Germany is a country steeped in history and culture. This diverse country is a remarkable place that most travelers obsess about. It is a great place to enjoy and explore the great outdoors. From fairytale like castles to unique festivals, Germany has something to offer for everyone.
Traveling in winter is not just cheaper, but is also the best time to enjoy some world class skiing. This is the time when Nuremberg hosts Christkindelsmarkt – a world renowned attraction that has a number of stalls selling colorful wooden toys, mulled wines, and German food such as bratwurst and goulash. And, if you like winter sports, the hills around Bavaria make way for some great skiing and snowshoeing, not to forget sipping on mugs of warm milk in a cozy gasthua!
Zugspitze
You can’t get any higher in all Germany than the summit of the Zugspitze. Rising 2,962 m near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, it towers over all other German mountains. There’s a reason why the locals advertise their area with the slogan “Top of Germany”.
n order to enjoy the view from the Zugspitze you can either scale the mountain on foot (only recommended for experienced mountaineers) or choose between two comfortable options: the popular cogwheel railway from Garmisch-Partenkirchen itself via Grainau and Lake Eibsee or thenew Zugspitze cable car direct from Lake Eibsee both transport visitors to the summit with no need for any physical exertion.
The Zugspitze cable car that opened in 2017 carries passengers in comfort to Germany’s highest peak in two spacious, fully glazed cabins that hold up to 120 people. The route passes over the world’s highest steel ropeway towers, measuring 127 m, traversing the world’s largest total height difference of 1,945 m in one section and the world’s longest free span at 3,213 m. Three records, which passengers can experience as they savour a superb mountain railway experience, featuring panoramic views of the picturesque Lake Eibsee, Waxensteine and the Alpspitze.
Near the summit cross is the Münchner Haus (only open in summer) and the weather station of the German Meteorological Service. The large summit terrace affords impressive panoramic views over the mountains of the Alps. From 1 July 2018 the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn will also be opening its new peak restaurant on the Zugspitze. In a nod to the impressive view of four countries from the Zugspitze, the culinary motto of the new peak restaurant is simply “The best of 4 countries”. The menu of Panorama 2962 will contain specialities and products from Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Germany, sampling the delicious variety of the Alpine region.
Culinary delights can also be enjoyed in the “Gletschergarten”. The restaurant has a flexible roof that can be opened in fine weather. Just next door is the comfortable self-service restaurant Sonnalpin.
The spectacular cliff-side Schneefernerhaus, a former hotel, is now used, among other things, by the Technical University of Munich as a research station.For seven months a year, Germany’s only glacier offers pure pleasure for skiers, snowboarders and tobogganers on 12 descents, 20 kilometres of piste and 4 toboggan runs. The Zugspitze also offers another winter highlight in the form of an Igloo Village. Here you can spend the night surrounded by snow and ice.
ATTRACTION
- Mount Zugspitze
- Alpspix
- Olympic Ski Jump
- Part Nach Gorge
- Hollental Gorge
- Kuhflucht Waterfalls
- Lake Eibsee
- Royal Palace on Mount Schachen
Partnachklamm
Garmisch – Partenkirchen, situated one hour south of Munich, is where you’ll find the stunning Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm). The gorge will cast its spell on you with its wild waterfalls, water rapids and tranquil water basins. Once upon a time, visitors trying to walk through the gorge risked their lives, but nowadays there are two safe paths available. A fascinating perspective view offers the iron bridge with its height of around 225 feet / 70 metres.
The Partnach River, a lusty mountain stream, has cut a 262 ft deep crevasse into pure rock, creating one of the most beautiful gorges in the alpine region. Therefore the Partnach Gorge is about 2.305 feet / 800 metres in length and its walls rise to 263 feet / 80 metres. It was declared a natural monument in 1912.
The most common, breathtaking and more comfortable track through the gorge runs right next to the water. There you really can touch water.
ATTRACTION
- Partnach Gorge
- Graseckseilbahn
- Olympic Ski Jump
- Parish Church of St. Martin
- Garmisch Olympia Stadium
- Eckbauer
- Wankbahn
- Alpspix
- Spielbank Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Cologne Christmas markets
Advent is the time for Christmas markets, and Cologne is no exception. From 25 November to 23 December 2019, the magic of Christmas will be felt throughout the festively decorated city. The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine will waft through the alleys, and many differently themed Christmas markets will invite people to stroll, shop and explore.
Several Christmas markets in Cologne have plenty to offer, from selected gifts and individually crafted artisan handicraft to culinary specialities.
Cologne’s Christmas markets attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year. You too can savour the unique atmosphere of this metropolis on the Rhine at this special time of year. You’re sure to be enchanted!