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Germany
City Guide
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Germany Travel Guide
Germany has the second largest population in Europe and is seventh largest in area.
Most of Germany has a cool, temperate climate in which humid westerly winds predominate.
Practical Information:
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Official name: Germany (Deutschland).
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Capital: Berlin.
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Language: German.
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Religion: Protestants (particularly in the north and east) comprise about 33% of the population and Roman Catholics (particularly in the south and west) also 33%. The third largest religious identity in Germany is that of non-religious people (including atheists and agnostics (especially in former GDR)), who amount to a total of 28.5% of the population (23.5 million). Approximately 3 million Muslims (predominantly from Turkey and some from the former Yugoslavia) live in Germany.
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Currency: Euro.
Germany Sights and Museums
Munich is not only known for its Oktoberfest but also for its wonderful monuments. It has also some of the most beautiful mountain scenery and fairytale castles in the whole country.
Berlin has re-invented itself since the collapse of the Wall, and is once again at the heart of Europe. New Berlin contrasts with old, ultra-modern architecture alongside Communist functionalism and the fading symbols of the glamorous West End.
Hamburg, Dresden, and Leipzig are also packed full of diversions, from the working port town feel of Hamburg, and its infamous Reeperbahn, and the transitional East German cities of Dresden and Leipzig.
Cologne has a reputation for partying that goes beyond its annual Carnival, and is an excellent base camp for which to explore the picturesque Rhine Valley. Düsseldorf, close to Cologne is known to be the "largest bar of the world".
The North Sea coast and the island of Rügen on the Baltic Sea make for great relaxation points away from the big cities in the North, whilst in the South West there is ample opportunity for hiking and biking in the Black Forest, which can be combined with a visit to the beautiful university town of Freiburg.
Mountain lovers have the Bavarian Alps, the Harz Mountains or Swiss Saxony to divert them, whilst homesick Americans can check out the Manhattan-style skyline of Frankfurt-am-Main to remind them of home.
Germany Entertainment
January: New Years Eve, technically December 31st, in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
February: Karneval. The Carnival in Cologne includes parades, parties, outrageous costumes and even more outrageous behaviour.
Berlinale. The third biggest film festival in Europe takes place in Berlin with films from all over the globe.
April: Spring Festival takes place in Munich with carnival rides, different events and, of course, beer tents.
Jazz Festival some international and local jazz stars descend on Stuttgart.
May: Carnival of Cultures. Berlin's diversity is celebrated with a street parade and world music and cultural events.
German Football Cup Final. The two surviving teams play off at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin for the German equivalent of the FA Cup.
June: Christopher Street Day. Gay and Lesbian parade and parties in Berlin.
Summer Jam. Reggae festival in Cologne. German Grand Prix. Formula 1 Race at Hockenheim.
August: Musikfest am Ring. Cologne rocks out to the best in pop, rock, jazz and world music.
October: Oktoberfest. Drink beer, dance on the tables, and make friends, in Munich.
December: Christmas Markets. You will find these traditional markets all over Germany, but the most famous, and arguably the best, are to be found in Nuremberg.
Germany Transports
How to get there by road: Germany possesses one of the densest road systems of the world. It covers 12,037 kilometres of federal "Autobahn" motorways and 41,386 kilometres (25,716 mi) of federal highways. In contrast to other European countries, German motorways partially have no blanket speed limit.
By rail: Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) is the major German railway infrastructure and service operator. The InterCity Express or ICE is a type of high-speed train operated by Deutsche Bahn in Germany and neighbouring countries, for example to Zürich, Switzerland or Vienna, Austria. ICE trains also serve Amsterdam (The Netherlands) as well as Lige and Brussels (Belgium).
By air: Frankfurt International Airport is a major international airport and European transportation hub. It ranks among the world's top ten airports and serves 304 flight destinations in 110 countries. Germany's second important international airport is Munich International Airport; other major airports are Düsseldorf International Airport, Berlin, Hamburg Airport and Cologne Bonn Airport.
The rail network throughout Germany is still very extensive and provides excellent services in most areas. On regular lines, at least one train every two hours will call even in the smallest of villages.
Nearly all larger metropolitan areas are served by an S-Bahn heavy rail metro system. A large proportion of towns feature underground and/or tram systems and good urban and overland bus services are ubiquitous.
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