Situated right in the heart of Europe, Germany has a plethora of fantastic tourist attractions and experiences. Visitors from all across the globe travel to this beautiful country to see fascinating places of natural beauty and architectural masterpieces.
There are indeed a lot of things to do when on a holiday – but the bulk of excitement comes from the place you choose to stay. There is nothing difficult about booking hotel accommodation, however it is recommended to reside in one of the holiday homes in Germany.
A stay in a holiday home endows lots of freedom and gives a much greater degree of privacy. To persuade you further, let’s go over the fantastic things you could do throughout your stay!
Colossal Cities!
Germany has some modern metropolitan areas including the famous cities of Berlin and Munich, however Frankfurt is a must-see city for avid travelers. Due to its commercialism, Frankfurt has developed a reputation of being cold and boring, however this wild accusation of its character is unfair.
Seen as the gateway to Europe thanks to its thriving airport, the city has world-class ballet, opera, theatre and art exhibitions. The huge skyscrapers and modern feel, especially around the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and Westend districts, coupled with the city’s rich culture, history, dining and activity options might just surprise you!
Hamburg, Germany’s biggest port and the second-busiest in Europe is approximately 100km south of the North Sea. Also Germany’s second city, Hamburg is perfect for young travellers. With a fantastic nightlife scene, a bohemian hub and beautiful views, as well as Strand Pauli, a recreated Caribbean beach on the shores of the River Elbe complete with real sand, beach huts and a huge outdoor dancefloor, Hamburg will tickle all of your fancies.
Fascinating Festivals!
Also one for those who love a good knees-up are the famous Volksfeste (peoples’ festivals) that take place all over the country. The most famous of which is the Oktoberfest, the world’s largest funfair held annually in Munich. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture and since 1810, visitors have been able to enjoy beer, amusement rides and traditional food. Top Tip: Try the Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), a local delicacy!
Another unique tradition in Germany are the magical Christmas markets that take place in cities, towns and villages throughout the country. If you are fed up with Christmas commercialism, the traditional and romantic markets of Germany with their craft-made not mass-produced Christmas gifts will surely win you over! With so many Christmas markets, the most difficult choice is which ones will you sample the Glühwein at – highly recommended are the festivities in Nürnberg and Dresden.
Homely Holidays!
As well as the brutal winters, Germany has stunning summers and is a more than pleasant place to spend the holiday months.
With more than 600,000 tourists a year, the first resort that comes to mind is Sylt, well-known for its unique shape and geological spectacles. Sylt is a luxury holiday destination with a magnetic effect. To be fair, it is easy to see why! The western side of the island has over 40km of white, sandy beaches, one-third of the isle is covered by natural sand dunes and Sylt boasts a landscape dominated by large heaths that accommodate 2,500 animal species.
Germany’s largest island is called Rügen and is one of the most popular holiday destinations thanks to the beautiful seaside resorts of Binz and Sellin. Easily, one of the most popular activities on Rügen is bike riding. If you are one of the many cyclists who flock to the region, the route to Cape Arkona (near Putgarden) is highly recommended. Be it a family, seaside or adventure holiday, all interests are catered for due to the island’s diverse landscape.
Natural Niceties!
Germany is not short of natural beauty. For those interested in climbing peaks and national parks, don’t look any further than Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland), a hilly climbing area with some thousand climbing peaks in east Germany. The 93km2 national park protects the unique and earthy character of the range. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful castles of Neurathen and Falkenstein!
Talking of German castles, it would be rude not to mention Schloß Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle) in Bavaria, or the romantic Rhine in west Germany. Parts of the Rhine straight out of picture books, the precipitous hills, lavish greenery and castles perched upon practically every hilltop. The region was recognised by UNESCO by designating it as a World Heritage Site. I’m sure if UNESCO rate it, you will too!
Ace Activities!
There is truly something for every taste in Germany. As the pun in the title explains, there is a plethora of activities to take part in or experience. Be it a luxury holiday on Sylt, a honeymoon in Hamburg, a family holiday on Rügen or a city break in one of the many urban hotspots.
The most popular holidays, thanks to Germany’s wicked landscape are skiing and walking holidays. The Allgäu and Schwarzwald (Black Forest) regions in south Germany are particularly popular thanks to the mountainous terrain and cosy cottages. In winter, the weather gets rather cold, leading to classic wintery weather including snowfalls perfect for skiing and other snowsports.
With fantastic accommodation available at cheap prices, as well as fantastic activities, this is a country with so much to offer.
