Visiting Octoberfest is on the bucket list of many people and if you're not one of them you should really reconsider. It is a fantastic event for adults and families alike. Like most festivals, one of the best ways to visit Oktoberfest is by RV. Here we will look at some of the advantages of visiting festivals by RV and where you can do it at Oktoberfest.
Visiting festivals by RV has several advantages over staying in more traditional accommodations. First, there are several festivals where an RV is almost essential. One excellent example is the Burning Man Festival in the Nevada desert. Due to the remote location, RVs are about the only option to provide a civilized existence anywhere near the festival.
Of course, most festivals are not held in such remote locations, but that doesn't make suitable fixed accommodations easier to find. Most popular festivals will sell out hotel rooms anywhere near the event grounds for months or years in advance. While RV sites will often have the same issues, the mobility and self sufficiency of RVs allows you to stay in comfort a little further away without too much inconvenience.
RVs also allow you to free camp (dry camp or boondock). This type of camping allows you take advantage of non-traditional sites which can be located very close to the festival venues.
An RV is essentially your home on wheels. Visiting a festival in an RV is like taking the festival and moving it into your own backyard. In fact, many festivals have RV sites located on the festival grounds. The RV allows you to enjoy the festival while having the comforts of home nearby.
Finally, RV folks are very social and campgrounds near festivals often carry over the festivities to the camping area. Unlike hotels and other accommodations you can almost expect to meet people and share in the festival experience with your neighbors. Sharing this experience with others from different areas or backgrounds will make your trip more memorable and may lead to lifelong friendships.
Oktoberfest does not allow or have any on-site camping, but there are many great options around Munich that are convenient to the festival grounds like Festanation. One of the largest areas which is set-up exclusively for Octoberfest is Oktoberfest Camping. This area provides 1500 RV sites near the Oktoberfest grounds.
Of those 1500 sites, 800 of them include electrical hookups. The campground features an underground metro rail terminal which can get you to the festival grounds in around 20 minutes. Tickets for the metro train can be purchased on site. There are also on site restaurants and a supermarket to make your stay as convenient as possible.
1. Wiesn Camp at Munich Riem
As a temporary facility, Oktoberfest Camping is more like an RV parking lot than a campground. If you prefer the campground feel and experience then you should check out Wiesn Camp at Munich Riem. This facility has spaces available for both RVs and tents if you plan to bring your own. They also rent tents, RVs and cabins on site if you don't.
In addition to RV sites, they also have showers and bathroom facilities on site which are included in the cost of your stay.
2. Campingplatz München-Thalkirchen
It is a campground located a little further from the Oktoberfest grounds. Campingplatz München-Thalkirchen is a more of a resort style campground with nicer amenities then the previous two options. This campground has several swimming pools and provides a great place to relax when not at the festival. Getting to the Oktoberfest is as simple as catching a bus from the bus stop located a couple minutes walk from the campground.
3. Campingplatz München-Obermenzing
It is a beautiful campground located in the northwest area of Munich. Campingplatz München-Obermenzing is far enough from the heart of the city to offer a quiet retreat from the busy downtown areas, but close enough that you can still use the public bus service to get to the Oktoberfest grounds. In addition to the many RV sites, this campground also offers an on site bar, restaurant and grocery shopping.
4. Campingplatz Nord-West
This campground is also located in the north western green area of Munich. Campingplatz Nord-West has similar facilities and access to public transportation as the other campgrounds in the area. Tickets for public transport can be conveniently purchased on site, making getting to the Oktoberfest a breeze.
RVing a great way to visit Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Here we have looked at some great places to park your rig and enjoy the festival and the surrounding areas. If Oktoberfest isn't your thing there are a lot of other great festivals throughout the world which would make great RV destinations.
If you plan to be one of the expected 7 million attendees of Oktoberfest 2019 in Munich, you are going to need to plan ahead. That's because even though Oktoberfest is a time of celebrations and festivity, it can get extremely crowded in Munich. So if you are not careful, you can end up having a miserable experience just because you did not have all the aspects planned out beforehand.
But don't worry; we're here to help you do exactly that. We have put together five essential travel tips that are going to make your Oktoberfest trip enjoyable and easy. So if you have not attended Oktoberfest before and are a little unsure of how to go about planning the trip, you can simply follow these tips to plan ahead.
Even if you have attended Oktoberfest before, it's always a good idea to refresh some of the handy travel tips that are going to make this trip fun and easy. So let's take a look at what you have to do to ease your trip to Munich for Oktoberfest 2019.
1. Arrange Accommodation in Advance
Arranging your accommodations needs to be the first step in your preparation for the Oktoberfest trip. Even before you buy your Lederhosen or dirndl dress, you have to look up hotel names and prices on the internet and make booking for a hotel room. Don’t forget to consider the distance of the hotel from the Oktoberfest grounds before deciding on a final accommodation, since you don’t want to hike miles just to have stein of beer.
