For starting your own business in Germany, it’s important to be aware of some factors that you need to know. Although not really complicated, you should have some guidance on your journey.

Entrepreneurs should be aware that the 2006 estimate of annual per capita income in Germany was €23,600. To begin a business in Germany won’t necessarily rake in that to start with, but know that you can also beat it. Set your goals high.

There are specific steps you’ll need to take to get established and enter the trade register. Usually the formation procedures are very efficient and fast. The first step is the legal form. The type of form you fill out will depend on how you set up your company.

If you already have an established company from elsewhere in the world, you might choose to open a corporation. You will have a corporation that is its own “legal individual” and signs contracts and holds assets. But realize the corporation will also need to pay the taxes.

You can choose instead to start a partnership. Here you will have a personal commitment to others joining you in this venture. The accounting procedures are less extensive for this option, but there are obligations that must be fulfilled.

It may be needed for you to create a branch office in Germany, if you have a foreign company with operations outside of Germany. You will be establishing your presence for purposes of contacts and working with others within this country.

Once you have the type of business you are setting up, you will need to register it with the commercial register (called the Handelsregister) and the local trade office (called the Gewerbeamt). Whatever municipality you are in will have its own trade office and that is where you must go.

As you fill out the legal forms, follow the directions exactly. You want all the information to be perfectly accurate. You can ask any clerk for assistance, and should if you have questions.

Establishing a business in Germany will require a bank account. This is the only smart way to organize and conduct your day-to-day activities with your finances. You’ll need your passport and some sort of written evidence that your residence is in fact Germany. If opening an account in your company name, you’ll also need a copy of the commercial register and company documents.

Finding premises can be challenging, but don’t let it discourage you in any way! You’ll discover listings in daily newspapers, online or through brokers. You can also check with the Federal Property Administration for publicly owned properties that are for sale.

Family-owned businesses seem to always thrive and do well in Germany. Where large corporations are laying off personnel, small business seem to hire more to get the work done. These family-owned and run companies cater directly to the public, like in the tourist industry.

Interesting to note is that during one economic downturn, sales volume for large companies on the DAX (stock market) increased only 9% where family owned businesses jumped as much as 16% in the same time period. This is good news for those who intend to begin a family business in Germany.

All it takes to start your own business in this country is the will, along with developing your plan. Take it step by step and ensure all the proper papers are filled out and you are registered with the right entities.

A business in Germany will show you profit, fun and ease of running. It’s surely an adventure in running your own show, but you can do it!

Rheinberg has its old fortifications and a replica medieval village if you are looking for the past. Well preserved historic buildings can be seen downtown.

And the Town Archives are worth a visit for displays of North Rhine-Westphalia through the ages and extensive information about the town’s beginnings as a customs outpost on the Rhine River in the 13th-18th centuries.

You might also want to pay a visit to the town’s War Cemetery, where whitewashed grave markers face a central monument bearing a large cross, inscribed below, “Their name liveth for evermore.” Local groups offer inexpensive guided tours of the entire town, including nearby Orsoy.

But to truly appreciate the best that Rheinberg has to offer, you will want to experience the present, not the past. The town takes great pride in its gastronomic delights, outdoor recreation activities, and cultural opportunities. They support a thriving convention business, for which the area is now well known.

You can see why the stylish pavilions of the Messe Niederrhein draw crowds here for some 50 trade shows a year. You may wish to time your stay for the Building Construction Show, Housing and Remodeling, The BIKE Motorcycle Show, and Fighterama, as well as pet shows, gourmet food fairs, and the annual Garden of Dreams expo.

Of special interest to visitors, and families in particular, is the ongoing line-up of musicals, comedies, stage plays, and cabaret acts here. For more than 25 years, children and youth have been enchanted by the town’s portrayals of Robin Hood, fairy tales and musical classics. There is a school of music focused on youth, and performing arts are scheduled monthly at the ever-active Town Hall Little Theater.

One must-see attraction is the compact TerraZoo, specializing in exhibits of reptiles, including poisonous snakes. Amphibians and spiders are also featured, and the zoo is especially popular with children.

