Popular Destinations: Adventure in Germany

In the mood for an Alpine escape and cosying up in half-timbered houses? Or how about a city tour full of culture and modern architecture? Germany has all of this and more, with adventures to suit all tastes and seasons. This is why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and boasts the strongest economy in the EU. So, what are you waiting for? Gear up for scenic hikes in deep forests, some mediaeval charm and hearty cuisine.

1. Germany has 1,500 types of beer, 300 types of bread and 1,000 types of sausages.

2. One third of Germany is woodlands and forests.

3. There are more than 2,100 castles throughout Germany.

4. Germany has more zoos than any other country, boasting over 400.

5. Culture is very important to the Germans with 6,200 museums, 820 theatres and 8,800 libraries.

6. Acorns can be exchanged for sweets in Germany! That’s right. Haribo, a sweet maker, accepts acorns for sweets from children.

7. 65% of highways in Germany have no speed limit and are called the “Autobahn.”

8. The famous "Oktoberfest" held in Munich  is the largest folk festival in the world.

Germany’s currency is the Euro (EUR) but only since 2002. Before this, Germany used the Deutsche Mark. The official language of Germany is German. The most-spoken languages in Germany besides German include  English, French, Turkish and Russian.

TThe best time for sightseeing in Germany is in summer, which is between the months of June and August. However, because it is the most popular time to travel there, prices are higher and the crowds are much larger. Spring, between March and May, is the better alternative because you can get lower prices and fewer crowds, while still enjoying pleasant weather.

Romantic Road

Southern Germany has been attracting road-trip enthusiasts to Romantic Road since the 1950s. This 460km route connects 29 mediaeval villages and hamlets, making it the ultimate trip through memory lane. Here you’ll see a lot of living German culture with gothic cathedrals and fairy-tale castles inviting you everytime you look up a mountainside. Plus, you can see the famous Neuschwanstein castle that caught Walk Disney’s eye and became Sleeping Beauty’s home.

Cologne Cathedral

This gothic masterpiece took more than 600 years to complete and has room inside for more than 6,000 people. The South Tower was the highest point in Europe till the Eiffel Tower was built. Take the 533-step climb inside to see an epic panoramic view of the city.

Margravial Opera House, Bayreuth

This famous opera house once held massive audiences watching live performances by the likes of Beethoven, Schubert and Haydn. It was the symbol of baroque opulence and made sleepy Bayreuth a popular destination contending with the likes of Paris, Venice and Vienna.

Lake Constance and surrounds

Does the view of the Swiss Alps, sun-drenched valleys and rolling hills sound appealing to you? Then you will love Lake Constance. Rich in culture with mediaeval castles and churches nestled on green cliftops, “Konstanz'' will have you spellbound. You can hop from one idyllic island to the next and see the likes of Lindau and Mainau Island.

Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

This is certainly no mediaeval establishment. Instead it was the essence of industrial efficiency at its peak in the mid-19th century, and the largest coal mine in Europe. When the last coal miner clocked out in 1986, the complex was transformed into a cultural hub of museums, cafés and art performance spaces. However, a guided tour is still available to show you how mining life worked in this complex’s previous life.

• Berchtesgaden National Park

Germany is famous for its natural beauty. Experience it for yourself in Berchtesgaden with a hike or cycle through one of the lush forests. You’ll see crystal-clear lakes, steep rock faces and rolling meadows all around you. There are also many sleepy villages to stop at for a hearty meal.

• Mercedes Benz Museum

If you enjoy the innovation and sophistication of the UAE, you’ll want to explore the world of automobiles in this futuristic museum. Kids will enjoy the display of cars and the adults can enjoy the stories woven into this 8-storey display. What better souvenir to take home than a model bought at the home of Mercedes-Benz?

• Europa Park

There are more than 100 rides and shows in Europa Park; it will be fun for the whole family. A whole day won’t seem enough for the exhilarating roller-coaster and water rides in this park.

• Have a wurst or two

Germany is world-famous for its sausages. More than 800 million currywurst sausages are eaten in Germany every year! Try a pale, lemony Weisswurst or a Currywurst with ketchup and curry powder, these are favourites amongst the locals.

• A spa experience in the Black Forest

The mineral waters that bubble up from the Black Forest attract wellness enthusiasts from all over the world. Baden-Baden in particular is one of the area’s best known spa towns, with 12 thermal springs that produce around 211,340 gallons of water every day. Take a dip in one of their thermal whirlpools, hot-air baths or cold waters before heading to a relaxing room where you can nap undisturbed!

UAE passport holders do not need to meet the German short-stay visa requirements because the UAE is a dummy Germany visa exempt country . However, you will need to apply for a short-stay visa if you have been rejected from entering Germany visa-free before, or if you are a UAE resident with citizenship in a country that falls under the Germany visa regime.

Once you’ve taken care of all your bookings and secured everything on your end, take one step further to ensure your wellbeing on your trip. Allianz Travel has been providing first-class insurance and assistance to travellers from all over the world for over 30 years. Allianz Travel will give you coverage of up to USD 50,000 in emergency medical expenses and an additional USD 300 cover in the case of theft or loss of your travel documents. There’s also an additional USD 5,000 cover in case of personal accidents.

dummy Get in touch with one of our highly experienced consultants today to take care of all your travel insurance needs on your trip to Germany!