Further Afield: Day and Weekend Trips
Munich
- Altes Rathaus München; Bild:Hartmann/pixelio.de
- Olympiagelände; Bild: Nimkenja/pixelio.de
The Bavarian capital of Munich looks back on nearly 2000 years of history. Important architectural monuments of various periods, museums and parks are as impressive as the great variety of cultural and leisure activities on offer. Under the rule of the Bavarian Dukes the city of Munich developed into their representative capital on the river Isar and still holds this position today. Numerous churches, castles and other tourist attractions never fail to amaze visitors.
The Olympic complex, dating from 1972, has as its main attraction the television tower with its rotating restaurant on top, offering a great view across the whole town. In Munich, you can choose from a wide range of bars, restaurants and shopping facilities – you will find something there for everyone!
The world-famous “Deutsches Museum” with its focus on technology is a very special experience, and various other collections of natural history, art and culture keep visitors busy not just on rainy days. Theatres, cabaret clubs, opera-houses and concert halls run a busy schedule of exciting cultural events. And let’s not forget the many festivals and markets: the Oktoberfest, the largest of the beer festivals, attracts thousands of visitors every year.
A visit in Bavaria's metropolis is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Munich can be reached comfortably by train. Once in town, excellent public transport (bus, tram, underground) makes it easy to get around.
For more information, why not visit www.muenchen.de/Tourismus
Passau
Passau is an old and picturesque city situated at the confluence of the three rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz . Originally a Roman fortress and important commercial settlement, it developed over the course of the centuries into a town whose architecture is a mix of Bohemian Gothic, Italian Baroque, French Rococo and Viennese Classicism. The cathedral, St. Stephan, is home to the biggest cathedral organ in the world with 17974 pipes.
For the visitor, Passau offers a wide range of cultural experiences. Besides, it’s a great place for shopping, eating out and just wandering around, and in the summer, boat tours on the river are highly recommended.
You will find more information on www.passau.de/Tourismus.aspx
- Passauer Orgel, Bild:Daden/pixelio.de
- Stadtansicht; Bild: androm31/pixelio.de
Nuremberg
In Nuremberg, the medieval inner city, modern shopping facilities and reminders of more recent historical events stand side by side. The small lanes in the town below the castle invite visitors to dawdle around, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to take a break from sightseeing. The Germanic museum, the Toy Museum and the museum dedicated to painter Albrecht Dürer make for an interesting programme independent of the weather. The site of the Nurmeberg rallies is a stark reminder of the city’s national socialist past. After WW II, the Nuremberg trials were held in the Palace of Justice.
The city hosts several international fairs and exhibitions every year, most famously the Nuremberg International Toy Fair.
For more information, go to www.tourismus-nuernberg.de
- Nürnberg bei Nacht; Bild:Marion/pixelio.de
Prague
The "golden town" of Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. Over its nearly 2000 years of history, the town has developed a colourful cityscape which reflects many different architectural styles. Churches, bridges, Gothic and Baroque buildings catch the eye of the visitor, as well as unusual modern buildings. The Hradschin, the castle high above the town, can be visited on regular guided tours.
You just have to experience the buzzing literary and theatrical life of one of the most impressive cultural cities of Europe. Among many other world-famous artists, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has left his mark on the city. A very interesting link is the tradition of puppet theatre – Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” in a puppet version features regularly on the calendar of events!
Prague is always worth a trip, and one never runs out of reasons for coming back....
For more information and many great photographs, go to www.schwarzaufweiss.de/Prag/willkomm.htm
- Blick über die Moldau; Bild:Domaris/pixelio.de
- Veitsdom; Bild:wave111/pixelio.de