They won the world cup with their perseverance, amazing team work and unstoppable goal keeper so its only right that we make Germany our destination of the week. When they are not winning world cups they are providing tourist all over the world with stunning scenery, romantic palaces, great cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and more, and last but not least rich spirit lifting culture to enjoy.
Over the centuries, Germany has had a massive impact on the world giving birth to history changing things like the printing press, MP3 technology and the automobile. In addition it is also the birthplace of some of the most talented and influential people the world has ever seen, from the likes of Albert Einstein to Karl Marx and from Beethoven to the Brothers Grimm.
The scenery in Germany is reminiscent of something out of a dream or the fairy tales read to you as a child, your imagination could not truly encompass the real deal; you would have to see it for yourself and bask in its wonders. There may not be enough space in your camera for all the magical landscapes, beautiful river valleys and splendour of the Alps.
Experience the very best in hospitality and luxury at Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin. Founded by Lorenz Adlon in 1907, the legendary Hotel Adlon has attracted and inspired many guests from all over the world. Located in the heart of Berlin, Hotel Adlon’s stunning rooms and suites exude the ultimate in opulence, style and sophistication. Apart from its amazing accommodation, the hotel also has four fabulous restaurants – two of which provide views of Brandenburg Gate. The State Opera House is only 1km away from the hotel and the National Gallery at a 1.5 km distance.
While in Germany you have to visit the magnificent Kölner Dom, Cologne’s biggest tourist attraction. Its soaring twin spires and grand size will leave you speechless, as well as its impeccable beauty. The Dom is Germany’s largest cathedral and is filled with marvellous art and treasures. Inside pillars and arches support the lofty nave, and delicate light filters through a kaleidoscope of 11,500 squares of stain glass window in 72 colours. This abstract design was created by Gerhard Richter and is called a ’symphony of light’, it is an especially beautiful sight to see when the sun hits it.
If you ever wondered what the inspiration was behind Disney’s citadel, you won’t have to wonder again once you gaze upon the fairy-tale like and world’s most famous castle Schloss Neuschwanstein. The castle was brought to life by King Ludwig II in 1869 with the help of a stage designer. Built as a romantic medieval castle, it was unfortunately never finished like many of Ludwig’s grand visions. King Ludwig in the end only spent just over 170 days living in the castle before he left.
The completed sections of the castle however are still a sight to admire. The Sängersaal (Minstrels’ Hall) where concerts are held every September portrays to visitors the king’s obsession with Wagner and medieval knights, and Ludwig’s Tristan and Isolde– themed bedroom houses a huge Gothic-style bed crowned with carefully carved cathedral-like spires, as well as a Byzantine Thronsaal (Throne Room) with an amazing mosaic floor containing over two million stones.
The Herrenhäuser Gärten is one of Hanover’s most memorable attractions and is largely modelled on the garden at Versailles. The Grosser Garten (Large Garden), Berggarten (Mountain Garden) and Georgengarten (Georgian Garden) make up the Herrenhäuser Gärten and we recommend giving yourself a good few hours maybe more to truly appreciate their beauty. The 300-year-old Grosser Garten is the heart of the Herrenhäuser Gärten experience, with its well-structured flowerbeds, maze and Grosse Fontäne. The gardens and fountains are beautifully lit up during the Illuminations and summer concerts, Shakespearean dramas and more are held here.
It wouldn’t be a full trip without a little history, so it’s worth paying a visit to the Holocaust memorial designed by American architect Peter Eisenman. You can access the maze at any time and make your own way through it if you choose. It consists of 2711 sarcophagi-like concrete columns rising from the ground; it is a great opportunity to experience history and to pay homage to the deceased European Jews.
When you’re done with sight-seeing allow yourself to enjoy some old fashioned relaxation in the thermal waters of 19th century spa Friedrichsbad. Give yourself over to rejuvenation by steaming, scrubbing and dunking in the Roman-Irish bath. The neo-Resaissance style bathhouse is decorated with mosaics and houses a Carrera marble pool.
You can’t possibly leave Germany without trying some German food, and what better place to start than Schiffergesellschaft, one of Lübeck’s best restaurants. Opened in 1535 as the dining room for the Blue Water Captains’ Guild, this restaurant is a veritable museum. Original model ships that date as far back as the 1600’s adorn the wood-lined rooms, as well as orange Chinese-style lamps with revolving maritime silhouettes. Guests will be served luscious Frisian specialities by friendly staff in long white aprons.
