hostels often offer common kitchens; one can even cook their own meals in the common kitchens. For those who can afford to splurge, Germany offers some of the finest restaurants in the world.

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The region is fairly arty and those who want to experience something a little off the beaten track should walk around Prenzlauer Berg to feel the openness of the place. While walking around the place one will find shops selling second hand goods as well as shops offering alternative fashion. Prenzlauer Berg is also known for a rather quirky shop and gallery selling products created by young artists; they have a wide range of collection which is perfect for those looking for things that are different. On Saturdays, one can check out the small open market in the region.

Prenzlauer Berg has found a place  in Germany tourism mainly because of its general atmosphere as well as its few structures which reminds one of Germany’s past including the largest stretch of the erstwhile Berlin wall. The Water Tower in the region is a well known landmark and was used as a mini concentration camp by the Nazis after they came to power; many were tortured and murdered in the tower. After the war, the tower was turned into flats, but the plaque placed outside it, is a reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. The many facades at Prenzlauer Berg still bear testimony to a violent past with the bullet marks on them.

The Gethsemane Church in Prenzlauer Berg has a fairly impressive structure, the church was also important for a historical point of view as it was a meeting point often described as a haven for those who wanted to protest against the GDR and it is believed that these silent protestors movement did have an impact and it contributed to the final fall of GDR. Prenzlauer Berg may not be full of ancient German history but it does give one a peep into the last century and the turbulent times which the country had undergone and survived. Though the area may not be one of the most popular tourist attractions under Germany tourism, those who can spare the time should definitely consider paying it a visit.

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The shows performed in the magnificent Friedrichstadtpalast building are an absolute treat for you and your travel companion. It is one of the must see German attractions. The building as well as the theater had opened its doors in 1984 and continues to entertain people till date. It can be easily accessed even by train as it is just few minutes away from the Friedrichstrasse train station. The theater hosts shows designed for children as well as grownups.  The prestigious German Film awards are also given away at this venue – the Friedrichstadtpalast. The theater is technologically quite advanced as is evident by its modern chique look and high-tech effects during performances. International stars like Kylie Minogue and Madonna have also performed in this theatre but their performances are somewhat different from the usual performances performed by the theatre’s ballet company.

The Friedrichstadtpalast theatre has its well known ballet company consisting of sixty men and women. The performances generally put up by these standards are definitely a visual treat and meets great standards but the strength of the performances do not exactly lie in the story telling strength of the performance. If you find it difficult or are unable to follow the story of the performance do not worry about it because you will enjoy the show despite of it. The strength of the ballet company performance lies in their razzle-dazzle looks and perfect synchronized moves which are an absolutely stunning site to see. Shows usually have a fifteen musician band providing a background score to the performance.

Though there is a bit of German spoken during the show but most of the songs are in English therefore even tourists with little or no knowledge of German can enjoy the show. Tickets to the shows are available online; one can find the details of the show on the website. Seats are available at different price ranges and one even if you buy the cheaper seats, you will get a great view of the performance. Though the performances at the Friedrichstadtpalast aren’t exactly black tie events yet it would serve you well to be dressed well. People do not get thrown out for dressing too casually but one is most likely to feel out of place if he or she is dressed in absolute casuals.

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If you wish, you can even go on a beer brewery tour in Bamberg on your own, one does not really need a guide for it, a little research and asking the locals should suffice. The Bamberg tourist office can provide those who love beer with a 35 page pamphlet which costs around three Euros and has a list of all the breweries, Bamberg map and a sensory profile of a beer from each of the breweries. The tourist office offers another guide which is more of a booklet for twenty Euros. The booklet is usually in German, though an English one is in the offing. Besides the booklet, the twenty Euro deal includes free coupons for five beers therefore you can tour and taste at the same time as well as a Bamberg backpack. The booklet makes an excellent souvenir for the city of Bamberg even if it is in German.

There are plenty of beautiful buildings in Bamberg for instance the Bishop’s palace built in the sixteenth century. The palace is called the Alte Hafhaltung and is a beautiful example of German renaissance architecture but currently it is used as a museum to house decorative as well as applied art. The Caledron festival is held in the courtyard of the Bishop’s Palace. The Bamberg Cathedral with its four towers and entrance decorated with figures of apostles, prophets and the Last Judgment within its arch. The St. Michael’s Church and its surrounding abbey buildings are quite interesting to watch as well; the ceiling paintings at the Church is a definite must see. These fantastic pieces of architecture along with the beer put Bambergon the map of German tourism.

Bamberg is a wonderful place to know and see a little bit more about Germany and experience its famous beer culture. There are plenty of festivals held in the city as well, the Calderon festival, an open air theater festival, being amongst the more famous festivals of Bamberg.

Tourists will be fascinated to enjoy the Brandenburg Gate, the city’s most well known landmark. The Brandenburg Gate is an important and well loved monument. Its’ specially dedicated “Room of Silence’ is the place that visitors and residents go to take a moment of quiet reflection.  People come to this sacred place to reflect on the city’s turbulent fluctuations throughout its history.

Certainly, many of Berlin’s visitors come to see the remains of the famous Berlin Wall. This monument stands as a testament to one of histories most momentous standoffs, it is also a symbol of a country’s reunification after a long battle of war, hardships and strife.

For those visitors who wish to enjoy some of the finer gardens of the city, Tiergarten, the city’s premier park, perfect for an afternoon of quiet enjoyment and relaxation.

Berlin has a fantastic night life with many theaters, restaurants and lively nightclubs. There are so many places to go out at night, you will want to stay longer in Berlin. Berlin is home to three of Europe’s top premier theatres, the Friderichstadt, the Habbel Theatre and the Schaubühne am Hallesches Ufer. One of the oldest theatres is the Friedrichstadt Palaste which was built in the early 1900s and is located in the midst of the city’s main district. It is the only Revue theatre of its kind in Germany. It is the biggest of this type of theatre in all of Europe. Each night the theatre’s huge stage becomes a platform for the perfectly staged performance of the evening including themes like amazing firework displays and amazing dance routines. The Hebbel Theatre is an internationally renowned venue featuring premier music, theatre, dance and dramatic performances. Lastly, the Schaubühne am Hallesches Ufer, founded in 1962 is one of Germany’s best equipped theatres and is committed to political and social repertoire.

