Month: June 2012

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in April

April falls during spring, an excellent time to visit Germany. The weather gets warmer , there are spring festivals and Easter celebrations taking place.

Weather & temperatures

Even if the weather is a bit cold (still), as soon as the sun comes out, the locals go to the parks to enjoy the new season. Spring is generally a time when the weather cannot be predicted and April makes no exceptions. It can turn from sunny to rainy in no time.

The best way to prepare for this weather is to pack layers. And don’t forget an umbrella or a waterproof coat.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 12C; avg low 2C
Dusseldorf avg high 14C ; avg low 5C
Frankfurt avg high 13C ; avg low 3C
Hamburg avg high 11C; avg low 2C
Munich avg high 11C ; avg low 2C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

The prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in spring but they aren’t as high as during the summer. It’s a good idea to make the reservations some months in advance, particularly if you want to travel during Easter (when the local kids have their Spring break).

Things to do

Almost during the entire month of April , Frankfurt is home to the Spring Fair , one of the largest folk festivals in the region. It dates from the 14th century when it was a medieval market. Today it’s famous for the rides and roller coasters. The fireworks are interesting, too.

Also in Frankfurt, take advantage of the Long Night at the Museum (Apr 21) to visit the city’s museums and art galleries with a single ticket (during the night, of course).

The next week (Apr 28) it’s time for the Long Night of Music in Munich, where you can go to various concerts during the entire night using a single ticket (€15 euros).

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

For five days in April (Apr 18 to 22) , Cologne is home to the Art Cologne, the country’s leading art fair. You can see sculptures, paintings, video art, photography, etc.

You can also plan to visit Berlin an take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

Should you plan to visit Germany for the Easter 2013, plan your vacation between March 30 and April 1 (of course, longer if you have available time). Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays so expect everything to be closed (but you can certainly enjoy some time in the nature or walking in the cities).

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Sweden Transportation

Getting from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, a city well known for its cultural life and entertainment options. The shopping is not bad either. Plus, there are interesting museums to visit and you can even spend time at the beach.

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden , offering plenty of things to do and see. Make sure to visit the Skansen Kronan (Crown Keep), which is hilltop fortification, and step by the Fish Market, too. There are plenty of museums to keep you busy and of course, some interesting churches , too.

Summary

The cheapest option to get between Copenhagen and Gothenburg is the bus. Fares start at €24.30 one way and the travel time is about 4 ½ h. Slightly more expensive option – from €46.40 one way on the direct train – is the train, but there are trains departing by the hour between 6 a.m. / 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.

Flights from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

Copenhagen is served by Kastrup Airport (CPH) , the main international airport serving the capital. It is located just 8 km from the city center and is hub for the following airlines: Blue1, Jettime, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Novair, Primera Air, Scandinavian Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia, TUIfly Nordic, Copenhagen Air Taxi and Star Air. The easiest way to get from the city center to the airport is by train.

Gothenburg is served by two airports, but only Landvetter Airport (GOT) operates flights to/from Copenhagen. It is the second largest airport in Sweden , located 20 km from the city and is hub for the following airlines: City Airline, Scandjet and TUIfly Nordic.

Scandinavian Airlines is the only airline operating flights between Copenhagen and Gothenburg. The flight time is 45 min. If you plan to fly by the end of June 2012, expect to pay from €80 one way. A return flight starts at €154 during the same period. The fares remain the same during the year.

>>book a flight to Sweden

Trains from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

SJ – the largest train operator in Sweden – and Öresundstågen offer connections between Göteborg (Gothenburg) and Köbenhavn (Copenhagen) .

There are direct trains which depart from Göteborg (Gothenburg): every hour at 42’ from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (so 6:42 a.m is the first one and 8:42 p.m. the last time). The travel time is 3 h 46 min and the single fare starts at 417 SEK / €46.40 non-refundable.

