/countries/show/germany/2.rss en-us A tragic tale of a woman in love and betrayed, Lorelei Rock is a tourist destination in Germany that a lot of people visit to experience its bewitching tale. Lorelei (sometimes spelt as “Loreley”) was derived from an old German word “lureln” meaning murmuring, and an old Celtic word “ley” meaning rock—giving it its name of Murmuring Rock. The truth is, because of the strong current and the sound of the small waterfall near the foot of Lorelei Rock, the murmuring sound is echoed by the big rock. The murmur could be clearly heard at the time of its naming, but since urbanization around the area, the sound has diminished over time. Legend has it that because of the tragic love affair of a blond siren, she continues to haunt sailors and unwary passersby. Town folks attributed the many shipwrecks and accidents to the disturbed soul of the lovely young lady who died because of love. The first thing you notice upon arriving at Sankt, St. Goarshausen at the Rhine River bank, is the emerald green and sometimes sapphire blue waters of the Rhine River. As they say, its colour depends on nature’s mood. It is always a wonderful sight to behold when its deep and sometimes turbulent waters change their hues. A romantic river boat ride on the River Rhine is the best way to see Lorelei Rock up close. The ride allows tourists to experience both the Rhine River and Lorelei Rock at the same time, and is very much a joint experience. The legend of the Lorelei Rock is always accompanied by the mysterious sound of the River, and the beauty and magnificence of one is very best attributed by the other. Castles and sightseeing balconies add to the attraction of Lorelei Rock, and tourists climb up its steep hill to experience the many medieval castles and modern-day features. Up on top of the Murmuring Rock, with the mixture of the river and mountain breeze, the view of the Rhine is even more breathtaking. There are so many things to see and experience on top of Lorelei Rock, and medieval and modern-day adventures are top itineraries of the day. Because Lorelei Rock and Rhine River are two of Germany’s top tourist attractions, almost nothing has changed in the way they have preserved the castles and other sights as seen from the top of the Murmuring Rock. A feeling of being transformed to a time of knights and noble ladies can be felt. Visitors also enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting from nearby vineyards, as well and delectable German and European cuisine. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 03:36:26 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/lorelei-loreley-germany http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/lorelei-loreley-germany Have you ever had a beer in a decorative 1-litre ceramic mug? You will during your trip to Germany for the Munich Strong Beer Festival. This local German beer festival usually begins on the third Friday after Ash Wednesday, and lasts for three weeks in March. The Munich Strong Beer Festival, known to the locals as Starkbierfest, is a local version of the now widely popular and tourist-driven Oktoberfest. Munich is the beer capital of Germany where popular beer festivals happen almost every month. However, the Munich Strong Beer Festival is a lesser-known beer fest that is attended primarily by the locals. Local breweries and beer halls feature strong malty beers by the litre, and provide entertainment that pokes fun at politicians and local personalities. Local food and music are available to amuse visitors and locals alike. The Munich Strong Beer Festival traces its roots back to the Catholic Paulaner monks who originally prepared strong beer to endure the Lenten fast. Although it was forbidden to eat for 40 days during those times, the monks were allowed to drink. It was for this reason that they brewed a filling drink to help them last during the Lenten season. The strong, malty beer, classified as a dopplebock, became known as Salvator after the Paulaner monastery was converted into a brewery. The popularity of the beverage, specifically during the cold winter months, prompted other local breweries to make their own strong malty brews. Dopplebocks (a generic German term for strong brew) generally start at 7.5% alcohol, and the sweet flavour masks their strength. Be careful when you travel to Munich for the Strong Beer Festival as dopplebocks can sneak up on even the most experienced drinkers. Although Oktoberfest is the more popular German beer festival, the best time to experience a German beer fest is during the Munich Strong Beer Festival. It's great because it doesn't take place during the peak tourism season, allowing you to encounter less tourists, find cheaper flights to Munich, have more time to enjoy local cuisine at cheaper rates, and discount Munich hotels. However, you may experience a more difficult language barrier and a colder climate, and the Munich Strong Beer festival does not feature the same extravagant amusement rides as Oktoberfest. A trip to the Munich Strong Beer Festival is sure to be a delicious addition to your travels in Germany. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:36:52 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/munich-strong-beer-festival http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/munich-strong-beer-festival Germany is a European country with many big contributions to culture and history, especially in classical music. Known as the cradle of great philosophers, and noted for its delicious beer, among other things Germany is also the home of one of the greatest musicians who ever walked the Earth—Johann Sebastian Bach—and the festival that carries his name: Leipzig’s Bach Festival. The Church of St. Thomas in the city of Leipzig is where the Bachfest takes place. The thriving greeneries of the Leipzig and the fresh mountain breeze complete the backdrop to the Bach Festival while you watch stellar performances of Bach’s musical pieces. If your travel itinerary usually consists of taking photos and visiting tourist attractions, the Bach Festival in Leipzig will definitely give you something different to include in that. An all-around musical genius, Bach was a musician and composer during the Baroque period. He truly furthered the musical style during this era by combining the different types of musical techniques and approaches at that time. He was not that famous until the 18th century, and little did he know that his work would eventually lead to a German festival to commemorate him and help inspire new musical genius. Experiencing the Bach Festival is unlike any other concert you have attended. Highly regarded as the city of music, it is no surprise that music lovers from all over the world flock to the Bach Festival in Leipzig. The Bach Festival certainly enforces the notion that “music is the universal language”. The Bachfest features Bach’s works in choral and orchestral forms. More classical approaches, such as organs and symphony, are equally enjoyable musical experiences. You can bet that the performances are as good as Bach’s originals, and the classical music of the Bach Festival gives you an idea of the culture during the Baroque period. This classical Bachfest is a rare gem in a time of contemporary music. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:32:04 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/bach-festival http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/bach-festival A visit to the Frankenstein Castle in Muhltal, Germany, 5kms south from Darmsdadt, contains a strong sense of adventure. Visitors who love nature and historical sites will be delighted to find beautiful scenery everywhere. Notwithstanding the name and history attached to Castle Frankenstein, people still hold weddings at the chapel by the ruins. October is arguably the best time to visit Frankenstein Castle when a Halloween Party is held on the Castle grounds. The Frankenstein Castle was built in the mid 1200s by Lord Konrad II. He changed his name from Breuberg to Frankenstein, and was controlled only by the Emperor during that time. Frankenstein Castle supposedly influenced Mary Shelley to write a horror story where the main character had similar qualities to the former occupant of the Frankenstein Castle: Johann Conrad Dippel. Dippel was an alchemist who is believed to have experimented on cadavers in pursuit of the elixir of life: a potion that will allow a person to live for hundreds of years. Although researchers and historians have different beliefs as to whether the horror story was true, the Frankenstein Castle still retains its charm as a good holiday destination in that part of Muhltal, Germany. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:49:37 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/frankenstein-castle http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/frankenstein-castle A visit to Heidelberg, Germany, is a visit back in time to a medieval world where knights and castles were commonplace, and monks were busy brewing beer in their monasteries. The towering red sandstone castle of Heidelberg towers at the top of a hill in the centre of Heidelberg, presiding over the cobblestone streets, historic houses, and Old World charm of the lively university town. With the River Neckar meandering by the town, pleasure boats and ancient bridges, hills covered in greenery, and a lively downtown core filled with quaint shops and cafes covered in ivy, Heidelberg would be an idyllic place to visit, even without the castle. However, Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberg Schloss) is the city's crown and joy. The five-hundred-year-old structure comprises construction from the Middle Ages as well as from the eighteenth century. As you enter the imposing stone building, guides will point out the difference in