Numerous bike and hiking trails characterize the outlying area, and Rhine River tours are available daily. So outdoors or indoors, you know you are going to enjoy yourself in Rheinberg. ;-)

The appearance of Hofheim am Taunus brings you back to a more romantic time as you stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire the wonderfully restored half-timbered houses. The sweet little cafes and shops that line the streets add to the quaint charm of the town.

To truly get a sense of the town’s history, check out the Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church as well as the Kellereigebäude (wine cellar).

Walking tours are easily available if you’d like a little real information to accompany the ogling of old buildings. To really feel like a local, stop by the twice weekly farmers’ market that is held at the Untertor, otherwise known as the City Gate.

Located in the state of Hesse, Hofheim am Taunus is very close to Frankfurt am Main with easy access into the city, providing you the relaxation of a town with the benefits of a large city not far away.

This little town has a cultural life of its own however, offering you everything from the theater to art exhibitions in the municipal museum. If you enjoy festivities with an emphasis on booze than be sure to plan your trip to coincide with Wäldchestag or Forest Day where adults and kids alike leave their obligations at midday and partake in the annual festival.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs and move your body a bit you can explore the numerous hiking trails that navigate you through the town’s forestland, with trails for whatever level of difficulty you’re seeking to tackle.

The 18 hole golf course by the name of Hof Hausen provides the perfect setting to practice your stroke and get out in the sun.

Here’s one thing you have to do… No matter in which season you visit Hofheim, you have to take advantage of its Rhein-Main Therme, the most modern water park in the region that includes countless of saunas to really relax from the big city stress! :-)

Located on the banks of the River Weser, Bad Oeynhausen is the home of the world’s highest carbonated, thermal saltwater fountain called the Jordan Sprudel.

The fountain can reach 40 meters high on calm days and is believed to have many beneficial medicinal properties. The fountain was discovered in 1845 when locals were drilling for salt deposits, and baths were soon established in the town. It has a capacity of 6000 liters per minute and is well worth seeing.

A visit to the Aqua Magica Park is a must to see the water gardens. There is also a wonderful orchid house, a sculpture garden and a spice garden. It is a great way to see and experience the saline springs too.

One of the legacies of the spa is the Kurpark or Spa garden which was laid out at that time. This was accompanied by the opulent Spa Hotel. A number of residential town homes were built around the garden for the rich and wealthy families who moved here. They are well worth viewing as they have given Bad Oeynhausen the unofficial title “Museum for the Architecture of the 19th Century.”

Another reason the spa attracts countless visitors from all over Europe is due to its saltwater which is believed to improve metabolism and aid circulation. It’s also world renowned for its treatment of cardiac patients. There is a rehabilitation center for cancer patients and a major diabetes center, too.

Bad Oeynhausen is also home to one of the four GOP Varieté theatres. One of the best known performances is a balancing act where one artist performs a one-handed stand on a rotating steel cube whilst another hangs from a metal pole by her feet.

The beautiful theatre is extremely popular, not only for its entertaining shows but also for the beautiful building in which it is housed. If you visit this town you must see this world-famous show and marvel at the ornate building.

After all the culture of Bad Oeynhausen, a visit to one of the largest classic car museums is no doubt on the agenda for the guys of us. ;-) Step back in time and reminisce over the 450 exhibits which range from motorcycling to automotive history. There is even the imperial car which once belonged to Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Heidenheim an der Brenz is a charming town and well known for its typical German architecture. The local streets are lined with houses of all colors and sizes with half-timbered fronts and gabled roofs. From picnic squares to cozy inns it is a great town to explore.

The backdrop to the town is the ancient turreted castle. As it is such a popular destination for tourists there is a good choice of hotels in the town.

The Tourist Information office has a team of professional staff who offer information and maps and also organize guided tours. This is definitely the best way to learn more of the town’s interesting history.

There are also guided tours of the Brenzinger Park, or you can choose a tour with a wildlife theme and explore the area. You can walk by the river or hike in the nearby mountains and enjoy the wonderful scenery.

Trails lead you around the town showing you the loveliest sights and the hidden treasures of Heidenheim an der Brenz. Streets and ancient staircases lead between old houses, statues and the market place. There is a Carriage museum, the Rathaus and the castle high above the town.

