debor013

Bremen is an extremely  cosmopolitan city and though people here don't overdo it with friendliness, they are open-minded and totally relaxed. The most spoken languages here might be German and Turkish. It has a lovely old town; probably one of the best old towns in Germany, a beautiful city centre, tons of parks and greenery and some cool hipster areas. Bremen is at once a modern university town and a port city with more than 1200 years of history. Its Old Town reflects its medieval and Renaissance past, but many of the old merchant houses are now home to restaurants, and neighborhoods that once housed tradesmen have the same charming exteriors while boutiques and art galleries occupy their main floors.  When the weather is nice, residents spill down the banks of the river at outdoor cafes and markets. Bremen is close enough to Hamburg  that it’s easy to visit but far enough away to make it just off the main tourist route for many international visitors, which is one of ...

Augsburg  (pop. 255,000) In Bavaria. One of the oldest German cities, founded in 15 BC by the Romans. The city achieved great prosperity in the 15th and 16th centuries as a result of the international trade and banking business of the Fugger and Welser merchants families. The magnificent patrician houses and palaces date from this period. Bielefeld  (pop. 265,000) Economic and cultural centre of Eastern Westphalia. Founded in the Middle Ages. Beautifully located on the slopes of the Teutoburger Wald. Surrounded by vast forests with 580km of well-maintained hiking trails. Rich arts and entertainment scene. Medieval Castle. Centre of textile, furniture and food industry. Erfurt  (pop. 200,000) State capital of Thuringia. Founded in 742 AD by St Boniface. One of the best preserved medieval town centres in Germany. In the Middle Ages Erfurt’s strategic location at the intersection of old trade routes made it rich and powerful. Its renowned university made it a cent...

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a charming town in Southern Bavaria, not far from the Austrian border. The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen delights visitors with al fresco painted buildings and many locals dressing in the traditional styles.