Germany

• Destinations
• ➝
• Germany

Germany is a country rich in natural beauty. Between the North Sea and Baltic coasts in the north and the peaks of the Alps in the south lay extremely diverse landscapes, with everything from wide expanses of river and lakeland scenery, hilly uplands and densely wooded regions to agricultural plains and industrial conurbations. The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany at 2,963 metres. Germany's longest river is the Rhine, which flows through the country for a total of 865 kilometres. Germany has 14 national parks, 101 nature reserves and 15 biosphere reserves.

Today, life in Germany is subject to a great diversity of cultural influences. It can generally be described as modern and cosmopolitan. The people of Germany love nothing more than getting together and celebrating, in traditional style during carnival season, at wine festivals, at the Oktoberfest and other beer festivals, or during music festivals from classical to rock – all helped along by great food and fine wines from the 13 vineyard regions.

• Bank holidays

  Public Holidays:

  • January 1st: Neujahrstag (New Year)
  • March / April: Karfreitag (Good Friday)
  • March / April: Ostersonntag (Easter)
  • March / April: Ostermontag (Easter Monday)
  • May 1st: Tag der Arbeit / Maifeiertag (May Day / Labour Day)
  • Easter Sunday + 39 days: Christi Himmelfahrt (Ascension Day)
  • Easter Sunday +49 days: Pfingstsonntag (Pentecost)
  • Easter Sunday + 50 days: Pfingstmontag (Pentecost)
  • October 3rd: Tag der Deutschen Einheit (Day of German Unity)
  • December 25th: 1. Weihnachtstag (Christmas)
  • December 26th: 2. Weihnachtstag (Christmas)

  Regional Holidays:

  • January 6th2: Heilige Drei Könige (Epiphany), regional holiday (Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Sachsen-Anhalt)
  • Easter Sunday + 60 days: Fronleichnam (Corpus Christi), regional holiday (Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Hessen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland)
  • August 8th: Augsburger Friedensfest (Peace of Augsburg), regional holiday (Stadt Augsburg)
  • August 15th: Mariä Himmelfahrt (Assumption of Mary), regional holiday (katholische Gemeinden Bayerns, Saarland)
  • October 31st: Reformationstag (Reformation Day), regional holiday (Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Thüringen)
  • November 1st: Allerheiligen (All Saints' Day), regional holiday (Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Saarland, Rheinland-Pfalz)
  • November 21st: Buß- und Bettag (Day of Repentance and Prayer), regional holiday (Sachsen)

• Top things to do

  1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

  The world's most famous castle, Neuschwanstein, is nestled in the Alps, and it seems to come straight out of a fairy tale; Walt Disney drew inspiration from it for his classic, Sleeping Beauty. Neuschwanstein (new-swan-stone) is the most photographed building in Germany. King Ludwig II designed his dream castle in 1869, and instead of an architect he hired a theatrical set designer to realize his vision. Take a tour through the flamboyant castle's interior. Highlights include a gaudy artificial grotto, the Throne Room with its giant crown-shaped chandelier, and the lavish Minstrels' Hall.

  2. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

  More than any other landmark, the Brandenburg Gate is the national symbol for Germany. Built in 1791, the gate was a symbol of peace. It is crowned with the winged goddess of victory, riding a four-horsed chariot. During the cold war, when Berlin was divided in two, the Brandenburg Gate stood between East and West Berlin. It was here, in front of the Gate, that former American President Reagan said his famous words, “Mr. Gorbatschow, tear down this wall, Mr. Gorbatschow, open this Gate.” After the wall fell in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate became the symbol of Germany's reunification.

  3. Museum Island, Berlin

  Berlin’s Museumsinsel (Museum Island) is a unique ensemble of five museums, including the Pergamon Museum - built a the small island in Berlin’s Spree River between 1824 and 1930. A cultural and architectural monument of great significance it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1999. Berlin’s own Acropolis of the arts is considered unique because it illustrates the evolution of modern museum design over the course of the 20th century and its collections span six thousand years of human artistic endeavour.

