If you cannot imagine traveling through Germany without your beloved pet, rest assured we Germans love our animals just as much as you do. And while we have plenty of regulations regarding pet travel to and though Germany, the system was designed with the safety of people and animals in mind.

Rules For A Pet Travel To Germany

A trip to your local veterinarian is a good idea. Make sure you find out about any vaccinations you will need. One important one is rabies and all dogs and cats must have one within a certain period of time, usually about a month before you travel. You may have to actually prove this, so bring a certificate with you.

It is another requirement that dogs and cats have a local identification number, usually a microchip and it is wise to get a pet passport issued by a veterinarian. Most countries will microchip and database a pet for you before you leave.

It is important to make sure your accommodation arrangements suit your pet. Get prior permission from your hotel or the landlord of your rental, and check that the facilities will suit a pet. You can get your travel agent to do this for you or contact them directly. Take a copy of any documentation you have for your pet including its breed, vaccinations and any illnesses it may have.

If you are traveling with a pet dog, keep in mind that certain dog breeds are banned in Germany. The regulations customarily state that high-risk breeds are unacceptable and unwelcome. Bringing them into the country and traveling with them is banned. Some of these breeds include Bull Terriers and their cross breeds and Pit Bulls. Here is a first overview of which dogs are prohibited to bring or import to Germany.

Several of the states also consider the Rottweiler too much of a threat so it is wise to ask a local or get a thorough list of banned breeds from your veterinarian. It is further a good idea to get a letter from your vet stating that your dog is not a dangerous or vicious breed.

If you decide to travel with your pet to Germany you must remember that the owner is responsible for anything the animal does. A huge lawsuit could follow if a dog causes any sort of injury. You can even purchase a liability policy for your dog — its a good idea to have this sort of insurance, anyway.

For further information, I highly recommend the PetAir.de service for pet travel to and from Germany. Located right at Frankfurt Airport (Tor 26), they are experts and were a great help when I myself was traveling with a pet from Brazil to Germany.

Planning Your Pet Travel Through Germany

There are some everyday rules that you will need to know when planning your pet travel through Germany. You will not be allowed to take your dog onto any premises where fresh food is sold, so the grocery store is out of the question. Some restaurants and cafes don’t allow them either. They will let you know however; places that do not allow dogs usually have a visible sign or notification.

It is usually fine to take your dog or cat with you when traveling internally in Germany. Public transport tickets can be purchased for them but you will have to pay (for dogs) — usually about half the regular priced fare.

Air travel regulations vary but most are reasonably relaxed. Just be sure to advise the airline before you arrive that you will be bringing a pet along for the ride. You’ll need to have your animal in a strong repository for any sort of travel. There are rules about the style of box you can use and you need to make sure your pet can move freely within it — that is, lie down, stand up and turn around.

Acceptable shipping crates and specialized pet carriers are available at most local and international pet stores. You can also directly approach the airline to buy or hire one.

The most important thing to remember if you are planning pet travel to and through Germany is to be prepared and communicate openly. If you let people know what you want and need, most will be very accommodating. Then you and your beloved pet will both have a wonderful traveling experience.

Germany has such a magnificent network of well-maintained roads — it is an excellent place to travel by bus. The advantages of bus travel are obvious; you get to sit back, relax and enjoy the sites in comfort while somebody else does the navigating and driving. All you need to do is pick a destination.

Just about every travel company will offer a bus travel through Germany, some a few days and others up to a month of comprehensive touring. They will arrange your accommodation, the tourist attractions you will see, and they will organize everything from the time you step off your plane to the time you re-board. It can be an incredibly stress free way to travel.

Traveling by bus is also perfect for anyone trying to create an eco holiday as they are a much more environmentally friendly choice than driving yourself around. Renting a car might provide more freedom, but taking a bus will ensure that you won’t get lost along the way to your destination.

Traffic isn’t a concern for you either — you can just relax and watch the landscape pass by. The great advantage of this method of travel is that buses run to and from all the major German cities and towns.

