Typical country roads – tree-lined avenues outside Berlin
Berlin in the mid-90s (top)
Berlin
(1995 - 2013)
(1995 - 2013)
Perpetual Construction Site, 90s Nostalgia, and the View from the Spaceship
Next stop: Berlin! The city that is never truly finished, always tastes a bit like adventure, and where a "cheeky attitude with a heart of gold" is simply part of the local style. When we talk about Berlin, I’m talking about a genuine long-term relationship. I first visited back in 1995—right in the midst of the wild, transformative chaos of the post-reunification years, when the city was one giant playground filled with techno clubs and construction cranes.
Next stop: Berlin! The city that is never truly finished, always tastes a bit like adventure, and where a "cheeky attitude with a heart of gold" is simply part of the local style. When we talk about Berlin, I’m talking about a genuine long-term relationship. I first visited back in 1995—right in the midst of the wild, transformative chaos of the post-reunification years, when the city was one giant playground filled with techno clubs and construction cranes.
Almost two decades later, in 2013, the big reunion was on the agenda. Berlin had grown up (well, a little, at least), but the absolute must-do for this fresh start took place at dizzying heights. We began by viewing the city from the spot that offers the best vantage point over Berlin’s madness: The Berlin TV Tower: UFO vibes at 203 meters
Brandenburg Gate
When I first stood before it in 1995, the city was still in the midst of an emotional and structural transformation. Just a few years earlier, the Berlin Wall had run right here, and Pariser Platz had been a drab, sealed-off "death strip" for decades. While the gate possessed a raw charm in 1995, by 2013 it had become the gleaming, proud heart of the capital.
When I first stood before it in 1995, the city was still in the midst of an emotional and structural transformation. Just a few years earlier, the Berlin Wall had run right here, and Pariser Platz had been a drab, sealed-off "death strip" for decades. While the gate possessed a raw charm in 1995, by 2013 it had become the gleaming, proud heart of the capital.
Die Mauer & ihre Geschichte
Traces of the Wall: If you stroll across Pariser Platz today (or did so in 2013, as we did), take a look at the ground. An inconspicuous double row of paving stones runs across the asphalt, marking the exact path of the former Wall. It is a goosebump-inducing moment when you consider how freely one can walk from East to West today.
Traces of the Wall: If you stroll across Pariser Platz today (or did so in 2013, as we did), take a look at the ground. An inconspicuous double row of paving stones runs across the asphalt, marking the exact path of the former Wall. It is a goosebump-inducing moment when you consider how freely one can walk from East to West today.
Trabi - the exclusive car of the GDR
The Trabant Cult: When the "Racing Cardboard" Conquers the Streets
The Trabant (Trabi): All the facts at a glance
The Trabant Cult: When the "Racing Cardboard" Conquers the Streets
The Trabant (Trabi): All the facts at a glance
- The name "Trabant" comes from Latin and means "companion" or "traveling companion." The name was chosen in 1957 to coincide with the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik, the Russian name of which also translates to "companion."
- The manufacturer: The cult car was produced at the VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau in Saxony.
- Production period: Production began in 1957 and ended on April 30, 1991. A total of over 3 million units were built.
- The material (“Rennpappe”): The bodywork was not made of sheet metal but of Duroplast—a mixture of cotton fibers (often from used clothing) and synthetic resin. It was lightweight, extremely durable, and completely rust-proof, yet it earned the Trabi the nickname “Rennpappe” (racing cardboard).
- The engine: A simple two-cylinder, two-stroke engine producing 26 hp (in the 601 model). It had no fuel pump; the fuel simply flowed by gravity from the tank—located above the engine—into the carburetor.
- The fuel: A mixture of gasoline and oil (1:50 ratio) was used. This produced the unmistakable bluish exhaust smoke and the characteristic smell.
- The equipment: extremely minimalist. There was no fuel gauge (you had to insert a dipstick into the tank under the hood), no power steering, and the gearshift was a distinctive "umbrella-handle" type located right next to the steering wheel.
