The city of Stade in Lower Saxony is a friendly place that welcomes you with a variety of activities that will entertain and educate.

It was first mentioned in writings dated 994, which means that the city is more than 1,000 years old. Its location on the Elbe River made it an important maritime center.

If you visit there today, you will want to see several historic sites and enjoy many types of cultural events. Water has always played an important part in the commerce of Stade, and a walking tour of the harbor area is a great way to spend an afternoon. You will be able to see a number of beautifully preserved 17th century houses and a reconstructed fish market.

The town hall and the arsenal in the Pferdemarkt are remnants of an era in the late 1600’s when the city was under Swedish rule. Many of the fortifications from that period are still standing and signposts standing at intervals make a pleasant place for tourists to walk and learn.

Any visitor who has an interest in architectural styles will find a lot to see in town. There are several structures dating back to Gothic times, including the vaults in the cellar of the Town Hall and the altar in St. Cosmae’s Church. Examples of the Renaissance and Baroque periods can both be found at the Bürgermeister Hintze House. Classicism and Art Nouveau are also represented in the residences and businesses of the town.

There are at least nine museums in Stade that have exhibits of all kinds. You will find historical displays and artwork in the Swedish Warehouse. This impressive brick building rises out of the water of the harbor on wooden stilts and has archeological displays, artwork, and more. The Open Air Museum on the Island is an area surrounded by an ancient moat, which contains a reconstructed farmhouse, a 17th century windmill and other interesting structures.

The ship Greundiek has been dedicated as a monument and is open to visitors in the harbor area. There is also a museum of Technology and Transportation that explores the ways in which the Industrial Revolution changed the lives of the local people.

If you are interested in a bicycle tour, Stade is an excellent starting point for tours both long and short. You can ride along the Elbe River, tour beautiful dairy farms, or see the North Sea Coast. There are many interesting day and half-day trips as well.

This amazing little treasure trove was only recently formed when Württemberg and Bavaria split at the Danube. This left Ulm on the north side and the other half of town — Neu-Ulm — on the south of the river. And it certainly grew to fill the size gap.

The town is filled to the brim with adventure and history. Maybe you could start your trip with some fun at the Atlantis Water Park. With its fast slides and outdoor pools, the family could be here most of the day.

You could then spend the afternoon wandering around the beautifully landscaped Kollmannspark Glacis-Anlagen in town, and you could stumble across one of the many live performances at the open-air amphitheater.

Spoilt for choice in Neu-Ulm, you could choose one of the many museums on offer, including the Edwin Scharff museum and the archeological museum (with local pre-history from the region). The courtyard here is nearly always showing some cultural event, so you may find yourself joining in!

Or you could trek around to Peters place on certain days to find the local market, selling everything from fresh fish to exotic fruits!

To the south of town, you can wear out your camera taking shots of the giant Kloster Wiblingen. This palatial structure is certainly something to behold, and is situated in a picturesque location on the Iller — a tributary of the Danube.

After you have explored here, you may walk back up the river into town, seeing all the buildings up in lights in the evenings. Very romantic! :-)

Around 80% of Neu-Ulm was destroyed during WWII, as were all the bridges across to Ulm. The simple stone bridge was rebuilt as before, but much was replaced with the more modern buildings and structures around town.

You can still find historical landmarks all across town, including parts of the Bundesfestung fortifications from the 1840’s. Some parts are to be found protruding into the Danube having been adapted into ornate gardens — a great place to relax after a busy few days here in Neu-Ulm.

German art began probably much earlier than anyone can imagine. When someone gave vent to his or her creativity, a work of art took place for anyone to view. Many of these pieces were protected and still exist in Germany.

From the modern German paintings of current artists to older works from decades ago, many are available for touring at various museums and galleries around the country. History records artist in Germany from the medieval times. Even the 16th century sported some incredible works.

The German Renaissance was inspired from the Italian Renaissance, and artists from Germany traveled to Italy to learn more. Albrecht Dürer lived in Nuremberg in the 1500s and was a well-known painter and engraver.

Later a new form of art grew. The Düsseldorf Academy inspired its followers in the Nazarene movement. The painters influenced by this school attempted to achieve honesty and a special spirituality in Christian art.

In 1911, a group was formed in Munich called the Blue Rider. One of the artists in this group had a painting rejected from an exhibition, and other artists gathered together to support his style of painting. Wassily Kandinsky favored the color blue, feeling it was the color of spirituality.

German art honors such brave and creative souls such as Kandinsky. You can view two of his works (Landschaft mit Kircheat and Der Blaue Reiter) at the Folkwang Museum in Essen.

