Germany: A Perfect Merger of History and Culture

Written By:
Dana Doctor
Katie Honerlaw
Catie Schaser
Colleen Shields
Scott Stafford

HISTORY

For most of its existence, the Federal Republic of Germany has been one of the most powerful and influential nations in Europe. Naturally, because of this history and influence, Germany is also home to some of Europe’s top tourist destinations. From its formerly divided capital city of Berlin, to the cultural center of Munich, its dark history of concentration camps in the Holocaust, and endless beautiful castles, the country offers an abundance of destinations to every European tourist. However, to understand the significance of many of these destinations, a short background in German history is absolutely essential. While the history of the Germanic people dates back to the First Century AD, we will focus mainly on German history since the nation’s unification by Otto von Bismarck in 1871. Many of Germany’s top destinations have histories dating back further than unification, but we will talk about that more in some of their individual sections.

At the time of unification in 1871, Germany was primarily composed of several smaller kingdoms, the largest of which was the Kingdom of Prussia in the north, led by Otto von Bismarck. In 1871, Bismarck united all of these kingdoms into one German Empire which remained intact until the end of World War I in 1918. After signing the Treaty of Versailles in 1918, a treaty that placed blame for WWI on Germany and imposed large reparations payments on the nation, the Weimar Republic was created, lasting until Adolf Hitler’s ascent to power in 1933. This parliamentary democracy actually held very little power over the nation, sparking much political unrest during the 1920s due to hyperinflation and frustration over the government’s signing of the Treaty of Versailles. It was this unrest that led to the rise of Hitler’s National Socialist (Nazi) Party and his subsequent establishment of the Third Reich in 1933. Lasting until Germany’s defeat in World War II, the Third Reich was responsible for the Holocaust, which caused the deaths of over six million Jews, and also the beginning of WWII. For most, this is often viewed as the most significant portion of German history.

After WWII, Germany was occupied by the Allies in the West and the Soviet Union in the East, eventually leading to the split of East and West Germany. Similarly, the capital city of Berlin was divided the same way, with the Allies in the western portion of the city and the Soviets in the eastern portion. As Berlin lay entirely in communist East Germany, the East German government chose to build the infamous Berlin Wall around West Berlin in 1961. When the wall was erected, Berlin became perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the Cold War between Western Civilization and the communist Soviet Union. Standing until November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall is one of the most important aspects not only in the history of Berlin, but in the history of Germany as a whole. Its fall paved the way for a reunified German state that is today, once again, one of the most powerful economies and cultures in the world.

This history of Germany is one of both great turmoil and great triumph. In the paragraphs that follow, you will learn a bit more in-depth history surrounding some of the nation’s most famous cities, sights, and attractions. All of these places’ cultural and historical impacts make them some of Europe’s top tourist destinations, in turn making a trip to Germany a worthwhile element to any European travel excursion.

BERLIN

BERLIN CULTURE

Culture:
General Facts:
Berlin is the capital of Germany and has a population of 3.5 million people, making it one of the biggest cities in Germany. The currency accepted in Germany is the Euro and luckily, Berlin is known as “Western Europe’s most affordable capital.”
There is a large population of Turks so besides German, which is the primary language there is a large pocket of Turkish speaking residents.
Berlin has four very distinct seasons so you will need to check the weather before you go and plan accordingly. The city of Berlin is over 17% parks and nature reserves so make sure to stop by some of these calming spaces.

Tips:
The metro is by far the best way to see this city; it will take you all around the metropolises if you buy a one or two day pass for an extremely cheap price. Make sure you validate your ticket before you get on the train, there are machines near many of the entrances. If you forget you will be fined. You can travel the city by taxi, but those are notoriously pricey and walking does not get you very far because many of the sights are fairly spaced out. A hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a nice way to get to the sights directly, but is more expensive than the metro.
Many young people speak English in Berlin, but it is considered very rude to just presume that everyone will speak English. It is best to learn a few pleasantries such as “hello,” “good-bye” and thank you.
There is a controversial smoking ban going on in Berlin, so make sure to check before you light up a cigarette in a café or restaurant.
Berlin is a fairly safe city during the day, but walking around at night in East Berlin can be rather risky unless you look like a local.

