Bavaria -Germany My Travel Journal Part-4

Bavaria -Germany My Travel Journal Part-4

Bavaria is the southeast region of Germany, With the Alps to the south and idyllic towns dotting its hillsides, Bavaria is a beautiful and romantic destination. We took road trip to explore Bavaria Region from Frankfurt.This stunning road trip through the Bavarian region in Germany road passes through Alpenstrasse (The German Alpine Road). 

 

This majestic road passes through picturesque rolling hills, Alpine meadows, quaint villages, gnarled forests and traditional Bavarian houses overflowing with flowers as far as the eye can see. Bavaria takes in some of the most interesting and beautiful traditional towns in Germany and spectacular scenery that will leave you spell bound and gasping for words.

We stayed in Bad Worishofen Bad Wörishofen is a small Town in the Bavarian Allgäu. Situated in between Munich and Ulm. 

 

The mountain air and the spring water, which contains fluoride and iodine, provide the ideal ingredients for health breaks based on Kneipp treatments.

Füssen

Fussen, a gorgeous town surrounded by the Alps. Fussen is just 5 kms away from the Austrian border and is straight out of a fairy tale legendary Neuschwanstein Castle nearby.

 

 – it is the castle that is said to have inspired Walt Disney. It is a cute picturesque city replete with typical German houses.

 

 The city it is known for its violin making. It even has a museum with one of the largest collections of historic violins and lutes.  The city It is a good spot to spend the night during the road trip through Bavaria. The city is also the end or the start of the Romantic route in Germany. Füssen is an enchanting little town is nestled amongst a cluster of majestic Bavarian mountains. There’s a sparkling turquoise river that runs through its center with cobble-stoned alleyways

Alpsee

No trip to Bavaria is complete without a visit to Alpsee Lake. Just four kilometres southeast of Füssen, Alpsee Lake sits nestled between wooded mountain slopes, in an area so beautiful that Bavarian kings chose to build their romantic castles here.

 

 It is a popular tourist attraction, given its proximity to the castles and the wild swans that inhabit the lake.

 

Lake Alpsee may be the most beautiful and idyllic. , 

 

the surrounding mountains slope steeply down into its deep waters making it seem more like an oil painting than a real-life scene.

The Lechfall

The Lechfall is powerful waterfall along road 17 between Füssen (Germany) and Reutte (Austria).A special spectacle can be found in the city of Füssen in the eastern Allgäu. There you can find a dam of seven meters in height that breaks up the river,  which leads to a cascade like flow of it.

 

 This so called Lechfall .It is almost impossible to miss the Lechfall. The small waterfall (3 meter) is clearly visible form the roadside and is despite its height, very powerful. There is a parking along the road, near the bridge over the river Lech from where you have a good view on the Lechfall. 

 

This Lechfall is worth the visit. The river runs through a gorge and in the process creates a huge amount falling over walls. Nice walk along a path on the Füssen side of the river.

Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany

Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany (2,962 m) and should be included in your road trip through Bavaria. In winter it is the ideal place to ski, while in Summer you can hike or even relax in the resort. You can go to the summit by cable car and enjoy the breathtaking views.

 

 From the top, you can view the Alps and 4 countries. It has plenty of activities to do,  perfect for adventure and nature lovers.One full day is enough to head to the Zugspitze – the highest mountain in Germany. The view as you head up to Zugspitze are pretty amazing though (even with all the clouds) and makes it totally worth your while.Eibsee lake viewfrom top of the moutain.

Eibsee

The emerald green water surrounded by breathtaking alpine nature.It’s a beautiful lake in the Southern part of Germany, in the Bavaria region. Eibsee is a true paradise for nature lovers as well as a tranquil place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

 

Lake Eibsee’s amazingly clear waters often reflect  .Lake Eibsee is also considered one of Bavaria’s cleanest lakes. many of the towering mountains near its shores are stark mixes of pine forest and barren rock, which make for a fantastic contrast.

 Lindau Island

The Lindau Island is small, but we easily spent one complete day there. Walking around its narrow cobbled streets, admiring it historical buildings,  when exploring the Lindau Island.

Lake Constance located between Germany, Switzerland and Austria. 