Expressionist painting ran its course and in the 1920s an opposition sprang up. This formed the post-expressionist period which concentrated on simplified forms of pictorial art as well as music and architecture.

The hardest times were during the Nazi era when that regime banned modern art. Avant-garde artists were branded a threat and sometimes exiled. They lost their reputations and thus their ability to live.

In 1937, there were only two approved artists who were officially approved by the Nazis, Arno Breker and Adolf Wissel. They weren’t very successful with their popularity with the general public, however.

German Art Today

German art today is filled with talented artists communicating their messages to the world. The most popular of artists display their work all over the world in famous galleries and museums.

One of the most popular currently is Gerhard Richter. He is famous for his abstracts where he builds them up with layers of color. His paintings fill the need for some art that you can relate to, despite the twists and turns he takes.

George Baselitz is famous for his expressionist paintings and his upside down paintings. He makes large carved sculptures as well. You will find exhibitions of his works by searching online.

You can go to see the unusual artist, Anselm Kiefer, who uses mixed media such as straw, clay and lead. His works are on display at Kunstmuseum in both Bonn and Wolfsburg. The talent of this artist offers inspiration to any who view it.

As you search out current exhibitions of those artists you most want to see, make it a point to create an itinerary that will allow you the maximum time to enjoy your art tour. Absorb the culture and new ideas presented at each period of German history.

Visiting Germany for a German art tour to see German artists can be such an uplifting experience. It’s special time never to be forgotten by anyone, young or old, rich or poor.

German cinema was one of Hollywood’s biggest competitors in the early days of filmmaking, and it’s easy to see why. Germany was a top pioneer in motion picture history, with worldwide recognition in the silent film era. Again in the 1970s and the 1980s, talented directors created box-office hits.

Today, German films made by Tykwer and Nettelbeck are taking a lead. But the current Hollywood movies are also popular in Germany and you can still view the favorites at theaters throughout the country.

When you attend film festivals throughout the world, you will come upon German films, and this can be the best venue to see them. Any of the film festivals will provide you with great entertainment, such as the ones in Paris, London, Hong Kong and various cities throughout the US.

Some German movies anyone should make it a point to see are Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others) and Der Schuh des Manitu, a rich western comedy. The latter broke records across Germany and stands out as a prime example of great German cinema.

Two of the most famous German films are Lola rennt (Run Lola Run), an international hit, and of course, Das Boot. Another classic is Metropolis by the German filmmaker Fritz Lang.

Der Freie Wille is a movie by the director Tykwer and stars Jürgen Vogel as a rapist. If you like moody tales, you can see Yella, set in East Germany among loneliness, lust and greed. This film won the Silver Bear award at the Berlinale.

German actresses make German cinema what it is today. Of course there is the famous Marlene Dietrich and Diane Kruger. Natalia Avelon is a German actress who gave a star performance in the film, 8 Miles High. A wonderful performance she presented in this movie about a German supermodel.

Julia Jentsch is up and coming as a German actress, starring in The Edukators with Daniel Brühl. Sibel Kekilli debuted in Gegen die Wand (Head On). And then there is Franke Potente who is famous for her brilliant red hair and her role in Run Lola Run as well as the Bourne movies.

A few other German actresses that are well-known are Brigitte Helm of Metropolis fame and Jessica Schwartz. Schwartz starred with her real-life love, Daniel Brühl in No Regrets.

German actors have livened the German cinema scene for decades. The original Tarzan was, of course, Johnny Weissmüller. Jürgen Prochnow starred in Das Boot as the captain and has appeared in many American movies as a villain.

If you’ve seen The Pianist, you’ll remember German actor Thomas Kretschmann. The star who you’ll see most often in famous German films is Daniel Brühl. He’s well known for his role in Good Bye, Lenin, which was the largest grossing film in the history of Germany.

Don’t miss other German actors if you want to see some wonderful acting. You’ll find great performances by the likes of Klaus Kinski and Florian Lukas. Any of their acting will impress you with its effectiveness in evoking emotion.

You can always have a great time at the German cinema, viewing the great movies of our times, enjoying popcorn and soda and experiencing some impressive acting. You can spend your evenings taking in memorable performances and being thoroughly entertained. Thus touring German cities should always include an evening at the movies.

German newspapers provide all the most interesting happenings throughout Germany and the rest of the world. When you need to keep up-to-date on events, news and the latest in entertainment, reading the top ten newspapers will give you that opportunity.

Equivalent to the Sun in the UK, Bild is the top news and sport newspaper in Germany. Here you will also find celebrity gossip when you like the latest in entertainment news. But you’ll find news of all kinds and it’s easy to see why the Bild is at the top of the list.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung is one of the top national German newspapers. It is also known as FAZ, producing six papers each week and a supplementary on Sunday. It is the very top conservative newspaper in the country.