  4. The Romantic Road

  The Romantic Road is one of Germany's best scenic routes, leading you through a region that boasts quintessential German scenery and culture; charming medieval towns surrounded by walls and towers, half-timbered houses, historic hotels, castles, and restaurants that offer hearty food and great beer. Highlights along the Romantic Road: the picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany, and the castle Neuschwanstein.

  5. City of Weimar

  Weimar is a city in Thuringia, in the East of Germany. To visit Weimar is to get at the heart of German culture. Since Goethe moved here in the late 18th century, Weimar has been a site of pilgrimage for the German intelligentsia. The list of former residents reads like the “Who's who” of German literature, music, art, and philosophy: Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Friedrich Schiller, Walter Gropius, Wassily Kandinsky, and Friedrich Nietzsche are only a few of the many luminaries that lived and worked here. Weimar is the also the birthplace of the Bauhaus movement , which created a revolution in design, art, and architecture in the early 20th century.

  6. The Cathedral of Cologne

  The Cathedral of Cologne is one of Germany's most important architectural monuments and the third tallest cathedral in the world. It took over 600 years to construct this gothic masterpiece, and when it was finished in 1880, it was still true to the original plans from 1248. When Cologne was leveled by bombings in World War II, the Cathedral was the only building that survived. Standing tall in an otherwise flattened city, some said it was divine intervention. A more matter-of-fact explanation is that cathedral was a point of orientation for the pilots.

  7. The Hofbräuhaus and Oktberfest, Munich

  It might be a cliché, but it is an essential German experience: Visit the Hofbräuhaus in Munich, the most famous beer hall in the world. This Bavarian institution has defined gemütlich (“comfy”) since 1589. Wash down Bavarian specialties and giant pretzels with beer that is only served in one-liter glasses. Plan to be in Germany for Oktoberfest, the world's largest fair with over 6 million people annually, eating sausage and sauerkraut and drinking Oktoberfest beer. Celebrate in 14 different beer halls, and enjoy Bavarian “Schuhplattler”, alphorn players and yodelers.

  8. The Dresden Frauenkirche – The Church of Our Lady, Dresden

  The Dresden Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady, has a moving history: In World War II, when air-raids wiped out the city center of Dresden, the grand Frauenkirche collapsed into a 42 feet high pile of rubble.  The ruins were left untouched for over 40 years as a reminder of the destructive powers of war. In 1994, the painstaking reconstruction of the church began, almost completely financed by private donations; in 2005, the people of Dresden celebrated the resurrection of their Frauenkirche.

  9. The Black Forest

  If you imagine Germany with rolling hills, small villages and lush forests, visit the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), where you can experience it all. The vast expanse of hills, valleys, and forests stretches from the posh Spa-town Baden Baden to the Swiss border, covering an area of 4,600 square miles. Walking, biking or driving – there are many scenic routes that will lead you to tiny villages, wineries and old-world monasteries. Two of the most recommended tours are the Wine Route and the German Clock Road, which traces the history of the cuckoo clock. But remember: No visit to the Black Forest is complete without a piece of Black Forest Cake, with chocolate, cherries, cream and a good dash of cherry schnapps.

  10.   The Christmas Market in Nuremberg

  The old center of Nuremberg with its imperial castle towering majestically over the city is certainly worth a visit any time of year. But starting in November, the famous Christmas market turns this city into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through this open-air market with its 180 wooden huts festooned with red and white cloth, lights and fresh garlands.

  There is also a Christmas market just for kids, featuring a steam train and nostalgic carousels. A magical moment for young and old is the procession, where over 1500 Nuremberg kids join in a lantern procession parading up to the castle on the hill.

• Getting there

  Entry Requirements:

  To enter Germany you need a passport that is valid for at least fourth months from your date of arrival. For citizens of EU countries a valid identity card is sufficient.

  Visa:

  EU citizens do not require a visa. Citizens of all other countries will generally need a visa, with the exception of some countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement. Nationals of those countries do not require a visa for visits to Germany lasting no longer than three months in a six-month period.

  Customs:

  Goods from other EU countries do not incur duty as long as you carry them with you and they are intended for your own personal use.

  Goods imported into Germany from a non-EU country are duty-free up to a value of €175.00. There are restrictions for specific goods, such as tobacco, alcohol and perfume.