After all, there were almost 7 million attendees of Oktoberfest in 2018 alone and this sudden large influx of people into the city creates accommodation problems for many. That's why booking your accommodation right now is the smartest thing you can do to ease your Oktoberfest trip. Not only will it guarantee a place for you to stay during the Oktoberfest days, but you will also be able to get a great price for a hotel room if you book it in advance.
2. Buy Genuine Lederhosen & Dirndl Dress Early
Now that you have your accommodation sorted, you can move onto purchasing your Lederhosen and dirndl dress. It’s best to follow the same principle for your Lederhosen outfit as it is for your accommodation; get it sorted as early as possible. Even though there are plenty of good quality Lederhosen for sale available with online retailers such as the Lederhosen Store, yet that won't be the case in a few weeks when Oktoberfest is here.
The best quality Lederhosen, made from genuine leather, sell out rapidly. That means you either have to settle for a low quality Lederhosen (something that is frowned upon by Munich locals) or will have to pay an abnormally high price for some good Lederhosen. That's why the best thing to do is to buy your Lederhosen early. Not only will it save money but will also give you time to wear them and get used to the feel of the fabric.
3. Keep Cash with you at all times
This advice comes from those who have attended Oktoberfest before. Even though Germany is one of the most advanced countries on the planet and its cashless system is as good as any, the convenience of cash cannot be matched especially in the Oktoberfest days. You can expect for there to be millions of people in the city and on the commutes traveling towards the event.
That is why cash is the quickest way to conduct transactions and keep things convenient for the attendees as well as the administration.
4. Save Money by Using Public Transport
Oktoberfest is a pricey affair so you are going to want to save money wherever you can. One of the best ways to do that is to use public transport as often as possible to get to Munich. Buses, trams and local train lines cost a fraction of what you would pay to a taxi and get you to where you want to go just as quickly. So be sure to travel on the local travel options to save money.
5. Pack Lederhosen correctly to preserve their look
You don't want your Lederhosen or dirndl dress to be ruined by the travel, that's why you need to pack it properly. Men's Lederhosen usually are tough enough to endure the travel so you can pretty much pack them how you like, just as long as you make sure they are not packed with anything wet or crinkled up in the corner.
Dirndl dress on the other hand are made from fine and delicate fabrics such as satin, silk and net so you need to pack it in a hard shell suitcase or separately in your hand carry bag.
These were just some of the travel tips that are sure to make your journey to Oktoberfest, not just easy but fun as well. Be sure to share these tips with your friends and family with whom you might be traveling so that they can get the most out of their Oktoberfest experience as well.
Germany consists of 16 constituent states. Germany is the second largest state after Russia in Europe. Germany is a decentralized country having Berlin as its capital and is the largest metropolis.
So now let's know about 10 things to do in Germany:
1. Berlin
A dramatic turn of events marked on August 13, 1961, shaped the whole Berlin for many years. Especially the Berlin wall which was erected to the escape of East Berliners from Soviet-regulated East German State difficult. Today the fragments of the wall are nothing more than crafted length of concrete but still the sight and history is enough to attract visitors by the thousands per day.
Always take a careful look to packing list to Berlin, because every new place demand new things.
2. Berchtesgaden National Park
If you are very much interested in hiking, cycling, and Nordic walking then this the best place where you can enjoy all these things collectively. The Berchtesgaden National is full of naturistic things and especially it is free from much human beings hands. The National Park consist of crystal clear lakes, little villages, Rolling Meadows and many more interesting things.
The main attraction of this National Park is Lake Konigssee as the lake is far cleaner from other lakes.
3. Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz in Rhineland-Palatinate is the beautiful castle tells what courtyard of romanticism should be about. It is one from medieval fortresses in the complete Europe to remain complete intact with a dazzling impression. The conical towers are very high and you can see the lush green surrounding of the Elzbach valley. More importantly the castle has a good number of 15th century lavatories which were fully flushable.
4. Wurzburg Residence
This beautiful residence is listed among UNESCO World Heritage Site which makes the residence more important. The huge building is planned by famous architects from France, Austria, and Germany and finally imposing together with 300 rooms, well-groomed gardens and luxuries innards with effective look. The major regards for the completion of this beautiful residence goes to Archbishop Johan.
5. Upper Middle Rhine Valley
The area surrounded by valley reflects the beautiful relationship that a human being can have with their surrounding as it consist of sun-drenched vineyards, idyllic castles and historic towns. The valley has facilitated cultural transitions for centuries between the Mediterranean Sea and north. To experience and witness it’s better to discover it by boat.
6. Cologne Cathedral
The Cologne Cathedral sits on the site of the Roman Temple from 4th century. This beautiful building was under construction for about 600 years, every year added detail emulates the original design. In 1996 the Cathedral was added to the world Heritage list by UNESCO for the reason that the construction is a masterpiece of engineering. The decoration of the cathedral and imposing façade invariably strike the visitor with awe.
