Tourist Attractions
Berlin Wall, German Berliner Mauer, barrier that surrounded West Berlin and prevented access to it from East Berlin and adjacent areas of East Germany during the period from 1961 to 1989. In the years between 1949 and 1961, about 2.5 million East Germans had fled from East to West Germany, including steadily rising numbers of skilled workers, professionals, and intellectuals. Their loss threatened to destroy the economic viability of the East German state. In response, East Germany built a barrier to close off East Germans’ access to West Berlin and hence West Germany. That barrier, the Berlin Wall, was first erected on the night of August 12–13, 1961, as the result of a decree passed on August 12 by the East German Volkskammer (“Peoples’ Chamber”).
The original wall, built of barbed wire and cinder blocks, was subsequently replaced by a series of concrete walls (up to 15 feet [5 metres] high) that were topped with barbed wire and guarded with watchtowers, gun emplacements, and mines. By the 1980s that system of walls, electrified fences, and fortifications extended 28 miles (45 km) through Berlin, dividing the two parts of the city, and extended a further 75 miles (120 km) around West Berlin, separating it from the rest of East Germany.
"Sophie Charlotte of Hanover was the younger sister of George Louis of Hanover, who succeeded to the British throne as George I. In 1684, she married Friedrich III, the Elector of Brandenburg and the then Duke of Prussia. Friedrich gave Sophie Charlotte a large estate and the village of Lietze/Lützow, at that time still outside Berlin, and this was the site of her summer palace. Completed in 1699, it was initially known as Lietzenburg Palace. Sophie Charlotte, a great lover of the arts, invited poets, philosophers, musicians and artists to join her at her “court of the muses”. Even her husband King Friedrich I could only visit if she personally invited him. After her death, Friedrich named the palace and the surrounding area Charlottenburg in her honour.
Sophie Charlotte was not the only Prussian queen to leave her mark on Charlottenburg – so did Queen Louise, who was much revered by the general populace. She died in 1810, and is buried in the mausoleum with her husband, Friedrich Wilhelm III, and her son. In the course of the nineteenth century, Charlottenburg Palace was gradually forgotten by the royal rulers. From 1880, it was no longer classified as a royal residence, and the grounds were opened to the public. In the Second World War, the palace was badly damaged, though it was later rebuilt."
The Gendarmenmarkt square is best known for the building trio that frames it: the German the and French Cathedrals and the Konzerthaus (concert hall). Together, they form one of the most stunning architectural ensembles in Berlin.
The eventful history of the Gendarmenmarkt can be traced back all the way to the 17th century. Each historical phase has left its architectural traces.
Reichstag, building in Berlin that is the meeting place of the Bundestag (“Federal Assembly”), the lower house of Germany’s national legislature.
One of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, it is situated at the northern end of the Ebertstrasse and near the south bank of the Spree River. Tiergarten Park is directly west of the building, and the Brandenburg Gate is to the south.
Tourist Attractions
Berlin Wall, German Berliner Mauer, barrier that surrounded West Berlin and prevented access to it from East Berlin and adjacent areas of East Germany during the period from 1961 to 1989. In the years between 1949 and 1961, about 2.5 million East Germans had fled from East to West Germany, including steadily rising numbers of skilled workers, professionals, and intellectuals. Their loss threatened to destroy the economic viability of the East German state. In response, East Germany built a barrier to close off East Germans’ access to West Berlin and hence West Germany. That barrier, the Berlin Wall, was first erected on the night of August 12–13, 1961, as the result of a decree passed on August 12 by the East German Volkskammer (“Peoples’ Chamber”).
The original wall, built of barbed wire and cinder blocks, was subsequently replaced by a series of concrete walls (up to 15 feet [5 metres] high) that were topped with barbed wire and guarded with watchtowers, gun emplacements, and mines. By the 1980s that system of walls, electrified fences, and fortifications extended 28 miles (45 km) through Berlin, dividing the two parts of the city, and extended a further 75 miles (120 km) around West Berlin, separating it from the rest of East Germany.
