 GERMANY - TRAVEL AND DESTINATION INFORMATION |
Germany:- Since the reunification in 1989 Germany is once more one of the biggest countries in Europe with its capital Berlin. Obviously, it contains many geographical features as varied as the shore of the Baltic and North sea and the ecosystem of the Alps.
More About Germany
Germany wears its riches well: elegant big-city charm, small picture-postcard towns, pagan-inspired harvest festivals, a wealth of art and culture and the perennial pleasures of huge tracts of forest, delightful castles and fine wine and beer are all there for the savouring.
Deep in the heart of Europe, Germany has had a seminal impact on Continental history. From Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire to Otto von Bismarck's German Reich, Nazism and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, no other nation has moulded Europe the way Germany has - for better or worse.
- Full Name
Federal Republic of Germany
- Capital City
Berlin
- Area
357,021 sq km
137,846 sq miles
- Population
82,398,000
- Time Zone
GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time)
- Daylight Saving Start
last Sunday in March
- Daylight Saving End
last Sunday in October
- Languages
German (official)
- Religion
34% Protestant, 34% Catholic, 4% Muslim, 28% unaffiliated or other. There are about 74,000 Jews (the pre-Holocaust figure was over half a million).
- Currency
Euro (Euro)
- Electricity
230V 50HzHz
- Electric Plug Details
European plug with two circular metal pins
- Country Dialing Code
49
Germany is divided into 16 federal provinces (Bundesländer)
Baden Württemberg, Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen (Hesse), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg - Western Pomerania), Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfahlen (Northrhine -Westphalia), Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland Palatinate), Saarland, Sachsen (Saxony), Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), Schleswig-Holstein and Thüringen (Thuringia)
Weather and Climate in Germany
Germany's climate is almost as varied as its country but mostly temperate or marine. Extreme temperature lows and hights are rare. Winter temperatures vary from west to east, with about freezing temperatures in the west and well below freezing in eastern Germany. Summer temperatures are typically between 20 and 30°C, with more rainfall during the summer.
When Best To Visit Germany
Germany is a fine destination year-round, but most people visit between May and September when sunny skies are most likely and much of life moves outdoors. Beer gardens and cafes bustle at all hrs.; outdoor events and festivals enliven cities and villages; and hiking, cycling and swimming are popular pursuits - at least as long as the weather plays along. Remember that rain is a possibility in any month. The flipside of summer travel is, of course, larger crowds at museums and other attractions. Accommodation needn't be hard to come by unless you're drawn to beach and mountain resorts popular with German holiday-makers.
The shoulder seasons (from March to May and from October to early November) bring fewer tourists and often surprisingly pleasant weather. In April and May, when flowers and fruit trees are in bloom, it can be mild and sunny. Indian summers that stretch well into autumn are not uncommon.
With the exception of winter sports, activities between November and early March are likely to focus more on culture and city life. In these months, skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing. On the plus side, there are fewer visitors and shorter queues (except in the winter resorts). Just pack the right clothes and keep in mind that there are only six to eight hrs. of daylight. In December the sun (if there is any) sets around 15:30.
Germany City Tours & Activities
Ferryto.co.uk have partnered the biggest online city tour and activity agency on the Internet, Viator, to offer you access to exciting tours and activities in all major destinations around Germany.
Tour / Activity Name
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Duration
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Price Starting From
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| The Royal Castles Neuschwanstein and Linderhof |
10 1/2 hrs. |
Starting from GBP £30.00 per person |
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Hidden in the seclusion of the mountains King Ludwig II built two of his dream castles: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. See these two extraordinary castles, both testifying to the vision of Bavaria's fairytale King.
This tour is seasonal and operates between April and December only |
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| Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest |
10 1/2 hrs. |
Starting from GBP £31.00 per person |
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A day steeped in history. Following the German Alpine Road, experience a gorgeous view of the Bavarian Alps. In Berchtesgaden, you may choose to visit Eagle's Nest, Hitler's former teahouse (open as of May). See where it all happened and take this experience home with you!
This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to October |
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| Salzburg and Lake District |
10 1/2 hrs. |
Starting from GBP £31.00 per person |
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This tour is a day of beauty and relaxation. Drive through the Chiemgau, enjoying a beautiful view on the Lower Bavarian Alps. In Salzburg, the city of Mozart, spend time shopping, or walk through the picturesque old city. On your return, pass by lake Mondsee - the scene of 'Sound of Music'.
