Germany

A powerful European country with captivating cities, enchanting natural scenery and a checkered past, Germany offers old world charm and a progressive attitude. From cozy castles set high above rivers to shady beer gardens, romantic fairy tale forests to valleys full of vineyards, Germany boasts a beautiful range of natural and manmade attractions. Travelers head to the capital city of Berlin for nightlife that doesn’t stop until dawn, to Bavaria for dark woodlands and Alpine scenery, and to Oktoberfest in Munich, a massive beer celebration that is one of the biggest parties on planet earth.

Berlin

With a cutting-edge arts scene, terrific cafés, imaginative modern architecture and distinct and vibrant neighborhoods, it is impossible not to leave Berlin impressed, if not awestruck. Surprisingly, Berlin is far from being over-touristed. Walking the streets, you will not see crowds following umbrellas or busloads of camera-toting foreigners. Berlin should be visited for its pulsating social and cultural scene that is original and inspiring.

Although Berlin has one of the most efficient and comprehensive transit systems in Europe, a great way to get acquainted with Berlin—both its history and layout, is with a walking tour. For excellent views of Berlin and an example of great modern architecture, head to the dome on top of the Reichstag, home to the German parliament, which is just past the Brandenburg Gate.

Munich

Next to Berlin, this is the city to visit in Germany. It delightfully and authentically lives up to its status as the capital of Bavaria. This wealthy city is an emblem of German tradition and stereotype, however, Munich simultaneously embraces contemporary cutting edge culture. Their avant-garde youth scene means there’s much to check out in the way of cool nightclubs, bars and restaurants. But no doubt you will inevitably (and happily) indulge in the more customary tourist scene. After exploring the many neighborhoods, museums and historical attractions, eat your fill of sausage and mustard, then wash it down with two…or three…or even four steins of beer.

Cologne

Köln, or Cologne, is the German capital for mass media, music (nightlife), gay and lesbian life, and for its art scene. Because of Köln’s central location within Europe, it is the biggest hub in Germany with direct trains to/from Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Zurich, Vienna, Prague and Berlin. It also serves as a new hub for the low-cost airlines with cheap fares from many cities.

Dresden

Capital of the eastern state of Saxony, Dresden is a city on the rise. The historical beauty and legacy of Dresden was disastrously bombed by the Allied forces in WWII.  The tragic event, which spurred the Kurt Vonnegut novel, Slaughterhouse Five, not only destroyed beautiful and historical architecture, art and landscapes, but took the lives of tens of thousands of Germans. Post-war, many of the baroque buildings were restored, but today more than ever, the city is determined to recapture its legacy as the German “Florence” and is rebuilding many of its once glorious structures as well as encouraging tourism and cultural development.

Hamburg

After Berlin and Munich, Hamburg is one of the most visited cities in Germany.  Once known as “Sin City,” for its notorious red light district, today it is visited for its interesting arts scene, cool bars and cafés and vibrant youth culture. Whether you indulge in its harbor and canal atmosphere (sort of like Venice) or enjoy the contrasting park-like feel throughout the city, you will thoroughly enjoy your stay.

Frankfurt

Germany’s financial capital is just that…a modern, thriving business center.  Largely void of old world German charm in the way of architecture, art and personality, Frankfurt is sleek, wealthy and intellectual. The city recovered from WWII by pushing towards the future and economic success rather than preserving its rather large historical legacy. It did, however, retain a few pockets of preserved culture, such as the old quarter of Sachsenhausen, and is a perfect and refreshing night’s stop after the medieval towns of the Romantic Road or before heading onto the less glamorous state of Saxony.

Rothenburg/Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is a heavily touristed route of approximately 290km between the German towns of Würzburg in the north and Füssen in the Bavarian Alps.  In between are lovely medieval villages that are so picturesque it’s as if they leapt out of a fairytale. You can tour the route by way of bus tours, car, rail or bicycle and stop off at each town (note: Eurail and German Rail passes can be used). There are tourist info centers along the way, but a good place to start is in either Munich or Frankfurt. Of particular interest on the route is the town of Rothenburg.  It is the most visited of all the towns for its picture-perfect medieval character. As with many of the most beautiful attractions, the Romantic Road and especially Rothenburg get absolutely mobbed with tourists, particularly in the summer months.