Tourism in Germany
Tourism in Germany
Written by:
Shamanova Nadejda Andreevna
Group: S-151
Checked by:
Kovaleva Olga Ivanovna
Chelyabinsk
Introduction. 4
1. Germany.. 5
2. Getting there.. 7
3. Accommodation in
Germany. 10
4. Where to go. 13
4.1.Festivals. 13
4.2. National Parks. 15
4.3. Routs in Germany. 20
5. A Journey to Berlin.. 24
5.1. Accommodation in Berlin.. 24
5.2. Sightseeing in Berlin.. 28
5.3. Eat, Drink, Nightlife.. 32
Conclusion. 34
Literature.. 35
Sites. 35
Germany is rich by its tourist
recourses. Each land has a lot of various places of interest. «Come and be enchanted by the HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
OF GERMANY!» - This is the motto chosen by thirteen historic German
cities that have joined together to offer you some truly incomparable travel
experiences. They will all fascinate and delight you - Augsburg, Bonn and Bremen; Erfurt, Freiburg, Heidelberg and Lübeck; Münster
and Potsdam; Regensburg and Rostock; Trier and Würzburg.
Each of these many-faceted cities is
steeped in history. At every turn you will encounter the great names of the
past and enjoy the architectural and artistic heritage of great eras. Deep in the heart of Europe, Germany has had a seminal impact on
Continental history. From the Holy Roman Empire to Otto Von Bismarck's German
Reich, Nazism and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, no other nation has
moulded Europe the way Germany has - for better or worse.
Here, history really comes to life.
And life comes to life too- in every season the calendars are jam-packed with
events for every taste: Top quality concert series, art exhibitions, outstanding
theatre, major international sporting events, colourful street festivals and
traditional Christmas Markets sparkle with lights. This rich, interwoven
tapestry of the past and the modern is also the key to the charm and dynamism
of the historic highlights.
Fairy-tale
castles, medieval towns, boisterous beer halls, breathtaking landscapes and a
cutting-edge arts scene - the land of Beethoven and Bratwurst delights, excites
and inspires.
1. Germany
Environment
The lowlands in the north of Germany stretch from the Netherlands to Poland, skimming southern Denmark where it bridges the North and Baltic seas. The
industrialised central belt cinches Belgium and Luxembourg to the Czech Republic's western prong. The Rhine and Main Rivers, long crucial for inland shipping,
power through the troughs and gorges which cut through the Central Uplands. To
the south, the Danube River drains the Bavarian highlands from the Black
Forest, near the French and Swiss borders, to Munich. The southern reaches of
the Bavarian Alps give way to Austria.
Germany is
not prey to dramatic climatic extremes, although there are regional
differences. The most reliably good weather is from May to October, with high
summer a good bet for shorts and T-shirt, even in the north. Autumn is a good time
to visit Germany. As the tourist scrum disperses and the forests turn golden,
it's not too stifling to be active but still thirsty enough to end the day with
a few well-deserved steins. Winter is wet, especially in the south, with snow
rarely settling for long except in the high country.
Facts for the Traveler
Visas: EU citizens can enter on an
official identity card. Americans, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders and
Japanese just need a valid passport (no visa). Unless you're a citizen of a
developing country, you can probably stay up to three months.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time)
Dialling Code: 49
Electricity: 230V, 50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
When to Go
The German climate is variable so it's best to be
prepared for all types of weather throughout the year. That said, the most
reliable weather is from May to October. This coincides, naturally enough, with
the standard tourist season (except for skiing). The shoulder periods can bring
fewer tourists and surprisingly pleasant weather. There is no special rainy
season.
Events
Germans love to party, and kick up their heels at
everything from pagan harvest romps to black tie opera galas. The Winter
Carnival (Fasching) season occurs throughout Germany, with big cities such as Cologne (Köln), Munich and Mainz erupting into commotion just before Ash Wednesday. Germany's rich musical heritage is showcased in a plethora of festivals. Some towns
concentrate on a particular composer, such as the Thuringian Bach Festival in
March or the Richard Wagner Festival in Bayreuth each July, whereas others
focus on a particular style. The jazz festivals in Stuttgart (April) and Berlin (November) are lively and popular. Autumn is a great time for harvest-inspired
mayhem, especially in the Rhineland, where the Rhine in Flames frolics feature
barges laden with fireworks. Mention must be made of Oktoberfest, Munich's annual lager frenzy, but it's a bit like being stuck in a nightmarish soccer
crowd and is more an example of tourism at its lowest ebb than a display of
German culture. Christmas fairs are embraced wholeheartedly by German families;
they occur in Munich, Nuremberg, Lübeck, Berlin, Münster and Heidelberg, amongst other places.