On connecting trains (1 connection, travel time 6 h 16 min) the fares start at 293 SEK / €32.60 non-refundable.

On the way back, catch the trains in Köbenhavn (Copenhagen) every hour at 32’ from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. (so 5:32 a.m. is the first train and 8:32 p.m. the last train). The same fares apply for the direct trains.

Buses from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

The following bus companies operate between the two cities:

  • GoByBus (attention: website only in Sweden!) : offers two connections per day , leaving Gothenburg at 2:35 a.m. and 2:30 p.m ; the travel time is 4 h 25 min. The adult ticket is 219 SEK / €24.30 one way. On the way back, choose among three buses leaving Copenhagen, at 8:30 a.m, 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. On the first two buses the adult single are is 259 SEK / €28.80. Please note that an adult is considered anyone between 30 and 59 year old (anyone under 30 is a “youngster” and the fares are cheaper; i.e. 169 SEK / €18.80 one way).
  • Bus4You work together with GoByBus, so you can book on this site the same buses (at the same prices).

Driving from Copenhagen to Gothenburg

You can rent a car and drive the 317 km between Copenhagen and Gothenburg. Both countries are part of the European Union and Schegen area, so there shouldn’t be a problem taking the rental car across the border. Still, it’s a good idea to ask the rental company about it.

The travel time , on E20, is about 3 ½ h but depends on the traffic.

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Categories
Germany Transportation

Getting from Copenhagen to Berlin

Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital, an interesting city well known for its nightlife, culture and shopping. It is a geographical and cultural link between Scandinavia and Europe and an interesting stop when exploring other Scandinavian countries, too.

Berlin is the capital of Germany, a city well known for its history and nightlife. There are plenty of things to do while here , including sampling the beer.

Summary

The cheapest option for traveling between Copenhagen and Berlin is the bus. Fares start at €39 but not all companies offer daily connections (so pay attention when you choose). A good alternative is the train. If you book the ticket in advance , you can get tickets starting at €59 one way.

Flights from Copenhagen to Berlin

Copenhagen is served by Kastrup Airport (CPH) , which is the main international airport serving the city. It is located 8 km from the city center and is hub for the following airlines Blue1, Jettime, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Novair, Primera Air, Scandinavian Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia, TUIfly Nordic, Copenhagen Air Taxi and Star Air. Some low cost carriers fly here: EasyJet, AirBerlin, Norwegian and Cimber Sterling. You can get to the airport from the city by train or metro.

Berlin is served by two airports, both handling flights to/from Copenhagen:

  • Tegel International Airport (TXL): is the main international airport in Berlin , located 8 km from the city center. It is hub for: Air Berlin, Germania and GermanWings. Buses are the only cheap way to get to /from the airport. Flights to/from Copenhagen are operated by Air Berlin and Scandinavian Airlines.
  • Schönefeld Airport (SXF): is another international airport serving Berlin, located 18 km from the city center. It is hub for EasyJet and Germanwings. The airport is served by the regional trains and the local trains. Flights to/from Copenhagen are operated by EasyJet and Norwegian Air Shuttle.

In March 2013, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is scheduled to open and replace Schönefeld. Pay attention that online booking sites already list flights to/from the new airport even if you search for an earlier period.

In mid-August 2012, expect to pay from €38 on EasyJet (fligh to Schönefeld). Flights to Tegel start at €53 and are operated by SAS. A return flight during the same period costs from €58 on EasyJet. In mid-October 2012, expect to pay the same fares on EasyJet.

>>book a cheap flight to Berlin

Trains from Copenhagen to Berlin

Bahn.de lists a direct train between Copenhagen and Berlin, departing daily from Copenhagen at 6:10 p.m. The travel time is 10 h 15 min and the single fare starts at €79 (savings fare, if booked in advance). The standard single fare is €170.60.

There’s also a train which arrives a bit faster (9 h 35 min) but connects through Odense. It leaves Copenhagen daily at 6:50 p.m. and the fares are the same as in the case of the direct train.

