No place like home - if you are German, that is :-)

I am originally from Germany and love everything about it as a travel destination! Of course, I am a bit prejudiced - there's no place like home, but here are a few objective facts about my home country you will love, too:

YEAR-ROUND FUN!

SPRING:

Germany has many beautiful forests and parks that are commonly used for recreational purposes. Everything is green and fresh in spring - walking and playing in the park was one of the many things I liked to do as a kid. Take out the family, feed the ducks and have a picnic at the pond, if you like.

I'd also like to mention the Easter season, which is a big thing for the mostly Catholic and Protestant Germans. Aside from the increased church services, though, families enjoy Easter-egg hunts and the like just as much as we do in America.

Spring is also the beginning of the frequent social gatherings like the "Maifest" (May-Fest), that steadily increase as the weather warms up and summer begins.

SUMMER:

One of my favorite things in summer were the summer fests: I loved to visit all the little towns and villages across the country: Every town seems to have their own traditional staple food or beverage they like to showcase as part of a fest they hold on one 2-3 day weekend, once a year. These fests are marked by lots of socializing, outside band stands and lots of good eats! There may be special treats, like stage appearances of comedians, as well as games for kids and adults. More often than not, you throw in a flea market or even a "market screamer" (the latter sell and give away products like sausages, knifes or cooking pots to the most interested person in the crowd at the time) - one thing's for sure - it's all a lot of fun!

Hiking in the mountains is great in Summer, too, and of course water sports, such as swimming, boating, wind-surfing on the many lakes or on the coast, fishing and many others.

FALL/AUTUMN:

Wine-tastings are a big deal in Germany (especially in the Rhein-Main and Mosel Area), and often go right along with wine-"fests". You just HAVE to try a piece of sweet home-made onion cake with your wine - delicious!

There are a lot of trees in Germany, too, the turning leaves are just gorgeous! Take a walk in a forest or park and let your kids watch the animals get ready for winter.

Late fall also brings the famous Oktoberfest in Bavaria - but did you know that some of Germany's little towns have their

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Insider tips for traveling in Germany?
We want to hear your view. Write now!