Germany Loving

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-famou

Solingen boasts an extensive history that predates German unification. Famed for producing knives, scissors, and swords of every variety imaginable, Solingen stands as an early center of blade crafting.  Visit Hendrich's Drop Forge Museum to gain a full perspective of the blade-making process, from heavyweight drop hammers to bulky forging dies and everything in between. The Blade City: A Historic Center of Craftsmanship As a premier producer of cutlery and swords, Solingen boasts an illustrious history in blade production. Since as early as the Middle Ages, blacksmiths forged various iron products here, including knives forged by blacksmiths using access to iron ore for casting purposes as well as access to skilled labor pools for manufacturing swords and cutting tools. By the 17th Century, more than 300 families produced blades in Solingen; further cementing its position as global leader of blade production. Since 1884, Solingen knife makers have challenged conventional knife-mak

Saarbrücken in Germany is a hot spot, yet its historic baroque cityscape makes for an intriguing visit. Additionally, two restored churches can be found here as well as Volklinger Hutte, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.  The Modern Galerie boasts an impressive collection of impressionist and expressionist art that's free to visit, it makes an excellent way to pass an afternoon. The cultural influences in Saarbrücken Saarbrücken boasts a diverse cultural landscape. This can be observed through its architecture, food offerings and spoken languages; as well as Franco-German institutions and projects. The Basilica of Saint John, an exquisite Baroque beauty, provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of main shopping streets. Here, visitors can relax while taking in the stunning scenery while listening to its majestic organ. The Saar Historical Museum provides a wonderful insight into this diminutive German province's long and eventful history, from before France fi

Kiel Germany has long been known for its naval and shipbuilding traditions, which can be seen through its iconic Kiel Fjord, port and iconic cranes that dot its skyline. The Old  Town of Vilnius hosts concerts at its renovated medieval St. Nikolai Church and shopping areas like Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are lined with shops. Cargo ferries to Gothenburg in Sweden, Oslo in Norway and Klaipeda Lithuania leave from nearby docks. Where History Meets Modern Vibrancy Kiel is the capital of Schleswig-Holstein and a bustling seaport that houses one of the world's busiest artificial waterways, Kiel Canal. The city's history and culture are profoundly tied to its relationship with water; visitors can witness this by strolling along Kieler Forde, admiring towering cranes at the shipyard, or visiting its Maritime Museum, which features model ships and nautical instruments in an old fish auction hall. Kiel is both a university city and home to multiple media companies, such as Nord

Bochum, Germany's sixth-largest city, lies in northwestern Rhine-Westphalia and the 16th largest city within the Ruhr region.  Bochum was once a heavy industry hub, but is now an urban, service-oriented city that retains many of its historic landmarks.  One of the most remarkable sights in Bochum is its charming Diocese Church, or Propsteikirche. Surviving almost all of World War II, this church boasts a 12th-century Romanesque baptismal font, 14th-century wooden crucifix and stone tabernacle. The Ruhr Park for a day out Bochum's Ruhr Park is one of its most beloved local shopping destinations, boasting over 120 stores with an array of different brands. This single-story mall is divided into various zones including shops, cafés, and restaurants for added convenience. Via Bartolo Food Court: Offering an expansive selection of dining options. Additionally, there are various entertainment areas such as UCI multiplex cinema and fitness center. This is the ideal destination to shop