Category: Germany

Travel Guide and Why Go to Germany

Categories
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.

View Larger Map

Photo credit

Categories
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.

Photo credit

Categories
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.

Photo credit

Categories
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

Categories
Germany

Cheap Hotels in Hamburg

The hotel is the second most important expanse during any holiday (the airfare comes first, of course). Choosing the right hotel for you can make or break your stay in Hamburg . You can choose vibrant areas, with a lot of bars and hotels, or opt for more relaxed, quiet areas.

Where to stay in Hamburg

Altona is a varied neighborhood, located west of Hamburg’s centre and bordered by the Elbe River. The nightlife is bustling and you can find restaurants serving international cuisines. Harvestehude is a quiet area located just north of Hamburg’s centre, while Rotherbaum is filled with pubs and bookshops. Hohenfelde is not posh but it’s close to the center and is excellent for exploring the city.

Saint Georg is also close to the center and offers plenty of boutiques, cafes and bars. Saint Pauli, or the Red Light District, is the center of the nightlife and is filled with bars, clubs and cabaret stages.

Some hotels in Hamburg

Hotel Stadt Altona

Located in Altona, just a 5-minute walk from the Reeperbahn S-Bahn Station, the hotel offers free underground parking, bars and free wi-fi in public areas. All rooms have private bathroom and TV. In June 2012, a double room is €58 per night. Breakfast is €7.

Hotel Heimhude

The hotel is located in the district of Harvestehude, close to the Alster lake. All rooms have free wi-fi. Breakfast is included in the room price. In mid-June 2012, a double room is €110 per night.

Hotel Budapester Hof

This hotel is located in center Hamburg and offer free wi-fi in public areas. All rooms have private bathrooms and cable TV. Breakfast in included in the room rate. In mid-June 2012, a double room is €59.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Hamburg, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

Photo credit

Categories
Germany

Cheap Hotels in Berlin

After the airfare, the hotel is the second biggest expanse during a vacation. Choosing the right hotel for your style can make or break your stay. Some people don’t mind staying further from the center but it’s a must to have good transportation available, while others must stay close to everything. Location always determines the room price and that is true in the case of visiting Berlin , as well. Of course, the more facilities, the higher the room price will be.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin is huge and it’s impossible to even think you can cover it on foot. Using the U-Bahn and S-Bahn is a must, so you are better off with looking for a hotel located near public transportation stations.

Prenzlauer Berg, located in the in the borough of Pankow, is where you can find plenty of pubs, cafes, restaurants, galleries , a good nightlife and good hotels. Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, also in the former East Berlin, are cheap and interesting areas to stay in as well.

Mitte, the most central borough of Berlin , is another good choice for a stay but expect more expensive hotels here. But you’ll be close to pretty much all the tourist sites. Alexanderplatz, in center Mitte, is a transportation hub and a good choice for short stays.

Some hotels in Berlin

Arte Luise Kunsthotel

This 3-star hotel is located in Mitte, just 10-min walk from the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building and Friedrichstrasse Train Station. All rooms have wi-fi and the bathroom is either private or shared. The hotel offers a restaurant and a courtyard terrace. In June 2012, a double room (private bathroom) costs €109 per night.

easyHotel Berlin Hackescher Markt

The budget hotel is located in Mitte, in the vibrant Hackescher Markt district. All rooms have AC and private bathrooms with shower. Wi-fi and satellite TV are available on request. The hotel is just 10-min tram ride from Prenzlauer Berg district and the Friedrichstraße shopping street. In June 2012, a double room costs €45 per night.

Hotel Pension Intervarko

The guest house is located in the Prenzlauer Berg, just 2 tram stops from Alexanderplatz Square. All rooms have TV and there are shared bathrooms on the hallway. In June 2012, an economy double room costs €44 per night.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Berlin, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

Photo credit

Categories
Germany Things to Do

Things to do in Berlin

Berlin is the largest city and capital of Germany. It is well known for the historical landmarks, excellent nightlife and street art. Visitors have plenty of things to do in this interesting, cosmopolite city.

Take a walking tour

There are free walking tours of Berlin, which leave from the Brandenburg Gate. The tours last about 3 ½ h and the guides speak English.

