Wanting to visit Germany and can’t decide which of the countless tour options offered online suits you? That is quite understandable, as the variety of choices reflect the diversity of a country which played an important role in world events since ancient times. Unfortunately, the available choices are often run-of-the-mill tours, copying what has proven to be successful itineraries and destinations and offering virtually the same activities which most jaded travelers avoid. It is even more unfortunate as these tours give the impression that the offered attractions are the only things one can enjoy in Germany, which is quite erroneous. Germany offers much more than visiting the landmarks in Berlin and Munich, or taking a tour of the Rhineland, or taking part in rowdy Oktoberfest parties, or visiting the vineyards in the Ahr region. If you’re a history buff, why not try an underground tour – where one is transported back in time to see Berlin’s civilian shelters or the Meseritz Fortifications used in WW2? For those interested in lighter, happier themes, doing the Christmas Market tour may just be the holiday for you.
You might have heard about the German Christmas Market, a centuries-old tradition which was believed to have started in the 1620s and which continue to be observed by the Germans today. What you should do is schedule your trip to Germany around December, when the Christmas Markets are open. To make your vacation a real and unique treat, you should plan a trip that will cover as many Christmas Markets as you can during your stay. This means that you’ll plan your trip not just around one or two cities, but all the major ones that has great Christmas Markets, from Berlin all the way to Munich, Cologne and Hamburg, including towns in between. Your vacation will thus become a huge shopping trip.
If you are tired of the unimaginative products available in department stores back home which you are forced to buy for your loved ones every year, you should take your trip as an opportunity to buy really great gifts for them. The Christmas Markets that emerge in all four corners of Germany during the Yuletide season offer a vast array of products seen nowhere else: exquisite handicrafts such as nutcrackers, wooden figurines, straw stars and smokers, cookie tins, glass balls, toys, and tin tree ornaments. This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to do what the Germans have been doing since the 17th century – buying Christmas gifts in these traditional markets. One of the markets you shouldn’t miss is the one in Berlin. Despite the deluge of shoppers in this Christmas market, you surely would not regret going there as you’ll find here new, fresh products that are just being introduced to the German public.
Many German Christmas markets hold displays, traditional performances and activities that further enhance the ambience of the season. Centuries-old traditions like the Angel Play in Augsburg, different Nativity scenes in every place, the “Nikolaus-Wanderung” in Bernkastel-Kues, or the Christmas Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber would certainly make roaming the markets worth your while. Aside from the flurry of shopping, these sidelights give visitors excellent glimpses of the German way of life, enable them to experience first-hand the warm hospitality of the people, and see ancient churches, palaces and heritage sites in an entirely different light. You sure wouldn’t feel exhaustion as you hop from one Christkindlsmarkt to the next, as each one is indeed a feast to the senses.
Marice Willard is a travel writer who writes for Zencarhire.com - Zen car hire offer cheap car hire in 17,000 location worldwide. Why not make the most of your time in Germany and book your car hire Germany today!