If you are a businessman, you’ll definitely grab the Die Welt (my personal favorite!). This informative paper has focuses on business and finance. You will also discover news on politics, football and cars. The Die Welt is a daily newspaper issued every day.

It doesn’t matter whether you live in the north of Germany or the south, you’ll find a newspaper that will fit your needs. In Berlin, you might grab a copy of the Berliner Abendblatt where you’ll get a lively taste of local news.

In the south, the Süddeutsche Zeitung (South German Newspaper) is read by over a million people daily. This liberal paper also circulates abroad. It has four sections including culture, economy, politics and sports.

Also known as the SZ, the Süddeutsche Zeitung is known for employing the most well known journalists, who have spent years with the paper. One of the most famous investigative journalists works for this newspaper.

One of Berlin’s largest subscription German newspapers, the Berliner Zeitung is a daily that tends center-left. The Berliner Zeitung is the first newspaper in Germany that has come under control of foreign investors.

Although the Berliner Zeitung is the only paper from East Germany that achieved national prominence since the unification, there is also the Berliner Kurier which is a tabloid distributed in Eastern Berlin. However, if you are in Berlin, you’ll have access to many newspapers and find the exact kind of news you want.

For instance, the Berliner Morgenpost is based in Berlin and read mostly within this city. It has grown to be the second most-read paper in Berlin. Literally hundreds of thousands of readers enjoy this newspaper.

Die Zeit is considered a highbrow newspaper. In German, Die Zeit is translated as “the Time” or “the Times.” With its high quality journalism, it is highly respected of all the national weeklies. The readership is estimated at about two million.

Another German newspaper to be familiar with is the B.Z. It is not to be confused with the Berliner Zeitung, although both papers have been referred to as “BZ.” The B.Z. had a special sports edition which was called Sport-B.Z., but this paper was discontinued in 2006.

The history of the newspapers in Germany is an interesting one, with newspapers competing fiercely for readership. It seems the successful papers carry on while others disappear into the mist.

Reading German newspapers is something every resident and visitor should do, in order to become informed and knowledgeable in every way. Germany is a land of activity, and the newspapers are the way to stay in the loop as they keep track of it all. :-)

German trade shows are great for any business. You can participate or attend one locally for whatever you need. Whether products or services, trade shows in Germany cover a lot of different areas.

If you have a product that needs exposure, want to expand your sales or introduce something new, a trade show should be your pick. And in Germany there are a wide variety of shows, certainly one that will fit the bill for you.

If you are coming from the US, you’ll find the US Commercial Service will assist you in participating.

Trade fairs will present your company in a good light and encourage clients to use your product or service.

Leading Trade Shows In Germany

An example of one of the most popular of German trade shows is CeBIT in Hanover. It is the largest and most influential of all IT and telecommunications trade shows held annually in March.

• Go to CeBIT Hanover

While CeBIT is most popular in telecommunications, another major trade show is the world’s largest International Motor Show or the IAA (Internationale Automobil-Austellung). This takes place in in two places — in even numbered years the fair is held in Hanover showcasing commercial vehicles, and in odd numbered years it is held (and more popular) in Frankfurt am Main showcasing cars and motorcycles. Here, you’ll find economical vehicles presented as well as low-emission ones, as these, of course, are in high demand.

• Go to IAA Frankfurt & Hanover

Of all sporting goods trade shows in Germany, or Europe for that matter, the ISPO in Munich in February is the leader, providing a wide range of sports equipment and apparel. You should participate if this is your industry. If looking for the latest in sporting goods, just attend and find out the most recent releases.

• Go to ISPO Munich

The world’s largest travel trade show is in Berlin in March each year. The ITB (Internationale Tourismus-Börse) Berlin is where the world of the travel industry meets. Anyone who wants to find the best news on the most lovely travel destinations should attend. 160,000+ come each year to the ITB Berlin.

• Go to ITB Berlin

No aviation enthusiast would miss the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. This trade show is the launching pad of all the latest in design, as well as in-flight entertainment and services. Plenty of networking opportunities at this show as well while you enjoy three days of innovations.

• Go to Aircraft Interiors Expo Hamburg

Another outdoor sporting and hunting trade show, a leading exhibition worldwide, is the IWA & Outdoor Classics show that takes place in Nuremberg. It’s the perfect setting for manufacturers showing off their guns, fishing and shooting equipment and accessories, and even hunting vehicles.

