For many, Autumn in Germany means Oktoberfest: Munich's 16-day celebration of beer, welcoming over six million visitors each year. However, Germany has much more to offer than beer, pretzels, lederhosen and dirndls. With its picturesque castles, fascinating culture, quality vineyards and rich history, Germany is a country to be explored.
To mark the occasion, hotel comparison website trivago.co.uk has put together an 'Alternative Oktoberfest' list: ten German gems worth visiting. Some destinations will come as no surprise, such as the fairy-tale castle Neuschwanstein and the ever-popular capital of Berlin, but Germany has some hidden secrets. Who knew it was possible to sample some of Europe's finest oysters on one of Germany's 50 islands? See below for more facts, ideas and travel inspiration.
Alternative Oktoberfest: 10 German Destinations
The Fairy Tale Castle – Neuschwanstein(01 of10)
Just a few hours south of Munich, in the Bavarian Alps, is one of the most popular landmarks in Europe and the inspiration for the castle in Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Neuschwanstein belonged to King Ludwig II, an enigmatic character with a grandiose swan-themed vision for his private retreat. The castle was famously never completed following the King’s mysterious death, and it can be viewed as it was left in 1886. Visitors to Neuschwanstein should not miss a walk through the surrounding forest to the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), where they will be treated to panoramic views of the castle and the surrounding mountains.(Photo source: Wikimedia)
The Religious Beauty – Cologne(02 of10)
Cologne, (or Köln in German), is the country’s fourth largest city. It is the birthplace of Eau de Cologne (water of Cologne) and there are more pubs per capita here than any other German destination. The largest attraction is the intricate Cologne Cathedral, a gothic structure which took an astounding 552 years to complete. Although Cologne is fascinating to visit year-round, it is known in Germany as one of the best places to celebrate during the ‘Karneval’ (Carnival) festival held once a year before and after Lent, where thousands of visitors flood the city for street parties and parades.(Photo source: davis - Fotolia.com)
The Romantic Old City – Heidelberg(03 of10)
With its romantic cityscape and scenic setting between the River Neckar and the surrounding countryside, it is of little surprise that Heidelberg is a favourite tourist destination in Germany. The highlight of the city is the traditional Altstadt (old city), which leads to the ruins of a large Renaissance castle. Heidelberg castle boasts picturesque views over the city, but is perhaps most famed for its ‘Grosses Fass’, a 58,000 gallon wine barrel which took an impressive 130 oak trees to construct. Heidelberg is also known for housing one of Europe’s most reputable and oldest universities, boasting association with 55 Nobel Prize laureates.(Photo source: sborisov - Fotolia.com)
The Christmas Markets – Nuremburg(04 of10)
Bavaria’s second largest city, Nuremburg, is renowned for its incredible history and impressive medieval architecture. However, travellers should consider visiting around Christmas time, when the annual Christmas market enchants up to two million visitors. Located in the central square of the city’s old town, visitors can enjoy charcoal-grilled sausage (Bratwurst) and gingerbread (Lebkuchen) accompanied by brass bands. Christmas shoppers will have plenty of gifts to choose from, including Christmas decorations, jewellery, ornaments, trinkets and toys. After a long day’s shopping, visitors can warm up with a cup of Glühwein (traditional German mulled wine).(Photo source: Scirocco340 - Fotolia.com)
The Wine Region – Moselle River Valley(05 of10)
The Moselle Region is one of Germany’s 13 wine regions, full of vineyards overlooking the Moselle River. The river is the left tributary of the famous Rhine, sharing borders with France, Luxembourg and Germany. The three towns of the German Moselle wine region are Trier (Germany’s oldest city), the picturesque Koblenz, and Cochem, where Celts and Romans first cultivated wine more than 2000 years ago. Cochem is renowned as the most romantic destination within Moselle and is world-famous for its Riesling, boasting a light flavour, low alcohol content and crisp, flowery taste.(Photo source: LianeM - Fotolia.com)
The Artistic and Historic Capital – Berlin(06 of10)
Berlin has been attracting art, culture and history-lovers for years, due to its impressive 175 museums, 600 galleries and three opera houses. With its deep connections to the Second World War, the era of Prussian Glory, and the East/West Cold War divide, keys to its past are found on every corner. From the turmoil endured over the past century, the capital has emerged as a unique, alternative haven of art and culture – unchallenged by any other European capital or German city. The eastern capital is a must for any traveller wishing to understand the country’s history and ethos.(Photo source: Flickr User - Reina Cañí)
The Island Getaway - Sylt(07 of10)
Visitors to Germany are often surprised to learn the country has over 50 islands. The largest and most popular island is Sylt, located off the North coast and just a 30-minute ferry ride from Denmark. The anchor-shaped island is well known for its 25-mile long sandy beach, comprising of seemingly endless stretches of sand dunes. There are beaches designated for both families and nudist sun-bathers, or visitors may want to stay entertained by windsurfing, visiting one of the luxurious sea-view saunas, or partying on the beach until sunrise. The island is most famous for its fresh and premium seafood, especially the Sylt oysters, which are amongst the finest in Europe.(Photo source: Marco2811 - Fotolia.com)
The Restored Treasure – Dresden(08 of10)
Germany’s eastern gem lies along the Elbe River close to the Czech border. Dresden is a lively and alternative city, boasting interesting buildings and impressive museums. Historically, Dresden played an important part as the royal residence of the electors and kings of Saxony. However, the majority of the city center was destroyed in a controversial US/British bombing raid at the end of the Second World War. It was only after the reunification that Dresden regained its prominence in Germany and Europe. Saxony’s capital is also well known for hosting Germany’s longest-running Christmas Market, dating back to 1434.(Photo source: World travel images - Fotolia.com)
The Glorious Gardens – Munich(09 of10)
Although Munich is primarily known for its famous Oktoberfest celebrations, the Bavarian capital is an exciting and beautiful destination year-round. The English Garden in Munich city centre is one of the most impressive urban parks in the world, larger than New York City’s Central Park. It is known for its five-storey Chinese Tower pagoda, home to Munich’s second largest beer garden. During the summer months, the English Garden is used as a beach-like getaway, popular amongst swimmers and sunbathers. An unusual summer activity is river surfing in the Eisbach, which takes place under the main bridge of the park and is made possible by a manmade wave. (Photo source: Flickr User - Mirella Matthiesen: mikix.com)
The Maritime City - Hamburg(10 of10)
Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city, its maritime capital, and the second largest port in Europe. It is also a hub for Germany’s top media, as well as many other important industries. The best way to appreciate this affluent city is on a boat cruise around the impressive harbor, where many of Hamburg’s finest hotels and restaurants can be found. For those seeking some nightlife, the Reeperbahn (Hamburg’s red light district), is home to numerous bars, clubs, pubs and concert venues. The Beatles used to play here back in the early 1960s, before finding worldwide fame.(Photo source: Marco2811 - Fotolia.com)