"Sophie Charlotte of Hanover was the younger sister of George Louis of Hanover, who succeeded to the British throne as George I. In 1684, she married Friedrich III, the Elector of Brandenburg and the then Duke of Prussia. Friedrich gave Sophie Charlotte a large estate and the village of Lietze/Lützow, at that time still outside Berlin, and this was the site of her summer palace. Completed in 1699, it was initially known as Lietzenburg Palace. Sophie Charlotte, a great lover of the arts, invited poets, philosophers, musicians and artists to join her at her “court of the muses”. Even her husband King Friedrich I could only visit if she personally invited him. After her death, Friedrich named the palace and the surrounding area Charlottenburg in her honour. Sophie Charlotte was not the only Prussian queen to leave her mark on Charlottenburg – so did Queen Louise, who was much revered by the general populace. She died in 1810, and is buried in the mausoleum with her husband, Friedrich Wilhelm III, and her son.
In the course of the nineteenth century, Charlottenburg Palace was gradually forgotten by the royal rulers. From 1880, it was no longer classified as a royal residence, and the grounds were opened to the public. In the Second World War, the palace was badly damaged, though it was later rebuilt."
The Gendarmenmarkt square is best known for the building trio that frames it: the German the and French Cathedrals and the Konzerthaus (concert hall). Together, they form one of the most stunning architectural ensembles in Berlin.
The eventful history of the Gendarmenmarkt can be traced back all the way to the 17th century. Each historical phase has left its architectural traces.
Reichstag, building in Berlin that is the meeting place of the Bundestag (“Federal Assembly”), the lower house of Germany’s national legislature. One of Berlin’s most famous landmarks,it is situated at the northern end of the Ebertstrasse and near the south bank of the Spree River.
Tiergarten Park is directly west of the building, and the Brandenburg Gate is to the south.
Tourist Attractions
"The cable cars from Kölner Seilbahn offer you a very particular way of crossing the river Rhine. The 930 meters long ride takes about 6 minutes to get from one river bank to the other.
Experience a unique panoramic view on Cologne, the old town, the Rhine and the beautiful surroundings from a bird’s eye view."
Cologne Cathedral, German Kölner Dom, Roman Catholic cathedral church, located in the city of Cologne, Germany.
It is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and features immense twin towers that stand 515 feet (157 metres) tall. The cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
"The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne was built from 1907 to 1911. It consisted of three adjacent truss arch bridges, each with three arches. While one part of the bridge was reserved for road and tram traffic, the other two carried railway tracks. It was the only bridge in Cologne not destroyed by bombs during the Second World War. On 6 March 1945 the Wehrmacht blew up the bridge to make it difficult for the Allies to cross the Rhine. After the end of the war, one of the two railway bridges was rebuilt and opened in 1948. Between 1956 and 1959 as well as from 1986 to 1987, two more truss arches were added. Today, the Hohenzollern Bridge is a six-track railway bridge and has walkways and cycle paths on both sides.
A special eye-catcher: the bridge railings are now densely hung with colourful love locks. The Hohenzollern Bridge is therefore a popular place of pilgrimage for couples and lovers. The predecessor of the Hohenzollern Bridge was the Dom Bridge, built from 1855 to 1859, which could no longer cope with the increasing railway traffic. The bridge, popularly known as ""Muusfall"", was gradually replaced by the new bridge while traffic continued."
"The most extensive pop art collection in Europe. The third largest Picasso collection in the world. One of the best collections on German Expressionism. One of the most important international photography collections. One highlight follows the next in this museum! The basis for the founding of the museum in 1976 was a generous donation of 350 works of modern art by Peter and Irene Ludwig to the city of Cologne.
Since then, the museum, which bears the name of its donors, has constantly expanded its holdings and is now one of the most important collections of 20th and 21st century art in the world. On a tour you will discover big names from the last 100 years, meet the decisive artistic positions, come across beautiful but also provocative works that have made history and will continue to do so."
"The museum was completed in 1974 above the place where the Dionysos mosaic was found. The collection gives a lively picture of the Roman culture on the Rhine over three floors.
It is possible to see everyday objects such as containers, coins and toys, a precious Roman glass collection and other findings from the early settlements in the Rhineland."
Schildergasse is Cologne's most popular shopping street and also one of the most-visited shopping streets in Germany. Its highlight is the Weltstadthaus, which resembles a huge glass whale.
Inside the "whale" is the Peek & Cloppenburg clothing store. Along Schildergasse you'll also find other major department stores such as Galeria Kaufhof, H&M and Zara. And of course there's no lack of shoestores. The streets around Schildergasse also offer great shopping opportunities.
