Month: May 2012

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Berlin to Dresden

Berlin is the capital of Germany, known for its history and nightlife. There are plenty of things to do and places to see in the city. If you travel with the kids, don’t miss the zoo.

Dresden is the capital of Saxony and is located on the Elbe River. The places to visit include the Church of Our Lady, Zwinger Palace, the Dresden Baroque Quarter, to name just some of them.

Summary

The short distance (193km) between Berlin to Dresden doesn’t require a flight (but there are indirect flights via Dusseldorf , which start at €114 one way in mid-June 2012). The cheapest way to get between the two cities is by bus (from €9 one way).

Trains from Berlin to Dresden

Bahn.de operates direct and indirect trains between Berlin and Dresden. There are trains departing Berlin about every hour, from 4:40 a.m until 1:46 a.m.. The savings single fare (if booked in advance) is €19 and the standard fare starts at €32.90. The travel time is about 2 h (direct or 1 stop).

>>read more about Train travel in Germany

Buses from Berlin to Dresden

Berlin Linen Bus operates buses between Berlin and Dresden. The single fare is €9 or €15 one way but you must book the ticket in advance. There are departures every half hour, daily from 6:15 a.m. until 9:15 p.m. On the way back , buses depart from 4:45 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., every 15min to half an hour.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Germany

Driving from Berlin to Dresden

You can rent a car in Berlin and drive the 193 km to Dresden on A13 in about 2 h (but the time does depend on the traffic).

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is located few kilometers from Füssen, an enchanting town in Bavaria. Aside from being the gateway to the famous castle, the city of Füssen is also home to Hohes Schloss , the former Benedictine monastery of St Mang and there are lovely lakes with magnificent views located near by, too.

The castle is located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau and was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat. Immediately after the king’s death, the castle was open for the public. Most tourists know this castle as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Summary

Neuschwanstein Castle is located close to Munich so visit it as a day trip is an excellent choice. Trains take about 2 hours and then you need to take a short bus ride before you walk for 30 min to get to the castle.

Trains and buses from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Bahn.de operates a variety of trains between Munich and Füssen. Direct trains start running at 7:51 a.m. and leave hourly. The single savings fare is €21 and the standard fare is €24. The travel time is 2 h.

Once in Füssen, take bus 9713 to Hohenschwangau. From here, the castle can be reached on foot (30 min walk).

Driving from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

You can rent a car in Munich and drive the 128 km to Hohenschwangau (on A96 and B17) in about 1h 45 min. From here, just walk to the castle. You can find parking in Hohenschwangau (cost: about €5).

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Hamburg to Berlin

Hamburg is Germany’s Gateway to the World, home to the country’s biggest port. The city offers plenty of things to do and places to visit.

Berlin is Germany’s capital, a city well known for its history and nightlife. It also offers plenty of interesting places to visit and things to do.

Summary

The short distance (288 km) between Hamburg and Berlin doesn’t require a flight (although indirect flights via Dusseldorf are available and start at €98 one way in mid-June 2012). The cheapest way to get between the two cities is the bus (whether you can score a ticket in advance for €9 or pay the standard fee of €22 or €27). Trains aren’t very expensive (from €29) either if you book in advance.

Trains from Hamburg to Berlin

Bahn.de operates fast trains (ICE , IC) between Hamburg and Berlin. The travel time is between 1h 40 min and 1h 50 min. The single savings fare starts at €34 and the standard fare is €73. On the slower trains (EC), the single fare is €29 and the standard fare is €59. The travel time is 2h. There are trains departing hourly from Hamburg between 3:46 a.m. and midnight.

>>read more about Train Travel in Germany

Buses from Hamburg to Berlin

Berlin Linen Bus operates direct buses between Hamburg and Berlin. If booked in advance the single fare starts at €9. Otherwise the fare is €22. Buses depart hourly from Berlin, starting at 7 a.m and ending at 9 p.m.

On the way back, from Hamburg to Berlin, expect fares of €9 (if seats are available and if booked in advance) or €27. Buses depart Hamburg hourly between 6:10 a.m. and 9 p.m.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Germany

Driving from Hamburg to Berlin

You can certainly rent a car in Hamburg and enjoy the 288 km drive to Berlin in A28. The travel time is about 3 h 10 min.

