From towns to villages, the traditional Christmas markets of Bavaria have delighted young and old alike for centuries. Experience the magical atmosphere of twinkling lights, holiday melodies, decorated stalls heaped with Christmas treasures and the tempting aromas of sweet roasted almonds, sausages, gingerbread, and Glühwein.
Located in the center of Germany, the federal state of Thuringia has plenty to attract tourists of all ages, from rolling hills to nature preserves with scenic hike-and-bike trails, from relaxing spas and health resorts to winter sports centers for downhill and cross-country skiing. But if you’re a “city person” … Read more
There was a time when the Catholic Church offered absolution from sins in exchange for money – the sale of indulgences. There was a man – Martin Luther, a thinker, a monk and a rebel who fought against the sale of indulgences with his weapon of choice – his words.
Germany brings to mind many things including beer, bratwurst and a rich cultural history. One of the great things about Germany – besides the beer and bratwurst – is the country’s preservation of customs and traditions which includes its “Volksfeste” (peoples’ festivals). Located in the center of Germany, the federal … Read more
Like to be at the center of things? Then travel to Thuringia. Located in the middle of Germany, the federal state of Thuringia is an attractive tourist destination with much to offer travelers of all ages. Although Thuringia is still better known to European tourists than to Americans, that’s about … Read more
Standing in Germany’s Black Forest surrounded by dense canopies of dark towering evergreens, I fully expected to see Little Red Riding Hood skipping along to Grandma’s house with the big bad wolf undoubtedly lurking somewhere behind a tree. This geographically blessed region in southwest Germany’s state of Baden-Württemberg was the … Read more
It’s no longer a secret: Germany is one of the great culinary destinations in Europe. Forget its old reputation for stodgy meat-and-potatoes fare. In Germany today you can eat very well indeed, from traditional regional dishes to the latest modern cuisine. This year German restaurants racked up a total of … Read more
We all look forward to traveling, but flying? Not so much. After being cramped in a small seat for hours on end, you arrive at your destination needing a deep tissue massage and a good nap. Airberlin, Germany’s second largest airline, is banishing the days of unpleasant flight experiences with … Read more
I first went to Prague ages ago, in 1977, motivated by a desire to see the birthplace of the first serious writers whose work meant the world to me as a young adult. Although Franz Kafka and Rainer Maria Rilke never wrote explicitly about Prague, the city’s literal darkness, Gothic … Read more
Once upon a time, Dresden, Germany was a cultural mecca … then along came World War II. Dresden seemed to have a bull’s eye on its back and suffered greatly toward the end of the war with horrific bombings. Next the Iron Curtain fell and the once highly touted cultural … Read more
An Intersection of Wine and History When one thinks about beverages in Germany, beer immediately comes to mind. Wine lovers will be happy to know that Germany isn’t just about beer. In fact, the State of Saxony in eastern Germany has an 850 year old wine-making history. I recently visited … Read more
The capital of beer-brewing Bavaria, Munich is best known for its Hofbräuhaus beer hall and its annual Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer bash. But Germany’s third-largest city is much more: a sophisticated yet laid back metropolis of more than a million people, where cutting-edge high technology and old Bavarian traditions … Read more
Eau de Cologne What do you get when you cross a monk, a businessman and a miraculous liquid? In Cologne, Germany, you get the Ultimate Takeaway. In 1792, a Carthusian monk gave the secret recipe of a “miracle water” as a wedding present to a young entrepreneur. Believing this formula … Read more
Cologne is a city of contrasts. Germany’s most catholic city is also one of its most progressive. Founded along the Rhine River as a Roman settlement in 38 BC, Cologne has managed to stay relevant through more than 2,000 years of history, culture, and artistry. Germany’s fourth largest city celebrates … Read more