by Howie Holben

Created on: October 01, 2009   Last Updated: October 02, 2009

Germany has long been a LGBT stronghold, with thriving communities in all of Germany's metropolitan areas. This is one reason why gay vacations to some of Germany's LGBT hotspots, such as Cologne, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are well known with travelers from around the world. Germany is home to several Pride festivals of world-renown and offers an accepting environment for gay travel throughout the country. Like in any country, city dwellers are often more accepting than rural villagers; however, as a whole, Germany is a safe, accepting destination for a gay vacation.

Cologne is generally thought of as the LGBT capital of Germany and is a fantastic destination for gay travel. Poised on the banks of the Rhine River and the oldest larger city in the country, Cologne draws travelers from around the world to indulge in this picturesque city's rich culture and history, to get to know its jovial inhabitants and to experience the thriving art scene. As the home of the world-famous Cologne Cathedral and Kolsch beer, Cologne has something to offer to art lovers, history lovers and beer lovers alike.

This welcoming community has no problem with couples of all sorts showing affection in public and has a well-established, highly visible LGBT population. Cologne is proud to be the host of the 2010 Gay Games and home to more LGBT bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes and other establishments than any visitor could experience in a single gay vacation. To display how LGBT-friendly this city truly is, the KolnTourismus Service Centre even offers a Pink WelcomeCard, which provides discounts on LGBT clubs, bars, saunas and shops, as well as free public transportation and discounts for local attractions, such as river cruises, opera, theater and museums.

The cosmopolitan city of Berlin is also home to a strong LGBT community and numerous LGBT establishments. Travelers that partake in gay travel to Berlin may want to consider visiting during Pride season when Berlin holds the annual Lesbisch-Schwules Stadtfest, or Lesbian and Gay City Festival, which is the largest event of this type in Europe. The following weekend, the Berlin Gay Pride Parade and Christopher Street Day Pride Festival draw hundreds of thousands of LGBT participants and friends of the community, making this a great time for gay vacations in Germany.

Whether you are traveling to Germany solo, with your partner or with a group of friends, your vacation is sure to be an exciting adventure, filled with memories that will last a lifetime. To fully explore all that Germany has to offer, take part in gay travel tours, or enlist the assistance of a travel agency that is accustomed to planning gay vacations to Germany.

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