On the northern shore of Lake Constance is the picturesque Bavarian town of Lindau. 

 

The historic town of Lindau is an 0.68 km. island connected to the mainland by a road traffic bridge and railway dam leading to Lindau railway station.  The dam was built in 1853 to connect the railway from Munich to the island. Arriving in Lindau the tour group enjoyed a couple of hours walking around the picturesque island town. 

 

Spring has arrived, flowers bursting into full bloom in vibrant colors at roundabout’s, garden beds and planter boxes.

 

The entrance to the new harbour, built in 1856, marked by a distinctive 33 meter New Lighthouse and statue of the Bavarian Lion, representing the Wittelsbach dynasty.

 

 The New Lighthouse is open to the public. Panoramic views of snow-capped Alps and Lake Constance from the waterfront and New Lighthouse.  Pretty views of the island shoreline from the promenade.

The Lake Constance

Lake Constance, with its 538 square kilometers, is huge, so there’s plenty of things and places, which will make you occupied for days. A visit to Lake Constance is incomplete without hopping on a boat. You could take a sightseeing boat tour, or a trip on one of the car ferries, which are popular among locals. These ferries connect many locations, such as the German cities of Constance and Meersburg (15 min), as well as Constance and Friedrichshafen (50 min).

 

A half-day tour to Lindau is enough to quickly explore and skim through its beautiful highlights. You can also cross the German-Swiss border by taking the ferry from Friedrichshafen to the Swiss town of Romanshorn, which takes 40 minutes. A ferry trip isn’t only the perfect opportunity for a panoramic view of both the lake and the Alps, but is also an easy and fun shortcut across the lake.

Beyond the cities, Bavaria is full of breathtaking landscapes, with plenty of mountains, lakes and great hiking spots.The best way to visit Bavaria is by car, you can choose your route and capture the most scenic places. Here you will discover all the places you need to go to have a fantastic Road trip through Bavaria.

In a region often regarded as the highlight of Germany, there are countless things to see and do. One could fill weeks exploring Bavaria’s many towns and still not see it all. One final thing remember to look around you while driving from town to town in Bavaria – the scenery is absolutely stunning.I really thanked My son in law for this wonderful trip.

Germany-Berlin My Travel Journal Part-3

While teaching to my students about Europe History;I've always been interested in Berlin's history, I never thought I would Visit Berlin.Berlin may be the most unique destination I’ve visited yet.This trip we went with My daughters friend family and we enjoyed lot. Berlin is a gigantic city. I knew it was big, but until I decided to explore it I never knew just how big. Where the streets have a story to tell in the form of art. 

 

It is the city where the roadside paintings speak louder than the road signs. Alternative travellers and those that like to investigate unknown places around town, including abandoned houses, street art, forgotten cemeteries and silent reminders of the horrors of war and museums artefacts dating back thousands of years.

 

 From the early days of Prussian nationalism to the days of the Nazi regime, the devastation of World War and divided by communism with the Berlin Wall and finally reunited. the division as part of the Cold War, Then there’s the modern vibrant, multicultural culture of street art and global music. Berlin is the perfect place for a crash course in European history. . In Berlin you cannot just see history, you can touch and feel it with every turn.

Spree River

One thing I inspired River-living is great and soothes the soul. As far as Berlin is concerned the river called the River Spree, is the heart of the city. 

 

A truly extraordinary long River that stretches throughout Berlin,on the banks of which there are many beautiful buildings and structures. From any side the view on the river is so beautiful. food,drinks around the grassy meadow chill breeze with Wonderful atmosphere.Berlin is covered with parks, forests, fields, rivers, lakes and canals makes the city most beautiful capitals in the world.

Bradenburg Gate

One of the most popular landmarks in Germany is the Bradenburg Gate, located in the heart of Berlin.  It’s almost always crawling with tourists, but it's also a pretty epic place to watch. On the River Spree, at the Brandenburg Gate, you will see sitting atop the gate, a striking statue of a girl with 4-horse chariot.

 

 The Berlin Quadriga was designed in 1793 and features the Goddess of peace. Napoleon once took the figure to France after the war as a sign of his victory, but it was returned to Berlin in 1814 after the European allies thwarted Napoleon. The Goddess has always faced east, the way into the city of Old Berlin.

