Travel to Germany

People who love to travel the world and enjoy discovering interesting, amazing, fun-filled and intriguing sites are often drawn to the attractions in Europe. With such a vast array of tourist attractions and diverse destinations, which are all in fairly close proximity, Europe is undoubtedly a great place to take a vacation.

Whether the traveler wants to enjoy a wonderfully romantic vacation, an engaging and activity-filled family vacation, or just a leisurely, quiet and relaxing getaway, European destinations should be on high on the list potential travel spots. With an array of attractions in every European country, there is going to be something that appeals to everyone, since there is a multitude of things to see and to do. There are many, very valid reasons why a European vacation consistently stands out as a favorite of world travelers, since it includes some of the best travel destinations in the world.

There is an amazing amount of history that one can see in diverse attractions in towns and cities all across Europe. For the traveler who is enthralled with ancient history, the venerable ruins and museums of both Greece and Rome are sites that simply must not be missed and which are always a strong draw.

In addition, Rome also holds an enormous amount of religious significance for countless people. Rome not only houses several beautiful and noteworthy Christian cathedrals, it is also the portal to the Vatican and Vatican city, which is actually a tiny country in and of itself.

There are also fabulous historical attractions in other cities and countries of Europe as well. The formidable medieval castles and spectacular cathedrals that can be found throughout Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and many other countries are fascinating for travelers to explore, as most tours of castles and cathedrals are more like fabulous art history and art museum excursions.

These medieval attractions in all parts of Europe also provide the visitors with unique insights into the lives of the people who lived in the middle ages. Walking through the courtyards, halls, and sanctuaries that were built through the hard work, craftsmanship, and devotion of the people of the time provides a connection to those responsible for the creation of these spectacular monuments that are still enjoyed and marveled at today.

Ireland is host to some amazing insights into their rich and ancient culture. The emerald isle has many peaceful local attractions throughout the serene and charming towns and the beautiful coastlines and landscapes of the island, as well as many splendid cathedrals and chapels from antiquity to explore.

The countries of Germany, Poland and France provide sobering and meaningful tourist attractions, as they are a connection to the two world wars and the cold war which held so many people of Europe in control for so many decades. The history museum sites in those countries help visitors understand the tragedies of war and the triumph of freedom and democracy.

On a less somber note, the countries of Italy, Spain and Greece each have a multitude of beaches that are sun drenched most of the year and are the perfect place for a couple that is looking for a bit of romance and a respite from the more hectic attractions in the cities. There are countless resorts on every section of the Mediterranean shore that will welcome and pamper the weary travelers.

When contemplating an European voyage, one of the countries that you should unquestionably have on your list is Germany. It is the largest country in Central Europe and has access to both the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. It is delimited by Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxemburg, Belgium and the Netherlands.

It is recognized that Germany is a touristic state that provides a nearly limitless number of temptations and pleasing things to see. You could be a winter sports fan or you could like the sea, you might adore mountains or you might be enjoying yourself while promenading on a plain. In Germany you don't have to worry about these minor things. Germany has one of Europe's most distinct reliefs. In the South you will see the high Alps, an excellent place for a winter holiday, with stretch ski slopes and remarkable panoramas. In the North lie the Baltic and North Seas, where you can appreciate a nice bath and a suntan throughout the summer. Also, the red old-brick houses built here bear witness to an exceptional event in German history, the Hanseatic pact between the medieval towns and their guilds.

Though is one of world's most authoritative countries, Germany is still a divided state. Throughout the country you can run into a wide range of architectural styles, people and  styles of living. Each zone has its own exclusive personality and its own old days. People who live here have created a solid bond with these places. They share different aspirations and have outstanding local customs and attitudes, so, as a tourist, you will constantly come across something recent and challenging. In other words, it is outrageous to get tired while traveling through Germany.

Germany's cities are clearly a place you would want to visit. Great museums, medieval cathedrals, stores and comfortable hotels are just of the fascinations that can be found within Germany's most developed cities, like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne or Dusseldorf. The diverse German cuisine and some of the world's most famous beers and wines will keep your curiosity at a high level while the shops and especially the nightlife will most likely impress any modernistic traveler.

German people are very satisfied by their country. It is not a modest detail to live in one of Europe's leading countries. Though, they are right on to any new experiences and will not stumble to grant you an assisting hand or some guidance. The only thing they demand is to show them the respect they are entitled to. Just express friendliness, be sociable and don't make unnecessary jokes. Show them that you are aware of their customs and lifestyles and you will gain new friends.

When it comes to finding a room in Germany, there are several offers that you should consider. From unpretentious hostels to top-class hotels there will be an accommodation for each kind of pocket. The value of services is perfect, so you will be tempted to return as soon as possible. If you want to spend your vacation in an unfamiliar European state and have an enjoyable time touring and voyaging while eye witnessing some of Europe's most decisive past events, then Germany is doubtlessly your best option.

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.