Germany

Germany ‒ a country in Western Europe with a thousand-year history and centuries-old traditions, which covers an area of more than 357 thousand square kilometers. This allows her to occupy 62nd place in the world in territory and 19th place in terms of population. More than 83 million people live here.

Germany has one of the most developed economies in the world. Parliamentary democracy flourishes in it. Berlin is recognized as the capital. The country includes 16 entities. National language ‒ German, monetary unit ‒ euro.

In tourism terms, Germany is of interest in all types of recreation. There are many signs in the country, and getting lost in an unfamiliar place will be difficult. Many attractions are located not only in the capital. The Brandenburg Gate is considered the symbol of Berlin. They were built on the model of the Acropolis of Athens by King Frederick Willem II. From anywhere in Cologne, Cologne Cathedral is visible. It began to be built in 1248. Today it remains the hallmark of the city and ranks third in the world in height among the cathedrals. The towers reach a height of almost 160 meters. Outside you can see various sculptures, and inside are the remains of the Holy Wolves.

Lake Conceit flows on the border with the territory of Austria and Switzerland. It extends over 535 square meters. Parish cruises are made on it, you can swim on a catamaran or yacht. And on the coast you can arrange hiking and cycling. On the shore is the Constanta, a city with a population of more than 100,000 people. In autumn, there is a procession of mummers called « Fastnacht ». Locals call it their Oktoberfest. In the homeland of Bremen musicians stands a house with bells from Maysen porcelain. They fill around with a melodic ringing. A monument in honor of popular fabulous characters was erected in 1951. Against its background, atmospheric photographs are obtained.

In Germany, you can touch history and visit medieval castles, distract from the bustle of megacities in parks, find peace in ancient churches and enjoy the beauty of picturesque natural corners, expand your horizons in museums of classical and modern art.

The official name of the state sounds like the Federal Republic of Germany. For the first time, the name of the country was introduced by Julius Caesar. Researchers suggest that the word can come from Celtic « gair », which means « neighbor ». In German, a country is called « Deutschland », which translates as being related to the people. The history of Germany has influenced the life of Europe.

The first settlements were in prehistoric times. Archaeological finds indicate that Celtic tribes lived in Germany before our era. The ancestors of the Germans settled, fleeing the expansion of the Romans. Historians call the Germans a lazy people, but they had no equal in military affairs. They easily subjugated neighboring tribes. The date of foundation of the state is considered to be 962 years. By the German people were meant, people close to the ruler. These were dukes, graphs and archbishops. Initially, the power of kings and emperors was not inherited. They were elected at the meeting by a narrow circle consisting of the Kurfürsts ( princes ) large cities. The decision was balanced and deliberate.

The names Bavaria, Brandenburg and Saxony are still used to designate land. The Federal Republic was established in 1949. The Germans do not like to recall the Second World War. In the 90s, 5 regions, which were the eastern part of Germany, became part of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Germany has come a long way before becoming a world leader. It ranks third in the export and import of goods. German quality is highly regarded throughout the world. In the ranking of countries with a high standard of living, the country ranks sixth. For many years, they come here not only to rest, but also to get an education.

Germany is associated with the homeland of Ludwig van Beethoven, Friedrich Schiller, Heinrich Koch, Johann Goethe, Heinrich Gain, the Grimm brothers. Modern outstanding personalities include the model of Claudia Schiffer, vocalist « Rammstein » Till Lindemann, composer Hans Zimmer.

The weather is predictable, so in Germany many are watching the forecast of weather forecasters before going outside. He is truthful and almost always true. The climate is favorable, but in different regions the conditions are different from each other. The temperate continental climate mainly prevails, so it is a non-cold winter and warm rather than hot summer.

There is no heat or storm in Germany. A large amount of precipitation falls in territories adjacent to the Server Sea and the Baltic coast. In the central and southern parts there is less rainfall, and in winter there is little snow. The minimum temperature is – 3 ° C, and the maximum ‒ to + 20 ° C. Cyclone period the situation is changing. Anomalous heat is considered + 30 ° C, Arctic cold ‒ to -20 ° C. Temperature differences occur in the eastern sector of Germany, stability remains in the rest of the parts.

The weather in the German Alps is different. It’s cold in winter, a thick snow cover is characteristic of the season, but this also attracts tourists who are fond of winter sports and prefer active relaxation.

