|
From soaring peaks to city beer festivals, Germany has something for everyone.
Perhaps the German national characteristic of constantly striving for perfection, whether it be in engineering, football or public transportation, is simply a reflection of native land.
Germany, after all, has everything: a capital that manages to be renowned for being both hip and historic, stunning mountains and forests and stunning castles and small towns, not to mention a friendly and welcoming population.
Just as the landscape varies across the country's sizable expanse, from the rugged coastlines to the Baltic and the natural wonder of the Black Forest in the east to the industrial yet dynamic south, so too can every type of traveller find what they are looking for here.
While neighbouring Austria and Switzerland may get popular acclaim for being the ideal destination for outdoors enthusiasts, Germany boasts landscape that is on a par with anywhere else in the world and, while it is all too easy to get off the beaten track and enjoy the natural splendour to yourself, the excellent infrastructure means that the nearest town or city is never too far away.
The Black Forest region boasts more than 23,000 km of walking trails, all well maintained, signposted and, above all, offering stunning views across the surrounding valleys.
Perhaps the best way to see the region is to wander the route in small distances, with the picture-postcard towns of Pforzheim, Forbach and Feldberg offering rustic accommodation and food, while Basle, for many the end point of their journey, has a bit more on offer, allowing the weary traveller to indulge as much as they desire, not least on the region's famous cake and beer.
More challenging are the Bavarian Alps, boasting breath-taking mountain scenery, complete with mirror-like lakes and fairytale castles.
Two weeks is ample time to complete the famous "Maximiliansweg", the route named after King Maximilian II who journeyed through the mountains in 1858, with travellers now following in his footsteps and, if they are lucky, sleeping in the same beds as him and enjoying the same traditional, hearty fare.
For those who prefer the comforts of the big city, the German capital Berlin, is comfortably one of the most rewarding cities in Europe.
Having played a leading role in the course of European history over the past few hundred years in one way or another, the city is home to several stunning 'must-see' monuments.
From the historic significance of the Brandenburg Gate to the contemporary splendour of the new Reichstag, where both visitors and
locals are symbolically able to see democracy in progress by looking down through a glass roof, Berlin is a microcosm of the course of European history.
Given the scale of the city's attractions, a guided tour is the best way to get your bearings and visitors should shun the open-top bus in favour of taking a tour with a local in the back of a Trabant left over from the old Communist East Germany.
While Germany is hardly renowned for its food, its beer is second to none is not to be missed, whether it be savoured in one of the chic warehouse clubs springing up all over the capital or served by a buxom blonde fraulein in a traditional beer cellar during the Octoberfest in Munich.
However much you enjoy the local tipple, it would be impossible to forget the time you spent in Germany.
Whether it be a weekend-long city break or a fortnight's hiking the country can never fail to impress and draw people back.
 |
|