TRANSPORTATION IN GERMANY People love to watch the planes on an observatory in Munich, and most visitors arrive in Germany by air. Taxi and bus transport are available to get into the cities. Roads are excellent, especially the Autobahn with attractive rest stops alongside, complete with self serve information booths. Go off the highways or on a Rhine River cruise for enjoyable diversions, or stay at one of Germany’s many impeccable campgrounds.
ACCOMMODATION IN GERMANY Renting a campervan is a smart way to go in Europe since they’re so convenient, campgrounds are beautifully situated and run, and many vacation dollars can be saved with this affordable option. Comfy smaller city hotels like the Haan Hotel offer unique rooms and homey service. Friendly German hospitality is found also at larger hotels and historic inns.
THE CITY OF MUNICH Once known as the “German Rome,” this international business center is over 800 years old and is the 3rd largest city in Germany with a history dating back to the 9th century. 60% of it was bombed in World War 2, but has been authentically restored since. Marienplatz is a popular square where weddings and executions once took place. City Hall here has tourist info on attractions such as Nymphenberg Palace & Gardens.
TRANSPORTATION IN MUNICH Bicycle transportation is well supported here, with proper signage and dedicated lanes, which are ideal for bladers too. The street car routes all feed into the city center, and the subway system is also easy to navigate. Buy blocks of tickets for money savings. There is also a rapid transit system, the S Bahn, with well-serviced stations.
THE BMW MUSEUM IN MUNICH This region is proud of the Bavarian Motor Works, which has assembled a museum exhibiting a collection cars, motorcycles and airplane engines from the company’s history. Milestones are celebrated with vehicles or engines that advance their technological progress, and include some multimedia displays as well as mint condition examples.
HEIDELBERG Situated on the Nekkar River, Heidelberg has an antique flavor that inspired many poets from the Romantic Age. The city’s waterfront is vibrant and a good place to get on a tour of the busy river. It’s best to get rid of your car right away in an underground parkade and enjoy walking around, cycling or employing public transportation. The Baroque era is well restored in the Old Town, with rustic shops and cafés on pedestrian streets.
CAMPING IN HEIDELBERG Follow the universal campground sign to the campsites here. One is scenically situated along the river within the city, complete with electric and water facilities. Busloads of students are brought here to camp, with cottages and a tuck shop on hand. Bikes and scooters can be rented for tours into the city.
ROTHENBURG An authentic medieval townscape in the Tauber Valley, Rothenburg has cobbled streets, ancient walls and half timbered houses. Although the town itself is like a museum, visitors can tour historical and agricultural museums as well as the iconic Dolls & Toys Museum. The centrally located Market Square is busy with shops, and Gothic wonders include stunning St. Jacobs Church.
CAMPING IN ROTHENBURG The most affordable accommodation in the area of the fairy tale town of Rothenburg is camping. Follow the camping signs to the site which is a good, healthy (but do-able) walk from town. Visitors love the view as well as the washing, dining and recycling the facilities.
RUDESHEIM A starting point for many cruises of the Rhine River, and also on the Germany’s train route, Rudesheim is an old wine growing town of 10,000 locals and 3 million visitors! Picturesque narrow streets house colorful shops, many that commemorate the area’s Reisling 2000 year old wine making tradition. 692 acres of vineyards remain and some cellars offer tours.
CAMPING IN RUDESHEIM One of the two campsites is just a short walk froim the main street. With its gardens and fountains, it’s easy to see why impeccably groomed Campingplatz is an award winning campground. It’s pristine, with cheery and spacious facilities, accented by nature.
RIVER CRUISE FROM RUDESHEIM Follow the Castle Route on a Rhine River cruise that begins in Rudesheim. Just head to the waterfront to purchase tickets on boats that are open air for better viewing, complete with a variety of refreshments. While cruising, you’ll hear about the many castles that line the riverbank along the route, taking you back to the Middle Ages. Stay aboard for the duration, or hop off to explore some of the castles, some of which operate as youth hostels.
FOOD & WINE IN GERMANY Bavarian cuisine is always surrounded by a warm ambiance, and traditional choices include fine wines, white sausage and saurkrout. There is a regional emphasis and use of local fresh produce, and real cream and butter are oft used ingredients. Oudoor beer gardens, which re-enact the 16 day Oktoberfest, should be compulsory, with German beer and fast fun foods on the menu, along with jovial entertainment.