High population density, scientific and technological progress and industrial zones have virtually no effect on flora and fauna. Germany carefully protects the environment. Thanks to this, the country is included in the list of states with a favorable environmental situation.

The nature of the country has always inspired artists, poets and writers who admired its beauty in their works. Almost 30% of Germany is forested. Germany provides the population with wood by 70. About 2 million hectares of land belong to the private sector. Mostly forests are located in the south. Two-thirds belong to coniferous trees, and the rest are deciduous forests, among them ‒ oaks, birch trees and nuts. There are also many wild flowers growing here, there are orchids, violets, fries and edelweiss. When they bloom in meadows, it seems that the earth is covered with a living carpet. If you take a photo, it will look like a colorful postcard. lichens and mosses are concentrated on the peaks. You can collect berries and mushrooms, but you need to be careful not to take poisonous species with you.

Forest and mountain ranges contribute to the diversity of fauna. In Germany, foxes, wolves, wild boars live. Residents of Berlin and Munich have recently complained about the invasion of wild boars. This is due to the ban on hunting after the Second World War. The least common moose, bears and dens.

There are also hares, rabbits, deer, badgers and martens. In addition to them, reptiles in natural conditions can be found on the expanses of the country. The most common vipers. Many migratory birds, especially geese and ducks, migrates through the entire territory from north to south and from west to east. You can meet swans, cranes, woodpeckers, swallows, owls and storks. Crows are protected by the state. In the water world ‒ flounder, herring, sea bass, in the ‒ trout, catfish and carp rivers.

To preserve landscapes, rare plants and animals, more than 55 nature reserves and natural parks have been created. The most famous can be called Bavarian Forest. Its natural areas are recognized as a protected area.

There is a « 3 whale » national cuisine: sausages, beer and sauerkraut. In Germany they love to eat pork. She is called the queen of German cuisine. There are more than 1.5 thousand types of sausages. As a rule, they are served with sauces. In almost all establishments, you can order baked or stewed pork shank, chop cutlets. As a side dish, potatoes and green peas will do. German dishes are very high-calorie, but after a meal there is a fullness. For a hearty dinner, residents and guests of Germany often ask for Bavarian beer.

Lower Saxony's kitchen is a bit different. Instead of pork, lamb is preferred here, they like to serve berry assorted for dessert. In Hamburg, acne soup is cooked and marine fried. Fish is loved here, so you can buy it in smoked form.

The most popular institutions are:

• Einsunternull ( Berlin ) ‒ a restaurant marked with a Michelin star, which increases the status of the establishment. Dishes are prepared in the author's performance. A full-time sommelier will help you choose a drink for a meal. The lower level of the restaurant is located in the former building of the brewery.
• Mutter Hoppe ( Berlin ) ‒ here you can order homemade German cuisine. Dishes are served in large portions, so no one goes hungry. The menu is served in German, English, Russian.
• Live music plays every Friday.
• "Hofbrauhaus" ( Munich ) ‒ prototype of a court brewery with massive wooden tables similar to furniture of the 19th century. The hall is designed for 1300 guests. The menu is served in different languages. Open « beer garden » in the open.
• "Loewenbraeu" ( Bavaria ) ‒ the restaurant is always noisy, it is designed for large companies. There is a private beer and wine cellar. The building accommodates 300 visitors.

German beer is one of the best-selling export products. It passes stringent quality control. Restaurants have a huge variety of drinks. Many establishments have a large selection of rolls, pastries and gingerbread. Bread is always fresh everywhere, it is baked from different varieties of flour.

In Germany, the right-hand traffic. If tourists have a driver’s license and are adults, you can rent a car. It will be much more convenient to move around. This gives complete freedom of choice of attractions. 
There are several rental services.

Germany is part of the Schengen area, the visa regime is operating. Need a passport and a visa. To receive it, you need to indicate the purpose of the trip, its dates and addresses of residence, attach 2 photos. If there is an invitation from a German citizen, a document is required with a signature certified by the Office for Foreigners. If the inviting party does not want to take responsibility for the costs of possible medical care, you must take an insurance policy with you.

There are customs rules that you must familiarize yourself with before traveling. There are no restrictions on the import or export of national or foreign currency. But cash of more than 10 thousand euros must be declared.

