From Berlin to Frankfurt: The Best of Germany
When many people picture Germany, they imagine the beer-driven festival of Oktoberfest with it’s oversized pretzels, and people dressed in Tracht, traditional German outfits. However, Germany is a country full of history, beautiful countryside with castles hidden through out, and delicious hearty food. It’s a place where medieval meets modernity in its larger cities of Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. It’s a place that if you have the chance to visit that will keep you endlessly entertained.
Places to Visit:
Burg Eltz Castle – Nestled in the hills by the Moselle River between the cities of Koblenz and Trier, Burg Eltz Castle is a Medieval castle that is still owned by one branch of the Eltz family that lived there in the 12th century. The castle is surround by forest, giving it the feeling as if you stepped back in time into a German fairytale. Tours of the fully furnished castle are offered daily from late March to early November.
Cologne Cathedral – Located in Cologne, this massive Gothic catheral is Germany’s most visited landmark. Construction of the cathedral started in 1248, and took seven centuries to be completed in 1880. It’s twin spires, that dominate the skyline of Cologne, stand at a towering 516 feet (157 meters). The church is open daily to visitors, but does limit visitors to parts of the church during religious services.
East Side Gallery – Located in the capital city of Berlin, East Side Gallery is the longest still stand part of the Berlin Wall. After the wall fell in 1989, over 100 artists from 21 different countries descended upon the wall, and painted over 100 murals that commented on the political events that occurred between 1989 and 1900 on the eastern side of the wall. The 1.3 km long wall is now the largest open-air gallery that attracts visitors and street artists from all over the world.
Food & Drinks To Try:
Schnitzel – Typically made from pork in Germany, Schnitzel is a piece of meat thinned by a meat tenderizer, breaded, and then fried until golden brown. This quintessential German meal is usually served with potato wedges, sauerkraut, or Spätzle, and garnished with lemon. This is the must try meal when traveling though Germany.
Apfelwein – While beer reigns supreme in Germany, Apfelwein is specialty in the city of Frankfurt. Characterized by it’s sour taste and pungent apple aroma, this alcoholic cider is the most common drink in the Hessen region of Germany, where two-thirds of apples are grown in Germany.