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Munich to Vienna

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, well known for Oktoberfest. But the German city also offers palaces, churches, relaxing gardens and interesting squares to spend your time. Don’t miss visiting some of the museums either.

>>read more about the Things to do in Munich

Vienna is the capital of Austria, a lovely city well known for its architecture, museums and opera. Walk on the Ring Street to see the most important sights in the country, visit Schonbrunn Palace with its gardens and zoo. And don’t miss Stephansdom, an impressive Catholic cathedral right in the center of the city. For lovely views of the city, talk the elevator to the observation deck on Danube Tower or ride the Giant Ferries Wheel in Prater.

Summary

If you purchase the train ticket in advance , it’s almost as cheap as the bus ticket (€39 train, €34 bus) but you’ll be saving two hours of traveling. Either way , you won’t need to deal with getting to/from the airport.

Flights from Munich to Vienna

Munich International Airport (MUC) is the second busiest airport in Germany and is a major hub for Lufthansa. It is also hub for: Air Berlin, Augsburg Airways and Air Dolomiti.

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is located just outside the city limits and is home base for Austrian Airlines and Niki. It is the busiest airport in Austria. S-Bahn (commuter rail) is the cheapest and easiest way to get from the airport to the city center but there are also buses which go to important squares.

Flights between Munich and Vienna are operated by: Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Niki, Air Berlin and TUIfly. The flight time is 50 min. In mid-June 2012 expect to pay from €63 one way on Air Berlin. A return flight during the same period is €112 , also on Air Berlin. By mid-October 2012, expect to pay from €53 one way on Niki.

>>book a cheap flight to Munich

Trains from Munich to Vienna

Bahn.de operates trains between Munich and Vienna (Wien) Westbahnhof . If you purchase in advance, the single savings fare is €39 on the direct train (RJ) and €59 with a connection in Plattling. The standard fare ranges from €79.40 to €89.20 one way. The travel time is between 4 h 20 min and 5h.

The direct trains leave Munich daily at 1:27 p.m., 3:27 p.m. and 5:23 p.m. On the way back, the direct trains leave at 6:14 p.m., 6:14 a.m., 8:14 a.m. , 10:14 a.m. The complete scheduled can be found on the operator’s website (which also lists trains operated by other companies).

Buses from Munich to Vienna

Eurolines operates a bus line between Munich and Vienna. It departs Munich at 7 a.m. daily and the travel time is 6 h 30 min. On the way back, the bus departs Vienna daily at 4:45 p.m. The promotional single fare starts at €34 , but depends on how far in advance you purchase the ticket. The standard single fare is €47.

Driving from Munich to Vienna

You can certainly rent a car in Munich and drive to Vienna. Both Germany and Austria are part of the Schengen area so you won’t be paying any surcharges, either. On A1, the distance is 406 km and you should be able to cover it in about 5 hours (depends on the traffic, of course).

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Frankfurt to Munich

Frankfurt is the economical capital of Germany and home to the country’s largest airport, with a lot of connections to the rest of the world. The downtown area and the scenic neighborhoods attract millions of travelers each year.

Munich is mostly known for being home to Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer party, but the city also has a lot of other things to offer. The architecture and the culture are big parts of the city’s appeal to visitors.

Summary

With no buses connecting Frankfurt to Munich, the cheapest option is the train. Book in advance and you’ll pay €29 (savings fares one way on IC trains).

Flights from Frankfurt to Munich

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major international hub, the busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic in the country and connects Germany to the rest of the world. The airport is located 12 km from the city center and is hub for Condor Flugdienst and Lufthansa.

Munich is served by two airports, but the flights to/from Frankfurt land on / depart from Munich International Airport (MUC). It is located 28.5 km from the city center and is hub for Air Berlin, Augsburg Airways, Lufthansa and Air Dolomiti. It is the second busiest airport in the country.

The only company operating direct flights between the two cities is Lufthansa. In mid-June 2012 expect to pay from €78 one way on Lufthansa. A return flight in the same period starts at €159 on the same airline. The same fares apply later in the year, too.

>>book a cheap flight to Munich

Trains from Frankfurt to Munich

Bahn.de operates fast trains (ICE) between Frankfurt and Munich. The travel time is about 3 ½ h. If you book in advance (about a month) the single savings fare is €59 . The standard fare is €95 one way. Trains depart from each station every hour until 1 a.m. And they start around 5 a.m. daily.