Getting There & Away
The main arrival/departure points for flights in Germany are Frankfurt-am-Main, Munich and Düsseldorf. Frankfurt is Europe's busiest airport
after Heathrow. An airport departure tax of around US$5 is included in ticket
prices. If you're already in Europe, it's generally cheaper to get to and from Germany by train or bus. While train travel is often more expensive than catching a bus,
it's generally faster, more comfortable (particularly for overnight travel) and
more efficient. Germany is served by an excellent highway system connected to
the rest of Western Europe. Roads from Eastern Europe are being upgraded but
some border crossings are a little slow, especially from Poland. To enter Germany with a car or motorbike, you must have third-party insurance.
Ferries run between Germany's northern coast and Scandinavia and the UK.
Getting Around
By
train. Getting around Germany is easy. Domestic air travel is extensive but unless you're in an awful hurry, you
might as well save your money - the German train network is wonderful. The
railway system enables everyone to travel comfortably to their destination.
There are good connections to both distant and local areas. Airports (Berlin
Schönefeld, Düsseldorf, Munich and Stuttgart) are also merged into
this system. There are 60 different connections to the neighboring European
countries that originate daily in Germany. The customs clearance usually takes
place on the train once it has left the station.
The
eastern and western train systems have now been fully merged, although fares in
the east are still cheaper. Numerous fares and ticket passes are available.
There is usually a surcharge for the InterCity Express (ICE) trains but it's
worth it to travel 250km/h (155mph) through the German countryside. Forget
about buses until you're in train-unfriendly terrain.
By bus. A European bus service completes the railway system. It offers
special connections on particularly interesting routes to tourists. Information
regarding the bus system is also available in each travel agency.
A journey by bus will guarantee comfortable travelling.
Enjoy and experience towns and landscapes in a relaxing way. Lean back and
enjoy the view of diverse landscapes from large bus windows or visit one of
Germany´s famous towns.Get on and relax - once you are comfortably seated,
your well-earned holidays will begin. Besides, you have chosen an
environmentally friendly way of travelling.
Internationaler Bustouristik Verband e.V. (RDA), the international
federation of bus tour operators, has set up a list of operators offering bus
journeys. The list is set up according to the Lands of the Federal Republic of
Germany and is available. Here you will find numerous journeys based on
particular themes, sightseeing tours and club tours. It is also possible to set
up your own journey in co-operation with the operator. Deutsche Touring GmbH offers
attractive journeys on public service buses along Germany´s touristic
holiday routes. Today Deutsche Touring is one of the
most important bus companies in Europe. In cooperation with foreign partners,
it provides regular international services linking over 700 cities throughout Europe. Regional and urban public transportation operators and
associations offer a rich network of short distance bus trips.
By car. If you are travelling by car, an ultra-modern and
efficient freeway network awaits you. Over 700 restaurants,
gas stations, motels and kiosks are open day and
night to travellers driving across the approximately 11,000 km freeway network of the Federal Republic.
German roads are excellent, and motorised transport can
be a great way to tour the country, although most towns have problems with
car-parking. The national and famous motorway network known as autobahn
can be wonderful and nightmare.
Bicycle touring in Germany is very popular. There are
often separate cycling routes in the cities, towns and in the countryside, but
cycling on the autobahn is strictly not allowed.
There is a wide variety of accommodation
possibilities in Germany ranging from a private room to a vacation home up to a
luxury hotel. There are also lower priced lodgings available. Either way,
standards are set and checked so that you can expect a comfortable place to
stay in every case. Hotel corporations and
regional and local tourism organisations publish their own
accommodation directories. You can make room reservations directly through the
hotel chain reservation systems, hotel corporations, the airports and tourism
organisations. Travel agencies also work closely with hotels.