- The waiting period: an absolute paradox—although the Trabant was an inexpensive mass-produced car, the wait after ordering it in the GDR was often between 10 and 15 years (sometimes even up to 17 years) due to material shortages. Consequently, a used Trabant was often more expensive on the black market than a new one!
At night on the Kurfürstendamm in Berlin
Kurfürstendamm—affectionately known as Ku’damm—is Berlin’s magnificent boulevard, where luxury boutiques, historic cafés, and the unmistakable pulse of City West come together.
Kurfürstendamm—affectionately known as Ku’damm—is Berlin’s magnificent boulevard, where luxury boutiques, historic cafés, and the unmistakable pulse of City West come together.
The City of Graffitis
Graffiti Culture: Berlin as the World’s Largest Open-Air Gallery. If there is one thing that visually sets Berlin apart from cities like Stuttgart or Hamburg, it is the color on the walls. Berlin is the undisputed graffiti and street art capital of Europe.
When I first visited in 1995, the city still seemed gray and rough around the edges—yet the recently fallen Wall and the many vacant buildings in the East became, almost overnight, a massive canvas for spray-paint artists from all over the world. By 2013, this street art had long since become an integral and proud part of Berlin’s culture.
Graffiti Culture: Berlin as the World’s Largest Open-Air Gallery. If there is one thing that visually sets Berlin apart from cities like Stuttgart or Hamburg, it is the color on the walls. Berlin is the undisputed graffiti and street art capital of Europe.
When I first visited in 1995, the city still seemed gray and rough around the edges—yet the recently fallen Wall and the many vacant buildings in the East became, almost overnight, a massive canvas for spray-paint artists from all over the world. By 2013, this street art had long since become an integral and proud part of Berlin’s culture.
A look back at the 90s once again:
When I visited Berlin in 1995, the city was a great adventure. It wasn't just the wide variety of bars—like "Flower Shop" or "Hairdresser"—that had opened in former retail spaces, or the massive techno bunkers and the old, collapsed, and dilapidated buildings; every corner had something to offer.
When I visited Berlin in 1995, the city was a great adventure. It wasn't just the wide variety of bars—like "Flower Shop" or "Hairdresser"—that had opened in former retail spaces, or the massive techno bunkers and the old, collapsed, and dilapidated buildings; every corner had something to offer.
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Hanseatic City of Hamburg
(1999-2020)
(1999-2020)
Captain vibes, the Warehouse District from a duck’s-eye view, and a genuine "Moin."
Today, we’re setting a course for the undisputed Queen of the North: Hamburg! The city of bridges, seagulls, and an ever-fresh breeze.
I have to be honest: Hamburg stole my heart a long time ago. But on my last trip, I was reminded all over again why this city is simply unbeatable. I’ve got some seriously cool friends there—and when locals show you their city, they don’t do it from a hop-on, hop-off bus. No, they do it the maritime way!
Here is my very personal declaration of love to the Elbe, brickwork, and the coolest boat adventure of my life.
Today, we’re setting a course for the undisputed Queen of the North: Hamburg! The city of bridges, seagulls, and an ever-fresh breeze.
I have to be honest: Hamburg stole my heart a long time ago. But on my last trip, I was reminded all over again why this city is simply unbeatable. I’ve got some seriously cool friends there—and when locals show you their city, they don’t do it from a hop-on, hop-off bus. No, they do it the maritime way!
Here is my very personal declaration of love to the Elbe, brickwork, and the coolest boat adventure of my life.
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Private motorboat tour "Susi & Michi" (2013) ** Speicherstadt & Landungsbrücken ** Warehouse District & Piers |
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My Hamburg crew whisked me away on a private boat tour. From the jetty, we headed straight out onto the Elbe. Cruising across the water in a small, private group—with spray splashing your face and seagulls circling overhead—you instantly feel like a real captain. The absolute highlight? Sailing into the massive Port of Hamburg. Gliding past giant container ships in a small boat, with their steel hulls towering over you like skyscrapers, makes you realize just how tiny you really are. This isn't just sightseeing—it’s a truly spine-tingling experience!
The Brickwork Wonder: The "Speicherstadt" from a Low-Angle Perspective.
