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Germany:
After a very turbulent history, Berlin
is now Germany's capital - again. After Germany's
reunification in 1990 steps were put in place to restore Berlin's
splendour. After being the center of Germany's imperial
past, it became the headquarters of Nazi
Germany and places like the Reichstag recall that era of history.
The post-war division into Eastern and Western Germany with the
Berlin
Wall dividing the city is another fascinating chapter of modern
history.
Today, economic redevelopment and a real estate boom can be seen
everywhere. Sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Kaiser Wilhelm
Memorial Church, the glitzy shopping boulevard of the Kurfürstendamm,
a walk Unter den Linden (the former East's Berlin masterpiece),
are standard fare for travellers to Berlin.
Another favorite destination for travellers is Germany's south,
the Bavarian
Alps and Bavaria's capital, Munich.
Munich, of course, is the location of the world's largest Oktoberfest
and the Hofbräuhaus
is probably the most well-known beer hall in the world. You can
also catch some nude sunbathing in the Englischer Garten.
Outside of Munich the romantic Castle of Neuschwanstein
is a favourite destination. Winter Sports enthusiasts will enjoy
the Bavarian
Alps and Garmisch-Partenkirchen
was the site of 1936 Winter Olympics. Somber reminders of Germany's
WW II past can be visited first hand in places such as Dachau
and Nuremberg,
The remnants Hitler's mountaincommand post are located on the Obersalzberg.
Germany offers many other areas of interest, how about a cruise
up the Rhine
River, or a visit to Cologne
or the city of Trier, with its history dating back to Roman times?
Other gems include Augsburg, Regensburg, Heidelberg
and many more. Hamburg
is well known as an ancient merchant and trading city as well as
for its red light district. And the Black
Forest area with its quaint villages is another favorite destination
for many travellers.
Here are some essential links for Germany:
Germany
Official Tourism Website
Lonely
Planet Germany Website
Frommer's Germany Website
Berlin's Official Tourism Website
Cologne's Official Tourism Website
Hamburg's Official Tourism Website
Munich's Official Tourism Website
Here are some essential travel books for Germany:
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