7. Wies Church
Wies Church is a divine palace with fervent glory where once a dilapidated wooden figurine- a crying portrait of scourged Saviour stood. The fabulous outer surrounding and beautiful interior serves to ignite the unique and spiritual experience. The curious and excited person entering the church are often left speechless upon entering whitewashed building. The beautiful building is also under World Heritage status.
8. Old Town Of Regensburg
The big town Regensburg was founded in 179 AD by Romans is a trading center and thriving culture. In the town you can witness the exquisite marks of wonderful history and there you can experience German artistry and romanticism. It is bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage honors. When you will be inside the town you will feel like you have experienced a journey throughout the middle ages.
9. Weimar Museums
These Museums are the center of the whole Germany as it is more than just stimulation of mind as it worthy to extend your visit to enjoy the Museum. The number of exquisite museums in Weimer reflects and atmosphere of real anticipation.
10. Trier
The Trier is the oldest town in the country as it is approximately 2000 years old and this town is home for six different Roman king or Emperor, thus the array of ancient remnants and many of which are preserved. The Porta Nigra which is now in this Trier was once an important element within city walls.
Thus, these are some destinations in Germany where you can enjoy your holidays.
It is difficult to resist a good currywurst of a street stall after an intensive day of tourism, but it is also worth sitting to enjoy an Apfelstrudel in one of the many Berlin cafés or to pay homage to the classic German knuckle. And if you are vegetarian or vegan, do not panic. In Berlin there are also healthy alternatives to eat (later we give you a few recommendations).
Eat in Berlin: typical German dishes you should try
Currywurst: Berlin's most typical and savory dish deserves a special section in the food section. The truth is that currywurst doesn't have much science, but if you ask a Berliner for a typical dish of his city, I would definitely recommend trying this one. It is nothing more than a sliced sausage, accompanied by chips, with ketchup and curry on top.
Currywurst is a sausage that is served sliced, sprinkled with a ketchup with curry and is usually accompanied by french fries. So popular is the curried sausage that can be found practically in any restaurant or street stall, in the hands of high political positions or enthusiastic tourists. Naturally, a museum for his famous sausage could not be missing in the city of Berlin, it is the Deutsches Currywurst Museum (not a joke).
A full-fledged fast food, but that tastes good when it catches you hungry and that you can enjoy in almost any corner of the city. Later we will tell you which are our favorite places to try it.
Sausages: in the country of sausages you will find all the varieties you can imagine, although the most common are the Bratwurst (white and spicy) and the Wiener (Vienna type, orange and softer). German cuisine is known above all for its sausages, very varied in terms of colors and flavors. In the country you can find about 1,500 different types of sausages.
Each German region offers a different specialty. The sausages of Frankfurt, with a mild flavor, the sausages of Nuremberg, which are served roasted, or those of Bavaria, with a lighter color.
You can order them as a dish in any German restaurant, but the most common is to buy them at any street stall accompanied by a bun (Brochten) for just € 1.5 (and whoever says street stall, says to one of those curious little men who carry the grill hanging on slopes and you'll find in all tourist areas).
German knuckle (Eisbein): the one from Berlin is eaten cooked, although you will also find it roasted, and always accompanied by sauerkraut (cabbage roasted in strips with a light touch of vinegar) and boiled potatoes.
If it is well prepared it is a delight, and we advise you to try it in the following restaurants: Boulevard Friedrichstrasse(Friedrichstrasse 106c), Sophieneck (Grosse Hamburger Strasse 37), Ständige Vertretung (Schiffbauerdamm 8), Brauhaus Georgbraeu (Spreeufer 4, in Nikolaiviertel) and the one that for us is the best, that of Zur Letzten Instanz (Waisenstrasse 14-16), close to the Nikolai district and the Alexanderplatz - it is essential to book.
Apfelstrudel: really, it is an Austrian recipe, but this puff pastry and apple pie served with vanilla ice cream is a very typical dessert also in Germany. Don't miss the one at Back Palace, a tiny cafe in the Nikolai neighborhood (Propststraße 1-4) where all the desserts are homemade - if you don't have the apple pie, ask yourself for homemade Belgian waffles. They have nothing to do with those that serve elsewhere.
Kartoffelsuppe: a recurring first course in the menus of all German restaurants. It is a kind of soup or cream of potatoes with vegetables and bits of sausage. Very comforting for cold days.
Schnitzel: Like the previous one, it is a more Viennese than Berlin dish, but it is also served in all German restaurants. It is nothing more than a breaded pork steak or veal and accompanied by potatoes and a few slices of lemon.
They say that the best in Berlin are those of Sheers Shnitzel, a local, let's say, modest, but with a lot of fame thanks to this dish (a ten-minute walk from the East Side Gallery, in Warschauer Strasse). They are also highly recommended to try the Schnitzel Wirtshaus zum Mitterhofer(Fichtestraße 33, in the Kreuzberg district) and Imbiss 204 (Prenzlauer Allee 204, in Prenzlauer Berg).