But the real highlight of our tour was yet to come. Our boat steered straight into the narrow canals of the Speicherstadt. The world’s largest historic warehouse complex is rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The view from below: As you travel through the narrow canals, reddish Neo-Gothic brick buildings tower steeply out of the water on either side.
"Wasserschloss" Vibes: We sailed right past the famous Wasserschloss—Hamburg’s most photographed building. From the water, the place looks three times more spectacular than it does from the bridge above.
The Tidal Gamble: A trip through the canals is all about timing. If the water is too high, the boat won’t fit under the old bridges; if it’s too low, you get stuck in the mud. Thanks to my friends, we caught the perfect tide!
But the real highlight of our tour was yet to come. Our boat steered straight into the narrow canals of the Speicherstadt. The world’s largest historic warehouse complex is rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The view from below: As you travel through the narrow canals, reddish Neo-Gothic brick buildings tower steeply out of the water on either side.
"Wasserschloss" Vibes: We sailed right past the famous Wasserschloss—Hamburg’s most photographed building. From the water, the place looks three times more spectacular than it does from the bridge above.
The Tidal Gamble: A trip through the canals is all about timing. If the water is too high, the boat won’t fit under the old bridges; if it’s too low, you get stuck in the mud. Thanks to my friends, we caught the perfect tide!
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The bottom line:
You can only experience Hamburg with heart (and a boat!). Hamburg is loud, Hamburg is windy, and Hamburg is sometimes damn wet. But if you’re lucky enough to cruise around on a private boat with cool people—weaving between giant container ships and old warehouses—then you know: there is no more beautiful city in the world. Thanks to my Hamburg crew—it was absolutely epic! 
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Harbor tour using "public" transport (1999)
The Harbor Hack: The legendary Line 62.
Normally, you pay a small fortune at the Landungsbrücken for the big tourist barges. Our plan for the revival was more minimalist—but brilliant: we simply snuck onto the HADAG harbor ferry, Line 62.
Locals affectionately call these boats "flatirons." The best part? They are part of the regular public transport network. You board at the Landungsbrücken (Pier 3) and travel right across the harbor using your standard day ticket!
The Harbor Hack: The legendary Line 62.
Normally, you pay a small fortune at the Landungsbrücken for the big tourist barges. Our plan for the revival was more minimalist—but brilliant: we simply snuck onto the HADAG harbor ferry, Line 62.
Locals affectionately call these boats "flatirons." The best part? They are part of the regular public transport network. You board at the Landungsbrücken (Pier 3) and travel right across the harbor using your standard day ticket!
The famous "Fish Market" in Hamburg
The Fish Market Dilemma: Die at 5 a.m. or pull an all-nighter.
No trip to Hamburg is complete without the legendary Altona Fish Market. But let’s be honest among friends: this particular activity is a form of psychological warfare. Anyone wanting to go there on a Sunday faces the ultimate, brutal dilemma: do you voluntarily get up at 5 a.m. on a Sunday—or do you simply pull an all-nighter on the Reeperbahn? We’ve found—then as now—that both options are absolute hell, yet they are an essential part of the experience!
The spectacle of madness:
Once you’ve made it to the Elbe—whether half-asleep or with residual alcohol in your system—you are rewarded with a sensory overload of the highest order. Market criers have been vying to out-shout one another here since 1703.
The Fish Market Dilemma: Die at 5 a.m. or pull an all-nighter.
No trip to Hamburg is complete without the legendary Altona Fish Market. But let’s be honest among friends: this particular activity is a form of psychological warfare. Anyone wanting to go there on a Sunday faces the ultimate, brutal dilemma: do you voluntarily get up at 5 a.m. on a Sunday—or do you simply pull an all-nighter on the Reeperbahn? We’ve found—then as now—that both options are absolute hell, yet they are an essential part of the experience!
The spectacle of madness:
Once you’ve made it to the Elbe—whether half-asleep or with residual alcohol in your system—you are rewarded with a sensory overload of the highest order. Market criers have been vying to out-shout one another here since 1703.
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Piers - Landungsbrücken
The Gateway to the World: The Piers.
If Hamburg has a heart, it beats here with the powerful rhythm of the waves. The St. Pauli Landungsbrücken are the undisputed hub for any harbor adventure.
