top of page

savvysightseer@gmail.com

Old World Charm in Germany

 

Despite extensive devastation at the close of WWII, Germany has managed to retain, or reconstruct, delightful and beautiful old world cities. Here are just a few of the engaging and beguiling towns: Lübeck, Dresden, Munich and Rothenburg. Enjoy this look at Germany's medieval roots.  

Click on the picture above or the group to the right for more information. 

Lübeck

At the northernmost part of Germany is a lovely little city of Lübeck where no time machine is needed to experience 12th century life. Lubeck has the distinction of being the first entire Old Town area to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

This medieval town is a delightful place to explore tiny alleyways and winding streets, admire the city’s famous “Seven Spires” and walk through the Holsten Gate, with its twin towers and slightly sunken demeanor. The Gate’s 15th century architects failed to take into account that Lübeck is built on a marshy island, leading to some unforeseen settling issues. A symbol of pride for the small town, the Holsten Gate marked Lubeck’s importance and prestige as a major port and a Free Imperial City. But little Lübeck has found fame of another sort – as the home of some of the best marzipan in the world. Niederegger Confectioners has been dubbed as “marzipan of world renown” sought after by queens and czars – and tourists with a sweet tooth!

Dresden

Munich

Despite being a growing metropolis with over 1½ million citizens, Munich retains its enchanting and boisterous nature. Marienplatz’s enormous glockenspiel chimes and plays out both a rowdy wedding scene and jubilant jiggers celebrating the end of the deadly plague, just as it has for over 100 years. Nearby long tables are filled with thirsty beer lovers drinking out of steins that need two hands to hold while they wash down pretzels and brats bought at stalls in the Viktualienmarkt. A traditional maypole identifies the types of merchants hawking their wares in the food market. At the world famous Hofbrauhaus is the place for enjoying a lively oompah band in action. Although known globally for Oktoberfest – where the tradition first started in celebration of King Ludwig I’s marriage in 1810 – Munich is to be enjoyed every month of the year.

Once considered one of Europe’s most important “cities of culture,” Dresden was devastated during WWII. Like a phoenix, this city by the Elbe is rebuilding and restoring its Old Centre to its former glory. On the eastern border of Germany, Dresden was nicknamed the “Florence of the Elbe” during the 18th century for its cultural and architectural wonders. This is due in large part to the efforts of 17th century German prince, and ultimately the King of Poland, Augustus the Strong. His and his successors’ lavish spending left behind elaborate palaces, churches and collections of art. Some of the more interesting edifices in Dresden include the Semper Opera House and the Procession of the Dukes, a 25,000-tile wall that depicts 700 years of Saxon reign. At 335’ it is the world’s largest porcelain mosaic; with Augustus roughly midway in the parade of 35 Wettin family rulers starting from 1127.

Click on the picture above to start a slideshow with additional information.

Click on the Glockenspiels above - the top one to see the wedding march in action; the bottom to see the jiggers.

Rothenburg

Germany’s best-preserved walled Roman town gives new meaning to picturesque with its half-timbered medieval houses and town square that hosts one of the largest Christmas marketplaces during the holiday season. But Christmas can be celebrated any time of year here with a walk through the Christmas Village. Historic Rothenbirg is one stop on the so-called Romantic Road, a scenic route from Frankfurt to Munich that bends gracefully through lovely countryside and quaint towns that encourages peaceful reflection – a marked difference from the famed Autobahn which posts only suggested speed limits.

Click on the set of images for an expanded slide-show view and additional information.

Continue your trip through Germany with a visit to the Palaces and Castles or Wartime History pages,

or back to the Germany home page.

bottom of page