Other Destinations in Germany > Germany Experience

Advantages: No speed limits!
Disadvantages: Er - people drive really fast...

...you*** For any kind of driving in Germany, you need to take your full driving licence (both card and paper parts if you have the more recent type), insurance certificate (third party only is OK), headlamp converters, GB sticker (if your number plate does not feature it - we got a magnetic one in WHSmith for a whopping £5.99!), First Aid kit, hazard warning triangle (although legally you don't need one unless you break down) and cash (just in case ...
...this. As someone who likes driving fairly fast, I found this most liberating but I wasn't prepared to do the Grand Prix speeds that some of the cars were passing me at! On a typical three-lane autobahn, I found that the lorries would hog the inside lane, the middle lane would be for the majority of cars (who on average would be doing around 130-150km/h (78-93mph) and then the outside lane was usually empty, apart from a few cars that absolutely bomb ... Read review

Advantages: Great views, great scenary
Disadvantages: Some steep slopes

...I am visiting the Mohne dam, which along with the Eder dam, and the Scorp dam were attacked by the RAF during World War 2. This became the famous Dambusters raid, of which there have been films and books written about. ** Where is it? ** The Mohne Dam is situated in Gunne a town which is about 25 miles from Dortmund in Western Germany. The dam is used to contain water from the main catchment area around, which is over 400 square kilometres. The ...
...over May 16th-17th 1943, the Mohne dam was breeched by the famous “Bouncing Bomb” which was designed by Barnes Wallis. The idea behind the raid was to totally disrupt the ability to run any industry in the Rhur valley, as the outflow from this dam was used in the generation of hydro-electricity. The breech caused many Houses below the dam to be lost, in fact over 1200 people lost their lives when the dam was breeched, also all the dams 30 miles ... Read review

Advantages: Scenery, peace,
Disadvantages: Can be very busy and it rains )but often only at night?)

Wonderful, picturesque Rhine Valley with its half timbered villages, parks and vineyards. Spectacular in every Season - watch the colours, share the atmosphere, drink the wine. Travel by boat or steamer from Koblenz to Rudesheim. If not too intoxicated by the drink and atmosphere when you arrive at either end you can then sample the different town the Rhine has to offer ( particularly the Rudesheimer coffee). Driving down the Rhine you discover ...
...village delights or a meal at one of the the many castles that overlook the Rhine. One day a year part of the route along the Rhine is closed to cars etc and 'Family Day' enables the bicycles to come out and roller skates and you can enjoy the restfulness this area can offer ( as well as the many beer tents en route). Spectacular Rhine in Flames is a must - check relevant area for details - and experience the Rhine aglow. Visiting the Rhine Valley ... Read review

Advantages: beautiful all year round, charming, breathtaking views
Disadvantages: borderline tacky, overrun with tourists

...the little-known but much loved Garmisch-Partenkirchen for such a getaway.... The moment you arrive in this dreamy town, you'll be transported to a different world. This world (at Christmas time) is one of cobblestone streets bathed in festive lights, and filled with the soothing smell of mulled wine, or Glühwein. The Zugspitze towers over the town like a magical wizard, frosted in snowy whiteness. In summer, Garmisch Partenkirchen takes on a whole ...
...air. Truth be told, Garmisch-Partenkirchen will charm you. To soak up even more magic here are a few tips: Cafes: Be sure to visit Cafe Knightinger in Partenkirchen and Cafe Kröner in Garmisch. You might just experience the best torts/cakes of your life here. Restaurants: Partenkirchen is filled with old-fashioned Bavarian restaurants. Don't worry too much about hit or miss, they all have an excellent standard of quality. Nightlife: Ok, Garmisch-Partenkirchen ... Read review

Advantages: Unique opera house.
Disadvantages: Loooong wait for tickets to Wagner's operas.

...find the northern region of Bavaria as part of your visit to Germany, do make a stop at the Bayreuth Festspielhaus, but avoid it during the festival season in the summer. It is truly the only opera house of its kind in the world, and possesses much history, musical and otherwise. Guided tours are scheduled at specific times in the day (see link below), and entry for each person is 10 euros. PICTURES! To view a small set of photos ...
...The Ciao entry form obliged me to choose from the drop-down menus for Nightlife, Shopping, Ease of getting around and Family-friendliness, all of which do not really apply in this review (we had rented a car to get around, did not sample the nightlife or shopping opportunities, didn't have children aboard), so I settled for an Average rating for these four. ++++++++++++++ For more information on: + Bayreuth Festspiele, see this site (in German ... Read review