Germany Blog

Stories, tips, and reflections about life, travel, and culture in Germany.

  • Discover The Golden Legacy Of Germany’s Classic Films

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    When most people think of the silver screen, their thoughts are of Hollywood stars and blockbuster action movies. And while it may be true that Hollywood (and Bollywood!) produces a large number of new movies each year, there is plenty that the German cinema has to offer too.

    In fact, Germany has a long history of making classic films. If you have never seen any movies from our wonderful country, the following list will help you get started with a few recommendations. The popcorn, however, is up to you. ;-)

    Nosferatu (1922)
    Directed by F.W. Murnau

    One of the first Dracula movies, Nosferatu is still regarded as a classic horror film almost a century after it was made. It starred Max Schreck as that dark creature of the night in a creepy performance of this well-known literary character.

    But why do we call him Nosferatu rather than his better-known appellation of Count Dracula? Well, at the last minute, the studio realized that it couldn’t obtain the rights to the novel, so they couldn’t use the famous name, Dracula.

    Count Dracula was changed to Count Orlok, while the word “vampire” became Nosferatu. However, a rose by any other name is still a rose, and Nosferatu remains one of the most iconic incarnations of this demon-man.

    Metropolis (1927)
    Directed by Fritz Lang

    While Nosferatu brought Germany a horror classic, just five years later the science fiction epic, Metropolis, was released. It has the distinction of bring the most expensive silent film ever made. In fact, it almost bankrupted its movie studio, proving that big budget blockbusters do not only happen in Hollywood!

    This futuristic film shows humans in a deeply divided society where an upper-class lives an idyllic life, unknowingly dependent on a group of underground slaves who must keep the other society functioning.

    Of course, a man of the utopian society falls in love with a woman worker who becomes a prophet for her people.

    Das Boot (1981)
    Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

    This war movie became another classic gem of the German cinema. In English, by the way, this translates as “The Boat” and not “The Boot” as many may think.

    Das Boot tells the story of a group of men on a U-boat during the time of the Second World War. The movie manages to skillfully show the alternating highs and lows of life at sea in wartime. The men live through the excitement and terror of sea battles mixed with the unrelenting boredom that occurs in between.

    —Marcus

  • Time For The Summer Music Festival Season

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    With the warmer weather, everybody just wants to be outdoors. And if you plan on visiting Germany in the next few weeks, there are many other reasons to stay outside too! There’s sunbathing, picnicking, barbecuing and drinking at the beer gardens.

    But the next couple of weeks give you even more. It’s the start of the summer music festival season. No matter what music you have on your iPod, you are sure to find something that fits your taste in this wide variety of open-air concerts.

    Let’s take a closer look, shall we? :-)

    Handel Festival, June 2nd – 12th

    The city of Halle an der Saale is not as well-known as some of our other places, like Munich or Berlin. But it does have its claim to fame as the birthplace of the great composer, Georg Friedrich Händel. Halle holds a tribute to its favorite son this June, inviting many international musicians to interpret Händel’s greatest hits.

    Rock am Ring & Rock im Park, June 3rd – 5th

    These two three-day long festivals in the Eifel and in Nuremberg is certain to please the rockers and headbangers of the world! The Rock am Ring and Rock im Park feature the best and the heaviest in current rock n roll music. Over 150,000 flock to these open-air shows, which are reputedly the largest of its kind in the whole of Germany.

    This year’s fair is no exception. Rock am Ring & Rock im Park 2011 are hosting some of the biggest names in rock — Coldplay, Disturbed, System of a Down and Kings of Leon are just a handful of the rockers who are slated to play.

    Bach Festival, June 10th – 19th

    Come to Leipzig to celebrate this beloved composer in his annual festival! Johann Sebastian Bach was such an important part of this city and his presence can still be felt. The Thomas Church is one of his old haunts that plays host to a concert series featuring his greatest works.

    While most of the tributes will be done by organ or symphony, you’re likely to find all kinds of Bach-related events at all corners of the city.

    The Munich Opera Festival, June 25th – July 23rd

    The Munich Opera Festival has a bit of a late start in comparison to all the other June music festivals, but this century-old tradition is worth the wait. The National Theater is the main venue for a bevy of ballet and opera performances. However, the highlight of the fest is certainly the series of open-air concerts, called “Opera for All.”

    —Marcus

  • Hiking In Rhineland-Palatinate Makes A Perfect Summer Activity

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    If you love some nice hikes in Germany, you’ll find an ideal place to take to the trails in Rhineland-Palatinate. Enjoy history and nature combined into an incredible adventure.

    There are so many trails, it’s hard to know where to begin. Probably one of my favorites is walking through the Hunsrück hills. In the summer you’ll find a flowered wonderland, and in autumn the woods are ablaze with color.

    The Saar-Hunsrück Trail leads you into scenery beautiful enough that you won’t want to forget to bring your camera gear. Climb the high ridges, cross lovely valleys and be rewarded with some spectacular views. Begin at the Cloef observation point and hike down the hill to Mettlach. Follow streams and relax on benches to catch your breath and maybe a bite to eat.

    When you reach Grimburg Castle, you can choose whichever path suits your fancy. You can continue on to Trier, or you can move on to Idar-Oberstein. If going to Idar-Oberstein, you will be heading into the beautiful Nahe Valley. But no matter the path you choose, you will love every minute of your hike.

    Of course, the most famous hike in Rhineland-Palatinate is the Ausoniusweg. Named for a Roman poet, this trek is broken into sections so you can manage each one easily in a short amount of time. Otherwise you’d be on the road for a week or more!

    Starting in Bingen am Rhein, you will find the joy of walking through amazing landscapes. But before you truly start on this Roman Road, you’ll want to stop to see the St. Martin basilica, the “Mouse Tower” as well as the Klopp Castle.

