Vacation Reviews-Travel Destinations-Travel Guides

Frankfurt, located in the federal state of Hesse, lies in the heart of central Germany. The city is the financial hub of Europe and home to the German Stock Exchange and the European Central Bank. Frankfurt is known for its futuristic skyline and the biggest German airport.

Frankfurt hosts some of the world’s most important trade shows, such as the Frankfurt Auto Show and the Frankfurt Book Fair. It is also birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Holiday in Frankfurt can be a rewarding experience for those who take the time and trouble to explore it. Those who travel to Frankfurt will find some superb shopping, marvellous museums, interesting historic sites, world-class opera and some charming neighbourhoods like Nordend and Bockenheim.

The city is spread out on the banks of the Main river, the biggest part of town lies on the north bank. Frankfurt city centre is located east of the central train station, this is where most banks and other institutions are as well. The south bank is known as Sachsenhausen and is very nice to explore. Most of the museums are located on the Museumsufer, the south bank of the main, near the city centre. Römerplatz is the place where the old medieval heart used to beat and a good spot from which to explore the historical buildings of that area, such as the Römer and the St. Bartholomäus church.

Those who planning to travel to Frankfurt for pleasure should check the events calendar and perhaps avoid coinciding with one of the many large international trade fairs and expos that are held in the city, for this makes affordable hotel rooms and restaurant bookings hard to find. Weather-wise, summer is the best time to holiday in Frankfurt when the weather is sunny and warm, with the occasional wet day.

The city’s new motto, “Munich Loves You,” may be a bit commercial, but it is exactly how you will feel from the very moment you find your bags at the airport. It is also not overeagerly presumptuous to say that whoever you are, this Bavarian capital will have you head-over-heels enamored with some or all parts of its eclectic mish-mosh of cultures. There is absolutely something for everyone when you travel to Munich.

Of Germany’s major cities, Munich is Berlin’s more cosmopolitan sister, with perhaps a bit of an adolescent identity crisis. Throughout history Munich has often taken a different path from the general German way. During the Reformation, Munich remained staunchly committed to the Catholic Church, and while the people enjoyed the flourishing Renaissance period, the Duke marveled in such endeavors as bankrupting those very institutions.

Additionally, Munich’s Kingdom of Bavaria maintained its sovereign status from Germany until Ludwig II’s notorious habits prompted Germany to fully incorporate the region in 1871. After World War I, Munich was a hotbed of social movements where the Nazi party was capable of growing deep roots and slowly taking hold of government. By 1938, the first concentration camp, Dachau, had been constructed to the north. Visitors to Munich can take a tour of this historic site, which has largely been destroyed but contains memorials and an extensive collection of information on World War II.

When in Munich

The best way to experience Munich is to think and act like a local. There are a multitude of wonderful cultural experiences in the center of town that are overlooked by many visitors. Assimilate your way into Bavarian life by attending any one of the superb classical or modern plays at the Residenztheater, a wonderful artistic alternative to the National Theater that is also in the city center. To the northeast, the royal family’s summer residence, Nymphenburg Palace, is also a more desirable alternative to the crowded and touristy Residenz in central Marienplatz for its magnificently vast gardens, stables, winter ice-skating, natural history and science museum and open public parks. The palace is open for public viewing year-round as well. At night, pubs and jazz clubs open their doors with generous hospitality to anyone who shows a little respect and appreciation for the German way of life. Veer off the main square to find a meal fit for a Bavarian King and cocktails among chatty natives.

Beyond Beer Gardens in Bavaria

Although Munich is home to one of the largest beer gardens in the world, not to mention the famous Oktoberfest, its proximity to Italy, the Alps and the Mediterranean coast makes Munich the ultimate German destination for city travelers. Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy Munch; however, winter in known for its riotous six-week pre-Lent gala of Festivals, Balls and overall indulgence. Even if Munich is just a stop along the way, you may find yourself compelled to drop everything and rewrite your plans!

Bavaria is Germany’s largest state and is located in the southern region of the country. There are resorts, hotels and private rental throughout the state. The first step is to decide which areas is the most you want to visit and then plan a tour destinations. After that you can begin to decide on accommodations. A multitude of choices from affordable hotels to more expensive resorts are all available. Information about hotels and others can be found and reserved online.

Hotels and restaurants

Bavaria is home to large cities such as Munich and many smaller towns as well. There are a number of options, vacation and accommodation to the State. Smaller towns such as Prien, are smaller than Munich, but still much to do. Hotels, shops and restaurants are only minutes from the railway station. The same is true for Munich.

In many resorts, bus service be offered and the location to surrounding attractions. If you plan to stay in the resort and use the bus service, you may not need to rent a vehicle during your stay. If you want to branch out and discover more about the environment of the region, or if you just want the freedom to go on your own schedule, you can rent a car.

There are thousands of restaurants throughout Bavaria for dining. Roast pork is a common food in most places. This is a pork roast with dumplings and gravy. Fresh fish such as salmon and trout as food in the region and in most restaurants. Bavaria is home to many beer halls that traditional German cuisine with a variety of local beers.

Sightseeing in Bavaria

Bavaria is home to several castles, that you can explore. These were of King Ludwig II, the castle is decorated and resembles Versailles in Paris. The castle and surrounding gardens are open for touring. The areas around the castle Herrenchiemsee have a lot of activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, cycling, rowing and windsurfing.

Schloss Herrenchiemsee was a replica of Versailles. It has well-maintained gardens, elaborate decorations and a mirror hall. The original plan for seventy rooms, but it was never finalized. There are twenty rooms in the finished part of the castle. Ludwig was mentally unfit, and was removed from the throne before his plans could be carried out.

Bavaria Forest Zoo has over 300 native animals in their natural environment. You’ll see elk, bison, waterfowl, raptors, owls, wild cats, deer, otters, badgers, cranes and fish in the zoo. An emphasis on the protection of endangered species, research and conservation of natural habitats of animals.

Bavaria is home to a Wild West theme park. Pullman City is located north of Munich and has a typical American Wild West theme. The park has re-decrees of the gun fights, Indians and stage coaches. The Plank Road with sidewalks and clap board facades on replica buildings. It is reminiscent of Western cities are often seen in old Western movies and TV series.

The park has activities such as shooting galleries, music and rodeos. There are re-decrees of the American Civil War in the park visitors are often dressed in cowboy and Indian costumes, both adults and children. Accommodation in the park includes hotels, lodges and even Teepee. This allows the guests to the Wild West all day in the park and at night as well.