Weimar — Center of European Culture

November 2nd, 2007

Weimar has been a popular spot of pilgrimage for the German intelligentsia from the time when Goethe first moved to Weimar in the late 18th century. Due to the drafting of the nation’s constitution here, in German history, the era from 1919–1933 is usually termed as the Weimar Republic.

The town was chosen because at that very time, Berlin was in the turmoil and facing street rioting after the 1918 German Revolution.

At some stage in World War II, a concentration camp was set up near Weimar. It was selected as a European Capital of Culture for 1999 by the European Council of Ministers.

Being the center of attraction in entire Europe, the city has more than a few places to lure the tourists. The Herderkirche, to be found right in Old Town, is a trendy site and contains some vitals past articles. The three-panelled Cranach altarpiece is its most famous art treasures.

The Bauhaus sites in Weimar come in the form of buildings which formed the former art school, the applied arts school and Am Horn house. These are some of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Germany. In 1919, the Weimar State Bauhaus was established in the town under the directorship of Walter Gropius.

Weimar is enclosed by astonishing scenery parks. The vigilantly tended parks and gardens are intimately linked with different eras in the town’s history and reflect their founders’ philosophies. The Goethe’s summer house and the Roman House in the Park on the Ilm represent some remarkable sights.

The Tiefurt Palace is a charming place for strolling in the grounds and admiring the palace. The imperial sepulcher in the historical cemetery and the Russian Orthodox chapel must be visited. The ducal family mausoleum, built in 1827, formed the last resting place for some of the renowned German poet and writer.

The Zwiebelmarkt Fair demonstrates the history of the town. It is held for three days over the second weekend in October. The special setting for Weimar’s Christmas market, offered by the festively enlightened old quarter and the German National Theater on Theaterplatz, makes are incredibly interesting to watch.

The town comprises an incredible collection of museums by way of about 40 diverse sites wrapping almost everything from the Stone Age to classicism to the modern art. The Bauhaus Museum in the Kunsthalle art gallery on Theaterplatz is key among them. Some other sites of supreme importance are Buchenwald and Mittelbau Dora concentration camp memorial.

Ulm — Recognized For Its Minster And University

November 2nd, 2007

Ulm, a typical Swabian city established around the year 850, is an urban district in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. It is set at the tip where the Blau and Iller rivers connect to the Danube, at an elevation of nearly 480 meters above sea level.

Majority portion of the city might be found out on the left bank of the Danube. Initially, its importance was owing to the benefit of a Königspfalz, a site of lodging for the medieval German ruler and monarchs on their recurrent travels.

In the later years, it dramatically transformed itself into the town of traders and craftsmen. The town further flourished for the duration of the 15th and 16th centuries, by and large for its export of high-quality textiles.

Ulm turned into the Protestant by the time of 1530. The discovery of the New World in 16th century with wars had propelled it into the doom.

Subsequently, around 1700, it was assaulted numerous times by French and Bavarian soldiers. In the wars next to the French Revolution, Ulm was alternately taken in control by French and Austrian forces. The French went one step ahead by destroying the city fortifications.

This city had gone astray from the status of an Imperial City and was absorbed into Bavaria in 1803. All through the World War II, it was profoundly spoiled by joined air raids. By the end of the war, over 80% portion of the city laid in ruins.

All along with the rich past narration, Ulm has plenty to offer. Its church is well-known for its spire, the tallest in the world. Ulm Minster is the city’s dictating milestone. The observation puts forward dazzling panoramic sights of city Ulm and the neighboring areas.

The Wilhelmsburg Castle on Michelsberg hill is among the largest edifice. The citadel was defended by three five-storey watchtowers and a moat and served as a final point of retreat.

In Old quarter, if you take a stroll from side to side, you might feel as stepping back in time. The historical weapon store in the midst of its imposing Renaissance portal and intriguing Einstein fountain is very close to the castle.

The Ulm zoo houses an aquarium and a tropical house. You can expect to see some variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects and mammals in 95 different enclosures.

The apothecary garden comes among the city’s most wonderful green spaces. It is pretty close to the medieval fishermen’s quarter and possesses an inclusive compilation of curative aromatic plants.