The savings fare on the IC trains is €29 and the travel time is similar. If don’t mind traveling in the evening, these are excellent choices to save money and get between the two cities fast.

>>read more about Train travel in Germany

Driving from Frankfurt to Munich

You can rent a car and drive the 400 km (on A3 and A9) between Frankfurt and Munich. Driving in Germany is a delight and you should be able to cover the distance in about 4 h (depending on the traffic).

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Getting from Frankfurt to Berlin

Frankfurt is the business and financial center of Germany and an important travel hub in the country, offering connections to the rest of the world. The downtown area is very popular among travelers and its off the beaten track neighborhoods still retain the old charm.

Berlin is a city filled with history, known for the remains of the Wall and home to Branderburg gate.

Both are important and interesting cities and traveling between them is an absolute delight. And there are plenty of choices , depending on your budget.

Summary

The cheapest option for traveling between Frankfurt and Berlin is the bus. The fares start at €33 one way (but they can be higher if you don’t book in advance) and the travel time is 9 h. A more expensive, but much faster – 4 to 5 h – option is the train. Book in advance and you can pay just €59 one way.

Flights from Frankfurt to Berlin

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major international hub , located 12 km from the city center. It is hub for Condor Flugdienst and Lufthansa and is the busiest airport by passenger traffic in Germany.

Berlin is served by three airports: Tegel International Airport (TXL), Schönefeld (SXF) and Brandenburg (scheduled to open in June 2012). When the airport opens, Schönefeld is scheduled to close (as of August 2012).

Tegel International Airport (TXL) is the main airport serving Berlin and is located 8 km from the capital city. The airport is hub for Air Berlin and Germania and is the fourth biggest airport in Germany. It is also a focus city for Lufthansa.

Flights between Frankfurt and Berlin are operated by: Air Berlin (Tegel) and Lufthansa (Branderburg, Tegel). The flight time is 1h 15 min.

In mid-June 2012, expect to pay from €71 one way on Air Berlin. Lufthansa charges a slight higher price (€74 one way). Return flights during the same period start at €122 on Lufthansa. By mid-October, expect to pay from €53 one way on Air Berlin and from €102 for a return flight on the same carrier.

>>book a cheap flight to Berlin

Trains from Frankfurt to Berlin

Bahn.de operates trains (ICE and IC) between Frankfurt and Berlin. The travel time is between 4 h and 5 h. Book in advance (about 1 month) and you can find the cheapest fare of €59 one way (savings fares) rather than the standard fare of €118. The fares do depend on the hour of departure and route. Some trains connecting the two cities are direct, while some require a change in Hannover.

>>read more about Train Travel in Germany

Buses from Frankfurt to Berlin

Berlin Linien Bus operates buses between Frankfurt and Berlin and offers the possibility to book the ticket online. Book in advance and you pay only €33 one way between the two cities. The bus leaves Berlin at 7:06 a.m and arrives in Frankfurt 9 hr later. On the way back, catch the bus in Frankfurt at 8 a.m. and by 5 p.m. you’ll be in Berlin. The schedule and prices are here (pdf).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Germany

Driving from Frankfurt to Berlin

Driving in Germany is an absolute delight. The roads are in excellent condition and the drivers obey the rules. Especially if you are not traveling alone, renting a car here can be an excellent way to get from one city to another.

There are several routes to choose from when getting from Frankfurt to Berlin and, if you use Google Maps, you can get accurate traffic information. On the shortest route – 547 km on A4 and A9 – you can cover the distance in about 6 h.

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Germany

Cheap Hostels in Hamburg

Accommodation can certainly make or break your stay in Hamburg ; plus, it’s the second biggest expense after the flight. Some travelers need just a clean room and clean bathroom, while others want other perks. Thankfully, hostels range from basic to boutique hotel like places and anything in between.

And you don’t need to stay in the middle of nowhere either. Many hostels are located close to transportation hubs or close to the important sights. Plus, the prices won’t break the budget. There are plenty of areas to choose from in Hamburg, but St Georg and Altona are excellent choices to start your search.