  Climate:

  In the northwest and the north the climate is oceanic. Rainfall occurs year-round, especially in the summer. Winters are mild and summers tend to be cool, though temperatures can exceed 30 °C.

  The east has a more continental climate; winters can be very cold and summers very warm, and long dry periods are frequent.

  Central and southern Germany are transition regions which vary from moderately oceanic to continental. In addition to the maritime and continental climates that predominate over most of the country, the Alpine regions in the extreme south and some areas of the Central German Uplands have a mountain climate, characterized by lower temperatures and greater precipitation.

  Religion:

  Around two thirds of Germany's population are Christian. They are fairly evenly split between Protestants and Catholics, but there are more Protestants in northern Germany, while the South has more Catholics. Germany is also home to around four million Muslims and about 100,000 Jews.

  Vaccinations:

  No vaccinations are required.

  However, between spring and autumn there is an increased risk of contracting illnesses caused by ticks, such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Ticks are usually found in ground-covering vegetation. The best protection against them is to wear clothing that covers as much of the skin as possible. If you are bitten, you should seek medical attention as a precaution.

  The areas of highest risk are Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, as well as certain regions within Hessen, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia. In these areas, TBE vaccinations are recommended for anyone likely to spend a lot of time outdoors.

  Language:

  The main language is German, of course. However, you should be aware that there are many different regional accents and dialects, although High German is understood everywhere.

  Many Germans also speak good English, so there should not be any language barriers for foreign visitors.

• Did you know...?

  • German is the most frequently spoken language in the European Union and number two on the Internet?
  • German is spoken by more than 100 million people worldwide.
  • There are 35 dialects of the German language.
  • German is the official language of 5 countries: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein. It is also spoken in Northern Italy and the French provinces of Alsace and Lorraine.
  • Germans are the second largest beer consumers in the world, after the Irish.
  • Beer is officially considered a food in Bavaria.
  • The most popular German surname is Müller.
  • Chancellor Angela Merkel has a Barbie doll made after her.
  • Historically, Germany was known as the Holy Roman Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Weimar Republic.
  • 31% of the country has been kept with forests and woodlands, with Hesse having the most.
  • There are over 300 kinds of bread in Germany.
  • Germany is the first country to adopt Daylight Saving Time (DST) in 1916.
  • Gummy bears were invented by a German.
  • The balcony of the hotel Michael Jackson dangled his son over is in Berlin.
  • While it is called Oktoberfest, it actually starts in September.
  • The first Oktoberfest was a wedding celebration for Prince Ludwig of Bavaria.
  • 65% of the Autobahn (highway) has no speed limit.
  • The Cologne Cathedral took 632 years to build. (Bill Bryson in Neither Here Nor There (p. 88) wrote: “It is absolutely immense, over 500 feet long and more than 200 feet wide…It can hold 40,000 people. You can understand why it took 700 years to build – and that was with German workers. In Britain they would still be digging the foundations.”)
  • When JFK visited Berlin, he infamously said “Ich bin ein Berliner,” which also translates to “I am a jelly donut.”
  • The longest word published in the German language is Donaudampfschifffahrtselektrizitätenhauptbetriebswerkbauunterbeamtengesellschaft (79 letters). 
  • Famous Bavarians include Pope Benedict XVI, Richard Wagner, Richard Straus, Thomas Mann, Levi Strauss, and Rudolf Diesel.
  • The world’s tallest cathedral is in Ulm.
  • Berlin has the largest train station in Europe.
  • Holocaust denial is a crime in Germany.
  • There are over 150 castles in Germany.
  • The Christmas tree (Tannenbaum) tradition came from Germany.
  • Freiburg is the warmest German city.
  • There are over 60 beer gardens in Munich.
  • Germany has over 400 zoos, the most in the world.
  • There are over 1,000 kinds of sausages in Germany.
  • Germany borders 9 countries (Austria, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Luxemburg, Holland, Czech Republic, and Poland).
  • Most taxis in Germany are Mercedes.