The botanical garden, set up in the early 1980s, wraps around 30 hectares land. Its most important function is to shore up the university’s training and exploration.

Augsburg — Bavaria’s Modern City Of Culture

November 2nd, 2007

Augsburg is a typical Swabian city in South Germany. Situated at the confluence of the Wertach and Lech rivers, it is also considered a Renaissance City — named after its founder, Emperor Augustus.

Records suggest that only two patrician families — the Fuggers and the Welsers — changed it into a prosperous and powerful town through their banking and trading activities.

After facing crisis for a while, the city prospered again after the Thirty Years’ War. This time, it were its goldsmiths, silversmiths and printers who did the job. The heritage, left by the Roman, Rococo and Renaissance eras pave the way for visitors to come Augsburg today.

Nowadays, it holds the reputation of a modern city of culture.

Augsburg has plenty of places of interest. If you ever get there, you will see the splendid buildings in the historical city center. Elias Holl’s Renaissance town hall with the Golden Hall and the Perlach Tower are some exquisite piece of arts!

The Fuggerei cathedral with its 12th-century stained-glass windows depicts the prophets, St. Ulrich Cathedrals and the cathedral of St. Anna and funeral chapel of the Fugger folks.

If you are interested in museums then the Roman Museum is the place to go to see Roman finds. Further attention-grabbing museums comprise the Maximilian Museum for municipal history and the work of goldsmiths and silversmiths.

If you are interested in cultural shows through these museums, then the Fuggerei Museum, Brecht House, the synagogue and Museum of Jewish Culture will provide you the perfect scene. There are even some museums for kids as well in the form of the Gersthofen Balloon Museum.

If you love sight seeing, hill top since the Augsburg Land region between the Danube valley and the Unterallgäu has a variety of great places to visit. The traditional Bavarian scenery provides a delightful backdrop for walking and cycling tours in the Wittelsbacher Land region between Augsburg and Munich.

If you are a nature connoisseur, then the Westliche Wälder nature reserve could be a popular destination for nature lovers like you. This region is covering a total of an astonishing 1,200 sq m!

If ballooning is your passion, then Gersthofen near Augsburg is recognized among international balloonists as a major ballooning center. You not only can take a trip to this place but can even take to the skies yourself. At this site, hot air balloon trips are admired at any time of year, so it’s a clever idea to make reservation well in advance!

Magdeburg — One Of Europe’s Top Medieval Cities

November 2nd, 2007

Magdeburg is a German city that lies on the Elbe River and was one of the most important medieval cities of Europe. It is the capital city of the Bundesland of Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt) and a vital part of the Romanesque Route, or Straße der Romanik.

Records suggest that Emperor Otto I, the first Holy Roman Emperor, stayed throughout his reign in this city and was buried in the cathedral after his death.

This city boasts of its glorious past and also faced the fury of wars. Subsequent to the wars, several of the remaining pre-World War II city buildings were destroyed, with only a few buildings near the Cathedral restored to their pre-war state.

From the time of 1949 to the time of German reunification on October 3rd, 1990 the city belonged to the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It was only in the year 1990 when it became the capital of the new state of Saxony-Anhalt within reunified Germany.

Magdeburg offers numerous sights and a culture to its visitors. Here, you might discover spell of buildings. The city’s most remarkable building, the Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice, has a height of 104m (341ft). It is considered to be the highest church building of eastern Germany and is distinguished for its stunning and unique sculptures, especially the “Twelve Virgins” at the Northern Gate.

Along with these sights, the depictions of Otto I the Great, and his wife Editha as well as the statues of St Maurice and St Catherine, will put forward a delight to watch. The statue of St Maurice is a strange sight, as it is the place where Maurice is displayed as a black man with African features, holding a sword and wearing chain mail. This is astonishing when we come to know that Maurice was an Egyptian!

You might take delight by seeing the place in front of the cathedral which is sometimes called “New Marketplace.” This place was engaged by an imperial palace. Unser Lieben Frauen, which is also known as Our Beloved Lady, is an 11th century Monastery, containing the church of St. Mary.