Not free, but definitely worth your time and money, is the Berlin underground tour which starts at the underground train station Gesundbrunnen. Around it there are civilian shelters and bunker complexes used during the bombing campaigns in Berlin, which were left untouched from the building of the Berlin Wall.

Explore the glass dome of the Reichstag

Germany’s parliament building – the Reichstag – was restored and got a brand new glass dome which can be climbed, of course. Sure, you’ll have to endure long queues but the entire experience is free. And the lovely views guaranteed.

See the Berlin Wall

There’s a long stretch of the Berlin Wall still standing and you can find it on Mühlenstraße. It’s known as the Eastside Gallery because today it’s covered in multicolored art.

Visit the Holocaust Memorial

Close to the Reichstag, there’s the Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe, which opened in 2005. After you walk through the 2,700 slabs of concrete, make sure to visit the underground information center, too.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin. Today , it’s a tourist attraction , located in the Allied Museum. Visitors can take photos (for free) with actors dressed as allied military police.

Visit the Pergammon Museum

Pergammon Museum is one of the best history museums in the world. Some of the most important items on display are: the Ishtar Gate (Babylon) , the Pergamon Altar, the Mshatta façade and the Market Gate of Miletus.

Have a picnic in Tiergarten

Tiergarten is the largest park in Berlin. In the summer it buzzes with life. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a day out in the nature. This park used to be a hunting ground in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Take a photo of Brandenburg Gate

It’s one of the symbols of Berlin and the site of many important events. Should you be in the city for New Year’s Eve, make sure to take some photos of the fireworks , too.

See the city from above: Berlin TV Tower

Located in Alexanderplatz , the TV Tower has a super fast elevator which zaps you to the top in no time. There’s a revolving restaurant with interesting views of the city.

Visit Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island)

Pfaueninsel , an island on the River Havel , is home to a historic castle called Palmenhaus. Aside from seeing peacocks on the island, you can catch a glimpse of other interesting birds. And don’t forget your bike because there are plenty of bike lines available.

Soak up the sun on the shores of Wannsee

Wannsee is a man-made lake which is the hub of activities during summer. It offers beaches , restaurants, beer gardens and there are also tour boats available.

Take a day trip to Potsdam

A short train ride from Berlin, Potsdam is home to many historic monuments and buildings, including Sanssouci, a complex of parks and palaces built in the 18th century, the Old Market Square, and the Dutch Quarter.

Swim at Badeschiff

Badeschiff is a public swimming pool and was built inside the hollowed-out hull of an old barge. There is also an outdoor dance floor where you can party until mid-night.

Visit Berlin Zoo

It is the largest zoo in Europe and was made (more) famous by the birth of Knut. Unfortunately Knut died in 2011, but the zoo is still popular and home to a variety of animals.

Try the Berlin bagel

Whether you are nursing a hangover or are just too tired from all the visiting you’ve done while here, the Berlin bagel is an excellent way to start your morning. There are a variety of bagels to start from – sweet and salty – and you can also try some bagel sandwiches.

Photo credit:Checkpoint Charlie , Pergammon Museum , Brandenburg Gate , Walking tour , Reichstag , Berlin Wall , Holocaust Memorial , Tiergarten , Pfaueninsel , Wannsee , Potsdam , Badeschiff , Berlin Zoo , Berlin bagel

Categories
Germany Transportation

Germany’s Train Stations: Timelapse Video

If this awesome timelapse video of Germany’s train stations doesn’t make you want to book a train trip somewhere – to Germany or otherwise – I don’t know what will.

German Rail Timelapse from Holger Mette on Vimeo.

Visit the Veo el Mundo blog post about this video to find out more about Germany’s rail system.

Categories
Germany Things to Do

10 Days in Germany: Itinerary Ideas

Germany is quite diverse. The traditional and the modern mix in many ways. Shining cities often snuggle against medieval castles. Each of these trips in the south of the country is designed to be a relaxing week long and is based around day trips from a central city. Though of course you can go to more or fewer day trips and adjust the length to your schedule. These are more for getting deeper into an area and not packing in sights. A night train or quick flight from one to another also lets you string a couple together if you have more time.