• Trips, Tours & Activities

  IN BERLIN

  All Berlin: discover, in less than 4 hours, everything that you should not miss of one of the most exciting cities in Europe.We will begin with the origins of Berlin in the district of San Nicolas and see the Museum Island and the Berlin Cathedral. We will stroll through the Kaisers Avenue, Unter den Linden, past the Humboldt University, the Royal Library, the State Opera and one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin, the Gendarmenmarkt. We will get to know the details of Hitler's rise to power and see the remains of the Gestapo headquarters, as well as remembering the Jewish Holocaust with his memorial. We will tell you how the Berlin Wall was born, how it fell and how it was lived with, through the stories of the Germans who risked their lives to move to the West. We will admire the spectacular end up in Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate, symbol par excellence of Berlin.

  Departing time : 10 am (daily)

  Meeting Point : right outside the entrance to the Alexanderplatz TV tower.

  Duration: 4 h

  Sachsenhausen: A touching visit to one of the largest concentration camps. Sachsenhausen was intended to be the model and the most important of all fields. More than 200,000 people passed through Sachsenhausen and at least 50,000 of them died. What kind of prisoners were confined? What was their daily routine in the field? What kind of work and punishments were they adjudicated? Through the experiences told by survivors, photographs taken by the SS and documents found after the end of World War II, you will get to know the true story of concentration camp.

  Departing time: 10 am (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday)

  Meeting Point : right outside the entrance to the Alexanderplatz TV tower.

  Duration: 6 h

  Transportation not included. Required daily ticket ABC zone.

  Advisable to take something to eat or drink.
  NEW: From June 2011 the Foundation Concentration Camp charges 1 EUR to every visitor. Not included in the price of the visit.

  Potsdam: A Journey into the past. Potsdam, one of the most beautiful and stately cities across Germany. Frederick II, known as Frederick "the Great" was a great lover of the arts and culture and made ​​great efforts to beautify the city with palaces and gardens. Potsdam is also a city steeped in history: we cross the bridge where the CIA and KGB exchanged spies during the Cold War, we pass the palace where Stalin met with Churchill and Truman to divide Germany. We will see the Dutch Quarter and visit Sanssouci and other palaces that served as the residence of the Hohenzollern dynasty. A nice walk to enjoy a day out discovering a little more of the culture, history and traditions of Germany.

  Departing time: 10 am (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday)

  Meeting Point : right outside the entrance to the Alexanderplatz TV tower.

  Duration: 6 h

  Transportation not included. Required daily tiket ABC zone.

  Berlin's Neighbourhood: The most authentic Berlin. Discover what lies beyond the monuments. How is the neighborhood life in Berlin? The history of the city is written every day by its inhabitants. Immerse yourself in their lives through the two most peculiar neighborhoods of the capital: the multikulti in the West and the alternative in the East. We will visit the Turkish market in Kreuzberg, known as the most authentic to the west of Istanbul, and wander through its streets. Crossing the river Spree by the Oberbaumbrücke, a frontier bridge in the days of divided Berlin, we will get to Friedrichshain to stroll along the East Side Gallery, the longest stretch of wall remaining in the city. Finally we will contemplate some tipical socialist architecture in a monumental avenue, the Karl-Marx-Allee.

  Departing time: 4:30 pm (Tuestay, Friday)

  Meeting Point : right outside the entrance to the Alexanderplatz TV tower.

  Duration: 3 h

  Transportation not included. Required a daily ticket AB zone.

  The Old Jewish Quarter, Art and Courtyards: What effects did the of Berlin's "Night of Broken Glass", the "Wannsee Conference" and the "miracle of Rosenstrasse women" have in the Jewish population? Analyze the evolution of one of the most charismatic neighbourhoods of Berlin, now filled with art galleries nestled among beautiful courtyards that will help you to discover.

  Departing time: 4 :30 pm (Wednesday, Saturday from MARCH until SEPTEMBER)

  Meeting Point: right outside the entrance to the Alexanderplatz TV tower.

  Duration: 2,5 h

  The Cold War, Stasi and The Wall: By Who, how, when and why was the tragically famous Berlin Wall raised? What and who was the Stasi? What methods where used to get the population under control? Visit the only section that remains of the "Death Strip", recalling clever breaks that allowed the reunion of family and loved ones. A sum of successes and failures in search of freedom.

