Lonely Planet Germany

1718 Pages·2013·43.13 MB·English

by  Andrea Schulte-Peevers

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Germany Cover
How to Use this Guide
Germany Map
PLAN YOUR TRIP
ON THE ROAD
UNDERSTAND GERMANY
SURVIVAL GUIDE
Language
Behind the Scenes
Icons Legend
Our Writers

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Plan Your Trip
Welcome to Germany
Top Experiences
Need to Know
First Time
What's New
If You Like...
Month by Month
Itineraries
Outdoor Activities
Eat & Drink Like a Local
Travel with Children
Regions at a Glance
Top of section
welcome to
Germany
Prepare for a roller coaster of feasts, treats and temptations as
you take in Germany’s soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture,
big-city beauties, romantic palaces and half-timbered towns.
Autumn in the majestic Bavarian Alps
F1ONLINE/GETTY IMAGES ©
BEWITCHING SCENERY
Few countries have had as much impact on the world as Germany, which
has given us the printing press, the automobile, aspirin and MP3
has given us the printing press, the automobile, aspirin and MP3
technology. This is the birthplace of Martin Luther, Albert Einstein and
Karl Marx, of Goethe, Beethoven, the Brothers Grimm and other
heavyweights who, each in their own way, have left their mark on human
history. As you travel the country, you’ll have plenty of brushes with
genius, but Germany’s storybook landscapes will likely leave an even
bigger imprint on your memories. There’s something undeniably artistic in
the way the scenery unfolds – the corrugated, dune-fringed coasts of the
north, the moody forests, romantic river valleys and vast vineyards of
central Germany’s backbone, and the off-the-charts splendour of the
Alps, carved into rugged glory by glaciers and the elements. All are
integral parts of a magical natural matrix that’s bound to give your
camera a workout. As much fun as it may be to rev up the engine on the
autobahn, getting off the highway lets you soak up the epic scenery that
makes each delicious, slow, winding kilometre so precious.
PLEASURES OF CIVILISATION
You’ll encounter history in towns where streets were laid out long before
Columbus set sail and in castles that loom above prim, half-timbered
villages where flower boxes billow with crimson geraniums. The great
cities – Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Leipzig among them – come in
more flavours than a jar of jelly beans but will all wow you with a cultural
kaleidoscope that spans the arc from art museums and high-brow opera
to naughty cabaret and underground clubs. And wherever you go,
Romanesque, Gothic and baroque classics rub rafters with architectural
creations from modern masters like Daniel Libeskind, David Chipperfield
and Frank Gehry.
Berlin's bars; part of Germany's cultural kaleidoscope
BRUNO EHRS/CORBIS ©
GASTRO DELIGHTS
Eating well is as important to a memorable journey as captivating
scenery and great architecture. And you’ll quickly discover that German
food is so much more than sausages and pretzels, schnitzel and roast
pork accompanied by big mugs of foamy beer. Beyond the clichés awaits
a cornucopia of regional and seasonal palate teasers. Share the German
people’s obsession with white asparagus in spring, chanterelle
mushrooms in summer and game in autumn. Indulge in black forest
gateau, doner kebab, Spätzle or Michelin-starred haute cuisine. Sample
not just famous beer but also world-class wines, most notably the noble
riesling, while exploring ancient cellars. Experiencing the country through
its food and drink will add a rich layer to your memories (and possibly
your belly!).