A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Cologne (Köln) knows how to party forKarneval. The last big party before Lent is better known asMardi Grasin the USA and takes on the names ofKarneval,FaschingorFastnachtdepending on where you are in Germany.
Before moving to Europe, I had only visited cemeteries for funerals. A place to be respected, I never considered them as part of the tourist trail. However, my perspective changed after visiting the historic and alluring Pere-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Walking among the resting places of famed Parisians, like Molière, Oscar Wilde, and Chopin, allowed me to drink in the oh-so-French, slightly decrepit beauty.
Settled by the Sorbs and Wends in the sixth century AD, Spreewald was primarily a farming region. The area’s wetlands made agriculture challenging; therefore, farmers ingeniously dug channels (fließen) to the river Spree for better irrigation and drainage.
The Tiergarten in Berlin used to be the hunting grounds for the Prussian kings before it was transformed into the city’s most popular inner-city park in the 18th century. Today, the green heart of Berlin is bordered by the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate on the eastern side, Potsdamer Platz and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe on the southeastern edge, Berlin’s Zoo in the west, and Bellevue Palace, residence of the German President, in Berlin on the northern edge of the park.
Lake Wannsee is situated about 20–25 kilometers southwest of Berlin. Everything from yachts to rowboats cruise through the shimmering waters. Crowds of beachgoers sunbathe on the sand. This is one of the hot spots of the summer season. Berliners have been coming here for more than 100 years.
The Spreewald is known as the “green lung” of Brandenburg, a region surrounding Berlin. This forested paradise bears a resemblance to tales from the Brothers Grimm and is recognized as a UNESCO protected biosphere. Thousands of man-made waterways traverse idyllic meadows lined with historic houses that remain largely unchanged since the formation of modern Germany. Conveniently located just an hour southeast of Berlin, and accessible by car or train, the Spreewald is the perfect retreat from urban life.
To fully experience East German life, sampling these seven traditional meals is essential. The cuisine emphasizes meat, offals, and an array of sausages, making it a delightful dive intoOstalgie, or nostalgia for East Germany.
Rügen, Germany’s largest island, is located in the northeast of the country off the Baltic Sea. Rügen has been one of Germany’s most popular travel destinations for centuries; notable figures like Bismarck, Sigmund Freud, Thomas Mann, and even Albert Einstein have vacationed here. During the GDR, the island became favored by top politicians, including Erich Honecker.
Are you a seasoned Berlin traveler? Can you find everything from the Brandenburg Gate to Tempelhofer Field with your eyes closed? If so, it’s time to escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin and explore some fantastic day trip destinations, all within 2 hours by train or car.
If you want to gain a unique perspective on Berlin and its famous sights, consider taking in the German capital from above. Here are six exceptional locations that offer stunning views of the Berlin cityscape.
Discover the unique charm of Munich, a city steeped in traditional Bavarian culture and modern conveniences…
Cologne (Kölnin German) is filled with remarkable German attractions. After marveling at the massive cathedral, indulging in treats at the chocolate museum, and strolling along the scenic Rhine Promenade, you might ponder what other experiences await you in this enchanting region.
Berlin’s Gay Pride events are a significant highlight of the city’s summer festival season, known by the European name of Christopher Street Day (CSD). Each year, Berlin hosts serious debates, concerts, and after-parties, culminating in the largest CSD Parade in Germany that attracts some of the most enthusiastic crowds in Europe. Over 500,000 people gather to dance and celebrate, dressed in a variety of costumes or even nothing at all.
There’s no better way to enjoy Germany’s summer months and (usually) fabulous weather than by hitting one of its many festivals. They happen all over the country, often outdoors, and range from music to art to celebrations of cultures.
There’s no better way to get to know a country than by taking part in its festivals. Here is a yearly round-up of Germany’s best festivals and events that provide an immersive experience of German culture, tradition, and art.
What’s on in Germany in the month of November? Sure, it gets cold, but warm up with a glass ofGlüweinas the Christmas markets open, watch parades of children walk by lantern light, and take to the slopes on some of the finest mountains in Europe.
No trip to Munich is complete without visiting theHofbräuhaus. As the most famous beer hall in the world, it accommodates up to 5,000 guests. Located in the heart of Munich’s old town at Marienplatz, it also hosts the second-largest beer tent during Oktoberfest. Whether visiting during the festival or at any time of the year, experiencing the culture of Bavaria at the Hofbräuhaus is a must.
Who knew that Germany also did wine? Although this fair is calledWurstmarkt(literally the “sausage market”), it is an annual folk festival famous for its celebration of excellent local wines.