In the winter the Brenzinger Park is popular with skaters, so you can join in or enjoy watching the fun. It is a wonderful place to relax, walk and enjoy the natural surroundings. There is an entrance fee but it is well worth the small charge.

There are also many events in the Park including the “Fire and Ice” display with a drum display, a fire show and fireworks to conclude the event. Summer fun includes a trampoline and a water playground.

Winter sports are always popular at Heidenheim. Cross country Skiing, sledging, curling and skating are enjoyed by all the family. If you are too timid to try these sports yourself then enjoy the hot mulled wine and waffles and watch the fun.

Heidenheim is known for its fine German cuisine and excellent restaurants. You must try the excellent food at the Hotel Restaurant Linde or one of the other excellent restaurants in the town. The Café Balzac offers a wide choice of specialty coffee in its delightful setting nested beneath the Castle walls.

Annual events include the Training and Study Show which attracts many students and parents to see what is on offer. The Geocache walk is another favorite activity. It is a treasure hunt guided by GPS coordinates and creates a lot of excitement as groups home in on the loot.

Beyond the town there are some excellent mountain walks on prepared paths ranging from 1.8 to 16km in length. The views are stunning as you enjoy the walk.

The ancient town of Schwerte dates all the way back to 962 where it was originally known as “Suerte.” Today it is a popular place to live and work with its excellent recreational facilities and many cultural events.

The Old Town Center is well worth visiting. The Calvin house dates back over 700 years to the 14th century. The Old Town Hall really lives up to its name as it was built in 1547 and now houses the museum. The St. Victor Church is also well-worth visiting and it dates back to the 14th centuries.

In the 15th and 16th century Schwerte thrived on its production of crossbows, chest armor, mail shirts and swords and it grew in fame and prosperity. Its factories more recently have supported the railway network and other industries.

Schwerte has an interesting range of leisure facilities. There are sports clubs and sports halls for every interest; a gym, golf club, tennis courts, squash center, shooting ranges and several modern swimming pools to enjoy. Children will love the giant looping slide which runs for 55 meters.

There is also a grotto, a water cannon, hot whirlpool, saunas and even a restaurant. As you can see, there is something to do here the whole year round, whatever the weather.

Schwerte also has a range of cultural activities including choir singing, art courses, and computer classes for young and old alike. Young people meet at various youth clubs whilst senior citizens have their own clubs and entertainments.

The Music School and the Concert Society have a varied program of entertainment with concerts and performances. There is a strong local civic commitment to community projects including Patrons of the museum and the Citizens Foundation.

Beyond the town there is a lovely nature reserve at Ebberg or you can enjoy cycling along the Ruhr valley meadows. The nearby forests offer plenty of opportunities to escape from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a bracing forest walk.

It’s easy to travel thousands of kilometers (or miles) and stay in a German hotel you could have booked down the road from your house. But it may not be memorable.

In a country with as rich an architectural history as Germany — why not avoid anything cliché and rent yourself one of the many unique and fascinating holiday homes in Germany. Not only will you have privacy, autonomy and a truly authentic local holiday experience, you could potentially save yourself a lot of money.

With a basic hotel costing anywhere from €80 – €100 per night, it is easy to see why many tourists prefer a holiday home or villa at as low as €250 a week. Of course prices will vary the same way hotels do — with location and season — but it’s certainly worth looking at the sort of places where you can rent holiday homes.

First you will need to decide if renting a holiday home in Germany fits with your travel needs. If you are only passing through it would be more efficient to use a hotel or bed and breakfast, and, if you’re on a very tight budget, a hostel will usually be cheaper. But if you are looking for a reasonably long term stay for a week or more, German holiday homes will provide you with privacy and independence and often, save you money.

There are a huge variety of buildings to choose from. In the main German cities you can rent apartments, townhouses and even small one-roomed flats. You need to consider what you need for your traveling party. Perhaps create a wish list of what you are looking for before you start to look at holiday homes.

• How many beds and bathrooms do you need?
• Do you require living space or will you be out exploring most of the time?
• Will you be eating out or do you need a kitchenette?

Once you have made a plan, hop online and start searching for properties using your criteria.

