Browse things to do in Germany

 

Germany is the largest country in Central Europe. It is bordered to the north by Denmark, to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. Germany is a federation of 16 states, similar in structure to the USA, each with a distinct and unique culture. Contrary to the general foreigner's conception Germany it not a very homogeneous nation and regionalism is alive and well making it a very diverse place for its size.

 

Regions

Northern Germany (Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), Schleswig-Holstein) Wind-swept hills and the popular vacation destinations of the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts.

 

Western Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), Saarland) Wine country and modern cities sharply cut by the breathtaking Rhine Valley and Moselle valley.

 

Central Germany (Hesse (Hessen), Thuringia (Thüringen)) The green heart of Germany, with some of the most important historical and financial cities and the ancient Thurigian Forest.

 

Eastern Germany (Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony (Sachsen), Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt)) highlighted by the eccentric and historic capital Berlin, and rebuilt historic Dresden, the Florence of the Elbe.

 

Southern Germany (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria (Bayern)) Black Forest, Alps, and Oktoberfest. The Germany of lederhosen and postcards.

 

Cities

Germany has numerous cities of interest to tourists; these are nine of the most famous travel destinations.

 

Berlin — the reunified and reinvigorated capital of Germany; known for its division during the Cold War — and the Berlin Wall. Today its a metropolis of diversity with elegant clubs, galleries and traditional restaurants. It is also a haven for shoppers.

 

Hamburg — Germany's second-largest city, famous for its harbour as well as its liberal and tolerant culture. Don't miss the Reeperbahn with its night clubs and casinos. Hamburg is also popular for its many musicals.

 

Munich (München) — Bavaria's beautiful capital city and Southern Germany's primary city. The third largest city in Germany, Munich is the site of the famous Oktoberfest and is the gateway to the Alps.

 

Cologne (Köln) — Germany's fourth-largest city. Cologne was founded by the Romans and is 2000 years old with its huge cathedral, Romanesque churches, and archaeological sites. Cologne also well known for its carnival and its Christopher-Street-Day parade. Don't forget to try the local cuisine and of course the local beer, called "Kölsch".

 

Dresden - Once called 'Florence on the Elbe', and world-famous for its Frauenkirche and historic center which was destroyed during the war, the city offers more than what the average traveller can expect: Great festivals, all kinds of cultural entertainment, vibrant night life, and surrounded by beautiful natural vistas. Dresden hosts the Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden (Dresden State Art Collections) which is one of the world's most impressive museums and collections. The art collections consist of eleven museums, of which the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister and the Grünes Gewölbe are the most well-known.

 

Dusseldorf (Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf) — Germany's capital of fashion, the capital city of North Rhine-Westphalia offers a wide scale of fascinating new architecture. Right along the shores of river Rhine, the "Altstadt" and the "Medienhafen" are among the best places in Germany to enjoy a vibrant nightlife. Being one of the country's wealthiest cities, the atmosphere is very pleasant. Germans call it "the only metropolis ending with -dorf (German for village)".

 

Frankfurt — Germany's leading financial center, transportation hub, seat of the European Central Bank (ECB), international trade fair center (Book Fair, Motor Show), hub of multicultural activity (30% Immigrants), and site of numerous world-class museums and theaters. It is also Germany's only city with enough skyscrapers to have a skyline.

 

Bremen - One of the most important cities in northern Germany, its old town will be of interest to travellers who want a slice of history.

 

Nuremberg (Nürnberg) — Second largest city in Bavaria, after WWII over 90% of the old-town was destroyed. Today it has been reconstructed, including the Gothic Kaiserburg Castle (Emperor's Castle of the Holy Roman Empire of German Nation). You can also visit the infamous Nazi party rally grounds, the Documentation Centre and Courtroom 600 - venue of the Nuremberg Trials.

 

 

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