Tourism in Germany

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The Loreley (Lorelei)

           The legend of Loreley has a couple of different variations. The original is a romantic ballad written in 1801, about a woman named Lore Ley from Clemens Brentano whose voice and beauty could entrance the most resilient of men and would ultimately lead them to their deaths. She was tried as a witch and sentenced to death by the church. Although the bishop was unable to actually lay the punishment down on her because he had also fallen for her charm. Instead, Lore Ley was banished to a monastery where it was sure no one else would be hurt. She was utterly consumed by sadness for what she had been doing to men and wanted nothing more than for her curse to end. On the journey to the convent, Lore Ley and the knights accompanying her stopped on the high rock one last time to see Rhine. It was there that she threw herself off the cliffs edge into the fierce waters, never to be seen again.

           Today, the Loreley is a slate cliff named after the woman of legend that stands 433 feet high in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage near the town of St. Goarshausen. Tourists come from all over to the lookout point to catch a glimpse of Castle Katz, St. Goar, and its Fortress Rheinfels. The Rhine that sits just below the Lorley is 82 feet deep and quite narrow being only 371 feet wide. This is one of the most dangerous places in the area because of the strong currents. There are light signals called Wahrschau, that help direct ships for safe crossing. Visitors always are intrigued by the spell on the siren and will listen closely to Loreley rock which translates over to “murmuring rock” in hopes to get a glimpse of the legend they had come to know so well.

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Planten un Blomen Park

           Covering 47 hectares of pure sanctuary, Central Hamburg offers a variety themed gardens, water shows, performances and even a Japanese tea house. It all started in 1821 when the first tree was planted in Planten un Blomen Park. By 1930, the park was known as “a park for birds, for pleasure and for the people of Hamburg.” Soon after in 1935, Planten un Blomen earned its name by hosting a horticulture display of tropical hothouses. There are many different botanical gardens such as the Rose Garden that spans 5,000 square meters and contains over 300 species. There are also greenhouses that contain an assortment of exotic plants deriving from different climate zones while the apothecary garden accommodates the plants used for medical purposes. The Planten un Blomen Park is home to the largest Japanese garden in all of Europe. A very relaxing place to visit and just sit by the lake enjoying a cup of tea and the peaceful atmosphere or you have the opportunity to participate in workshops on Japanese calligraphy or learn how to play the taiko drum.

           Activities and events such as ice skating, public theatre performances and concerts are provided for the community’s entertainment. The choreographed water fountain shows are by far one of the most memorable highlights for the whole family. The Planten un Blomen is generally open from 7am to 10pm most nights during specified months and there are separate time for special exibits like the water shows and greenhouses. Entrance to the park is free to all with the Hamburg’s central shopping area being the closest entrance to the public transport stations Stephansplatz or Hamburg Dammtor.

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Brandenburg Gate

           A symbol of peace and unity, the Brandenburg Gate stands tall in Berlin, Germany. Originally, the gate was commissioned by Emperor William II and was named Friedenstor. Being built from sandstone in 1799-1791, there are six Doric columns supporting the 11 meter-deep transverse beam that divides the gate into five passages. In 1793, Johann Gottfried designed a quadriga as a four-horse chariot driven by a winged goddess of peace, it points to the center of the city was placed on the gate. In 1806, an iron cross and eagle were added to the laurel wreath as a symbol of victory after Napoleon’s at the Battle of Waterloo the quadriga was successfully recovered. Since 2002, the gate has been closed from traffic including buses and taxis.

           The gate stands at 28 meters tall and 65.5 meters wide. Formerly, only the royal family could walk through the central arch of the gate while everyone else had to walk through other arches. Being one of the main reasons so many tourists come to visit Germany each year, the best time to stopover at the Brandenburg gate is during the afternoon in summer to really appreciate its full glory. There are tour services offered for both walking and Segway’s during the day time.

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Phantasialand

           Located in Bruhl, Phantasialand is the second largest amusement park in Germany with over two million visitors a year. This family fun theme park is equipped with six different themed lands including Berlin, Fantasy, Mexico, China Town, Mysteryl, and Deep in Africa that are set up with attractions for people of all ages and shows with entertainers that will take your breath away. Some of the most thrilling rollercoasters like the Black Mamba, Winjas Fear, Colorado Adventure, Talocan and the Temple of the Night Hawk can be found scattered throughout the different parks. Pantasialand puts on a variety of shows from those on ice and those with the magical interplay between fire and music to the grand evening finale firework show. The shows can change depending on the season, there are separate events from the summer to winter premiers.

           Phantasialand also offers a stay at one of their deluxe hotels, Matamba or Ling Bao, with special package deals that can include features such as access to the mandala spa, bar, and buffet. Not only is this a beautiful getaway for the whole family, Phantasialand also has a wedding and birthday service to make your special day the best that it can be. Generally, the park is open every day from 9am-18pm with special exceptions. During certain seasons such as winter, there is a special event only open during specific times on set days. Children under 4 years are free for admission while anyone up to the age 11 has to pay 24 euros for a day. A single day for an adult costs 45 euros and those 60 and up in age cost 24 euros. There are special deals of course for multiple day passes and being a resident in the area.