German beer: how was it going to be missing? The variety of brands and varieties is very wide (the Germans say they have more than 5,000 different beers), you will even see that many restaurants and pubs make their own. The most common is the Pilsen, the classic blonde beer, but be encouraged to try different varieties because if you are a beer lover, in Berlin you will enjoy and much.
Our recommended restaurants in Berlin
As you can imagine, the variety of typical German restaurants, underground bars, cuquis cafes and shabby-but-essential places in a city with the size of Berlin is considerable. Even so, we have selected all our favorite places to fill the belly (and we have sorted them by categories and neighborhoods to make it easier for you to locate them all). You won't miss a good place to eat in Berlin.
Choosing the best among the best currywurst venues is a bit difficult, so we are going to recommend several and so you can try the one that best fits your itinerary (we warn that they all claim to be the pioneers of currywurst, so do not eat much head):
Konnopke's Imbiss (Schönhauser Allee 44A, Prenzlauer Berg district). Curious about its situation under the tracks of a train, and certainly an interesting option for being in the heart of one of our favorite neighborhoods: Prenzlauer Berg.
Curry 36 (Mehringdamm 36, Kreuzberg district): cheap, simple and specialized in currywurst (although they also have other options). It opens until dawn, so if you go out in the neighborhood and need an energy kick at 4 in the morning, this is the place.
Curry 61 (Oranienburger Strasse 6, Mitte area): the most central of the three is the same style: a cheap place, with rich and unpretentious food and full of people at the door engulfing currywurst.
Witty’s (they have several stalls around the city, but the most famous is Wittenbergplatz, next to the exit of the station, next to the KaDeWe galleries). We don't know how much organic a sausage can have, but at Witty's they boast of making them organic and the truth is that they are good - within what is a sausage with potatoes. If this place does not catch you well, there is another in the middle Friedrichstraße 141).
Best hamburgers in Berlin
Berliners have also signed up for this European fashion of filling it with burgers. In Berlin there are very good options, but if we had to keep a single hamburger, it would be The Bird (they have several locations, one in Am Falkplatz 5, in Prenzlauer Berg, and another in Kreuzberg, very close to the Schönleinstraße underground exit ).
Other good places to savor a good Berlin burger are Burgermeister, a kiosk under the train tracks, very simple but very famous among tourists and Berliners (Oberbaumstrasse 8) and Piri's Chicken Burgers (in Wiener Strasse 31), specialized in chicken burgers breaded with spicy sauce. Both are in the neighborhood of Kreuzberg.
We also recommend BBI - Berlin Burger International, in the district of Neukölln (Pannierstrasse 5), a very small but highly recommended hamburger that you have to go with time, because the place fills up quickly.
Vegetarian restaurants in Berlin
The Germans, and especially the city of Berlin, are very aware of vegetarianism and it is possible to find many options to eat well (it is also common for most restaurants to offer dishes for vegetarians and even vegans):
Patta (Krossener Strasse 16): a very cozy and economical place where the specialty is stuffed potatoes, very tasty and with vegetarian options (you can even choose the ingredients).
What Do You Fancy Love? (Knesebeckstrasse 6): a nice coffee with fresh and quality food and a great option for breakfast or a quick but healthy drink. Cakes, bagels, natural juices, fruit with muesli and all kinds of alternatives for vegetarians.
Hummus & Friends (Oranienburger Strasse 27): a great Lebanese where many of the dishes are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, but with options for everyone (which makes it ideal for sharing).
I am (Rosa-Luxemburg-Strasse 30): very tasty Asian food with good portions, reasonable prices and vegan options.
Momos (Fehrbelliner Strasse 5): famous for its gyozas-like dumplings (suitable for vegans and vegetarians and for all audiences, because the truth is that they are very good).
The Bowl (Warschauer Strasse 33): is one of the most famous vegans in Berlin. The dishes are generous and heavy and the price is medium.
Where to eat German food in Berlin
If you don't want to leave Berlin without putting a good knuckle between your chest and back (or two), here are our recommendations with the best typical restaurants in Berlin:
Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood
Prater (Kastanienallee 7 - 9) is the oldest Biergarten in the city, and during the months of good weather it serves sausages and other typical German dishes on the banks of your terrace.
Oderquelle (Oderberger Strasse 27): very close to the Mauerpark you will find this German restaurant with very good value for money.
Salt n Bone (Schliemannstrasse 31): in this German restaurant the ribs are the specialty, although all the meat dishes are good. A familiar and cozy place (only open at night).
Mitte area (center of Berlin)
Berliner Republik (Schiffbauerdamm 6-8): next to the bank of the Spree is one of the most curious pubs in Berlin, where the price of beer is publicly traded from 17:00 hours. Also, the food is really tasty.
Maximilian's Restaurant (Friedrichstrasse 185): here it is very typical -and good- to order your assortment of varied sausages (Bayerische Wurstparade), but the rest of the dishes are also very rich.
If lunchtime catches you near Checkpoint Charlie you can approach Löwenbräu (Leipziger Strasse 65), a rather touristy place but with dishes that take you out of a hurry among which the half-meter sausage stands out (the photo will be impressive ).