Town hall building is equally mesmerizing as this building stood on the marketplace since the 13th century. It was smashed in the Thirty Years’ War. Later, the new town hall was put into place in a Renaissance style influenced by Dutch architecture.

The Magdeburg Water Bridge is a spectacular set to watch as it is Europe’s longest water bridge.

In the field of literature, particularly in fiction, Magdeburg has earned its reputation. This city has witnessed the works of authors like David Weber, Eric Flint, and many others.

In later years, Magdeburg became the capital of the Confederated Principalities of Europe.

Oldenburg — Farming And Agricultural Environment

November 2nd, 2007

Oldenburg, at the Hunte River, is located in the north-western part of the state Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) and flanked by the cities of Bremen and Groningen (Netherlands). It has a population of around 164,000 and is therefore the fourth largest city in this state.

It was stated in the early 11th century under the name of Aldenburg. Its significance grew manifold due to the Hunte River and later, converted into the capital of the County of Oldenburg.

In 1945, after World War II, it was suddenly jammed with the refugees who migrated into the city in a hope to save their lives. Fortunately, this area was only moderately bombed during the war.

Museums in Oldenburg take account of objects d’art and cultural-history exhibits. All along, it contains folklore, art and crafts and a gallery of old masters and 20th-century art.

In addition to an altering string of unique displays, the Land Museum also puts forward typical biology collections and craftsmen’s art of bygone times as well as from regions outside Europe.

Travelers often come to realize the city as they experience the vibrancy of it and university seat located in the wide-open landscape of north-western Germany. City’s heart beats in Old Town, which is clustered in the region of the Old Town Hall, Church and the castle.

The city center is a huge pedestrian zone with street cafes, bistros and restaurants to suit all of your tastes. Charming spots and parts, green and softly flowing waterways round off the picture, are all making it a worth of seeing.

Even in the terms of festivals and markets, it is not too far behind from any other major German city. The Kramermarkt is meant to your shopping spree that could be done here for 10 days at the end of September and the beginning of October. This is among Germany’s biggest fair and ranks among the 5th spot.

The Oldenburg Horse Week (Oldenburger Pferdewoche) is for animal lovers as you might get to see international riding and horse jumping tournaments as well as horse trading.

KIBUM is a Children’s Book Fair which is organized for 10 days in November and has been held every year since 1975.

Or what about Lambertimarkt, which is a Christmas market that is held almost every year around mid December at the foot of the old Town Hall and the Lamberti Church.

Easter Market, which usually starts on Easter Saturday, is the first funfair of the year. Its outings, rides and merry-go-rounds catch the attention of families in the midst of kids who appreciate and love it all the time.

Rostock — A Leading City, Culturally And Economically

November 2nd, 2007

Rostock, largest city in the north German state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), is to be found on the Baltic Sea coast. The city is positioned on the Warnow River.

The coastal fraction of the city is barely 16km (10mi) to the north of the momentous city center. Its highly densed parts are west and the south-east while the east is the place for overseas port.

Right through the Cold War, Rostock served as the major and busiest harbor in East Germany. Maritime activities are still keeping this city going, although its significance has reduced drastically from the time of the German reunification in 1990.

At present, tourists throng to the city to stroll around its reconstructed Old Town (Alstadt), and to take a trip to its museums and churches.

At some stage in the 13th and 14th centuries, Rostock had its reputation among the most significant cities of the Hanseatic League. Then, it was a force to reckoned with in the activities of trading and contending with ports in Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Poland, and Lithuania.

It established its university in the year of 1419 which went on to become the first in any city by the side of the Baltic. At this stage, Rostock’s affluence and planned position goaded the jealousy of the Scandinavians nations.

Subsequently, Danes and Swedes captured the city two times: first for the duration of 1618–48 and once more from 1700–1721. Afterwards, Napoleon took over the city for a decade in the early 18th century.

Rostock has plenty of tourists spots in the form of medieval churches and buildings. The two significant churches are sited in its center — St. Mary and St. Peter’s.