If you don’t want to share the room with 10 other travelers, there are always private rooms to choose from. Guesthouses, inns and budget hotels are also listed on hostel booking websites and many of them only offer private rooms (sometimes with private bathrooms, too).

Many hostels offer a shared kitchen which is an excellent way to save money paid for food, while the common rooms are the best place to meet fellow travelers.

While you can find the words “youth hostel” in the name, it doesn’t mean you have to be a certain age to stay here. Of course , if you are underage, you are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Book the hostel bed / room in advance, particularly if you travel during the high season (July, August, December). But in general, booking in advance brings some discounts.

Price wise, expect the beds to be slightly more expensive than those in Berlin. A twin room starts at €60 per night in mid-June 2012 in a hostel located in the center of Hamburg, while a bed in a 6-beds dorm starts at €14.90 per night in the heart of St Georg.

Search this interactive map of Hamburg for hostels or use the widget above to book your stay.

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Germany

Cheap Hostels in Berlin

Gone are the days when hostels were basic places to stay, generally in sketchy locations and sometimes without running water. Nowadays, many hostels resemble small boutique hotels, complete with shared kitchen.

And you don’t need to stay too far for the historical sites, either, because in all cities, Berlin including, hostels can be found in excellent locations and the prices are decent. Of course, the further from the sights you stay, the cheaper the room/bed , but you’ll most like be close to at least a public transportation stop.

But location is the key and can make or break your vacation, especially if you stay for several days in Berlin. Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte (with Alexanderplatz at its center) are excellent choices for your stay.

If you don’t fancy the idea of sharing your room with 4 (6, 8, or 10) other travelers, you can stay in a private room. Many hostels offer such rooms now and they often used by couples or families who don’t want to pay too much for accommodation.

While some hostels might still “youth hostel” in their name, gone are the age restrictions. Although if you are not an adult (18 years old), you need to be accompanied by one.

Especially if you travel during the peak travel season (July, August, December) make sure to book the hostel stay in advance. And even if you travel during the low season, booking in advance generally brings some discounts along.

Guesthouses, inns , apartments and budget hotels are often listed on hostel booking sites, offering the same facilities and similar prices. Many hostels don’t charge for towel or linen but the breakfast is often not included (still, you can order breakfast and pay for it on the spot).

Price wise , you can find a bed in a hostel in Alexanderplatz for just €8 per night (in mid-June 2012) , but a private room can cost up to €70 per night (and depends on location). The more nights you book, the more chances to find discounts.

Search this interactive map of Berlin for hostels or use the widget above to book your stay.

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Germany Things to Do

What to Eat in Germany: Famous German Foods

The German cuisine has evolved through the centuries, responding to the political and cultural changes. The southern regions share many dishes and you can find similar ones across the border , in Austria, too. The Pretzels and the beer are probably the best known items belonging to the German cuisine.

The German cuisine is not exactly vegetarian friendly, although many vegetables are included in side dishes. Asparagus gets its days of fame in late spring.

Beer

Beer is considered food all over Europe (and wine is, too, by the way) so we can safely say that this is the most famous German food. The world’s oldest brewery is in Bavaria and Pils is the most popular type of beer produced in the country.

Sausages

Another staple of the German cuisine is the sausage, which comes in many forms…and tastes. In the Rhine region it is flavored with raisins , while in Berlin they cook it with spices. Some of the types of sausages are: bauernwurst – the farmer’s sausage, made with pork – , blutwurst – blood sausage -, bratwurst – roast sausage made from pork meat – , weisswurst – a lighter variety, made with veal – and leberwurst – liver sausage. They are typically served with sauerkraut (sour cabbage).

Potatoes

These have always been a staple of the German cuisine. In some regions, the potatoes are eaten with bacon and beans, while in other with spicy sausage and bacon. Try the Kartoffelsalat – which is a potato salad , made with olive oil and vinegar – and the Kartoffelsuppe – a soup made from cubed potatoes, onion and bacon. Potato pancakes, served with smoked salmon and cream cheese , are excellent choices if you are on the run (or plan to eat something at a fair).

Noodles

Thicker than Italian pasta, the German noodles are a very popular side dish. The Spätzle variety is used in the south-west region and contains a lot of yolk.

Dumplings

The dumplings are a side dish served with many dishes and they vary in form depending on the region. You can try the Kartoffelknödeln (potato dumplings).