  Departing time: 10 am (Monday)

  Meeting Point: right outside the entrance to the Alexanderplatz TV tower.

  Duration: 3 h

  Transportation not included. Required a daily ticket AB zone.

  Berlin on Bike: Join us to enjoy Berlin on wheels: a fun and unique experience!  Berlin is a flat city, green and friend of the bike. Our tours take this advantage for such cycling lanes and streets with low traffic. We stopp every 100 yards or so to talk about the monuments, so our tours are not exhausting at all. If you have just enough time to see Berlin, then this is your tour! In addition to passing through all points of historical and cultural interest of the city, we pass through the largest park in Berlin, the Tiergarten and along the River Spree. Enjoy the green and of the street as the Berliners and look closely at the extent of government landmarks on cruise bycicles (comfortable seats, wide wheels and steering wheels, fun rings, racks or baskets ...).

  Departing time: 11:30 am (Tuestay, Friday, Saturday & Sunday from ABRIL until SEPTEMBER)

  Meeting Point: right outside the entrance to the Alexanderplatz TV tower.

  Duration: 3,5 h

  IN MUNICH

  All Munich: Discover mor than 8 centuries of the Bavarian capital, through its history, architecture, culture and traditions. Starting at Karlstor, we will go over St. Michaels church, where the rests from « Mad » King are, Marienplatz with the Town Hall and its famous carillon at the tower, the Frauenkirche and the devil´s footprint, the Opera place, the Feldherrnhalle and the monument to the Bavarian generals, the Bürgersaalkirche, the Royal Residence, St. Peters church and many more till all the historic and interesting points of the city have been seen, even the hidden ones. This tour doesn´t just stop in front of the buildings, we even go into some of them to lead you to understand as best as possible its history. Let us discover them!

  Departing time: 10 am (daily)

  Meeting Point: in front of Karltor, at Karlsplatz (Stachus)

  Duration: 3,5 h

  Concentration Camp Dachau: A didactic way of learning from history, with the highest respect for the victims, with accredited guides formed for the same Memorial. Weeks after the rise to power of Hitler, Dachau was established as a political concentration camp that ended as a reference for other concentration camps, as well as a “Violence School” for the SS (State Security). During its 12 years of existence, from 200.000 prisoners that went through more than 40.000 were murdered. Going through the same gate as prisoners went, the same roll-call area, the entry room, bathrooms, bunker, barracks, prison, the crematorium area, gas camera and many different monuments, we will analyze prisoner’s daily life getting away from sensationalism.

  Departing time: 10 am (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday)

  Meeting Point: in front of Karltor, at Karlsplatz (Stachus)

  Duration: 5 h

  Transport not included. München XXL ticket recommended. We could help you to buy it.

  Third Reich: “The capital of movement” as Adolf Hitler called it, still conserves visible traces of some of the facts that changed millions peoples life. What was the role of justice, propaganda, religion, arts at the beginning of Nazism? The party foundation, the coup d’état, the Goebbels book burning, the exposition of “Degenerated art”, “The Night of Broken Glass”, as well as the biggest Speech of Hitler are going to set us up to understand what Nazism really mean. We will look for original settings: the Justice Palace, the “Haus der Kunst” or Art house, the building where Hitler´s office was and the Hofbräuhaus to end at the university where were fatally discovered the Scholl brothers. Discover with us the different stages of Third Reich!

  Departing time: 10 am (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)

  Meeting Point: in front of Karltor, at Karlsplatz (Stachus)

  Duration: 3 h

• Accommodation

  Accommodation at a price to suit both business travellers and holidaymakers.

  Germany's hotels, guesthouses and other types of accommodation are among the best in Europe. They range from basic campsites to luxurious star-rated hotels and cater to your every need, including disabled access.

  Traditional or ultra-modern, but always welcoming, accommodation in Germany represents outstanding value for money. Guests always come first, whether you're staying on a campsite, in self-catering accommodation, on a river cruise ship, in a specialist clinic or at a hotel with a star rating. Surveys and reviews on social networks show that guests experience high standards of quality, professional service and welcoming staff everywhere in Germany.

  Bookings can be made directly through Golocio Deutschland GmbH in Germany. We look forward to seeing you.

