For a country with so many natural and cultural attractions, Germany is a surprisingly underrated destination. Those travellers in the know who book flights to Germany visit a country which boasts exciting cities, charming old towns (hosting those world-famous Christmas markets), fairytale castles, snow-capped mountains, seaside resorts, national parks and nature reserves. The roll call of notable historic Germans is impressive and the country's art galleries are second to none.
Germany's reputation for innovation and technical expertise extends to its beer as well. Standards in the country's 1200 breweries are regulated by a Purity Law that dates back to the 1500s. And, of course, Munich's Oktoberfest is arguably the world's greatest beer festival.
Since unification, Berlin has become the German Capital, its multicultural population and thriving arts, entertainment and bar scenes have made it one of the hippest European cities.
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Peak Season:
The busiest season for flights to Germany is May to late October . The weather is at its finest and folk festivals and other events are in full swing, though prices are also at their peak. Bookings are essential at this time of year, especially in cities such as Heidelberg or during popular events such as Frankfurt’s September auto show and the October book fair, which can be booked years in advance.
Germany is gaining popularity as a winter destination, especially for the ski resorts in the Bavarian Alps. Christmas and New Year are also typically busy and January in Berlin is packed for Berlin Green Week, a unique international expo featuring a smorgasbord of food, agriculture and horticulture, including luxury foods from around the world.
Off Season:
November to April is generally considered off-season. Like other European cities, winter generally brings fewer visitors, however those who can travel at that time of year will not only enjoy cheaper flights and accommodation, but will be amply rewarded with fewer queues and lower prices.
Germany has a modern, efficient and extensive rail and bus network and several major and regional airports. You can also cruise along the Rhine or Main River.
Some of the largest airports in Germany are:
Bremen (BRE)Nürnberg (NUE)Berlin BrandenburgBerlin International (TXL)Cologne Bonn (CGN)Dresden (DRS)Düsseldorf International (DUS)Erfurt (ERF)Frankfurt (FRA)Hamburg (HAM)Hannover (HAJ)Leipzig/Halle (LEJ)Munich International (MUC)Munster Osnabruck International (FMO)Saarbrücken (SCN)Stuttgart (STR)
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Christoper IsherwoodTwo novels set in 1930s Berlin. The first is about Mr. Norris, an improbable undercover agent, and the second a collection of character sketches of Berlin’s bohemians, intellectuals, and misfits.
Mary FulbrookA sweeping look at Germany from medieval times to the reunification in 1989 that is a comprehensible, beginner’s history of the country.
Jana Hensel, trans. Jefferson ChaseMemoir of being an East German teenager when the wall came down and then trying to assimilate Western ways.
Mark TwainAnecdotes and stories — some of them quite tall — about the humourist’s travels through Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Not one of Twain’s best books, but an amusing read.
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