Galloping Across Germany!
Beer, football, automobiles, sausages, castles and palaces are some of the things that Deutscheland – Germany is famous for. The country’s treasure trove of rich history, culture, traditions and heritage, makes it an absolute favourite amongst avid travellers and a must-visit destination for those who haven’t had the opportunity to visit.
Coming up with an itinerary in a short amount of time, that would do justice to the enigma that Germany is, can be quite a challenge. But, don’t worry, be it your visa and passport need or your travel plans, we at BLS International have your back! So, Eins, zwei, drei- Los geht’s, Freunde! Or simply put…let’s go!
Berlin
It’s the lively spirit of Berlin that has earned Germany the title of Das Land der Dichter und Denker (The Land of Poets and Thinkers). The capital city, since time immemorial, has attracted artists, creative thinkers, and students alike. Berlin is a city best explored via its famous bike tours that showcase the city, highlighting its history, food, and culture.
Replete with museums, and galleries, Berlin is a haven for ‘literatis’! Walking through Berlin’s museums is like taking a walk down history’s most solemn and poignant moments. The Jewish History Museum and Topography of Terror encapsulate the tragic history of the massacre of Jews. The horror of the Nazi regime is documented with harrowing video interviews of survivors, historical documents, photographs, and more. Interactive film exhibits and historical filmmaking instruments of Deutsche Kinemathek are sure to satisfy the cinephile in you.
The Berlin Wall, the most emblematic symbol of the Cold War, was knocked down a century ago. But you must visit the site to see powerful stories told by graffiti, inscriptions, and remains in the East Side Gallery and Bösebrücke.
Munich
The elite cousin of Berlin, Munich is an enigmatic amalgamation of beauty, art, and history. We are quite certain that the first thing to pop up when you search the words, “Things to do in Germany” would be a recommendation to attend Oktoberfest. Now the question is, is it as fun as it sounds? Short answer 一 Yes! Long Answer一 Oktoberfest is a one-of-its-kind cultural and beer festival that you simply must experience in a lifetime! You can expect to see people dressed in Bavarian clothes competing in beer-chugging competitions and participating in this grand celebration.
The hiking trails of Munich are sure to convert any and every “beach person” to a mountain lover. As you recover from the adrenaline rush of the Bavarian sporty adventures, don’t forget to hop on a hot air balloon ride and witness some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city and the Bavarian Alps.
No visit to Munich is complete without visiting the neo-romantic palace of Neuschwanstein Castle. The daring design elements of this 6,000 square-meter architectural magnificence with its central heating and automatic flushes and telephones is a testament to German’s innovative and visionary approach.
Fun Fact: Neuschwanstein Castle is the inspiration for Disney’s animated renditions of the castles of Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella!
You can choose to spend your Munich afternoon either with a guided tour or a pleasant picnic. Allow us to make a case for both!
You can go for guided walking tours in the city through the historic district, making several stops to sample and learn about the history behind different Bavarian delicacies. We highly recommend pairing these walks with locally prepared sausages, cheese, pastries, fresh bread with spreads, and pretzels. You can end your tour at Hofbräuhaus. Originally a 19th-century brewery, Hofbräuhaus now regularly hosts year-round events and live music.
Germany truly redefines the meaning of ‘leisurely strolls’, with the aristocratic lawns of Nymphenburg Palace and English Garden. Make sure to pack some pretzels and beer to unwind in the sunkissed grass and grandiose canopy of tall trees, when there.
Frankfurt
Often underestimated as a stopover city, Frankfurt is home to some excellent museums and fairs.
The Renaissance spirit truly comes alive at the Frankfurt Book Fair. The fair is considered the largest event in the publishing industry. Publishers, writers, and creative professionals from all over the world come to hold discussions, network, and celebrate the power of literature here.
With 3,000 paintings, 4,000 photographs, 600 sculptures, and 10,000 drawings from the likes of Monet, Picasso, Bacon, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and other masters of the fine arts, the Städel-Museum is an ode to the elegance of the Renaissance.
Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen with its thirty-eight museums, cider taverns, and pubs beckons travellers with a unique experience that is both intellectually stimulating and socially vibrant. Frankfurt’s scintillating views of Palmengarten and Rhine Valley and the majestic skyline that has earned it the lofty title of “Mainhattan”, inspired by the majestic views of the Big Apple itself!
Cologne
The fourth-largest city in Germany, Cologne, is known for its Gothic architecture, international restaurants, and exquisite cafes. Compared to Berlin and Munich, it is a lot less touristy and gives you an authentic German experience.
The twin spires, medieval stained-glass windows, and giant flying buttresses of Kölner Dom have achieved the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the nation. Talking about gothic architecture, might we recommend a day’s trip to Burg Eltz from Cologne? Burg Eltz is a medieval castle that has been owned by the same family for 33 generations. The castle is set in beautiful hills surrounded by forests that offer amazing hikes and views of the castle from above.
Agnesviertel and Alte Feuerwache are perfect for a laid-back evening of shopping at one of the many bohemian flea markets there and exploring galleries and pubs. The Winter Karneval of Cologne in February is an excellent opportunity to dress up in costume, dance, and take part in the festivities.
Nuremberg
Located a rail ride away from Munich, this small city presents its visitors with pretty islands and bridges to frolic across. The ancient castles, romantic bridges, and famous Christmas market of Nuremberg can easily give Paris, Brussels, and Prague a run for their money.
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany and is a great place to pick and pack up some gifts before the big day. As an added bonus, the Christmas streets of the city are filled with the homely smells of gingerbread and gluhwein. You may unwind after your shopping haul with caffeinated fuel at Bergbrand Rösterei and Caffe Bar Centrale Constantine.
Also, did we mention, one of Nuremberg’s islands is named Liebesinsel which literally translates to “Love Island”? It is literally the cupid city!
That’s it from us! We’ve mapped out your itinerary; all you have to do now is book your tickets. Apply for your visa to Germany at your nearest BLS International visa application centre, and experience a hassle-free service with our ace outsourced visa services. Check out our website www.blsinternational.com for more details!