Tourists who really want to immerse themselves in the new Berlin lifestyle, will want to discover the many joys and advantages of staying in Berlin apartments. This choice over staying in a hotel can truly help visitors become a part of the culture and life of Berlin. Visitors will find there are many great apartments in Berlin to rent, and most offer great ammenities and features that truly allow visitors to meet native Berlin residents and make lifetime friends.  With a feeling of home away from home for many travelers, Berlin accommodation rentals are the perfect alternative the the sometimes harried and impersonal feel of a hotel.

Robin is a freelance travel blogger, writing about places to visit in Europe, short term rentals in London, Paris and renting Rome apartments.

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There are plenty of festivals and markets in Bonn which one can enjoy but if you plan to drop in for a major festival or event, it would be best to have booked accommodation in advance. While there are attractions like gardens and museums in Bonn which are quite amazing, if you have a sweet tooth or are travelling with kids, then a visit to the Haribo factory is a must. Entering the factory, one can see plenty of memorabilia along with a large variety of sweets.

Bonn is not exactly the cheapest travel destination but there are ways to make a little money go a long way. For instance, one does not have to spend money on fancy restaurants in Bonn but can simply opt to pick up one’s meal at the bakeries or at the student cafeterias in the main university building. The sandwiches at both the bakeries and cafeteria are quite pocket friendly, filling as well as nutritious. There are several small snack bars in Bonn that provide good but cheap food like salad, soups and sandwiches. As far as accommodation is concerned, the cheapest accommodations are the Bonn hostels that often offer rooms as well as dorms. Rates of different hostels are not uniform; therefore a little survey on the different prices can help you save some money.

One can indulge in some unusual things to do in Bonn like go on an industrial heritage trial which is unlike any other Germany tourism attraction. Those who want to peek into Bonn’s distant past, must make a stop at Munsterplatz; the historic centre has a typical Gothic look to it. Bonn is an excellent place to acquaint oneself with Germany’s past; one can opt to go on a tour of – House of the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. The tour is quite interesting as well as engaging; it begins with the end of Second World War and includes many interesting pieces relevant to German history like German airlift and John F Kennedy’s speech. It gives one a rather comprehensive idea of the post second world war Germany, its division till its unification.

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Guided tours also offer transportation and since guided tours are often available for large groups of people, cost of travelling per person in a group of guided tour is less expensive than travelling the city alone. Those who like to interact with others and make new friends while travelling should definitely opt for guided tours as one can make really good friends during the trip. However, if you want your holiday Germany to be a romantic trip for you and your loved one then you can also ask for a guided tour for only two; private guided tour for two are available by many tour companies in Germany but they usually cost quite a bit more as well.

Those who like adventure can opt for guided bike tours in Berlin. Berlin is a bike friendly city and there are plenty of bike rentals as well. One can always opt for a bike tour of the city on their own but a guided bike tour with a proper guide and fellow bikers can be a fantastic experience. Guided bike tours of the city are usually quite affordable and a favorite amongst youngsters, though there are many young at heart as well who opt for bike tours of the city. Along with bike tours Segway tours are also becoming increasingly popular and there are plenty of guided Segway tours available as well. Segway can also be quite easily rented in the city of Berlin. Segway is the best mode of transportation for those who want to minimize their carbon footprint; it is the best transport mode for the green traveller.

There is no way you can tour all of Berlin during a single holiday Germany therefore it would be best to prepare a complete list of the places you want to see and pick a tour accordingly. Some tours are very popular therefore it would be wise to book them in advance.

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Unlike the gardens of its time, the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is completely unique owing to its topography. Its water features as well as the statue of Hercules gives Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe an outstanding look making it a masterpiece. The artistic beauty of the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is not without the help of science. Scientists had worked hard and put in a lot of unique thinking to create it therefore it is a technical masterpiece as well. It is a work of both art and science. In the age that it was built it was not easy to fathom the technical challenges involved.

The colossal statue of Hercules mounted on the steep pyramid which lends the place its grand beauty required completely distinctive solution to face the strong winds. The construction of the water features of the park promoted hydraulic sciences as well as hydrostatic sciences. Landgrave Karl had taken the initiative to build the park and the hydraulic discoveries during the project did not just provide the beautiful cascades but they were important for the development of the steam engine as well.

The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe combines elements of baroque as well as romanticism and though it is somewhat similar to the baroque gardens of Versailles, its topography makes it extremely unique. The park is a gem for Germany tourism and those visiting the Northern Hess will not regret making a stop to view the amazing garden which is both a tribute to science and art. Once one is aware of the amount of thought and original scientific work that had been put into building Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, one cannot help but look at it with complete awe.

Its beauty and uniqueness to the naked eye is also truly awe inspiring but there is more to its uniqueness and importance than what meets the eye. Its fascinating history makes it even more popular among tourists. During summer months the park also offers water games on specific days of the week which are great fun. The park can be great for a family outing and if you do your homework properly, you can even give your teenage child a science lesson during the tour.

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One can reach Hanover by air, train, car or bus as the city is very well connected. As a matter of fact, Hanover has an excellent bus system which links it to the rest of Germany as well as Europe. The public transportation within Hanover is quite good as well, one can take the bus, tram or subway to tour the city and if plan to take a few rides within the city, you should opt to purchase a day ticket which could be very economical. The city has plenty of bike paths as well therefore taking a bike ride through the city also a good option.

