Germany is famous in the world for football, beer, Oktoberfest, cars and a successful economy. Still, there is much more to discover in the country, that has its nowadays shape since the German Reunification in 1989. If you travel to Germany, a good place to start your expedition is situated in the northeast of the country: Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city with more than 3,5 million inhabitants living there. BERLIN : THE HEART OF GERMANY The capital is especially known for its difficult episode during the German separation and has always played an important role in Germany's modern history. Nowadays, Berlin is a lively city with many faces: Hipsters, trendsetters, alternatives styles, the latest dresses, punks, homeless persons and high society – Berlin's got it all and everything mixes and merges there. On a sunny day, a trip by boat would be ideal to see the government district and admire the modern, futuristic architecture of its buildings. By this one would also get a first impression of Berlin's and by that Germany's history regarding the German separation into BRD and GDR. On the way on the Spree river you will pass by a place where white crosses embedded in the balustrade remind of the people who were killed trying to flee from East Germany many years ago. This tragic memorial leads to another historic must-see: The German Wall or rather its remains. Nowadays covered with colorful images and graffiti, nothing really reminds of the horror it stood for from the 1970s to its fall in 1989. And last but not least, there is the Brandenburger Tor, a huge gate from the 18th century just right in the center of Berlin, which has become a true symbol for Germany's reunification. However, Berlin is not only famous for its political and historic role, but also for its wild nightlife. Before going to one of the numerous clubs and bars in the scene districts Friedrichshein and Kreuzberg, try out the “Berliner Currywurst” - a fast food dish consisting of steamed, then fried pork sausage, seasoned with curry ketchup and topped with curry powder. RÜGEN : GERMANY’S LARGEST ISLAN From the busy city-life one could travel on to a more calm, relaxing scenic spot, Germany's largest island: Rügen. This island in the Baltic Sea is famous for its impressive chalk cliffs – a perfect place to calm down and enjoy the nature. The beaches and the peaceful atmosphere invite to go on long hiking tours and – if the weather allows it – swimming in the sea. THE COLOGNE CATHEDRAL : GERMANY’S OWN LANDMARK Still, let's move on to another and truly impressive landmark in Germany: the Cologne Cathedral. A true masterpiece of gothic architectural style the cathedral is one of the most important buildings of Christianity. More than 600 years – that's the space of time it took for its completion. The perfect place to go to experience Christian history and a stunning view: From the outdoor deck at a height of almost 100 meters one can oversee the city and its surroundings. CURIOUS OF PALACES, CASTLES AND CHATEAUS Just to name a few: romantic Neuschwanstein Castle, idyllic Heidelberg Castle, the summer palace Sanssouci in Potsdam, the Mannheim Baroque Palace or the Reichsburg Cochem – the list seems almost endlessly. One thing is for sure though: all of them are definitely worth a visit! Fans of city trips shouldn't miss to go to Hamburg with its famous warehouse district, historic Dresden, exciting Cologne and fancy Munich. Another must visit is the Lake Constance – Europe's third largest inland lake and a true holiday paradise with its beautiful nature and gorgeous places of excursions. So if you are planning your next holiday and haven’t seen this side of Germany, you know where to head for having a wonderful time !

Comments