Berlin Cathedral Church

 

The magnificent dome of the Cathedral Church (Berliner Dom) is one of the main landmarks in Berlin’s cityscape and marks the spot of the impressive basilica housing the city’s most important Protestant church. 

 

With its elaborate decorative and ornamental designs, the church interior is especially worth seeing.

Berlin TV tower

 

also known as Fernsehturm Berlin, gives the best 360-degree view of Berlin. It can hardly stay unnoticed as it is the highest building in the city!

Checkpoint Charlie

 

 Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. At the height of the Berlin Crisis in 1961 U.S. and Soviet tanks faced each other here.

East Side Gallery

Berlin is the capital city of Germany, but it is better known for its intense history and it being within the Soviet zone post the World War II. There was once a wall within Berlin that divided the city and separated the East and the West. It was the Berlin Wall. Not much remains of the wall, but the graffiti covered East Side Gallery was once a part of the Berlin Wall. 

 

East Side Gallery Berlin is a 1316-meter long gallery where 105 paintings by artists all over the globe can be found. Walking past the artwork is like reading in a book. An universal book of art with only very few words. 

 

Understood by most who believe in freedom and brotherhood and good wishes for future generations.

 

 It’s the perfect place to take your kids to, to show them how people now and then shared the same hopes and dreams.

Holocaust Memorial.

Another of our stops was to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, or the Holocaust Memorial. Designed by NY architect Peter Eisenman, The memorial has to be experienced by for 6 million people who died a horrible death while walking through. 

 

You’ll find that the paths between the blocks or stele it consists of 2,711 of different sizes and shapes, not two of them alike are very narrow and uneven.T he blocks are made of concrete and coated with anti-graffiti-paint. Some of them are very low, others are taller than a full-grown man. . The memorial is made up of concrete slabs designed to create a feeling o confusion and unease as you wander through them.

Reichstag

Reichstag building in Berlin that is the meeting place of the Bundestag (“Federal Assembly”), the lower house of Germany’s national legislature. One of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, it is situated at the northern end of the Ebertstrasse and near the south bank of the Spree River.

 

 It’s located a short walk away from the Brandenburg Gate and has a vast lawn stretching out in front of it. The Reichstag original dome was damaged during World War II, the modern home of the German parliament: the Reichstag, one of Berlin’s most iconic buildings. Designed by Paul Wallot in 1894, this is where the German parliament, the Bundestag, has been hammering out its policies since 1999.

The Oberbaum bridge, which crosses the Spree River, acted as a border between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.

 

 There are many green spaces, boutique shops and a big cafe scene. You’ll also find historical landmarks (including a small piece of the Berlin Wall), pre-war architecture and a wide variety of cuisines.

 

The Aquarium Berlin next to the Zoological Garden is one of the most species-rich aquariums in the world. In addition to fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects live in the historic building.

One of the things that surprised and impressed me the most while wandering around Berlin was cycling infrastructure, Berlin is a true cyclist’s city. 

Cyclists come out at all times of day and night, There is a network of city shared bikes available from Call-a-Bike. these bikes are the ideal way to traverse the city as you take in the sights.

But from what we saw during our trip, we were very impressed. People danced, smoked, drank, painted, played music, rode bikes, and basically just enjoyed life. Wherever you choose to walk in Berlin, you’ll be treated to impressive architecture, colourful street art, and a local’s experience of the city. 

 

And then there’s also the futuristic architecture, the bright street art, the hip boutiques and galleries, the vibrant culture and museums, the eclectic food scene, and of course the exhilarating nightlife.All of which was considered “normal”, and no one batted an eye or seemed to judge one another.This city truly has something for everyone, and an ambience which is unmatched by anywhere else. We can’t wait to return to explore some more.

Germany -Rüdesheim &Großer Feldberg My Travel Journal Part -2

Rüdesheim&Großer Feldberg Travel journal

There are places in this world that charm you, but there are also places, which steal your heart completely. One of the places, that totally stolen our hearts was also a small town Rüdesheim in Germany. My son in-law took us to this place as one day trip.