One of the first stops in Hanover has to be the great garden of Herrenhausen. Created in the seventeenth century these gardens are a definite must see in the city of Hanover, rarely does one get the opportunity to view such a few garden. The Herrenhausen Garden’s beauty is best viewed in summer or spring but it’s beautiful even in winter. The garden was inspired and is an almost copy of the Versailles garden in France and a cave decorated by the celebrated artist Niki de Saint Phalle is an added attraction to the Garden.

The Castle of Marienburg is perhaps the only architectural heritage of Hanover. The castle is actually located twenty kilometers south of Hanover but there are tour buses which can take one to the castle. The castle is built in Neo-Gothic architectural style and one can take a guided tour of the castle for a price.

There are plenty of activities that one can indulge in Hanover like operas and exhibitions. If you are in Hanover, you may view fireworks brightening up the sky as well during the Kleines Fest, Spring Festival’s weekends, Oktoberfest, Lake Masch Festival weekends and last but not the least during the annual fireworks contest; needless to say it’s great fun to watch the fireworks show in Hanover.

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The Rhine Valley in Germany is one of the most popular waterways in not just Germany but all of Europe. It would be a pity to travel to Germany and leave without laying one’s eyes on the Rhine Valley. The castles along the river especially between Mainzand Koblenz provide a stunningly dramatic scene; the Rheinstein castle along the Rhine river deserves a special mention. July and August are the main tourist seasons and Rhineland, especially the Rhine Valley is quite full of tourists. If you want to avoid the peak season visiting the valley a few weeks before is a good option.

The Mosel Valley is named after the Mosel River which is one of the longest tributaries of Rhine. The Mosel Valley is very steep and the meandering Mosel River is a fairly dramatic sight. These valleys are used as vineyards and as in rest of Germany one can find plenty of castles around the valley. The castle of Burg Eltzin Koblenz, close to the confluence of River Rhine and River Mosel is one of the loveliest castles in Rhineland. Though the castle is a private property it is open to those who want to view it. The medieval town of Cochem in the Mosel Valley is one of the best wine regions of Germany; the town often has wine tastings and wine festivals. Cochem is a good place for a night halt as the town has many inns.

The Loreley Valley is a truly beautiful part of Rhineland, you will truly regret not seeing it when you travel to Germany. Also, make sure your cameras all charged up when you go to visit it, you will want many pictures of the place. The region from Rhine to Rudesheim and then again from Bingen to Koblenzand then Lahstein is recognized as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. A traveler’s itinerary must include St Goar, Kaub and Boppard; these are small towns located alongside the river. The Loreley towns have plenty of sights worth seeing as well like churches, fortresses and castles. The Marksburg and Enemy Brothers castle are among the top tourist attractions of the region.

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Germany has cash for care system and lines in Germany for medical attention are really small, so one has to just head towards the required specialist and will get treated on that very day or the next. Before travelling to Germany check with your insurance provider, if it will cover medical expenses in Germany or not. If you are feeling sick during your stay in a hotel, inform the concierge and he or she can help you get an appointment with a physician or get a doctor for a checkup.

Germany is an excellent place for those who want to experience a new country and give their health a treat as well. Head towards the spas of Baden Baden located at the foothills of the black forest in south West Germany. Baden Baden is a renowned spa town and has been attracting tourists for centuries. A large number of treatments are available at the many Baden-Baden health resorts and it is the perfect destination for rejuvenation of both the body and soul. If you are suffering from a particular ailment, you can seek advice at the clinics where qualified physicians and doctors can guide your treatment. Thermal baths are excellent for a variety of arthritis, nervous system as well as locomotive disorder.

If you feel, your taste has matured with age and beer is not quite your drink anymore, try German wine tourism. Wine tourism is now an important part of Germany tourism, it allows tourists to visit the fantastic vineyards along the river Rhine and taste exquisite German wine. Wine festivals are quite common in Germany and they are held in the entire wine making region of Germany, especially around the Rhine. Germany is known mostly for its white wine made from Riesling grape. Germany offers excellent operas and concerts for those who like fine music.

If you think age can interfere with your enjoyment of the great German outdoors like the black forest, you are wrong. Even if you cannot enjoy hiking, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Black Forest by opting for Nordic walking or go cycling along an easy bike trail. One can even opt for electric bikes if required. Germany tourism offers special packages for the elderly so that they can enjoy Germany without too much physical exertion.

What needs to be done to hurdle this challenge?

The challenge to have the family vacation and travel pushed through, used to be a lot difficult to hurdle more so if you are part of the middle ranged earners.  The financial aspect is indeed a great barrier towards attaining a once in lifetime family travel.  However, there are ways and means that a family man can hurdle this challenge – get a budget holiday!

A budget holiday is suited to anyone who wants to still enjoy the vacation and the holiday on a different country or state without the need to overspend and over shelling out of money from the pocket.  There are so many ways that you can actually include in the plan to make this family vacation work!

What are the 5 easy steps to follow to plan your holiday vacation?

Whether you are a neophyte or someone who has experienced travelling a lot, these easy 5 steps to have a good plan shall certainly work to your advantage:

1. Get a trusted travel agent.   A travel agent is a more experienced and learned person very appropriate to help you out in planning your family vacation trip.  However, you need to ensure that the travel agent that you are getting is someone whom can really trust.  You can get a travel agent from a close friend’s travel agency or from anyone in the family who might have met and became close with someone working in a travel agency.
2. Plan your vacation and start saving.  The ending or conclusion of a family vacation is that you still need to spend.  And the better way to prepare this is to constantly save for the plan.  You can allot from your savings some amount for the food, the transportation, the shopping, and other deemed expenses while on vacation.
3. Ask the entire family about what they think regarding the plan.  In order to silently impose your budget restrictions you need to let them know the current financial status of the family vacation.  In this way, you are able to get their opinion about it and silently informing them that they should also be concerned with the budget.
4. Look for a house for a rent or a condo unit for rent instead of getting accommodated in a hotel.  Getting a house to rent will allow you to cook just like what you are all doing back home.  This will let you save more money that can be used in some other plans.
5. Pre-plan the places to visit.  This will allow you to better plan which transportation should be used and which should be taken.  Doing a plan for the entire duration of the vacation will help you save time and money all at the same time.

