Travel to Germany

If you like castles, you'll love Germany, for Germany has castles the way Venice has canals, or Norway has fjords, or the Napa Valley has wineries. There are literally scores of them, virtually in every German state and seemingly on every other hilltop, especially along the river Rhine. There are schlosses (which are essentially castles or palaces) and there are burgs (castles or fortresses); and then there are festungs (quite simply, fortresses).

Here are ten of the most famous German castles, the must-sees, the "great castles" of Germany.

Burg Eltz

At the top of the list is Burg Eltz, one of Germany's most beautiful medieval castles, 850 years old and unscathed! It is located in the lower Mosel Valley, high above the Rhine. Although still family owned and occupied, it can be seen on guided tours for 6 euros a pop. And it's well worth it, for you'll get a peek at not only the original period furniture and decor, but you'll also get to see 20 flushable toilets that supposedly date back to the 15th century!

Meersburg Alte Burg

Another famous 'burg' is the Meersburg Alte Burg, located in the scenic Black Forest area in Baden-Wurttemberg. It dates from the seventh century and offers superb views out to the Bodensee. This is also the oldest of Germany's castles that is inhabitable. A Merovingian king, Dagoberth, originally started it, and it then served as the residence of the bishop of Konstanz for decades. For 8 euros you can meander through 30 rooms of the castle, including the chambers used by the famous 19th-century German poet, Annette von Droste-Hulshoff.

The Wartburg

The Wartburg, situated just outside Eisenach in the Thuringia region, is considered to be the most German of the German castles. It was here that Martin Luther translated the New Testament from Greek into German while in hiding. The castle is open to public tours for 5 euros per head.

The Marksburg

This one, the Marksburg, is perched on a hill on the shores of the Rhine, high above the town of Braubach in the Rhine Valley. And make no mistake, this is not just another 19th century imitation - and yes, there are several of those in Germany! - this is the real thing, boasting one of the most impressive armory collections anywhere, including one of the oldest cannons in Germany. And for 4.50 euros you can see it all on a guided tour.

Schloss Sanssouci

Here's a castle that's hard to miss, Schloss Sanssouci. It is centrally located in Potsdam in the Brandenberg region, not far from Berlin, and is a genuine masterpiece from the Baroque period. What's more, it has its associations with Frederick the Great. It was in this small but lively summer palace that the sovereign entertained the thinkers and musicians of his time, notable among them Voltaire. The Rococco residence can be toured for 8 euros apiece, albeit with German-only commentary.

Schloss Braunfels

Schloss Braunfels is an 800-year-old palace located in the Hesse region's Lahn Valley. While well worth visiting, the unfortunate thing about it is that it was rebuilt in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style. But don't let that deter you. A guided tour of the castle's interior is a realtime romp through rooms filled to the gills with medieval weaponry, porcelain, and paintings. And it's only 4 euros for the tour.

Schloss Neuschwanstein

And then there's Schloss Neuschwanstein, perhaps the most picturesque, the most recognizable of Germany's great castles. In fact, this is the one that inspired the magical castle at Disneyland, the one with interiors that resemble scenes from Wagnerian operas. Set on a hill in an alpine setting in Schwangau, along Northern Bavaria's Romantic Road, the castle follows a distinctly Romanesque style. It was built between 1869 and 1886 and was the ultimate fantasy of the Mad King Ludwig. Public tours of it are 9 euros each, not cheap, but worth it.

Festung Konigstein

Festung Konigstein, located near Dresden in the Saxony region, is easily the largest fortress in Germany, and a triumph, if ever there was one, of fortress construction in Europe. Now more than 750 years old, it represents a confluence of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century architecture. During world War II, it housed senior French prisoners of war as well as Dresden's best artworks. Guided tours of the fortress and its grounds are available year-round for 6 euros.

The Residenz

The Residenz, the principle address of the ruling Wittelsbach family for over 500 years, is located in Munich, Bavaria. It is a massive complex, lavishly decorated, constructed between 1720 and 1744 by Balthasar Neumann for the bishops of Wurzburg. It is also one of the finest Baroque palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. And it's 4 euros for a guided tour.

Schloss Heidelberg

Schloss Heidelberg, located in Heidelberg of course, in the Baden-Wurtemberg region, is easily Germany's most famous ruin, and possibly also one of its most romantic sights. For five centuries the principle residence of the Prince Electors of the Kurpfalz, it was destroyed by the French in the 17th century but continues to dominate Heidelberg's skyline. Photograph this, if only for the memories and the joy of it!