The Gateway to the World: The Piers.
If Hamburg has a heart, it beats here with the powerful rhythm of the waves. The St. Pauli Landungsbrücken are the undisputed hub for any harbor adventure.
The "Michel"
The "Michel" keeps watch over the city: Hamburg’s proudest landmark rises above the modern skyline. Those who conquer the 453 steps to the top are rewarded with an unbeatable, postcard-perfect view of the entire harbor!
Downtown Hamburg —the dynamic pulse of the city, where imposing mercantile buildings, modern glass structures, and the canals of the Alster merge into a backdrop that feels at once coolly Hanseatic and thoroughly cosmopolitan.
Canoe Tour on the Alster (2005)
The Great Canoe Chaos: How We Took to Hamburg’s Streets.
To wrap up my Hamburg revival, my friends had one final, totally different experience in store: after the Elbe, the harbor, and the ferries, it was time for canoeing on the Alster! Cruising along the idyllic canals with upscale villas drifting past on either side is truly picture-perfect. It was delightful, it was peaceful—it was the calm before the storm... because the real adventure didn't begin until the journey home.
We were cruising along leisurely when, suddenly, the unthinkable happened: the trailer carrying the canoes spontaneously decided to go its own way and broke free from the car while we were driving! There you are, right in the middle of Hamburg, watching in the rearview mirror as your entire fleet—trailer and all—starts living a merry, independent life of its own on the asphalt. Fortunately, nothing worse happened, but that adrenaline rush made the hangover breakfast from the fish market completely unnecessary in hindsight. Hamburg, you really are an unforgettable place in every respect!
The Great Canoe Chaos: How We Took to Hamburg’s Streets.
To wrap up my Hamburg revival, my friends had one final, totally different experience in store: after the Elbe, the harbor, and the ferries, it was time for canoeing on the Alster! Cruising along the idyllic canals with upscale villas drifting past on either side is truly picture-perfect. It was delightful, it was peaceful—it was the calm before the storm... because the real adventure didn't begin until the journey home.
We were cruising along leisurely when, suddenly, the unthinkable happened: the trailer carrying the canoes spontaneously decided to go its own way and broke free from the car while we were driving! There you are, right in the middle of Hamburg, watching in the rearview mirror as your entire fleet—trailer and all—starts living a merry, independent life of its own on the asphalt. Fortunately, nothing worse happened, but that adrenaline rush made the hangover breakfast from the fish market completely unnecessary in hindsight. Hamburg, you really are an unforgettable place in every respect!
Reeperbahn (2012)
The Reeperbahn: Grabbing an Astra beer on the "sinful mile." You can’t leave Hamburg without having strolled along the "Kiez" at least once. The Reeperbahn, located in the St. Pauli district, is arguably Germany’s most famous and notorious boulevard—a 930-meter-long, neon-lit melting pot of cult pubs, flamboyant clubs, theaters, and sinful secrets.
The Reeperbahn: Grabbing an Astra beer on the "sinful mile." You can’t leave Hamburg without having strolled along the "Kiez" at least once. The Reeperbahn, located in the St. Pauli district, is arguably Germany’s most famous and notorious boulevard—a 930-meter-long, neon-lit melting pot of cult pubs, flamboyant clubs, theaters, and sinful secrets.
Anyone interested can still view glimpses of Harry Klos’s former car scrapyard on my "Schrott" photo page.
Schönebeck
(2013)
"White Gold," the Oldest Spa Oasis, and Salty Air.
Welcome to the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt! Today, we’re shifting down a few gears and traveling to a true wellness hidden gem in eastern Germany. Schönebeck (Elbe) lies just a few kilometers south of Magdeburg.
Visitors here aren't looking for the hectic bustle of a big city, but rather one of the country's best-kept secrets for relaxation. After all, the town is world-famous for its "white gold"—brine.
Welcome to the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt! Today, we’re shifting down a few gears and traveling to a true wellness hidden gem in eastern Germany. Schönebeck (Elbe) lies just a few kilometers south of Magdeburg.