Get these easy steps in planning done and you will all be set on your family vacation abroad!

Simon Jackson loves to share his travel tips and advice at his blog - Channel Voyager. He is always on the look for cheap travel (in Swedish - billiga resor) deals and he regularly visits the most popular online travel agencies.

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Hofbrauhaus is a must see tourist attraction for those who travel to Germany for the beer culture of the country. At Hofbrauhaus one can have home-brewed beer from the Hofbrauhaus brewery in the beer hall. The historic beer hall has long wooden tables which has been around for more than a century, the tables often remind one of the medieval times and it’s a part of the whole old world charm of the place which makes it as famous as it is today. One can listen to Oompah band play traditional music irrespective of the day of the week you go to while the traditionally dressed waiter brings your one liter beer mug called Mass; the waiters are accustomed to carrying ten such mugs at once and it is quite interesting to watch them do so amidst the all the noise and bustling atmosphere.

One can get only one liter beer mugs at Hofbrauhaus and the delicious bitter can be enjoyed along with some delicious traditional delicacies. The treats available at the Hofbrauhaus make it a paradise for those who love German meat like sausages, pork roast, veal cutlet and the like as they are made in-house and are simply delicious.  The place usually gets very crowded during weekends therefore it would be best to visit it during the week. It is usually open from nine in the morning till eleven thirty at night.

Munichis known for its breweries and Hofbrauhaus is probably the most famous of them all among tourists but it still a very popular place for locals as well. Breweries and bars like Hofbrauhaus in Germany have attained astounding popularity status and are a must visit for tourists. A visit to Munichis incomplete without visiting Hofbrauhaus and sipping their famous –Mass. Anyone visiting Munich should keep some time aside to visit the various bars of Munich. Most tourists are under certain amount of time constraint therefore it makes sense to visit breweries in the locality of the tourist attractions.

The list of things to do in Rugen

• You can take a ride from Rasender Island to Gohren or Lauterbacher
• Visit Rugen park: Here the admission fee for the children is decided on their individual height
• Visit Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower and enjoy the eagle view of Rugen, the island
• Hire a yacht and enjoy sailing around the island to view the chalk cliffs
• Visit Welt der Experimente Museum in Putbus; here children are allowed to touch the displayed items
• Visit the famous Clock maker’s Museum in Putbus

The beauty of Rugen is the list of tourist attractions in this small island is not over yet. In fact, if you follow a comprehensive travel guide Germany, you can easily find out that there are some places in Rugen. These include some of the must visit sites that should never be missed while coming to enjoy the place.

Rugen visit can never be completed without visiting Altenkirchen Church. The church is pretty old; in fact according to history, it was built in 12^th century and is accounted as second oldest religious buildings and must see attraction in holiday Germany list. The candles at the bench, the old paintings at the church walls, and the Savantevit Stone from Jaromarsburg are some of the prime attractions inside the church besides its heritage presence. The cemetery stone outside the church and some very old trees deserve special mention.

Jagdschloss Granitz is the old high tower, constructed on 1844, and it offers wonderful air view of the island. The stairway of the tower is a great item to view for its structure as well as for the ornamental designs; it is an appraised place in Germany tourism. However, people with vertigo should not go for climbing the tower.

Cape Arkona is the 46ms high cliff line, looks stunning with distant view of two lighthouses and a bearing tower. One of the lighthouses was built in the year 1826/27 and the other one was built on 1902. While enjoying Rugen you should not miss the small village Vitt near Cape Arkona. It has a little restaurant in it however, with the seamless landscape of wild sea, the small village looks mesmerizing. There is a small chapel outside of the village with Red roof.

In addition to these Chalk museum in Gummanz, Jasmund National Park, Rasender Roland should be included in holiday Germany program.

Ticket Purchase – One can always book tickets online but purchasing tickets at the counter before boarding a train is also quite simple and easy. One can either purchase tickets at manual counters or at ticket discharging kiosks. Most small stations have either manual counters or kiosks while big cities like Munich always have kiosks discharging tickets which are fairly easy to operate. Firstly, one has to pick their language of choice therefore knowledge of the German language is not required for purchasing tickets from the kiosk, use their debit or credit card to make the payment and then collect the ticket.

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Seat Reservation – Seat reservations are a must if one is travelling via high speed train or a night train. Seat reservations are not required on non-high speed trains and one is most likely to get a place to sit even without seat reservations. Seat reservation may even give you flexibility as if you reach early, you can take an earlier train instead of waiting for the one you had reserved tickets for. However, not having reservations could lead to having change seats repeatedly as others might have reserved seats that you were sitting on. Reservations can be done at the kiosks but one has to pay extra form them.

German Rail Pass – Rail pass can help one save quite a bit on money on train travel. There are a variety of rail passes available; one can purchase rail passes that include high speed trains as well. A variety of train passes are available with different validity periods. German train pass is available for first class seats as well as second class seats. If you are travelling with a friend or partner, you can opt for the German Rail twin pass. Young students can get discounts on German rail passes. One can purchase these passes at the counter, online or via phone but the passes are usually sent to one’s office or home therefore it must be booked in advance and not the day before you leave for a vacation in Germany. A travel guide Germany can provide more details regarding particulars of rail passes.

-          It is a public road now so be really careful while driving while coming round a bend you might find someone driving at a much lower speed than you.

-          Since it is a public road, the laws of German traffic do apply to those driving on the track therefore if you are found guilty of disobeying traffic law in case of accidents; you shall be prosecuted as per the law of the country.

-          Wear a helmet on the track even if you are driving a car.