Sauerbraten

It is a pot roast, usually made with beef or pork (horse was used in the past). The meat is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, water, spices and seasonings before it’s cooked. It’s served with red cabbage, kartoffelknödeln (potato dumplings), boiled potatoes or noodles.

Pretzels and other pastries

Germans love to eat bread with every meal and they enjoy various pastries, too, including soft pretzels. Pastries are usually prepared with fresh local fruits , such as plums, apples and berries. The Black Forest cake is very popular in the country. The German chocolate cake is not of German origin.

Hasenpfeffer

This is a traditional stew made from marinated rabbit (or hare). The meat is braised with onions and wine. The animal’s blood is added to thicken the stew.

Goulasch

Those who visited Hungary already know about this spicy stew which can be made with pork, beef, chicken or fish. Germans make it with beef and pork , which are stewed with pepper (red or green) and served with potatoes or noodles.

Photo credits: Beer , Sausage , Kartoffelsalat , Spätzle , Potato dumplings , Sauerbraten , Pretzel , Goulasch

Categories
Germany Things to Do

Things to do in Munich

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, very well known thanks to the Oktoberfest, an annual event which includes a lot of beer, music and German food. But the city is also famous for the architecture and culture , being home to excellent museums.

Oktoberfest

The first festival took place back in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. In the early years, horse races were held as part of the event , and later agricultural conventions were added. In 1896, the first giant beer tent appeared within the festival. And the rest, it’s history.

If you plan to head to Munich for Oktoberfest, make sure to book the accommodation way ahead of time. Consider staying outside the city as the room rates tend to double during the fair. The public transportation system is pretty much over crowded especially during the weekends.

But , if you love beer, then this is the place to be. And don’t forget to try the German food, as well.

Clubbing in Kunstpark

If you still have energy after all that beer, then you can head to Kunstpark, a former industrial area, now filled with clubs and bars to suit all tastes.

Relax in the Englischer Garten

Whether you nurse a hangover or just want to relax after visiting the city, the Englischer Garten is an excellent choice. It’s the largest green area in Munich and offers plenty of things to do. You can walk, jog, bike, surf, enjoy a picnic or row a boat.

Stop by the Viktualienmarkt to buy some goodies for your picnic first.

Eat lunch in Marienplatz

Marienplatz is a very popular destination for tourists. You can enjoy a meal, go shopping, do some people watching or party the night away. Plus, the tourist attractions are within walking distance.

Visit the park at Schloss Nymphenburg

Schloss Nymphenburg was the royal summer residence and the gardens are now open to the public. You can visit the castle or walk in the garden.

Visit Peterskirche

Peterskirche is the oldest church in Munich, dating from the 12th century. It’s right in Marienplatz and the tower offers lovely views of the surrounding area.

See the city from the twin towers of Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche was built in the 16th century and restored after World War II. The view from the twin towers is considered one of the best in Munich.

Ride a sledge at Blomberg

No, it doesn’t have to be winter to try this one. Blomberg mountain is an excellent place to head to if you like some action…or fancy seeing excellent views of the surrounding area. Try the sledge or go hiking. If you get hungry, there’s a restaurant in the area, too.

Explore the area from Karlsplatz to Marienplatz

Walk between the two squares, go shopping or stop for a coffee when you get too tired.

Visit the BMW museum

BMW Welt is the only BMW museum in the world and if cars are your thing, then don’t miss this one. You can test drive simulation cars, learn about the brand’s history and the models.

Olympia park

The Olympics took place in Munich in 1972 but the park is still open and an excellent choice for an active day. In the winter, you can ski down the slopes , while during summer you can swim in the pool. Plus, there are shows taking place year round.

Visit a Christmas Market

If you plan to visit Munich in December, don’t miss one of the Christmas Markets which take place in the city. Pick up decorations for your tree, get some gifts and try the mulled wine.

Take the kids to the Deutsches Museum

It is the largest technological and scientific museum in the world and is a pleasure to visit. Take the kids to explore the interesting displays.

Photo credits: Oktoberfest , Englischer Garten , Marienplatz , Schloss Nymphenburg , View from Peterskirche , Frauenkirche , Karlsplatz , BMW museum , Olympia park , Christmas Market , Deutsches Museum