Berlin rentals are very popular in this region of Germany. Berlin is a vacation paradise for holiday lovers throughout the world as this place is abundant in some of the most popular historical and cultural landmarks such as pergamon museum where the tourists can enjoy their holiday vacation to the fullest by exploring incredible artifacts inside the museum.

If you are ever planning for a self catering holiday to Berlin, then you must pre plan the top things that you must try doing in Berlin. Following is the brief description of the top five things that the visitors from across the world must try doing in Berlin-

Exhilarate yourself with sightseeing
Tourists must not miss to visit the spectacular historical sites of Berlin such as Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz, KZ-Sachsenhausen and Berlin Wall. It is advisable for the tourists to check out the religious sites of Berlin such as Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church where the tourists can do meditation in the calm and pure atmosphere of the church.

Tourists can make their pleasure trip an educational one by exploring the educating sites and libraries of Berlin such as Academy of Arts and Haus Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek.

Academy of arts offers arts exhibition for the tourists so as to make them explore the fantastic artifacts of Berlin region. Berlin is abundant in amazing museums such as DDR Museum, Pergamon Museum, Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz and Topography of Terror where the tourists can explore the amazing artifacts and historical equipments such as war remnants stored inside the museum.

Go for water sports
Water sports are the most in demand holiday activity for tourists coming to this place. One can enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking at the beautiful beaches such as Strandbar Mitte in this region. Tourists can enjoy water activities such as boating in the attractive lakes such as Mueggelsee and Schlachtensee in this region.

Try the outdoor land sports
Land sports are a must try holiday activity for all those coming to Berlin for a vacation. One can enjoy outdoor land sports such as biking, hiking and walking so as to check out the beautiful landscapes and wild animals such as beer in Berlin. Some of the most popular outdoor land sports destinations in Berlin include Schlachtensee, Tiergarten and Potsdamer Platz.

Enjoy shopping
Tourists can get full enjoyment in the Berlin holiday by going out for shopping at popular shopping destinations such as KulturBrauerei. One of the most alluring features of shopping in Berlin is that tourists can get interesting discounts on all the shopping items such as clothes and jewelry at shopping venues such as Brando 4. In order to get world's best collection of menswear, one can go shopping in specialty shops such as Tools & Gallery.

Don't miss the night fun
Berlin is one of the most popular tourist's destinations as it offers unmatchable night fun to the tourists in its world class night clubs such as Bar am Lutzowplatz. Tourists can get to taste best wine and beer brands in the popular bars of Berlin such as The Badeschiff.

This place is abundant in bars such as Laugh Olympics where the tourists can laugh like crazy by enjoying the comedy shows organized for the guests. Families and couples come to Berlin and its region of Germany to rent holiday accommodation giving them the freedom to explore this diverse and splendid area.

The self catering home gives them the option to visit beautiful markets and cater for themselves or sample an abundance of restaurants locally, world class dining experience in the efficient eating places of Berlin such as Cafe Einstein offering delectable food to the guests.

Rhineland Palatinate is a magical state for all those people who want to have leisure filled time during vacations. Rhineland Palatinate is a federal state of Germany and is regarded as one of the most visited states of Germany. German rentals are very popular in the Rhineland Palatinate region. This is because there is lot in store to explore here.

Be it museums, cultural sites or amusement parks, it has everything one can ever desire in a destination. The travelers can view beautiful castles and old mills that were used in the ancient times. All these cultural heritage sites give an edge to Rhineland Palatinate and history buffs always get fascinated while visiting them.

Rhineland Palatinate is basically an assortment of traditional villages and bustling city life. Despite major advancements in technology and infrastructure, Rhineland Palatinate has preserved its culture and history in historical monuments and museums in a beautiful way. When one travels here, it is unthinkable to miss top rated attractions including cathedral of St Peter and roman monuments to name a few.

If you are true connoisseur of wine and want to taste the world's best wines, then here this is the ultimate place that can cater to your taste buds. Nahe and Moselle, located in Rhineland Palatinate are the major producers of wine all over the world. Both these terrains are incredible wine producers ranging from red to white wine.

These wines are exported worldwide and Rhineland Palatinate also organizes wine festivals wherein you can have a wide array of wines. This festival is attended by thousands of people from all over the world. Holiday rentals in this state give a visitor a true feel of the German way of life.

Rhineland Palatinate is best suited for all those travelers who want to be in shopping spree. This is because Rhineland Palatinate has a wide range of shopping malls, retail outlets, markets and shopping complex.