construction style. You can tour the restored rooms of the 17th-century palace with its Hall of Mirrors and other impressive splendors. Once you enter the main courtyard in the centre of Heidelberg Castle, a new host of sights greets the eye. You can rest here with a coffee or ice cream, or explore the fascinating historic apothecary shop: a memorable museum housed within some of Heidelberg Castle’s old stone rooms. From the walls of Heidelberg Castle, towering three hundred feet over the city, you can get one of the best views of Heidelberg's old town and the River Neckar—a sight not to be missed. If you visit Heidelberg Castle, don't leave without making a visit to the wine cellars. You can of course sample some of the delicious local wines, but the real attraction here is the Heidelberg Tun: an enormous wine barrel that has a capacity of 58,100 gallons and is made of the wood of 130 oak trees. Although it is no longer used to store wine, the Heidelberg Tun is a famous historical tourist attraction, and was even mentioned in the works of Mark Twain, Jules Verne, and Victor Hugo. This enormous vat of wine was connected by pumps to the main banqueting hall to provide guests with ample refreshment. If you have time before you leave, a stroll in the Heidelberg Castle gardens is an excellent idea. The Heidelberg gardens were renowned in their day, and although they have not yet been restored to their original splendor, they are still beautiful in their own right. Calm grassy lawns, stone benches, and ivy-covered walls share space with Heidelberg Schloss’ ruined towers and stone fountains. It is a lovely, quiet place to relax before heading back to town. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:43:32 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/heidelberg-castle http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/heidelberg-castle Potsdam in northern Germany is home to some of the most beautiful and historical palaces in all of Europe. Sanssouci Palace is one such palace that has survived both world wars and remains in pristine condition, almost unchanged since its infancy in 1746. Every year thousands of visitors arrive at Sanssouci to bask not only in the Sanssouci Palace's beauty but also in the generous parks and terraced gardens that surround it. Sanssouci Palace was built and designed for the then King of Prussia, Frederick the Great, as a summer home where the king could relax outside the royal obligations of the Berlin court. Sanssouci Palace was named after the French phrase “sans souci,” roughly translated to “without concern” or “carefree,” allowing the Palace of Sanssouci to be seen as a house of relaxation rather than one of power. Today this carefree attitude remains as visitors from all around come to relax in the lush parks and garden that surround the main palace. Nothing in Sanssouci (or Potsdam for that matter) moves quickly, and it is this laidback lifestyle that makes Sanssouci such an ideal destination. One of the main attractions of Sanssouci is the palace itself. Situated on the brow of a terraced hill, Sanssouci Palace stands out with its golden exterior and large floor-to-ceiling windows. Large colonnades stretch out on either side of Sanssouci Palace, enclosing the inner courtyard. This one-story villa contains only ten principal rooms—a small palace by historical standards. However, this intimate Rococo style was exactly how Frederick the Great conceived Sanssouci, not wanting the palace to overshadow the wonderful parks that would surround it. Even the exterior of Sanssouci Palace highlights the natural elements of Sanssouci, with many architectural details containing the garden façade. The south slope of Sanssouci contains three larger terraces, each with a unique brickwork wall and several trees once imported from France, Italy and Portugal. Few of these trees remain today but several new fruit-bearing trees line the 130 steps from Sanssouci Palace to the gardens and the Great Fountain. The main center of the Sanssouci gardens is the Great Fountain: a large basin reminiscent of the fountains of Versailles and ornamented with historical gods such Venus, Apollo, Juno, and Jupiter, as well as symbols for the elements earth, air, fire and water. The Great Fountain and the Palace of Sanssouci sit at the center of what is now called Sanssouci Park. A large avenue extends out from the Great Fountain, containing several gardens with a variety of plants and trees, and several nurseries and greenhouses. In addition to the large gardens, several statues and structures have been erected each with their own story and history. Some of these include the trellised gazebo at Sanssouci, the Temple of Friendship, The Chinese House, the Roman Baths, and the Dragon House. Most of these structures were resurrected between the establishment of Sanssouci and the late 1770s. Every detail of Sanssouci was designed to maximize the beauty of the park and the relaxation of the area. Frederick the Great had such a strong feeling about Sanssouci Palace, which he called home, that he believed “the palace would die with him”. Fortunately for the two million visitors each year, Sanssouci Palace has remained, and in 1990, the world recognized the beauty and history contained within the walls and gardens of Sanssouci, and named Sanssouci a World Heritage Site. This ensures that visitors for many years to come will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy Sanssouci as the royals did many years ago. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:56:13 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/sanssouci-in-potsdam http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/sanssouci-in-potsdam Situated at the center of Berlin, the Brandenberg gate sits at the heart of history and emotions for the many visitors who visit Berlin each year. However, every New Year’s Eve, the Brandenberg gate is transformed into the party of the year showing the world and Germans alike that they can shake off the past and move forward into a new year. The Brandenberg New Year’s Eve bash is the largest outdoor, open-air party in the world rivaling that of New York and London. Visitors travel from miles around to be part of this fun and historical event. There is nothing better then to party "German style" under the stars surrounded by great friends, music and a backdrop that holds so much history. The main stage, which is situated at Pariser Platz, just under the Brandenberg gate, holds various musical guests ranging from local artists to international superstars. Throughout the night several performers take the stage, displaying a wide range of musical talents. In addition to the main stage the “Party Mile” stretches out for 1.2 mile behind the Brandenberg gate and is lined with several dance floors, bars, stages and DJ’s. It is in the “party mile” where you have the opportunity to visit several tents each with live music, performances, international food and booze stands. As midnight approaches a laser and light show brightens up the sky and Brandenberg gate and as the countdown begins. Enjoy the dropping of the New Year’s Eve ball followed by one of the most impressive fireworks displays ever seen. Every year over 2000 fireworks are sent off in every direction, lighting up the sky and bringing in a new year full of exciting possibilities. The party doesn’t stop at midnight either as musical guests, tents, food and alcohol are available all night and into the early morning hours. If one really wants to be immersed in the German culture while attending this new years celebration, call the event Silvester which is what many Germans will call New Year’s Eve as December 31st is the feast day of St. Sylvester. You can further enjoy the German culture by enjoying the several German beers on tap including Sternburg, Beck’s, Krombacher or Bitburger. Try some traditional German food, such as Schnitzel, curryworth or Bratwurth all of which can be found in the many tents surrounding Party Mile. No matter how you bring in the new year at the Brandenberg New Year’s Eve celebration, be it with family, friends or all alone, you must remember to turn to your neighbour at midnight raise a glass with your fellow partygoer to wish them a “Guten Rutsch”, pronounced goo-ten rootsh, or a happy new year! Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:38:30 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/berlin-silvester http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/berlin-silvester Undoubtedly the world's most famous beer festival, Munich's Oktoberfest draws a remarkable six million visitors each year. The 16-day festival celebrating Bavarian beer and culture has become something of a rite of passage for any young European who likes a beer, and attracts plenty of travelers from further afield as well. Oktoberfest history dates back to 12 October 1810, when crowds were invited to a meadow in the city to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It subsequently became an annual fair that initially included horse races and agricultural conventions. Local businessmen working with city breweries created the first massive beer tent in 1896, and the festival has been all about beer ever since. The area where that famous wedding was held 200 years ago has since been renamed Theresienwiese in honor of the bride, and remains the venue for the festival to this day. The modern Oktoberfest boasts about 15 tents, each offering the beer of a different German brewery as well as other local treats to eat. The most famous tent is probably the Schottenhamel tent, where the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg at the stroke of midday on the first day to open the festivities. When you hear him exclaim, 'O'zapft is' ('It's tapped'), the beer will begin to flow around the festival. Other well known tents include