The Romantic Road is a popular choice as it features numerous picturesque villages, natural beauty and historical sights. Another unique tour is a Beer Tour — many bus companies offer their own version. They will take in some of the thousands of breweries that cover the countryside. Is there a better way to try out different local beers than on a German bus tour? With 80% of the breweries in Europe located in Germany, it is a must for anyone interested in the making and of course taste, of freshly brewed beer. ;-)

Another great bus tour option is the bus-hopper or bus-about style tours. It is where you can hop on and off at hundreds of destinations around the country at your own leisure and hop back on whenever you are ready to continue traveling. This gives you the freedom to plan your itinerary not only according to your personal preference but time scale as well.

Traveling by bus through Germany has the added advantage of being, generally, less expensive than either rail or hiring a car. If you are on a budget, a bus tour, or bus-hopper style ticket, will allow you to see the most of the country for your Euro.

How To Travel By Bus Through Germany

You can book bus tours at your local travel agency, online, or with a variety of specialized bus tour companies. Make a list of the type of things you want to see, the amount of time you have, and then give it to one of the companies. They will tailor something to your needs or suggest tours they already have that suit your tastes. If there is nothing that takes your fancy in the way of an organized tour, you can always travel in your own time on the local bus services.

If you are looking for domestic bus services around town or between smaller towns, Germany has an sizable domestic bus system as well. It is particularly useful if you are trying to get to smaller towns, particularly in the Bavarian region and along the Romantic Road.

Large bus stations are called Busbahnhof or Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB). These are usually located near the main train stations (Hauptbahnhof) in most larger towns and cities. If the bus service is small, it may have its own terminus near its agency.

If you’re interested in the history of World War II you’ll want to be sure to visit the Bavarian town of Landsberg am Lech.

Adolph Hitler was imprisoned for nine months there in 1924 when he was charged with treason. During his stay, he dictated Mein Kampf to fellow inmate Rudolph Hess. The book was partly an autobiography and partly a political work that explained the ideas behind the Nationalist Socialist Party or Nazis.

When the war ended, the same prison structure was used by the US Army to hold German officials accused of committing war crimes. About 150 executions were held there after members of the Nazi party had been tried and convicted as war criminals.

Lands around Landsberg am Lech were also used as a concentration camp during the last days of the war. About 5000 prisoners were held there in 1944 that were mostly Jews from the Baltics and Russia. The liberation of the camp by allied forces was reenacted in Episode 9 of the popular TV mini series “Band of Brothers.”

When the war was over, many of the prisoners stayed in the Landsberg area and it became known as a displaced person’s camp. Because so many leaders of the Jewish community resided there, it became a center for the training and education of Jews until it was closed in 1950.

Landsberg am Lech is also rich in more ancient history. As a stop on the famous “Romantic Road” that runs 350 km through Bavaria, it contains several structures that date back to Medieval times. The citizens have preserved their city well, and a visit there will remind you of knights mounted on noble steeds performing jousts for fair maidens.

The Three Towers Of Landsberg am Lech

The city is located on the beautiful Lech River and features three towers, each with its own unique and fascinating history. The first tower is found at the Bayer Gate and was built about 1425. This Gothic structure is 36 m high and offers you a breathtaking view from the top. You can see much of the old town from there, and also enjoy a panoramic look at the countryside in the Lech River valley.

The oldest tower in Landsberg is called the Schmalzturm, also called Beautiful Tower. It was built in 1260 and named for the brightly colored tiles used on its roof. It is located in the Hexenviertel, or Witches’ Quarter, which was given its name when a red-haired resident was accused of being a witch. Today the area is home to many artists and sculpturers who display their work for your enjoyment. :-)

The Mutterturm or Mother’s Tower is the newest of the three towers. It is often used by romantic German couples for registry office weddings. Hubert von Herkomer had it built in 1884–1888 as a way to honor his mother. The tower is located beside the Herkomer Museum, which contains more than 100 cultural and artistic exhibits.

Chiemgau is made up of four sub regions each with it’s own set of unique attractions. In the South East you will find the Chiemgau Alps which a popular area for downhill and cross country skiing as well as a variety of other winter sports.

The town of Inzell not only has an ice rink but also heated indoor swimming pools which are a real treat to escape from the winter cold. If you’d like to take a break from skiing you can take a relaxed afternoon stroll on one of the many winter hiking paths.