Visitors here aren't looking for the hectic bustle of a big city, but rather one of the country's best-kept secrets for relaxation. After all, the town is world-famous for its "white gold"—brine.
Bad Salzelmen: Germany’s Oldest Brine Spa.
Schönebeck has made genuine medical history: the charming district of Bad Salzelmen is home to Germany’s oldest brine spa. Salt was mined here by the ton as early as the Middle Ages. Later, people realized that the salty water didn't just taste good in soup—it was also incredibly good for the body.
The Mega-Graduation Tower: Seaside-Style Inhalation.
The unmissable centerpiece of the spa park is the graduation tower. Stretching over 300 meters in length, it is a gigantic wooden structure completely lined with blackthorn brushwood (branches).
Schönebeck has made genuine medical history: the charming district of Bad Salzelmen is home to Germany’s oldest brine spa. Salt was mined here by the ton as early as the Middle Ages. Later, people realized that the salty water didn't just taste good in soup—it was also incredibly good for the body.
The Mega-Graduation Tower: Seaside-Style Inhalation.
The unmissable centerpiece of the spa park is the graduation tower. Stretching over 300 meters in length, it is a gigantic wooden structure completely lined with blackthorn brushwood (branches).
An insider tip for explorers: the enchanting St. Gertrauden Cemetery.
If you are looking for a genuine adventure off the beaten spa-town path after visiting the graduation tower, turn off onto Chausseestraße. Nature reclaims the space: ancient, gnarled trees cast deep shadows, while thick carpets of ivy completely overgrow the historic burial mounds and weathered resting places. Historic grave slabs are set into the old cemetery walls, some dating back as far as the 15th century. They tell of the wealth of the salt producers of that era.
If you are looking for a genuine adventure off the beaten spa-town path after visiting the graduation tower, turn off onto Chausseestraße. Nature reclaims the space: ancient, gnarled trees cast deep shadows, while thick carpets of ivy completely overgrow the historic burial mounds and weathered resting places. Historic grave slabs are set into the old cemetery walls, some dating back as far as the 15th century. They tell of the wealth of the salt producers of that era.
Harz
Wernigerode
(2013)
The colorful witch town, Hogwarts vibes, and 1-euro claustrophobia.
Welcome to the legendary Harz region! We’re unpacking our hiking boots, polishing our camera lenses, and traveling to a town that looks so outrageously idyllic, you’d expect to find a witch on a broomstick around every corner. Wernigerode—affectionately known by insiders and poets alike as the "Colorful Town in the Harz."
Welcome to the legendary Harz region! We’re unpacking our hiking boots, polishing our camera lenses, and traveling to a town that looks so outrageously idyllic, you’d expect to find a witch on a broomstick around every corner. Wernigerode—affectionately known by insiders and poets alike as the "Colorful Town in the Harz."
The Brocken Railway: A True Steam Adventure.
One of the world’s last great railway adventures begins in Wernigerode: the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (HSB). Right at the station, the old, jet-black steam locomotives send plumes of smoke rising into the sky. When the engine whistles loudly, belches out black smoke, and rattles its way up to the Brocken summit through the dense, mystical Harz forests, it is an experience of pure nostalgia.
One of the world’s last great railway adventures begins in Wernigerode: the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (HSB). Right at the station, the old, jet-black steam locomotives send plumes of smoke rising into the sky. When the engine whistles loudly, belches out black smoke, and rattles its way up to the Brocken summit through the dense, mystical Harz forests, it is an experience of pure nostalgia.
Witches' Square in Thale
The Witches' Dance Floor, Devilish Parties, and the "Grand Canyon" of the Harz. Up for a date with the Devil and his flying female entourage? Then head to Thale! If you thought the charming half-timbered houses in Wernigerode were the peak of the Harz vibe, Thale takes it to the next level. Here, we land right in the epicenter of German myths, legends, and tales of witches.
The Witches' Dance Floor, Devilish Parties, and the "Grand Canyon" of the Harz. Up for a date with the Devil and his flying female entourage? Then head to Thale! If you thought the charming half-timbered houses in Wernigerode were the peak of the Harz vibe, Thale takes it to the next level. Here, we land right in the epicenter of German myths, legends, and tales of witches.
