Walk through these city's many attractions or take a bicycle tour, Germany is also known for its pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
Tailored experiences to meet every traveller’s preferences, the breathtaking yet distinguished landscapes of Germany have many a times influenced some of the greatest artistic minds. Whether it be chasing deep ravines or strolling amidst history-laden streets, Germany is aplenty in not only its natural landscapes in addition to its rich heritage, but also some unconventional, offbeat trails. German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has prepared a list of some untapped destinations to for Indian visitors to explore in the country.
Neu-Venedig: Italian Adriatic flair within a pulsing metropolis
Neu-Venedig is a charming escapade, branching into canals and bridges
GNTO says that on a day trip from Berlin, Neu-Venedig in the south-eastern corner is a charming escapade where the Müggelspree branches into canals. Between the lakes Müggelsee and Dämeritzsee is one of Berlin’s most picturesque and little-known locations. It is a community of residences and vacation homes that may be reached just as easily by small boat or canoe as it can by gondola or Spreewald barge. ‘Berlin’s little Venice’ with its splendid water lilies and swans, is also accessible on foot or bicycle tour. The 5 km of newly constructed waterways were initially labelled “New Cameroon,” and it wasn’t until much later that parallels were drawn to Venice and the Italian lagoons.
The Schwanheimer Düne: Away from the hustle and bustle of the big city
Over time, a very special vegetation has formed in the Schwanheimer Düne
Frankfurt’s several small oases have much peace and nature to offer, both in the immediate city area, as well as in the outskirts. According to the statement by GNTO, with its gentle hills, narrow, winding pathways, and lots of greenery, one of these beautiful oases to explore is the west of the Schwanheim district. Here one of the few inland dunes in Europe was formed during the last ice age by sand blown from the river bed of the Main. Over time, a very special vegetation has formed here, which has been a nature reserve since 1984 and also part of the fauna-flora habitat since 2003. The now restored boardwalk at the centre allows visitors to view exquisite plant life without damaging its ecologically significant ecosystem.
Nuremberg: Germany’s historical heart
Nuremberg serve as necessary reminders of the darker years in the city’s long history
According to GNTO, Nuremberg has been a mirror of German history since the Middle Ages, impressive, thrilling, colourful, powerful and tragic. To this day, the Nuremberg skyline is dominated by the mighty fortress built in around 1140 during the reign of Emperor Konrad III. Protected by the castle, a new spirit enlivened the city at a time when few other places could offer such a quality of life which remains till date.
Nuremberg Castle features ornately decorated churches, elaborate fountains and the Tucherschloss Museum whereas in stark contrast, other sites in Nuremberg serve as necessary reminders of the darker years in the city’s long history. The Documentation Centre at the former Nazi party rally grounds and Memorium Nuremberg Trials remain important landmarks in this regard. In contrast, December sees the arrival of Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlesmarkt. Germany’s largest museum of cultural history, the Germanic National Museum hosts 1.3 million exhibits that document changing times.
The Ruhr Area: From industrial region to cultural legacy
The Ruhr Area is renowned for hosting international events such as the Ruhrtriennale arts and music festival
The Ruhr Area, formerly the coal-mining region of Germany, is one of the continent’s largest conurbations and is renowned for having one of the densest cultural landscapes. GNTO adds that Bochum, Dortmund, Duisburg, Essen, and Oberhausen are just a few of the locations that have combined to create this intriguing urban area full of surprises. In its remarkable transition from industry to culture, all the 53 towns and cities in the Ruhr Area have emerged as Europe’s densest cultural landscape with 1,000 industrial monuments, 200 museums, 250 festivals, 120 theatres and three musical theatres. GNTO says that the destination is also renowned for international events such as the Ruhrtriennale arts and music festival that feature some of the most exciting performances currently to be found on stages and in concert halls anywhere.