These shopping places have various kinds of designer wears including Gucci, Levis, lee copper and Spykars; art and craft displays such as antiques and collectibles of 18th century watches, paintings, wall papers, and vases; hi-tech gadgets like computers, iPod, water game machines and mobiles.

Rhineland Palatinate is a treat for all those people who have craze for the sport of golf. Golfing activity is widely spread here as we have hundreds of golf courses dispersed all over Rhineland Palatinate. These golf courses are maintained using the latest technology, to which you can enjoy vast views of lush greenery. These golf courses are generally visited for their serene landscapes that captivate hearts and provide peace of mind.

Spas are the new watchword that attracts thousands of visitors here. This is because spa treatment offered in Rhineland Palatinate help in rejuvenating body, mind and soul in an exotic way. The exclusive range of spa treatments provided in the resorts make the whole experience absolutely rocking.

So, embark upon this beautiful destination and gather memories for life time as Rhineland Palatinate entertains all age groups in a mesmerizing way.

The diversity of the Rhineland Palatinate region make it a very popular area for self catering holidays, giving the visitor the time and frredom to explore the culture, food, shopping and scenery and make it a truly great holiday.

Berlin is the largest city of Germany and boasts of many tourist attractions and places of interest. Berlin offers some of the best exclusive hotels to its visitors where you will find the best of hospitality and warmth.

Berlin hotels offer good budget accommodation making Berlin City a popular destination for those visiting. Your stay in Berlin becomes quite an experience, when you check into any of the Berlin Hotels. Promising exceptional service and facilities, accommodations in Berlin are easy to find. There are as many Star Hotels in Berlin as there are cheap hotels. Besides putting up at Hotels in Berlin, Inns, bed and breakfast accommodations and apartments are good options as well.

Attractions

The nightlife of Berlin remains active even during the wee hours of night. From thumping discotheques to somber cafe and pubs, Berlin's nightlife boasts of it all. So, whether or not you are a night animal, Berlin has something to offer you. Shopping is another activity that one can indulge in to unwind. Among the renowned malls in Berlin are 'Arkaden am Potsdamer Platz' and the Europa Center. Well equipped with modern facility and globally acclaimed brands, the shopping malls of Berlin provide a pleasant experience to the shoppers.

List Of Renowned Berlin Hotels

Full of attractions and beauty, Berlin also has many picturesque places to visit along with first-rate Berlin Hotels. Below are some renowned hotels in Berlin that will definitely give you a taste of the dynamic city Berlin.

- Hotel Athlon Kempinski Berlin

Athlon is the best known hotel in Germany with more than 100 years of history. Entering the hotel you will feel an atmosphere inspired by its illustrious past. With amenities and facilities that will meet the desires of even the most demanding guests in comfort and service.

- Hotel Palace Berlin

Located in the centre of the city between the Memorial Church, Kurfürstendamm and the KaDeWe department store, and just a few minutes from Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate, Hotel Palace Berlin is a "Leading Hotel of the World", has 282 rooms and suites, furnished and equipped with everything today's traveler needs.

- Q! Hotel Berlin

Located centrally on the Kurfürstendamm in Berlin the Q! Hotel has won several awards including the travel and leisure design award. This 5 star hotel with 72 rooms’ offers exceptional design and high level of personal service has set new standards in Germany. Make your visit to Berlin truly memorable by staying in this luxury design hotel.

- The Mandala Hotel

The Mandala Hotel at the Potsdamer Platz offers an experience in design, light and aesthetics. Enjoy the high level of service and amenities in the heart of vibrant Berlin. With 166 luxury suites with functionality and in pure designs, the Mandala sees luxury as attitude rather than extravagance. This results in pure vitality, magnified by the attentive service and sophisticated atmosphere.

Cheaper Accommodation Hotels

In Germany, besides staying in 5 start hotels, you can also opt to stay in a hotel of the GDR epoch and plunge in the atmosphere of that time. The most popular hotel of this type is the Berlin hotel "Ostel" with people almost staying in queue to stay there. The cost of accommodation is rather democratic here: 35 Euros per person in four-roomed GDR-apartments for five people, and from 38 Euros in the standard single room.

Hotels in Berlin are very easy to find. With the array of different kinds of accommodation varying from luxurious Berlin Hotels to GDR hotels you may simply choose among the many that best suites you budget and taste.