In the quiet district of Charlottenburg, near the famous palace, you will find Marjellchen (Mommsenstrasse 9), a classic German food restaurant that will not leave you indifferent. Of course, only open for dinner and should be reserved.
Very close to Gendarmermarkt do not miss Rausch Schokoladenhaus (Charlottenstrasse 60), the best known chocolate shop in the city, which in addition to making real chocolate with chocolate offers a very good menu at noon. Open from 10:00-20:00 hours.
other good and nice restaurants to eat cheap in Berlin
Mitte area (to eat in the center of Berlin)
Cocolo Ramen Mitte (Gipsstraße 3): without a doubt, one of our favorite restaurants in Berlin. It is a Japanese tavern (but like those in Japan, not the ones with dragons and red lanterns) where the star dish is ramen. They prepare it in front of you and there are several options to choose from, all equally good. You have to go early because the place is small and full (open from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am).
Flamingo Fresh Food Bar (Neustadtische Kirchstrasse 8): perfect for breakfast or snack for their homemade cakes, although you can also eat, because they prepare sandwiches and light dishes. It is economical and opens until 6:00 pm.
Co Chu (Invalidenstrasse 29): a very authentic Vietnamese in a well decorated place and cheap prices. Open at noon and until 11pm.
Neukölln Neighborhood
Papilles (Flughafenstrasse 25): curious place where there are them, because the letter does not read it, but it is told by its waiters sitting with you at the table. Modernly apart, the truth is that the food, with a French touch, is very good, with quality ingredients and dishes with a special twist. The prices, in addition, are very reasonable, and it opens both at noon and at night. Definitely one of our favorites to get out of typical German food.
Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood
Pasternak (Knaackstrasse 22-24): It is a Russian restaurant well known to the inhabitants of the neighborhood, with quality food at reasonable prices.
Umami (Knaackstrasse 16-18): tasty Indochina dishes served at shared tables topped by lanterns.
Mami Camilla (Hufelandstrasse 36): a delicious homemade pizzeria (only open in the afternoon until 11 p.m.).
Ushido-Japanese BBQ (Lychener Strasse 18): it is a Japanese restaurant where the specialty is not sushi, but meat, because the protagonist is the Japanese barbecue that is located in the center of the table so that you can prepare what you want.
Ristorantino Cotto e Crudo (Eberswalder Strasse 33): This Italian offers typical and homemade dishes of Italian cuisine, and both wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes are highly recommended.
Suzette crêperie (Pappelallee 15): it is a French creperie that serves both sweet and savory crepes. Worth! By the way, they also offer gluten free crepes.
Blumencafé (Schönhauser Allee 127): one of the most charming cafes in Prenzlauer Berg, located inside a flower shop. A small botanical garden perfect for breakfast on a Sunday brunch without haste before taking a walk through the market of the Mauerpark.
Café Anna Blume (Kollwitzstraße 83): another well-known coffee in the neighborhood. Their homemade cakes are delicious and although it is usually full, they always find a place for you. In winter, warm your hands with a good cup of chocolate while in summer, enjoy an ice cream on its terrace.
Charlottenburg Neighborhood
Il Pastificio (Richard-Wagner-Strasse 35): a real Italian, with typical Sardinian dishes. Familiar, homemade and of average price. Open only in the afternoons and evenings.
La Tia Rica (Knesebeckstrasse 92): It is a Chilean restaurant, with good dishes and wines, where you can taste the best of the country's cuisine at reasonable prices. Open for dinner only.
Some tips for eating in Berlin
Before looking for where to eat in Berlin, keep these tips in mind. German food is usually quite blunt and high in caloric content.
Berlin is a relatively cheap city in terms of food and, depending on the budget of each one, the city offers a multitude of gastronomic possibilities.
For those who do not want to spend too much money at lunch time, in addition to saving time, Berlin offers multiple fast food options at street stalls, such as eating a kebab, some Asian-style noodles or, the most typical option, a currywurst or any other type of sausage. These options usually cost between € 3 and € 5.
Sometimes it is not necessary to look for a street stall since, sometimes, it is the stalls that move towards people. This is the "Ich bin ein berliner", some curious sellers who have a grill hanging on their shoulders where they make sausages on the fly.
At dinner time is when you usually feel more like sitting quietly in a restaurant to taste typical Berlin dishes. Depending on the type of restaurant you choose, the price varies a lot, but a dinner for two can be around 35 or 40 euros.
Be careful with the schedules (but not too much). We already know that the Germans eat and eat dinner before the rest, but Berlin, as a good capital, is something else Flexible with schedules and most restaurants in tourist areas are open all day.
Even so, we advise you not to eat later than 2:00 pm, and for dinner, no later than 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm (or it is very likely that you are already without a table).
If you drink water specify that you want it without gas (unless you like it that way). If you only ask for a bottle of water, the most usual thing is to be served with gas, so if you don't want it, ask for Still Wasser (or in English, still water).