Adding to the Chiemgau’s charm, it is not unusual to see locals dressed in traditional attire. Proud of their heritage, young and old alike join in seasonal festivities. From Carnival in February and throughout the summertime there are always celebrations on the go. With such good food, festive spirit and pints of tasty beer, no wonder the locals find any excuse for a celebration.

There is such a wealth of museums, you may have to choose carefully. Almost every town has a Stadtmuseum with a variety of interesting artifacts. A good place to start is the museum in Kirchanschöring which will give you some insight into Bavarian traditions and culture. Another place that piqued my interest was Ruhpolding where you can see one of the few remaining traditional blacksmiths at work.

The Chiemsee in the central region is a beautiful turquoise lake nestled in between towering alpine mountains. The lake shore itself has many resorts catering for families, spa relaxation or that perfect romantic getaway. If you enjoy cruising you can take a leisure boat to several of the small islands.

On one of the islands King Ludwig II built the amazing Königsschloss, based on the design of the Versailles Palace. It looks like something from a picture postcard with the surrounding mountains and lake. On another island is the St Armingard nunnery with its famous gatehouse. Here too are spectacular views and it is well worth a visit.

The northern area in Chiemgau is made up of several smaller lakes and towns. Here you can amble along at a leisurely pace exploring on foot or bicycle. The rolling hills of the Waginger See to the North West have numerous biking and hiking trails. Described as the warmest lake in the region it has many popular beach resorts. It’s also home to many of the region’s cultural festivals.

One of Chiemgau’s great attractions is it’s multi-themes bicycling routes. Suitable for all levels of fitness, you can follow the Mozart or Bavarian route each of which highlights places of historical and cultural interest. For more hard core adventure enthusiasts you can explore some fantastic single track on the many mountain and forest routes. If you like you can even combine several routes to make up a muti-day tour.

In summer time hiking and camping can be enjoyed throughout the region. More recently trail running, in-line skating and Nordic walking have also become popular and are a great way to explore Chiemgau. Horse trails and horse cart tours are available for equine enthusiasts and there’s river rafting and rock climbing for the more adventurous.

With so much on offer year round Chiemgau is certainly one of those destinations you need to visit time and time again.

Are you one of the many people who cannot think about Germany without also thinking of beer? Do you sometimes conjure up visions of “oompha” band members playing German folk tunes and wearing colorful costumes while walking the streets of a picturesque town? Then you really should visit Kulmbach in Northern Bavaria. :-)

While its beer festival may not be as famous or large as Oktoberfest in Munich, the town is unmatched when it comes to welcoming visitors with entertainment, good food and beer, beer, beer.

The yearly Bierfest (Beer Festival) takes place from the last weekend in July through the first weekend in August. Accommodations tend to fill up, so if you want to visit at that time, make plans well in advance.

There are two breweries in the town… The Kommonbräu, which is quite small, and the much larger Kulmbacher Brauerei. The latter also houses the Bavarian Brewery Museum. You are warmly welcomed in all three locations and samples of many brews are available.

It is said that Kulmbach brews the “strongest beer in the world,” so tasters should beware. Many who have tried it are reluctant to go back to their regular brand. ;-)

Kulmbach is also one of the stops on the famous Castle Road scenic drive. This is a 1,000 km stretch of road that covers the width of Germany and crosses the border into the Czech Republic. The route is well marked (look for “Burgenstraße”) with information about palaces, medieval architecture, and castles along the way.

Kulmbach is noted on Castle Road for the Plassenburg Castle. It was originally built during the 12th and 13th centuries, and was reconstructed after being burned by marauders in the 1560’s. It is considered an important example of Renaissance architecture because of its ornate courtyard.

The townspeople love to tell the story of the “White Lady,” a widowed countess who lived in the Castle. She supposedly killed her two children with a needle inserted in their skulls because she thought they were standing in the way of her marriage to the man she loved. When she was stricken with a guilty conscience, she went to beg the Pope in Rome for mercy. He promised her forgiveness if she would devote her life and fortune to the work of the church.

Some versions of the story say that she was able to found a monastery, others say she died trying, but all the tales agree that she still haunts the Plassenburg Castle. It would be worth a visit there just to see for yourself.

If you have an invention or newly developed product, and you want it registered in Germany, you need to get a German patent. This will protect your invention, whether technical or otherwise.