Hofbrau-Fezelt, where the famous Hofbrau beers are served, and the Augustiner-Festhalle, which is the favorite of most locals because of its popular Augustiner brews and the fact that it uses wooden kegs instead of steel vats. If somehow you arrive at the festival without a taste for Oktoberfest beer, there's also the Weinzelt tent, which offers 15 different kinds of wine. Of course you're bound to get hungry sooner or later, especially given all that beer. Be sure to try some of the Bavarian speciality dishes that abound at Oktoberfest - look out on the menu for favorites like sauerkraut, himmel and erde (blood sausage with pureed apples and potatoes), schlachtplatte (mixed sausage plate), hassenpfeffer (rabbit stew) and of course the schweinshaxe (pork knuckle). You'll definitely become fast friends with the festival's large pretzels, which arrive at your table lassoed around your next beer. While you're at Munich's Oktoberfest you're sure to meet plenty of locals and visitors dressed up for the occasion in the traditional clothes, known as lederhosen for men and dirndl for women. There's also likely to be plenty of Bavarian rock and pop music performances around the festival, so be prepared to listen even if you don't like German music! In the unlikely event of you getting tired of drinking beer, there's also a funfair at the festival with a ferris wheel, roller coaster and other Oktoberfest games. Prost! Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:18:40 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/oktoberfest-munich http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/oktoberfest-munich The Black Forest region is situated in the south of Germany, bordering Switzerland. From the moment you arrive, the sense of peace and seclusion is astounding. Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, Black Forest feels miles from civilization. Houses and people are few and far between, and under the warm German summer sun, the lazy drone of insects is broken only by the occasional clanking of cowbells in the distance. Don't be fooled though—there is plenty to explore, from the deep forests, caves and waterfalls, to ancient German castle ruins and the nearby cities of Baden-Baden, Freiburg, and Staufen. Motocross is quite popular among the younger males in the Black Forest hills, and you'll often find them tearing through the forest paths on heavy-duty dirt bikes. The advantage is that there is virtually no traffic at all and plenty of open space. For a change of pace, get out your hiking stick and head to the Triberg Waterfalls. It's quite a way to the top, but the view of the entire Black Forest valley is utterly spectacular and well worth the hike. For people more into the cultural side of things, head to some of the nearby towns of Black Forest. There you can find countless German castles among the wilderness, as well as museums, such as the Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum Vogtsbauernhof, which is a reconstruction museum of daily farming life several centuries ago in Black Forest. And of course there are plenty of tourist attractions in Black Forest, namely the various wineries and the German Clock Museum. Lastly, treat yourself to a thick slab of the ever-famous Black Forest Cake. Clichés aside, you really will not find a better version outside of the area. Soaked in kirsch (cherry liquor), it's an absolute delight for the taste buds after a long day of exploring the Black Forest landscape. Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:07:59 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/black-forest http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/black-forest Once an ominous dividing barricade at the heart of Berlin, the Berlin Wall has today been absorbed into thriving city life; yet it remains a monument to the past. In certain parts of the city the Berlin Wall has disappeared entirely; while in others visitors can still see the brick outline set into the pavement which traces the historic separation between the former East and West Berlin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, certain parts of the concrete barricade were left standing. Today, they are painted over with various artists’ creations, embodying the German sentiment about both the Wall and the country. A visit to the “East Side Gallery" at Warschauer Strasse allows visitors to trace the fall of the Berlin Wall through artists' murals, and reflect on the sad history that allowed such a wall to exist. Erected in 1961, the Berlin Wall was over 140 km long and was designed to prevent East Berliners (under Soviet control) from escaping to West Berlin (which was under the administration of the Allied powers). Originally built as a barbed-wire fence, the concrete Berlin Wall was later constructed which often separated families who were not allowed to see each other for several years. The Berlin Wall is marked by several monuments