Normally it is the time when we spend two weeks holidays in the beloved country Italy. This year it is different, but when one door is closing (only for now ?) another door opens.
One of my (not of my wife!) key success factor for happy holidays are the lack of planning and for me when at least one child is joining in. Important is only the direction of the trip… The attractions will anyway attract you like a magnet. Where to sleep? There are so many cool hotel booking apps, so you always will find something and if not, there is still a tent and place for two in the car….
This time was good to discover the North/ East of Germany. In fact, about every stop there could be created an own post, but I will do it short. For some highlights of the trip I have created a list you can find here:
https://goo.gl/maps/dSCyT71B8n4AQ4D86
The risen city Dresden:
For sure one of the most beautiful towns in Germany. A lot of history and a special mix of real historical buildings (many rebuilt after World War II) and many buildings who have been new build after the Word War II in a very nowadays “ugly” style. Plan one day for Dresden at least! If you like painting and music you are not able to dance to (classic), stay for sure longer.
National Park Saxon Switzerland/ Bastei:
Not far away from Dresden is the “Saxon Switzerland National Park” and here you can find many hike tours. Anyway, the most prominent is the Bastei Bridge, surrounded by rock towers. It is really impressive and believe me, you children will not complain about the hiking tour, as there is so much to discover.
On the way from this region to Berlin, do not miss the Moritzburg. Really a very nice situated small castle and when you are lucky you will find a golden shoe…. (Cinderella)
Capital Berlin:
The German capital with many things to discover. Best is to buy a full day bus ticket and discover the town. We decided to visit the Olympia Stadion as it matches current football fascination and as well leads to a reflection of the period of National Socialist and the racial fanatism in Germany (body cult).
What was interesting: My Children didn’t care about East/ West Germany or Berlin. They could not imagine that there was a wall in one town. In fact, I was a bit shocked, when the youngest told me, that he doesn’t believe that there was a wall in the town. This leads to a long walk around the walls and as well the visit of Checkpoint Charly.
At the Brandenburger Gate I told him, that when I was young as he that my grandpa (his grand grandpa) told me, that he would be outstanding happy, if there would comes once the time he could again walk through this gate. He didn’t made it….
Turkish Döner and Curry Sausage you should not miss here!
Historical Potsdam:
This town is the satellite of the big Berlin, but I believe it is under the top 5 of the most beautiful cities in Germany. There is so much to discover, not only the Sanssouci Castle and the surrounding, but also the town itself. When I come here, I always feel like home, while I have never did sleep here… Plan one day for Potsdam!
Nature in Mecklenburg Vorpommern:
It is the North Eastern Region of Germany, who is in fact the part of Germany I never have visited before. The landscape is beautiful and you have many lakes. We did visit towns like Oranienburg, Templin, Neubrandenburg, Anklam, Usedom, Strahlsund, Rostock…. While the best surprise was Schwerin (the capital of Mecklenburg Vorpommern). I wasn’t aware, that they have such a beautiful castle! I will go there back soon. Really!
On the other hand you have the Baltic Sea. Not only from historical point of view a very interesting Sea, but as well from the nature side. We did hike to the Königsstuhl https://goo.gl/maps/NagMx6HixEAosHfW6 and we relaxed due to the low amount of tourists from the noisy cities. Very interesting for children is the UNESCO National Park Centre with a very interesting exhibition about the nature.
Hanseatic city Hamburg:
Well, what should I say? It is my birth town, while I have no big relation to this town. BUT children open the eyes and can show another way to discover the town. And during the stay I did feel that there came back slowly the proudness about the town I grow up in my early childhood. Main attractions are of course the UNESCO Heritage Speicherstadt (Harbour Warehouses), the landmark of Hamburg, the Michel and the Jungfernsteg in the centre. The other highlight Reeperbahn, will be a highlight for them in some years ?
And now it comes (what is really important):
After being really exhausted after a very intensive trip, with not enough sleep and nearly no “relax” my Children ask me to have a special highlight. I did say yes without expecting what it was.
Guess???
“Please dad, we like to visit on the way back our Grandparents. Please let us go back earlier, so we can make a stop over and spend time with them….”
And again, I learned something from my children. Family is the key for happiness and travel is “only” nice.
But one more attraction for the children was available. About 100 km before we arrived the home with Mama (and my wife!) the tier did burst above the 200 km/h. Also in this moment it shows us, that there was a higher force with us We arrived all save home- only many hours later than expected.
Additional information:
- Plan a good budget for entrance fees to attractions when visiting Germany. There are many family offers!
- Make sure wherever possible, order and generate tickets via the internet. Most attractions you can’t visit without a pre-booking of about minimum 4 days. (TV tower at Alexanderplatz or Bundestag)
- The price of the hotel do not mean with once it is good. Check family rooms with outstanding rates with different apps.
- Try to eat regional food, when visiting different parts of Germany
- To sleep in a car is fine, but camping outside the camping place with a tent can be expensive