As an owner of a patent, you can use your invention as you please. You can sell it and get all economic benefits from it. All unauthorized use by anyone else is prohibited.

But when you file for a patent, you have certain legal requirements. You will agree to have your invention published. This way other inventors can use your patent as a standard for their own developments.

A German patent also makes it simple to follow your dreams. If you look through other patents, it could avoid doing a lot of unneeded research. You won’t then run the danger of infringing on other patents.

It’s important to know that if you are not a German citizen and want to get a patent, you will need a patent attorney to represent you in the application process.

The bottom line, however, is that you must run a patent search before beginning any of the procedures for a patent application. You will unlock a vast wealth of knowledge in this way.

Once you file your invention or product at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, you won’t have immediately and automatically created a patent. An entire legal procedure will follow that must be adhered to strictly and your application approved.

Once approved, your patent will be good for 20 years. Some products don’t fit under this time frame, like some drugs and plant products, so it’s best to check when you apply.

Your rights that are granted by the DPMA (the patent office in Germany called Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt) will only be good within Germany. You can apply with different countries, however, if you want to have protection within those other territories.

You should study the fact sheets on patents that are published by the DPMA. The legal texts are the Patent Law or Patentgesetz and the Patent Ordinance or Patentverordnung.

Learn more on the official Web site of the DPMA (Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt) — the German Patent and Trade Mark Office.

As mentioned previously, if you are from another country and want to apply for a German patent, you must obtain a patent attorney. They have the qualifications necessary to represent you and act for you in all the procedures required. This makes it simple to get your patent and perhaps get it approved easier.

Patent attorneys are well trained and knowledgeable in what it takes. They must be trained in intellectual property and get an exam given by the patent office in Germany. They are often trained in engineering or the sciences, thus are effective in their knowledge.

A patent attorney can fully represent you in the German Federal Court of Patents. Since they are specially trained, it’s needed to hire one of them and not just get a general legal representative.

Don’t let the law and procedures discourage you in any way. It’s important to keep the faith in yourself and your own development. Your invention may make life simpler, cheaper or more convenient for the world and you should follow your heart and get it out there.

The German patent law is something that will protect you and your invention. Use it well and find that you can really accomplish all you set out to accomplish. Protect yourself and your “baby” effectively and efficiently with a proper patent.

Deggendorf is a beautiful town located in southeastern Germany right on the Danube River and at the western foot of the Bavarian and Bohemian forests. This gives the town a picturesque feel, one that you’re sure to appreciate while you’re there.

As you began your tour through town, you should take notice of its pear-shaped layout that was designed during the medieval period. Fortunately, the town has maintained its medieval fortifications which enables you to fully experience what this town felt like during the medieval times.

You’ll want to make your first stop at the Town Hall located in the center of the town. There you’ll see a beautiful Gothic tower which dates back to approximately 1380.

Next, you’ll want to stroll through the section of the old town where medieval fortifications still remain. Walking along the top of the battlements is a must!

Take note of the mansions that once belonged to affluent members of the town and that have now become town landmarks. The architecture of these beautiful mansions enables you to truly understand what it felt like to reside in the town during the late 1800’s.

Make sure to stop at the Parish Church and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The churches outlines alongside the outline of the Town Hall, provide for a gorgeous skyline.

The town has a fantastic Cultural Center which contains 4 municipal institutions which, all-together, provide an in-depth history of the town. The institutions are the history museum, the craft museum, the Kapuzinerstadl and the library.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Deggendorf offers various outdoor activities. In the summer, you can choose from hiking, walking, or biking. A great summertime biking trip is to the clear mountain lakes. During the winter months, the town offers great cross-country and downhill skiing.

The town has much to offer in terms of social events. Various festivals include the Town Hall Music Festival, the Bavarian Dialect Festival, and the Cabaret Weeks Festival. Call ahead to your hotel or check on the Internet to see if any festivals or street fairs will be being held while you’re in town.

If you enjoy the arts, call ahead to Deggendorf’s Municipal Center which offers a fantastic array of entertainment including plays, musicals, and operas to name a few.

Visiting Königs Wusterhausen is like going through a time warp. You leave the bustle of Berlin behind and step into a gentler, more slow-paced time. There is much to see in this town, and amazing hikes and trails around it for which you should definitely make time.

