Travel to Germany

One of the top destinations in Europe is Germany. Most families rent a holiday home instead of going to a hotel during their holiday vacation. Germany has a lot of beautiful and natural landscapes that most tourists go for. Its beautiful sandy beaches, stunning lake shores, magnificent lowland plains or its rolling hills and high peaks of the Alps, are just among the tourist attractions in Germany.

While some tourists are enamored to see the natural beauty of Germany, some tourists rent a holiday cottage or farmhouse and explore the castles and villages in the country. Some families also stay in a holiday chalet in the snow-capped mountains. For those who seek thrill in water sports, there are also holiday cottages on the shores of Germany's crystal-clear lakes where they can stay. Aside from those, there are also holiday villas with swimming pool wherein families can go on hiking or explore the Black Forest.

For some who wants to experience the urban life in Germany in its elegant cities, there are affordable apartments that they can rent on. Among the cities in Germany, the Swish capital city of Berlin is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists who like to rent holiday homes. It is a bustling yet vibrant city where you can enjoy going into some bars and restaurants.

Whatever the season or the weather is, Germany can always cater to your needs. You can rent holiday villas with swimming pools during the summer season or you can go to the country's main ski resorts during winter and enjoy some winter sports. There are available cheap holidays accommodations that you can avail of during your holiday vacations in Germany - be it during summer or winter.

Germany is called as the "green heart of Europe" for its natural attractions. There are fourteen National Parks in the country that preserve the natural heritage. You can combine your natural trip with a historical one. There are magnificent castles that you can visit. You can have a boat trip starting from the Saxon Switzerland National Park to see the beautiful historic places and castles. One notable castle you should check on your holiday is the Festung Königstein - this one has never been conquered by its enemies. One of Germany's pride also is the Elbe valley of Dresden which is a World Heritage. So this is also a must-see if you plan to spend your holiday vacation at Germany.

So from the beautiful long beaches, to skiing, castle tour, and nature tripping, Germany can cater them all to you. You have various options on what kind of holiday you want to have in Germany. Surely you can try all these by coming back to the country and try a different experience in every visit you make. Cheap holidays are always available if you just search thoroughly over the internet. There are a lot of websites that cater to cheap holiday packages. If you are going with your family or group, home, villa, cottage, or chalet rentals will be the best options.

The castle Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous palaces ever created. It is located in southern Germany, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. Germany is known for their cold winters and mild summers, but the Republic of Germany has a rich history too. It dates back thousands of years to the Germanic tribes that lived in the region during the Roman Empire. In more recent times, Germany saw the completion of several castles during the 19th century. While Neuschwanstein Castle is the most famous castle in Germany, there are other castles you can visit too.
 

Dachau Palace: This castle was first established around the year 1100 in the German state of Bavaria. It was occupied by the Count of Dachau until 1182 when the last count died. The original castle was demolished in the late 1300s. In the 1500s, Duke of Bavaria William IV and Albert V ordered a new castle to be built at the same site. The castle was completed in 1577. It was occupied by the rulers of Bavaria for hundreds of years. Today, it is open for public viewing, and it also hosts public events throughout the year.

Schloss Hexenagger: Unlike the castle Neuschwanstein, this castle is not open to public viewing on a regular basis. It is open for public events at select times of the year. It has been mentioned in historical documents dating back to 982. It was destroyed during the Thirty Years War of the 1600s, and then it was rebuilt. Today the castle is privately owned, and visitors can see it during special events throughout the year.

Linderhof Palace: King Ludwig II never got to see the completion of castle Neuschwanstein, but he did get to see the completion of Linderhof Palace. As luck would have it, the Linderhof Palace was the only one of the castles that King Ludwig II saw to completion. It is smaller than some of the other castles, but it is still a site to behold! The castle was very private, and only a handful of rooms of the palace had any real function.

Neuschwanstein Castle: This is easily the most famous castle in Germany. Tourists who come to tour the palaces of Europe always make the castle Neuschwanstein part of their travel plans. Millions of visitors come to the castle every year to see the magnificent architecture and vibrant colors included inside the castle. It was never finished before King Ludwig died, but he did stay here for the last couple years of his life. This magnificent palace is open to the public daily.

Be sure to check out the castle Neuschwanstein and the other castles when you plan your European holiday. International travelers need to make sure to book their tickets ahead of time. If you are visiting in the winter months, you should plan to go skiing at the Zugspitze mountain. During the summer months, there are many hiking trails you can walk. For the best accommodations, be sure to check out the awesome füssen hotels and resorts directly in the city of Füssen.

Where Hansel and Gretel discovered (to their misfortune) the house made of gingerbread, and Snow White forsook her father's magnificent castle to dwell with the industrious dwarfs. Venture into Schwarzwald (The Black Forest) and cap it off with a visit to the Maulbronn monastery, take a guided tour of the Neuschwanstein Castle to dream a dream of a theatrical stage designer, and do fine shopping in Rothenburg, a medieval pearl which brings to life the legends of that time amidst museums, churches and historic buildings.

There are a myriad of attractions that can be visited every time you travel to Berlin. A cost-effective way of visiting all the attractions of Berlin is of buying a Berlin welcome card.As the welcome card takes care of your expenses by entitling you to the discounts that can be availed every time you visit an attraction, the Berlin maps make sure that you reach all the attractions without facing any sort of confusion along the way.

Berlin is a tourist hot spot and has one of the best nightlife options. During the day, while sightseeing many will notice that nearly all of its landmarks come equipped with observation decks such as the Europa Centre in Zoologischer Garten and the German parliament building otherwise known as the Reichstag. The Fernsehtrum on Alexander platz boasts of being one of the highest points in the city with a revolving restaurant.

The Berlin tourist centre has multiple operators and three official centers of information with multi-lingual aids to answer questions and provide advice on just about anything you may want to know or are curious about. Sightseeing in Berlin can be a wonderful experience for Berlin tourist attractions are many. You can always hop on to a local bus which is the ideal way to soak in the city, its culture and people.

Also do remember to take a Germany SIM Cards a convenient and economical calling solution while you travel to Germany. The Germany SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Germany. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Germany like you do at home. And unlike home, your Germany SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

Also explore the options of buying a Germany-compatible cell phone if you don't have a Unlocked Cell Phone, renting a Germany Cell Phone at just $1 a day.

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!

If you’re looking for a place that’s rich with remnants of the recent past, then Germany’s the place for you. As you may well know, Germany was a key player in the previous world wars. Thus, it filled Germany with monuments to the stories of our grandfathers about times long past but never forgotten.

1.) Berlin Wall

There’s no other place in Germany that’s more suffused with charged up emotions than the Berlin Wall. You can just imagine the tears and the blood shed over this very wall. This remnant of the wars stands as one of the greatest monuments to democracy known to man – a sign that freedom will always come out victorious.

2.) The Romantic Road

Driving through the Romantic road would be one of the most pleasant drives you’ll experience in your whole life. This road is flanked by scenic landscapes on both sides. Occasionally, you’ll pass through a picturesque town, a beautiful gothic church, and sometimes, a quaint countryside inn.

3.) Augsburg

Passing through the Romantic Road will lead you to Augsburg, a town founded by the Roman Legions and named after the esteemed Roman emperor, Augustus. This picturesque town contains such historical places as St. Anne’s Church, the place where Martin Luther took refuge, and Dom, a very unusual Cathedral. You can also find here the Renaissance Golden Room, a sight that will make you squint with its shine.

4.) Neuschwanstein Castle

Did you know that Walt Disney used a castle found in Germany as his inspiration for the castle of Sleeping Beauty? It’s true, those alabaster walls and those high towers and wide parapets were all based on the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is now hailed as one of the most popular tourist spots in Germany.

5.) The Castles of Fussen

Like most of Europe, several castles are littered throughout Germany. It contains the other two of Ludwig’s castles, the first one being the Neuschwanstein Castle. This is a must-see for all those families who are traveling through Germany because the place literally looks like it’s been torn out of a storybook.

6.) Lake Constance

Lake Constance is both a tourist spot and an essential source of life for the Germans. Several areas in the country rely on this very lake for their drinking water, and this large lake is also a great place to swim and to go bird watching. Indeed, if you’re one for beautiful natural sceneries, then Lake Constance is not to be ignored.

7.) The Black Forest

The name looks like it has been taken from one of the fairytales, doesn’t it? The Black Forest – it sounds like a place where evil witches reside and cursed trees grow, but don’t let that deter you though. If anything, the Black Forest can hardly be related to its name as it’s a sunny forest with tall and sturdy firs. It’s a great place to go hiking and a great place for picnics.

8.) Cologne

When you hear the word, Cologne, what comes into your mind? A beautiful fragrance, right? Well, meet the town that’s called Cologne for a reason, and indeed, the town of Cologne has its own peculiar fragrance that’s very pleasing to the nose. Also, there you will find a beautiful view of the River Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral.

9.) Dachau

Take a break from the fairytale castles and mystical forests and go to the place called Dachau. Dachau is a concentration camp – a remnant of Germany’s dark past where you can just imagine the horrors that took place in this very spot. However, you will also find there a statue bearing the inscription, “Never Again”, a solemn promise of the German people that they will ‘never again’ commit such unspeakable acts – another true victory for peace.

10.) Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest – technically, it’s not a place, but it’s just too good a festival to leave out of any ‘top ten list’ that concerns tourism and Germany. This fun-filled festival in the town of Bavaria is guaranteed to leave you intoxicated and euphoric. You can spend days on end just drinking authentic German Ale and just letting yourself loose.

Germany lies in the centre of Europe and is the ideal place for a fly-drive holiday. With distinct regions throughout the country it offers tourists with a hire car the chance to drive the autobahns and sample much of the culture. The cities of Germany vary from old world elegance to domineering modernism, with a history so rich in culture and events there is little surprise that Germany is as fascinating as it is beautiful.

The road network in Germany has long been heralded as one of the best in the world, mainly due its liberal approach to speed limits. When in a hire car do not however get carried away on the autobahns; surprisingly only a limited amount of the network has no speed limit and penalties are often harsh for law breakers.

There are also rules that must be followed that are different from other nations, especially when letting other cars past. Using a hire car to experience the autobahn system can be fun, but remember the stress of performance sports cars belting past you at high speed is not always enjoyable. Traffic jams can also be a problem; my advice is to use the autobahns minimally and use country roads as much as possible.

The nature of Germany is as diverse as its history, the swathes of deep forest offer those who like the serene accompaniment of the countryside a tranquil existence. The use of a hire car when touring these forests is highly advisable as they are spread apart and the facilities in national parks are perfect for visitors travellng by car. With over ninety nature reserves within Germany, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice.

If entering the south Munich, Freiburg and Passau are the main gateways and picking up a hire car from any of these airports brings Bavaria into focus. The Bavarian people are warm and hospitable and love to party. Visitors will enjoy the wide variety of beers and historical beer halls that are found in nearly all towns. Munich annually hosts the Oktoberfest festival which sees huge amounts of people descend on the city for drinking and revelry. If a fan of good beer and good company Oktoberfest is a must, although it may be wise to leave the hire car at home.

Due to the German history of castle building, there are hundreds of examples of castles throughout the country. Making a road trip of these in your hire car is a perfect romantic getaway; especially as many now offer accommodation. Ranging across a variety of epochs each castle in Germany has its own distinct charm and appeal. Some resemble the castles of a fairytale while others are clearly evidence of Germany's military past. Many illustrate the opulence of Germany during the latter modern period and would most likely be called palaces rather than castles.

In Germany the motor industry is heavily developed with some of the most recognizable names in the entire world. The country reflects this love of the car with a host of museums linked to such powerhouses as BMW, Mercedes, VW and Porsche. There are even excursions that will allow the hire of a high performance car to experience the many racetracks. Of these racetracks, the Nurburgring is probably the most notorious and is definitely worth an excursion for anyone who considers themselves a car enthusiast.

There is no doubt that Germany as a destination is well worth a visit. Whether it is to sample the beer and cuisine, or just drive around in a hire car visiting the fabulous castles there is something for everyone. As the country that invented the motor car, enthusiasts will be fascinated by the motoring history and will most probably enjoy the race tracks. Just remember to take car on the autobahns.