GERMANY
INSIGHTS
•Germany's birth as a country took place in 1871 and is approximately the size of the state of Montana. Germany has developed into one of the greatest cultural and industrial countries of the world. Germany is the fourth largest industrial power of the world.
• Germany has a deep appreciation of music, and for over two centuries Germany was the resounding forerunner producing world-renowned composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Handel, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. In fact, Leipzig is the birthplace of “Ode to Joy.”
• Germany is home to more than 20,000 historical castles.
• One of the most famous spa towns in the world is located in Baden- Baden, Germany.
• Germans have a known love affair with bread, expect to experience authentic artisan breads that will memorize the palate.
• Some of Germany’s most famous exports are sauerkraut, sausages, and brezeln (pretzels).
• The world's tallest cathedral, Ulm Minster is located in Ulm, State of Baden-Württemberg Germany.
• Germany is home to the second largest cathedral is the world Cologne Cathedral located in Cologne Germany built from 1248-1880.
• One-third of Germany has been preserved over time and is still covered in forests and woodlands creating stunning and spectacular landscapes.
• Step back in time. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, is a magnificently maintained medieval town filled with cobbled lanes and half-timbered homes.
• There are so many reasons to visit this beautiful European gem. With
130 professional orchestras, 820 theaters, 6,200 museums
and, 8,800 libraries, Germany is absolutely overflowing with history and culture. Ready to waltz right into the authentic German life....
A SAMPLER FOR THE SENSES
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is located in southern Bavaria in the foothills of the Alps just north of Austria. The castle is a picture book clutch of turrets and chambers, the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Comfortably visit Neuschwanstein Castle as a day trip, experience the awe of this magnificent structure , learn the local lore, and admire Bavaria's picturesque scenery. Completed in 1886, the fairytale castle was built by King Ludwig II, who died before getting the chance to live there. It wasn’t long after his passing that the Romanesque Revival palace was opened to the public, eventually becoming one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions. Enjoy time in nearby Hohenschwangau village where you will experience authentic German dishes and local flavors.
Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace is located in the western districts of Munich. This summer residence was built in the 17th century and expanded to its current splendor in the 18th century. The expansive estate boasts 495 acres around it. Easily spend the day simply wandering the palace grounds taking in the sights of the palace’s pools, fountains, gardens, and the many ornate garden pavilions hidden among them. Of course, take a tour inside the main palace building to see its stunning halls and royal artifacts.
Baden-Baden, Germany
Baden-Baden is an elegant and cultural spa town in southwestern Germany’s Black Forest, located near the border with France. It is known for its artisan thermal mineral water spas, elegant atmosphere and glamorous festivals.
Lichtentaler Allee
The Lichtentaler Allee is a beautiful historic park and arboretum that was birthed in 1655 and later became developed from 1850 to 1870. It boasts a 2.3 kilometer strolling avenue along the bank of the river Oos and ends in the Dahlia Garden. It's calm and serene atmosphere is permeated with over 300 types of exotic and woody plants intoxicating the senses. Linger, laugh and relax with a picnic lunch or bottle of your favor wine in serene surroundings.
Caracalla Spa Thermal Bath
One of Baden-Baden's known spas. Caracalla Spa is a historic spa with hot and cold water grottoes, aroma steam bath, a halo therapy salt inhalation room.The expansive outdoor area has two impressive marble pools, a current channel, two whirlpools, an extensive sunbathing area with relaxing and inviting loungers. The outdoor pools offers a special highlight in winter as the steam rises through the warm thermal water and leaves a memorable and mystical impression.
Friedrichsbad Spa
Friedrichsbad is a natural thermal water spa whose building was completed opening the spa in 1877. Experience the Roman - Irish baths in all its magnificence and grandeur, textile free. The natural thermal waters promise rejuvenation, relaxation and inner harmony in its most purest form. This spa is a luxurious retreat with endless treatment offerings, richly appointed architecture, beautiful hand-painted Majolika tiles with exotic designs and a seemingly endless selection of sublime pools. Guests are privileged with the rare opportunity to experience Roman history first hand. The spa offers a 45 minute immersive tour into the well preserved ancient Roman bathing complex that is dated over 2,000 years old.
