Prepare for a roller coaster of feasts, treats and temptations as you take in Germany's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, old and bold architecture, big-city beauties, romantic castles and towns with half-timbered buildings.
Few countries have had as much impact on the world as Germany, which has given us the printing press, the automobile, aspirin and MP3 technology. This is the birthplace of Martin Luther, Albert Einstein and Karl Marx, of Bach, Beethoven, the Brothers Grimm and other heavyweights who have left their mark on human history.
Germany's story-book landscapes will also likely leave an even bigger imprint on your memories. There's something undeniably artistic in the way the scenery unfolds from the windswept maritime north to the off-the-charts splendour of the Alps. As much fun as it may be to rev up the engines on the autobahn, do slow down to better appreciate this complex and fascinating country.
COUNTRY FACTS
Area 356,866 sq km
Capital Berlin
Country code 49
Currency Euro (€)
Emergency 112
Language German
Money ATMs common, cash preferred for most purchases
Population 81.1 million
Visas Schengen rules apply
ACCOMMODATION
Reservations are a good idea, especially between June and September, around major holidays, festivals, cultural events and trade shows. Local tourist offices will often go out of their way to find something in your price range.
DISCOUNT CARDS
Tourist offices in many cities sell Welcome Cards entitling visitors to free or reduced admission on museums, sights and tours, plus unlimited local public transport for the period of their validity (usually 24 or 48 hours). They can be good value if you want to fit a lot in.
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
Germany is a magnet for schwule (gay) and lesbische (lesbian) travellers, with the rainbow flag flying especially proudly in Berlin and Cologne, and with sizeable communities in Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich.
Generally speaking, attitudes towards homosexuality tend to be more conservative in rural areas, among older people and in the eastern states.
MONEY
Cash is king in Germany, so always carry some with you and plan to pay in cash almost everywhere.
ATMs (Geldautomat) linked to international networks such as Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro are widely available. Check with the issuer about fees.
Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, but it’s best not to assume that you’ll be able to use one – enquire first.
ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK
As in Britain, Germany has redeemed itself gastronomically over the past decade. These days culinary offerings are often slimmed down and healthier as many chefs let the trifecta of seasonal-regional-organic ingredients steer their menus. International flavours and cooking techniques further add pizazz to tried-and-trusted specialities, while vegan and vegetarian selections are becoming commonplace. Of course, if you crave traditional comfort food, you'll still find plenty of pork, potatoes and cabbage on the menus, especially in the countryside. Here are our top five classic German culinary treats:
Sausage (wurst) Favourite snack food, links come in 1500 varieties, including finger-sized Nürnbergers, crunchy Thüringers and tomato-sauce–drowned Currywurst.
Schweinshaxe The mother of all pork dishes, this one presents itself as entire knuckle roasted to crispy perfection.
Königsberger Klopse A simple but elegant plate of golf-ball-sized veal meatballs in a caper-laced white sauce and served with a side of boiled potatoes and beetroot.
Bread Get Germans talking about bread and often their eyes will water as they describe their favourite type – usually hearty and wholegrained in infinite variations.
Black forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) Multilayered chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream and kirsch confection, topped with cherries and chocolate shavings.
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