TRAVEL GUIDE: GERMANY

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.
Intercontinental Berlin


Night festivities at the Full Moon Festival
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.

Brandenburg Gate

Schokoladen Restaurant

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.



FRANKFURT

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.
Basejumper in Frankfurt


MUNICH

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.

Jewish Museum, photo by Roland Halbe, Stuttgart


Oktoberfest
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.


GENERAL GERMANY
InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort in Germany
FEATURED HOTEL
InterContinental Berchtesgaden Resort

This posh, earthy-modern hotel in Obersalzberg, Germany is perched 1000 meters above the sea in a serene Bavarian Alps setting.

More Hotel Features

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.
East Hotel

Mandarin Oriental, Munich

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.
Freiburg

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.

HOTEL SPECIALS
Hamburg Marriott Hotel
Conveniently located to shopping and theaters, the Hamburg Marriot is a good option for visitors to this seaport city. 270 guest rooms and eight suites are highlighted by the executive level rooms and lounge that serves complimentary snacks throughout the day. more...

Hamburg Marriott 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: 06/18/09 ET)



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