The Best Things to Do and See in Germany

Germany may conjure images of beer and Oktoberfest, but there's much more to this country. With its long and rich history and cultural traditions, Germany stands as an oasis.

Modern Germany is still relatively young in comparison with more established nation-states, having come into being when Prussia united 25 smaller German territories in 1871 through forceful unification. Unification triggered growth and ambition - only for that ambition to lead into two devastating world wars and their aftermaths.

Popular Shopping Districts

Are You Searching for the Best Shopping Districts in Germany? Look no further. Here you will find everything from top-of-the-line fashion stores, upscale department stores and unique local boutiques in Germany - not to mention several malls with popular brands such as Zara, H&M, or Galeria Kaufhof!

Kurfurstendamm is Berlin's best-known shopping street, often likened to Paris' Champs-Elysees. This five-kilometer-long boulevard features world-famous brands alongside boutique shops, department stores, and a massive shopping mall (Europacenter).

Friedrichstrasse is another popular shopping area in Berlin, known for its variety of shops that range from clothing boutiques and department stores to high-end labels like Gucci, Hugo Boss, and Marc O'Polo.

Dusseldorf's Schadowstrasse offers high-end shopping at its best. This luxurious promenade features many designer boutiques and is one of the premier shopping streets in Europe.

Other popular shopping areas in Germany include the luxurious department store KaDeWe on Berlin's Unter den Linden and Hofstatt between Sendlinger Strasse, Hackenstrasse and Farbergraben in Munich - these two arcades provide a chic shopping atmosphere with trendy fashion boutiques, delicious eateries and service providers such as hairdressers.

There are also smaller shopping centers which provide a wider variety of products and brands, especially among young people, often boasting futuristic or modern designs such as Alexa Center in Berlin which features 180 stores.

Christmas Markets

German cities come alive at Christmas with festive fairy lights and lively holiday markets! Explore a variety of themed areas--edible treats to elaborate decorations--plus glassblowing and painting workshops as you discover Germany's timeless Christmas magic at four of their most beloved markets with this guided experience offering optional mulled wine stops for maximum holiday magic!

Leipzig's zweitalteste market, Leipzig's Weihnachtsmarkt welcomes visitors with trumpet fanfares and Christmas music to its 250 light-filled stalls with trumpet fanfares and festive music. Set directly opposite Old Town Hall, this festive marketplace provides both an incredible visual spectacle as well as musical entertainment throughout each day at its main Marktplatz stage.

Frankfurt's Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and largest markets in Germany, spans across Romerburg and Paulsplatz neighborhoods and features over 200 attractively decorated stalls offering souvenirs and regional delicacies like hot apple cider and Bethmannchen (almond-marzipan cookies) among many other delights - not forgetting its choir performances to keep visitors amused!

Nuremberg's world-famous Christkindlesmarkt has been celebrated since Martin Luther introduced the concept of an angelic "Christ child" delivering gifts instead of Saint Nicholas. Every Friday before Advent begins with an official prologue by an "angel" dressed in white who descends upon the Frauenkirche glockenspiel to kickstart the holiday season and officially open it up to visitors.

At Germany's largest market, you can browse more than 320 booths selling artisanal goods and classic Christmas treats in the historic city center. Additionally, this charming market hosts an old-fashioned carousel and 25-meter tall Nordmann fir tree which each year is illuminated with over 50,000 LED bulbs illuminating it enchantingly.

Unique German Products or Brands

Germany is renowned for their stringent manufacturing standards when it comes to product production and design, which leads customers worldwide to happily pay more for "Made in Germany" goods - particularly automobiles and technology products such as smartphones. Some of the greatest inventions ever credited to Germans or those of German descent include relativity theory as well as pain relievers such as aspirin.

Germany is not only known for its technological innovations but also as an innovator in food and beverage products. Many top German brands are well-renowned for their superior quality and distinctive tastes - including cheeses, dairy products, chocolates, and candies as well as its world-famous beers!

As such, many online retailers are now selling German products that emphasize its culture and heritage. Beer steins are an iconic souvenir representing Germany's longstanding brewing history; simple versions may feature logos for particular beer brands while more intricate ones feature artwork or images. Cuckoo clocks also make great keepsakes!

Non-alcoholic gifts that represent Germany's rich cultural scene may include flowers, books, artwork, and tickets to local events or festivals. Germans may bring small tokens when invited into someone's home - for example a centerpiece of flowers or some chocolate or cheese samples as welcome presents.

Germany is widely recognized for its vibrant automotive sector. Home to five leading car brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volkswagen - each comprising over two percent of WPP's top 50 most valuable brands list - Germany has earned its place as an automotive powerhouse.

Famous German Authors

German writers have long held the power to move souls through writing since recorded history began. Today, Germany boasts an extensive literary legacy with authors such as Franz Kafka (grotesquely absurd works) and Hermann Hesse (stoic, spiritual writings). Both these acclaimed German authors have had lasting impacts that span across time and space.

Theodor Fontane was a 19th-century German Realist writer renowned for his vivid depictions of social tensions within upper class Prussian society as well as explorations into human relationships. His works reveal tensions between one's desires and duties to society.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was an outstanding statesman, scientist, and writer known for his masterpiece Faust: the two-part play. It's widely considered one of the finest literary works written during modern history and his literary genius can be seen across various genres such as Sturm und Drang or Weimar Classic German literature.

Friedrich Schiller was a German dramatist, philosopher, and professor of aesthetics. His plays explored humanity's struggle between freedom, morality, and justice.

Thomas a Kempis is best known as the author of Imitatio Christi (also referred to as Modern Devotion Movement), as well as being credited with the development of modern hymns. He is widely considered one of the leading Christian mystics. Hermann Hesse's novels such as Siddhartha and Steppenwolf explore an individual's search for spirituality while being prolific poets who pioneered spiritualism.

Cologne

Cologne offers plenty of activities and attractions to see and do for visitors of all ages! From historic buildings housing quirky independent stores and fashion designers, to relaxing with a cocktail at Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal -- Cologne truly has something to offer everyone!

After World War II, Cologne underwent extensive reconstruction. One of the key landmarks was the reopening of Cologne University, an event which played an essential role in creating a positive social atmosphere in Cologne. Subsequent years saw significant advances in public governance, town planning and housing; two green belts were also formed throughout its borders.

During the Weimar Republic (1919-33) Berlin experienced an economic upswing. Both its size and population saw steady increases. There were advances in areas of business, culture and industry as well as its status as market center led to development in numerous industrial sectors - car manufacturing was one such. Berlin also established itself as an insurance hub during this time.

The Kolner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), is one of the city's most well-known landmarks and religious landmarks. As its most significant religious monument in Cologne and "Ewige Baustelle," the Kolner Dom has become synonymous with religious history in Cologne since 1248 and houses Shrine of Three Kings. Also worth seeing are tombs, marvellous wooden images and the explicit pieta (Christ on the cross) carved in northeast apse from 1300s onward. Additionally there are other churches worth seeing other than Kolner Dom that you should visit as well.