Great but hidden park in Ehrenfeld
(Escher Straße)
Köln, NRW 50739
Review © 2007, Wcities
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Great but hidden park in Ehrenfeld |
Parkgürtel (Escher Straße) Köln, NRW 50739 |
Unfortunately, the Blücherpark is rather loud, due to the fact that the autobahn is right nearby, otherwise this park is really marvelous: Spacious lawns with plenty of room to laze around and soak up the sunshine, a nice rose-garden guarded by two stone lions, and tree-lined promenades to provide a bit of shade. For children there's a football pitch surrounded by trees, as well as table tennis facilities. The highlight of the park is the small pond in the middle, with ducks and frogs and even sunbathing turtles! On one side of the pond is the rose-garden, on the other the Kahnstation beer garden, which opens at 2p. Here you can also rent a boat for a romantic row around the pond. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kai Müller |
Atmospheric square |
Burgplatz Altstadt Dusseldorf, NRW 40213 |
Dominated by the historic Schlossturm tower, this busy square in the heart of the old town is filled with restaurants and cafés. Sitting here, watching the locals chat, visitors could be mistaken for thinking that they are in Tuscany or Umbria. Located next to the Rhine, Burgplatz makes the ideal starting point for a stroll along the promenade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jill Alcibar |
The link between Deutz and the Old Town |
Heumarkt/Deutzer Freiheit Deutz Köln, NRW 50667 |
The Hindenburg suspension bridge was entirely destroyed in the second World War. A simple girder bridge was erected in its place in 1979. Today it is called Deutzer Bridge and is 40 metres wide. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Patricia Scherer |
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A very special footbridge |
Eiserner Steg Frankfurt am Main, HES http://www.eisernersteg.com/ info@eisernersteg.de |
The Eiserne Steg, probably Frankfurt's best known bridge, is a romantic 19th century footbridge over the river Main. The bridge itself is made of iron, the bridgeheads of red sandstone. The 174 metre-long footpath has been adapted several times over the years, and is now accessible for children and the disabled. Blown up towards the end of WWII, today's bridge is a reconstruction of the old Eiserner Steg. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ancient seat of the bishopric |
Weihenstephaner Berg Freising, Bayern 85354 http://www.freising.de |
Situated on the left bank of the River Isar to the north of Munich, Freising was made the seat of the bishopric as long ago as 739. The Romanesque cathedral of St. Maria and St. Korbinian was built between 1160-1205 and decorated at the beginning of the 18th century by the Asam brothers in Baroque style with stucco and paintings. Another interesting feature is the surviving Romanesque crypt and the picture at the high altar by Peter Paul Rubens, Die apokalyptische Frau (the Apocalyptic Woman) - the original can be seen in the Alte Pinakothek. Freising is not, however, only known in religious circles. It is also famous as home of the oldest brewery in the world, the Brauerei Weihenstephan (worth a visit: Bräustüberl Weihenstephan). The Benedictine monastery was granted a licence to brew and sell alcohol in 1040. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: eckiblue |
 Photo: BayernBulldog |
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Beautiful city forest |
Koenigsallee (Grunewald) Berlin, Berlin 14193 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) http://www.berlin.de/stadt/en/... |
As well as being the largest forest within city limits, Grunewald is also an up-market residential area full of beautiful villas built by merchants, scientists and artists who flocked to this leafy district in the mid 19th century. Exclusive Koenigsallee, for example, is home to numerous plush lodgings, including the home of Walther Rathenau, the Weimar Republic's Minister of Foreign Affairs who was assassinated by right-wing radicals in 1922. Nowadays, Berliners flock to Grunewald to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Perfect for a long, relaxing walk or an energetic bike ride, the forest is rich in wildlife, home to wild boar, deer, foxes and a stunning variety of birdlife. In the summertime, thousands of Berliners head for the water at Wannsee or the beach at Strandbad Wannsee. Quieter and equally beautiful, Krumme Lanke and Schlachtensee lakes are more low-key getaways, good for those looking for something more peaceful. Grunewald is also great for winter activities—skiing through the forest, ice-skating on the lakes, or sledging down the slopes at Teufelsberg. Architectural highlights tucked away in the forest include the 15th century Jagdschloß Grunewald, the 55 metre-high Grunewaldturm and the castle and landscape gardens at Pfaueninsel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Walking, sun-bathing and swimming |
Quermatenweg Berlin, Berlin 14163 +49 ((0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
Situated in leafy Grunewald forest, the long, curved lake known as Krumme Lanke is a popular weekend destination for Berliners looking for a bit of peace and quiet and desperate for a breath of fresh air. The only problem is that both the main lawn and the small beach can get very full on warm summer afternoons. But don't worry, there are plenty of more secluded spots further down the lake! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The soul of Hamburg |