The transport of prohibited means is strictly prohibited. These include drugs, poison, psychotropic substances and weapons. You can’t export fuel from Germany. If the border intersects by car, there should not be more than 10 liters of fuel in the spare canister. Transport works strictly on schedule. This must be taken into account so as not to be late.

To better know the country, you can go on a large-scale holiday and be imbued with its atmosphere. There are a lot of such events in Germany. Mass festivities will give positive memories for a long time and help overcome the language barrier.

Oktoberfest is the most grandiose German festival. Every year in the second half of September and early October, large-scale festivities take place in Munich. For 16 days, the city turns into a big beer room. Guests of the holiday drink millions of mugs of the best beer and eat meat and legendary Bavarian sausages. There is also a mobile amusement fair.

Fastnacht is a bright procession in costume costumes. Usually people dress up in yeti, magicians, sorcerers, jugglers, princesses and even politicians. During the carnival « explodes » confetti, viewers treat each other with sweets. In honor of the holiday, a concert is held.

Kiel Week - a sailing holiday is celebrated every June in Kiel. There is no exact date, but this is the last week of the first summer month. In the program ‒ festivities, processions and sailing regatta. On the embankment they equip a scene where comedians, musicians and circus artists perform.

The Berlin Marathon is a mass race that has been held since 1974. The holiday popularizes sports and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes, due to the large number of people wishing to take part in this sporting event, the organizers reject applications. There are distances for running, walking, wheelchair riding, roller skating marathon and children's symbolic competitions.

Bochum Total - a summer music festival takes place in Bochum. Teams perform in different genres, among which there is jazz and heavy rock. The event was first held in 1986. This is a great opportunity to have fun: you can listen to music and meet new friends.

Germany loves scale, so they prepare for the holidays in advance. Festivals are usually held for about a week.

All products in Germany are of high quality. You can return Tax free for purchases. There are 2 seasons of discounts: winter and summer. The center of shopping in Germany is considered Berlin. A wide selection of products is available at the Kaufhaus des Westens Shopping Center. This is a department store that occupies 7 floors. Shops and supermarkets have imported goods. If products of local manufacturers are needed, it is necessary to pay attention to labels, where more detailed information will be provided. As a rule, they are the highest quality on the counter.

Large malls are in all cities with a population of 100,000 people. You can completely update the wardrobe, things will last a very long time. Friends and relatives can buy souvenirs.

Retail stores are open from 7.00 to 18.30. On Saturday, they close at 14.00, and on Sundays ‒ day off. On this day, almost all trade is suspended. But this rule does not apply to cafes and restaurants. There are flea markets where you can cheaply buy antiques.

In Germany, all conditions for a comfortable stay and entertainment are created. You can make a cultural program for every taste.

German History Museum. It was founded in Berlin in 1987. Today it stores more than 2,000 exhibits. During the tour you can find out the history of German development in all existing industries.

Dinosaur Park. It is located in a suburb of Kleinwell. Nearby are Dresden and Bautzen. In this park you can transfer to the primitive world and find out what dinosaurs lived before our era. You can come here with children, a large and friendly company or alone. Interesting pastime is guaranteed.

Amusement Park and Zoo « ZOOM ». It is located in the Ruhr district. The day flies here unnoticed. You can travel around the world in 1 day. Guests can look at exotic animals, learn how to live and get acquainted with the culture and traditions of other countries.

Horror Museum « Hamburg Dungeon ». He is in Hamburg. A great place for thrilling lovers and those who want to get distracted and have an unforgettable time. You can watch the theater play ( the show lasts 90 minutes ) or visit the rooms of fear, take a walk in an unusual amusement park.

In the country, hotel accommodation is divided into 4 categories. You can live in a hotel, Garni hotel, guesthouse and inn. The hotel offers porter services and a restaurant. Garni has almost the same conditions, but visitors do not offer food and drinks. Either the program has one breakfast, or there will be no meal at all. The pension is located near the resort. The permanent courtyard is a small, cozy but quiet hotel.

In Germany, the star system of hotels is not in demand. However, practice shows that some tourists prefer to check into three-star hotels. The rooms are non-spacious, the amenities in the form of a shower and toilet are provided on each floor with one copy. But there is comfortable furniture and a minibar. The more stars the hotel has, the more expensive the room will be. But the conditions will be better.

Rooms can be booked in advance and, if necessary, book a transfer to the airport. This service is especially in demand for those who are first in Germany.