I grew up going to Germany each year, both in the winter for skiing, and in the summer for a hiking holiday in the alps. Both my parents and grandparents were extremely fond of this country, and we went to many of its festivals. Something we never missed was a visit to Munich for the Oktoberfest.
Beer has long been synonymous with Germany and stopping in a bar for a stein of Hefeweizen or visiting a beer tent for a pale Weissbier at one of the many annual festivals is a must for any brew loving traveler. All German beers are required to contain only barley, hops, water and yeast in accordance with the world’s oldest food law which celebrates its 500 year anniversary next year. Rivaling this foamy libation as one of Germany’s most prized exports is the wine industry. There are 13 wine regions in Germany and its wonderful to take a Rhine river cruise and look at the castles and vineyards as you float through picturesque countryside. Its fun to visit the Bremen Ratskeller, which boasts 650 German wines. The Black Forest region boasts more than 14,000 approved distilleries known for a cherry schnapps called Kirschwasser. Go see the Schnapps Museum and tour a distillery such as Burgunderhof in Baden-Wurttemberg.
Germany has 270 Michelin starred restaurants and many restaurants offer a three course tasting menu starring traditional dishes at a very affordable price. I am happy with German sausages, wonderful bread and chocolate cake which you can find everywhere. I love the local fish market in Hamburg, and going to the brunch held at the historic Auction Hall each Sunday, accompanied by live bands playing everything from jazz and blues to rock and country music. The Christmas Markets are magical in Germany held for 3 weeks in December. Every town has one, and its fun to see the local people buying their food for the holiday season and drink hot mulled wine or hot chocolate as you wander around the stalls, full of handicrafts, home made bread, cakes and beer. Of course, cuckoo clocks are a big seller, and Christmas ornaments.
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A guided tour of the BMW Museum leads you through the Munich plant to admire the precision that goes into producing each automobile. You can also visit Stuttgart for the Mercedes-Benz Museum where you can view the collection’s 160 vehicles. While the Porsche Museum is in Stuttgart, Leipzig is home to the Porsche Sport Driving School where you can experience the ultimate thrill ride. After watching test drivers go for a spin, you can take a high speed lap around the track yourself.
Germany has quality products for sale whether it be a car, porcelain, leather goods, watches, and clothes. Hugo Boss suits and Bogner sweaters are a good buy.
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The most famous castle is Neuschwanstein, the model for Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World and this is not an easy place to visit. A tremendous amount of walking, and hundreds of steps to climb.
A superb train service, and I tell clients, don’t rent a car, we can get you to the main attractions without stress. I am terrified on their freeways where there is no speed limit.
Go on our website – www.allhorizonstvl.com – and look at the three offers we have ;
1. Northern German Heritage and Culture, Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen
2. The Best of Germany
3. The Romantic Germany
A destination to visit at any time of year.
Maureen Jones
Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.