• Go to IWA & Outdoor Classics Nuremberg

The world event for the international medical market is the MEDICA trade show. This occurs in Düsseldorf each year. The center of attraction for those in health services, it attracts over 137,000 visitors every year. They usually have more than 4,000 exhibitors, which makes it the strongest medical trade fair worldwide.

• Go to MEDICA Düsseldorf

More German Trade Shows

Just to give you an idea, some other popular German trade shows are…

Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse), world’s largest trade fair for books held in October.

• Go to Frankfurt Book Fair

Leipzig Book Fair (Leipziger Buchmesse), another very huge book exhibition held in Leipzig in March.

• Go to Leipzig Book Fair

IGW (Internationale Grüne Woche) Berlin — the International Green Week, the world’s largest trade fair for food, agriculture and horticulture, held every year in January.

• Go to Green Week Berlin

IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) Berlin — the International Radio Exhibition, one of the world’s largest trade show for consumer electronics.

• Go to IFA Berlin

Drupa, which takes place every four years in May in Düsseldorf, is the world’s largest trade show for printing equipment.

• Go to Drupa Düsseldorf

Ambiente held in February in Frankfurt, the world’s largest consumer goods trade show.

• Go to Ambiente Frankfurt

Achema in Frankfurt, a huge chemical processing trade show. It is, in fact, the world’s largest fair on chemical engineering, environmental protection and biotechnology.

• Go to Achema Frankfurt

Boot, the International Boat Show, is the world’s largest water sport exhibition held annually in January in Düsseldorf.

• Go to Boot Düsseldorf

Heimtextil in Frankfurt, the world’s largest textiles trade show held in January.

• Go to Heimtextil Frankfurt

Infa (Informationsmesse für Familien) — Germany’s largest family experience and shopping exhibition held annually in October in Hanover.

• Go to Infa Hanover

There are many others, covering the floor covering industry, the gaming industry, pets,… You name it, there’s a trade show. ;-)

Trade fairs in Germany give you such opportunity, no matter if you’ve been in your industry for decades or just starting out. You can meet others in your field, compare notes, and most of all, market your innovative ideas and find new customers.

German trade shows are ideal for promotion, and have been used for ages by corporations and small companies alike. Germany is a great place for expansion and prosperity, and you should take advantage of every way to increase your revenue.

When you look into German real estate, you’ll find the property market quite to your liking. Desirable markets are growing and Germany is no exception.

The stability in real estate in Germany is attributable to the country’s conservative mortgage system. Many mortgages are issued at fixed rates, and buyers often put down 30% of the purchase price. This keeps prices from escalating.

If you are buying in Germany so you can rent out your property, the laws are friendly to keep prices down. Almost 50% of all residential properties in Germany are rentals. So it’s an excellent investment opportunity.

For an example of the cost of German real estate, take Bavaria as a unique state within the country. It’s the largest state in Germany and one of the richest. It’s the German people’s favorite place and one they most would like to move to.

The capital of Bavaria is Munich, and for many years, because of its popularity, has been the most expensive city in Germany. But although this is the case, it’s still a safe bet to invest here. Property taxes are about 1,070 euros per year and the maintenance fees range around 800 euros per month.

Traveling to the southern suburbs of Munich will find you in a region of very nice single-family homes. These range from 1.4 to 2.8 million euros but can go even higher for lake frontage.

But to compare Munich to the northern city of Bremen will reveal that a family home in Bremen would cost about €1,480 per square meter while the same home in Munich could cost about €5,080 per square meter. Commercial property in Munich can go for between €800 and €1,200 per square meter.

It all really depends on what purpose you have for your purchase. You have to do some research to ensure the German real estate you find is right for you.

Now, consider Berlin. This city has been determined to be another top location for real estate in Germany — with square meter prices ranging between €800 and €4,500, depending on the location. There are many fancy homes too, which can run up to €9,000 per square meter! House prices vary greatly in Berlin, as anywhere really. They sell for anywhere between €150,000 and 2 million euros.

Hamburg was another top place for property investment. In this lovely city you can find developed sites ready for construction from €76 to €179 per square meter. Rents vary from €8 to €12,50 per square meter. So you can see, whichever city is your target, you will need to do a little research.

Real estate in Germany might be best purchased through a real estate agent. They are self-regulated and work under strict codes. Of course, they have the ultimate purpose to sell you some property, so you must keep your goals in mind and not vary from exactly what you are looking for.

Naturally, the German real estate market changes, just like any real estate market in the world. It’s affected by interest rates and the credit crunch. Keep your finger on the pulse and you will find the property you want, and in the area you want.