On the way back, catch the direct train in Berlin daily at 00:32 a.m. and the other at 5:15 a.m. The return ticket is cheaper (€59 , savings fare , if booked in advance, for the direct train), but more expensive fro the indirect one (€89 , savings fare, if booked in advance).

Buses from Copenhagen to Berlin

The following companies operate direct buses between Copenhagen and Berlin:

  • Eurolines : offers up to 3 connections per day (but not every day), at 6:30 a.m., 4:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. from Copenhagen. The travel time is between 7 h and 7 ½ h and the single fare is DKK 599 / €80.60. There’s at least one connection per day, leaving Copenhagen at 6:30 a.m. On the way back, there are also up to 3 connections per day: 7:30 a.m., 3:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. (the earliest leaves daily). The same fare applies on the way back, too.
  • Berolina : offers a connection per day and the single fare is €40. Buses depart from central Berlin (ZOB). You can reserve the tickets here https://www.berolina-berlin.com/ticketsystem.aspx?id=GB
  • Bohemian Lines : offers a connection per two times a week, leaving Berlin at 9:50 p.m. (Mon, Fri) and , on the way back, leaving Copenhagen at 9 p.m. (Tue, Sun). The flex fare is €39 one way. The travel time is about 8 h.

Driving from Copenhagen to Berlin

It’s certainly possible to rent a car in Copenhagen and drive the 435 km to Berlin. Both countries are in the European Union and part of the Schengen area so you won’t be paying any surcharges. However, do ask the rental company if you are allowed to take the rental car across the borders.

The travel time is about 6 ½ -7 h but it does depend on the traffic. Please note that the route includes a ferry crossing.

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Categories
Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in June

June is the first month of summer, the most popular time to visit Germany. The weather is warm , the festivals are in full swing and the tourists aren’t avoiding the country. It’s an exciting time to plan for outdoor activities, too.

Weather & temperatures

The days are long and sunny. But summer also means the rainfall is high, so pack an umbrella if you travel in June. The warmest weather is in Southern Germany.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 21C; avg low 11C
Dusseldorf avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Frankfurt avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Hamburg avg high 19C; avg low 10C
Munich avg high 20C ; avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

June kicks off the most expensive time to visit Germany. The prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in June and won’t come down until September. To get the best rates, book the flight and accommodation some months in advance.

Things to do

In early June (until June 10, 2012), Halle an der Saale is home to the Handle Festival, which pays tribute to the German composer. You can listen to international musicians playing his work.

But while you are here, don’t miss visiting the Giebichenstein Castle, located on a hill above Saale river. There are also remains of two fortifications to see and many wonderful churches. The city is located just 177 km from the capital of Berlin.

>>book a flight to Berlin

If you prefer to visit Berlin, make sure to be here for the longest day of the year (June 21) when the Fete de la Musique takes place in the city. The festival offers every type of music you might want to hear.

Or stay longer – until the end of the month – to attend the Berlin Gay Parade. The festivities take place in the district of Schoeneberg and in Tiergarten park.

If you are looking for “tamer” activities in Berlin , take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

If you have rock music in mind, then head to the race track in Nuerburg during the first weekend of June for Rock am Ring Music Festival. It is the country’s biggest open air festival. There’s also a castle – Nürburg Castle – dating from the High Middle Ages to visit while here. The city is located 174 km from Frankfurt and 127 km from Dusseldorf.

You can plan to explore the Black Forest during June. Rent a car to have flexibility and visit the old towns within the mountain range, such as: Calw, Haslach and Altensteig. You can see the superb waterfalls or plan to hike in the mountains. There’s a picturesque wine route from Baden-Baden to Weil am Rhein, which is worth the time, too.

If you prefer to visit a city, then Munich is another good choice. Visit a beer garden, check out the museums, do some people watching or see the city from above.

