Text Attraction INFO EN - This is Germany

Information

These include especially noteworthy or attractive locations, experiences, buildings, recreational parks, etc.
1. Certain natural wonders have long been famous, such as the chalk cliffs on Rügen, the Loreley on the Rhine River, the Zugspitze in Bavaria (highest mountain in Germany), the caves in the Swabian Jura with some of the oldest art treasures of humankind, or the largest German lake, the Bodensee (Lake Constance). Notable natural landscapes include the Lüneburger Heide (Luneburg Heath) and the Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland). Some attractions combine different features, such as the Deutsche Alleenstraße (German Avenue Road), which features beautiful, coordinated rows of various types of trees.
2. Special antiquities are found throughout Germany. They are usually protected by historic preservation laws, ensuring proper maintenance. Some were buried and needed excavation, such as buildings from Roman times nearly 2000 years ago. Original buildings from this era still exist, notably in Cologne and Trier. Fortresses, castles, towers, medieval cities, and cloisters are more recent. Some are unique enough to be designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Recreational parks, such as the Europapark in Rust, are also highly attractive. Many offer warm water baths, such as thermal baths, saunas, and climbing parks, which are great for activities like flying kites.
3. Germany boasts many varied and comprehensive museums. Newer large museums include the Mercedes Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Traditional museums include the Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg and Roman Museums in Cologne, Mainz, Xanten, and other former Roman settlements. The Saalburgmuseum near Bad Homburg features a reconstructed Roman fortress. Historical museums in Germany cover nearly all aspects of human culture.
4. There are zoos in nearly all former royal residences, showcasing exotic animals and corresponding fauna (plant life) mostly in greenhouses. The oldest and most famous zoo is the Zoological Garden in Berlin.
5. The numerous Landesmuseen (state museums) originated from princely collections and are similar to State Galleries which are divided into ancient and modern art collections. Major cities also have impressive art collections, often supported by private foundations. Notable private galleries include the Frieder Burda Museum in Baden-Baden.
6. In recent years, Germany has adopted the American concept of National Parks. From the oldest, the Bavarian Forest (1970), to the newest, the Black Forest (2014) and Hunsrück-Hochwald (2015), Germany now has 16 National Parks, ranging from the Wattenmeer (mud flats) on the North and Baltic Seas to the Berchtesgaden Park in southern Germany, showcasing outstanding landscapes. The Neandertal near Düsseldorf, known for the discovery of early human remains, is not a National Park but was protected early on in 1914.
7. Germany’s rich history has given rise to many preserved and popular traditions. Notably, the annual Christ Child, Advent, and Christmas markets are widely celebrated, with the Christ Child market in Nuremberg being the most famous. Other popular traditions include Harvest Festivals, Walpurgis, and Halloween, as well as the Munich Oktoberfest and Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart.
8. There are traditional large-scale sports events, such as motorsport events at the Hockenheimring, the Nürburgring, and the Solitude-Racetrack. Important horse racing events include the Iffezheimer Rennwoche. The largest sailing event is the Kieler Woche (Kiel Week). The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is significant for tennis, and the Vierschanzentournee is a highlight of winter sports.
9. Germany does not have a national patriotic holiday celebrated with festivals like those in other countries (e.g., France, USA). German Unity Day on October 3 (commemorating the reunification of East and West Germany on October 3, 1990) is a legal holiday but not celebrated as a festival.
10. Major festival-like holidays with religious origins include Christmas and Easter. In Catholic regions, there is also the Fronleichnamsfest (Feast of Corpus Christi), celebrating the literal Eucharist. In some places, such as Hüfingen, this celebration attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who marvel at the massive flower carpets.
Safety

Notice: Many of these attractions lack sufficient parking within a reasonable walking distance. The police may set up alcohol checks for drivers at these locations. It’s advisable to use public transportation if possible. Professional pickpockets are increasingly active in these areas, so secure your valuables. Recent incidents of molestation of women at such events suggest that women should be cautious, avoid certain areas, and never walk alone back to their lodging. There have been instances of mass panics/stampedes at large events, with some fatalities. Remain calm and familiarize yourself with all exits and escape routes from the venue.

Safety