EXPO 2000
Hannover
The Millennium Hype, Flying Gondolas, and the Expo Ruins
With the futuristic theme "Humanity, Nature, Technology," the Expo was intended to serve as a showcase for a green, peaceful new millennium. Spoiler alert: It turned into a gigantic, fascinating, and incredibly expensive spectacle—traces of which can still be tracked down today.Hanover 2000 Unvarnished: The Millennium Hype, Flying Gondolas, and the Expo Ruins.
With the futuristic theme "Humanity, Nature, Technology," the Expo was intended to serve as a showcase for a green, peaceful new millennium. Spoiler alert: It turned into a gigantic, fascinating, and incredibly expensive spectacle—traces of which can still be tracked down today.Hanover 2000 Unvarnished: The Millennium Hype, Flying Gondolas, and the Expo Ruins.
The Hype: When Hannover Was the Center of the World.
From June 1 to October 31, 2000, Hannover was in a state of extraordinary excitement. 180 nations erected spectacular pavilions on the exhibition grounds. It was an architectural frenzy of glass, wood, and utopian ideas.
From June 1 to October 31, 2000, Hannover was in a state of extraordinary excitement. 180 nations erected spectacular pavilions on the exhibition grounds. It was an architectural frenzy of glass, wood, and utopian ideas.
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Africa Pavillon
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Pavilion Highlights: From Whales to Coffee Beans
– Back then, nations pulled out all the stops, erecting structures that pushed the boundaries of architecture.
– Back then, nations pulled out all the stops, erecting structures that pushed the boundaries of architecture.
South Pacific & Far East Pavilion
Folk dances from Sri Lanka
South American Pavilion
The hangover afterwards: Lost places and heritage
If you travel to Hanover today, you can embark on a quirky tour of discovery at the former Expo Park site in the south of the city. It is a paradise for fans of abandoned places and architecture enthusiasts alike.
If you travel to Hanover today, you can embark on a quirky tour of discovery at the former Expo Park site in the south of the city. It is a paradise for fans of abandoned places and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Cologne / Köln
(2006)
(2006)
The Cathedral, Puppets, and the Law of the Beer Mat.
Hello, fellow travel rebels and asphalt adventurers! Today, we’re dissecting a city that isn’t just a place, but a state of mind: Cologne. Visitors usually come looking for the Cathedral—but end up staying for the warmth, the quirky humor, and a beer served in test tubes. Pack your bags; we’re diving headfirst into the Rhenish way of life!
Hello, fellow travel rebels and asphalt adventurers! Today, we’re dissecting a city that isn’t just a place, but a state of mind: Cologne. Visitors usually come looking for the Cathedral—but end up staying for the warmth, the quirky humor, and a beer served in test tubes. Pack your bags; we’re diving headfirst into the Rhenish way of life!
The Hänneschen Theater: Where puppets speak Kölsch. Think puppet theater is just for three-year-olds? Think again. The Hänneschen Theater at Eisenmarkt (founded in 1802!) is home to the city’s true, spirited heart. Traditional rod-puppet shows are still performed here—and strictly in Kölsch. Even if you don’t understand a word, the energy is pure gold.
Cologne Cathedral:
The never-ending story: Construction began in 1248, paused for 300 years (due to a lack of interest or funds), and wasn't completed until 1880.
The eternal construction site: There is a saying in Cologne: "When the cathedral is finished, the world will end." That is why there is almost always scaffolding somewhere on the building. Pure survival marketing!
The celebrities in the crypt: The golden Shrine of the Three Kings inside supposedly holds the bones of the Three Wise Men. This made Cologne the Las Vegas for pilgrims in the Middle Ages.
The never-ending story: Construction began in 1248, paused for 300 years (due to a lack of interest or funds), and wasn't completed until 1880.
The eternal construction site: There is a saying in Cologne: "When the cathedral is finished, the world will end." That is why there is almost always scaffolding somewhere on the building. Pure survival marketing!
The celebrities in the crypt: The golden Shrine of the Three Kings inside supposedly holds the bones of the Three Wise Men. This made Cologne the Las Vegas for pilgrims in the Middle Ages.
