| When it comes to Brits going abroad - Germany | | | | and cheerful place to pitch a tent; for a slightly |
| isn't the first place to spring to mind as a top | | | | more comfortable stay, renting a self catered |
| holiday destination. Those looking for hot sun and | | | | holiday villa or cottage is ideal, and if you've feeling |
| sandy beaches tend to head for more southerly | | | | flush, a stay in one of Germany's castles will allow |
| European countries, such as Spain, Portugal or | | | | you to experience what it would be like to be a |
| Italy and those who are after Alpine | | | | Count or Countess for a night or two. |
| environments tend to prefer the famed ski | | | | Germany is also famed for its river scenery and |
| resorts of France, Switzerland or Austria. | | | | has a wide variety of different riverscapes to |
| However, this large European nation does have a | | | | experience, from the mountain streams of |
| prospering tourism industry, and there are plenty | | | | Bavaria, to the Rhine Valley which forms part of |
| of visitors from the UK who have fallen in love | | | | a UNESCO world heritage site. The Danube and its |
| with Germany's medieval towns, vast forests and | | | | tributaries is another mighty river which has |
| vibrant cities. | | | | moved people and cultures for centuries, from |
| The Black Forest is one of the most well known | | | | Stone Age hunters, to Roman Emperors. River |
| regions of Germany; a wooded mountain range in | | | | trips on Danube are a popular way of seeing |
| Baden-Wuttemberg, its highest peak stands at | | | | Germany, where visitors can go at their own |
| 1493m high. The forest is largely made up of | | | | pace and stop at the many beautiful riverside |
| pines and firs, and is criss-crossed with numerous | | | | settlements which host numerous festivals |
| long distance walking trails which make it a haven | | | | throughout the year. |
| for walkers and hikers. Along the way, visitors will | | | | And finally, for beer lovers, Munich's Oktoberfest |
| find impressive lakes such as Titisee, which has its | | | | is compulsory; this sixteen day celebration |
| own sand beach (and plenty of opportunity for | | | | attracts some six million people every year during |
| water sports), and animal lovers can observe a | | | | late September and early October. The festival is |
| range of fauna such as the Hinterwälder | | | | touted as the world's largest fair, and beer plays |
| Black forest cows, the giant earthworm - | | | | a central role in the celebrations with special |
| Lumbricus badensis (which is only found in the | | | | varieties brewed just for the festival. |
| Black Forest region), as well as eagles and owls. | | | | With a wide range of outdoor activities, pulsating |
| When it comes to accommodation, travellers are | | | | cities and plenty of history on offer, maybe it's |
| spoilt for choice; at the budget end of the scale, | | | | time you gave Germany a try? |
| Germany's numerous campsites provide a cheap | | | | |