No matter your desire, from a single-family home in the city or a small residence in the country, from a commercial property to a parcel of land to build on later, you’ll find it in Germany. You can even find a castle sitting on a mountain, or a tiny apartment overlooking a lake.

German real estate offers much to someone relocating, or for the investor looking for a deal. It’s a wonderful country to live and work in, and you’ll be pleased by your purchase. :-)

Originally a township in the Wittlesbacher Duchy, the town of Erding was founded in 742. It was not until 1886, however, that Johann Kienle first produced the beer for which the town is now known.

Today the town is famous for the Erdinger brewery, which proclaims itself to be the world’s largest wheat beer brewery. You can take a tour of the brewery when visiting Erdinger. You can even join its fan club, launched in 1995! ;-)

If you go to Erding to take in the history of the area then you must visit the parish church of St. Johann. Most of the building dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, although the interior was largely redone in the 19th century. St. Johann’s bell tower is in fact separated from the church, and was connected for 300 years to the old Town Hall.

The Pilgrimage Church of the Holy Blood, on the outskirts of Erding, was extensively remodeled in 1675-77 by the famous master mason Kogler. A cruciform crypt is, however, a remaining part of the earlier building. Stucco decorations inside the church are definitely worth seeing.

The municipal museum in Erding is another must-see. The museum’s exhibits range from pre-history to moder paintings. You will want to look at the large collection of historic and contemporary photographs of Erding and its environs.

If you are still game for more history then visit the Landshuter Tor which is the only remaining one of the first four city gates. The Gothic tower was constructed in 1500.

For the bicycling enthusiast, there are many miles of bike trails in the area, and you can even ride them all the way in to Munich. While, for those who have had enough sightseeing and want to relax, there is a world-famous health spa in the town.

In other words, Erding has something for everyone.

Nestled in the German countryside between Munich and Augsburg, Fürstenfeldbruck’s name gives a hint of what you can expect to find on your visit. Situated on the Amper River, it is literally “The Bridge of Fürstenfeld Abbey.”

The Abbey was founded in 1266 by Ludwig II, Duke of Bavaria. It was said he founded the monastery as penance for killing his first wife. In 1265 a new abbey building was constructed for Cistercian monks after the original monastic building were moved to their present site outside the town of Bruck.

In the late 17th Century a beautiful baroque church was begun under the direction of the Munich court architect and master builder, Giovanni Antonion Viscardi.

The Fürstenfeldbruck monastery buildings remain today, thanks in large part to the townspeople who wouldn’t allow their demolition in 1803 by the first private owner. In 1816 the church became the property of the king of Bavaria.

Since that time the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has been a royal church. The monastery buildings themselves are now a cultural center for the district.

Other sights you can visit here include a 14th century mill now housing the town’s library and the Pilgrim Church of St. Leonhard, the patron saint of horses and farm animals. Every 6th November the townspeople gather near the church with horse-drawn carts and carriages and hold a service of blessing before forming a procession that slowly moves around the church.

When you’re tired of walking you won’t have any trouble finding places to sit and admire the town’s architecture or watch the river flow by as you sip a cup of European coffee or enjoy a stein of German beer. Like most places in Bavaria modern Fürstenfeldbruck knows the value of good food and drink.

At only 40 minutes outside the center of Munich, Fürstenfeldbruck is a town worth visiting on your vacation.

Neustadt am Rübenberge in Lower Saxony dates back to 1215. There are many buildings from the entire history of the town that have been restored and preserved, which means that a visit there can be entertaining and educational.

Our Lady’s Church is one such structure that has origins in the 13th century. There is a museum on the site that explains the additions and refurbishing efforts made to the church across the years. The museum also has exhibits that chronicle the history of the town and surrounding area with special displays that appeal to children.

Stork’s House, near the church, is thought to be the oldest residence in the city and is one of the few that survived a major fire in 1727.

The oldest and largest castle in the region is found in Neustadt am Rübenberge. It was built beginning in about 1575 and contains the remains of a Baroque garden, a grove of beech trees that is at least 250 years old, and a carefully preserved fortress wall. It is also the site of the Peat Museum, which traces the history of this humble but useful product throughout the ages.

The entire inner part of the city is especially lovely at night with its illuminated buildings. Houses and trees are beautifully lit and the sight is a memorable one. At Christmas time the lighting reflects a joyous holiday mood.

During the summer months, you can enjoy beach activities along the shore of the Steinhuder Sea. There are 4 km of waterfront properties and forested areas that invite nature hikes and pleasant walks. You will find a large variety of athletic pursuits available in the area, including horseback riding, golf, squash, tennis, surfing, and sailing.

The city also has a regular concert schedule that features classical and more modern music throughout the calendar year.