The first place you will probably want to see is the castle. Although its origins go back to the Middle Ages, its current appearance owes much to the 18th century, at which time it was a favorite residence of Friedrich Wilhelm I. The courtyard of the castle is in the baroque style, but inside you will see a Prussian influence on the furnishings and decorations.

At the beginning of the 18th century the Cavalier Houses were built to house visitors to the royal home. Today it is a restaurant and event hall, where today’s visitors can enjoy good food and entertainment as they view the castle through the windows.

Just a stone’s throw from the castle you will find the town’s museum which has exhibits chronicling the history of the area from the Stone Age on. And not far from the castle you will also find the Lutheran church which, until 300 years ago, was a wooden church. With the mix of Renaissance and Prussian styles resulting from additions and alterations this is an interesting building to visit.

Another sight you should go and see while in Königs Wusterhausen is Castle Zeesen, which was built on the banks of the lake in 1690. The baroque mansion was extensively renovated at the beginning of the 19th century.

For those who like walking tours and hikes Königs Wusterhausen is a great place to visit. There are trails around the lake, through the urban areas of the seven districts, through the forested areas and along the canals. In winter there is snowmobiling.

Königs Wusterhausen has the past to attract history buffs and the rural environment to attract those who meditate and those who exercise. What more could anyone ask?

In 1299 Duke Otto the Strong built his moated castle over earlier earthworks at Winsen (Luhe). Although the original castle was destroyed in 1371, some of the original medieval beams can still be seen. Part of the gallery of a Renaissance chateau built in the middle of the 16th century can still be seen in the courtyard.

A “must see” in Winsen an der Luhe is the castle chapel with its vaulted ribs, a square choir and choir windows to the east. The richly painted Renaissance decorations, combined with one that is decidedly Lutheran, are so evocative of the era that it is easy to believe that over 300 years have gone by since the chapel was painted.

Walking around Winsen you will see many buildings dating from the time when the House of Hanover ruled the area. In the 19th century the Prussians took over, but buildings from every era blend in with the modern buildings so well that sometimes you are unsure of the age of the street.

If you are visiting in the spring or summer be sure to go and see the botanical gardens. They are a riot of color from tulip time on. A fitting addition to that tour is a visit to an original windmill. It is so comfortable in its surroundings that you feel as though it has always been there.

If you are staying in Winsen you will find a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. Horseback riding, swimming, hiking are all possibilities. You may want to try some of them out if you are planning on eating a lot of pastries with that coffee in the town center!

Winsen is a wonderful place to visit if you have a day or more to spare when traveling in the Hamburg/Lüneburg area. Check it out, and… The town center is a good place to sit and drink coffee and talk to the residents. ;-)

Buchholz in der Nordheide occupies the position of being the largest town of the Harburg district in the state of Lower Saxony, and with this title the city represents itself well with its myriad of cultural and artistic events.

Take your hunger for the theater over to the Steenbeeker, a relatively young theater started in 1982 with the goals of providing the town with quality entertainment and enrichment as well as preserve the language of Southern Germany. Each year the theater introduces a brand new production to the delight of residents and tourists alike.

A craving for the performing arts can also be satisfied with a trip over to the Empore Buchholz. At this venue you can serve as an audience for anything from a rock/pop concert to a theater production.

The Kultubahnhof Holm-Seppensen also serves as a cultural center in Buchholz. You can catch a literary reading with commentary, a performance of interpretive dance, or a featured speaker, whatever you are in the mood for there is a good chance they have it!

If natural beauty is more what you’re in the mood for, there is the Alaris Schmetterlingspark. This butterfly park features three climates, subtropical, tropical/rain forest, and Mediterranean. Within the course of a year you can see more than 140 different kinds of butterfly. Each month has its respective peaks so you pretty much have to cross your fingers and hope you catch a block of time filled to the brim with beautiful butterflies.

In terms of natural beauty, Buchholz in der Nordheide serves as home not only to a variety of lovely butterflies but to the region’s highest mountain as well by the name of Brunsberg. At a height of 129 meters the mountain takes a prominent place in the city’s landscape.

Whether through art or nature, this little city brings quite a bit of beauty to Lower Saxony.