EUROPE
Discover the Hidden Quirks of Germany
Germany
About
Germany is located in the middle of Europe and borders nine countries whilst also touching the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful country with a vibrant culture and history. The country is filled with many stunning landscapes and has tens of thousands of castles and cathedrals scattered around the nation. Germany is credited with having the first book ever printed and known worldwide for lederhosen, autobahn and traditional German beer. Three of Germany’s most significant cities are Berlin, Munich and Hamburg.
The capital of Germany, Berlin, is a very vibrant city with great cultural importance. Berlin has a perfect mix of historic buildings with modern architecture. The city is also known for its great nightlife, as there is an abundance of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants here. While in the capital city, a must-do is Brandenburg Gate. This landmark is iconic to Berlin and is found in the heart of the city. This picturesque monument is over 200 years old and is lit up at night, allowing for an even better experience for any visitor. For something a bit different, why not travel to Berlin’s outskirts and jump into one of the numerous bathing lakes found around the city. During the summer months, these lakes allow for the perfect relaxation day as you can bathe in the calm, warm water and forget about any worries you might have and just chill.
Munich, located in the south of Germany, is a city with stunning architecture and a love for art and culture. In Munich, you will find a great selection of museums and natural beauty in its many parks found all throughout the city. The perfect time to visit Munich is in September and October during Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is a party festival held annually in Munich which involves drinking beer and having a good time. It is a must-do for any tourist in Munich during autumn time. One of the best ways to experience Munich is to do a walking tour to discover all the best things that Munich has to offer, such as Olympiapark, Nymphenburg Palace, and tasting local cuisine.
Hamburg is found on the river Elbe. Hamburg is a very trendy city with a lot of diversity so caters to the needs of all different types of tourists. Take a walk down the city centre, and you are bound to see many buildings with colourful street art. Hamburg also has many narrow alleyways which give a rustic feel and makes for stunning pictures. Every Thursday, Hamburg hosts a “Street Food Session” where food trucks arrive in Spielbudenplatz. Here lies a 100-metre-long table where people buy street food such as pretzels and schnitzels and sit at the long table and tuck into their delicious food. To experience something different in Hamburg, visit Minatur Wunderland, located in the middle of the city. This is the largest model railway in the world. Step inside this miniature world and spend hours admiring the tiny details that each individual piece has. This attraction is perfect for people of all ages.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Languages spoken include German.
- The official currency used is Euro (€).
- Major airports include Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Berlin Tegel (TXL), Munich Airport (MUC), and Dusseldorf Airport (DUS).
- In Germany, summer months average at daily highs of 24°C/75°F and lows of 13°C/55°F. In winter months there are average daily highs of 4°C/39°F and lows of -1°C/30°F.
- Tipping is not common in Germany.
- Make sure to head to the shops before they close! Nearly all shops are closed on Sundays in Germany./strong>
- Germany drives on the right side of the road.
- The drinking age is 16 years old.
- Power plugs are of type C, and F. Voltage is 230 V and frequency is 50 Hz.
The Quirky and Unusual
Wuppertal Schwebebahn
Within the city of Wuppertal on the west side of Germany, the train system is unique in that it is a suspension railway. This means the trains hang from a railway line while travelling over the beautiful streets of Wuppertal.
Although this railway system seems like something from the future, amazingly it first opened in 1903! This makes it the oldest electric suspension railway in the world. On first glance, these trains seem like a dangerous hazard, but surprisingly they are one of the safest forms of transport as there has only been a singular fatal crash in its entire 100+ year history.
The railway is an amazing experience as it almost looks and feels like a rollercoaster while you hover over the city. It gives a great view and perspective of Wuppertal all for the price of a regular train ticket. Standing under the carriages as they seemingly float past gives a scary yet exciting feeling. It is a must-visit if travelling to a nearby city such as Dusseldorf or Cologne.
Address: Wuppertal, 42283, Germany
Coordinates: 51.2681, 7.1925