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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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