Germany attracts tourists from all over the world ancientthe culture of Bavaria, the picturesque Rhine valley with medieval monasteries and castles, the quiet Baltic coast, the picturesque Black Forest and a large number of historical monuments. South Germany is known for its crystal clear lakes and ski resorts in the foothills of the Alps, as well as its wines, the production centers of which are located along the river valleys in the southern regions of the country. Obviously, in order to describe in all its splendor all the sights of Germany, which, undoubtedly, deserve, it will take several book volumes. And tourists today are divided into certain types: someone likes active extreme tourism, someone is enthusiastic about ancient buildings and museums, some prefer to attend folk festivals and festivities, wishing to plunge headlong into the vortex of national traditions and culture of the country. Everyone has different requests and different interests. But every place, whether it is street, village, city or country, has its memorable places, its "business cards", by which you can recognize, remember and fall in love. Absolutely all the sights of Germany can not be listed, but the brightest, main and memorable ones, worthy of any tourist's attention, will be covered in this article.
The Berlin Wall is a symbol of the Cold War
The capital of Germany - Berlin - is a city withrich cultural heritage, with incredible architecture, theaters, museums, galleries. But many tourists primarily associate it with the infamous Berlin Wall. The concrete fence, whose height exceeded 3 m, with barbed wire stretching for 160 km, was not just the border of two different Germanias, over one night it tore up thousands of families for a long 28 years. The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, which resulted in the division of Berlin and the whole of Germany into two parts: the Western and the Eastern. Absolutely all attempts to get "on the other side" were brutally suppressed. During such attempts, according to various sources, from 190 to 1200 people died. Finally, in 1990 the wall was destroyed. This event thundered all over the world, in all corners of our planet they talked about the reunification of families, the city and the whole country. In a very short time, there was not a single brick left from the once mighty border, only its fragment remained - a plot a little more than a kilometer long - as a reminder of the Cold War. Many tourists go to Berlin just to see first the ruins of this building. Standing next to this fragment, you will get the opportunity to experience the emotions of hundreds of thousands of people, their hopes and despair, which are associated with this wall.
Museum Island in Berlin
One of the most fascinating places in the eastern partThe city of Berlin is the museum island of Spreeinsel in the middle of the river Spree, connecting bridges with the mainland of the city. There are five museums: the New Museum, the Old Museum, the Bode Museum, the Pergamon Museum and the Old National Gallery. But the most attractive for most tourists is the Cathedral, made in the unique style of the Italian Renaissance. This monument of architecture is relatively young - its construction was completed in 1905. Its central part, crowned with a massive dome, is 98 meters high, and on both sides it is adjoined by a pair of side naves with chapels. This cathedral often hosts organ music concerts.
The symbol of Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate
Another famous landmark of the cityIt stands on the Paris Square and is the symbol of the capital of Germany. This is the Brandenburg Gate. They were built in 1791 by the order of Friedrich Wilhelm II. They evoke the spirit of the time when it was possible to enter the famous capital ceremoniously under the majestic arch. The Brandenburg Gate constitutes a dozen mighty columns executed in the Doric type, on which is placed a rectangular pediment, crowned by a quadriga with the goddess of the World, riding the chariot, driving a quadruple of horses.
Summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs - Hohenschwangau Castle
Castle Hohenschwangau is considered one of the most beautifulthe castles of Bavaria. It is located in the village of Schwangau in the south of Germany and is the residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty. This castle was erected in the era of romanticism in the mid-nineteenth century. Since its inception, the estate has become the summer residence of the royal family. It hosted receptions, rested, and remained alone with nature. Gradually, the castle became a hunting residence of the royal dynasty. Until now, Hohenschwangau Castle has preserved its original appearance, created with the help of a unique design in the Biedermeier style, which is inherent in the erection of castles. The interior is striking in its decoration and beauty. The predominant colors are lilac and purple. The walls of the interior are decorated with picturesque canvases. The outer part of the building is painted in sand color and decorated with bas-reliefs. Harmoniously blending into the local landscape, the castle towers over the Swan (Schwanstein) mountain of Mount Tegelberg and brings you back to the Middle Ages. Immediately creates a sense of illusion of their magnificent balls, chivalric tournaments, beautiful music, honoring the monarch and the luxury of that time. Since 1913, Hohenschwangau Castle has become a museum and is open to tourists. The first thing that immediately catches your eye when you get into the courtyard of the estate is a small fountain in the form of a swan. Looking around the area, you can find that everywhere there is a swan theme. King Ludwig from childhood loved them, these noble birds, so in the vicinity of the castle you will meet swans everywhere: the birds are present in the garden, the walls of the rooms are decorated with images of swans; candelabra, door handles, chairs, tables, statuettes are also made in the form of these beautiful birds. As before, the castle remains the property of the Wittelsbach family. Every year more than 300 thousand tourists come from all over the world to visit it.