Food and Drinks:
There are many great restaurants around the city of Berlin, ranging from street food to fine dining. Berlin is most famous for their sausage wursts there are many different kinds. The most popular are the bockwurst, made of veal and usually served with ketchup and mustard. The Thüringer bratwurst is similar to the bockwurst but also contains some pork, ginger and some nutmeg. The frankfurter wurst are all made in Frankfurt of lean ground pork, and then cold smoked. The knockwurst is a short and plump sausage that is usually served with sauerkraut. A traditional drink that many Berliners enjoy is "Berliner Weisse" which is a mix of beer and juice and is quite refreshing.
Gourmet street food is a delicious and cheap option for the budget traveler. Try one of Berlin’s best options at W Imbiss located at Kastanienallee 49 www.agentur103.de
Café des Artistes serves traditional German and French cuisine in a causal ambiance. It is located at 35 Fuggerstraße, Tiergarten, Berlin, 10777.

Places to Stay:

Hostels:
The Green Eggs and Ham Hostel is a quaint hostel located in the city center, Novalis Straße 2, Berlin. It has dorm and private accommodations and is known for its cleanliness. Breakfast is available for purchase.
Wombat’s City Hostel Berlin is a favorite of many young travelers. It is located in the heart of the city and is notoriously a great place to stay. This hostel has apartment, private, and dorm accommodations. Alte Schönhauser Strasse 2, 10119, Berlin.
Hotels:
City Pension Berlin is a charming budget hotel in central Berlin. There are 20 private rooms that boast comfortable beds and a great price. It is located at Stuttgarter Platz 9,10627, Berlin.
Aletto Youth Hotel 2 is a hotel that boasts spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 5 or 6 people per room. They are known for running a very clean hotel at a reasonable price. Located at Tempelhofer Ufer 8-9, 10963, Berlin.

Berlin Sightseeing

Berlin is a great place to start your travels in Germany. It is an extensive city with a lot of history. Being the largest city in Germany, therefore requires at least two days to discover the main tourist sites. To take full advantage of Berlin, a City Hop-On, Hop-Off tour may be your best option. It is a relatively inexpensive option to see the city’s main sites in a short amount of time. There is also a free walking tour by Sandmen’s New Europe: Berlin. A bike tour is also a great option for seeing the city and getting some exercise. There are many other options for tours such as day tours to Potsdam and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Viator offers some great tours options for Berlin. A great place to pick up some maps and other information about Berlin is at the nearest Tourist Information Center. This is a great link for history and information on the major tourist attractions in Berlin.
One of the main sites in Berlin is of course the Berlin Wall, which is now The East Side Gallery and spans 300 meters of graffiti artwork on the remaining sections of the wall. The Berlin wall is important because it was used to separate the East and West sides of Berlin. It is parallel to the Spree River and is free to see.
The Reichstag is the German Parliament Building and now has one of the most famous domes in Germany. The entrance is free, but lines can be extensive in the summertime. Atop of the dome, you can get a good 360 degree view of the city. The Reichstag is located near the Brandenburg Gate on Unter den Linden, one of the most famous streets in Berlin. The Berlin Wall actually split the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag from 1961 to 1989, with the gate standing in the East and the Reichstag barely in the West. This area is one of the most symbolic regions not only in the city of Berlin, but in all of Europe.

Checkpoint Charlie is the one of the main symbol that divided East and West Berlin. Today, there is a large sign with a man on it that symbolizes “Charlie.” The Haus am Checkpoint Charlie is the museum nearby that tells the story about the Berlin Wall.
Potsdamer Platz is located in the former East Berlin and now is very popular among younger adults. There is a good mix of restaurants, shopping and theaters. This is a new and undated place that has some of the best buildings such as the Daimler- City building and the Sony Center. Around here there is a Panorama Observation Deck where you can see great views of the city.

