Germany Blog

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

  • The Wonderful Boom In Our German Economy

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    It seems that exports from our wonderful and business-minded country have created a lot of consumer spending and spurred much hiring. This is a promising outlook for the future of Germany’s economy.

    Per reports, the economy of this country is expected to grow 2% this coming year and it is predicted to even reach 1.5% in 2012. Goals of large corporations are being met and beat, meaning even they can’t fully predict what growth Germany will really attain.

    Of course, we Germans are enraptured with the predictions. It simply validates our good sense and determination to succeed. Certainly it has sparked incredible consumer confidence, thus spending.

    Last year, unemployment dropped by a huge margin. This is happy news for all of those who have been out of work and struggling to make ends meet.

    Elsewhere in Europe, prospects are not as great. But this simply means that the outlook for Germany remains good. We become the country to turn to for excellent service, fair prices and quality goods. :-)

    The president of one of Germany’s leading think tanks has also predicted a golden age. He had a view when he wrote his book, “Can Germany Be Saved?” which was one of pessimistic outcomes — but he has changed his views. He believes it has now been saved.

    This is likely true. The German people are enjoying a strong economy and don’t intend to let it slip. They see it in life each day as shoppers turn out to buy their goods, employees work hard at their jobs and factories produce high quality goods.

    Although in 2008-2009 output was cut as the threat of a depression loomed, Germany’s factories have made a comeback, and are enjoying a prosperous 2010 and 2011.

    One of Audi’s executives has commented that 2010 was their best year ever. So the faith that good times are returning is strong and stable. And it seems it is wide spread through all areas of the country.

    The reasons Germany’s economic structure prospers have been under investigation from a number of sectors, and no one can agree on a common factor. Speculation runs high. However, it should seem obvious that Germany should carry on doing what it’s doing to maintain its forward push toward prosperity.

    —Marcus

  • The Greens And Our Rising Environmental Consciousness

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    Because Germany and her people are concerned with environmental health, many strides have been made in improving the country’s richness in resources. And it has been vital to protect for many reasons.

    Surrounded by industrial nations, many pollutants enter the country on the breezes, via the rivers and with the rain. The autobahn offers a path for thousands of automobiles on their way to numerous vacation spots both within Germany and without.

    Germany’s own factories have been a source of pollution, as well as agricultural development and the “necessary” pesticides. But don’t despair. I don’t intend to paint a black picture. Many improvements have been made. And Die Grünen a.k.a. The Greens have assisted in many ways.

    The Green Party (also known as the ecologist party) have as their basic principles not only social justice, nonviolence and a desire to do away with nuclear power, but also a large stress on environmentalism. These principles are known as Green politics.

    It has taken years for the Greens to reach the nationwide popularity they have achieved today.

    To really be considered in the running as a political party, the contenders need to reach at least 5% of the vote. In 1983, the Greens crossed this threshold. They attained 5.6%. In the national election of 1987, they won 8.3%.

    And why has their popularity grown recently? Predominantly due to the nuclear catastrophe in Japan.

    As The Greens carried forward their causes, it became clear their major priority was handling environmental concerns, including ending the use of nuclear power as an energy source. This elicited environmental awareness across the country.

    They have had their ups and downs, of that there is no doubt. For example, in 1990 they only got 4.8% of the vote and no seats in the Bundestag. However, this didn’t stop them. They were back with a larger 7.3% in 1994. And reached an all-time high in 2009 with 10.7% of the vote.

    Now The Greens are the strongest party after the recent elections in Baden-Württemberg. Plus, they are on their way to become Germany’s second largest party.

    The current environmental issues in Germany consist of everything from acid rain, air pollution from coal-burning utilities and Baltic Sea pollution to hazardous waste disposal issues and river pollution. These areas must be addressed and the Greens know it.

    Now to compete with this ecologically minded party in Germany, others must jump on the bandwagon and start making a difference. And a whole “eco-industry” has formed to make environmentally friendly equipment, devices, and cars.