More and more hotels and hotel chains in Germany are including youth specials into their programs. Special youth hostels and youth
hotels have dedicated and specialised themselves to tourists needs. They can
even be accommodated close to the city centers. Vacation villages and vacation apartments are
a good idea for spending more than one night somewhere. Tourists can also spend
the night at one of more than 2000 camping sites or in one of over 600 youth
hostels. Bed & Breakfast is not
just a British speciality. Almost all tourist information points can find you a
private room on arrival and can sometimes even make advance reservations.
Hotel rooms in Germany have a wide selection of price ranges. You can
stay overnight in luxury suites, rooms in middle class hotels or very
inexpensive accommodation in smaller hotels. From Flensburg to Munich, from Aachen to Dresden, you can find hotels to fit your needs according to German hotel classification
standards. Hotels are classified based on a uniform criteria and are
categorised by a certain number of stars (i.e. **** = luxurious). Some of Germanys` finer hotels are Accor, ArabellaSheraton and Maritim
Camping & Caravaning
Whether staying in an RV trailer, motorhome or within
the four walls of your tent, you can be right at home in any beautiful setting.
For a few days or several weeks, delightful landscapes can be directly outside
your front door. Relax in nature and recover from the hectic pace of everyday
life. Germany offers an abundance of camp sites in areas chosen for the
incredible scenery they possess, and their gates are open to everyone. For your
vacation, you can choose from sites located in more tourist areas or, for
longer stays, get away to more remote locations in the middle of the most
gorgeous surroundings.
Guesthouses & inns
Besides hotels in all categories, there is naturally
also a variety of guesthouses and inns which can be found almost everywhere in Germany. They offer a good opportunity for enjoying a low-priced vacation in a family
atmosphere.
Youth hostels
The youth
hostels in Germany are open to all people, whether young or old. Suitable for
short visits or longer stays, hostels are ideal for many different types of
people and activities. Guests can include single people, families, tour groups,
sport teams and youth groups. They come for everything from vacation camps to
ski trips as well as conferences and seminars. The only requirement is that one
must be a member of the German Youth Hostel Association.
Vacation on a farm
The most beautiful time of the year is awaiting you right outside
your door. Vacation farm areas can provide with peaceful, unencumbered days.
Out in the country, you will find elements of life that you otherwise may not
experience. Instead of the hectic pace of everyday life that makes you feel
unacknowledged, you encounter real hospitality in a warm, personal atmosphere.
You will find yourself rejuvenated in such a natural setting whether
just walking outside, fishing, biking or horseback riding. There's no end to the new
experiences and discoveries you can make. The hosts of the farm will spoil you
with regional delicacies like fragrant fresh breads, home-made sausages and
cheeses as well as wine and juices from own vineyards. Diverse leisure
activities for both young and old round off the whole experience in the
country.
Bed and
Breakfast
A Bed and Breakfast is
typically a lower-priced alternative to hotels and inns. Instead of staying in
anonymous hotel beds, you sleep in cosy, private guest rooms. You are welcomed
cordially by your hosts who offer a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy your
stay. In the morning, breakfast is prepared just for you according to your
taste. Your hosts take a personal interest in helping you with providing tips
and information about the area, the country and the people.
A) The Berlinale.
From its beginning in post war Berlin, the Berlinale was
designed to be an international rather than a national film festival.
Over the years the festival has cemented its status as major European film
festival and is easily as important as its competitors in Venice and Cannes.
The Golden and Silver Berlin bear and many honorary awards are much
sought-after.
B) Love parade in Berlin
German
techno guru Dr. Motte and 150 of his closer friends started the rave in 1989.
They met at Berlin's 'Ku'damm' to celebrate a party and to demonstrate for
tolerance and love.
Successfully: the mobile party attracts en-vogue DJs and an enthusiastic crowd.
Some facts: In 2000, the loveparade's busiest year to date, 250 DJs on 53
wagons partied together with over a million guests.
Recently, Austria, Israel, South Africa and Mexico have joined the craze and
organised their own love parades.
C)
Frankfurt's Bookfair
Frankfurt is a big player in global
trade fair business. An annual average of 80 fairs and exhibitions attract
numerous visitors from all over the world.
One of the highlights is Frankfurt's book fair. The biggest book fair worldwide
dates back to the 15th century. Its popularity has increased ever since.
Today, more than 250,000 annual visitors flood the fair.