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Museumsinsel (Museum Island)

           As Europe’s largest cultural investment project, Museumsinsel houses a variety of Roman, Greek, Babylonian, and Persian antiquities. The five museums, including the Pergamonmuseum, Bode-Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and Altes Museum were built between 1824 and 1930 on a small island on Berlin’s Spree River. Together, these five temple-like buildings contain artifacts up to 6,000 years old. It was in 1999 that Museuminsel was bumped up to UNESCO World Heritage status.      

           The Pergamonmuseum by Alfred Messel has an average of one million visitors per year. Its main attractions are the Pergamon frieze and the Market Gate of Miletus which have been restored to their former glory. The Bode-Museum gears more towards sculptures and such treasures from the Byzantine Art and Numismatic Collection. The Neues Museum had its construction first construction start in 1841 by Agust Stuler. It was ultimately destroyed until 1999 when reconstruction work began. It wasn’t until 2009 that the museum was reopened and the highlight of the showcase, the Nefertiti, along with the Egyptian exhibits and Museum of Prehistory and Early History was once again open to the public. The Alte Nationalgalerie rests atop a staircase was inspired by the architect Friedrich August Stiller who designed the Acroplic of Athens. The main features include the works of Classicism, Romanticism, the Biedermeier era Impressionism and early Modernism. The Altes Museum is a neoclassical building designed by Karl Schinkel in 1830. The Altes was entitled “New Antiquity in the Old Museum” from its combination of Greek and Roman art and sculptures.

           It takes as many as three days in order to go around and check out all of which Berlin’s museums has to offer. The most efficient way to accomplish this is by ordering the 3-day pass that costs 24 euros (12 euros for schoolchildren and students) that can be found at any participating museum. Generally the hours span an average time from 10am-6pm daily. There are also many special features such as guided tours and events taking place which are available to the public. 

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Neuschwanstein Castle

           In 1866, the combined strength of Bavaria and Austria could not overcome dominating Prussia. As a result of this defeat, Bavaria was forced to accept a “defense and offensive alliance”, which took away the kings’ right to release an army in times of war and he fell from his position as king. In 1867, Ludwig II, known as the Fairytale King, began to plan a whole new kingdom for which he could rule over. It wasn’t until 1869 the foundation stone for the “New Castle” was laid in the Alps of Bavaria, Germany, near the town of Fussen. The castle sits atop a hill and overlooks the Hohenschwangau valley. Neuschwanstein Castle was built in honor of Richard Wagner, a world renowned composer.

           The Neuschwanstein simply put means “New Swan Castle” which references the Swan Knight from Wagner’s operas. The castle features many hidden wonders such as the very lovely inner garden in the courtyard, an artificial cave, and a two story throne room modeled after the Byzantine style with wall paintings illustrating angels.

           Being one of the most photographed buildings in the world, Neuschwanstein brings in 1.4 million visitors each year. The castle can only be visited if you choose to participate in a guided tour which is open every day in the summer months from the beginning of March to the middle of October from 8am to 5pm. During the winter months from the middle of October to the middle of March the hours are 9am to 3:30pm every day. The guided tours cost approximately 12 euros and free for children up to the age of 18 as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Students and senior citizens over the age of 65 years and those that have disabilities only costs 11 euros. You just have to go to the Ticket-Center online to book appointment.

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Zugspitze Massif

           Being the highest mountain in the country, standing at 2,962 meters above sea level, Zugspitze also holds together three glaciers and a ski resort. As part of the Wetterstein mountain range, the Zugspitze massif stretches across the frontier between Germany and Austria and is surrounded by steep valleys. On the eastern summit is adorned with a gilded cross that can be reached by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn (a cog railway) or by a cable car. With the help of the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn (a railway), you are able to reach the Zugspitzkamm station at 2,805 meters. There is a beautiful 360 degree panoramic view at the Zugspitz-Westgipfel Station and its view of over 400 mountain peaks in four countries. Conveniently placed are hotels like the Gastehaus Marianne, Freiraum Zentral and the Luxus-Apartment im Bayerischen Skigebiet, all of which have been rated five stars across the board and allow you to kick back and relax while being able to enjoy the breathtaking view.

           For six months out of the year there is 20 kilometers of natural snow that is perfect for skiing and boarding. Here you can enjoy winter sports on the site of the 1936 Winter Olympics. There are also many hiking trails that can be taken along ridges or to gradually pass through huts until you are able to reach the top. Another feature is how chemical weathering created a significant amount of caves and abimes below the Zugspitzplatt in the Wetterstein limestone that are open to explore. An enchanting place to relax and lose track of time by getting lost in the magnificent wonders of the mountain peaks. 

