Tourism in Germany

Since World War Two, tourism in Germany has experienced tremendous growth. Today, Germany is the seventh most popular vacation destination in the world, as well as the fifth most popular in Europe. Tourists visit Germany to experience both the pastoral and metropolitan elements that the nation has to offer, as well as to experience European history firsthand. Cities that are popular with tourists include Berlin, Heidelberg, Munich, and Dresden. An influx of people from around the world eager to see Europe has made tourism in Germany a flourishing industry.

Many tourists travel to Germany in order to experience the great outdoors. One destination popular with tourists of this type is the German Alps. An idyllic vacation spot year round, the German Alps feature both winter and summer sports, such as skiing, tobogganing, and snowboarding, as well as hiking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, swimming, and surfing. These mountains are easily accessible via automobile, as the mountain roads are connected to major German motorways, and are served by several airports and rail lines. The Alps have made tourism in Germany a popular vacation pastime.

In the 1950s, travel agents who wanted to promote tourism in Germany created the Romantic Road, or Romantische StraAYe, a stretch of highway that runs through Bavaria and d Baden-WA?rttemberg in Southern Germany. The route showcases quintessentially German towns, scenery, and culture, and even passes by the well-known Neuschwanstein Castle. Although an unofficial designation, road signs mark the well-traveled route in order to guide tourists to scenic locations, golf courses, and hotels along the way.

Many cities also profit from tourism in Germany, such as Berlin. Berlin features an extensive array of popular destinations, including famous landmarks, museums, and theater venues, to name only a few. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, featuring constant festivals and an extensive club scene. Berlin also hosts a number of parades and public events throughout the year, such as the Karneval der Kulturen, which celebrates cultural diversity, and the Christopher Street Day, a massive gay-lesbian pride event. Berlin also features a number of museums, including the New National Gallery, which was designed by noted architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and the Bauhaus-Archive, which features displays of early twentieth century German architecture.

Munich is also a popular destination for German tourists, and features many of the same attractions as Berlin. There, they celebrate Oktoberfest, a sixteen day festival held every year in late September and early October. The celebration centers on the brewing and drinking of beer, and is an important part of Bavaria’s cultural heritage. Munich also features many restaurants that serve staples of German cuisine, as well as a number of different markets. Cities such as Munich and Berlin profit enormously from tourism in Germany.