The aim: information on a selection of the almost 400,000 books which are being
presented. Readings, talks, interviews and other side events offer additional
incentives for an interested public. Book industry, publishers, critics,
readers and writers alike are under the spell of the biggest book fair world
wide.
D) Carnival in Germany
In Germany Mardi Gras ('Fasching') is also
referred to as the fifth and foolish season ('die närrische Zeit'). It is
a time of elaborate parades, masks, balls and election of Carnival king and
queen and official madness.
The exact time of celebration and the traditions vary from county to county,
but it generally takes place in early spring. Munich, Cologne, Mainz are strongholds of Mardi Gras celebrations.
Switzerland and Austria, too, join the
party with enthusiasm following their own traditions.
E) Munich's 'Oktoberfest'
Even though it is called
'Oktoberfest', the festival actually takes place in September, as Bavarian
autumn can be tricky and surprise with early cold and snow. Today, the
'Oktoberfest' is the largest festival worldwide attracting a multitude of
visitors. Apart from beer tents the festival offers amusements as diverse as
roller coasters, circus appearances, festive parades and live brass bands.
The ceremonial opening happens at noon. The mayor arrives in a festive coach
followed by a decorated horse-drawn brewer's cart. Guests, staff and the
numerous brass bands are all wearing traditional costumes (lederhosen and
dirndls) for the occasion. At the end of the parade the major taps the first
keg of beer and shouts, "o'zapft is!" (The keg is tapped).
It takes good nerves and a solid stomach to survive the festivals 16 days of
intensive partying. However, the festival is a huge success: Apart from
attracting a multitude of visitors the festivals brand name 'Oktoberfest' has
been exported all over the world.
A) The Jasmund National Park
The Jasmund National Park offers many different
landscapes within a very small area. Come and visit a cretaceous landscape with
numerous bogs, wet grasslands and dry meadows. The most renowned attraction are
the chalk cliffs surrounding the Königsstuhl which have been captured in
paintings by the famous artist Caspar David Friedrich.
Apart from the Königsstuhl, the highest point on
the chalk coastline, the whole length of the chalk coastline is impressive. It
stretches over a length of 10 km, reaches a height of 117 m and consists of both active and inactive cliffs, illustrating the dynamics of an active steep
coastline.
The national park offers a wide range of activities,
such as hiking and bicycle tours, excursions and seminars which give the
opportunity to explore the most beautiful hiking trails through the
region´s forested landscapes.
The Stubnitz area is not just worth a visit
because of its magical chalk landscape, it is also the home of mythical figures.
On guided tours, organised on a regular basis by the national park
administration, you will find out everything about Hertha, a Germanic goddess,
and Störtebecker, a pirate who is said to have buried treasure somewhere
in this area.
Highlights:
- Cape Arkona with the little town of Vitt
- the fishing port of Sassnitz with its fishing museum
- "Piratenschlucht" (pirate´s gorge) in Sassnitz
- Greifswald's museum with an exhibition of paintings by Caspar David Friedrich
- historic craftsmen's dwellings in Gingst
- Grümbke lookout tower near Neuenkirchen
Activities:
Jasmund offers a wide range of guided tours (daily
tours take place from April - September, both from the parking lot in Hagen to the Königsstuhl and from Sassnitz to the bizarre rock formations of
"Wissower Klinken").
Furthermore, you can visit numerous exhibitions (at the national park
visitors´ center at the Königsstuhl and also at the Granitz hunting
lodge near Sellin).
The biosphere reserve "South East Rügen" organises further
hiking and bicycle tours, as well as excursions.
B) The Wadden Sea of Hamburg National Park
The Wadden Sea of Hamburg National Park, which is the smallest of
three mud-flats national parks, is characterized by three islands:
"Neuwerk", widely covered with meadows and with a population of 40,
"Scharhörn", with its sand dunes, and "Nigehörn"
which has been created artificially. The island group is located directly at
the mouth of the river Elbe near Cuxhaven in northern Germany and protects a landscape of approximately 12,000 hectares of wadden sea.
On guided tours you not only have the opportunity to
learn about the region´s landscape but also about the islands´
historical background.
On the way from Neuwerk to Scharhörn you will walk along trails leading
across seemingly endless mud-flats. Scharhörn, which used to be a
sandbank, is a tourist attraction mainly for its sea bird colonies. On a visit
to the ornithological station you will see one of the largest colonies of sea
swallows.
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