Alexanderplatz is Berlin’s most famous square. It is also called the “Rough Charm of the City.” This square is symbolized by the large TV tower as seen in many pictures of Berlin. The world time clock and fountain of international friendship are also within this platz.

The Bradenburg Gate is now near the city center and is the symbol of the city. This was also one of the boundaries between the east and west. This is Berlin’s only remaining gate. This gate has a lot of history and is a must see sight of the city. The Bradenburg Gate is based on the Acropolis in Athens. Directly behind here is the Pariser Platz.

MUNICH

Munich sights and map

Hofbräuhaus:
There are many great historic sites in Munich that are must-sees for anyone who travels there. The first stop for great food and the famous beer in stein

is the world-renowned Hofbräuhaus. You can sit in the famous brewery on the wooden benches and enjoy great German music and waiters dressed in authentic lederhosen. The Hofbräuhaus, located close to central Marienplatz, serves hearty, regional specialties such as veal

sausage, pork roast, and brewer goulash; the Beer is served in 1-liter steins.

Dachau:
Following with the historic feel of Munich a very important and historic site to see is Dachau, the concentration camp that exists just outside of Munich

. This concentration camp was the first camp in Nazi Germany and would serve as a model for all subsequent camps in the Third Reich. 
Dachau visitors follow the "path of the prisoner", walking the same way prisoners were forced to after their arrival in the camp. Visitors see the original prisoner baths, barracks, courtyar

ds, and the crematorium, as well as an extensive exhibition and various memorials.

Marienplatz:
Next on the list of must see sites in Munich is Marienplatz, which is the central square in the heart of Munich. You can explore many old and wonderful buildings, churches

and landmarks. Marienplatz houses the Mariensäule, the Marian Column topped with the golden statue of Virgin Mary, and it is also home to the Old and the New Town Hall of Munich.

English Garden:
One last

and beautiful place on the list of places to see and explore in Munich is the famous English Garden. Munich’s famous 900-acre park has shaded paths, brooks, ponds and swans and is best known for its four beer gardens: Chinesischer Turm, Seehau

s, Hirschau, Aumeister and nude sunbathers. One of the famous beer gardens of Munich is located in the English Garden: the Chinese tower, built during the years 1789 and 1790. And in winter you can discover a small Christmas fair with art craft, Santa Claus and cradle under the pagod

a roofs of the Chinese tower. The park stretches from the center of the city near Odeonsplatz to the northern city border. An interesting fact about the English garden is that the northern marshy land of the Isar was intended as a military garden; invested by the gardener Sckell. However, the thought of

a national park was soon realized. In 1989 the English garden celebrated his 200-year-old existence with a spectacular cultural program.

Churches:
Keeping with the theme of major place

s to see is The Catholic Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady. Its name is Frauenkirche Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady and is the landmark of Munich and the city's largest church; it holds up to 20,000 people. 
Together with the Town Hall, the sturdy twin towers of the Cathedral shape Munich's

skyline and make it a great point of orientation. You can also climb the steps of the towers the view of Munich's cityscape and the Bavarian Alps is breath taking. That puts the end to a guide on some of the must see sites in Munich.
Citations: http://gogermany.about.com/od/citiesandregions/tp/Munich_Top_Sights.htm,
http://www.

muenchen.de/Rathaus/tourist_office/sehenswuerdigkeiten/Parks_und_Biergaerten/129360/Englischer_Garten.html

Munich Culture

General Facts:
When one t

hinks of Germany, the cities of Berlin and Munich are surely must-see destinations. Munich is the capital of Bavaria, Germany along the River Isar. This city is the third largest in all of Germany, trailing behind Berlin and Hamburg. Today, the motto for this city is “München mag Dich” or “Munich loves you”. This motto o

f Munich is a welcoming representation of the city towards tourists and other non-natives. In addition, Munich reliably scores high in ‘quality-of-life’ surveys. Whether the beer halls, sausage, and gardens account for this statistic is for you to decide.
For much mor

e information about Munich, visit http://www.muenchen.de/

Food &

Culture:
If you a

r

e

looking for an exquisite

Munich cuisine, you cannot go w

rong with Weisswürste, or white sausages. Sweet must

ard and baked pretzels usually accompany this mid-morning meal. Bavaria is known for its wheat beer, Weissbier, and its plentiful breweries. The most popular beer in Munich is a straw-blond lager, Helles, even passing up the notorious Munich Dark Beer. One restaurant in particular, Bergwolf, offers fries, wurst, and beer for an inexpensive meal for only around five Euros. To dive into Bavarian culture, the Fraunhofer restaurant provides a young atmosphere as well as a delicious cuisine.

While beer is a defining element of Bavarian culture, a sixteen-day festival is a notorious aspect as well. This event, known as Oktoberfest, is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience. Oktoberfest consists of over six million individuals visiting the infamous beer tents. With almost seven million liters of beer consumed, it comes as no surprise that Oktoberfest is known as the Largest Volksfest (People’s Fair) in the World. This beer fest begins in September and runs through the first Sunday in October. In 2010, it runs from September 18 to October 4! The accommodation in Munich during Oktoberfest is a prized possession, so reservations well in advance is necessary. If you are lucky enough to attend this drunken beer fest, be prepared to spend six Euros for a 1L stein of beer. (http://www.oktoberfesttours.com/about_oktoberfest.html).

If you are looking for an all-inclusive tour of Munich, then you cannot pass up the Panorama Tour. For only eleven Euros, the double-decker buses take you to all of the major sites throughout the city. (http://www.panorama-tours.com/). However, the free walking tour from the Marienplatz is also an excellent sightseeing option. The tour guides are entertaining and enthusiastic about Germany and all that it entails. After roughly three hours and a six Euro tip, you are sure to have learned a great deal about Munich. (http://www.neweuropetours.eu/).

Places to Stay:
When we visited Munich, we stayed in Wombat’s City Hostel. This is a chain of youth hostels that hold locations in Berlin, Munich and Vienna. The reasonable price, cleanliness and friendly atmosphere made our stay a successful one, to say the least. In 2009 it was voted the best Hostel Chain and is currently Munich’s number one hostel. (http://www.wombats-hostels.com/). Also, for only seventeen Euros per night per person, the Euro Youth Hotel is also a great lodging option. The bar and lounge serves as a great place to socialize with other travelers from around the world.

Germany: A Perfect Merger of History and Culture

Written By:
Dana Doctor
Katie Honerlaw
Catie Schaser
Colleen Shields
Scott Stafford

HISTORY
For most of its existence, the Federal Republic of Germany has been one of the most powerful and influential nations in Europe. Naturally, because of this history and influence, Germany is also home to some of Europe’s top tourist destinations. From its formerly divided capital city of Berlin, to the cultural center of Munich, its dark history of concentration camps in the Holocaust, and endless beautiful castles, the country offers an abundance of destinations to every European tourist. However, to understand the significance of many of these destinations, a short background in German history is absolutely essential. While the history of the Germanic people dates back to the First Century AD, we will focus mainly on German history since the nation’s unification by Otto von Bismarck in 1871. Many of Germany’s top destinations have histories dating back further than unification, but we will talk about that more in some of their individual sections.

At the time of unification in 1871, Germany was primarily composed of several smaller kingdoms, the largest of which was the Kingdom of Prussia in the north, led by Otto von Bismarck. In 1871, Bismarck united all of these kingdoms into one German Empire which remained intact until the end of World War I in 1918. After signing the Treaty of Versailles in 1918, a treaty that placed blame for WWI on Germany and imposed large reparations payments on the nation, the Weimar Republic was created, lasting until Adolf Hitler’s ascent to power in 1933. This parliamentary democracy actually held very little power over the nation, sparking much political unrest during the 1920s due to hyperinflation and frustration over the government’s signing of the Treaty of Versailles. It was this unrest that led to the rise of Hitler’s National Socialist (Nazi) Party and his subsequent establishment of the Third Reich in 1933. Lasting until Germany’s defeat in World War II, the Third Reich was responsible for the Holocaust, which caused the deaths of over six million Jews, and also the beginning of WWII. For most, this is often viewed as the most significant portion of German history.

After WWII, Germany was occupied by the Allies in the West and the Soviet Union in the East, eventually leading to the split of East and West Germany. Similarly, the capital city of Berlin was divided the same way, with the Allies in the western portion of the city and the Soviets in the eastern portion. As Berlin lay entirely in communist East Germany, the East German government chose to build the infamous Berlin Wall around West Berlin in 1961. When the wall was erected, Berlin became perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the Cold War between Western Civilization and the communist Soviet Union. Standing until November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall is one of the most important aspects not only in the history of Berlin, but in the history of Germany as a whole. Its fall paved the way for a reunified German state that is today, once again, one of the most powerful economies and cultures in the world.

This history of Germany is one of both great turmoil and great triumph. In the paragraphs that follow, you will learn a bit more in-depth history surrounding some of the nation’s most famous cities, sights, and attractions. All of these places’ cultural and historical impacts make them some of Europe’s top tourist destinations, in turn making a trip to Germany a worthwhile element to any European travel excursion.

BERLIN

BERLIN CULTURE

Culture:

General Facts:
Berlin is the capital of Germany and has a population of 3.5 million people, making it one of the biggest cities in Germany. The currency accepted in Germany is the Euro and luckily, Berlin is known as “Western Europe’s most affordable capital.”
There is a large population of Turks so besides German, which is the primary language there is a large pocket of Turkish speaking residents.
Berlin has four very distinct seasons so you will need to check the weather before you go and plan accordingly. The city of Berlin is over 17% parks and nature reserves so make sure to stop by some of these calming spaces.

Tips:
The metro is by far the best way to see this city; it will take you all around the metropolises if you buy a one or two day pass for an extremely cheap price. Make sure you validate your ticket before you get on the train, there are machines near many of the entrances. If you forget you will be fined. You can travel the city by taxi, but those are notoriously pricey and walking does not get you very far because many of the sights are fairly spaced out. A hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a nice way to get to the sights directly, but is more expensive than the metro.
Many young people speak English in Berlin, but it is considered very rude to just presume that everyone will speak English. It is best to learn a few pleasantries such as “hello,” “good-bye” and thank you.
There is a controversial smoking ban going on in Berlin, so make sure to check before you light up a cigarette in a café or restaurant.
Berlin is a fairly safe city during the day, but walking around at night in East Berlin can be rather risky unless you look like a local.

Food and Drinks:
There are many great restaurants around the city of Berlin, ranging from street food to fine dining. Berlin is most famous for their sausage wursts there are many different kinds. The most popular are the bockwurst, made of veal and usually served with ketchup and mustard. The Thüringer bratwurst is similar to the bockwurst but also contains some pork, ginger and some nutmeg. The frankfurter wurst are all made in Frankfurt of lean ground pork, and then cold smoked. The knockwurst is a short and plump sausage that is usually served with sauerkraut. A traditional drink that many Berliners enjoy is "Berliner Weisse" which is a mix of beer and juice and is quite refreshing.
Gourmet street food is a delicious and cheap option for the budget traveler. Try one of Berlin’s best options at W Imbiss located at Kastanienallee 49 www.agentur103.de
Café des Artistes serves traditional German and French cuisine in a causal ambiance. It is located at 35 Fuggerstraße, Tiergarten, Berlin, 10777.
Places to Stay:

Hostels:
The Green Eggs and Ham Hostel is a quaint hostel located in the city center, Novalis Straße 2, Berlin. It has dorm and private accommodations and is known for its cleanliness. Breakfast is available for purchase.

Wombat’s City Hostel Berlin is a favorite of many young travelers. It is located in the heart of the city and is notoriously a great place to stay. This hostel has apartment, private, and dorm accommodations. Alte Schönhauser Strasse 2, 10119, Berlin.

Hotels:
City Pension Berlin is a charming budget hotel in central Berlin. There are 20 private rooms that boast comfortable beds and a great price. It is located at Stuttgarter Platz 9,10627, Berlin.
Aletto Youth Hotel 2 is a hotel that boasts spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 5 or 6 people per room. They are known for running a very clean hotel at a reasonable price. Located at Tempelhofer Ufer 8-9, 10963, Berlin.

Berlin Sightseeing
Berlin is a great place to start your travels in Germany. It is an extensive city with a lot of history. Being the largest city in Germany, therefore requires at least two days to discover the main tourist sites. To take full advantage of Berlin, a City Hop-On, Hop-Off tour may be your best option. It is a relatively inexpensive option to see the city’s main sites in a short amount of time. There is also a free walking tour by Sandmen’s New Europe: Berlin. A bike tour is also a great option for seeing the city and getting some exercise. There are many other options for tours such as day tours to Potsdam and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Viator offers some great tours options for Berlin. A great place to pick up some maps and other information about Berlin is at the nearest Tourist Information Center. This is a great link for history and information on the major tourist attractions in Berlin.

One of the main sites in Berlin is of course the Berlin Wall, which is now The East Side Gallery and spans 300 meters of graffiti artwork on the remaining sections of the wall. The Berlin wall is important because it was used to separate the East and West sides of Berlin. It is parallel to the Spree River and is free to see.

The Reichstag is the German Parliament Building and now has one of the most famous domes in Germany. The entrance is free, but lines can be extensive in the summertime. Atop of the dome, you can get a good 360 degree view of the city. The Reichstag is located near the Brandenburg Gate on Unter den Linden, one of the most famous streets in Berlin. The Berlin Wall actually split the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag from 1961 to 1989, with the gate standing in the East and the Reichstag barely in the West. This area is one of the most symbolic regions not only in the city of Berlin, but in all of Europe.
Checkpoint Charlie is the one of the main symbol that divided East and West Berlin. Today, there is a large sign with a man on it that symbolizes “Charlie.” The Haus am Checkpoint Charlie is the museum nearby that tells the story about the Berlin Wall.

Potsdamer Platz is located in the former East Berlin and now is very popular among younger adults. There is a good mix of restaurants, shopping and theaters. This is a new and undated place that has some of the best buildings such as the Daimler- City building and the Sony Center. Around here there is a Panorama Observation Deck where you can see great views of the city.

Alexanderplatz is Berlin’s most famous square. It is also called the “Rough Charm of the City.” This square is symbolized by the large TV tower as seen in many pictures of Berlin. The world time clock and fountain of international friendship are also within this platz.

The Bradenburg Gate is now near the city center and is the symbol of the city. This was also one of the boundaries between the east and west. This is Berlin’s only remaining gate. This gate has a lot of history and is a must see sight of the city. The Bradenburg Gate is based on the Acropolis in Athens. Directly behind here is the Pariser Platz.

MUNICH
Munich sights and map

Hofbräuhaus:
There are many great historic sites in Munich that are must-sees for anyone who travels there. The first stop for great food and the famous beer in stein is the world-renowned Hofbräuhaus. You can sit in the famous brewery on the wooden benches and enjoy great German music and waiters dressed in authentic lederhosen. The Hofbräuhaus, located close to central Marienplatz, serves hearty, regional specialties such as veal sausage, pork roast, and brewer goulash; the Beer is served in 1-liter steins.

Dachau:
Following with the historic feel of Munich a very important and historic site to see is Dachau, the concentration camp that exists just outside of Munich. This concentration camp was the first camp in Nazi Germany and would serve as a model for all subsequent camps in the Third Reich. 
Dachau visitors follow the "path of the prisoner", walking the same way prisoners were forced to after their arrival in the camp. Visitors see the original prisoner baths, barracks, courtyards, and the crematorium, as well as an extensive exhibition and various memorials.

Marienplatz:
Next on the list of must see sites in Munich is Marienplatz, which is the central square in the heart of Munich. You can explore many old and wonderful buildings, churches and landmarks. Marienplatz houses the Mariensäule, the Marian Column topped with the golden statue of Virgin Mary, and it is also home to the Old and the New Town Hall of Munich.

English Garden:
One last and beautiful place on the list of places to see and explore in Munich is the famous English Garden. Munich’s famous 900-acre park has shaded paths, brooks, ponds and swans and is best known for its four beer gardens: Chinesischer Turm, Seehaus, Hirschau, Aumeister and nude sunbathers. One of the famous beer gardens of Munich is located in the English Garden: the Chinese tower, built during the years 1789 and 1790. And in winter you can discover a small Christmas fair with art craft, Santa Claus and cradle under the pagoda roofs of the Chinese tower. The park stretches from the center of the city near Odeonsplatz to the northern city border. An interesting fact about the English garden is that the northern marshy land of the Isar was intended as a military garden; invested by the gardener Sckell. However, the thought of a national park was soon realized. In 1989 the English garden celebrated his 200-year-old existence with a spectacular cultural program.

Churches:
Keeping with the theme of major places to see is The Catholic Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady. Its name is Frauenkirche Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady and is the landmark of Munich and the city's largest church; it holds up to 20,000 people. 
Together with the Town Hall, the sturdy twin towers of the Cathedral shape Munich's skyline and make it a great point of orientation. You can also climb the steps of the towers the view of Munich's cityscape and the Bavarian Alps is breath taking. That puts the end to a guide on some of the must see sites in Munich.
Citations: http://gogermany.about.com/od/citiesandregions/tp/Munich_Top_Sights.htm,
http://www.muenchen.de/Rathaus/tourist_office/sehenswuerdigkeiten/Parks_und_Biergaerten/129360/Englischer_Garten.html

Munich Culture

General Facts:
When one thinks of Germany, the cities of Berlin and Munich are surely must-see destinations. Munich is the capital of Bavaria, Germany along the River Isar. This city is the third largest in all of Germany, trailing behind Berlin and Hamburg. Today, the motto for this city is “München mag Dich” or “Munich loves you”. This motto of Munich is a welcoming representation of the city towards tourists and other non-natives. In addition, Munich reliably scores high in ‘quality-of-life’ surveys. Whether the beer halls, sausage, and gardens account for this statistic is for you to decide.
For much more information about Munich, visit http://www.muenchen.de/

Food & Culture:
If you are looking for an exquisite Munich cuisine, you cannot go wrong with Weisswürste, or white sausages. Sweet mustard and baked pretzels usually accompany this mid-morning meal. Bavaria is known for its wheat beer, Weissbier, and its plentiful breweries. The most popular beer in Munich is a straw-blond lager, Helles, even passing up the notorious Munich Dark Beer. One restaurant in particular, Bergwolf, offers fries, wurst, and beer for an inexpensive meal for only around five Euros. To dive into Bavarian culture, the Fraunhofer restaurant provides a young atmosphere as well as a delicious cuisine.

While beer is a defining element of Bavarian culture, a sixteen-day festival is a notorious aspect as well. This event, known as Oktoberfest, is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience. Oktoberfest consists of over six million individuals visiting the infamous beer tents. With almost seven million liters of beer consumed, it comes as no surprise that Oktoberfest is known as the Largest Volksfest (People’s Fair) in the World. This beer fest begins in September and runs through the first Sunday in October. In 2010, it runs from September 18 to October 4! The accommodation in Munich during Oktoberfest is a prized possession, so reservations well in advance is necessary. If you are lucky enough to attend this drunken beer fest, be prepared to spend six Euros for a 1L stein of beer. (http://www.oktoberfesttours.com/about_oktoberfest.html).

If you are looking for an all-inclusive tour of Munich, then you cannot pass up the Panorama Tour. For only eleven Euros, the double-decker buses take you to all of the major sites throughout the city. (http://www.panorama-tours.com/). However, the free walking tour from the Marienplatz is also an excellent sightseeing option. The tour guides are entertaining and enthusiastic about Germany and all that it entails. After roughly three hours and a six Euro tip, you are sure to have learned a great deal about Munich. (http://www.neweuropetours.eu/).

Places to Stay:
When we visited Munich, we stayed in Wombat’s City Hostel. This is a chain of youth hostels that hold locations in Berlin, Munich and Vienna. The reasonable price, cleanliness and friendly atmosphere made our stay a successful one, to say the least. In 2009 it was voted the best Hostel Chain and is currently Munich’s number one hostel. (http://www.wombats-hostels.com/). Also, for only seventeen Euros per night per person, the Euro Youth Hotel is also a great lodging option. The bar and lounge serves as a great place to socialize with other travelers from around the world.

Berlin

Berlin

Communism and Democracy Collide

Ever since I was a kid learning about communism and history from WWII and the cold war, I have been interested in learning about and visiting Berlin, Germany. Berlin is the capitol of Germany, but it was also mostly destroyed in WWII, and was the center of the division between democracy and communism. The city of Berlin symbolizes the 20th century and the struggles millions of people lived for decades. It can be scene from the paint on the most famous and controversial wall in modern history.
As my friends and I marked off the sites we wanted to see in Berlin, we realized that the wall was outside of the city center. We took the subway into a different world. The modern Berlin in the west is rarely found in the east. East Berlin was the capitol of East Germany and was under soviet control until the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. The east is still suffering from poverty and pollution, and it can be scene all around the city. The wall that was built by the soviets in the 1960’s started to be torn down in 1989, opening up a city that was divided and controlled for decades.
Today, nearly 20 years after the fall of the wall, a long stretch of the façade facing east is the only strip still left for visitors and residents alike to see history. It is painted with artwork that reflects the pain the people of the city dealt with, as well as the pain they still feel today.
I had no idea what I was going to see at the wall. When we arrived after getting off the train, all I saw was a run down neighborhood that was littered and decrepit. Once we walked toward the river, we could see a wall full of artwork. We had arrived at the east side gallery, which is over a kilometer long, and is the largest open-air gallery in the world. The artwork symbolizes the history of Berlin. Many of the works include references to former leaders, the hammer and sickle, and other icons that relate to the history of Berlin and Germany.
One of the most iconic symbols in the era of eastern and western Berlin is the Brandenburg gate, which split the city in half, and became a gate to nowhere. This is where president Reagan made his famous “Tear down this wall” speech. Less than a year later, the wall fell. Today, one can still see the effects of the wall on the streets and buildings. A red brick line lies in the ground where the wall once stood. The area around the wall, especially where the wall once stood are streets, parks and modern buildings today.
I have truly never been so affected by something so simple. Every time I go to a museum to see art, I appreciate it but I never have ever just stared and said “wow.” The wall, and the artwork associated with it, is a simple reminder of the magnitude history has had on Berlin. When I turned a corner of the wall, the words “No more wars, no more walls, a modern world” were on the façade. I was touched by this phrase because few cities in the world have experienced more pain than the city of Berlin. The Fernsehturm tower stands in visible distance from the east side gallery, which is a building built by the soviets in East Berlin. The tower overlooks the city as a reminder of the painful past in Berlin history. Territory was so fiercely defended in this city that a wall was built that separated families and friends of the same city. The wall is one of the most symbolic monuments of the 20th century and its destruction 20 years ago has not been forgotten.
In modern Berlin today, the buildings are modern and the economy is powerful, but the lack of historic buildings left in the city are overshadowed by the Fernsehturm as a symbol of the painful history Berlin deals with every single day.