along Bernauer Strasse, including a statue erected in memory of Conrad Schumann—a GDR (East German) boarder guard who leapt to freedom over the barbed-wire fence. His photograph has become a symbol of freedom and has been reproduced in a painting on the Wall as well. Other successful escape attempts included jumping from apartment windows over the Wall and landing on the other side. The number of successful escapes was greatly reduced with the construction of the fourth-generation Berlin Wall in 1975. A parallel fence was then erected further inside the East German border, resulting in a no-man’s-land or “death strip” between the walls. Today, tourists can view this fourth-generation wall and the remains of the electric fence on the other side. Border guards were ordered to shoot escapees on sight; even women and children. At the Berlin Wall Memorial, tourists can learn about the tunnels and other ingenious methods of escape invented by East Berliners. Tourists can also visit the legendary Checkpoint Charlie—a famous border crossing used by foreigners and members of the Allied armed forces, with the words: “You are leaving the American sector” emblazoned on a large sign. Today, tourists can view a replica of the sign at the former East-West border, though the original building and other artifacts are now located at the Allied Museum. Checkpoint Charlie is often depicted in spy movies and is one of the most popular sights at the Berlin Wall. Berlin is now a vibrant, modern city with the shades of its past only enhancing its appeal. Many artists moved to Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall due to low housing prices and thriving art culture. While sitting at a sidewalk cafe, enjoying a portion of “currywurst” (a sausage doused in curry ketchup—Berlin’s most popular snack), travellers to Berlin can spend an afternoon discussing and understanding the past while thoroughly enjoying the present. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:32:56 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/fall-of-the-berlin-wall http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/fall-of-the-berlin-wall We approached the foothills of the German Alps range nearly five and half hours after our departure from Prague. The mountains were a welcome stimulus to our apathetic tone that was rooted in the after effects of our two night binge in Prague. However our excitement spiked as signs denoted our destination lie only a few kilometers off. My foot weighed on the accelerator as our rented VW Fox caressed the curvy one lane road with the conviction of a shopping cart. The tree line opened up just before our ascension to the tiny quaint town of Hohenschwangau, which housed the infamous Neuschwanstein Castle. It was the very structure that Disney modeled their castle after. As we studied the dwarfing mountain range from afar, the mountains enveloped the castle, causing us to nearly miss the sight of it. It was surreal and odd, yet something about it just seemed right. Neuschwanstein Castle sat perched on the apex of a smaller crest, while two large rock vestibules adorned either side and soared into the sky. We both stared in amazement, was this some sort of Bavarian mirage? The backdrop absorbed Neuschwanstein rendering it as natural as the snow resting on the rock faces. It was essentially the perfect marriage between a man made structure and nature. We parked the car in town and opted to walk the paved mountain road to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Twenty-five minutes and a near cardiac arrest later, we made it. However, the true effects of my condition seeped in as my heart pounded against my chest cavity wall and exhaustion scorched my lungs. We now stood face to brick with the monumental figure, as the land fell away from us on three sides. In one direction lay the flat expanse of the German farming community, in all other directions jagged angles of the range pierced the blue skies. Unfortunately, our off peak visit offered only limited access to the paths and routes cut out around the mountainous terrain. Perhaps more worrisome was we were now too close to Neuschwanstein Castle to capture the picture that defined the true essence of it. We walked the perimeter of it, craning our necks back and soaking in the beauty of the magnificent structure one spire at a time – we were just simply too close to appreciate the entirety of the design at once. It was a beauty that would be more greatly appreciated as the sum of its parts. Unsatisfied and slightly annoyed we began our descent back to the car. Only a few hundred metres later my friend noticed a barrier blocking an ice and snow covered passage, suggesting it must lead to a better view, he eventually coaxed me into the restricted area. After ascending the snowy and icy walkway we finally reached a cleared road and continued up. As we continued our ascent, an opening in the tree