Where renovated castles crown hilltops, and buildings of significance stand as testaments to the past, the Federal Republic of Germany also boasts the largest economy in Europe. It's behind only Russia in population among the other countries of the continent, and it's also one of the founding members of the European Union. You'll delight in its diverse landscapes—dense forests, mighty rivers, sweeping lowlands and soaring mountains. When you're not getting a sobering dose of history or viewing adorable timber-framed houses, you can sit at a café and drink wonderfully rich hot chocolate that's nearly as thick as pudding. And no trip would be complete without a stop at a typical beer garden offering Bavarian flair and flavors. |
BERLIN
CONTEMPORARY MODERN LUXURY
InterContinental Berlin
The modern, 14-story Intercontinental Berlin is perfectly located in the government quarter, close to historic Potsdamer Platz and Kurfürstendamm Boulevard shopping district. |
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DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT
Full Moon Festival
This festival is kind of like Germany’s New Age answer to California’s Burning Man festival. Embrace fun lunar activities and camp at an abandoned Russian army airbase. Click here for more details. |
72-HOUR
VACATION
Berlin
The
Berlin of the 21st century is one of Europe's most dynamic
places. Fun, safe, easy to navigate and slightly cheaper
than the rest of Germany, Berlin is ready for its close-up.
While tourists once had to settle for the ritzy West
Berlin boulevard Ku'damm, there's now plenty to explore. |
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CRAZY FOR COCOA
Schokoladen Restaurant
Whether you order guinea fowl, lobster or loin of venison, cocoa is the key ingredient that refines every dish at Europe's first official "chocolate restaurant." Traditional Berlin confectioners Fassbender & Rausch on Gendarmenmarkt Square opened this sweet culinary adventure. |
CINDY, OH CINDY
Cindy Sherman Retrospective
This summer, Martin-Gropius-Bau Berlin showcases a comprehensive Cindy Sherman retrospective put together by Jeu de Paume in Paris. Sherman's favorite subject has always been her own persona. Her works displayed here explore female identity, fantasy and stereotypes.
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FRANKFURT
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BUSINESS
TRAVEL GUIDE
Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany, located smack-dab in the middle
of Europe, boasts the continent's largest commercial
airport, busiest railroad station and tallest office
buildings. As a result, it's a mecca for business travelers.
Let our guide do the thinking for you when you plan
your trip. |
IN THE MONTH OF MAY
Wolkenkratzerfestival
Frankfurt is the only city in Germany with skyscrapers. Every May, the city has its Wolkenkratzerfestival, or Skyscraper Festival, which celebrates and focuses exclusively on the magnificent buildings. Click here for more details.
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MUNICH
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BUSINESS
TRAVEL GUIDE
Munich
Located on the lofty plains of Upper Bavaria, Munich
transcends its folkloric image as one of today’s
economic power players and Germany’s leading commercial
center. Discover this diverse city, whose motto is München
mag dich—"Munich loves you!" |
EXPLORING HA-SHOAH
New Jewish Museum
The idea to build a Jewish Museum in Munich was born in 1928. In 2007 it became a reality. The holocaust is not the sole focal point of this destination, which seeks to illustrate Jewish history, art and culture in all of its complex diversity. Expect changing exhibits, discussions, literary events and other happenings. |
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DRINK UP
Oktoberfest
Grab a stein and do the chicken dance! If you’re in Munich during late September or early October, make sure you don’t miss Oktoberfest, a traditional drinking extravaganza where you can indulge in beer and tasty bratwurst all day long. |
ROMANTIC
RHINE
72-HOUR
VACATION
Meandering
the Middle Rhine
Experience
the wine and whimsy of the aptly named Romantic Rhine,
the river's most picturesque stretch between Bingen
and Koblenz. Explore a magical land where dreamy wine
villages with dainty half-timbered houses are lorded
over by legend-shrouded medieval castles. |
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GENERAL GERMANY
TONGUE-IN-CHEEK LODGING
East Hotel
The kitschy East hotel gives its guests quite a trip! It offers trendy guestrooms sized from Small to XX Large, cavern-like spaces, wild stained glass, pod furnishings, bean bags and a subterranean glow. |
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A TASTE OF HISTORY
Historic Germany
Explore the rich heritage of thirteen of Germany's most romantic cities. Visit Freiburg, the gateway to the Black Forest; Trier, where Karl Marx was born and wrote Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto; and Erfurt and the medieval Augustinian monastery, where the young reformer Martin Luther lived. |
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TAKE A BREAK FROM YOUR VACATION
The Best Spas in Germany
No matter how restful you intend your vacation to be, a little stress inevitably sneaks into days of culture and sight-seeing. Unwind from your vacation at one of these spas, such as Brenner's Spa, pictured, located in Brenner's Park Hotel. |
Check
out the comprehensive Gault
Millau Germany online guide, and visit the official website
of Germany.
 Guides
for other parts of the world
(Updated:
12/20/09 HC)
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