Unusual Museums to Explore in Germany
Germany is a land of respectable museums. The Pergamonmuseum in Berlin, Zwinger Palace in Dresden, and Pinakotheken in Munich all showcase world-class art and history.
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Germany is a land of respectable museums. The Pergamonmuseum in Berlin, Zwinger Palace in Dresden, and Pinakotheken in Munich all showcase world-class art and history.
Once the playground of the rich, the gates of Germany’s most famous spa town are now open to everyone. Fantastic Rocco villas, the mystery of the Black Forest, boutique shops and – best of all – its restorative waters all make Baden-Baden a top attraction 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.
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.
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.
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.
Want a true taste of German culture? Take your taste buds for a tour at one of Germany’s many breweries and explore the rich history of centuries-old beer brewing in Germany.
According to the purity law of 1516, German beer is only made with four ingredients – water, hops, malt, and yeast – however, that doesn’t mean that all German beer tastes the same. Visitors can enjoy 5,000 types of beers crafted by over 1,200 German breweries. From thousand-year-old monasteries to state-of-the-art facilities, discover the art of beer in some of Germany’s best breweries, all offering brewery tours and beer tastings.