This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to October |
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Click here for more information and Booking Details » |
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| Three Castle Tour |
2 days / 1 night |
Starting from GBP £140.00 per person, twin share |
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Take this overnight tour to visit 3 of the most impressive castles in Germany. Start off with the elegant Linderhof, followed by the famous 'Cinderella Castle' - Neuschwanstein, and finally the grand castle of Hohenschwangau. |
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| 3 Hour City Sightseeing - 'Munich at its Best' |
3 hrs. |
Starting from GBP £15.00 per person |
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Discover Munich like you've never seen it before! Enjoy a comprehensive survey of the major and most beautiful sights of Munich. On a short guided tour through the Nymphenburg Palace you learn about some interesting details from Bavarian history. To give you an impression of modern Munich as well, you are taken for a little walk over the Olympic Grounds. A wonderful insight into this beautiful region! |
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| Romantic Road, Rothenburg and Harburg |
10 1/2 hrs. |
Starting from GBP £31.00 per person |
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Spend a day admiring the picturesque scenery of Romantic Road, Rothenburg and Harburg. Visit Harburg, one of the oldest, biggest and best preserved castles of Southern Germany. Through the Swabian crater landscape passing Dinkelsbühl, arrive in Rothenburg, the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Europe. Time for sightseeing, lunch and shopping. This tour is a must!
This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to October |
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| Munich by Night |
4 1/2 hrs. |
Starting from GBP £42.00 per person |
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Discover beautiful Munich by night! Pass beautifully illuminated monuments, fountains, and buildings. In the famous Hofbräuhaus you will be treated to an evening Bavarian style with music, show and dinner. Afterwards, pass through the former artists' quarter Schwabing going on to the Olympic Area where you will get to ascend the Olympic Tower to enjoy the marvelous view of the city by night. Time to let your hair down!
This tour is seasonal and operates between April and November only |
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| Dachau - Memorial Site |
4 1/2 hrs. |
Starting from GBP £17.00 per person |
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This trip allows you to experience a piece of history that should not be forgotten. Dachau - the most infamous of WWII concentration camps. Spend time visiting the memorial site, the museum and the documentary film.
This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to October |
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| Munich Airport Private Arrival Transfer |
1 hour |
Starting from GBP £110.00 per vehicle |
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Pre-organizing transfers is now the norm for many travelers. Secure not only a great rate by locking in today's price, but secure peace of mind also. Leave the worrying for the birds and travel knowing your transfer is waiting for you at the airport! |
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| Munich Airport Private Departure Transfer |
1 hour |
Starting from GBP £110.00 per vehicle |
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Prebook your transfer from the comfort of your computer desk! Let your fingers do the hard work - all you do is click away! Print your voucher and present it at your hotel upon pickup, and the rest is history! Why worry about the inconvenience of calling and waiting for a cab? Don't go to the discomfort of travelling on a bus or train. Book today and travel to the airport relaxed and ready for your travels! |
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Other Destinations in Germany That May Interest You
(Click on the place name below for more information)
Major Towns and Cities in Germany
The major towns and cities of Germany are Bamberg,
Berlin,
Cologne,
Dresden,
Frankfurt,
Freiburg im Breisgau,
Hamburg,
Heidelberg,
Munich,
Münster,
Leipzig,
Regensburg and Stuttgart.
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BAMBERG
Bamberg, once an Imperial city, lies in the north of Bavaria and is listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Quite rightly: Bamberg offers splendid sights, ancient buildings and a charming old town interconnected by Venice-like waterways.
Tourist sight number one is the ancient City Town Hall: Built in the middle of river 'Regnitz' it can only be reached via two stone bridges and features a Baroque facade on one side and a half-timbered one on the other side.
'Little Venice' comprises small half-timbered houses next to river 'Regnitz'. In earlier times, it was the home of Bamberg's fishermen.
Bamberg cathedral goes back to the 11th century and was financed by Heinrich II, whose tomb is one of the major sights. Magnificient statue 'Bamberg Rider' attracts numerous visitors, too. Its four towers dominate the city's skyline.
Two bishops residencies, the Old Court sporting a Renaissance facade and the New Residency featuring Baroque 'Emperor's Hall', are situated next to the cathedral.
As a former bishops residency Bamberg does not lack in beautiful churches and convents.
Just outside Bamberg you can visit 'Seehof' castle, a graceful Renaissance building and its elaborate park.
Bamberg is proud of its smoked beer ('Rauchbier'), a local speciality distilled by local breweries which can and ought to be tasted in one of the many restaurants and pubs.
