Who doesn’t love the idea of visiting Germany? Great beer, awesome food and despite their image as stern and unexciting, they love to have a party. Just in a German way!
There are plenty of brilliant sites to see in Germany and taking photographs is a great way of keeping those memories. To make sure your smartphone and camera are always ready, remember to pack a USB travel adapter in your hand luggage and keep those batteries charged! Don't forget to check our guide to voltages and prevent damage to your devices.
Berlin is the capital, a divided city after World War Two but following reunification in 1990 the infamous Berlin Wall has gone and East Germany and West Germany are now simply Germany. The city has many historical sites to visit, but most poignant is Checkpoint Charlie and the remains of the wall. But don’t miss the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Museum Island and the TV Tower for a great view across the city.
Just about everyone has heard of Munich, the capital of Bavaria region, particularly because of the Munich Beer Festival, known as Oktoberfest. Funnily enough, it actually begins in September and runs until the first weekend in October. It’s a great time to go and enjoy the German beers, food and hospitality. This is partying German style! Of course, Munich has much else to enjoy, so make a longer stay and see some sites as well.
Also in Bavaria is the town of Berchtesgaden, home to Hitler’s Eagles Nest. It’s a beautiful area and something not to miss. Of course, this is the Alps region with ski resorts and mountain peaks almost 3,000 metres tall and on the border with Austria. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe is Neuschwanstein Castle near Fussen, that was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Following the Alps to the west brings you to Lake Konstanz (Bodensee in German), the third largest freshwater lake in Europe and shared between Germany, Austria and Switzerland, so makes a great base for exploring the area. While in the area, you could pop into tiny Liechtenstein which is just south of the lake.
Along the border with France, heading north, you’ll find Heidelberg, a real gem of a town. The center is packed with bars and restaurants, plus museums, art galleries and shops selling anything and everything! A medieval bridge crosses the Neckar River into the town with the Heidelberg Castle overlooking.
Heading back east and the walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber has a stunning preserved medieval centre that warrants a good few hours exploring. Continuing in this direction, you’ll find Nuremberg, the scene of major Nazi rallies and also the location for the Nuremberg Trials after the war. It was the birthplace of Albrecht Dürer and you can visit his house along with many other museums.
In Germany’s industrial heartland, you’ll find the city of Cologne on the River Rhine, with a stunning Gothic cathedral and beautiful examples of medieval architecture. The city is known for its nightlife, but also has an artist and culture following.
Germany’s northern coast bordering Denmark is often overlooked but offers some great locations for a vacation. Lubeck is just north of Hamburg and offers some stunning 12th century buildings in the Altstadt, making for an enjoyable walk through the narrow streets. Rugen Island is located in the Baltic Sea and connected to the mainland by a bridge and causeway. There is plenty to see and do here with seaside resorts and the Jasmund National Park.
Germany also has a long tradition of winemaking in the south-west region. All along the Mosel river, which is absolutely beautiful, there are vineyards. In the heart of this are the small towns of Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues and the whole area is stunning.
Enjoy your vacation in Germany. The people are welcoming, and definitely ready for any excuse to have a party, drinking German beer from their traditional steins and munching on sausages. It’s a stereotypical German scene, but quite true! Don’t forget to pack your USB travel adapter in your luggage and keep all your memories safe.