Tourist Attractions
"The cable cars from Kölner Seilbahn offer you a very particular way of crossing the river Rhine. The 930 meters long ride takes about 6 minutes to get from one river bank to the other.
Experience a unique panoramic view on Cologne, the old town, the Rhine and the beautiful surroundings from a bird’s eye view."
Cologne Cathedral, German Kölner Dom, Roman Catholic cathedral church, located in the city of Cologne, Germany.
It is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and features immense twin towers that stand 515 feet (157 metres) tall. The cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
"The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne was built from 1907 to 1911. It consisted of three adjacent truss arch bridges, each with three arches. While one part of the bridge was reserved for road and tram traffic, the other two carried railway tracks. It was the only bridge in Cologne not destroyed by bombs during the Second World War. On 6 March 1945 the Wehrmacht blew up the bridge to make it difficult for the Allies to cross the Rhine. After the end of the war, one of the two railway bridges was rebuilt and opened in 1948. Between 1956 and 1959 as well as from 1986 to 1987, two more truss arches were added. Today, the Hohenzollern Bridge is a six-track railway bridge and has walkways and cycle paths on both sides. A special eye-catcher: the bridge railings are now densely hung with colourful love locks. The Hohenzollern Bridge is therefore a popular place of pilgrimage for couples and lovers.
The predecessor of the Hohenzollern Bridge was the Dom Bridge, built from 1855 to 1859, which could no longer cope with the increasing railway traffic. The bridge, popularly known as ""Muusfall"", was gradually replaced by the new bridge while traffic continued."
"The most extensive pop art collection in Europe. The third largest Picasso collection in the world. One of the best collections on German Expressionism. One of the most important international photography collections. One highlight follows the next in this museum! The basis for the founding of the museum in 1976 was a generous donation of 350 works of modern art by Peter and Irene Ludwig to the city of Cologne. Since then, the museum, which bears the name of its donors, has constantly expanded its holdings and is now one of the most important collections of 20th and 21st century art in the world.
On a tour you will discover big names from the last 100 years, meet the decisive artistic positions, come across beautiful but also provocative works that have made history and will continue to do so."
"The museum was completed in 1974 above the place where the Dionysos mosaic was found. The collection gives a lively picture of the Roman culture on the Rhine over three floors.
It is possible to see everyday objects such as containers, coins and toys, a precious Roman glass collection and other findings from the early settlements in the Rhineland."
Schildergasse is Cologne's most popular shopping street and also one of the most-visited shopping streets in Germany. Its highlight is the Weltstadthaus, which resembles a huge glass whale.
Inside the "whale" is the Peek & Cloppenburg clothing store. Along Schildergasse you'll also find other major department stores such as Galeria Kaufhof, H&M and Zara. And of course there's no lack of shoestores. The streets around Schildergasse also offer great shopping opportunities.
Tourist Attractions
Visit the most diverse regions of the world in just a single day: explore Las Vegas, the Alps or the Norwegian fjords in only a few hours − it is possible in the Miniatur Wunderland. Located directly along the Elbe river in Hamburg's Speicherstadt (traditional warehouse district),
it features the largest model railway in the world and is one of the most exciting tourist attractions in Germany. Far more than ten million visitors have marvelled at this wonderland in the meantime, which – in an area that is some 1,300 m² large – replicates in miniature sights from Scandinavia to the USA, from quayside to the mountains peaks of our world.
"In the heart of central Hamburg, Planten un Blomen park is linking inner city shopping streets with Hamburg convention and exhibition centres, Hamburg University and the bars and pubs of St. Pauli. In other words, it functions as the connector between the Outer Alster lake and the Elbe river. Covering 450,000 sqm of reclaimed medieval fortifications, the park lives up to its name. Planten un Blomen is Low German and translates to 'Plants and Flowers'. The park offers manicured flower beds, herb gardens and vast lawns. Idyllic ponds as well as themed gardens are a popular time-out spot for business people and university students alike.
With access to central Hamburg, the park is never far away. From west to east locals walk to the Neustadt quarter with its busy shopping streets and restaurants from either the University or the more alternative St. Pauli and Karolinenviertel quarters. From Landungsbrücken to the south Planten un Blomen is spanning to the Messehallen exhibition halls and Dammtor station in the north. And no matter where you enter the park from, there is always something to explore."
