Destination Germany

Destination Germany

I grew up going to Germany every year, for various events and to ski at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a great resort. We travelled by car along one of the 150 scenic routes, or by high speed rail between major cities. Berlin to Munich takes only 3h.58 min. English is widely spoken, and you will have no difficulty getting around. The food is outstanding, and the beer and wine also second to none. All four seasons are worth travelling in.

Germany is a popular destination for Americans, some seven million visited the country last year. The U.S. is the largest overseas source market for Germany’s incoming tourism. For a first time visitor, I would take a packaged tour, which will save you money. Some excellent companies are Abercrombie & Kent, Insight, Tauck, and Globus. Or, take a river cruise with one of the many companies such as Ama Waterways, Viking, Uniworld. Both the Rhine and Danube are worth travelling on. All excellent boats carrying just over 100 passengers

If you know which region you want to go to, then by all means go and stay in one location, and take tours out each day. There are more than 480 weekly non stop flights from U.S. gateways to some five international airports in Germany. An extensive, well run, rail service is throughout the country.

2020 it is the 42nd year for the Oberammergau Passion Play. This has taken place once every decade since 1634. www.passionsspiele-oberammergau.com. There are several excellent 7 and 10 day tours which take in the Passion Play.

Next year Beethoven’s 250 Anniversary will take place. The city of Bonn will be hosting many concerts.

One of my favorite places is the Black Forest, home to the cuckoo clock, the black forest gateau and so much more.

Germany is home to the third largest Jewish community in Western Europe. There is an excellent Jewish Traveler e-brochure highlighting 64 cities and town with special travel tips. www.germany.travel/jewish-traveler.

The LGBTQ traveler has become an important part of society and lively communities have sprung up in many major cities throughout the land with the main event being the annual pride parade known in Germany as Christopher Street Parades. www.germany.travel/lgbt

They now have a newly launched database with some 1500 offers focused on handicapped travel which is a big help when planning visits to museums, accommodation, etc. www.germany.travel/accessibleoffers.

In my opinion, a great time to visit is for the Christmas Markets, at the end of November and thru Christmas. I love all the towns and villages being decorated and the food, music, make it a magical time of year and a good time to visit.

One place I recommend is Meissen, the Saxon City of Wine and Porcelain. Situated on the Elbe River, not far from Saxony’s capital Dresden, Meissen is shaped by its ancient city including the impressive Albrechtsburg Castle on the mountain top, porcelain production at the MEISSEN factory and the vineyard landscape of the Elbe valley. Porcelain has been made since 1710, and the museum is well worth visiting. The Christmas market in this town is unique. There is an excellent culinary school here which is fun to take.

Munich is a very popular destination for the Octoberfest beer festival. Lots of interesting day trips are possible if you spend a few days in town. Magical castles such as Neuschwanstein, Guttenberg, and Lichtenstein all worth visiting. Sensible shoes needed, lots of stairs, rough ground.

Shopping is good, excellent leather goods, I always make a beeline for the shoe shoes. In many stores, ask for a VAT tax free discount which can be reclaimed when leaving the country. Go to the European Union Tax Refund desk at the airport. Warning, give yourself lots of time, there is usually a long queue.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

www.froschvacations.com