Lower Saxony or Niedersachsen in German is the 2nd biggest federal state in Germany and is situated in the north-western part of the country. The state is a mix of mountains and flatlands and the whole area along the River Weser provides spectacular views of lakes, waterfalls, rivers, windmills and mountains. Borkum island is as beautiful as are the Harz Mountain peaks.

Lower Saxony offers extensive mixed wood lands of the country, countless moors and eight big cities. East Frisian islands have been the most popular destinations among the German families. German rentals are very popular in the Lower Saxony Region. The first thing you should not forget to do in the Lower Saxony is skiing.

Harz Mountains offer most northerly skiing resorts of Germany which are a real treat for the ski lovers. If you are not carrying your ski equipments with you, then you can even hire or purchase them from the popular ski resorts in Lower Saxony.

The second thing you should not miss is enjoying at the fairs of Hannover, the capital of Lower Saxony. Europe met in the EXPO 200 and CEBIT, the largest computer fair in the world, and since then it has been attracting a large number of visitors every year.
Visiting Goslar is the third thing you will love to do while in Lower Saxony.

It is situated at about 45 miles from Hannover and is home to Kaiserpfalz, the emperor's residence. There are several medieval age timbered houses which are still standing with pride. You can also visit the nearby town of the Clausthal Zellerfeld where the largest church of wood in Europe has been located.

The fourth thing that visitors surely do in Lower Saxony is to take a cruise down the River Weser from the Hannoversch-Munden to the Hameln south Hannover. Make sure to arrive there at least one hour before the departure time of the boat so that you get time to admire the impressive framework art of the buildings.

It is a 145 km trip and takes an entire day passing through inspiring places for legends like Pied Piper of Hameln and other Grimm's fairy tales. You can stop at the Corvery to view the Benedictine abbey of the 9th century and also its magnificent frescoes.
While on a visit to Lower Saxony, the fifth thing you will love to do is to enjoy its wildlife and forest areas with your kids.

The Wilseder Berg Nature Park is situated between the Aller and Elbe rivers and while riding on a horse carriage, your children will love to explore the juniper bushes and purple heather. Vogelpark Walsrode claims to be the biggest bird zoo of the world and plants and birds from all continents can be found here including owls, penguins, storks, parrots, cranes and flamingoes.

Apart from that, an adventure playground is also present in the zoo which has separate sections for children below and over 10 years of age. Otterzentrum Hankensbuttel offers 80,000 sq m of meadows, fields, ponds and streams where wild animals such as otters, martens and badgers take refuge in.

The diversity of the Lower Saxony region make it a very popular area for a self catering holiday, either in a holiday home in the summer or a ski chalet in the winter.

A rental home gives the visitor the time to explore the culture, food, shopping and the splendid scenery of this German region.

Toasting is the strongest and most formal in Germany, Scandinavia and Eastern European countries. In France, Italy and Spain the toast is even given German names. In Spain and Italy, "to toast" is called "brindar" and came from the German meaning "ich bring dir's" which means "I bring it to you". In France they say "trinquer" which is from the German word "trinken" (to drink). And just incase you are wondering where the English phrase "toast" came from, it came from Britain. 

It used to be an ancient custom from the Eucharistic religious events to pass a bowl or "loving cup" (a cup you share) around which had a piece of sweetened toast floating on top. The host was always the last one to drink from the cup and also required to eat the toast. This was done in honor of the guests. A loving cup is a cup that is shared, and that is exactly what a Bridal Cup is. Bridal Cups started in Nuernberg, Germany and was a handcrafted pewter vessel in the shape of a woman with drinking cups on both ends. Both the bride and groom were able to toast their wedding and drink at the same time from the same cup. 

In order to bring many years of good luck to their marriage the couple drinks from this cup without spilling a single drop. Every year thereafter, on their anniversary, they continue to toast with this special cup. The tradition started centuries ago in Nuernberg, Germany during the days when marriages were pre-arranged. The historical cup was brought to life from an angry wealthy nobleman's challenge to a young goldsmith. 

If he could create such an item, he would allow the goldsmith to marry his daughter. To this day, the cup is still used for weddings and anniversary toasts and becoming more and more popular in the United States. The story is interesting and heartwarming. It most definitely adds a unique romantic touch to any wedding toast.

The story goes as follows:

Centuries ago, in old Nuernberg, the nobel mistress Kunigunde fell in love with a young and ambitious goldsmith. Although Kunigunde's wealthy father (a powerful nobleman) did not approve of this pair, it was clear that she only wanted the goldsmith to be her husband as she refused many titled and rich suitors who asked for her hand in marriage. Her father became so enraged that he had the young goldsmith thrown into the darkest dungeon. Not even his daughter's bitter tears would change her father's mind. 