"The Port of Hamburg is an internationally well-known and an important seaport of Germany. According to ranking statistics with respect to container capacity, the port is placed first in the whole of Germany, second in the whole of Europe and 11th amongst the other ports of the world.
The port forges an important water network to the pivotal North Sea by the River Elbe. Extending to a geographic area of 7,250 hectares, the Hamburg Port has a total berthing capacity of 320 and can be utilised for any and every kind of cargo vessel."
Tourist Attractions
Visit the most diverse regions of the world in just a single day: explore Las Vegas, the Alps or the Norwegian fjords in only a few hours − it is possible in the Miniatur Wunderland. Located directly along the Elbe river in Hamburg's Speicherstadt (traditional warehouse district), it features the largest model railway in the world and is one of the most exciting tourist attractions in Germany.
Far more than ten million visitors have marvelled at this wonderland in the meantime, which – in an area that is some 1,300 m² large – replicates in miniature sights from Scandinavia to the USA, from quayside to the mountains peaks of our world.
"In the heart of central Hamburg, Planten un Blomen park is linking inner city shopping streets with Hamburg convention and exhibition centres, Hamburg University and the bars and pubs of St. Pauli. In other words, it functions as the connector between the Outer Alster lake and the Elbe river. Covering 450,000 sqm of reclaimed medieval fortifications, the park lives up to its name. Planten un Blomen is Low German and translates to 'Plants and Flowers'.
The park offers manicured flower beds, herb gardens and vast lawns. Idyllic ponds as well as themed gardens are a popular time-out spot for business people and university students alike. With access to central Hamburg, the park is never far away. From west to east locals walk to the Neustadt quarter with its busy shopping streets and restaurants from either the University or the more alternative St. Pauli and Karolinenviertel quarters. From Landungsbrücken to the south Planten un Blomen is spanning to the Messehallen exhibition halls and Dammtor station in the north. And no matter where you enter the park from, there is always something to explore."
"The Port of Hamburg is an internationally well-known and an important seaport of Germany. According to ranking statistics with respect to container capacity, the port is placed first in the whole of Germany, second in the whole of Europe and 11th amongst the other ports of the world.
The port forges an important water network to the pivotal North Sea by the River Elbe. Extending to a geographic area of 7,250 hectares, the Hamburg Port has a total berthing capacity of 320 and can be utilised for any and every kind of cargo vessel."
"The Port of Hamburg is an internationally well-known and an important seaport of Germany. According to ranking statistics with respect to container capacity, the port is placed first in the whole of Germany, second in the whole of Europe and 11th amongst the other ports of the world.
The port forges an important water network to the pivotal North Sea by the River Elbe. Extending to a geographic area of 7,250 hectares, the Hamburg Port has a total berthing capacity of 320 and can be utilised for any and every kind of cargo vessel."
Tourist Attractions
"Nowhere else can the brand be felt as strongly as here. BMW Welt is situated within the main BMW factory, the company’s headquarters in the legendary BMW Tower (also home to the BMW Museum). BMW Welt is a place filled with stories and history. Experience all the brands and products of the BMW Group – including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW Motorcycles – at BMW Welt.
Learn about the BMW brand at the BMW Museum. The BMW Museum offers a fascinating presentation of the company, brand and BMW product history. About 125 of the brand's most valuable and attractive automobiles, motorcycles and engines are displayed in this building, spanning an area of 5,000 m²."
"Nowhere else can the brand be felt as strongly as here. BMW Welt is situated within the main BMW factory, the company’s headquarters in the legendary BMW Tower (also home to the BMW Museum). BMW Welt is a place filled with stories and history. Experience all the brands and products of the BMW Group – including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW Motorcycles – at BMW Welt.
Learn about the BMW brand at the BMW Museum. The BMW Museum offers a fascinating presentation of the company, brand and BMW product history. About 125 of the brand's most valuable and attractive automobiles, motorcycles and engines are displayed in this building, spanning an area of 5,000 m²."
The English Garden in Munich connects the natural landscape of the Isar meadows in the north of Munich with the old town over a length of five and a half kilometres.
Sights in the English Garden include the Monopteros with its unique view, the surfers at the unique Eisbach wave, the Japanese Tea House and Kleinhesseloher Lake. Don't miss the traditional Kocherlball or the Christmas market and beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm.