    This road goes from its beginning in Bingen, the first section of the hike ending in Rheinböllen, a distance of 23 km. Then take off for Kirchberg, another 19 km. The next section is to Morbach-Gonzerath, then to the village of Gräfendhron. From there it is 18 km to Fell (Mosel). And the last leg of your journey is from Fell to Trier, a 12 km hike.

    After a long trip such as that, you’ll want to take a break, and there is no better place than in Trier. Don’t miss visiting the oldest cathedral in Germany, and be sure to see the amphitheater in the Olewig district.

    You can spend a lot of time around Trier on some exciting hikes, too. So your adventure isn’t over yet! You can find a trail map at Weißhausbrunnen, and take any one of the nine trails through the forest. At a length of about 38 km in total, you will enjoy the more than 6,000 acres of forestland and wildlife.

    You see, Rhineland-Palatinate offers some great vacation adventures for the whole family. It’s a place of beauty and wonder, at any time of year.

    —Marcus

  • The Amazing Beauty Of Scenic Routes In North Germany

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    Traveling some scenic routes through North Germany will truly give you an accurate picture of why Germans are so proud of their beautiful country. You will view historic sites, visit places of fairytale fame and simply enjoy the scenery.

    If coming from South Germany, you will come to our lovely northern section via the German Fairy Tale Road. If beginning your journey in northern Germany, you still have to be sure to include this route on your itinerary.

    Starting in the south in Hanau, just a half hour east of Frankfurt, as you move northward, you will see settings along the way that take you to your childhood. The landscapes are reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm. In Kassel, for example, you must stop at the Grimm Museum.

    With plenty of family activities to enjoy as you drive, you will find the kids are completely entertained with story-telling fun, puppet shows and much more, no matter what town you stop in. But stopping at the Sababurg (in Hofgeismar) is definitely a thrill for the young ones, as this is where Sleeping Beauty slept away 100 years.

    The remainder of the Märchenstraße consists of lovely rolling hills and wonderful forested terrain, perfect for some outdoor activities, ending in Bremen and its Town Musicians.

    The largest city in the north of Germany is Hamburg. There is plenty to do here as you take a breather from so much driving. You can shop, walk along the Elbe River, or just sit in a small cafe and enjoy some great food.

    Driving from Hamburg to Berlin, you can take a short excursion north to Naturpark Lauenburgische Seen or Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. Everyone will love the large lakes and extensive stretches of forestland.

    Another side trip is to drive through the countryside of the state with the longest name, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, moving along the healthy coast of the Baltic Sea. An old narrow-gauge railway offers mesmerizing trips, running from the spa town of Bad Doberan to the equally relaxing town of Kühlungsborn.

    While in Mecklenburg, be sure to visit Rostock. This town was founded way back in 1218. A walking tour of this town gives you another break from driving and allows you to stretch your legs.

    There is so much to see in North Germany and about the best way to get around and not miss a thing is to rent a car and drive it. You are your own boss this way as well. It makes the experience a marvelous one! :-)

    —Marcus

  • Travel Idyllic Scenic Routes Through South Germany

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    Be sure to bring your camera along when you travel the roads throughout South Germany. The photos you’ll take will allow you to relive the wonders you experience on your trip for years to come.

    Moving along the scenic routes in Southern Germany gives you the opportunity to see an engaging country, meet friendly folks and taste delicious food. A driving vacation gives you a special view of Germany that can’t be beat by any other means.

    Flying into Frankfurt Airport [FRA], Munich Airport [MUC], or Stuttgart Airport [STR] are probably the most convenient ways to access the most popular southern drives. You will experience Bavaria and the Rhine Valley in a way never to be forgotten. Rent a vehicle so you can take your time to enjoy your travels.

    The Rhine Valley will be your first stop. It is only about an hour from Frankfurt, driving northwest. Rüdesheim am Rhein is a good place to start your explorations. If you want to save all your driving time for other roads, you can always choose to take a river cruise between Rüdesheim and Sankt Goar. This is a beautiful boating tour, sure to give you something to remember with love.

    While in Rüdesheim, be sure to take the cable car up to the monument sitting high above the Rhine. Some amazing views await you there. Great restaurants provide great food, too, so you won’t go hungry.

    Next trip will be taking the Romantic Road. Romantic Road is like moving through the old days of Germany. View picturesque scenes of walled towns, gorgeous cathedrals and perhaps come upon a festival celebrating medieval times.

    Head southeast from the Rhine Valley and you will drive for about two hours (stopping to take photos, of course) to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Here you can stop for the night.

    While in Rothenburg, you should explore this medieval town. Take some delicious food at Market Square and visit St. Jakob’s Church. There’s even a museum showing the early ways of crime and punishment. Take a horse and buggy ride through town to really get the flavor of the olden days.

    When you continue on your journey, you will start on the famous castle section of this popular road. Reaching the Neuschwanstein Castle, you have come to the end of this route, but will get to tour two marvelous castles for the price of one. Reservations will be needed, so ensure you book early, before starting your trip.

    The German Fairy Tale Road will be the next route to include on your itinerary. This road begins in Hanau, just a half hour east of Frankfurt. The settings along the way will remind you of the Brothers Grimm, with the landscapes that were the inspiration for many fairy tales.

    The kids will really love this trip, too. There are numerous family-friendly activities all along the way. Pick any town in which to stop to enjoy plays, puppet shows and story-telling events.

    You will end up in North Germany as you travel this well-known path. It’s taking you to a new adventure in another part of lovely Germany.

    Now you’ve seem some of the most remarkable scenic routes South Germany has to offer. :-)

    —Marcus