• Transfers

  We offer transfer services all over Germany.  Airport-Transfers, chauffeur services and guided visits with chauffeur-guide. We can also provide train tickets and all kind of transportation on request.

• Meetings and events

  Two thirds of the world's flagship trade fairs take place in Germany. More than 6,000 event venues ranging from state-of-the-art congress halls to ultra-professional hotels and unusual locations are available for conventions, conferences and other events.

  Outstanding infrastructure, reliable and professional partners, state-of-the-art technology and high-quality service are factors in our success as a business travel destination.

  If your aim is to stage a convention to wow experts from all over the world, or to run the perfect conference, event or incentive trip that people will talk about for ages, Germany has much in its favour. How about great value for money, excellent infrastructure and the arts scene you would expect from the country that produced Goethe and Schiller?

  Outstanding global image

  'Made in Germany' is a guarantee of quality that is recognised all over the world, and the same goes for meetings in Germany, where the conference and event sector is of premium quality.

  The highest levels of professionalism at competitive prices.

  Compared with the rest of Europe, German hotel rates are particularly low while standards are high.

  One location – a wealth of options

  Whether you are organising a major convention or an elite strategy meeting, a product launch or a cultural event, Germany has the right setting for every occasion.

  If you're searching for a location in which to present your products and services to your customers, or you want to find out about trends and innovations, look no further than Germany. Why not use the positive image of Germany to the benefit of your organisation?

• What we recommended

  Shopping

  Berlin has a lot in store for shopping sprees. From wickedly expensive temples of consumption overflowing with designer labels to flea and antique markets, shopping malls, bargain stores and the whole spectrum in between. For luxury designers and international chain outlets head for Kurfürstendamm or Friedrichstrasse. For flair, trendier boutiques and hip Berlin labels browse around Mitte.

  Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzienstrasse

  Tauentzienstraße, the extension of Kurfuerstendamm is an ideal shopping mile for the whole family with diversity in styles as well as price categories. World famous KaDeWe department store on Wittenbergplatz is a must for its Food Halls and international designer labels. With over 60,000 square metres of selling space and more than 380,000 articles available, it is the second largest department store in Europe; trumped only by Harrods in London. It attracts 40,000 to 50,000 visitors every day.

  Strolling towards the Ku'damm you'll find popular fashion stores such as H&M or Zara. Souvenir Shops are at the Europa Centre and the traditional Café Kanzler on Kanzler Eck with its great street views of the Ku'damm is an established highlight. Exclusive labels including Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci and Jil Sander while further down the boulevard on the elegant side streets such as Fasanenstrasse and Bleibtreustrasse are chic boutiques and specialty stores.

  Friedrichstrasse

  For an exclusive shopping experience in Mitte try the Friedrichrichstadtpassagen and its 'Quartiers'. Quartier 206 for upmarket high-end international designer wear in an art deco atmosphere or the French emporium Galeries Lafayette, in Quartier 207. The spectacular building by Jean Nouvel is known for its stunning luminous glass cone in the entrance. More stores and a large food hall with abundant international specialties in Quartier 205 provide an ideal lunch-break stopover. The three buildings are located between the subway stations "Stadtmitte" and "Französische Strasse".

  Potsdamer Platz Arcades

  Right in the centre of the New Berlin just off Potsdamer Platz are the 'Arkaden'. The lively shopping mall spreads over three floors in a pleasant, airy setting with over 130 shops. Ideal for browsing from fashion and accessories to electronic devices. A good choice of gastronomic selections, many cafés and an Italian ice-cream parlour make the Arkaden a popular meeting place before or after a movie at the nearby Cinestar in the Sony Center - where non-dubbed films are screened in the original version.

  Hackescher Markt

  Hackescher Markt and Hachesche Höfe (courtyards) is a great place to head for a lively mix of shops, bars and cafés. Set away from mainstream boulevards this is the place to soak in the New Berlin's local, trendy atmosphere. The district, known as Sheunenviertel, along Schönhauserstrasse is a magnet for those looking for smaller shops, indie fashion labels or outrageous shoes. A great corner of former East Berlin bustling with energy, creativity and innovative esprit.

