Germany

When we think of Germany, we think of beer, sausage and oompah bands, but these images barely scratch the surface. Today's Germany is a land of culture, history, art, music, literature, sports and, above all, dichotomy. From Frankfurt's high-rise skyscrapers to Neuschwanstein, the fanciful castle that inspired Cinderella's at Disneyland. From the fevered excitement of the World Cup of Soccer, to the dark horror of their military past. From the stranger who won't smile at you on the street, but will go out of their way to help you if you ask. From sipping a warm cup of glüwein at a quaint little Christmas market to controlled chaos and intensity of the European financial center in Frankfurt. From the beauty of the Black Forest, the Rhine and Danube rivers and the snow covered Alps to the concrete bunkers and desolate landscapes still standing in the East, even though the wall came down nearly twenty years ago. All of this is Germany, and more. Germany is filled with memorable travel destinations, including the history of Munich, a Rhine river tour, the Cathedral in Cologne, Oktoberfest in Munich, and the Brandenburg gate in Berlin. Visit Rügen, a small German island in the Baltic Sea or the spas in Wiesbaden. Follow the Romantic road or the trail of half-timbered houses. There's history, both good and bad, but also breathtaking scenery. Hike the trails of the Taunus, ski or snowboard in the Alps, join the many Germans who take to the trails with their bicycles each weekend, but don't forget to stop at a little cafe for ice cream or a beer. Come to Germany for the history, for the beauty, for the culture, for the wonderful food, but don't forget to come for the fun.