There are train connections to the day trip suggestions in less than 2 hours each way from the main city. If you stay on the regional trains (RE, RB) there are tickets called Länder Tickets that let you travel on the slow trains inside of the state you are staying in for a day. These can be cheaper than directly buying tickets, especially if you are traveling with several people. Also check with the public transport office of your base city, often there are tickets that work just in that region and could be even cheaper.

This is just a sampling of possible daytrips and activities around each base city. Definitely look for local festivals in nearby towns not mentioned. Due to the great public transport system, Germany is a great country for day tripping and exploring cities.

Quick search for cheap airfare to Frankfurt:

Quick search for cheap airfare to Berlin:

Quick search for cheap airfare to Munich:

Freiburg – South Baden : Spas and Nature


Freiburg is the gateway to the Black Forest and in the sunniest corner of Germany. The town is home to a university which keeps the city young and happening for the out of the way city. Bicycles rule the roads and an excellent public transport system lets you get up into the forest for some hiking or to any of several nearby spa towns. This region has been known as a spa resort area since the Roman towns.

Quick search for hotels in Freiburg:

Getting Here: Frankfurt airport is 2 hours on the ICE train and there is a bus from Basel-Mulhouse Airport that takes about an hour to Freiburg.

Baden-Baden : A Roman era spa town which still has modern spa houses, one of which is built above roman ruins. Once also a playground for the Parisian elite, this town retains its resort roots but is a pleasant place to stroll and relax. Bad Krozingen and Badenweiler are also nearby spa towns south of Freiburg if that s your thing.

Titisee & Schluchsee : These are two lakes up in the Black Forest. Titisee is more touristy while Schluchsee is bigger and more outdoorsy with its walking tracks. Good places to start hiking tracks or just get out of the town into the cool fresh mountain air.

Breisach : On the Rhein River looking out over France, there has been a human settlement here for thousands of years. A rebuilt cathedral stands on the promontory.

Outdoor Activities: Both the hills of the Black Forest and the wine growing dormant volcano of the Kaiserstuhl are popular hiking and biking areas.

France (Colmar and Strasbourg) and Switzerland are also within easy reach.

Nürnberg – North Bavaria : Medieval Charm


Nürnberg is a large city north of Munich. The most famous Christmas Market is here. The town is watched by a castle on a hill and straddles a river. This part of Bavaria is called Franconia and home to many towns with medieval and Gothic features.

Quick search for hotels in Nürnberg:

Getting Here: Although Nürnberg does have its own airport, it is small, so Munich is the larger airport of choice nearby.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber : A medieval village, Rothenburg is part of the Romantic Road. The town retains its almost cutesy look and is a popular tourist spot.

Nördlingen : One of the few towns (Rothenburg being another) in Germany to retain its full city wall.

Bamberg : A university town as well as a town of beer. Worth a day to walk the hills, see the many churches and gawk at the town hall built in the middle of the river.

Amberg and larger Regensberg lie to the east and south-east respectively. Both have Gothic features such as churches, town halls and bridges.

Munich – South Bavaria : Postcard Vistas


Munich is one of the most well known city in Germany and likely what most Americans are expecting when they picture Germany. There really is enough to do in Munich itself to spend a few days doing that, but there are plenty of nearby places that are interesting as well.

Quick search for hotels in Munich:

Getting Here: Munich has its own airport that is fairly well connected.

Füssen – Castle Neuschwannstein is world famous. Füssen is just over 2 hours south on the edge of the Alps and only a few miles from the castle. Avoid the tour busses if you have time and some hiking abilities. The less famous yellow Castle Hohenschwangau is just down the hill from its neighbor and not on most tour agendas.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Site of the 1936 Winter Olympics, this is your alpine day trip from Munich. The tallest mountain in Germany (Zugspitze) is also nearby. As expected, there are plenty of hiking trails around.

Dachau – Very close to Munich, a concentration camp with museum to experience some of Germany’s sad history.

Ulm – The tallest church spire in Germany is in Ulm, and is also the birthplace of Albert Einstein. The main part of Ulm is actually in Baden-Würtemberg not in Bavaria, so ask about tickets before you rely on the Länder tickets.

In addition, the day trips to Nördlingen and Regensberg (from Nürnberg above) are also easily reachable from Munich.

all photos by Andrew Couch & may not be used without permission