Germany

 

 

 

 

M odern-day Germany is a quilt of individual small states sewn together as the modern republic. Although they share a common government and language, each of these states and regions is quite different from the others, as evidenced by their traditions, culture and architecture.

Go to Cologne and you can look up at the soaring spires of the second tallest church in Europe, while in Frankfurt you’ll see the soaring skyscrapers of one of Europe’s major business centers. In the old coal-mining area of the Ruhr you’ll enjoy museums set in old industrial complexes, and in Berlin an avant-garde energy and culture reminiscent of Paris in the 1920s.

In Bavaria you’ll find verdant forests and Neuschwanstein castle said to be the model for Disneyland’s Cinderella’s Castle, in Munich fine museums and a vibrant arts scene.

Wile away an hour in a café along the Rhine, where vineyards cascade down around an ancient castle above you, and the next day walk along the Elbe River and enjoy the baroque architecture of Dresden.

And if you want to see the quintessential old German town, just take a drive to picture-postcard Rothenburg ob der Tauber. And all of this is just for starters.

You could spend a month in Germany and just scratch the surface, which makes some travelers want to linger in this land of Gemütlichkeit.

Top Experiences

Berlin – avant-garde capital
Heidelberg – beauty on the river
Munich – beyond Oktoberfest
Bavaria – historic cities and castles
Cologne – the Gothic cathedral

Good to Know

The Romantic Road
One of the most interesting drives in Germany is along the Romantic Road, a 250+-mile-long ribbon of highway through Bavaria.

The Rhine River Valley
A drive along the Rhine River provides both stunning scenery and the taste of small village life.

Transportation

There are regularly scheduled flights from the USA and Canada to Germany, many to airports in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin. Both train and bus travel within the country are excellent but can be expensive. But, for many, the best way to travel in Germany is by car since the country’s efficient system of Autobahns and well-maintained roads makes driving fast and comfortable.

Hotels

There are a wide variety of accommodations available from pensions and private homes to luxury hotel chains.

Food

German cuisine, especially regional foods, tends to be on the heavy side but it is good and tasty. The last several years has seen an influx of restaurants serving more international offerings.

Quality of Medical Care (Good/Fair/Poor)

Good