The St. Mary Minster basks in the glory of an astronomical clock, while the church of St. Peter’s offers a fine sight of the old quarter and the city harbor.

The remarkable town hall is at New Market Square (Neuer Marktplatz), while the core university building is positioned right in the middle of the pedestrian’s area.

You’ll find out that Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architectures are inspiring aide memoire of the prosperity enjoyed by the city’s merchants in the Middle Ages. This feeling of past grandeur is aroused often by seeing the impressive churches. The astronomical clock compels tourists to come to the Gothic basilica.

The IGA Park is a wonderful place to watch as here, you can visit the “gardens of the nations” and the Maritime Museum.

Rostock zoo provides you an opportunity to get on to an expedition. A sense of sighting some fascinating 1,500 animals from all over the world might give you a delight. This Zoo is a grand day out at any time throughout the year.

And finally, the growing Rostock-Laage Airport [RLG] is a great way to connect to this area via air.

Leipzig Restaurants — Devilish Historical Eateries

November 2nd, 2007

Leipzig restaurants are much closer to historical tourist attractions than just simple eateries. Here you’ll find the former hangouts of such illustrious German personages as Goethe, Wagner and of course, Bach.

But don’t forget to taste all the delicious Saxon cuisine as you follow in the footsteps of these Leipzig celebrities.

Leipzig Dishes

Saxon cuisine is what’s on the menu in Leipzig. You can sample some of the traditional favorites like roast pork, schnitzel and dumplings.

Leipzig residents are also very serious about their coffee and visitors can sample this morning brew at the bevy of coffeehouses scattered throughout the city.

Leipzig Restaurants

Auerbachs Keller (Grimmaische Straße 2-4)

Auerbachs Keller is undoubtedly the most famous of Leipzig restaurants that first opened in 1525 during medieval times, and is considered the oldest operating pub in Germany. It was not only a frequent haunt of the beloved and world-famous German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe when he was a student here, but also an important setting in “Faust.”

If you visit the cellar of this restaurant, you will be at the site of that fateful meeting between Dr. Faust and none other than the devil himself, Mephistopheles.

As such a tourist attraction in itself, don’t forget to try the fresh Saxon food that they serve here!

Ratskeller (Lotterstraße 1)

Another historic Leipzig restaurant is the Ratskeller. Housed in the basement of the New Town Hall, this eatery is one of the city’s largest. Stop by and sample the delicious, traditional German and Saxon dishes on offer here.

Some of the tables even host mannequins dressed in period costumes (!), giving the place a customary Saxon experience. ;-)

Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum (Kleine Fleischergasse 4)

Billed as one of the continent’s oldest coffeehouses, the Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum has seen its share of famous faces. From Goethe (again!) to Richard Wagner and of course the hometown hero Johannes Sebastian Bach, this coffeehouse is another cafe-cum-tourist-attraction.

Apels Garten (Kolonnadenstraße 2)

If you want a cozy, comfortable place to enjoy typical Saxon meals, then look no further than the Apels Garden. With its hearty dishes, pleasant ambiance and lovely outdoor terrace, you’re certain to have a memorable experience here.

Other Eatery Regions/Streets

The main eatery region is around Fleischergasse, a small side street running northwest from Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus).

Next, the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) has an enormous promenade loaded with eateries and a terrific shopping experience.

And what about the Barfußgässchen, a small street with a lot of pubs and bars. Once there, you can easily find a pub selling Gose, which is the world’s most obscure beer!

Kiel — Sparkling City With Kiel Week

November 2nd, 2007

Kiel is the capital of the northernmost federal state Schleswig-Holstein and has about 247,000 inhabitants. It is situated on the eastern side of the base of the Jutland peninsula off the south-east corner of the Baltic Sea.

The city is especially renowned for its sailing events, including the world wide well-known Kiel Week (Kieler Woche), which is the biggest sailing event in the world.

When the Olympic Games were organized in Berlin and Munich alternatively in 1936 and 1972, the Olympic sailing events took place in Kiel-Schilksee.

Kiel is regarded as a sparkling city. Bustling with a university, naval base, important harbor and Germany’s largest passenger port, it provides a wonderful blend of maritime lifestyle, urban charm, culture and history.