The Black Forest
The Black Forest is a mystical ancient forest and mountain range that shares a boarder with France and Switzerland and is the setting of the fairy tales written by the Brother's Grimm. It is listed as one of the seven wonders of Germany boasting some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Peppered throughout its topography are hiking trails with unique canopies of dense forests, rushing water falls, picturesque foot bridges, crystal clear lakes, flower-filled meadows and the second longest river in Europe. It is filled with German culture and history. Renowned for its many enchanting villages, historic midievil castles, monasteries, museums and upscale resorts. Traditional Germany artistry such as glass blowing, ornate hand carved cuckoo clocks, ceramic beer steins, and Germany delicacies are experience throughout the fairy tale villages and towns of the Black Forest.
Munich, Germany
Munich Germany is renowned as one of Germany's most culturally historic cities, it is an overflowing canvas of art, museums, historical buildings, churches, gardens, parks and establishments. Munich can easily be explored and experienced on foot and light transportation throughout the city. Munich experiences four seasons. For travelers who desire to experience the city sites with the least amount of tourist, the months of March to May are the quietest and the weather remains pleasant giving way to the ease of walking and traveling around the city. The largest beer festival in the world, Oktoberfest, is held in Munich during the months of September through early October, causing it to be the most bustling and expensive time of year to visit. December can be one of the most magical times to visit Munich, strolling through an enchanting wonderland of Christmas markets and lights.
Marienplatz
Marienplatz is the main square of the city and the mecca of life in Munich. It is encompassed by multiple historical landmarks, impressively statured and ornately designed buildings, several cafes and the golden statue of the Virgin Mary. The eleven meter tall column holding the golden statue of the Virgin Mary was erected in 1590 displaying intricate carvings on the four corners of cherubs fighting of the rooster headed monster of disease and plague, the serpent, the dragon of war and the lion of hunger. As soon as you step foot into Marienplatz, you are immediately struck by the architectural grandeur and culture of Germany.
Town Hall of Munich
Entering Marienplatz, the New Town Hall of Munich cannot be missed. Built between 1867- 1908 with an impressive 280 foot tower and mid evil gothic architectural design, the building's stately presence calls to the attention to every traveler. The Town Hall can be explored, taking an elevator to the fourth floor and then to the top of the 280 foot tower allowing 360 degree views of the city.
The town hall is open from 10am-7pm daily and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors can enjoy the the Town Hall's famous "Glockenspiel". From 11am-12pm daily, the tower chimes a song as colorful dancers perform a mechanical play telling the story of a noble wedding with Knights on horseback jousting.
Vaktualienmarkt
Vaktualienmarkt is located next to the Marienplatz square. With its is a vibrant and colorful atmosphere, visitors will find over 140 pavilions and booths selling all manner of goods and produce including spices, cheese, chocolate, and flowers, meats, juices and vegetables. There are modest eateries to choose from and a beer garden at its center surrounded by picnic tables and chestnut trees. Vakualienmarkt's landmark is a white-and-blue striped maypole that reaches into the sky. Strolling through the market, visiting the different merchants and vendors, talking with locals and fellow travelers is a wonderful experience of ease and enjoyment.
The Residenz
The Residenz estate is stunning and mesmerizing with splendor to take in at every step. It is the royal residence of the Wittelbach family of Bavaria that began in 1385. The expansive grounds and elaborate estate is divided into three sections. The most sought after and impressive section of the palace is the Residenz Museum which boast 90 lavishly and exquisitely decorated rooms. The Residenz Treasury displays the jewels and treasures of the Wittelbach family dynasty and the Cuvilles Theater emanates an ambience of lavish richness.