Page 11 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Germany

Introducing Germany 9

Introducing Germany

Germany is a country of marked contrasts the smaller roads that lead into the heart of
and this is nowhere more apparent than in its the region. Here, through castles, villages and
geographic diversity. Modern cities of glass magnificent palaces, Germany’s rich history is
and steel sit only a few minutes away from waiting to be discovered. Take a break to
thickly wooded forests dotted with romantic sample some exceptional wines – the most
castles. Germany’s combination of multicultural famous vineyards are in the western part of the
cities, historic architecture and charming country, especially the Pfalz and Rheinhessen
medieval villages set in breathtakingly regions – or take time to admire the natural
beautiful countryside make it an ideal holiday landscape, from the stunning beauty of the
destination. The country’s main road network German Alps to the myriad glacial lakes in
is extensive and well maintained, but it is the Müritz Nationalpark.

When to Go October (autumn holidays). Roads number of classical music events take
The itinerary for each of the drives can get particularly busy around place and July is a popular month for
suggests the best times of the year Easter and national public holidays. lively wine and beer festivals. January
to make the trip, based on the To enjoy a stress-free trip, it is best to and February are the Carnival season,
region. Visits to cities and historic avoid driving at these times of the while December is synon ymous with
buildings are best made in the year. A visit to northern and eastern Christmas celebrations.
spring or early autumn, as it can Germany between November and
get very hot in summer. However, late February can be unpleasant due National Public Holidays
July and August are the ideal months to harsh winter winds and low
for a vacation by the sea or one of temperatures. Ice, rain and sleet New Year’s Day (1 Jan)
the numerous lakes. Winter offers make it challenging to drive and Epiphany (6 Jan)
skiing in the Alps, southern Germany, sightseeing difficult. Good Friday, Easter Sunday
the Black Forest or the Harz and Monday
Mountains. The country also hosts Festivals Labour Day (1 May)
numerous events throughout the Nearly every town and village hosts Reunification of Germany
year, which makes a visit worthwhile a parade, street shows, concerts and Day (3 Oct)
during any seasons. In autumn, fairs. These include folk festivals All Souls’ Day (1 Nov)
visitors can participate in traditional connected to local traditions, such Christmas (25/26 Dec)
folkloric festivals such as Freimarkt as the asparagus or grape harvest.
in Bremen, which is held in mid- In April and May, the first spring fairs Additional public holidays are held
October. In December, festive are held. It is also time for the solemn in some states and regions.
Christmas markets are held all over observance of Easter. In June, a
the country. They are particularly
charming in southern German cities
with historic town centres and are
good places to pick up souvenirs
and presents.
Times to Avoid
In late July and August, it can get
rather hot, especially in the
southwestern regions. The busiest
period is during the school holidays,
which see a great surge in traffic
levels. These are set independently
in each state and take place in early
April (Easter holidays), July and
August (summer holidays) and

Left Panoramic view of Berchtesgaden from
Hochlenzer in the German Alps Above Half-timbered buildings, Limburg an der Lahn, Hesse

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