Smooth, refreshing, cold, and satisfying. Those are just some of the words used to describe a great German beer. However, they also fit the description for the country itself. Germany is smooth in its tastes and landscapes. Medieval villages, castles and palaces present that refreshing element, showing travelers the out-of-the ordinary. The weather here is not balmy, but rather cozy and cold. Finally Germany lends the satisfaction of history, traditions and sights, sure to fill up a few bodies with beer and beauty.
The term “deutsch” or “German” has been around since the 8th century, proving that the country of Germany is truly older and wiser than many. Germany’s history largely began as an association of territorial states that eventually unified. The area was first conquered by the Roman Empire. Then the Holy Roman Empire stepped in until the Austrian Habsburgs called the country part of their reign. Germany has been the setting for many of the most important events in history. Martin Luther brought the Protestant Reformation to Germany in 1517. The printing press was invented in Germany, changing written word as we know it. Nazi rule, World War II, and the notorious Berlin wall all weaken the country a great deal, but today it stand tall and proud, waiting to be reconsidered.
Germany is home to some of biggest, boldest, and renowned cities in the entire world. Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin make up the medley of bigwig cities in the country. Frankfurt supplies the skyscrapers and industry. Most of the city was bombed out during World War II, but travelers can still find classic German elements. Berlin is Germany’s capital. It holds a harsh history, but has overcome walls and war to become a lively European city. Some of the countries top museums and attractions can be found in Berlin, including the seat of the German government.
One of Germany’s largest cities, Munich, should not be missed for its traditions, charm, and modern acknowledgment. The biggest party of the year is held under tents here. Oktoberfest draws in people from all around the world, looking to imbibe great beer and tradition. A visit to the Hofbräuhaus shouldn’t be missed. The ancient brewery offers tours and tastes of great German beer.
Travelers may start going cuckoo for clocks and cake upon entering the Black Forest area to Germany’s south. The area is home to the cuckoo clock and the famous Black Forest Cake. Aside from just wooden clocks and rich desserts, visitors will find the Black Forest to be massive. The area houses mountains covered in evergreen forestry, some 200 kilometers long and 60 kilometers wide. The Black Forest touches toes with France, Switzerland, and Lake Constance. Visitors will find spas for relaxing here along with several lively towns like Frieburg.
Within reach, the natural attractions to Germany just keep on giving. Lake Constance looks more like a fairytale than an actual lake. As Swiss peaks make themselves known by framing the lake, travelers can hike, bike and swim in the dream landscape. Lake Constance is a wide woman, bearing a circumference of 273 kilometers. Parts of the lake fall in Switzerland and Austria, but the majority remains all German. Throughout spring, travelers will find blooming fruit trees, adding to the dream like picture of Lake Constance. In summer, swimmers can get to know Lake Constance even more by swimming in the 250 deep body of water.
Germany maybe underappreciated by many travelers. Often times, the country is skipped for more warm locales like Italy and the south of France. However, many are changing their tune for one simple reason, castles. Germany is filled with some of the most beautiful castles in the entire world. Perhaps the most famous and the country’s biggest tourist draw is Neuschwanstein. After viewing this fairytale castle, you many find it strangely familiar. Disney used Neuschwanstein for the inspiration for its own fairytale castle and iconic symbol of the company. Deep in the Bavaria region of Germany, the castle was created to be the fantasy castle residence of Ludwig II.
The castles do not end there. Near Neuschwanstein, travelers can view the Hohenschwangau. The Rhine Valley in Germany also lends scores and scores of castles along the river. In between Koblenz and Mainz, castles line up with views of the Rhine while vineyards crowd the area, completing the fairytale image. The Rhine Valley offers those cutesy places to stay and enjoy the serenity of castles, water, and wine. In other words, Germany has it all.