-          Don’t get too enthusiastic and try overtaking vehicles, one need to practice at least fifty to hundred laps to get accustomed to the laps. Never overtake on the right, always indicate left signaling the driver that you want to pass and wait for the driver to indicate right, an indication to allow you to pass. Overtaking should take place following said courtesy.

-          If you find a fast moving vehicle moving up on you and catching up with you, then move to your right, indicating right so that it can pass.

-          You must always keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you and slow down when you see slow down signs or yellow flags. It is not advisable to travel with passenger if you are trying the track for the first time.

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-          Always remember that the track is not as safe as modern race tracks. One must not try to test their vehicles to its utmost limits on the track. Unlike modern tracks, the Nürburgring track does not offer a good grip when wet therefore drive cautiously on wet tracks.

-          The track is 13 mile long therefore one must take breaks on regular basis to avoid concentration lapses as it can cost one their life. It is fairly easy to get distracted on the track so one must be extra careful.

Nürburgring race track can be great fun and a fantastic opportunity by Germany tourism but one must enjoy it very responsibly.

Weltenburg Benedictine monastery – The monastery is situated near Regenberg and the monks of the monastery run what is probably the oldest brewery in the world. It is believed that the brewery in the abbey has been operational since 1050. Though the beer is prepared by monks, it is still quite potent. Besides enjoying the monastery courtyard and the beer garden in the summer months under the trees, one can also enjoy the monastery’s restaurant. The monastery is located on the bend of River Danube and the restaurant is located such that one can see the river flowing by while enjoying the monastery’s beer and some typical German fare produced at the restaurant.

City Orchard at Hamburg – The outskirts of Hamburg, Altes Land, is home to the largest fruit orchard in northern Europe. One can reach Altes Land through the S-Bahn system. It is a rather interesting place, the place almost feels like it belongs to a different time with its carefully preserved landscape and half-timbered farmhouses of Germany. The best time to visit the orchard is in late April or early May, during the said period the orchard is in blossom and looks absolutely spectacular. One can also use it as a point to take a trip down the old port town, Stade.

Boating holidays at Mecklenburg Lake District – The Mecklenburg Lake District is about seventy kilometers north of Berlin and the region is reputed to have a many lakes as well as watercourses.  The region is set in agricultural land and soft woodland has been very famous for boating holidays. There are plenty of boathouses lining up the lakes and are perfect for romantic couples as well as families. One also has the option of hiring motorized rafts and head towards adventures on water. One can also rent fancy cabin cruisers if your budget permits.  It is the perfect destination for relaxation after the hustle bustle of Berlin.

A holiday in Germany should be balanced between popular tourist attractions as well as some lesser known fascinating sights like the above to have a unique experience and experience the unspoilt Germany as well.

The Children’s Christmas Market in Lubeck in Schleswig-Holstein is one such unconventional Christmas Market. While Christmas Markets are put together keeping children in mind, this Christmas market in Lubeck is meant for children and children only. The stalls are especially built for the little ones so they are small. All those kids who could not go on a particular ride because they were too short from them can now be proud of their short height at the Lubeck Christmas Market as one has to be less than 1.6 meter to be able to access the ice rink and below ten years old. Though one can enter the fair free of cost, the ice skating rink has an entrance charge.  The little ones can even bake cookies under the watchful eye of a professional. This is a really amazing fair for kids to have fun on their own while the adults can relax.

If you travel to Germany just before Christmas make it a point to visit an unusual Christmas Market along with traditional ones as the former can be great fun as well. Bergisch Gladbach Christmas Market has been set up following the strictest Feng Shui principles. The market aims to create a harmonious environment with positive energy flow. The market has an entrance fee of six Euros for adults and free entrance for children; however the entrance fee includes a complementary drink. Stalls selling food items like chestnuts and baked goods form the fire section while jewellery forms the metal section and paper items and wooden items are grouped together under the wood section. This Christmas Market is perfect for those who find the bustle of regular Christmas markets too stressful at the end of the day.

While there are Christmas Markets specifically for children, the Christmas Market in St Pauli district of Hamburg is strictly for adults. One can find some regular Christmas stuff but along with them one can also find some rather unconventional erotic goods like sex toys. A Christmas Market might be the last place to look for those but not if you are at St. Pauli’s Christmas Market. One can even find adult entertainment in the form of burlesque dancers intents performing around poles. This erotic Christmas Market in Hamburg has been around for more than five years.

Pertaining to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant city life, the city is considered to be one of the chief European holiday destinations.  From sightseeing to tours and excursions, Cologne is a welcome destination for globe trotters, backpackers, historians and artists. With innumerable things to do, it would be unimaginable how time flies in the city of Cathedrals and you would find yourself yearning for more.

Little do visitors know that the city is a conglomeration of the Roman old and the modern. In fact, that reflects in the design of the city too. With 2000 year old cultural monuments, which include the Roman Dionysus mosaic, the Overstolzenhaus of the medieval period and the Gürzenich Hall, the city does not lie back in its outlook and lifestyle. Modern buildings like the opera house and theMediaParktoo mark the city’s view of the modern and the futuristic.

There are a number of Cathedrals in Cologne that are a must-visit for all holiday rentals in Europe. However, the most visited is the Cologne Cathedral, with its 157 feet high twin spires. Being the largest cathedral in the country, it is not amazing why it took about 632 years to complete this architectural masterpiece. The minute craftsmanship on the exterior and in the interior is something that has claimed to fame across the world. But, what count to its popularity are the holy relics of Epiphany and the Sacrophagus of Epiphany that overpowers the beauty of the cathedral as such.