  Charlottenburg: Savignyplatz

  Shopping around Savignyplatz in Berlin Charlottenburg, a short walk off the Ku'damm, is a quieter, side-street experience ideal for browsing, discovering a small shoe shop, unsusual jewellery or just the right accessory. A good area for fans of furniture and interior design - the multi-storey Stilwerk in the Kantstrasse is a must.

  Second-Hand

  There are countless places in Berlin for second-hand shops. A big selection of second-hand clothes is on sale at Colours in Bergmannstrasse, Kreuzberg and in Trash-Schick in Wühlischstrasse, Friedrichshain. Have a look at our yellow pages. You'll find nearly everything you need in Berlin's second-hand shops.

• Special events

  Germany, home of the car

  Brands such as VW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Opel, Audi and BMW are synonymous with high quality and innovation and enhance the image of Germany as a travel destination.

  More than 200 attractions and museums up and down the country offer exciting experiences themed on cars and technology. Volkswagen, for example, has opened a fantastic theme park its home city of Wolfsburg. The Autostadt is set in 25 hectares of parkland, and art lovers will be able to find just as much inspiration here as engineering enthusiasts, multimedia fans and those looking for peace and quiet. Adrenaline and action are guaranteed at Germany's five major race tracks, including the Nürburgring and Hockenheim Grand Prix circuits, where you even can get behind the wheel yourself and experience the thrill of being a racing driver. Germany also has more than 150 themed holiday routes that offer exceptional driving experiences through captivating landscapes and regions. We look forward to seeing you soon in Germany, the home of the car.

  Creative Germany

  Germany has traditionally been known as the 'country of poets and philosophers'. But even now, people in Germany are still setting trends every day, coming up with innovative ideas and pushing the boundaries of art.

  There are five main areas of inspiration. Art thrives at a multitude of museums and up-and-coming galleries. Universities and specialist academies produce design in its most innovative form. Fashion of the experimental but wearable kind comes to the fore at internationally established events such as Bread & Butter and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. And finally we have architecture – for which Germany is a magnet for the very best in the world.

  Discover this melting pot of ideas right here on this website and learn how the 'Made in Germany' label has evolved into the 'Created in Germany' brand.

  Christmas markets in Germany: a delight for all the senses

  Tempting aromas, the festive glow, all the wonderful sounds of the season and delicious yuletide treats. Germany's Christmas markets will appeal to every one of your senses.

  Beautifully decorated stalls offer handicrafts and gifts, festive baked treats, glühwein and delicious regional specialities. All the while, choirs and brass-bands provide festive musical accompaniment. Throughout Germany, Christmas markets celebrate seasonal customs and traditions in delightful historical settings. Particularly popular with visitors are Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt and the Striezelmarkt in Dresden.

  Choose from more than 150 of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. Click on the symbol on the map of Germany for a picture, opening times and a link for each market.

  Spiritual travel – special places linking Heaven and Earth

  Walking pilgrimage routes, staying in a monastery, attending religious festivals and enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside are some of the many spiritual experiences available in Germany.

  Spiritual travel is wellness for the soul. Visitors to Germany can walk traditional pilgrimage paths, retreat to the tranquillity of a monastery or visit churches and other historical religious sites to find peace, inspiration, comfort and energy. Experience enchanting scenery, striking architecture, places of historical interest and traditional events with a religious theme. Anyone who feels inspired to take time out to find themselves is welcome – whether religious or not. Find time for tranquillity, relaxation and spiritual inspiration – the important things in life.

  Theme Parks: Fun, thrills and entertainment

  At Germany's theme parks and family attractions you can have the time of your life. White-knuckle rollercoasters, magicians, acrobats, and action-packed stunt shows are just some of what you can expect.

  The fun never stops at Germany's theme parks and family attractions. You can look forward to lands of adventure, thrilling encounters with animals large and small, fabulous rides and rollercoasters, and splashtastic water parks. Smiles on faces are as good as guaranteed. Wherever you decide to go, you can be sure that you'll never have seen anything like it before. So what do you want to do today? In Germany, you can simply visit the places that you enjoy the most, whether it's a theme park, a wildlife park, a zoo or a family attraction. We'll see you soon!