Brauhaus Anarchy: Surviving the *Köbesse*.
Let’s turn to the culinary battle for survival. Cologne’s pubs and brewery taverns (such as Früh am Dom or Malzmühle) operate by their own rules. If you order a "beer" here, you get a Kölsch served in a slender 0.2-liter glass. It’s not about being stingy; it ensures the beer stays fresh and cold!
Let’s turn to the culinary battle for survival. Cologne’s pubs and brewery taverns (such as Früh am Dom or Malzmühle) operate by their own rules. If you order a "beer" here, you get a Kölsch served in a slender 0.2-liter glass. It’s not about being stingy; it ensures the beer stays fresh and cold!
Stuttgart
(2008)
(2008)
"Basin" Culture, Horsepower Beasts, and the "Stäffele" Workout.
Welcome to the Wild South! If Cologne is a cozy living room with an all-you-can-drink beer deal, then Stuttgart is a gleaming high-tech lab where the region’s best wine is secretly enjoyed in the basement. The city in the "basin" has an image problem: many people think of drab industry and the uptight "Kehrwoche" (mandatory sidewalk-sweeping duty). Total nonsense! Stuttgart is an absolute winner for your road trip.
Welcome to the Wild South! If Cologne is a cozy living room with an all-you-can-drink beer deal, then Stuttgart is a gleaming high-tech lab where the region’s best wine is secretly enjoyed in the basement. The city in the "basin" has an image problem: many people think of drab industry and the uptight "Kehrwoche" (mandatory sidewalk-sweeping duty). Total nonsense! Stuttgart is an absolute winner for your road trip.
1. Life in the Basin: Welcome to the Open-Air Gym.
Geographically, Stuttgart is situated in a deep valley basin. It looks incredibly stylish, as you get a magnificent panoramic view from almost anywhere. But it also means that anyone getting around on foot here needs calves of steel.
2. The Horsepower Rush: Porsche vs. Mercedes-Benz.
Stuttgart is the birthplace of the automobile. If you aren’t a car enthusiast when you arrive, you certainly will be after visiting the two museum giants. The city is essentially divided into two camps: The Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum
3. The Wine Vibe: Vines Right in the City. Now things get cozy. While in other major cities you might have to drive for hours to the suburbs to find a bit of nature, in Stuttgart, vines grow right behind the main train station. The slopes of the valley basin are packed with the finest vines.
Geographically, Stuttgart is situated in a deep valley basin. It looks incredibly stylish, as you get a magnificent panoramic view from almost anywhere. But it also means that anyone getting around on foot here needs calves of steel.
2. The Horsepower Rush: Porsche vs. Mercedes-Benz.
Stuttgart is the birthplace of the automobile. If you aren’t a car enthusiast when you arrive, you certainly will be after visiting the two museum giants. The city is essentially divided into two camps: The Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum
3. The Wine Vibe: Vines Right in the City. Now things get cozy. While in other major cities you might have to drive for hours to the suburbs to find a bit of nature, in Stuttgart, vines grow right behind the main train station. The slopes of the valley basin are packed with the finest vines.
Nuremberg / Nürnberg
(2006)
(2006)
Imperial Castle, Gingerbread, and the Shadows of the Past.
Welcome to Franconia! If Cologne is the colorful party living room and Stuttgart the gleaming automotive workshop, then Nuremberg is Germany’s historical chronicle. The city is world-famous for its romantic Christmas market, the majestic Imperial Castle, and incredibly delicious *Rostbratwurst* sausages. Yet, to truly understand Nuremberg, one cannot turn a blind eye to its darker chapters. The city bears a heavy historical responsibility—and handles it today in an exemplary manner.
Welcome to Franconia! If Cologne is the colorful party living room and Stuttgart the gleaming automotive workshop, then Nuremberg is Germany’s historical chronicle. The city is world-famous for its romantic Christmas market, the majestic Imperial Castle, and incredibly delicious *Rostbratwurst* sausages. Yet, to truly understand Nuremberg, one cannot turn a blind eye to its darker chapters. The city bears a heavy historical responsibility—and handles it today in an exemplary manner.