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do

3 Days in Munich: Itinerary Ideas

Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest. Or , if you don’t visit during the fair, with large quantities of beer , pretzels and sausages. But Munich is so much than a drink and greasy food.

>>read more about the things to do in Munich

Itinerary assumptions:

  • fly directly into Munich
  • stay in a budget hotel or hostel close to the city center
  • make use of the public transportation (underground, tram, bus) ; the inner district 3 days card costs €13.80.
  • if you feel comfortable on bike, you can rent one for your stay in Munich. There are many bike paths in the city but the accidents involving bicycles are on the rise.

Sample prices

  • Return flight: London – Munich – London; Aug 10 – Aug 13, 2012; from €113 on EasyJet
  • Return flight: Paris – Munich – Paris; Aug 10 – Aug 13, 2012; from €131 on Air France
  • Accommodation: from €57 / person / 3 nights in a 12-bed dorm; from €252 / 2 persons / 3 nights in a twin room with private bathroom.

Day 1

Start the day with a free walking tour of Munich (details here ) . One of the start points is in Marienplatz at 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tour visits the Hofbräuhaus and Frauenkirche, among other important landmarks, and takes three hours.

After the tour, go back to Marienplatz and explore the city in depths. Go to the top of Frauenkirche to see the views of the city and enjoy lunch in Viktualienmarkt.

In the afternoon, explore the English Gardens , with its lake, waterfall, beer gardens and enjoy the time in nature. Pack a picnic basket if you don’t want to get back to a beer hall for dinner.

Alternative Day 1

Plan to spend the first day in Alstadt (Old Town). Start in Maxburgstrasse and visit St Michael’s Church and then explore Frauenkirche. Don’t forget to go to the top for some interesting views of the city.

Walk to Marienplatz, the heart of the Old Town. Stop to see the statues dance (during summer at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. every day for 15 min) and then visit some of the churches in the area or just do some people watching.

In Viktualienmarkt there’s a beer garden pretty well known among budget travelers. Try the food and don’t miss tasting the beer, either.

Go to Odeonsplatz and continue to the English Gardens, the continent’s largest city center park. Between an artificial lake, the Chinese Gardens – complete with beer gardens – and interesting structures, you’ll be busy for the entire afternoon.

During the evening, make your way to Landsbergerstrasse and its Augustiner Braustuben, a traditional beer hall. Try the food and meet the locals. Sure, try the beer , too but mind the quantities. You still have some sightseeing left to do in the town.

Day 2

Start your day with a visit to Deutsches Museum, Europe’s largest technology museum. It is located close to Viktualienmarkt, so after spending hours checking out the exhibits, you can enjoy lunch here, or make your way to Hofbrauhaus, Munich’s best known beer hall. It’s touristy and not exactly authentic but it’s not a bad choice for lunch.

Go back to Marienplatz and take Deinerstrasse to get to Munich Residence, where you can learn about the Bavarian history.

From Marienplatz, take U3 to get to to northern Munich with its Olympiapark. Exploring it is free, unless you want to take some guided tours (which cost few Euros).

Day 3

After enjoying Munich for two days, escape the city to visit the superb Neuschwanstein Castle on your third day. Take the train to Füssen and then the bus Hohenschwangau. In total you’ll be traveling for about 4 hours (including the 30 min walk to the castle). So, leave Munich early in the day, especially if you’ll tackle the summer crowds, too. Driving saves some time (under 2 h to get to Hohenschwangau) but you need to consider the cost of renting a car.

You might remember this castle as being very similar to Cinderella’s castle in Disney’s vision. Actually, her castle was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle, which is , indeed, a super sight. The guided tour takes only 35 min but you can spend some more time exploring the surrounding forest.

After visiting the castle which inspired Disney, take some time to explore Hohenschwangau, the castle where King Ludwig II grew up. The Romanesque style is charming.

>>read more about Getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Photo credits: Marienplatz ; Beer ; Castle