Apart from the festivals, it has plenty other places of interest. From the 67 m high tower of the town hall in downtown, you have a wonderful view of the Fjord and the city. And you can see the Hindenburgufer Promenade, ministerial buildings, Kiel Institute for World Economics, and the marina.

You will love to see the Hörn Bridge, which is a wonder of technology, situated right in the city center. If you love marine life simply stand by the harborside and soak up the maritime ambiance. Here, you can avail some excursions as the city is surrounded by a holiday region with beaches, sailing areas and Kiel Canal on its doorstep.

If you take a trip along the Fjord to the Baltic resort of Laboe, then you’ll surely get a sight of military naval history. Further major attractions might comprise the 42 m (138 ft) high Railway Bridge over Kiel Canal. Hovering over the water attached to the bridge by cables, is it the only one of its kind in Germany.

This place attracts a large number of tourists every year.

If you like museums, then the Schleswig-Holstein Open-air Museum would be a place to visit. It comprises of a number of ancient agricultural buildings including crofts, mills, stores, and barns. And you can look at demonstrations by basket weavers and potters.

Bavarian History Is Biased By Celts And Romans

November 2nd, 2007

Part of Bavarian History is that former Bavarians used to live in a region north the Alps. They were occupied by the Celts, which was a part of the Roman provinces of Rhaetia and Noricum.

They spoke Old High German, and they have incorporated Marcomanni, Thuringians, Goths, Rugians, Heruli, and some outstanding Romans.

By the way, the name “Bavarian” (“Baiuvari”) means “Men of Baia,” which designates Bohemia, the homeland of the Marcomanni. For the past 550 to 788, the house of Agilolfing ruled the duchy of Bavaria. Then it lastly ended with Tassilo III who was deposed by Charlemagne.

The three early dukes of Bavaria were named in Frankish sources: Garibald was selected to the office by the Merovingian kings and he got married with Lombard princess Walderada in 555. Theodelinde daughter of Garibald later was chosen as the Queen of the Lombards which is in northern Italy. Lombard’s father was forced to escape when he fell out with his Frankish overlords.

In 600, Garibald’s successor, Tassilo I, failed to hold the eastern frontier against the growth of Slavs and Avars. Tassilo’s son Garibald II was supposed to have achieved equilibrium of authority between 610 and 616.

After Garibald II not anything much was known about the Bavarians until Duke Theodo I, in 680. His son, Theudebert, led a crucial Bavarian battle to interfere in a sequence dispute in the Lombard Kingdom in 714. He allowed his sister Guntrud to marry with the Lombard King Liutprand. At the time of Theodo’s death the duchy was separated among his sons. But his grandson Hucbert reunited it.

In the early 20th century Henrik Ibsen, Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky were drawn to Schwabing, Bavaria later devastated by World War II.

Aschaffenburg — A Vivacious And Friendly German Town

November 2nd, 2007

Aschaffenburg? That’s a town in the beautiful state of Bavaria (Bayern), fairly close to — or between — Frankfurt and Würzburg. It is considered as the Gate to the Spessart (a nearby forest region) and got its name because of its closeness to the Aschaff river.

Aschaffenburg is famous as a city of museums. The city museums embrace four houses in the form of the Stiftsmuseum, the Castle Museum, the Gentil House, and the Museum of Nature. The Museum of Nature comprises compilations of the previous academy of foresters as well as significant private collections from the 19th century.

The city museum hosts exceptional exhibitions, events, and a number of activities, especially for children. It saw the reopening of its former chapter house in 1994 after more than a few years of restoring of the house and reshaping of the exhibition.

Aside plenty of museums, the city has lots of huge, imposing buildings. Schloss Johannisburg, a huge castle, is certainly one of them. It was built by Archbishop Schweikard von Kronberg in the early 16th century and comprises a library and a fine collection of engravings and paintings.

Another worth seeing spot in the town is the Stiftskirche basilica, which was built in 974 by Otto of Swabia.

The city is also known for the U.S. Army bases which have been here from the outset of the Cold War.

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