As you probably know we were born in Germany. We regularly pack our backpacks and travel to foreign countries. This does not mean that Germany hasn’t much to offer.
Cologne
Centered around the Dom and with two halfs along the river Rhine this former Roman fort is today one of the three German capitals of carnival. But is has even more to offer.
My personal top 3
- Ehrenfeld – a lively quarter mixed with immigrants and locals that create a vibrant scene
- The “Veedelszöch” – every city quarter takes part in this Sunday carnival procession through the city. The groups are maybe not as fancy as at Rosenmontag, but their appearance is made with lots of passion from the community of the quarter.
- Melaten – central cemetery of Cologne, first mentioned in 1243.
Tip:
Kölsch (local beer) breweries that I recommend are: Reisdorf and Gaffel
With this you order “halve Hahn” or “Hemmel un Ärd”, both local specialties!
Frankfurt
The banking capital
Tuesday Night Skating is not to be missed. Grap your inlineskates and be part of Germanies fastest night skating event with hundreds of fellow skaters. Everyone can take part and it is for free. However you have to be a good skater because it is really fast at times – so you need protection to take part (helmet, pads, wrist guards).
Hamburg
The port – 2nd biggest in Europe – is the highlight of the city
My personal top 3
- Take the ferry no. 62, Bridge 3 from the “Landungsbrücken”. It is the cheapest harbor tour that you can get. (Of course without any explanation)
- If you are into jogging take the tunnel at the “Landungsbrücken” and jog along the industry on the other side of the Alster to the Opera. It has a fantastic “Rocky Bilboa” feeling to it, especially if you do it when it gets dark.
- The Miniatur Wunderland – the largest model railway in the world. The details especially the created scenes are fantastic
Tip: Try a local fishermans dish called “Labskaus” and drink an Astra (beer) with it.
Munich
“The most northern town of Italy” or “the one million people village” are descriptions that fit this city. We lived here a long time. You can find our city tips here.
Ruhrpott
The former coal and steel region has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. Against everything that you might read, the Ruhrpott has more green than you imagine. The spectacular contrast to this are the steel mills and pit frames of a time now gone.
Personal Top 3
- Gasometer Oberhausen – a former gas holder (117 m high) and today a great space for exhibitions.
- Duisburg-Marxloh, Weseler Straße – the highest density of Turkish bridal gown sellers. On a Saturday people come from many neighboring countries to buy their wedding dress here.
- Bike ride from the Baldeney lake in Essen along the river Ruhr to Bochum. It is such a green and beautiful landscape that you will forget that you are in the Ruhrpott.