After a fifty-year lull Berlin is back. World War II left behind a crippled Berlin, sandwiched between East and West, with a literal and metaphoric wall deeply dividing the two halves. Now Berlin is once more the capital of a reunified Germany and one of Europe's great cities. It is a city brimming with optimism.
Located in the north-east of Germany and with a population of 3.5million, one third is covered by woodland, parks and waterways.
Despite efforts to become a city of the future, Berlin has also made every effort to preserve its history. Berlin is home to the largest construction project Europe has seen since World War II, the city is redefining itself.
Berlin features a vibrant nightlife and many cultural hotspots attracting numerous visitors from around the world. Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche, the remnants of Berlin wall and the new Reichstag building are some of the major sights. If you are looking for top-notch museums and concert venues the Kulturforum is the place to go.
Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg are neighbourhoods off the beaten track and home to artistic movements.
Berlin's cultural calendar is loaded with festivals, concerts and parties. The Berlin Film Festival, Christopher Street Day, the city's gay parade, techno event Love Parade and the exhausting annual marathon usually attract their share of visitors. Jazz Fest Berlin and Christmas Markets all over town distract from dreary winter.
Even though Berlin is a rather green and easy going city, you might want to leave the noise behind. Potsdam and Sanssouci castle are always worth a visit.
Cologne's a scenic city with plazas, shopping and nightlife and well worth a visit especially during its famous Carnival celebrations. The city looks back on changing fates always finding an outlet in going completely berserk during Carnival season. Nowadays 'Kölner Karneval' is an institution which attracts numerous tourists. There are rumours, though, that some of Colognes inhabitants actually flee the city for a short holiday.
The twin-spired structure of Cologne cathedral might just be the best known architectural sight in Germany and has shaped the city's appearance for centuries.
The 'Ring' - a giant semi-circle following the contours of ancient city walls - offers a good starting point for sightseeing and shopping. Numerous theatres, restaurants and bars - many of them serving beer from local breweries - invite to linger.
In the last decade Cologne has developed from a classical industrial city into the modern service centre. Today Cologne is associated primarily with the media, trade fairs and culture. Today, Cologne is Germany's leading media metropolis with one third of all German TV productions being produced there.
Dresden is a city of contrasts. Next to beautiful vistas and impressive sights (most of the famous buildings destroyed in World War II have been restored or rebuilt from scratch) one can find several appalling areas and depressing neighbourhoods.
Partly, history is to be blamed for this.
Two nights in February 1945 were enough to annihilate the bigger part of Dresden's architectural heritage. Once an important cultural and commercial metropolis featuring some of Germany's most impressive architecture, Dresden was practically wiped out within two nights of air raids in February, 1945. Severe bombing turned the proud city centre into a heap of rubble. Even today, the ruins of the 'Frauenkirche' (women's church) commemorate this event. Only now, half a century later, the church is being rebuilt using all material that can still be found.
Dresden's centre houses many other impressive sights: Semperoper, renowned for its excellent acoustics, baroque 'Zwinger', cathedral, and royal castle are just some of the highlights.
Dresden's equivalent to San Fran's Golden Gate Bridge is called blue wonder ('Blaues Wunder'). The impressive bridge is an typical example of 19th century fascination with steel and engineering.
Most people visit Frankfurt because they have to. Even many inhabitants concede that taking a closer look might well be a condition for falling in love with the city.
But it has its vistas: Almost 100 high-rise buildings, mainly banks or office blocks, project up into the sky epitomizing the city's thriving economy. The modern architecture and financial clout give the city a decidedly American feeling, hence nicknames like 'Bankfurt' or 'Mainhattan'.
Frankfurt's economy rests on two pillars: banking and international fairs. Among many others Germany's national bank has its base here. Frankfurt's character has always been strongly secular, as befitting a cosmopolitan trading centre, accordingly the city was among the first to embrace Luther's controversial ideas.
Frankfurt is a big player in global trade fair business. An annual average of 80 fairs and exhibitions attract numerous visitors from all over the world. One of the highlights is Frankfurt's book fair. The biggest book fair worldwide dates back to the 15th century. Its popularity has increased ever since.
But Frankfurt also sports various cultural highlights: Goethe's birthplace and the Museumsufer, an embankment crowded with museums, are just two that come to mind.
And if all the sightseeing and cultural activities become too much hassle it is always fun to try Frankfurt's speciality called applewine in a cosy tavern.
Freiburg im Breisgau is habitually associated with Black Forest region, its traditional cherry-and-chocolate cake and cuckoo clocks.