In almost all areas of the city you can find very varied restaurants, although some of the most notable areas are the Barrio de San Nicolás (Nikolaiviertel), with some typical Berlin restaurants, and Alexanderplatz, where there are restaurants of all kinds.
Another area that is popular among Berliners is Simon Dache Strasse, near the Frankfurter Tor metro. It is a fairly cheap area with very varied restaurants. If you want international restaurants, the Jewish Quarter is a safe option.
And as for tips it is usual to leave a tip (do not be surprised if when you bring the bill, a waiter tells you that the tip is not included), rounding the price of the bill or adding 10% of the total.
Have you booked a flight to Berlin, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne or Hamburg for a visit to the Black Forest area? Are you wondering now how to get from the airport to the city center at the cheapest and without unnecessary additional costs? The major airports in Germany are served by many different means of transport.
It is sometimes not so easy to find out which option is the fastest and cheapest. However, this article explains exactly how travelers can best reach the city center from each airport. The various options are clearly displayed in the respective illustrations.
1. Berlin
The federal capital Berlin has two airports: Tegel and Schonefeld. There are various options to get to the city center from Tegel Airport with a variety of attractions and sights. By taxi, you can get to Alexanderplatz in less than half an hour, but the approximately 12-kilometer drive is not quite cheap at around 32 euros.
Much cheaper, namely for only 2.70 euros, travelers can reach the center by public transport. Two bus lines go within 35 minutes to Alexanderplatz, and an express bus puts the route back at the same price even faster.
Slightly further away from the city center is Schoenefeld Airport. It also offers excellent access to the public transport network. Travelers can also choose to use the taxi as a means of transport. You can go at much less than 50 euros in the approximately 23-kilometer route if you take the bus or the S-Bahn instead.
For the 45-minute the bus ride rate is 3.30 euros. The same price is payable for the S-Bahn, which, however, only takes 35 minutes to Alexanderplatz. The regional train Airport Express offers the fastest connection to the city center with a travel time of only 30 minutes.
The Berlin Spandau station offers connection to the metro and commuter network of Berlin. But who needs cars in Spandau? The old town and the citadel are within walking distance. In addition, you can get to any part of Spandau with the many buses that stop at both Spandau stops, at the train station and at the town hall.
The old town of Spandau is one of the highlights of this neighborhood. Here you can see different architectural styles that are characteristic of different times. Enjoy the tranquility in Reformationsplatz with the St. Nikolai Church, which invites you to enter with its many banks and a small dream park. A few steps further on, you will find the Gothic House, one of the most important medieval monuments in Berlin.
Go from Gothic to Renaissance. In Spandau you can do it in just a couple of minutes. The Citadel, with the Juliusturm tower, is the district's reference point. Completely surrounded by water, it completes the picturesque landscape created by the Havel. Explore the terrain and escape from routine. See medieval fairs in the modern metropolis.
In the Havel plain, Spandau also has rural paradises created by water, meadows, forest and countryside, very close to the urban area and the historic area.
2. Brandenburg
Brandenburg surrounds this vibrant Berlin metropolis with vegetation and nature. It is the Tuscany of the north, with the Uckermark district and is a little Venice of rivers and canals that go through the Spree Forest and a Prussian Arcadia with Potsdam, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A big surprise is also the palace and Sanssouci park in Potsdam.
The Sanssouci palace was the summer residence of Frederick II the Great, King of Prussia. The Sanssouci Palace is known as the Prussian Versailles, although in my opinion it is much prettier than Versailles. The New Palace, which houses an art gallery, a Chinese house, the house of the Dragon that houses a cafeteria cum restaurant, the Charlottenhof Palace and the Orangerie.
3. Dresden
During the Christmas holidays one of the most beautiful is undoubtedly the Striezelmarkt in Dresden that is also the oldest in the country. Let yourself be delighted by Saxon folk art, such as Lausanne pottery, basketry and lace, as well as different wood carvings if you are looking for some German Christmas market souvenirs.
One of the key points is the Stollenfest, where a huge cake weighing around 4 tons is cooked, which moves from the Zwinger Palace, beyond the Semperoper, through the Frauenkirche cathedral in Dresden and up to the Striezelmarkt.
4. Munich
The popular Christmas markets that spread throughout Bavaria just before Christmas, have their epicenter in the great Munich. An enchanted forest and even a human advent calendar are some of the attractions that they like the most.
In the middle of spring, Hershtrasse becomes a small corner of Japan. Thousands of people come here every day to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Many prefer to admire the trees at night, as they are even more unusual in the light of the street lamps. Typically, trees bloom for up to 10 days. It is very difficult to predict when the alley will bloom next spring.
Munich Airport has already been voted the most popular airport in Europe six times and is one of the best airports for a stopover during flights cancelled due to weather. If you want to see the many attractions in the Bavarian capital, there are several ways to get into the center. After your flight in the Lufthansa A350 premium economy class, the best way from Munich airport to city centre for the 35-kilometer route is best traveled by Lufthansa airport bus for 10.50 euros or by taxi for 70 euros. The journey takes only half an hour.