The English Garden in Munich connects the natural landscape of the Isar meadows in the north of Munich with the old town over a length of five and a half kilometres.
Sights in the English Garden include the Monopteros with its unique view, the surfers at the unique Eisbach wave, the Japanese Tea House and Kleinhesseloher Lake. Don't miss the traditional Kocherlball or the Christmas market and beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm.
It is hard to believe but it is true. In the 16th Century Bavaria was not yet a beer drinking nation. Anyone who thought anything of themselves drank wine – or beer from Northern Germany.
This imported beer was expensive and the rulers of Bavaria were always thirsty.
It is hard to believe but it is true. In the 16th Century Bavaria was not yet a beer drinking nation.
Anyone who thought anything of themselves drank wine – or beer from Northern Germany. This imported beer was expensive and the rulers of Bavaria were always thirsty.
"Munich's Marienplatz with the New City Hall is the world-famous center of the Bavarian capital. Here is what you can discover at Munichs central square.This square is named after the statue of the Virgin Mary that has stood here for centuries.
Marienplatz had always been Munich's central square and market were held here. Even now this is a popular shopping destination with hoardes of boutiques and stores, complete with restaurants and pubs to satiate the hungry shopaholics! The true heart of Munich, this is a lively place with street performers, from mimes to musicians. During Christmas, the square is host to the Christkindlmarkt, a must visit flea if you are visiting during festival season. The magnificent neo-gothic Neue Rathaus (New Town Hall), dominates the norther stretch of the square, while the majestic Alter Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is towards the east. A visit to this square is a must for a true Bavarian feel.
"Munich's Marienplatz with the New City Hall is the world-famous center of the Bavarian capital. Here is what you can discover at Munichs central square. "
"Munich's Marienplatz with the New City Hall is the world-famous center of the Bavarian capital. Here is what you can discover at Munichs central square. "
"The Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle in the north-eastern corner of the city (the Neuveste, or new citadel), was transformed by the rulers over the centuries into a magnificent palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town. The rooms and art collections spanning a period that begins with the Renaissance, and extends via the early Baroque and Rococo epochs to Neoclassicism, bear witness to the discriminating taste and the political ambition of the Wittelsbach dynasty.
Much of the Residence was destroyed during the Second World War, and from 1945 it was gradually reconstructed. Today, with the museums of the Bavarian Palace Administration (the Residence Museum itself, the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theatre) along with other cultural institutions, this is one of the largest museum complexes in Bavaria."
"The Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle in the north-eastern corner of the city (the Neuveste, or new citadel), was transformed by the rulers over the centuries into a magnificent palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town.
The rooms and art collections spanning a period that begins with the Renaissance, and extends via the early Baroque and Rococo epochs to Neoclassicism, bear witness to the discriminating taste and the political ambition of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Much of the Residence was destroyed during the Second World War, and from 1945 it was gradually reconstructed. Today, with the museums of the Bavarian Palace Administration (the Residence Museum itself, the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theatre) along with other cultural institutions, this is one of the largest museum complexes in Bavaria."
"Located in the west of the city, Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) and its extensive park are one of Munich's top sights. "
Royal splendour, lavishly decorated interior and romantic little castles in the park will make your visit worthwile. Take your time, for there is a lot to see here!
"Located in the west of the city, Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) and its extensive park are one of Munich's top sights.
Royal splendour, lavishly decorated interior and romantic little castles in the park will make your visit worthwile. Take your time, for there is a lot to see here! "
"Over the years, the market has evolved from just a farmers' market to a popular market for fresh food and delicacies . It offers exotic ingredients that are not available anywhere else in the area, and is renowned for its diversity and size.
There are 140 stalls and shops offering flowers and plants, fruits and vegetables, venison and chicken, eggs, butter, honey, fish, meat, sausages, herbs, spices, delicatessens, wine and tea assembled on an area covering 22,000 square meters."
"Over the years, the market has evolved from just a farmers' market to a popular market for fresh food and delicacies . It offers exotic ingredients that are not available anywhere else in the area, and is renowned for its diversity and size.
There are 140 stalls and shops offering flowers and plants, fruits and vegetables, venison and chicken, eggs, butter, honey, fish, meat, sausages, herbs, spices, delicatessens, wine and tea assembled on an area covering 22,000 square meters."
