One of the oldest Christmas Markets in Germany, dating back to the 14th Century, this truly magical, one-of-a-kind place will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit. Warm up with a gluhwein and snack on various German treats to bring on the holiday cheer – this may just be the highlight of your Germany travel 2015.
GERMANY
TRAVEL IN GERMANY
Home to some of Europe's great cities and most enchanting landscapes, Germany is an intoxicating mix of olde world charm and next level modernity. Whether you're here to explore the architectural riches of Munich, get stuck into the legendary Berlin nightlife or sink a few steins at one of the many German beer festivals, this place has got it all.
FAST FACTS
- Language: German
- Currency: EURO
- Electricity: 220v - 240v
- Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Germany.
- Dialing Code: +49
- Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
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THINGS TO DO IN GERMANY
Architectural wonders? Check. Legendary beer festivals? Check. Picture postcard landscape? Check. This is a country with a lot to offer, so here’s our top pick of the best things to do in Germany:
MUNICH CHRISTMAS MARKET
NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE
Built by the 'Fairytale King', Ludwig II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous castles in Germany and has been taking visitors' breath away since construction ended in 1892. The inspiration for Walt Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty', its architecture is simply enchanting. As one of the most visited castles in Europe, this is one you don't want to miss.
MARIENPLATZ, MUNICH
The beating heart of the city, Marienplatz houses two of the most popular things to see in Munich: the famed glockenspiel and the Marienpillar, dating from 1632. Don't miss the opportunity to take a trek up the tower of St. Peter's church for a 360-degree view of the city – yes, those are the Bavarian Alps you can see in the distance.
See all trips that visit Munich
See all trips that visit Munich
BRANDENBURG GATE & REICHSTAG BUILDING, BERLIN
Berlin's Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous buildings in Germany. Symbolizing the country's turbulent past, it also embodies Germany's recent unification and peace. From here it's a very short walk to the historic Reichstag building, home of the German parliament, and a glass dome offering great views of the city
See all trips that visit Berlin
See all trips that visit Berlin
GERMAN BEER HALL
Some cities are fortunate enough to have the perfect city/beach balance, and Barcelona is one of them. Whilst Barceloneta Beach may be man-made, the water is clear and refreshing and the beach is alive with travellers and locals alike chatting, swimming and generally loving life. Spend long leisurely lunches in the surrounding cafes and restaurants, hire bikes or rollerblades or just relax in the sunshine.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN GERMANY
Germany has a reputation for doing things properly, and this is nowhere more in evidence than in the festival scene. There's a huge range of German festivals to choose from throughout the year, so here are our top 5.
OKTOBERFEST, MUNICH
If you’re planning some Germany travel 2016, be sure to include the Oktoberfest on your shortlist. Running from late September to early October, this legendary 16-day celebration of folk music and beer is the crown prince of German beer festivals. Foodies take note: only beers conforming to the stringent German Reinheitsgebot purity laws are allowed.
For more information on Oktoberfest, click here
For more information on Oktoberfest, click here
BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, BERLIN
A Mecca for film buffs, Berlinale is considered amongst the most prestigious film festivals in the world. It's also its largest, with over half a million people in attendance. Over 400 films are shown each year, making it the ideal place to get your fix of red carpet action.
For more information on the Berlin International Film Festival, click here
For more information on the Berlin International Film Festival, click here
FUSION FESTIVAL, LÄRZ
With its predominantly electronic lineup and its countercultural vibe, Fusion is one of the most free-spirited music festivals Germany has to offer. Set on the grass covered grounds of a disused military airfield in northeastern Germany, all food sold on the festival site is vegan, and clothing is optional!
For more information on Fusion Festival, click here.
For more information on Fusion Festival, click here.
MELT! FESTIVAL
Melt! Festival is unarguably one of the premier alternative music festivals in Germany. Set in the Ferropolis open-air museum near Gräfenhainichen, the location is nothing less than stunning, and there's an impressive roster of heavy-hitting electronic artists to make sure the music lives up to the setting.
For more information on Melt! Festival, click here.
For more information on Melt! Festival, click here.
BAYREUTH FESTIVAL
Wagner, the late genius of German opera, conceived this festival for the sole purpose of celebrating his own works. OK, he wasn’t exactly modest, but today it is still one of the world's most popular opera festivals.
For more information on Bayreuth Festival, click here
For more information on Bayreuth Festival, click here
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN GERMANY
Germany is a European cultural heavyweight, and the sheer quantity of museums and galleries here would confuse even the savviest culture vulture. Good job we've picked our top 5 museums and galleries to visit in Germany to make it easy for you:
RESIDENZ MUSEUM
Wondering what it was like to live as a German royal? Check out the Residenz Museum, which features furniture, porcelain, thrones, clocks and various other artifacts from throughout the ages. You'll get a unique and fascinating insight into the lives of this old school Bavarian Bling Ring.
For more information on the Dali museum, click here
For more information on the Dali museum, click here
STASI MUSEUM
Housed in its former Leipzig headquarters, the Stasi Museum offers a chilling glimpse into the inner workings of the feared East German State Security Service. A permanent exhibit allows you to walk through the rooms from where the Stasi conducted its sinister regime of spying and terror over the East German populace.