Explore the Romanic side of the city through the Roman Tower, the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, and the Weidener Grabkammer. The roman Tower formed the northwestern fortification of the Roman Cologne and is exemplary of the advanced fortification techniques at that age. The mosaic decorations are well-preserved and form the chief attraction of the city. The Römisch-Germanisches Museum, on the other hand, exhibits a rich collection of mosaics depicting the world of Dionysos and the tomb of legionary Poblicius. Weidener Grabkammer is a two-storied burial chamber in the West of Cologne, which preserves the last remains of a Roman family. Dating back to the 2^nd century, the mausoleum portrays a roman family on the casket, especially that of a married woman.

Once you are done exploring the city landscape, choose a wind-up junction where you could relax with a jar of beer and German delicacies. The nightlife in Cologne is worth paying big bucks, given the experience that it offers. Some of the famous hangout places and restaurants in Cologne include the Old Town, the Kwartier Latäng, Luxemburger Straße, the Friesen Quarter, the Südstadt and Alteburger Straße, and the Belgian Quarter. The nightlife in these clubs and bars are repository of the throbbing lifestyle of the young generation in the city. Music, booze and foot tapping numbers could be something that you might be looking for after a long day in the city.

When the country divided into the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic in 1949, the then President Theodor Heuss turned the Deutsch Eck into a monument, to express his heartfelt wish to see the country united. Thus, the coast of arms of German states, along with former German territories such as East Prussia, Silesia and Pomernia, were installed.  When the country united, three big portions of the huge wall were installed here, along with a German flag flying over the plaza.  Following this, in 1990, the emblem of the new federal states was added.

History

Badly damaged by an American artillery shell in 1945, the statue was completely demolished in order to replace it with a German flag over the plaza. Post several considerations, the reinstallation of the statue finally materialized with the help of the civilian couple Werner and Anneliese Theisen. While the Government of Rhineland-Palatinate was skeptical about the idea, critics found the re-installation interesting as it had the potential to boost the tourist arrival to the place.

Finally, when the re-installation was decided, Raymond Kittl (a well known sculptor from Dusseldorf, was appointed to redesign and remodel the entire structure. The new statue was created from durable bronze cast, unlike the original version which was made from copper plates. Once the entire thing was completed, the statue was shipped to Koblenz. Furthermore, the assembly work was completed on the second of September in the year 1933 on the Sedan day. Currently, one can see the flags of 16 Lander, symbolizing the unity of the country. The three portions of the Berlin Wall have now been dedicated to the ‘victims of the separation.

Travel to Germany, especially Koblenz and relive the ancient Deutsch culture and history. The nightlife in the town is as happening as the cultural heritage of the town that stands apart from the rest of the country, given to its geographic location. The city forms the starting point of any cruise heading for a landscape along the Rhine and the Moselle. One of the chief travel attractions in Germany, the town is also known as a place for castles and fortresses with its innumerable magnificent castles built by the French and the Roman.

Visit this place and do not miss the beauty of the Deutsces Eck as missing it would mean missing an entire chapter of German history.

One can visit the parliament building in Germany free of cost, but one must book in advance at the official site of the bundestag or German federal parliament building. One cannot simply walk in for a visit, it is not allowed. Online registration is the only way; one cannot register via any other means such as telephone. It is usually required to provide their name, surname as well as birthdate for registering.

One must be at the building entrance at least fifteen minutes before the appointed time as security measures like that found in airports have to be carried out. Visitors are provided with free audio guides in ten different languages. When the parliament is not in session, there are many other activities, lectures as well as guided visits are available. The official website has a list of activities taking place at the parliament when not in session.

Art, politics and architecture has been brought together at the German Parliament building. To mark the occasion of the opening of the new German Parliament in 1999, nineteen artists were asked to create works of art. The artists commissioned for the purpose were instructed that the works of art should be in keeping with the theme of German Parliament and history. The artists commissioned for this purpose were both Germans as well as of other nationalities such as France,Russia and USA.

The Reichstag building dome is one of the best German tourism site that can be visited free of cost but one needs to be registered in advance; it is open from eight in the morning till eleven at night every day. Admissions are made into the rooftop terrace every fifteen minutes, an audio guide of twenty minutes in length is provided which gives informs one of all important facts about the building as well as its surrounding.

The rooftop restaurant at the Reichstag building located to the east of the dome is opened daily from nine in the morning till four thirty in the afternoon and again from six thirty in the evening till midnight. The rooftop restaurant provides an exceptional view and is in great demand as a result one must make reservations. The restaurant’s menu is seasonal and considering the location it is fairly reasonably priced.

One can discover the town of Nuremberg on foot or opt for the city’s public transport.  If you plan to explore as many attractions of Nuremberg as possible, do purchase the Nuremberg card which offers free admission to almost fifty museums and other attractions and provides free public transport in the city of Nuremberg as well as Fuerth. The card also offers discounts on purchases in many shops, theatres as well as cabarets.

History remembers Nuremberg as the infamous epicenter of Nazi activities and the city attracts a large number of tourists for the same reason.Nuremberg had witnessed large gatherings and erections of monuments which stood for Nazi strength, the rally grounds and monuments still exist and are a part of every travel guide Germany as it is an important part of German history. One can see the rally grounds which people all over the world have seen through documentaries on Nazis on their own or opt for a guided tour to get more information and better insight.

A travel guide Germany will also inform you on other attractions available in the Nuremberg city. The Hauptmarkt is one such attraction that people do not know much about but are pleasantly surprised when they visit it. It is especially worth visiting during Christmas. Every major city in Germany pays its tribute to art and Nurenberg is no different, the German National Museum houses a huge collection of art and other exhibits that are definitely worth paying a visit. The museum itself is a fourteenth century monastery. The museum often seems like a maze to those visiting it and it is best to have at least a couple of hours in hand while visiting it.

Nuremberg is also known for its gingerbread man and one must purchase enough of it to take back home as a souvenir for friends and families. While in Germany one must also try grilled bratwurst with sauerkraut. The city has many pubs and night clubs and its night scene is definitely quite happening.