Although you can find all this, Freiburg has a lot more to offer: architectural highlights mirroring the city's changing fates, excellent wine, numerous cultural events and the region's natural beauty.
Freiburg is situated at the southern tip of Black Forest region in the immediate vincinity of France (3 km distance) and Switzerland (42 km). As the boarder to France was a combated one, Freiburg's history is full of plagues, wars and changing sovereigns. In World War II the city was accidentally bombed by German planes and almost completely destroyed… its historic centre has been reconstructed accurately and in detail.
Major sights are the impressive cathedral ('Münster unsrer lieben Frau') with its mixture of late Romanesque and Gothic architecture, old and new city hall, the historic merchant house and Gothic 'Haus zum Walfisch' ('house of the whale'), in which Renaissance philosopher Erasmus von Rotterdam resided for some years.
As a university town, Freiburg offers quite a selection of cultural events, restaurants, coffee shops, museums and art galleries without losing its small town charm. Its climate is pleasant and allows for extensive vine growing.
Freiburg's traditional cuisine, based on asparagus, river trout and 'kässpätzle' (a cheese-covered dish of noodles), is something to savour.
A cable car takes you on top of mount 'Schauinsland' (translates as: Look into the country) and offers a panoramic view over Freiburg and its surroundings.
The "Free and Hanseatic City" of Hamburg is Germany's second-largest metropolis with one of Europe's biggest ports. Since the Middle Ages Hamburg has been an important centre of commerce, part of an inter-city-network called Hanse. Privileges regarding commerce, taxes and politics guaranteed its wealth and independence.
Even today Hamburg boasts high living standards, a cosmopolitan lifestyle and magnificent architecture.
One of the major sights of Hamburg is its harbour. On a round trip one can see the old parts as well as a thriving modern port. The medieval 'Speicherstadt' offers insights into ancient trading routines.
The history of St. Pauli was shaped by maritime trade. Once a no man's land between the cities of Hamburg and Altona, hordes of sailors looking for excitement changed the face of the district. Famous Reeperbahn offered all sorts of amusements - women and gambling mainly. Today, machines have reduced the number of sailors but not the number of joints offering seedy amusements. Tourists, inhabitants and students from the renowned university alike populate the Reeperbahn.
Other famous attractions are baroque church St. Michaelis dubbed 'Michel', the city hall, the old botanic garden and Deichstraße, one of the few streets featuring traditional half timbered houses.
Since 1968 Hamburg's TV tower bears witness to the progress in telecommunication history and offers a great view over all of Hamburg into the bargain.
Obviously, shopping is always an alternative in this city of trading. If you are interested in culinary highlights the lively Fish market is well worth a visit.
Heidelberg's popularity is based on 3 pillars: its location, castle and university. Situated in the valley of Neckar river, the beautiful old town with its sights and narrow, picturesque roads, is easily accessible on foot.
Lively main street is ideal for extended shopping: In the pedestrian area no cars or public transportation are allowed to disturb the experience.
The world famous castle is without doubt Heidelberg's highlight. A perfect view, numerous cultural activities and festivals attract the castle's countless visitors. If you extend your stay into the night you can enjoy the magical lighting and - if you are lucky - one of the fireworks.
The city's atmosphere is moulded by its university. A favourite among Germany's students it has always guaranteed a certain free spirit and been a home to great thinkers and an impressive number of Nobel laureates.
Officially founded in 1158, Munich has been the capital of Bavaria since 1503. Bavaria prides itself on its uniqueness and is effectively if not officially a state within the state following its own rules. Understandably, Munich itself does not lack confidence either.
Featuring museums and a vibrant art scene the city's centre is easily accessible on foot and enormously attractive. Its charming old town embraces many fine examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical architecture. At its centre lies an open expanse of coffees and bars called 'Marienplatz'. The 'Glockenspiel' chimes away at noon and draws masses to the city hall.
Numerous ancient churches, 'Frauenkirche', 'St. Peterskirche' and 'Heiliggeistkirche' offer architectural highlights and help tell the city's tale. Provided the weather plays along, one can even enjoy a view of the nearby Alps from one of the many turrets.
Other impressive sights are the 'Residenz', the 'Viktualienmarkt', one of Europe's greatest food markets and Nymphenberg castle, a picture-perfect Baroque palace which once served as the royal family's summer residence.
Munich is famous for its food and favourite beverage. Many traditional breweries export their various sorts of lager, pils, bock and 'Weißbier' (wheat beer) into the whole world. The 'Hofbräuhaus' is one of the numerous beer joints which Munich is famous for. The annual 'Oktoberfest' is a unique experience with masses from all over Europe going crazy and getting drunk on beer served in units of 1 litre called 'Mass'.
