Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for germany
Germany’s Venice
By Linda Tancs
Canal laden Spreewald is sometimes referred to as Germany’s Venice. Situated about 62 miles southeast of Berlin, it was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1991, a designation reserved for those locales that have demonstrated best practices in environmental conservation. Its compact labyrinth of 171 miles of navigable waterways makes punting one of the most delightful and common means of getting around. What may be less commonly known is that the region was originally settled by Slavic tribes who remain in the area today and lend it their language. When you’re there, be sure to sample the gherkins, the region’s agricultural hallmark.
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Oldest Gingerbread Recipe
By Linda Tancs
Passau, Germany is a gem along the Danube, particularly during the holidays. Its Christmas markets are a popular tourist stop, offering handicrafts for the holidays as well as gingerbread. Lebkuchen (gingerbread) is a classic holiday treat, and Passau reportedly is the site of the oldest gingerbread recipe.
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Fair on the Rhine
By Linda Tancs
For nearly 700 years St. Sebastianus shooting club has presented its fair on the Rhine in Düsseldorf. Taking place from 13 to 22 July, the fair commemorates the day of Saint Apollinaris (23 July), a disciple of Saint Peter and the first Bishop of Ravenna. A highlight not to miss is the procession on 17 July, one of Germany’s largest parades with more than 3,000 uniformed shooters, marching bands, and horses and carriages. Another spectacular event is the fireworks show on 20 July. While you’re there, why not sample the home brew, altbier (old beer). Düsseldorf is the center of brewing of altbier, a traditional German ale.
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A Medieval Wonder in Bavaria
By Linda Tancs
Located at the northernmost bend in the Danube, Regensburg, Germany is a Bavarian city with a distinctive history as a center of the Holy Roman Empire that turned to Protestantism. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage City, the only historic city in Germany to remain intact during the bombings of WWII. Since its beginnings as a military base and trading post in the 9th century, the cityscape now attests to a stunning array of ancient Roman, Romanesque and Gothic structures built over two millenia. It’s one of many sights that river cruisers enjoy along the Danube.
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The Castled Crag of Drachenfels
By Linda Tancs
“The castled crag of Drachenfels/Frowns o’er the wide and winding Rhine” wrote English Romantic poet Lord Byron. That’s a reference to Drachenfels, a 1,053 foot mountain range near Bonn, Germany. The ruined castle atop the mountain bears the same name. A newer castle, down the Rhine and frequently referred to as the Neuschwanstein of the Rhine, is named Schloss Drachenburg, a palace constructed in the late 19th century. A German legend recounts the slaying of a dragon in a cave in the mountain. Hence, the mountain is named the “Dragon’s Rock”, or Drachenfels. An electric railcar connects the summit with the resort town of Koenigswinter.
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A Magical Winter at Europa Park
By Linda Tancs
Europe has had its fair share of snow already this winter season, and that makes the winter wonderland at Europa Park in Rust, Germany even more authentic. If the scent of freshly baked gingerbread and mulled wine doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, then maybe the international parade of lights each evening through the miniature versions of England, Russia, Holland, Greece and Switzerland will cast a holiday glow. Couple that with a larger ice skating rink than years past, a Christmas market, winter circus and a giant ferris wheel presiding over the winter landscape and you have an unforgettable seasonal experience. Visit now through 9 January.
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Landmark Christmas Fair Awaits You
By Linda Tancs
Originating in Germany, Christmas markets have been imitated the world over but the grand dame of the genre is 576 years strong in Dresden. The Christmas Market features, of course, the usual hand-made goodies like glass, candles, wooden toys, puppets and other treats. Edible treats include deep fried curd balls rolled in sugar, ginger bread, sugar roasted almonds, candy floss and stuffed roasted apples. Top it off with a warming wine or rum punch. And don’t forget that Santa Claus arrives promptly each day at 4 p.m. with special treats for the kids until the festival’s close on 24 December.
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300 Years of History in Hamburg
By Linda Tancs
St. Pauli is a district of Hamburg, Germany as well known for its colorful inhabitants as for the icons of popular culture that have performed along its famous Reeperbahn–like The Beatles. During its 17th century beginnings, it was a suburb of Hamburg known as Hamburger Berg, populated with workhouses and hospitals. Stories make history, they like to say. Today the past is chronicled at the new St. Pauli Museum on David Street, a stunning collection of over 3 million documents to inform and amuse you. You’ve heard the expression, if these walls could talk. Well, they do.
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Quaint Quedlinburg
By Linda Tancs
The Harz Mountains is a mountain range in central Germany in the district of Sachsen-Anhalt. At its foot about 1300 houses showcasing centuries of architectual history grant Quedlinburg status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its quaint half-timbered houses are a medieval testament to a bustling 10th century political and social mecca presided over by King Heinrich I. For spectacular views, ride the narrow gauge steam train of the Selke Valley Railway on the line from Magdeburg at Quedlinburg station.
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German Zoo Celebrates 150 Years
By Linda Tancs
Germany’s Cologne Zoo, the country’s third oldest, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. To celebrate this historic event, the zoo will remain open until 10 p.m. on Saturdays throughout August. Other specials include an exhibition of the zoo’s 150 years every first Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. and the chance to experience Nile crocodiles and hippos with the building of the Hippodome to coincide with the anniversary.
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