line that had since dotted the path appeared ahead, and so did 2 older men, one holding a large camera. A hint of fear pierced my heart sending it into a rapid pace and my stomach dropped – We were caught! What would we say? What would we do? My friend and I looked at each other nervously, both believing our adventure was done, but nothing was said and we never broke stride as we chugged towards them. A few more paces and we were within earshot. “Hey would you like to do an interview?” Confusion splashed our faces, and the two men explained, “ We're from Brazilian TV and we are doing a piece on Neuschwanstein Castle.” Neither one of us were eager to do it. We were more interested in our surroundings, but the interview request paled our initial thoughts of being caught. At the moment we stood perched on a cliff peering at what could have been a piece of Ansel Adams work. A large valley lay before us, slightly to the right, the now deserted town of Hohenschwangau sat quiet, another castle sat elevated overlooking the town in one direction and in the other a glacial lake kissed the foot of the mountain range in the distance. Behind us, the spires of Neuschwanstein jetted above the tree line – we pined for a better view. “So if you wouldn’t mind, we’d love to interview you on your thoughts of Neuschwanstein.” The man’s sentence snapped my attention back to the moment. We obliged to give the interview, and fortunately he directed the questions to my friend. Once on camera my friend switched his tone of voice, one that’s hard to describe, perhaps a mix of arrogance and feigned enthusiasm, or perhaps just plain ‘ass’. Either way I was safe. I took the opportunity to immerse in the unimaginable beauty and snap some pictures that I only knew would bring little justice with my digital camera. My solace was interrupted by the men’s request to also do an interview. Awkward and uninterested I offered very little enthusiasm or originality with regards to their questions. After the strange Brazilian interview on the deserted German mountain we continued to climb higher, following the path and evading more barriers. It eventually led to a small, two person wide bridge called Marienbruecke, perhaps spanning 50 metres in length, it joined the two mountains, and crossed a rocky gorge that lay hundreds of feet below. Fearing of heights, I cautiously stepped onto the bridge, it was only after a few paces in did I realize the 2 x 8 boards were sparsely supported as the wood creaked and bent under my frame. ‘We’ve come too far’ I thought as I continued slowly to the middle of the bridge, gripping the metal railing, until the blood ran from my knuckles rendering them white. The Neuschwanstein Castle now stood directly in front of us, some distance away. It was perched on a plateau, where cliffs fell from the foundation on three sides. It was the ideal image, capturing both the majestic presence of the castle and the natural elements that embraced it. We both snapped some pictures and legitimized our breach. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:43:29 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/neuschwanstein-castle http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/neuschwanstein-castle Any nature lover would find heaven in Bavaria’s Englischer Garten. Located in Munich’s neighborhood of Schwabing, its beautiful scenery is welcoming to all who lay eyes upon it. Here you will find something to do, or even better, you can relax and do nothing at all. Formerly constructed as a military garden by Carl Theodor in 1789, the transformation of The Englischer Garten led it to become one of the largest gardens in the world. Its name meaning, English Garden, is derived from its style of landscaping which includes ponds, meadows and patches of woods. One of the largest urban parks in the world, its area covers 3.74 km², while its paths and walkways span almost 75 km. Although the English Garden lies in Schwabing, it is connected by paths that curve through many neighborhoods. Therefore if you are fortunate to live in this area, you will always have your day in the park. The English Garden is somewhat reminiscent of a themed nature reserve. Sights such as The Japanisches Teehaus, Steinerne Bank, and Monopteros will continue to keep you busy with their tranquil and fascinating allure. The Japanisches Teehaus is quite romantic, as sweethearts stop and sit to take in the serene movements of life within the pond, while the Steinerne Bank is a great place to take a rest and decide what's next on your agenda. The Steinerne Bank is a stone shaped bench that lies at the top of a short hill. Inscribed with a quote that reads,"Hier wo Ihr wallet, da war sonst Wald nur und Sumpf", which translated into English means "Here where you meander was once only wood and marsh", it immediately imparts a strong sense of nostalgia and historical importance. Amongst your wanderings through Bavaria’s