Germany Calling: Exploring The Rich History And Cultural Delights

Photo: Felix Mittermeier

Last Updated on July 28, 2023

Germany, a country steeped in history and brimming with cultural treasures, offers a captivating journey for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in its past and present. From majestic castles to vibrant cities, Germany beckons with its rich heritage and diverse traditions.

Historical Landmarks And UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Step back in time as you explore Germany’s historical landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wander through the impressive Cologne Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that took centuries to complete. Visit the awe-inspiring Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairy-tale fortress nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Delve into the remnants of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the city’s tumultuous past.

Even though there’s plenty of beautiful history to behold in Germany, there’s also a much darker side to explore, especially considering the country’s involvement in World War II. For example, you can pay a visit to the Vorbunker and Führerbunker, the locations where Adolf Hitler took shelter.

These are just a few reasons for you to get your visa quickly to catch a glimpse into Germany’s fascinating history and the events that shaped the nation – start your application today.

Discover Cultural Enclaves

Germany boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with world-class museums, galleries, and theatres that celebrate art, music, and performance. Lose yourself in the world-renowned Museum Island in Berlin, home to the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum. Experience the magic of opera at the Semperoper in Dresden or catch a captivating play at the Burgtheater in Vienna. Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Germany, from the classical works of Bach and Beethoven to contemporary artists pushing boundaries.

Embrace A Few German Festivals and Traditions

The German calendar is filled with vibrant festivals and traditions that showcase the country’s rich heritage and lively spirit. Join the revelry of Oktoberfest in Munich, where beer flows freely, and traditional Bavarian costumes fill the streets. Explore the enchanting Christmas markets in cities like Nuremberg and Dresden, adorned with twinkling lights and fragrant mulled wine. Experience the joyous atmosphere of Karneval in Cologne, with its elaborate parades and colorful costumes. Celebrate alongside the locals and embrace the warmth and joviality of German traditions.

Celebrating And Embracing Sexual Diversity

The world has moved forwards in leaps and bounds when it comes to accepting sexuality and decisions around identity, and Germany is arguably winning the race. If you visit Berlin and other large cities, you’ll find a welcoming collection of clubs, bars, and other fine establishments. As well as this, in the latter half of July each year, you can enjoy Christopher Street Day in Berlin (Pride), where the streets are flooded with thousands of people celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Culinary Delights

No exploration of Germany is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Delight your taste buds with pretzels, which are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with tangy mustard. Savor the juicy and flavorsome bratwurst, a traditional German sausage, accompanied by sauerkraut and freshly baked bread. Don’t miss the chance to sample the delectable Black Forest cake or enjoy a refreshing glass of locally brewed beer. Germany’s cuisine is a reflection of its regional diversity and culinary craftsmanship.

Picturesque Landscapes

From the rugged beauty of the Bavarian Alps to the serene shores of the Baltic Sea, Germany offers diverse and picturesque scenery. Embark on a scenic hike through the Black Forest, a dense woodland shrouded in mystique and folklore – a must-see for fans of the notorious Brothers Grimm Fairy tales. Discover the enchanting beauty of the romantic Rhine Valley, with its vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched on cliffs.

Something For The Sport Fans

A visit to Germany is also the perfect opportunity for sports fans to visit some of the best locations in the world, whether they’re into football, F1, skiing, and much more. For example, the impressive Nurburgring, which circles through Nurburg, Herschbrioch, and Quiddleback on its 10–15-minute lap, can be driven for €25-€30.

There’s also a rich football history in Germany, with some of the best teams in the world hailing from there including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig. For fans of the game, a visit to Signal Induna Park is well worthwhile, even if it’s just to witness the largest freestanding terrace in Europe.

When it comes to Olympic stadiums, the iconic venue in Berlin is well worth a visit. Originally built for the 1936 Olympics with a capacity of 110,000, the stadium has consistently been the largest in the country. Even after renovations took the numbers down to 74,475, it was still one of the biggest in Germany.

Feeling A Lot Like Christmas

Even though 78% of Germans state they don’t follow religious faith of any kind, it’s surprising that Christmas is often associated with the country. However, family is extremely important, which is why you’ll find festivities in full swing if you visit during November and December.

There are authentic Christmas markets serving handcrafted gifts and delicious treats including lebkuchen, which is a festive treat packed with flavors. If you want to get the best experience out of a Christmas visit to Germany, make sure you visit the markets in Nuremberg, Hamburg, and Leipzig.

Exploring World Record Breakers

If you’re willing to travel off the beaten track, you’ll find some of the most interesting Guinness Book of Record features. For example, pay a visit to Dresden and you’ll find a milk shop called Pfunds Molkerei, which holds the record for being the most beautiful – a category that likely didn’t have much competition.

The record-breaking fun doesn’t stop there, as the city of Reutlingen is home to the world’s smallest alleyway, which is more akin to a crack between buildings. The alleyway doesn’t measure wider than around 50cm and gets as narrow as 31cm, which doesn’t make it the most practical.

Germany’s allure lies in its rich history and cultural treasures that captivate travelers from around the world. Whether you’re exploring or learning, Germany offers an unforgettable journey filled with discoveries. Prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and traditions that await you in this captivating country. Germany is calling, beckoning you to explore its rich heritage and cultural delights.

 

Love it? Pin it for later!