A travel guide Germany will inform you the Rüdesheim am Rhein is very well placed in the Frankfurt Rhine Main Region which is a major tourist draw. If you visit the country during summer you might get to attend the Rüdesheim wine festival; the coronation of the Wine Queen and princesses are the main highlight of the festival, each queen represents her own community in the ceremony. Rüdesheim am Rhein mainly produces Riesling grapes which are used to make fine quality white wine. If you want to taste the local wine you can visit the wine houses in Rüdesheim am Rhein. A wine festival – Weinfest is held on the third weekend of August and the last wine festival of the year is held during late October or early November.

One can partake in a variety of outdoor activities in Rüdesheim am Rhein which include Nordic walking, hiking, biking, water sports and more. The varied landscape is perfect for hiking, walking and biking and there are many starting points across Rüdesheim am Rhein both short as well as long walking trails. Since, the area is very well connected with bus, boats and train one can even opt for one way tours. There are three routes available for those interested in biking, while the Rheigau bike trail and Leinpfad bike trail are suitable for most people, the Rheingau Heights Trail on the outskirts of the wood is meant for more experienced bikers. The Rhine River in the Rüdesheim am Rhein region is great for swimming as well as angling.

Any travel guide Germany will provide you with adequate information regarding Rüdesheim am Rhein but if you want more information then the local tourist office can be of great help. Though one can easily tour the town on their own, guided tours for an hour or two are also readily available. There is a lot to enjoy in the town including museums and ruined castles.

Basilica-the architectural wonder

With purely Romanesque construction and traditional furnishing, the Basilica of St. Castor boasts of a fountain, the most beautiful of its kind, known as the Kastorbrunnen, which is said to have been built during Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812. This church is actually a three-aisled basilica. There is a narrow eastern transept towering over the aisles. The choir, built in 1160, is a globular, three-story apse flanked by five-story towers on both the sides. The third floor of the apse is a gallery of 21 arches. Some of the columns around the windows have the lion symbol representing Christ.

The Historical Glory

Built between 817 and 836 by Hetto (who was the Archbishop of Trier), with the support of Emperor Louis the Pious. The church was built as a commemoration of one of the most worthy saints, St Castor, who also worked as a missionary in the 4^th century.  The church also witnessed the passing of the treaty of Verdun in 843, which defined the division of the Frankish Empire into West Francia, Middle Francia and East Francia.

The church had become a negotiating and peace keeping place where representatives from different countries discussed their problems disputes and discussed their problems. As a refuge of the almighty, this place was visited by a number of Emperors, kings and Princes. The monastery of the Basilica was the very place where the Carolingian family’s internal disputes were settled. This was a turning point as the verdict brought territorial changes when the Empire was divided into Eastern and Western Empire, from which developed the Holy Roman Empire and consecutively France and Germany. In the year 1338, another important event took place when Emperor Ludwig of Bavaria and Edward III of England swore to friendship.

The basilica was destroyed, following a battle between Otto IV and Philip of Swabia in the year 1199.The renovation work was supported and encouraged by Archbishop of Trier John I. Gradually, the church was designed and re-designed; for example the façade got a new look and appeal, a few star vaults were erected, along with the replacement of the Romanesque roof.

Worth paying a visit, the Basilica of St. Castor is not just any tourist destination, but also a place where art, architecture, history and culture reside together. Therefore, travel to Germany and make this a stopover in your itinerary.

Travel Sites

It’s important to note the difference between a preparation website and a travel agent; an agent helps acquire flight tickets and readies a hotel stay, while a document site prepares visas and passports. However, the bonuses of these document websites is that they will get all the required information from you and complete your passport and visa, making for a headache-free application process. Any time you travel to a foreign country, you must finish the required paperwork for a visa application and note the laws that apply to travelers that will change from country to country. On these travel sites, all the current laws and application steps are laid out for you, making for a one-stop destination for arranging your documents. Say you needed business visas for Zambia; you can more than likely visit a site, and select “Business” visa and be guided through the process. Once you have finished your application for a visa, you can also locate vital information regarding travel to this specific country on the travel website.

Price and Complications

Travel document preparation websites will differ in price, but the fee is typically not that large to complete both a visa and a passport for a country. You might not want to pay the extra cash and instead process your visa and passport yourself, but remember, the issues you will have to go through to complete the applications may not be worth it. Also, you might have to squeeze in additional time to complete these documents on top of having to get ready for the big presentation you have lined up with your company contacts. Your application process will also differ from country to country; for example, visas for China may have more steps and may require people to follow more rules than a visa for Australia would.

Ecotourism involves visiting the fragile and protected areas of nature and learning more about ecological conservation. This is considered very important so that the future generations can travel to destinations which are unspoiled by human intervention.

As mentioned above, ecotourism is now very popular as you can get close to nature and enjoy the lush green forests, the coral reefs and the sprawling savannas.

Below you will find a list of the top 3 destinations, renowned for ecotourism. It is essential that when visiting these places you adhere to the set guidelines so that these places remain beautiful for many years to come.

1. Palau
The island nation of Palau is considered the world’s best diving destination. The crystal clear seas have more than 1400 species of fish and 500 species of corals. You can walk along the long stretches of unspoiled beaches or just trek through the dense jungles. The natural resources of Palau and the rich cultural traditions have not yet fallen prey to the ill-effects of mass tourism and the people here are determined to keep their island safe from all these for a long time to come.

2. Costa Rica
A majority of people identify Costa Rica with ecotourism. The place is ideal for nature lovers with its vast expanse of black sand beaches, the green forests and the river rapids. In this country you will come across a wide array of animals in the various national parks. There is a rich collection of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, manatees, herons and poison dart frogs. Even the accommodation is eco-friendly and you will be exposed to a number of green hotels and resorts.