Only for a few minutes longer, you can take the S-Bahn train from Munich airport to city center, with which you can reach the main station for 10.80 euros within 45 minutes.
5. Füssen
Neuschwanstein Castle is a dream construction surrounded by a beautiful landscape that inspired Walt Disney himself to create the castle of the Sleeping Beauty, which makes up one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. Neuschwanstein is a construction that reflects the ideals and desires of King Ludwig II.
6. Baden Baden
In a dream enclave in the heart of the Black Forest lies the traditional Baden Baden Christmas Market, one of the most endearing in Germany. The approximately 100 wooden stalls with Christmas decoration and gastronomy invite you to a most festive walk, but this is not all. Apart from the Christmas market, the town also has a street that could have been taken from a fairy tale. It is called Märchenstrasse where images tell the story of Christmas.
7. Speyer
The German city of Speyer belongs to the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. It is one of the oldest cities of the Germanic country. The Rhine passes through its lands and we can visit here the largest Romanesque Cathedral in the world. A few meters from it, is the Technic Museum Speyer, which is well worth a visit.
8. Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main offers excellent international connections through two airports. Frankfurt am Main airport is one of the largest airports in Europe. It is located southeast of the city and is easily accessible by public transport. To get from the airport to the city center, you can take the S-Bahn, which covers a distance from Frankfurt airport to Frankfurt city centre of about 23 kilometers to the main station for 4.55 euros in just 15 minutes.
For the same price, but 5 minutes longer, you are traveling by train. A taxi ride to the center takes 16 minutes and is the most expensive option with a price of around 30 euros. You can book cheap flights to Frankfurt now.
A little further away from Frankfurt am Main is Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. It is located 124 kilometers west of the city center and is also well connected to the public transport network. You can travel by bus for 15 euros that take 1 hour and 45 minutes from the airport to Frankfurt main station. The trip to the city center is a little faster by taxi, but it is not the cheapest option with around 220 euros.
9. Bonn
Traveling to Bonn can be a fantastic plan for a weekend getaway. The former capital of the Federal Republic of Germany until 1990 is a town with a lot of cultural activities, which delights all those who decide to visit Bonn. The hometown of Ludwig van Beethoven has some museums to better know the genius of classical music.
The churches and German castles are one of the main attractions of tourism in Bonn. The museums of modern art, natural history or the Egyptian museum are also some of the places in the city that you can not miss. The Siebengebirge (Seven Hills), 10 km from Bonn has the largest National Park in Europe. Königswinter is a city of wine and tourists, located at the foot of the Seven Hills.
There is nothing like it to fill with illusion and spirit, strolling through rows of well-lit stalls and looking through the shop windows. And all this surrounded by the fragrance of Germany at Christmas, such as roasted almonds, cotton candy, and of course the glühwein and gingerbread cakes, which are everywhere.
10. Cologne
Its old town, Altstadt, can be seen hundreds of meters away thanks to the huge and sharp spiers of Kölner Dom cathedral, which dominate the urban skyline of Cologne. On the bridge where the train crosses the river (Hohenzollerrnbrücke) there are thousands and thousands of colored locks tied by couples and lovers.
Travelers who have already visited the Cologne Christmas market will agree with me that it is a true wonder. Ice lovers can also find an ice skating rink in Cologne during the Christmas market season. As in each of the Christmas markets, I recommend you to visit it hungry. There is a wide gastronomic variety of the area, and you cannot miss the traditional Kölsch beer of Cologne.
11. Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf is a modern city that has nothing to envy over other major cities in Germany, and an old town (Alstadt) with much charm. In the Altstadt area the Marktplatz stands out with its beautiful city hall (Rathaus). The Carlplatz square is great for its nice food and flower market. In addition, there are stands with small high tables where you can stop for a beer and enjoy a tasty wurst.
Nor should you miss the commercial area, with Konisgalle street as a reference, which brings together very expensive brands. The area bordering the Rhine river is called Rheinuferpromenade has lots of terraces on the promenade. In the breweries they elaborate and serve their own black beer known as Altbier, which is usually accompanied by abundant food such as knuckle, sausages, bacon, mashed potatoes and salad.
If we cross the river by one of its modern bridges we will reach the area known as Overcastle, where a row of banana trees will become our best ally if it starts to rain, because parallel to the riverbank, they allow us to walk calmly without fear of getting wet.
In this area it is worth visiting the best European Japanese garden, according to experts, and is that Düsseldorf hosts the largest community of Japanese in the European Union , and therefore is considered the Japanese capital on the Rhine. If you are passionate about manga and Japanese culture, it is worth attending the week of celebrations of the Japanese day.
Only about 10 kilometers north of Dusseldorf is the airport of the city. A ride to the center takes about 12 minutes by taxi and costs 23 euros. S-Bahn as a means of transport costs 2.60 euros only and at a fraction of the price you can still arrive just as quickly at the main station.