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Oktoberfest

           A traditional autumn festival held in Munich, Germany, every October that features beer-drinking and merrymaking. For sixteen days during the end of September to early October each year, roughly six million people come out to Munich to enjoy the festivities of the Bavarian culture. During that time about 12,000 workers are employed and the festival brings in a whopping $1.2 billion. It first began on October 12th, 1810 as a celebration of the Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in Bavaria. The anniversary celebration carried on each year, sometimes adding new events such as agricultural shows, a carousel, wheel barrow/sack races, and mush eating contests, even Germany’s first rollercoaster in 1908. Beer halls started popping up in 1896 but modernized into the beer tents of today and are sponsored by local breweries.

           There are many events in which the citizens love to participate in such as the Costume and Riflemen’s Procession which happens on the first Sunday of the festival. During this event about 7,000 performers parade through Munich’s city streets in an effort to feature the diversity of local, regional, and national customs. On the second Sunday of Oktoberfest, an open-air big band concert containing about 400 musicians provide entertainment. Oktoberfest is known for its traditional folk music, marches, and polkas. It is really quite the experience as the sky darkens and everyone starts linking arms and dancing to the beat. To see the connections as the music and festivities bring people together is that of no other.

          Oktoberfestbiers have been served at the event since 1818, and have been supplied by six breweries known as the Big Six: Spaten, Lowenbrau, Augustiner, Hofbrau, Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr. During the early years of Oktoberfest, Marzen (dark lager) was the popular drink, but since the 1970s, the pale lager seems to be the new favorite. During the festival, it is natural to consume large quantities of food, most of which consist of traditional hearty fare. Hendl, a whole chicken grilled on a spit and commonly sold in halves, is a frequent type of food seen around the fairgrounds. There are many types of roasted meats and potato dumplings that are served with the traditional red cabbage and apple dish (Blaukohl). There are also many local dishes mixed in that include roasted ox tails, grilled pork knuckles, sauerkraut and a pretzel/breadroll. Oktoberfest is meant to satisfy your every need and desire from all of the glamour of the festivities and music to the food and beverages.

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Skykitchen

           The Skykitchen restaurant and bar is an excellent representation of how German culture is perceived with a modern twist. The Skykitchen Restaurant & Bar is located on Landsberger Allee 106, 10369 Berlin, Germany with a beautiful view of the whole city. Michelin-starred chef de cuisine Alexander Koppe and executive chef Eyck Zimmer along with their crew are able to present authentic dishes with a contemporary flavor by blending an array of local spices with an international influence in order to get that pazazz quality incorporated into the dish. The plate is then served in a stylish manner and accompanied by a choice of over 160 wines from Europe and the New World. “The way we cook reflects the city we live in creative, fresh and uncomplicated!” The Skybar resides on the 14th floor where the manager, Gennaro Madola and his team await your arrival and see that your every desire is covered while you enjoy the breathtaking view of Berlin.

           With award-winning professionalism, the Skykitchen receives 4.5 out of 5 stars across the board and comes highly recommended. There is even a cooking class offered by executive chef Eyck Zimmer where your cooking class starts with a panorama view. The cost for this comes to 175 euros per person. Although the Skykitchen is mostly a dine in dinner operation, there is a “Brunch Over Berlin Sky” that is offered on certain days. In general, the operating hours are 6pm-11pm for the restaurant from Tuesday to Saturday and 6pm-2am for the bar on Mondays to Sundays. Both locals and tourists say that the Skykitchen is a lovely restaurant that will keep its customers coming back for more.

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THE WYLD: Out of this World

An astonishing half a million people have already experienced the magical wonders of the Grand Show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin. The WYLD has a production budget of ten million euros, featuring over one hundred artists on its massive stage. Ticket prices start at 16.90 euros and work their way up to 219.90 euros depending on the preferred seating.

The show itself is a collage of stories taking place in an extraterrestrial metropolis setting that expresses nothing but love for their city. Among them include those of an Egyptian Queen named Nefertiti who comes to life every night but where she came from and how she has been able to stay young for 3,400 years is still a mystery. Also, there is a BMX cyclist and woman that lives in Berlin’s TV tower with her poodles and is drawn to aliens.

The New York Times states lists The WYLD among the top ten places to visit while in Germany’s capital. The Bild states: “Fabulous costumes and fantastic choreography make this show a real hit.” This show comes highly recommended with nothing but fantastic reviews, a real must see.

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The Cologne Cathedral

·        A symbol of strength and persistence of the European Christian faith, this Gothic masterpiece has stood tall since its completion in 1880. Standing 157.38 meters (516 feet) in height, able to be seen from any point in the city. The cathedral was the tallest building in the world from 1880 to 1884. Originally, the cathedral was built as a house for the Three Wise Men’s Shrine, although it has evolved over time to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now seats the Archbishop of Cologne. Today, the cathedral is open year round to the public and draws about 20,000 visitors a day.