3. Fjords, Norway
The Norwegian fjords are world famous and there are very strict environmental regulations in place to preserve the natural beauty of this place. The snow-covered mountains and the magnificent waterfalls draw a huge number of tourists throughout the year. You will see a variety of wildlife here like eagles, seals and seabirds. Norway has always taken innovative steps in protecting the environment and is regarded as the leader in environmental policy.

By visiting ecotourism focused hotspots, you will play your part in conserving the natural beauty of such destinations for future generations by gaining insight into the proper care for these fragile environments.

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An example of this very particular beauty is the Schmetterlings (Butterfly) Garden, which is considered to be one of the most sought after travel destinations in Germany. A travel to Germany and not visiting this place would be a big mistake as this place boasts of picturesque landscaping, harmonised by the colourful splendour of the butterflies fluttering through the garden.

A perfect place to be with kids, the Schmetterlings (Butterfly) Garden is not just a garden, but a storehouse of information pertaining to the insect. You and your kids could learn a lot of things while touring this beautiful garden. Right from the formation of a cocoon to a butterfly, you and your kids get to learn the transformation. In fact, you could also manage to see a butterfly breaking from a cocoon, if you are lucky.

It’s not just the butterflies that hold you spellbound while in the Schmetterlings (Butterfly) Garden, you could also stumble upon some colorful and variety of moths, spiders, caterpillars, and scorpions on display.  A walk through the garden and you could encounter quails making their way through the plush greenery or even flinches sitting high looking for food.

The stunningly beautiful Schmetterlings Garden, Germany in Rhineland features greenhouse with the butterflies from Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. The garden houses banana trees, free flying butterflies, exotic flowers and palms. Trust us; your kids would thoroughly enjoy the trip to the garden. And while your kids are enjoying their day out in the garden, you could spend time clicking the magnificent waterfalls splashing past the orchids and the Japanese koi ponds that run under the beautiful seven bridges in the Schmetterlings (Butterfly) garden. With a setting that could take you back to the fairy tales of your childhood, the place is worth visiting for the entire family.

Being the largest fort in Germany, Festung Ehrenbreitstein is a 400 feet building on the bank of river Rhine, from where it provides a picturesque beauty of the meeting point of the Mosel and the Rhine River. Considered to be one of the oldest buildings in Germany, one part of it was constructed in the 12^th century and the rest of the bulk was completed in the 16^th century. Though partially destroyed by Nepoleon Bonaparte, during the French invasion, it was restored at a latter stage. One of the most significant things to see in the Festung Ehrenbreitstein is the Vogel Grief Cannon, which was taken by the French in 1794. Following which, it was taken back by the Germans in 1940. It was finally restored to the German Government by the French President François Mitterrand in 1984. The cannon is now a part of the Landes museum that is located within the fortress premises.

History

Initially named the Burg Ehrenbreitstein, the Archbishops expanded it with a supporting castle, named ‘Burg Helferstein’ and secured the holy tunic from 1657 to 1794. The strategic location of the fortress allowed the archbishops to barter between the contending powers of France and Germany, especially during the war between the two in 1672. The archbishop refused the passage of troops from both sides during that war. The fortress, however, was conquered by the French after much difficulty. However, during the treaty of Luneville, they were forced to withdraw from the fortress, but left no chance of possible attack from their enemies by almost dismantling the entire fortress.

After Napoleon’s defeat and that of Congress of Vienna in 1815, the fortress became a Prussian province and a military property because of its close proximity to France. During the World War I, the fortress was basically used as a military headquarter and was restored following the World War I.

How to reach the Festung Ehrenbreitstein?

One could avail the Seilbahn, which is a brand new network of trains in the country launched in 2011, to reach the Ehrenbreitstein.  The fortress is located in Koblenz.

Entry Fees and Opening Hours

The museum and the fort premises are open on all days from 10 to 5. There are many packages that can be availed. Some of the options include ground tours (costing €1.10 to €2.10), while combined tickets cost €4. The best time to visit the fortress is mid-March and mid-November. One of the chief travel attractions in Germany, the Festung Ehrenbreitstein is something that should not be missed at any cost as this could be a window to the past of Germany.

Leipzig Zoo: Prime exhibits

Leipzig Zoo is known as zoo of the future because here the zoo authority has placed maximum stress on the wild animal friendly environment where the animals feel free even in the captivity and can breed peacefully. The visitors can watch the animals not only as a mere exhibit but as part of nature as they are kept at the most  best possible natural environment preferred by their free habitants in forest. The awareness for the natural surroundings of the zoo management has created some special adventure safari here like “Pongoland”, biggest zoo arrangement for anthropoids; the sloth bear gorge, “Makasi Simba the savannah of lions; Taiga of Tigers, the mystic aquarium, etc are amazing and will keep any of the visitors amazed and astounded and add a new approach to travel to Germany tour plans.

Leipzig Zoo: the giant aquarium

The aquarium in the zoo premise is one of the prime exhibits of Leipzig zoo and a major object of Germany tourism on aquamarine life. The aquarium was built in 1910, today displays landscaped exhibits and an extraordinary ring like tank for different species of sharks. The terrarium of the aquarium has just been extended. The Aquarium looks gigantic with massive view of other sea water fish swimming nearly without having any frontier for the visitors as it is seen in natural set up. The ring is so big it’s not possible to take a complete picture of the same at one stretch.

Leipzig Zoo: the unique parking lot

Apart from innumerable exhibits of the zoo, the parking area deserves special mention because it is also one of the biggest parking areas of the Germany zoo parks and great support for holiday Germany by car programs. Like the inside ambience the parking lots is also made with an eye on attractive get up and 100% utility. Matching with the wild surrounding of the zoo ambience, the parking lot is made of bamboo façade. This parking lot is wrapped with bamboo sticks and it works as an organic fencing as well as a wonderful decoration. The area has five levels and it can accommodate 527 parking provisions. The parking lot has added extended beauty and visitor’s  travel to Germany convenience to a large extent and a new dimension of eco-friendly Germany Tourism.