Germany

[Prawn_86]

Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany is a country in Central Europe. It is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea; to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic; to the south by Austria and Switzerland; and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The territory of Germany covers 357,021 square kilometers and is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. With 82 million inhabitants, it accounts for the largest population among the member states of the European Union and is home to the third-largest number of international migrants worldwide.

[Prawn_86]

GERMANS spent more money on foreign trips than tourists from any other nation last year, the national tourism body DRV says.
Germans shelled out “nearly $US85 billion” ($A131 billion) on trips in 2008, DRV president Klaus Laepple (http://search.news.com.au/search//0/?us=ndmnews&sid=5014090&as=news&ac=travel&q=Klaus Laepple)said in a speech on Tuesday introducing the world's largest travel fair which opens in Berlin on Wednesday.


http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,28318,25171050-5014090,00.html

[Prawn_86]

Well Octoberfest has been and gone. Were any ATF members lucky enough to attend the real thing in Germany?

[mariusik]

Hey everyone , i'm planning a city break in germany .. i only have a few days available so i was wondering where to go . My options are Berlin , Munchen or Koln(Dormund , Bonn) area ? Any ideas ?

[lee20]

I would suggest Trier, the oldest city in Germany, for its fantastic roman history and architecture. From there it is a short ride to the vineyards and historic villages on the Moselle, but most of all a short ride to interesting towns in France,Luxembourg and Belgium.

[Paloma44]

I would definitely recommend Berlin as there are so many things to see and do there and I can guarantee that in a few days you will not stop!
Definitely worth a visit.

[Sunny P.]

From my point of view (I am from Germany) Berlin, Munich and Cologne sound quite good. Do you have time for more than one city or is your time limited to just one? Then, I would also recommend Berlin. It's probably the most obvious city to go to, but it is also worth it. It is a beautiful city with a lot of history as well as many activity opportunities and amazing nightlife.
Have fun and enjoy Germany!

BTW: if you get the chance to visit two cities, I would combine Berlin with Munich. If it`s too far away, Hamburg could be an option. Just as amazing!!!

[Nothing But Adventure]

I went to Berlin a few years back and I absolutely loved it!
A few days should be all you need... the bars here are great fun and everyone there loves a tourist :) and to back it up, their breakfast is huge!

One other thing I really liked is that they have a free walking tour... which takes you to the Brandenburg gates, the holocaust memorial, 'the wall' and even the uni that Einstein went to. It was really informative and it was free!!!

Unfortunately I cannot compare to the other cities you mentioned but I can certainly back Berlin

Daniel

[MissTibet]

I attended the Oktoberfest defently to many times, that might be cause I am German though lol
It's a true story decently, i think I have seen more of Mexico and Australia then I have of Germany!
I would go for Berlin! Why? Hmm don't know, I guess cause I have family there! I just love Berlin! Enjoy!

[SarahSkis1984]

I definitely agree about Berlin. If you visit one place in Germany, visit Berlin. it's not typical 'German' culture, but it's rich in history and has been a central point for European politics and history for the last century and a bit. There's also lots to do!