Sights of Munich - the medieval pearl of Bavaria
Munich is an ancient city that originatesfrom the 8th century, and the first inhabitants are the Tegernsee monks. For the first time in official documents, Munich is mentioned in 1158, and in 1175 it receives the status of the city. The Bavarian capital is famous primarily for beer, which produces six urban breweries according to old recipes; most tourists travel to Munich to see its unique attractions, which include medieval architectural ensembles, Gothic and Renaissance architectural constructions, castles and palaces, picturesque parks and numerous museums. The world-famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall Especially for those who certainly associate Bavaria with beer, there is an opportunity to visit the ancient beer hall Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589 and becoming not only the main attraction of Munich, but also played an important role in history. It was here that in 1923 there was a famous beer putsch, as a result of which Hitler's political career went up. In the beer bar you can taste true Bavarian beer, and on the second floor you can taste the best dishes of national cuisine. The biggest beer festival And, of course, we can not say about the famous and most popular international festival - Oktoberfest, which takes place here, in the beer capital of Bavaria. The very name of the festival says that the time of this holiday comes in the autumn. Approximately on the third Saturday of October in Munich, tourists and beer lovers from almost all over the world gather to unwind, have fun, take a walk, make new friends and, of course, try the intoxicating drink. The festival lasts almost two weeks, during which about 6.5 million liters of beer are drunk.
The magical Dresden is a resurgent city
Probably, it will not be an exaggeration to call thisSpread on the banks of the River Elbe, a wonderful city is the cultural capital of Germany. Surprisingly, at the same time, Dresden is the largest industrial center. Walking along the streets of this city, you do not cease to be amazed how harmoniously combined majestic monuments of architecture and powerful industrial enterprises. Why is Dresden unique in its kind? For certain it is not known, but for some reason it is the first thing hurrying tourists who have visited Germany to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Florence on the Elbe - this is the name of the city that has been repeatedly met and is still found in the literary works of the great German classics. This city has an incredible and rich history that you can indulge in by visiting museums and contemplating the sights of Dresden. The city, like most others, has two parts: "old" and "new". Do not doubt that any guide will advise you to visit exactly in the "old" Dresden. There you can see the world-famous Zwinger Palace, which houses the Dresden Picture Gallery. The best viewing platform in Dresden is the Tower of Hausmannstroom. Next to Zwinger is the Castle Residence, built in the 13th century and a museum complex. Every connoisseur of the opera is familiar with the Semper Opera House on Theater Square, whose unique acoustics are highly regarded by both listeners and the greatest artists of our time. In Dresden, a lot of cathedrals, which are real works of architectural art. These include: the Cathedral, the Church of the Cross, the Synagogue, the Church of St. Simeon Divnogorets.
Neuschwanstein Castle - Manor of the Insane Monarch
At the sung by the musicians of the Bavarian Alps, nearthe Austrian border itself, majestically towers Neuschwanstein - the embodiment of romantic phantasmagoria and dreams. The mysterious appearance strengthens the impression of the theatricality of this castle, which seemed to have emerged from the past into our world. Neuschwanstein Castle is deservedly listed as one of the greatest castles in the world, as a very small number of buildings can be compared with its fascinating splendor. This is exactly what the unsociable misanthrope king Ludovic II sought, whose quaint fantasies were embodied in the decoration of the castle, its architecture and its landscape solution. The castle from the end of the XIX century has become incredibly popular for tourists. Of course, because the work of the eccentric king is a true masterpiece! Modern Bavarians are very grateful to the strange monarch, let him and enjoyed dining ... with the ghost of Louis XIV.
Bremen is a fairytale town in Germany
On the romantic banks of the river Weser stretchedThe city of Bremen is a relatively small but very full of sights and a picturesque city in the northern part of the country. It was founded in 787 by Charles the Great. Once popular prosperity and prosperity of merchant Bremen is felt to this day. Probably the best proof of local wealth is one of the most beautiful European squares - the Market Square of the Old City. Here are located and fabulous medieval houses of city grandees, and ancient cathedrals, and sculptures with historical monuments. But the visiting card of the square is the Bremen Town Hall. Today, this building is occupied by the local Senate. Not far from the town hall there are two magnificent monuments: world-famous Bremen musicians and the statue of the Guardian of the city of Roland, reaching 10 m in height. The impression of a medieval fairy tale is strengthened by the Cathedral of St. Peter, erected in the distant XI century. To the Market Square there is an entire old quarter with picturesque narrow streets. This place is called "Schnoor", for a long time here lived musicians and artists, artisans. And the name of the place comes from the word "cord" - the houses are so tightly pressed against each other, as if they were specially strung on a cord. In this quarter you can find lovely shops with antiques and various knick-knacks, art galleries, magnificent local cafes, in which deliciously delicious Bremen dishes are prepared from quality products.
The Pantheon of the Great Germans - Valhalla
One of the most interesting and majestic places inGermany is located near the city of Regensburg and is called Valhalla. On the high bank of the Danube is a monumental building, kept in the best traditions of ancient architecture. The temple of white marble lowers its stairs to the river and as if draws people to the eternal, heroic, high. Perhaps, Valhalla is the most powerful, the most beautiful monument of the majestic history of the state. In the original meaning of Valhalla - this is the place where heroes and demigods go after death. On the day of the opening of the pantheon, October 18, 1842, King Ludwig I said that this monument should remind the Germans wherever they lived, about the fact that they have one Homeland and one story to be proud of. Here are placed busts and memorial plaques of those individuals who in one way or another influenced German culture (among busts there is even belonging to the Russian Empress Catherine II!).