Top 10 Must Do in Germany
A country with a terrain of vast forests, rivers and mountain ranges, and 2 millennia of history. Berlin, its capital, is home to thriving art and nightlife scenes, iconic Brandenburg Gate and many sites relating to WWII. Munich is known for its Oktoberfest and cavernous beer halls, including 16th-century Hofbräuhaus. Frankfurt, with its skyscrapers, houses the European Central Bank.
I have enjoyed many of Germany’s cities. A wonderful country to plan a road trip through. The locals are friendly, and many speak very good English, making it an ease to travel through.
- Oktoberfest in Munich. If you don’t like beer or drinking this will probably not be for you. On the the hand its a great place to be an anthropologist if you don’t, as Oktoberfest, held in every year in Munich druing October is the perfect place to see German people in their element. Think singing, cheering, laughter and lederhosen (traditional German outfit). If not visiting Germany at this time of year than visit the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl The Hofbräuhaus beer hall built in 1589 by Bavarian Duke Maximilian.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN GERMANY.
2. Castles: Hohenschwangau Castle or Schloss Hohenschwangau is a 19th century palace in southern Germany. It was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this is one castle not to miss in Germany. Germany is also home to the castle that inspired Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Neuschwanstein Castle (pictured above). Both of these castles are a must see in Germany.
3. Meet the monks of Ettal Abbey, a beautiful baroque edifice, is one of the most significant Benedictine abbeys in the Bavarian Alps, dating back to 1330. Stepping through the gate, visitors are firstly confronted with the impressive facade of the original Gothic church before joining a tour to be introduced to the abbey, the church and the monks’ working quarters.
4. The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most important monuments – a landmark and symbol all in one with over two hundred years of history. A former symbol of the divided city, it drew visitors who used to climb an observation platform in order to get a glimpse of the world behind. It was here that on June 12, 1987, Ronald Regan issued his stern command to his cold war adversary admonishing him with the words: “Mr. Gorbachov – tear down this wall!’
Marienplatz and the Glockenspeil (clock tower). Important public events such as tournaments or executions were still held here, named Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) as a way to ask Virgin Mary to protect the town from a cholera epidemic. A very grim history. Today this is popular square and you can climb up the clock tower for a view of Munich.
The Englischer Garten, German for “English Garden”, is a large public park in the center of Munich. The English Garden has much to offer, one of the largest parks in the world. One of the coolest things in the park is that people surf in a 2km man-made river that creates a wave. After exploring the park, visit the restaurant ‘Aumeister’, and enjoy a cold bavarian beer in the beer garden.
The Viktualienmarkt is a daily food market and a square right near Marienplatz. The Viktualienmarkt developed from an original farmers’ market to a popular market for gourmets has over 200 delicious stores to eat your way through.
UNESCO World Heritage listed Cologne Cathedral a cathedral in Cologne, construction first started in 1248, the construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place several different stages and was not completed until 1880. A finished masterpiece that rivals Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece in Barcelona
Explore Germany’s capital, Berlin, the cultural hub of Germany and dates to the 13th century. Divided during the Cold War, today it’s known for its art scene, nightlife and modern architecture.
Bavarian Alps. Blue skies, green meadows and majestic mountains: just a few words capture perfectly the true essence of the Bavarian Alps. Ride a cable car to the top of the Zugspite, Germany’s highest mountain.
GERMANY IN A WORD:
‘Guten Tag’ Means Good Day
‘Wie Geht’s’? (we gets) is How are you?
‘Prost!’ Means Cheers! This is essential for Oktoberfest.
‘Danke Schoen’ (Dunk-e-shon) Means Thank-you
CITY GUIDES
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