Germany

Frankfurt                                     Gnu1.2

Germany is in the very centre of Europe, both geographically and economically. It stretches from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea down to Austria and Switzerland in the South. It is a founder member of the European Union and is still one of the strongest and most influential countries within that group, with the largest national economy in Europe. Known for its industrialization, banking and manufacturing, Germany maintains a high standard of living.

There are many factors which make German vacations so attractive to visitors from all over the world. Travel in Germany is very easy, along the fast modern autobahns, or along the winding scenic routes of the Wine route and the Romantic Road. These routes take tourists past the wealth of castles and villages that are scattered through the scenic countryside. English is widely spoken throughout Germany, and particularly in the tourist areas of the Black Forest, the Bavarian Alps and in the major cities.

Germany’s somewhat turbulent history has left it with a wealth of cultural and architectural treasures which are major tourist attractions for German vacations in their own right.

Hartsburg                                   GNU1.2

Despite major bomb damage during the war, Germany’s medieval cities have been magnificently restored and the architectural detail in the cathedrals, Rathauses and civic buildings is quite awe-inspiring. The numerous castles and palaces are the focal point of many German vacations, and can be incorporated into a Rhine cruise vacation.

Germany has a temperate seasonal climate which sees snow on the Alps in the winter, skating on the lakes in the north, and sunny summers which can reach 30C (86F) and higher throughout the summer months. This season is ideal for German vacations in the Black Forest or the beautiful Bavarian Alps. There are a number of national parks throughout Germany, and it is also known for its spas, zoological gardens and animal parks. The national festivals such as the Wine festival and Oktoberfest attract many visitors to travel to Germany on vacation.

German food and drink is also world-famous. Its beers are exported around the world, as are its sweet white wines such as Liebfraumilch and Riesling. German cuisine is centred on tasty sausages, schnitzels, pork and vegetables such as spiegel (white asparagus) and sauerkraut. Visitors will also enjoy the excellent desserts and gateaux for which Germany is so famous.