Welcome to Germany!
Brandenburger Gate, Berlin Germany
In Germany, like most European countries, the royalty left many beautiful castles that give visitors a glimpse of the rich German history. Germany has a long history of Christianity, which left magnificent, historical churches, where visitors can get a taste of art and culture. During the course of World War I, Germany became a republic. During the 1930’s and 1940’s German history took a gruesome turn when Adolf Hitler came into power. Anti-Semitism grew to the point where Hitler and his supporters persecuted the Jewish people of Germany and the countries he occupied to the point of putting them in concentration camps, executing many, and causing the starvation of many. Germany was part of the Axis power in World War II, and the end of the war was fought on German soil. A tourist can visit many museums and landmarks to see this dark time in German history from the German perspective (Kappa, 1999.)
After World War II, the Allied powers divided Germany into four sections: the north-western part under British control, the far western portion under French control, the southern middle portion under American control, and the far eastern part under control of U.S.S.R. The city of Berlin was split in half: the western portion under the western allies control and the eastern part under U.S.S.R. control. The U.S.S.R. built a wall to keep the east and west separate. The portion of Germany that was under control of the USSR was made to pay reparations for the war. In 1989 the wall was torn down and Germany was reunified, but visitors can see what is left of the long-standing wall. Today, western and eastern Germany are still economically divided, but they have come a long way. Germany has been completely accepted in the United Nations, and is dedicated to the cause of human rights around the world and within its own borders (Kappa, 1999.)
The cost of round-trip flights from most major U.S. cities to Munich or Berlin ranges from 2000 to 5000 American dollars.
Germany has mild weather, with warm summers and cold winters. The warmest time to visit is between May and September, and no time is particularly rainy.
Places to Visit
The Brandenburg Gate: The only remaining city gate was built between 1788 and 1791. The gate is located in the middle of the city, and so it was closed during the years the city was split. The gate reopened after the wall was torn down, and is a symbol of the reunification of Berlin.
Museums: Berlin has many museums a traveler can visit, including museums of local history, art, anthropology, and science.
Berliner Dom: A beautiful church topped with three domes that was built in 1905 and attended by the royal family of Prussia. The church was practically destroyed during World War II, but was reconstructed in the 1970s. The crypt houses many bodies of the royal family.
The Neue Synagoge in Oranienburger Strasse: The building was first built in 1866. Ruined in air raids during World War II, it was rebuilt in 1988. The building is a beautiful structure that recounts the history of Jewish people in Berlin.
 |
Schloss Charlottenburg: The castle was built in the late 17th century, and is the biggest palace in Berlin. A stunning example of Baroque architecture, the castle also houses a mausoleum, and the palace grounds are a favorite place to visit to escape the buzz of the city life. The palace and its grounds have been restructured to show visitors what life was like in past centuries in Berlin. |
Old town: The city of Heidelberg has an older neighborhood that is very picturesque. The cobblestone streets of the neighborhood are easily walked. A beautiful statue lies in the center of the neighborhood, which hosts wonderful shops.
Schloss Heidelberg: The centuries-old castle has an incredible view of the rooftops of the old town and the Rhine River. A portion of the castle is ruined, which only adds to the history of the building. The portion that is still standing has a variety of antiques and statues.
Asamkirche: This beautiful Rococo style church was built in 1746. It houses beautiful art, including a painted ceiling and statues.
Neues Schloss Schleissheim: This huge, majestic castle was constructed in the early 1700s. The palace grounds are extensive and beautifully landscaped.
Schloss Nymphenburg: This castle is the largest in Munich, and needed over 70 years to construct during the late 17th century and the early 18th century. This castle, which is the most visited castle in Munich, is surrounded by a lake that is home to swans. Within the palace is a gallery that houses paintings of beautiful women that were collected by one of the castles residents.
Hoftgarten: This open garden, home to beautiful pavilions and fountains, was constructed in the early 17th century. This is a great place to kick back and relax; a quiet spot in a big city.
 |
There are many other beautiful sights to visit in Germany. Make sure when you go to Germany to spend at least a few days just driving down the Rhine, where many old towns will give you the feeling of times gone by. You will be able to see castles in the distance as you drive, and some of the magnificent green landscape. If you are in Germany in October, make sure you stop by Munich for Oktoberfest. Nuremberg is a great place for history buffs to learn more about the persecution of the Jews, and to visit memorials. Above all research and figure out what are the most important sights to see because everyone’s experience will be different, and no one can see it all. Do not forget to visit the remains of the Berlin wall, and while in the cities take time to enjoy the street performers. You may see musicians, mimes, and actors. Most importantly, bring a camera and tons of film, because you will want to take lots of memories home. |
Reference List
berlin1.btm.delinfopool/jsp. February 22, 2003.
heidelbergga.ags.myareaguide.com. February 22, 2003.
Kapp, Arno. Facts About Germany. Societats-Verlog, Frankfurt Germany, 1999.
www.1uptravel.com/international/europe/germany. February 22, 2003.
www.rotian.de/munichtours/english. February 22, 2003.
www.tavelocity.com. February 22, 2003.