Germany is the largest country in Central Europe and is made up of 16 fascinating states, each one with its own traditions and quirks. The country is also known for its rich culture as well as its engineering prowess, so you can expect a mix of old and new here that is sure to please visitors. If you are looking for historical landmarks and culturally significant sites, then you have come to the right place, or if you want something more modern, the capital city of Berlin will surely not disappoint.
Garmisch is known for its skiing as well as its gorgeous mountain scenery which can be enjoyed even if you don’t want to hit the slopes. There are expert runs here as well as those for less experienced skiers.
6 hours by road (53 Euro)
7.5 hours by train (35 euro)
3 hours by plane (81 Euro)
Skiing cost: 26-43 Euro.
Clothing: Heavy winter clothes are a must
The Bavarian Alps are not as well known as the Austrian or Swiss Alps but offer some premium skiing nonetheless. In the southeastern area of Germany you will find Oberstdorf ski resort which has 80 miles of slopes.
8 hours by road (37 Euro)
13 hours by train (80 euro)
6 hours by plane (150 Euro)
Skiing cost: 40-90 Euro
Clothing: Heavy winter clothes are a must
The ski resort of Zugspitze offers six months of snow and is set in a gorgeous Alpine setting. The highest mountain in Germany is located here and you can go free riding or skiing during the season.
5 hours by road (25 Euro)
21 minutes by train (4.50 euro)
1 hours by plane (60 Euro)
Skiing cost: 26-43 Euro.
Clothing: Heavy winter clothes are a must
Berliner Dom is known for being the largest and most elaborate church in Berlin. It was built at the end of the 19th century in an ornate style and has a beautiful dome at the top. Visitors can climb to the top and take in the views over Berlin. Admission is €7.
Duration of travel: 33 minutes
Bring a camera to take photographs
Berliner Fernsehturm, Alexanderplatz is a TV tower famous for being the tallest tower in Germany. It measures 368 meters high and has an observation deck at 204 meters where visitors look out across the city. Entrance is €12.50. There is a revolving restaurant at the top of the tower that spins 360 degrees.
Duration of travel: 24 minutes
Bring a camera to take photographs
Reichstag Building is the name of the German Parliament building which was restored in 1999 and has a huge glass dome at the top. From here, visitors can see all over Berlin. Visitors need to book in advance to visit the dome and observation terrace.
Duration of travel: 15 minutes
Bring a camera to take photographs and make sure to book in advance
The Bay of Lübeck is known for a number of beaches including Timmendorfer, Scharbeutzer, Grömitzer. There are also a number of historical highlights here such as lighthouses and wooden piers.
At Sylt, the most northern part of Germany, you will find 40 kilometers of beaches with white sands and pristine landscapes. The beaches are good for families and signature areas to check out include Rotes Kliff, or the Red Cliff.
Usedom is a Pomeranian island between Germany and Poland with 45 kilometers of coastline. There are sandy beaches here and trails that lead to small bays, inlets, and coves. The sand is so clean here that it squeaks under foot and the island is called ‘Singing Sands’.
Galeries Lafayette in Mitte is known for having a huge number of French brand designer pieces as well as perfume, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. There is also a gourmet department store here with food from around the world. The closest U-Bahn is Französische Straße on the U6 line.
Potsdamer Platz Arkaden is multipurpose mall that has shopping, dining, and entertainment options. To that end, you will find cinema here as well as a casino. The mall sits at the center of the city in Berlin and is known for its German and international restaurants and fine dining. The closest U-Bahn and S-Bahn are located at Potsdamer Platz.
Stilwerk has branches in Hamburg and Berlin and is known for its amazing design features. As such you will find design and interior decor products here as well as over 150 lifestyle product stores. Many of the brands here are modern European stores. The Berlin Stilwerk is located on Kantstraße and is there housed in West Berlin.
Dreigut - Creative German Cuisine, Uhlandstr. 171, 10719. Open 11:30 am-12 pm. Innovative and modern German restaurant cuisine using traditional German recipes with a modern spin on them. The atmosphere is stylish and comfortable. This restaurant is famous for its local ingredients and seasonal produce. Plates from €7.
Beef is rolled around a piece of bacon and pickled cucumber and slow cooked. This is usually served with red cabbage, potato dumplings, and gravy.
Different varieties of Schnitzel exist including pork covered in bread crumbs. Other kinds include veal in bread crumbs. Both are fried and usually served with French fries.
Wurst means sausage and there are a huge number of varieties including fried Bratwurst or boiled Weißwurst. You can get beef, veal, or pork sausages which are usually served with mashed potatoes, French fries, or potato salad.
Schöneberger Weltlaterne, Motzstr. 61 near VL-Platz. Visitors come here for a taste of traditional Bavarian food as well as a wide selection of delicious Bavarian beers.
Cascade is known for being quite expensive and attract an older crowd. The club is nicely decorated and plays house music mixed with themed nights like 70 and 80s nights. It is located on Fasanenstraße 81.
Maxxim is a luxury style club that usually attracts older patrons. It usually plays house music and R'n'B music.
Q-dorf is a large nightclub that is known for a young crowd and cheap drinks. It is often very busy and plays R'n'B and chart pop music. There are themed nights like beach parties and go-go dancers.
Germany is a member of the Schengen Agreement and as such there are no border controls with other countries in the European Union EXCEPT Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Other countries need to apply for a visa before they arrive.
Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States of America are eligible to obtain a residence permit, or an Aufenthaltstitel which authorizes a stay of more than 90 days and permission to work after arrival in Germany.
Honduran, Monegasque and Sanmarinese nationals can also obtain the above permit, but are NOT allowed to work in any capacity. Other nationals need to obtain a visa before they travel if they intend to stay in Germany for longer than the 90 days period.
http://www.germany-visa.org/germany-visa-requirements/
Prostitution is legal in Germany.
Beer and wine can be consumed legally from the age of 16 and spirits or mixed drinks from the age of 18.
Visitors should note that Nazi related slogans and symbols such as swastikas and Nazi style salutes are forbidden and illegal in public.
On the whole Germany is a relaxed country, particularly compared to many other countries in the world.
Germany has a relatively low crime rate compared to many other countries in the world. Crime is usually low level such as bag snatching and pick pocketing in major cities. Homosexuality is legal in Germany and it is not uncommon to see public displays of affection between members of the same sex. There are no specific vaccinations recommended for Germany.
Germany has complex roots and started off as part of the Holy Roman Empire. The country is now most well known for its role in the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Cold War when the country was split into sections and many families separated and unable to travel between them. In 1990, the country was reunified, and now Germany is one harmonious country again. The language of Germany is German, although many people learn several languages in school, as the country borders other European territories including Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium.