Traveling Through Germany

Some people love traveling to enjoy tropical paradises, some to participate in colorful festivals, and some for the historical value, which is exactly what you get when visiting Germany. This elegant country offers tremendous charm, quaint and intriguing small towns, fantastic festivals, a rich culture of art, massively dense forests, fine wine, and exceptional beer, and castles, many extraordinary castles. Germany has had a complex history that is sometimes difficult to absorb. Because of this and the new beginnings of this country, you will walk away having been touched.

Today, more than 82 million people live in Germany, with just 3.5 being in the capital city of Berlin. Formally known as the Federal Republic of Germany, this country is comprised primarily of Caucasian although some Turkish people make this home as well. The diversity of the country is just one of the appealing aspects drawing visitors in from around the globe. For instance, you could enjoy any number of black-tie opera galas, enjoy the strong musical heritage, visit one of the larger festivals called Oktoberfest, or take in site of the many cities.

The interesting aspect of Germany is that all of Europe’s empires have had their hands in or on this country at one time or another. However, the German people remained loyal to their home country. From early times up to the 5th century, various groups of resistance existed with Roman legions, to the 9th century, Charlemagne, a Frankish conquer, and then to the late 10th century, Otto, the Great’s Holy Roman Empire. By the 13th century, the house of Habsburg from Vienna took control over Germany, which was nothing terribly impressive.

Even so, the Habsburgs remained until the Thirty Years’ War, which was the beginning of many nationalist and religious conflicts. All of Europe started simmering when Martin Luther posted a list of 95 recommendations to his church door in 1517 and to settle people down, it took tremendous effort. Sadly, about 33% of Germany’s population was lost during this bloody battle. At that time, many different princes took over about 300 states, which set the stage for Napoleon Bonaparte to enter the country in the 19th century. Prussia became the hub of German’s resistance, leading the 1813 war to stop Napoleon’s drive.

By 1866, a chancellor of Prussia by the name of Otto von Bismarck sectioned off a large portion of Germany, making him a great and powerful man and a victor over the French in 1871 under his leadership. However, the Prussian king, Wilhelm I, was soon reinstated as Kaiser, which led to a united country. The king dismissed Bismarck just a few years later and then stayed to help lead Germany into World War II. After the war began, Wilhelm slipped away to Holland after realizing the war was going to be a long, major ordeal. The country of Germany struggled during the war but things would take a significant change when Adolf Hitler appeared.

With Hitler taking a lead, he brought with him his National Socialist German Worker’s Party, also known as the Nazis, in 1933. This military base spent lavishly and showed complete aggression. Sadly, Hitler and his army brought on something far worse – the Holocaust and the death to millions of innocent Jews. After the war, Germany was divided between a number of allies to include France, Britain, and the United States.

The division of the country continued with Berlin, which included West Germany receiving significant US capital. The result was that many workers from the deplorable economic conditions found in East Germany changed sides going to the west. To keep West and East Germany separated, someone came up with the idea of building the Berlin Wall. Making matters worse, the Cold War broke out with the majority of the focus being on Berlin.

For the next 25 years, West Germany remained highly prosperous while East Germany struggled with poverty. That too would change in 1989 when communism collapsed and the Berlin Wall was torn down by the people. With this, Germany experienced one of the most dramatic periods in its history called the Helmut Kohl era. This lasted for years but in 1998, ended. The Germany we see today still has problems like any country but this country has fought hard to rebuild and unify.

Although work continues toward a stronger unity, and the country is faced with occasional violence, Germany is much different from what it was when Napoleon and Hitler were in charge. Today, Germany touches the heart of all because of this past. As you travel through the country, you can see the strength and determination on the faces of the people who are warm-hearted and eager to show the world that the country is great and will remain great.

The culture of Germany is a beautiful mix of artistic heritage, powerful philosophers, classical films, and world-renown physicists, classical composers such as Bach and Beethoven, and magnificent cathedrals. Unsurprisingly, with such cultural diversity, you see a wonderful blend of people. From poets such as Wolfgang von Goethe, said to inhabit the soul of German to gorgeous Baroque architecture to incredible cinema producers to include Werner Herzog, it is no wonder the people are so warm and interesting.

When it comes to food, you will discover that Germany is a true to the heart, meat and potatoes country. While there are a few health-conscious and vegetarian restaurants, for the most part, food is rich in calories. For example, the breakfast includes incredible rolls, eggs, cold meats, cheeses, and jams. For lunch, you would expect to find something like bratwurst but at dinnertime, the dishes are typically heavy and delicious. Keep in mind that there are lighter meals such as sausage and dumplings but for the most part, dinner would include something much heavier and of course, potatoes.

For beverages, you cannot beat Germany’s beer. This national beverage is a part of the culture. What makes German beer so unique is that each region produces a somewhat different taste and body. If you like, you can take a tour of a number of breweries in Germany or simply enjoy sipping on some at the Oktoberfest celebration in Munich. However, for a real treat, the winter brings a beverage called Gluhwein, which is a hot, spiced mull wine that is wonderful.

As you move about throughout the country of Germany, you will find that the people are relatively formal in dress. While some have a westernized dress, many do not, preferring the traditional Lederhosen and Loden, which is leather shorts and short jacket for the men and Dimdl, or skirt and blouse for the women. Keep in mind that many of the cities are geared toward tourism but if you venture back into other areas where older Germans live, they are not used to cameras, questions, and all that goes along with tourists. Therefore, it is best to be polite and allow them to live quietly without disruption.

Regardless of the city or region where you travel, from the Main and Rhine Rivers to the Danube River or the Black Forest, up to the Swiss borders and to Munich, you will fall in love with the country of Germany, the people, and the simple way of life. The countryside is beautiful and all around, you will catch glimpses of the old Germany and all the devastation that went along with it. However, the new Germany is a lively country with young generations eager to move forward in time.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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