For more information on the Stasi Museum, click here
For more information on the Stasi Museum, click here
BERLIN JEWISH MUSEUM
Opened in 2001, Berlin's Jewish museum is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, with an extensive permanent collection as well as various changing exhibits. Consisting of the old Kollegienhaus building linked with a modern structure by architect Daniel Libeskind, it gives a fascinating look at German-Jewish history and is one of the most popular things to see in Berlin.
For more information on the Berlin Jewish Museum, click here
For more information on the Berlin Jewish Museum, click here
BERLIN MUSEUM ISLAND
This beautiful island complex on the Spree River in central Berlin is home to five world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum. Completed in 1930, this houses some impressive reconstructions of historical buildings including the Pergamon Altar as well as an extensive collection of Islamic art, and is amongst the most visited art museums in the country.
For more information on the Berlin Museum Island, click here
For more information on the Berlin Museum Island, click here
MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM SACHSENHAUSEN, ORANIENBURG
This former Nazi concentration camp was adapted as a national memorial in 1961, commemorating the so-called 'victory of anti-fascism over fascism'. Though few of the original buildings remain, several have been reconstructed and a public museum houses various changing exhibits.
For more information on the Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen, click here
For more information on the Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen, click here
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FOOD IN GERMANY
From its myriad sausage varieties to hearty stews with meat and potatoes to succulent braised pork, it's perhaps no coincidence that pretty much everything you eat in Germany pairs nicely with beer. Speaking of which, the country boasts over 5000 varieties from over 1300 breweries, so you'd better work quickly if you want to sample the lot. German food can be simple, like a good late night currywurst from a roadside stall, or complex, like a meal from one of the country's many Michelin starred restaurants. Here's our pick of the top 5 German dishes:
Weisswurste
Stollen
CURRYWURST
The epitome of Berlin street food, this mouth-watering snack consists of a bratwurst (pork sausage) served with curried ketchup and fries. Pair it with a bottle of crisp German pilsner.
Best eaten at - Curry 36 , Mehringdamm 36, 10961 Berlin
Best eaten at - Curry 36 , Mehringdamm 36, 10961 Berlin
RIPPCHEN MIT KRAUT
Frankfurt’s traditional dish is succulent slow cooked cured pork cutlet, typically served with sauerkraut, mashed potato and mustard and best washed down with some delicious apfelwine (German cider).
Best eaten at - Zum Gemalten Haus,, Schweizer Strasse 67, 60594 Frankfurt/Main
Best eaten at - Zum Gemalten Haus,, Schweizer Strasse 67, 60594 Frankfurt/Main
WEISSWURSTE
Originating from Bavaria, this pale-looking snag is made from veal and pork and flavoured with spices then gently cooked - never boiled - in water. It’s served with sweet mustard and a soft pretzel and – for true Bavarian flavour – weissbier (wheat beer).
Best eaten at - Weisses Brauhaus, Tal 7, 81673 Munich
Best eaten at - Weisses Brauhaus, Tal 7, 81673 Munich
SCHWEINSHAXE
A roasted ham hock traditionally accompanied by dumplings and sauerkraut, this Southern German classic should be the perfect base for all your Oktoberfest revelry.
Best eaten at - Haxnbauer, Sparkassenstrasse 6, 80331 Munich
Best eaten at - Haxnbauer, Sparkassenstrasse 6, 80331 Munich
STOLLEN
Dreseden’s most famous culinary export has been around since the 16th century. A deliciously moist bread-like cake heavy with candied fruits, nuts and spices, it’s now a staple of Christmas markets the world over.
Best eaten at - Toscana, Schillerplatz 7, 01309 Dresden
Best eaten at - Toscana, Schillerplatz 7, 01309 Dresden
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WHAT TO PACK?
Camera - There’s a lot to see in Germany, so bring a good camera, or at the very least make sure there’s plenty of storage space on your phone.
Alka Seltzer - Whether it’s the hearty cuisine or the country’s 5000-plus beers, you’ll probably need them.
Comfortable walking shoes - From checking out the many museums and attractions by day to partying into the wee hours in Berlin clubs, you're going to spend a lot of time on your feet.
Travel adapter & voltage converter - Appliances with built in transformers (e.g. Apple laptop power) are fine with European voltage, but plugging your 120V hairdryer into 240V will not end well! European hotels often have a 120V outlet, but be sure to check first. A voltage converter will come in handy, and a travel adapter plug is an essential for European style sockets.
German phrasebook - English is spoken very widely in Germany, but as with any foreign country people will appreciate it if you at least attempt to speak their language. A little effort goes a long way!
Alka Seltzer - Whether it’s the hearty cuisine or the country’s 5000-plus beers, you’ll probably need them.
Comfortable walking shoes - From checking out the many museums and attractions by day to partying into the wee hours in Berlin clubs, you're going to spend a lot of time on your feet.
Travel adapter & voltage converter - Appliances with built in transformers (e.g. Apple laptop power) are fine with European voltage, but plugging your 120V hairdryer into 240V will not end well! European hotels often have a 120V outlet, but be sure to check first. A voltage converter will come in handy, and a travel adapter plug is an essential for European style sockets.
German phrasebook - English is spoken very widely in Germany, but as with any foreign country people will appreciate it if you at least attempt to speak their language. A little effort goes a long way!
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