English Garden, you will come across The Kleinhesseloher See, meaning “Kleinhesseloher Lake.” This is an artificial lake created around 1800 that runs through the Garden from the northern end of the grounds. There are two monuments nearby in which walkers can take a short break and enjoy the sunshine. The English Garden provides the perfect environment for relaxation, sunbathing, sports, and just about anything recreational. Sunbathers lie in the southern end of the park from late morning to mid afternoon. With suntan lotion and a picnic basket full of treats in tow, the average sunbather is prepared for the perfect afternoon in the park. In the summer, you will find families and friends alike taking advantage of the music and the festivities in the park. Similarly in winter, small Christmas markets can be found along the grounds. Quenching your thirst is one of the most popular pastimes to undertake at the English Garden. Equipped with several beer gardens throughout the park, the Aumeister and Hirschau beer gardens are most popular and situated at opposite ends of the park. A classic form of entertainment to partake in after a pint or two is simple surveyance. You're guaranteed to find the young, as well as the young at heart sipping on ‘Germany’s Nectar of the Gods’ and enjoying a wonderful day. Food in the park is plentiful, as you will find restaurants that specialize in Chinese and German cuisine. Food stands supply visitors with ice cream, water, soda, and fried schnitzel for those on the go. Others wishing for more formal dining, can find a restaurant at the Chinesischer Turme, which means “Chinese Towers," located near the Giselastrasse exit from the U-bahn. It is said that the beer garden here seats 7,000 and is the second largest in Munich, now that’s a lot of beer served! However you decide to spend your day in the English Garden, you can't go wrong as long as you enjoy rest, relaxation and refreshments! Fri, 29 May 2009 14:14:54 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/english-garden http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/english-garden Drinking a mass at the Hofbrauhaus delivers a delicious taste of Germany! This definitive Munich experience provides everything you'd expect when you think of Bavaria: oompah bands, lederhosen, and beer, all done in a big way. Waitresses whiz about the bustling hall balancing several 1 litre beer steins on a tray, as if it's nothing at all. The noisy chatter of over 4,000 thirsty patrons mixes with the catchy music coming from the lederhosen clad band. Looking around the Hofbrauhaus, you'll see people from all over the world, and undoubtedly, they will be laughing, smiling and enjoying a brew. The vigor is contagious here, you can't help but be happy, and of course a few extremely large beers doesn't hurt the cause. This massive traditional beer hall, consists of several areas to enjoy your stein of beer. The Hofbrauhaus ground floor, Schwemme, houses row after row of wooden benches and tables with tales of antiquity etched into them. Thousands of names carved layer upon layer into these historic tables, tell tale of the popular pass time for boozy tourists. The second floor, Bräustüberl, is slightly smaller than the first floor accommodating roughly 900 people and serves traditional Bavarian cuisine. You might also be lucky enough to catch some traditional Bavarian signing and dancing here on the festival stage. During the warmer months you can also enjoy your brew in the beer garden. The Hofbrauhaus was established in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V whose household disliked the beers brewed in Munich at the time. Over the years upon its success, the Hofbrauhaus moved locations and was rebuilt several times. Frequented by Adolf Hitler, the beer hall was used for several functions to declare Nazi policies. During a bomb strike in 1944, much of the Hofbrauhaus was destroyed, although the Schwemme remained. During the reconstruction in 1958 to honour Munich's 800th birthday, the Hofbrauhaus was rebuilt again in its original style. Although the Hofbrauhaus has a rap for packing in tourists, you can still find many a local here, evident in the rows of reserved tables throughout the hall. These tables are saved for local patrons who come often, and even have their own beer steins which are kept in a locked cupboard. This is a place that can't be missed during a trip to Munich. It maybe a little cheesy, but the fact of the matter is the Hofbrauhaus is a whole lot of fun, and that's all that matters! Whether traveling as a single or in a group, this is a great experience. Munich is known for their friendly locals, so pull up a chair, grab a beer, and make some new friends! Eins, zwei g'suffa! Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:40:36 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hofbrauhaus http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hofbrauhaus