Germany

About country

Occupying a prime position in the heart of Europe - both literally and figuratively - today's Germany is an endlessly engaging destination: a land of high culture, frothy beer, half-timbered villages and dynamic cityscapes. Anyone expecting a homogenous country conforming to rigid Teutonic stereotypes is in for a surprise.
Germany has shaken off the shackles of its inglorious past to stand as a country of remarkable diversity, as notable for its avant-garde architecture as for its horizon-wide countryside vistas. Tourists will encounter a heady mix of untamed nature, fine arts and youthful creativity. The capital, Berlin, has a reputation (forged by the legendary 'Roaring Twenties') as a hip and hedonistic community where almost anything goes. In contrast, the quiet academic surroundings of historic university cities like Heidelberg and Freiburg convey a peacefulness quite at odds with the atmosphere of the capital.

Sightseeing

Forming a long natural divide along the Austrian border, the Bavarian Alps are a strikingly attractive sight. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element, with skiing, hiking and canoeing options aplenty, while a selection of top-notch spas cater for those more intent on relaxation.
No part of the German countryside is as storied as the Black Forest: a dense, green mountain range in the southwest. As well as its photogenic beauty and sky-high peaks, the forest is also home to a large number of small character-rich towns.
Germany has more than 200 long-distance cycle ways to choose from, giving options to cyclists everywhere from riverside paths and pretty towns to major cities and mountain-bike trails. There are few better ways of taking in the diversity of the country.
Widely considered one of the world's most important exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, Documenta (www.documenta.de) takes place every five years in the town of Hassel in northern Germany. The next edition is scheduled to take place over four months in mid-2012.
Take in a football match. Germany's top teams include Bayern Munich, Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen, Hertha Berlin, Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen. Many of the stadia are new, having been built for the highly successful 2006 World Cup tournament staged in the country.
Frankfurt am Main is best known as a financial centre (its gleaming office-block skyline has been coined 'Mainhattan') but there's much to draw cultural tourists too. Its historic core dates back to medieval times, and several attractive landmark buildings remain.

Traditions

According to legend, on Christmas Eve in Germany rivers turn to wine, animals speak to each other, tree blossoms bear fruit, mountains open up to reveal precious gems, and church bells can be heard ringing from the bottom of the sea. Of course, only the pure in heart can witness this Christmas magic. All others must content themselves with traditional German celebrating, of which there is plenty. As a matter of fact, there is so much celebrating that is has to begin on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day.
As in many other European countries, on the eve of Dec. 6th children place a shoe or boot by the fireplace. During the night, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, hops from house to house carrying a book of sins in which all of the misdeeds of the children are written. If they have been good, he fills the shoe or boot with delicious holiday edibles. If they have not been good, their shoe is filled with twigs.
December 21st, supposedly the shortest day (longest night) of the year, is dubbed St. Thomas Day. In parts of the Sauerland, whoever wakes up late or arrives late to work on that day is issued the title "Thomas Donkey." They are given a cardboard donkey and are the subject of numerous jokes throughout the day. But this gentle abuse ends deliciously with round, iced currant buns called "Thomasplitzchen."
This is all preliminary to the excitement of Christmas Eve. Prior to the evening feast, is the presentation of the tree. The Christmas tree, as we know it, originated in Germany. It has a mysterious magic for the young because they are not allowed to see it until Christmas Eve. While the children are occupied with another room (usually by Father) Mother brings out the Christmas tree and decorates it with apples, candy, nuts, cookies, cars, trains, angels, tinsel, family treasures and candles or lights. The presents are placed under the tree. Somewhere, close to the bright display are laid brilliantly decorated plates for each family member, loaded with fruits, nuts, marzipan, chocolate and biscuits. When all is ready a bell is rung as a signal for the children to enter this Christmas fantasy room. Carols are sung, sometimes sparklers are lit, the Christmas story is read and gifts are opened.
"Dickbauch" means "fat stomach" and is a name given to the Christmas Eve because of the tradition that those who do not eat well on Christmas Eve will be haunted by demons during the night. So the opportunity is given to enjoy dishes such as suckling pig, "reisbrei" (a sweet cinnamon), white sausage, macaroni salad, and many regional dishes.
Christmas Day brings with it a banquet of plump roast goose, "Christstollen" (long loaves of bread bursting with nuts, raisins, citron and dried fruit), "Lebkuchen" (spice bars), marzipan, and "Dresden Stollen" ( a moist, heavy bread filled with fruit).

Cuisine

A typical breakfast consists of a boiled egg, bread rolls with jam, honey, cold meat and cheese slices, juices and coffee. The archetypal German snack is cooked sausage (wurst) with a bread roll. In restaurants, a salad plate will often be produced before a main course, whether or not a starter has been ordered; it is not a side dish, waiting staff will expect this to be eaten before the meal is brought. There is an emphasis on meat, potatoes and noodles, but fish dishes are also popular. International restaurants, such as Chinese, Greek and Turkish, are found widely.
Specialities:

• Bratwurst (grilled sausage).
• Eisbein mit sauerkraut (leg of pork) and mashed potatoes.
• Schwäbische maultaschen (large savoury ravioli from Stuttgart).
• Eierpfannkuchen (pancakes).
• Schwarzwälder kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau).