Germany Destination Guide
For a country that projects such influence and unity as a major powerbroker in the European Union, it's hard to believe that Germany was a country divided until 1989.
More than two decades on, Germany is marching forward. With a reputation for precision engineering and high-tech products, the country is also gaining notoriety for its memorable holiday spots.
The biggest economy in Europe, Germany is actually an amalgamation of states, each with unique cultures and attributes for you to explore. Most distinctly is the east and western divide, something you'll definitely notice travelling between the two sides of captivating Berlin.
See both sides of the fence
With a rich cultural heritage, right throughout the country the past is never far behind. See classic sites such as the Cologne Cathedral and Reichstag Building set against more sobering monuments of World War II.
For an insight into the past and Cold War-era Germany, don't miss visiting the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Holocaust Memorial, and former concentration camp sites.
After decades of ‘haves' and ‘have-nots' separated by the heavily guarded Berlin Wall, the peaceful reunification process has seen Germany embrace its differences. Today the country has become one of the most welcoming destinations in Europe and the open arms are extended to tourists, especially in 'bierstubes' (German-style taverns).
Exploring you'll notice that modern Germany straddles its past and present with ease. Churches hollowed out by bombs are juxtaposed by post-modernist steel and glass structures in the capital, Berlin, and the Disney-esque Neuschwanstein Castle resides in the same state as the original site of rowdy Oktoberfest.
Marvel at the old and cherish the new
Attractions lie right around the country. The ancient Roman city of Cologne boasts Romanesque churches and archaeological sites, Hamburg is a harbour city with a famous red-light district along the Reeperbahn, while picturesque Heidelberg is Germany's most romantic city, thanks in part to the impressive castle that lingers over the town.
Today Germany is also a leader in cutting-edge fashion, culture, music and art, with a plethora of well-known tastemaker designers, artists, models and DJs hailing from 'liebe Deutschland'. Berlin in particular is the place to go for avant-garde art and the best underground dance clubs, but Leipzig is not far away or far behind.
The iconic German images of lederhosen, giant beer steins and pretzels can be found in Munich, in the country's south, and the nearby Bavarian Alps are home to Germany's best skiing and snowboarding resorts.
Centrally located in Europe, getting to Germany is almost as easy as ordering a plate of currywurst. Though not a major tourist destination, many international flights to Germany arrive in financial capital Frankfurt, home to a small collection of interesting museums and galleries including the Staedel Museum.
There are lots of other international airports throughout the country too so speak to your Flight Centre consultant to find out where the best place is to get your passport stamped.