Anleger Jungfernstieg ATG Alster-Touristik GmbH Hamburg, Hamburg 20354 +49 (0)40 35 7424 x0 http://www.alstertouristik.de/ info@alstertouristik.de |
If the harbour is the heart of Hamburg, then the Alster is its soul. Created by damming a tributary of the River Elbe in the 13th century, the lake is now an integral part of the cityscape and lends Hamburg its inimitable atmosphere. The Außenalster (Outer Alster) covers an area of 160 hectares and is almost entirely surrounded by parks and trees. The 18-hectare Binnenalster (Inner Alster) was separated from the Outer Alster in the 17th century and is flanked by three promenades: the Ballindamm, Jungfernstieg and Neuer Jungfernstieg. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jan Beckendorf |
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Popular day-trip |
Bergstraße 1 Starnberg, Bayern 82346 |
This beautiful lake, about 35km south-west of Munich, is a favorite weekend refuge for city folk. Its location, between two tree-covered mountains, is idyllic and is perfect not just for swimming, but also for hiking, rowing, sailing and fishing. It is well worth treating yourself to a trip on the steamer. The nearby Klostergasthof Andechs attracts hoards of visitors with its delicious beer and historic monastery. You could round off the day in one of the traditional bars or restaurants in Herrsching or Inning. Getting there: Take the Autobahn Lindau and exit towards Herrsching through Weßling and Seefeld. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: onlife |
The foothills of the Alps |
Hauptstrasse 1 Tegernsee, Bayern 83684 |
Situated some 50km south-east of Munich, Lake Tegernsee has been a magnet for tourists for many years. Not only can visitors indulge in endless leisure pursuits like swimming, cycling, walking and sailing, it is above all its idyllic location which makes this area special. The lake nestles at the bottom of a range of mountains which rise up from the water's edge, among them Wallberg (1732m) and Risserkogel (1826m). Hikers will be well and truly in their element here, while the less energetic will enjoy the lovely route to Schliersee. Because of the lake's popularity, there are plenty of hotels, guest houses, pubs and cafés located on its shores. The easiest way of getting here from Munich is to take the S-Bahn (S2) to Holzkirchen and then the train to Tegernsee. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Perfect for a Sunday afternoon stroll |
Tiergarten / Kreuzberg Berlin, Berlin 10961 - 10785 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
The Landwehrkanal was completed in 1850 after five years of construction. Designed by master landscape architect Lenné (also responsible for the Tiergarten and Pfaueninsel), the 12km canal was built on the orders of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV, who wished to link Berlin with a new industrial area in Köpenick. But the building of the canal was also part of a larger scheme—to fight the dramatic unemployment which plagued Prussia at the time. The canal is the perfect place for a Sunday afternoon stroll. Winding through the city, it is lined with trees and parks, and a cycle path follows its route. There are plenty of pleasant cafés along the way (particularly at Paul-Licke-Ufer) where you can stop for refreshments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Rush |
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A piece of old Hamburg |
Ost-West-Straße Hamburg, Hamburg 20459 +49 (0)40 3005 1300 (Information für Touristen) |
Nikolaifleet used to be an integral part of the city fortifications in the 13-15th century. When, in the 16th century, ship roads were developed near the entrance of Alster harbour, they were built with parts of the fortifications and made Nikolaifleet the predecessor of the inland port. In the 19th century, the canal was still referred to as the Lower Alster, but the Alsterfleet has meanwhile taken over the function as a drainage canal from Lake Alster to the inland port. The hustle and bustle of the old days is long gone, when hundreds of ships lay side by side in the harbour and tonnes of goods were offloaded with cable winches. Old Hamburg has become very quiet. The nearby Trostbrücke is well worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: reliefpfeiler |
Nature and romantic architecture |
Pfaueninselchaussee Berlin, Berlin 14109 +49 (0)30 805 3042 http://www.pfaueninsel.info rob@pfaueninsel.info |
Friedrich Wilhelm II had a soft spot for romantic castles nestling peacefully in the middle of the forest. In 1784, he commissioned a small castle to be built on this tiny, forested island on the River Havel, in the 'ruin-style' that was the fashion of the day among Europe's ruling classes. This is where he came to escape hectic court life and to liase with his mistress Countess Lichtenau. Three decades later landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné (designer of the Tiergarten) was commissioned by the Emperor's successor, Friedrich Wilhelm III, to design an English landscape garden on the island. Nowadays, tourists and day-trippers flock here to stroll around the beautiful gardens, inhabited by flocks of peacocks and dotted with ruins. A wonderful mix of romantic Prussian architecture and nature, Pfaueninsel ('Peacock Island') can only be reached by ferry from Nikolskoer Weg. It is a protected national environment, so there are no roads and smoking and cycling are forbidden. But picnicking is not—so bring a picnic hamper along if you fancy a summertime treat! The castle houses a small museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: fabian flickr |