    As The Greens have balanced ideals, they have won many German hearts. And we are sure to see more of them with seats in the Bundestag as they continue to lead the way in the areas of renewable energy, consumer rights, and environmental consciousness.

    —Marcus

  • Bavaria’s Gorgeous Rivers To Catch A Healthy Trout

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    Germany offers some great fishing for those who want some wonderful outdoor experiences when visiting. Bavaria is particularly enjoyable, with many rivers, streams and lakes that contain healthy populations of trout and other fish.

    With more than 400 spots where you can cast a line in Germany, you’ll find a place in Bavaria that will fulfill your fishing dreams. You can look in the Fliegenfischen, a German fly-fishing magazine, and scour the pages to find the fishing spot best for you. They also produce a pamphlet with map so you can narrow down your choices.

    If you like mountain scenery, you’ll find two rivers in the town of Berchtesgaden. Downtown there’s a small store called Schirm-Dink where you can get your fishing permit. Take time out while there to tour the salt mine and go see Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest.

    Closer to Ramsau, you can get in some lake fishing at the Hintersee Lake. The deep, clear waters are filled with brown, rainbow and other trout. On the west side of the lake, at Hotel Gamsbock, you can find daily or weekly permits. Wade the shallows or rent a boat and get out mid-lake to see what you’ll catch.

    Pull out your dry flies and get ready for a day of fishing in Bavaria on the Wiesent River. This marvelous place is located in central Bavaria, and perhaps you’ll catch it at a point where the river is running high. These spring-fed waters offer big trout.

    Next to the Austrian border, many anglers love to fish the Deutsche. This free-running river and its tributary streams offer great catches. Getting out in nature can’t be beat, especially in such a lovely area.

    Both novices and experienced fishermen enjoy the Weiße Traun, near the village of Siegsdorf, with long stretches and gentle beaches. Access is simple, and the normal water levels allow for great wading.

    Always check the weather before embarking on your adventure. Mornings can be misty and gray with fog. But as the sun peeks through and rises, it will burn off the clouds and the day will become pleasant and warm in spring and summer.

    Don’t be put off by the rules and regulations on fishing in Germany. Sure, there are some things you must understand before fishing the lakes, rivers and streams. But this happens anywhere, in any country.

    In Germany, you won’t find any actual public fishing spots. Someone owns all accesses to streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. So in addition to getting a German license, you must pay to fish in various areas. You’ll find permits available in most hotels and other accommodations, general stores and of course, fishing shops. You can get daily, weekly or monthly permits depending on the time you want to spend out there in nature.

    Trout season opens at the start of May and goes through October. Some areas are open all year, but you can find this out once you determine where you are going in Bavaria to fish. That would be the first step — working out where exactly you are heading in Germany’s Bavaria.

    Truly, there’s nothing better than fishing those beautiful mountain streams of Bavaria, and it’s worth a little bit of extra trouble to get access. You’ll find some of the best opportunities to have some superb fishing in Germany are right here, as well as incredible scenery as a backdrop.

    —Marcus

  • It’s Time For Germany’s Springtime Festivals

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    One of the surest ways to know that spring is on the way — apart from the obvious weather cues like melting snow and warmer, sunnier days — is the beginning of Germany’s Springtime Festival season.

    There are many fun fairs and spring festivals that you can attend. And you are lucky to have me to help you sort out the biggest and the best. Let’s take a tour to some of Germany’s major cities and see what they have in store for us this festive season…

    Munich — April 29 – May 15, 2011

    Affectionately called the Kleine Wiesn, or Little Oktoberfest, Munich’s Spring Fair has much of the same spirit of fun as its autumn celebration. You’ll find the weather a bit warmer than in the last weeks of September, however. This two-week-long fair includes all the fun amusement park rides that you would expect. One highlight of past years has been the carousel with a built-in bar!

    Stuttgart — April 23 – May 15, 2011

    The Stuttgart Spring Festival, or Cannstatter Wasen, celebration goes on for three weeks and features plenty of family fun, like face painting, merry-go-rounds, raffles and, of course, beer. Don’t miss the famous giant Ferris Wheel or the traditional food such as Kässpätzle (Swabian noodles with cheese).

