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