The part of the country you are visiting will make a difference as to what type of holiday homes are available. Along the Romantic Road and in many parts of Bavaria there are huge estates and ancient castles available for hire. They are not a budget option but if you are looking for luxury or traveling with a large group they are a unique and memorable option.

Most towns have small apartments available. In the Alps in the ski side towns, for example, there are often flats and apartments attached to local homes. These can be a great experience as you have autonomy and your own place, but can also spend some time with a local person who will know better than anyone, the best restaurants, bars and sights.

A few features of a German holiday home may be different to what you are used to at home. So it is worth being aware that most holiday homes in Germany will not have a built-in wardrobe — we Germans tend to have freestanding cupboards or a Kleiderschrank. The beds don’t usually have linen but rather a mattress cover and a Federbett (down comforter).

German kitchens also tend to be smaller than American or British ones with small, economical appliances. Often apartments are rented out with “bare” kitchens, which means they have no appliances in them. Check that your holiday home has everything you will be needing before you rent it.

There is something about staying in a truly local home that makes a holiday more authentic. There are things you cannot learn about Germany staying in a hotel designed for tourists.

With so much interest real estate on the market, it’s a good idea to have a look at holiday homes in Germany when planning your vacation. It could save you money, you will meet interesting local people, and you will gain experiences that are unlike anyone else’s. :-)

German cuisine recipes were often the start of many other dining sensations throughout Europe and North America. Sausage dishes are a good example, as well as meatloaf and the frankfurters you enjoy at sports events.

German cooking is famous for its wide diversity and healthy preparation. The Germans are proud of the hundreds of various dishes and beverages their country provides.

When visiting Germany and traveling through the different regions, you will become familiar with the German food popular in each area. For instance, if you are visiting Thuringia, you would most certainly stop and try some sausage such as Feldkieker, a cured sausage that is dried up to eight months.

When in Bavaria, feasting on some hearty fare is a must. The chilled minced pork, beef and liver (or Leberkäs) is a favorite, as well as dumplings known as Knödel.

Southern Germany is known for its Gugelhupf, known in the United States as a bundt cake. This bread with raisins and almonds is a big hit in both countries.

No resident in Germany will ever give up his or her addiction to German Cookies, thus it makes sense for you to taste some to see what all the fuss is about. :-) Elisen Lebkuchen is a type of gingerbread cookie baked on a wafer. The Schoko Pfeffernüsse is a gingerbread cookie with dark chocolate on top.

Around almost every corner, you’ll find German candy sold. Delicious morsels of delight, perhaps you would do best to select a few rather than go overboard. You’ll love the marzipan, which is made from almonds and sugar. It comes in all shapes and sizes.

German chocolate is famous throughout the country, and again, you’ll find some available in all parts of Germany. Chocolate lovers buy tons of bonbons, chocolates filled with brandy or other liqueurs, and bittersweet or dark chocolates. The choices are virtually endless. (I personally love the flavors Nougat and Haselnuß. :-)

A famous part of German cuisine is the fabulous German coffee available in all regions. In fact, it was the German woman, Melitta Bentz, who invented the coffee filter! Since then, German coffee experts have been able to extract the full flavor of the beans, as well as maintain the healthy aspects of the brew.

If you are brewing your own, the popular German coffee brands widely available are Jacobs, IDEE Kaffee, or Dallmayr, to name a few. Of course in restaurants, you must try the local brew to savor the special blends.

When discussing German cuisine, we can’t leave out German beer! German beer is truly unequaled anywhere. In fact, in Bavaria you’ll find the world’s oldest brewery. It’s not expensive, and as you go from region to region, you should try the local beer of each area.

Another thing we can’t leave out is German wine, which is known for its lightness and balance. Vineyards on the hillsides along the Rhine, Mosel and other rivers make for the perfect growing conditions. Some stick with a white wine and avoid sweet wines by ordering dry (trocken) or semidry (halbrocken) wines; others (like me) opt for sweet wines (lieblich) like Spätlese and Auslese. :-)

German gourmet is always a pleasure, and there are many restaurants to guide you in your choice of dining delicacies and the German cuisine you’d prefer. Experiment and don’t be afraid to try something new. You could miss out on something grand.

All in all, German cuisine offers important food experiences, whether a full course meal or a divine dessert. There are many choices and you should try as many as possible during your stay in Germany.

