Holiday Destinations in Germany

Offering a diverse and exciting range of city break destinations as well as outstanding countryside not to mention fantastic beer and wine, Germany is a tremendously rewarding holiday destination. It has become inreasingly popular over the past few years, especially since reunification and 2012 is sure to continue that trend. Of the cities, of course Berlin is a standout, but there are many more which much to offer including Germany's second city, Hamburg, the cultural and historical city of Dresden and Bavarian capital and beer lover's favourite, Munich.

Germany is the largest country in Central Europe. It borders Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, The Netherlands and Denmark. With it's close proximity to the U.K. it's a prime candidate for a holiday.

Northern Germany

A popular holiday destination for many, Northern Germany features sunny beaches and rolling hills. Bremen is one of the smallest states, with over 1200 years of history, you can catch many festivals throughout the year. Area specialties include Kluten; a traditional peppermint cube covered in chocolate. Böttcherstrasse has many shops with high street art pieces and quality products, and Schnoor is a boutique district in Bremen selling things like African Artifacts, Jewelry, Fine Paper Products and a year round Christmas shop. Other cities in this region are Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Schleswig-Holstein.

Western Germany

The holiday draw of Western Germany is the Rhine Valley and Moselle Valley, with the cities and castles along it. Along with the historic value of this site, Western Germany is known for it's world class wines and vineyards and modern cities jutting up from the picturesque landscape. Düsseldorf is a modern city situated on the Rhine, and it's close to Amsterdam, Paris, and Brussels. Other cities here are Bonn, Koln (or Cologne), Dortmund, Essen and Koblenz.

Central Germany

Central Germany is known as the heart of Germany. Within it's borders is the primeval Thuringian Forest, and Frankfurt am Main the financial capital of Germany. The Thuringian region is relatively unknown outside of Germany, dotted with trees and medieval castles. The Hainch Forest is a must see, with it's tree top walk. The Thuringian Forest itself is also a national park and turns into a winter sports centre in season. In Eisenarch you can see Wartburg Castle, and Mulhausen the home of Bach and John Roebling, the builder of the Brooklyn Bridge. In Hessenpark, in Hesse, you'll find an outdoor museum with half timbered buildings, and Grube Messel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Eastern Germany

The most popular holiday destination in Germany, Eastern Germany is renowned for it's eccentricity, modern and historical Berlin, and of course the "Florence on the Elbe" Dresden. Visit Berlin, one of the great centers of European nightlife and culture. You can bike along the Oder-Neisse Bike Trail, that goes from Zittau to the Baltic Sea. In Saxony, you can visit Dresden, Leipzig, the Ore Mountains (or Erzgebirge) and Freiberg, an 800 year old mining town.

Southern Germany

When you see pictures of the German picturesque countryside, it's most likely from Southern Germany. Here you can find the Black Forest, the Alps, Lederhosen, Dirndls, and Oktoberfest. Bavarians still speak their own language, and keep traditions alive. The Black forest is a haven for hikers and photographers searching for panoramic views. The Bavarian Alps is home to Neuschwanstein Castle.