Berlin's main river |
Nikolaikirchplatz Berlin, Berlin 10178 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Information für Touristen) |
Many of the city's most important buildings and historical sights are situated on the banks of the River Spree. Examples include the 13th century Nikolaiviertel, Schloss Charlottenburg, Palast der Republik and Schloss Bellevue. Several new government buildings including the Chancellery, including the Kanzleramt where German Chancellors have their office, are boarding the river in a new quarter called the Spreebogen. Broad paths along the Spree make it ideal for a peaceful stroll, best of all through parks like the Tiergarten, Treptower Park or Schloss Charlottenburg's Royal Park. A boat trip is also a great way of doing a bit of sightseeing (boats depart regularly from Museum Island or from Schlosspark Charlottenburg). However, the river is at its most attractive in the Spreewald, a beautiful biosphere reserve 50 miles south-east of Berlin. It is here that the river splits into hundreds of canals and streams, surrounded by rainforest. An extremely popular day-trip destination, the Spreewald is also home to Germany's minority Sorbian community, well-known for their colourful costumes and lively festivals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Wood |
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Idyllic lake, perfect for swimming or relaxing |
Am Schlachtensee Berlin, Berlin 14163 +49 (0)30 25 0025 (Touristen Information) |
Situated on the edge of Grunewald forest, Schlachtensee is one of Berlin's most idyllic lakes. Within easy reach of the city centre (20 minutes train ride), the lake has crystal clear water which is perfect for swimming. The lawns and woodlands which surround the lake are wonderful for relaxing or having a picnic. An outdoor restaurant and snack bar offer a choice of refreshments, and there is also boat hire. A great place to spend a hot summer weekend! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Venue of the 1945 Potsdam Conference |
Im Neuem Gartem Cecilienhof Potsdam, Brandenburg 14469 +49 (0)331 969 4244 |
Situated in the lovely Neuer Garten in Potsdam, Schloss Cecilienhof was built in 1913-17 as a residence for Crown Princess Cecilie. Although the Prussian royal family was deposed in 1918, Cecilienhof remained in the family's hands until the outbreak of the Second World War. While extremely pleasant, Cecilienhof would be unremarkable were it not for its unique place in history. For it was here, in the heart of the humiliated Third Reich, that the four victorious Allied powers met in July and August 1945 to determine the future of Europe. The negotiations culminated in the signature of the Potsdam Agreement which demilitarised Germany and divided the country into different sectors, a precursor of Germany's later division into East and West. Visitors can now view the delegates' chambers and the conference room—complete with an enormous round table made in Moscow especially for the event—where Stalin, Churchill, Truman & co haggled over the demarcation of post-war Europe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: oh panda |
Hiking, biking, swimming and sailing |
Starnberg Straße München, Bayern 82319 |
The second largest lake in Upper Bavaria became famous when 'Fairytale King' Ludwig II lost his life on its banks amid mysterious circumstances in 1886. The spot is now marked with a cross and still attracts hoards of tourists. The village of Berg is also of interest as it is where the Kings of Bavaria used to have their summer retreat. Organised boat trips offer great views of the mountains and the villas along the waterfront (Staatliche Seenschiffahrt Starnberger See; tel. +49 8151 12023). An array of restaurants and taverns provide visitors with all they need in terms of refreshments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Patako |
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Sunbathing on the banks of the Isar |
Thalkirchen München, Bayern 81371 |
When the sun's out in the summer, Munich has a real holiday feel. As well as going to the open-air swimming pools, locals like to gather on the banks of the River Isar to perfect their tan. The Flaucher, close to the zoo, is the most popular spot, and on a sunny weekend, all hell breaks loose. After all, if you have been working on your tan all day, you need fortifying in the evening. On warm summer nights, the Flaucher is full of locals enjoying a barbecue and a couple of drinks. The best way to get here is via Thalkirchner Bridge; it then takes about ten minutes on foot. This is the native's beach substitute and in the summer, you'll always find people perfecting their tan here. Spend a warm evening having a barbecue here with your friends. The Flauchersteg leads to a lovely path that will get you to the Thalkirchner Bridge in about 10 minutes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Monika Salo-Noeth |
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