A holiday trip to enjoy German Christmas can make your season bright! And what better place to celebrate than in the region where many of our Christmas traditions began? A Christmas in Germany carries with it all the feelings of love and family we have come to know in every part of the world, but with a strong taste of the old-fashioned.

As you walk the lighted streets of Germany in the evening, you may see letters lying on the windowsills. These decorated letters are being left by the children for Christkind, a winged person with white robes and a gold crown who gives out gifts.

All around the city or town you will find wreathes and lights. A German Christmas has everything sparkling red, green, and white with Christmas trees alight in nearly every window.

You’ll really love the Christmas markets, where you can buy all kinds of sweets, holiday gifts and toys for the children. Some of the favorite German Christmas candy is marzipan. Sometimes these are shaped like fruits or animals.

The Christmas market is called Christkindlmarkt or Weihnachtsmarkt, and you’ll discover the larger ones in Frankfurt, Berlin or any of the bigger German cities and towns. But almost every town will have at least one small market where you can get many treats. The most famous Christkindlmarkt is in Nuremberg, and this one is also one of the oldest, dating back to around 1628.

German Christmas time starts early in December. At times you’ll even find holiday activities begin at the end of November. On December 5th, you may see shoes or boots outside the doors of homes. The next day is Nikolaustag, or Saint Claus Day, and if the child was good, he or she will find presents. If they were bad, they may only find a rod. :-)

On the evening of the 6th, the German Christmas preparations begin in earnest, with much baking being done. Folks will often make time to create their own gifts and decorations at this time.

Around the 20th of December, on or near the winter solstice, some celebrate Thomasnacht. If you see a woman running outside to hug a tree, know that this is to bring a good harvest for the coming year. ;-)

At Christmas in Germany, the 24th of December is the most important day of the holiday. The tree is often decorated at this time. After a filling and delicious dinner everyone waits for Weihnachtsmann (Santa) who brings the gifts.

Christmas Eve is also considered to be an important time to enjoy great food. The common belief is that someone who doesn’t eat well on this night will be haunted by demons after going to bed. So a person should feel obligated to take part in feasting on some macaroni salad, sausage and suckling pig.

When the Christmas tree is decorated, it stands as a beautiful creation for the children’s joy. The mother of the family will place candy, cookies, apples, tinsel and nuts on its branches to amaze the kids when they are finally allowed to view it.

On the 25th and 26th of December, most Germans spend these days visiting friends and family as the traditional activity. It’s a time of love and peace throughout the country, and a time to enjoy a family holiday like no other.

If you have the opportunity to visit Germany over the Christmas holidays, you’ll find a wealth of fun and tradition. You can experience an old-fashioned German Christmas that the whole family won’t soon forget.

Fürstenwalde (Spree) was first documented as a city in 1272. Even today you can see remnants of the 14th and 15th century city walls, erected at a time when the town was literally the end of the road. The Spree River became unnavigable at this point, so Fürstenwalde was filled with merchants and traders loading and offloading their cargoes.

The town was an important church center as well. It was home to the Bishop of Lebus for over 200 years, and over time three cathedrals were built. St. Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1446, has a tower 68 meters high.

Fürstenwalde’s fortunes waxed and waned over the centuries, with the building of the Friedrich-Wilhelm Canal in 1662 badly affecting the town, and the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century providing something of an economic boom.

A visit to the local museum will walk you through all the stages of its history, including the building of the first railroad station in Germany in 1842. You can visit the station today.

Beer has been brewed here since the Middle Ages, and the granting of rights to independent brewers resulted in something like 104 individuals holding licenses in the 18th century. Today you can visit the 19th century Stieber & Stimmig brewery building, or sit in one of the beer gardens and sample the many varieties on offer.

Another sight you might want to visit is the narrowest house in town. It dates from the 17th century and is only 3.83 meters wide!

Or you might want to take a look at the 1837 Spree Mill, the first building in Fürstenwalde built of commercially produced brick.

The Jadgschloss, built in 1699, was a hunting lodge for Friedrich III, but has served as military barracks for much of the time since.

There is plenty to see and do in Fürstenwalde. Why not come and see for yourself? :-)