To her father's dismay, imprisoning the young man did not end his daughter's love for the goldsmith. Instead, he could only watch as his daughter grew paler and paler as a result of the separation from her true love. The wealthy nobleman reluctantly made the following proposal: He told his daughter, "If your goldsmith can make a chalice from which two people can drink at the same time without spilling one single drop, I will free him and you shall become his bride".

Of course he was certain nobody could perform such a task...

Inspired by love and with skillful hands, the young goldsmith created a masterpiece. He sculpted a girl with a smile as beautiful as his own true love's. Her skirt was hollowed to serve as a cup. Her raised arms held a bucket that swivels so that it could be filled and then swung towards a second drinker. The challenge was met. The goldsmith and the nobleman's daughter joined hands in marriage and with the bridal cup set forth a romantic and memorable tradition as charming today as it was originally hundreds of years ago.

To this day and to many couples the chalice remains a symbol. Love, faithfulness and good luck await the couple who drink from this cup.

Munich is located on the river Isar, North of the Bavarian Alps. This is the third largest city in Germany, right after Berlin and Hamburg. Munich has a population of about 1.35 million people. Its native name, Munchen is derived from the old German word for Monche, or Monks in English. This is why there is a monk on the coat of arms for the city.

Origin

1158 is the year that is assumed to be the foundation date, or the earliest date that the city is mentioned in any document. Almost two decades later Munich was officially granted city status and received fortification. In 1255, when the Duchy of Bavaria was split in two Munich became the ducal residence of Upper Bavaria.

Duke Louis IV was elected German king in 1314. He strengthened the city's position by granting it the salt monopoly, assuring the city additional income. In the late 15th Century Munich went through a revival period - The old town hall was made larger and the largest gothic church was now made into a cathedral - the Frauenkirche.

Hard Times

Life in Munich became quite difficult during World War I in 1914. The allied blockade of Germany let to shortages of food and fuel for Munich. During a French air raid there were three bombs that fell on Munich. At the end of the war the city was the centre of political unrest. Ludwig III fled Munich November 1918 on the eve of revolution. While the republican government had been restored, Munich had quite a few right wing politics, such as Adolf Hitler and the National Socialism.

Post war in Munich after American occupation in 1945, Munich was rebuilt with a rather conservative plan which saved its pre-war street grid. In 1957 Munich was on the rise again, and its population reached the 1 million mark.

Art

Munich has some of the best known museums in Europe. You can choose what you want to see from the last 500 years of art history. You can expect to see art from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and many different works of art from all over the world.

Hofbrauhaus

Arguably the most famous beer hall worldwide, it is located in the city centre. Built in 1607, it was originally an extension of the Hofbrau Brewery. The general public was admitted in 1828. The building was remodeled in 1897. In the bombing of WW II, everything but the ground floor was destroyed, and it took until 1958 to be rebuilt.

Adolf Hitler organized the first of many propaganda events to be held here. During this event he outlined the basis with his twenty-five point program of ideas and founded the basis of the Nazi Party.

Walking into this building you can expect a good Bavarian meal and of course, plenty of beer or wine. This beer hall even has its own song, and is known worldwide. The song was composed in 1935 by Wilhelm "Wiga" Gabriel.

The beer here is provided by the brewery Staatliches Hofbrauhaus.

Munich is what most people think of when they think of Germany, it is here you will get your sausage and beer and see people in lederhosen. Lots of polkas enjoyed daily, and lots of good food and beverages. However, this city has a history; it is not just sausages and beer.

Mecklenburg Vorpommern, also known as Mecklenburg Western Pomerania, is a state of northern Germany which comprises of two regions, Western Pomerania and Mecklenburg. Because of its long and difficult name, it is also abbreviated as Meck-Pomm or even MV. The coastline of the Baltic Sea along with its islands, the Mecklenburg Lake District and the cities are quite popular among the tourists.

Being one of the least densely populated states of Germany, it is full of farmland dotting and natural beauty. The major cities of the state include Schwerin, Greifswald, Stralsund, Neubrandenburg, Rostock and Wismar. German rentals are very popular in the Mecklenburg Vorpommern region.

The first thing you will find very interesting in the state is to explore its architecture. It has been characterized by Hanseatic style of architecture which is also prevalent in other areas of Northern Germany including Lubeck and countries such as Tallinn, Estonia, Riga and Latvia. One of the several features of several towns in the state is churches made up of gothic red brick which date back to Middle Ages. Old towns are generally built around the market places with a town hall or a church.