In 1972 Munich staged Olympic summer games, the first Olympic games in Germany after World War II. High hopes were crushed: Palestinian terrorists raided the Israeli quarters, opened fire and killed several athletes. After two days of mourning it was decided to continue the games. However, they are remembered for the 'Munich massacre' rather than for athletic achievements.
Münster is an attractive and cosmopolitan melting pot of traditional buildings and modern architecture, designed to blend into the historic quarters. It is situated in the vincinity of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Germany's industrial region 'Ruhrpott'.
The atmosphere is lively and easy-going. Tourists and inhabitants alike enjoy the numerous shopping facilities and relax in one of the various restaurants, coffeeshops and beergardens which shape the city's face.
St. Paulus cathedral is an impressive mixture of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, a splendid church inside and outside.
Lamberti church is worth a visit, too, and is situated at the 'Prinzipalmarkt', a square dominated by arcades, steep gables and luxury shopping.
Erbdrostenhof, church of St. Clemens and Dominican church are magnificient Baroque buildings designed by Johann Conrad Schlaun, en-vogue architect of Münster in the 18th century.
'Krameramtshaus' is a building associated with politically and economically important trading guilds of the 14th century. In earlier times, it was a warehouse and a meeting point for traders. Today, the spectacular steepled house is used as Dutch science and cultur center.
Münster university offers about 120 different courses of study in the humanities, medicine, and the social and natural sciences. Students and staff alike enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the academic opportunities of this traditional institute of higher learning.
Leipzig bears witness to many watersheds of history: It was here that Luther proclaimed his suggestions for religious reformation. Johann Sebastian Bach was cantor at the Church of St. Thomas, which today is one of the major sights. Felix Mendelsohn, too, composed some of his major works in Leipzig.
In 1813 Schwarzenberg defeated Napoleon in a decisive battle (battle of the nations) just outside of Leipzig.
In 1989 Leipzig was a starting point of the peaceful revolution, which culminated in the downfall of the German Democratic Republic and the reunification of eastern and western Germany.
Important sights are the opera house, Gewandhaus orchestra, ancient city hall, battle of the nation memorial and Auerbach's cellar, which is said to have inspired the famous pub scene in Goethe's Faust.
Drallewatsch, a picturesque quarter of the city, is perfect for an extended pub-crawl.
Bavarian city Regensburg is famous for the medieval architecture of its well-preserved historic city centre, complete with narrow streets and romantic squares. The city is situated to the very north of Bavaria.
But Regensburg is not only focused on preserving the past. Its interest in modern culture and a significant local economy have contributed to labelling the city 'Medieval Metropolis'. The atmosphere is decidedly Mediterranean, which causes some people to call it 'the most northern town of Italy'.
Major sights include Regensburg's cathedral ('Dom St. Peter') featuring an impressive museum of percious liturgical instruments and devices, Porta Praetoria, a Roman city gate, chapel St. Jakob, which is decorated in Rococo style.
So called 'Steinerne Brücke' ('Bridge of Stone') leads over Danube river and offers a breath-taking view over the city. It was built during the 12th century, is 310 m long and an example of medieval architecture and ingenuity.
Close to the Danube you can find 'Donaupark', an extended leisure park and enjoy the artificial lake or Regensburg's botanic garden.
Physician Johannes Kepler is one of Regensburg's famous inhabitants. Protestant reformer Martin Luther, too, was active in Regensburg.
Best known as the home of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, Stuttgart is also one of Germany's major wine-growing regions and possibly Germany's greenest city with 20% of its acreage protected by a preservation order.
Stuttgart's main square called 'Schlossplatz' provides a crash course in architecture. Stock exchange, renaissance 'Altes Schloss' (old castle) and baroque 'Neues Schloss' (new castle), classical 'Königsbau', Art Nouveau 'Kunstverein' and some beautiful modern buildings display Stuttgart's unchanging importance over the centuries.
The area around Stuttgart is known for its cuisine. Dishes like 'Spätzle', 'Maultaschen' or 'Zwiebelkuchen' are best tried in one of the many cosy restaurants. For the more adventurous a visit in the local casino might be an alternative.
But the city is not only known for past achievements. Today, Stuttgart is home to a vibrant youth culture: "Die Fantastischen Vier", "Massive Töne" or "Freundeskreis" have made Stuttgart a hiphop stronghold supported by an enthusiastic local scene.
Another attraction is Stuttgart's famous casino.
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