Official name: Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Founded: In various territories from the 10th century Population: 81 million (largest in Europe) Size: 137,847 square miles (roughly the size of Montana) Languages: German Major industries: Automobiles, machinery and pharmaceuticals (Europe's largest economy) Famous foods: Bratwurst, bretzels and Black Forest cake |
Five Fun Things About Germany
- It's not all about beer. Cities like Bacharach and Trier, located along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers, have steep hillside wineries that churn out sweet white wines. This was perfect for the wine loving Wagner sisters.
- We got to participate in and watch some extreme sports in Germany from suburban rodelbahn (summer luge), which we did, to surfing in Munich, which we did not do. We also got to see some local bocce ball players in action, which is definitely our speed.
- Donald explained to us that Germans love to get naked, which might make we Puritan Americans uncomfortable. In addition to textile-free baths in Baden-Baden, Munich's English Garden has a nude beach where businessmen sunbathe during lunch. Lucky for visitors to this website, we didn't take any photographic evidence of this.
- Let us eat cake! We learned the hard way that Germans don't indulge in late evening desserts. This meant we had to re-train our sweet tooth to participate in the traditional late afternoon "cake time" when black forest cakes and apple strudel abound at German cafes.
- Germany is a castle lovers wonderland. In some areas like the Rhine and Mosel Valleys, castles were built every few miles along a river so that they could tax passing ships. Between river cruises on the Rhine and bus rides to find hidden castles in the wilderness, we got to satisfy our craving for castles.
Where We Went in Germany
- Bacharach (pre-tour stop): a quiet, quintessential German town with charming people and local Rhine wines
- Trier: formerly a major Roman city with plenty of historic monuments and a modern, lively market square
- Burg Eltz: unconquerable castle hidden in the woods near the Mosel River with classic fortress features
- Baden-Baden: fun town for bathing and gambling with a rich history of royal tourism
- Black Forest Open Air Museum: stepping back in time to see thatch roofed farm houses and old time grain mills
- Munich: crowded beer gardens, salty pretzels and outdoor bocce courts make for one of Europe's most livable cities
- Neuschwanstein: "Mad" King Ludwig's fairy tale of a castle with fanciful decor and incredible details