Cologne city center is also within easy reach with about 45 kilometers from Dusseldorf Airport. Travelers to the center of Cologne can travel for only 2.60 euro in an hour and eleven minutes by suburban train. The regional train backs the route a bit faster: for 11.30 euro Cologne Central Station can be reached in just 55 minutes.
12. Dortmund
Dortmund Airport is only about 14 kilometers east of the city center. The quickest way to get to the center is by taxi, which takes only 20 minutes for the ride, but with 30 euros, is not the cheapest option. For just 8.50 euros, but almost as fast, travelers can cover the route to the Dortmund main station directly with the Airport Express.
13. Muenster
Shopaholics are recommended to visit Muenster during Christmas as during this period the shops of the city present scale sales. The city also invites its guests to visit numerous festive open markets. The most popular boutiques and shopping centers are on Prinzipalmarkt street. This is the final destination for those looking for some memorable gifts and memories.
Tourists must follow the food preferences of the local population in the restaurants in Germany. If a eating house is avoided by local people, then the restaurant has gained a bad reputation or features rather high price tags. Muenster is considered a safe and quiet city. Its central streets are safe for tourists even late at night while both the remote areas of the city should not be visited by tourists alone. These areas should be visited only accompanied with a guide.
14. Hamburg
One of the ideal European cities for a weekend getaway is Hamburg. It is the second largest city in Germany after Berlin and also has the largest port in the same and the third in the world. When the temperatures rise a little and the first rays of sun of the year reach the city, its streets are filled with people more than ever to the sound of street artists who create an ideal atmosphere to enjoy a peaceful walk.
Walk along the Alster, explore the renovated Speicherstadt or immerse yourself in a small boat trip around its innumerable canals. If you get hungry, do not forget that Hamburg has a good gastronomic reputation for its famous frischbrötchen (fish sandwiches) that are Lecker, lecker!
You can start your weekend in Hamburg by visiting the piers of St. Pauli, where you can find many cafes, restaurants specialized in fish dishes and colorful souvenir shops where you can buy souvenirs. Some of these ferries are accessible with a regular S-Bahn or U-Bahn (urban transport) ticket. You can visit the port where the museums are located, the Elbe Philharmonic as well as the renewed HafenCity.
Take the ferry line 72 which will take you to the Elba Philharmonic, the new concert house where once there were warehouses for tea, cocoa and tobacco (Kaiserspeicher A) today stands this wonderful facade. From this point you can reach the Speicherstadt in a short time , a large warehouse complex in the center of the city. Today these old warehouses are occupied by offices and art galleries.
Take a short trip through Miniatur-Wunderland, a small miniature world on a railway model building. Take a tour of Hamburg, the Scandinavian countries, the Alps and even Las Vegas in one place. Take a break from downtown noise and take a trip to one of the city's great lungs, the idyllic park and botanical garden Planten un Blomen.
Go through the botanical gardens, enjoy the smell of the plants that form it or simply relax accompanied by a tea in the Japanese Garden. This place is especially beautiful during the summer, when its fountains fill with color and you can even enjoy classical music concerts. The park remains open in the evenings between the months of April and October.
A trip to Hamburg can not be considered complete without a visit to the Fish Market in Altona (Altonaer Fischmarkt). If on Saturday you stayed at one of the Reeperbahn or Schanzenviertel clubs, an early morning visit to this market is an almost obligatory duty. Although it sounds a bit strange, do not go home without eating a fischbrötchen from here.
Take a basket and buy everything you need to have a picnic by the Elbe and have a nice Sunday. After this, take the U-Bahn or walk towards the Hamburg City Hall and the Jungfernstieg. A long time ago, parents with unmarried daughters wandered around hoping to find them suitors, but today tourists and locals simply relax on their benches looking at the Alster.
As soon as the ice emerges, the walk becomes a winter wonder, where small stands that offer mulled wine (Glühwein) or currywurst emerge.
15. Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg is a city, located in Germany, in the lands of Lower Saxony, on the Canal Weser-Elba channel, south of the old river bed of the Aller river and it was destined to house the workers of the Volkswagen car consortium. They are cars of the brands Scoda, Audi, Bentley and Volkswagen. You can see the beautiful castle of medieval architecture, the Wolfsburg Castle here.
This 15th century luxury castle is an architectural masterpiece of Renaissance style. In the castle there is an art gallery, which often houses exhibitions of contemporary painters. In addition, part of the castle is the Institute of Photography, and often hosts several festivals. Wolfsburg Castle and its surrounding garden can safely be called one of the most romantic places in the city.
Newlyweds often organize a wedding photo session here. History lovers will also like the Neuhaus castle. For hundreds of years, it belonged to notable dukes. After the end of World War II, an orphanage was opened in the castle. Wolfsburg is famous not only for its historical monuments, but also for its first-class entertainment facilities, including the BadeLand water park.
There is a luxurious spa, in which there are more than ten types of saunas. At the water park, there is a large selection of attractions for adults and children of different ages.