Usually, towns were built at Baltic Sea, a river of a lake for trade related reasons. The state attracts a large number of tourists as it has to offer more than 2000 castles, manor houses and palaces where concerts, functions and festivals are regularly held.
The second activity that most visitors enjoy in Mecklenburg Vorpommern is enjoying its art, theatres and museums.

Several cultural events are held here throughout the year and apart from several art galleries and museums, the Stralsund also offers popular German Maritime Museum and German Amber Museum. During the summer season, several operas and open air concerts are held in the state. The Music festival of the state known as Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern attracts a large number of audience as classical concerts performances are held in several castles, churches and parks of the state.

The paintings of Caspar David Friedrich, a popular romanticist painter from Greifswald, have decorated several parts of the state that are worth a view. The old towns of Stralsund and Wismar are listed among the UNESCO world heritage sites and they feature late red brick gothic architecture typical of the Hanseatic cities.

The third thing that is most enjoyable in Mecklenburg Vorpommern is its foods and drinks. The state has its own traditional dishes including beef, pork and fish. A special kind of bratwurst is available in Rostock known as Rostocker Bratwurst. The markets and restaurants of this region make a self catering holiday very easy especially with a nice glass of German wine. Being a state of a thousand lakes, it is characterized mainly by its original nature.

Its varied coastline provides peninsulas like Fischland Darss Zingst and islands such as Rugen, Usedom and Hiddensee. Several lakes in Mecklenburg Lake District are popular among the sailing and fishing lovers and thus this is the fourth activity that most people enjoy in the state.

The fifth activity is a treat for the sports lovers. Major sport attractions of the state include the Bundesliga football club, Hanse Sail and Hansa Rostock. It has also bid for the Summer Olympics 2012.

The diversity of the Mecklenburg Vorpommern region make it a very popular region for a self catering holiday, giving the visitor the time and freedom to explore this area , its food and culture.

Dortmund is a marvelous urban area with plenty of history and an important industrial tradition. It was heard of for the first time in the second half of the 12th century, during the sovereignty of the famed Emperor Barbarossa (his real name was Frederick). At that time, Dortmund was just a small village, with nothing interesting happening. In 1150 it burned in a big fire. Nobody noted if the fire was natural or intentional, but what we do know is that Frederick the 1st decided to reconstruct it and transform it into his official home. He and his close ones stayed in that town for a couple of years.

In the 13th century the settlement was proclaimed & ldquo; imperial free & rdquo;, which implied no more tribute collecting and they were done with civilian enlisting for the military forces of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. By the way, this term, the Holy Roman Empire, must not misguide you into thinking that the Romans lived in Germany in those times. This name was chosen only because it symbolized the religious trait of the Empire and its ruler.

After that, the settlement (which had started to be called in scholars' writings as “Dorpmunde”) begun to be most attractive for the trading organizations of the Hanseatic League, which was an alliance of traders who maintained a trade monopoly on a large area of Germany, and several regions in the Netherlands.

Centuries later, in the times of the industrial age, Dortmund became a mining town, thanks to the rich coal and metal deposits in the vicinity. They delivered large amounts of coal and steel in those times, and this determined a quick growth of the town. Nowadays there are more than 500000 citizens in this place, placing it number 7 in Germany in terms of population, and no 34 om the European continent.

There are numerous things to see in Dortmund, and some say that the most important is the marvelous Westphalian Industrial Museum Zollern Colliery, which promises to accompany you on a grand excursion in the evolution of our technology. They've got lots of stuff there, including a full-sized steam train engine that was cut in the middle to display all the parts that made it work.

Of course, this attraction is for technology lovers, however Dortmund has other attractions, for other types of visitors. For instance, you can visit three, fully reconditioned, moated castles to visit in this city. First, there is Haus Bodelschwingh, originally built in the 13th century, and reconditioned in the 19th century. Also made in the 13th century, Hous Delwig, the most known of the three, preserving more authentic parts, like the whole front side, a couple of towers and two nearby buildings. The third is Haus Rodenberg, a stupendous moated castle.

The medieval buildings, the Gothic churches and the bicentennial town hall building are in contrast with the new city center, suspended trains and other sci-fi buildings you can see in Dortmund. The public gardens are tranquil and quiet, the taverns are loud and lively. This is why Dortmund is worth visiting, besides its prominent historical and industrial legacy.