A week in Germany...

It is often easy to get negative during these gray, winter months,  so let's talk about the positive.  This week, I will have posts highlighting some of the great things, hidden treasures and cool info on Deutschland.  So, Willkommen to Deutschland!

24.9 Million tourists visit Germany every year to tour it's diverse regions and relish in it's traditions.  Germany is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Montana, and is the sixth largest country in Europe.  It has a population of 81,305,85 people made up of mostly German's and Turkish.  The country is made up of seven different regions and they vary from flat plains, plains dotted with marshes, to some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Europe. 

There is a reason so many people travel to Germany every year.  It has some amazing things to see.  Here are the top five tourist destinations in Deutschland...

1.  Neuschwanstein Castle~or Cinderella's Castle as we call it, was the inspiration for Walt Disney's castles at his Disneyland parks.  This castle is hidden in the Bavarian mountains and is well worth the trip.  You can only tour the rooms of the castle with a guided tour, so make sure to check times and book ahead.  

2.  Immediately upon seeing the above image, you think of Berlin.  The Brandenburg Gate is the symbol of the unification between the East and the West, and is one of the most recognized landmarks in Europe.  The design of the Brandenburg Gate was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens and is topped with the winged goddess of victory.  The gate was refurbished in 2000, and is a free and easily accessible attraction to visit while in Berlin.

3.  Heidelberg Old City is number 3 on the list.  This romantic city is a popular destination for tourists due to the fact that it's cityscape was mostly left untouched during the bombing of World War II.  It is located on the River Neckar and boasts a castle as well as many museums on it's "things to do" list.  This quaint town is a must see if you are visiting Germany.

4.   Built in 1477, the Holstentor Gate has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is located in Lubeck, Germany.  The gate was one of the gates built to protect Lubeck from Danish invaders.  Inside of the gate, you can tour rooms filled with historical exhibits and interesting stories.  Lubeck, Germany is in the Northern most part of Germany.

5.  This amazing structure is number 5 on our list.  The Cologne Cathedral, or Koln Dom as locals call it is a sight to be seen.  Located in the center of Koln, Germany, this is Germany's most visited landmark with an average of 20,000 people a day visiting.  Construction of the cathedral was started in 1248 and completed in 1880.  With it's towers reaching to 515 feet it is the largest gothic church in Northern Europe.  This cathedral is believed to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men in a shrine made of bronze, silver and gilded ornaments.  Even if you choose not to climb the 509 stone steps to the top of the tower, you must be sure to visit the Koln Dom.

So tell me, have these tourist attractions inspired you to visit Germany?  They sure have inspired me to tour a bit more of my host country.