 Rüdesheim am Rhein is one of Germany’s most prolific and scenic wine regions. It offers beautiful hikes through its mountains and prime views over the dazzling Rhine river valley. Next to its extensive vineyards, the city’s rich cultural and historic background make it one of the most intriguing places to visit in the country.

 

I really enjoyed those green vineyards that surround and enhance the beauty of the villages The vineyards looming over the town mixed with the culture and charm of the historical buildings that lie alongside the Rhine River, make Rüdesheim am Rhein one of my favorite villages. To Uphill (go by car or ropeway) hike through the forest which really looked more like a well-maintained, wooded park. 

 

There were some viewpoints of the Rhine River valley along the way. who will find the Niederwald monument and its surroundings. The monument is one of a select group of national monuments in Germany and a major attraction by itself. At the location you have a tremendous view over the Rhine, Rüdesheim and Bingen.

Niederwald Monument:

At the top of the vineyards The Niederwald monument can be found in the Niederwald park, overlooking the scenic Rhine valley. The park is well worth the visit for its dazzling views alone. The monument is of Germania, the classical myth female representing Germany.

 

 She holds the imperial crown in one hands and the imperial sword in the other. History holds that for many years the monument reflected national pride and the creation of a single German nation.

 

 The monument was created between 1870 and 1880 as a commemoration of the historic unification of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian war came to an end. The central part of the Niederwalddenkmal depicts the figures of Germania and William I. With its location on the edge of the forest and with scenic vineyards to its southern and western sides, a walk up to the historic monument will make visitors a fantastic panorama.

Cable Car

If you want to focus on taking in the scenic views over the Rhine valley without taking straining walks up the hills, Rüdesheim’s Cable Car transports visitors all the way to the Germania monument.

 The views from the heights of the cable car offer an impressive panorama over the vineyards and the shimmering waters of the Rhine river.

River Ferry

We were pleasantly surprised when we saw a river ferry that would take us across to Rüdesheim. I cannot tell you how excited this made me.

 The ferry connection was established between the villages of Bingen and Rüdesheim because there are no bridges crossing the Rhine for a distance of more than 90 km between the cities of Koblenz and Wiesbaden. we came to know  For many Germans, taking the ferry over with their car is their daily routine to and from work. For us, it was a bit fun to ride the Harley across the water.

 

 Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that can bring a smile to my face.

Großer Feldberg

The geographical highlight of the Taunus and one of the most striking mountain peaks in Germany: with a height of 881 meters, the Großer (big/large) Feldberg is just as visible from afar as the beautiful views it offers in good weather conditions.

 

The Taunus mountains is a mountain range located in the northwest of Frankfurt. Its tallest and most famous mountain being Großer Feldberg (878 meters) which attracts many locals .One evening we went to this Mountain. Feels amazing  to view offered by the mountain top. A great place for hill walking with spectacular views of Frankfurt and the surrounding towns and villages. Also a great place for mountain biking, and long winding roads. The drive up through the Taunus mountains is a beautiful endeavor especially when it culminates in a stop at Feldberg where the view of the city is spectacular.

Since the mountain is covered by a dense forest from foot to peak, it provides fresh air in peaceful natural surroundings. Cooler and moister than the surrounding lowlands, temperature differences of five degrees are common. Just half an hour’s drive away, Feldberg provides a soothing contrast to Frankfurt’s hot and hectic urban lifestyle. 

 

 There is an observation tower located at what is called Grosser Feldberg.  From this vantage point, we could see the fall colours in rich display. The upper part of the Feldberg is woodless which makes it such a popular destination for excursions - for sunbathing or for playing on the Roman playground, which is part of the Limes Experience Trail. On the northern edge of the plateau on the summit, the legendary Brunhildisfelsen rock made of quartzite offers an easy-to-climb vantage point.

 

 It was cold and windy on the top of the ridge so we did not stay long.  The crowds had not arrived as yet, so we had the viewing platform all to ourselves.

In top of the mountain The sky is just crystal clear and bright blue. The air is crisp and clean. Aside from the air purity, your nostrils will be filled with wonderful fragrances as you travel the mountain, not only from the pines, mountain flowers, dandelions and other plants, but from the mountain itself. One of the wonderful & memorable trip we had.