    Hamburg — March 25 – April 25, 2011

    Hamburger Dom is a monster of a festival in its sheer size. The fairgrounds stretch for over 3.3 km (over 2 mi!). The Hamburger Dom fair is held three times a year. This event goes back to the 14th century when traders used to use the Dom (Cathedral) as an escape from the bad weather. These days, the revelers enjoy huge Ferris Wheels, weekly fireworks shows and circus entertainment that includes fire-eaters, jugglers and acrobats.

    Frankfurt — April 15 – May 8, 2011

    Known to the locals as the Dippemess, this is actually a twice-yearly event in the city of Frankfurt am Main. Dippemess is the Festival of Stoneware. It began as a humble fair and marketplace in the 14th century that showcased the local crafts of the town residents. Now you can enjoy the more modern version with its roller coasters, fun rides and fireworks.

    Nuremberg — April 23 – May 8, 2011

    This yearly festival in Nuremberg is another great way to celebrate the advent of spring. Food always plays an important role at these fairs and at Nuremberg’s spring fair, you’ll be treated to the lovely smells and tastes of grilled meat and roasted nuts. And it wouldn’t be a German festival unless you washed it down with some beer. Amusement park rides and musical entertainment round out the rest of this fair, which attracts over 2 million guests each year.

    —Marcus

  • Welcome The New Berlin Brandenburg Airport In 2012

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    As the capital city of Germany, Berlin has had its run of airports. The newest is called Berlin Brandenburg International (airport code BBI or BER) a.k.a. Willi Brandt Airport, and is scheduled to open in the latter half of 2012. That is, only if officials have their way. Construction is still underway, despite some protests from local Berliners who are upset over the flight paths.

    City officials hope to stream all of their passengers into this one mega-airport. Right now, Berlin’s air traffic is divided up between Berlin-Tegel Airport in the northwest and Berlin-Schönefeld Airport in the south.

    Because of the long history of these two airports, their size is limited. For the last few years, they’ve been at a breaking point, bursting with passengers and they can not be expanded any further. The obvious solution is to either build a new one or expand an existing one that can accommodate all of those people visiting this vibrant metropolis.

    Now, Berlin decided to expand its existing Berlin-Schönefeld Airport and rebrand it to the new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport. Once this new super-sized airport comes into the picture, the plan is to phase out the older airport of Tegel. A third airport, the historic Tempelhof, was closed in 2008 already.

    Berlin-Tempelhof Airport was once among the twenty largest buildings on earth. Orville Wright, the father of flight, made one of his first flying demonstrations here and the airport also played a vital role in the Allied-led Berlin Airlift at the beginning of the Cold War.

    One of the most notable features of Tempelhof was its canopy-roof, which let passengers disembark in heavy rains without getting wet, and was certainly much-beloved by grateful visitors. The entire complex was built to look like an eagle in flight. The hangars, semi-circle in shape, represented the spread wings.

    Tegel has its own long and interesting histories, which will regrettably come to a close. Before we say good-bye to it, let’s remember its best moments. :-)

    Berlin-Tegel is known for its hexagon-shaped building. This unique shape allows for some of the shortest flight connections you can imagine. Some airport access walkways are just thirty meters (ninety-eight feet). Passengers, which numbered over fourteen million in 2008, will certainly miss the convenience! But Tegel wasn’t always such a well-traveled place.

    The delicate political situation of the Cold War meant that it was, at one time, a highly-restricted airport. Only holders of American, British or French passports were allowed to serve as flight crew (i.e., pilots, navigators, etc.) and only Allied airlines could fly in and out of it.

    Berlin-Schönefeld was once the only airport serving the Communist East Berlin. It is also notable for its great pride in being a “green” airport. During its construction, the crews went out of their way to protect ancient oak trees, and even relocated bats and amphibians whose habitats were in or around the airport.

    So while these airports will be missed, the future is always an exciting place. Visitors to Berlin in the coming years — expected to be over 25 million! — can look forward to a new, cutting-edge airport that will soon create its own interesting history.

    —Marcus