Things to do Germany

Berlin, located in the northeastern part of the country, is the capital and the largest city in Germany. It is known worldwide for its culture, politics, media and science. Berlin’s economy includes a diverse range of creative industries, media corporations and congress and convention venues. It also serves as a strong continental focal point for air and rail transport and has been reported as one of the most visited tourist destinations in the EU.
Berlin's visitors are fascinated by the rebuilding and the new structure of the city. The variety of its monuments offers a perfect mixture of history and culture. On top of these landmarks, visitors will also encounter attractions including the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz, Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie, Altes Museum and many others that should not be missed. It is of paramount importance to mention the irrevocable place that the Berlin Wall occupies in Berlin’s history. The Wall was known in the Soviet Union and in the German Democratic Republic as the ""Anti-Fascist Protective Rampart,"" which constituted a separation barrier between West and East Germany. From its construction on August 13, 1961, the Berlin Wall was an iconic symbol of the Cold War, dividing East (the communist party) and West (the capitalist party) Berlin for 28 years, until it was dismantled in 1989.  It finally fell in 1991 due to the financial collapse of the Soviet Union. The demolition of the wall marked the economic and political reunification of Germany, which was a significant event in world history. Remains of the wall were sold as souvenirs or officially donated to museums. The historical significance attached to it makes it an important tourist attraction.

Reichstag :

After the founding of the German Empire in 1872, there was a need for a large parliamentary building in Berlin. This edifice was constructed between 1884 and 1894, mainly funded with wartime reparation money from France, a result of their loss to Prussia in 1871. The famous inscription 'Dem Deutschen Volke' (To the German People) was added later, in 1916, by Emperor Wilhelm II. The bronze letters were cast from seized French cannons. The building was damaged even further at the end of the war, when the Soviets entered Berlin. The picture of a Red Army Soldier raising the Soviet flag on the Reichstag is one of the most famous images of the 20th century and symbolized Germany's defeat.

The Brandenburg Gate :

The impressive and symbolic Brandenburg Gate that lay forlorn for so long in the no man's land behind the Berlin Wall has now once again been renovated and made accessible, along with the newly reconstructed Pariser Platz that links the gate to the beautiful Unter den Linden Boulevard. The gate is Berlin's only remaining city gate, and was built in sandstone between 1788 and 1791 with 12 Doric columns according to a design by C.G. Langhans. Six columns support a 36-foot (11m) transverse beam, similar to the propylaeum of the Acropolis in Athens. The massive gate is topped with a stunning statue of the Goddess of Victory facing east towards the city centre (this was added in 1794). The gate is closed to traffic, as is the adjacent Pariser Platz, a gracious square that was once surrounded with beautiful buildings, sadly destroyed in the Second World War. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, however, new buildings have been built to designs closely following those of the originals.

Checkpoint Charlie Museum :

This Berliner museum was opened on June 14th 1963 and became a small island of freedom for those that wished to escape from East to West Berlin. It is full of devices and contraptions that people would use to hide from border guards. Specially designed suitcases, cars, special guns for border guards that wouldn't fire, and even a homemade hot air balloon, complete with the retelling of the true story of how an entire family used it to make a getaway, are housed in the museum. Escape stories, in which people demonstrate both great bravery and the lengths they were willing to go to abscond from the oppressive regime that had taken over their once thriving city, are in abundance here. In addition, the musuem recounts tales of those who escaped or risked their own lives to help others over the border. The watchtower, also part of the original checkpoint, was removed in 2000 to make way for stores and offices, although no commercial buildings currently occupy the space. Visitors can also browse the Hauls am Checkpoint Charlie, located just meters from where the booth once stood. Built shortly after the Berlin Wall was erected, the museum was expanded in the 1990s and serves as a call to freedom for all individuals.

Munich is the capital city of the state of Bavaria and one of the most popular cities in Germany. Located in southern Germany, it is the country’s third largest city after Berlin and Hamburg and, offering a unique combination of modern flair and traditional charm, the second most popular destination after Berlin. Munich is full of character, history and culture, and is home to numerous art galleries, great museums and breathtaking historical buildings, including palaces, castles and churches, that are definitely worth visiting. Aside from these attractions, the city features a pleasant atmosphere and offers beautiful panoramic views of the mountains. It also pulsates with bright and colorful festivals throughout the year, most notably the Munich International Film Festival, the Opera Festival and the world-famous Munich Oktoberfest. In addtion, this destination provides an awesome shopping experience, boasting sprawling malls, chic departments, elegant stores and fashionable boutiques. In addition, the presence of an array of multi-cuisine restaurants will certainly satisfy your appetite and palate.

For business travelers, Munich is a popular convention hub. The capital of Bavaria is a beautiful Alpine location for conferences, trade fairs or convention trips. World-class communications technologies and excellent services provide the right conditions for delegates to meet, communicate, exchange important market information and place orders.

Marienplatz (The heart of Munich) :

Marienplatz is the central square in heart of Munich and the best place to start your sightseeing tour. Dating back to the XIIth century, it used to be to be home to medieval markets, celebrations, and tournaments. Nowadays, the square is a popular meeting point for natives and tourists alike. Here, you can explore many old and wonderful buildings, churches and landmarks.

Frauenkirche - Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady :

The Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady, dating back to the XVth century, is one of Munich’s largest Gothic buildings and a popular tourist attraction. The monument still towers above most modern buildings, dominating Munich's skyline. Its twin towers that can be seen from all directions have been the city’s major landmark since they were added in 1525. The edifice’s famous domes, which sit atop each tower, were modeled on the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. The interior is equally imposing, and includes the legendary 'Devil's Footstep'. However, the cathedral suffered heavy damage during the Second World War, when the arches collapsed and the church itself was looted. A major restoration programme was initiated and renovation completed in different stages. You can also climb the steps of the towers and admire the breathtaking views of Munich's cityscape and the Bavarian Alps.

Residence Palace of Munich :

The Munich Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany and one of the finest buildings in Europe. It is the former royal palace of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle was transformed over the centuries into an outstanding palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town. Today, it houses one of the best European museums of interior decoration. The Residenz gives visitors a good idea of how rulers lived in past times and how they used art and architecture as an expression of power. The museum displays 130 rooms with antique furniture, art, porcelain, and tapestries that span the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical eras.