Party on! The fun and fanfare has only just started in Germany with this month’s anniversary celebration of the fall of the Berlin Wall. No matter what your destination is in Europe this coming year, make sure you include at least a few days in Germany to take advantage of the extra festivities. Concerts, sporting events and exceptional exhibitions are just a few of the special events planned for 2010.
Last month I visited Essen, Berlin and Munich and had the opportunity to check out some of the celebration sites. Each city has taken on a fresh and upbeat focus by combining the celebrations with a renewed effort to promote tourism.
Essen is 57 kilometres north of Cologne and is one of more than 50 cities and towns located in the Ruhr Valley. This region has been selected as the European Capital of Culture 2010 under the title of Ruhr 2010. This award is given for a period of one year during which the region is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and urban development. It is the first time that the Capital of Culture has been designated to a group of cities, towns and districts rather than just one city.
The planners have used the region’s grey post-industrial history and repositioned itself as a leader in urban regeneration. Staging is set throughout the region including many old industrial sites which have been recycled into modern venues. There will be more than 300 cultural performances (including rock concerts) and 2,500 interactive events which range from sports meets to scientific gatherings. You can find a list of events and locations at www.ruhr2010.de.
The one must-see exhibit is the Out of this World exhibition shown at Gasometer Oberhausen located just outside Essen. The building itself is a decommissioned coke manufacturing plant 100 metres tall. It was built in the 1920s and was decommissioned in 1988 and became a relic of industrial history before it was turned into an exhibition facility.
Inside is an dazzling display of the wonders of the solar system to celebrate Germany’s Year of Astronomy. Suspended in the middle of the darkened Gasometer is the world’s largest replica moon with a diameter of 25 metres. A variety of outstanding space exhibits are displayed around the perimeter.
Berlin has the centre stage when it comes to the celebration, and Berliners certainly know how to welcome guests. They also know how to party. There are over 150 special events taking place this year so visitors will need to check all the options at www.VisitBerlin.de to plan visiting dates around their interests.
Buying a Berlin Welcome Card should be the first purchase after arriving. It makes getting around to the different venues easy and inexpensive. Prices start at $27 for a two-day pass which provides free access to public transportation and discounts at most tourist attractions. I suggest you pay an additional $3 as it permits extended areas outside the city including Potsdam. It’s worth the trip to Potsdam to visit Sanssouci Palace and with a Welcome Card you won’t need to buy another rail ticket.
The history of Berlin and Berliners during the 20th century is on view at different stages around the city. The former "State Railway Bunker" which was constructed in 1942 is now housing an extensive collection of art and is open to the public. This is just one of the many locations that encourages visitors to confront the complexity of Berlin’s history.
Berlin’s hotel rates offer exceptional value. The average room rate is $120 per night compared to $175 in London and Paris. Rick Steves’ Germany Book 2009 has a good selection of sleeping options in different areas of the city. I choose Hotel Jurine (www.hotel-jurine.de) which is located within the former East Berlin. It was close to public transportation and had a great selection of small restaurants within a few blocks.
Munich and its traditional merriment encourages visitors to enjoy all the fun of the city while taking in some of the vast number of cultural and sporting events. Of course any of the 29 traditional beer gardens provide the ideal spot to sit and relax with a good beer while deciding what to visit. Check www.muenchen.de for the list of events. You might want to attend the fun and interesting night events such as the Long Night at the Museum, the Long Night of Music or the Long Night of Sports. Participants attending these events held between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. get to enjoy special exhibits and have a chance to participate in some of the events. It is great for night owls and shuttle buses transport visitors between the different venues.
Day trips from Munich can be easily arranged by rail or bus. History and architectural enthusiasts will want to visit at least one of the three fairy tale castles built by King Ludwig in Upper Bavaria. Greyline offers an easy one-day tour coach tour from Munich that visits Linderhof and Neuschwanstein Castles and also includes a stop in Oberammergau. Day tours are available from Munich but you can easily travel on your own. Check the options at www.tourismus.prien.de.
Another great day trip out of Munich is the rail journey to Lake Starnberg.
A trip here is a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Munich.
The train takes you right to the docks where you can board a lake cruiser for a day touring the lake.
There are several stops around the lake with walking trails and dining options. Golfers will want to spend more than a day at the Golf Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth with its great accommodation, outstanding meals and a choice of 16 golf courses located around Lake Starnberg. More information is available at www.kaiserin-elisabeth.de.
Check www.cometogermany.com for a complete list of 2010 events and details on special rates for hotels and transportation options.
Vancouver Sun
You can e-mail Ruby Turner at travelwise<P>novuscom.net.