| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 15/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 51 |
| Copyright: Other |
operator view: germany
bavariaNirmal Seth, operationsmanager, Moswin Tours
“My favourite destination would be a hard choice between Bertesgarten in Bavaria and the Moselle Valley.
“Bertesgarten is a superb summer and winter lakes and mountains destination – even though I’m not much of a skier.
“The scenery is stunning of course and the air is so rich in oxygen I seem to sleep six times longer than usual when I’m there. Moselle is different though, it’s a great place to chill out and relax.
“My favourite village there is Neumagen – it’s one of the oldest wine villages in the world and the vines have been there since Roman times.
“It’s also the world’s most northerly wine-producing region and you can pick up an excellent local bottle for around £2. It’s quite easy from May to October to simply stagger from one village to the next sampling wine. I always go to my favourite restaurant there, the Zum Anker, for typical, wholesome German food, served with flair. The owner is a hotelier, wine farmer and a top-class chef, so the only time you get to see him is around 1am in the morning – he’s an absolute workaholic.
“Activity wise you’re spoiled for choice. Like almost all towns and large villages in Germany, there is an outdoor swimming pool where people relax, otherwise you can hire bikes, go walking, take a river cruise or water-ski.”
Bavaria: an ideal place to chill out
leipzig
Liz Tjostolvsen, customer relations manager, DER Travel Service
“One of my most recent trips to Germany was an educational to the former east organised by the German National Tourist Office and it certainly left lasting impressions.
“Weimar – a European City of Culture in 1999 – is commonly acknowledged as the ‘intellectual capital’ of Germany and was home to many of the ‘giants’ such as Bach, Schiller and the mighty Goethe.
“When I was studying German at university, there were many occasions when Icould happily have chucked Goethe out of the window. But 12 years on I finally began to appreciate these figures – Weimar positively pulsates with history – Goethe received various guests here, including Napoleon.
“Goethe also loved Leipzig and referred to it as ‘Paris in miniature’. Today the impression is of a grand city in the throws of a huge rejuvenation programme.Unfortunately, many beautiful buildings were torn down by the communists – what remains is impressive though, with some fine examples of baroque architecture. No visit to Leipzig is complete without a beer in the famous Auerbach’s Keller, where a painting of a red devil apparently provided Goethe with the inspiration for Mephistopheles in his best-known work, Faust.
“To get to know the Germans in their natural habitat and appreciate the atmosphere and humour – yes, humour – head for the traditional wine gardens and bierkellers. For the uninitiated, Germany holds many pleasant surprises.”
Leipzig: has some great examples of baroquearchitecture
cologne
Mohamed Bhimani, managingdirector, German Travel Centre
“My favourite destination in Germany is the city of Cologne. It is the combination of history and pure vibrancy of this city that makes it such a pleasure to visit.
“First-time visitors have to see the stunning cathedral which the city is famous for – it is probably the best example of high gothic architecture in the world. A wander around the charming old town is also not to be missed. It truly is a beer lovers’ haven with countless pubs and taverns in which to enjoy a glass, or several, of Koelsch, the top fermented beer.
“My favourite time to visit is during November and December when the traditional German Christmas markets are in full swing.
“There are four markets in Cologne and although those of Frankfurt and Stuttgart are equally well known, Cologne is, in my opinion, both the prettiest and most atmospheric, with the smells of gingerbread and mulled wine tempting you – it’s a great way to rouse the Christmas spirit.
“For those needing to escape the city, a boat trip along the Rhine is ideal. To the south lies Bruehl with its imposing castle – well worth a visit if you can get there.
“After a hard day’s sightseeing enjoy a meal of sauer-braten (beef in herbs and vinegar) and retire to the comfort of the Maritim Hotel.”
Cologne: visitors must visit the city’s stunning cathedral