A 12-day Trip to Northern Germany with a Focus on History and Art

About Berlin

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

It seems that Berlin was first mentioned in the 13th century. Although the origin of the name is not quite clear, Berlin seems pretty close to the word for “bärlein: which in German means “little bear”. That is how the bear became the mascot/symbol of the city. In the year 2001 the “lone bear” developed into the Berlin Buddy Bears, a fiberglass sculpture of bears and it seems that they have become unofficial ambassadors of Berlin. At the end of WWII Berlin was divided between two German states, so the government offices were moved from Berlin to Bonn, and that is how it was for the next forty years. The “Berlin Wall” was erected as a divider in 1961 and came down in 1989, where it stood is a magnet for tourists today as they walk along the street Friedrichstrasse. Check Point Charlie was the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947–1991). Since then, the graffiti that was painted on the walls along with the Brandenburg Gate symbolize a reunified Germany and are witnesses to the past. The monument, 18th-century neoclassical Brandenburg Gate was erected by the Prussian King Frederick William II, copying the gate by the same name at the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. You can see the tall, 26-meter statue from the wide boulevard called Unter den Linden,  from the City Palace right up to Platz Pariser where the Brandenburg Gate stands. The boulevard is so called because of the Linden trees that line the street.Note: During the time of Napoleon the famous statue that is atop of the gate, the Quadriga, which is a chariot drawn by four horses, was removed but when it was returned a decade later it became a symbol of victory for Germany.  On the northern side of the boulevard is The Museum Island. This is one of the most popular visited sites in Berlin, as well as one of the most significant  museum complexes in all of Europe. Situated on Spree Island it includes five museums: The Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum and the Pergamonmuseum. A sixth building has been added - The James Simon Gallery (James-Simon-Galerie) which is a visitor center and art gallery. Take note that there is an important ‘treasure’ on the island: The Berlin Cathedral, aka The Berliner Dom. It was built by Kaiser Wilhelm II in a Renaissance and Baroque style and besides being a magnificent building, it is probably one of the most important Protestant churches in Berlin. Note: Dom - Many people think this is the German word for “dome” but it means cathedral. We suggest that you join the locals and take a break and some leisure time in the Pleasant Garden (Lustgarten), a neoclassical luscious, green park that is in front of the Altes Museum and near the majestic Berliner Dom at the other end.  Secret: A main attraction in the garden is a huge seventy-ton, granite bowl. Around 50 people were seated in the bowl at a  special breakfast to inaugurate this bowl. The Berliners call it “The Berlin Soup Bowl”. Berlin's famous Tiergarten, Grosser is located in the heart of Berlin and close to the Brandenburg Gate. It is a magnificent park with spacious green areas – just as popular as Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. This park spreads out for about 500 acres with tree-lined paths leading to Berlin’s oldest zoo and the zoo-aquarium.Secret: In the summer months on Sunday evenings you just might be on time to hear the bells from the Carillo, which is the bell tower, 40 meters in height, situated next to the House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt - HKW). The HKW has presentations, concerts, films conferences and a variety of cultural activities and exhibitions throughout the year.  Everyone knows that Berlin is one of the best places for shopping!  They have great shopping centers and outlet centers with an endless range of products from latest fashion in clothing to the latest consumer goods. The culinary scene in the city is world-famous and varies from traditional German food such as potato pancakes, pea soup with sausages, potato stew to ethnic food that has been integrated into the local cuisine. There are many diverse eating establishments, food stalls and of course the finest of restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of beer houses and bars that serve beers and drinks of all types. However, the well-known “White Beer” (Weisse Beer) so called because it is  calls for at least 50% wheat to barley malt, which makes for a light colored top-fermenting beer. It is the most popular beer enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for its unique taste.

About Dresden

Dresden is a city in Saxony, Germany. It is situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the Czech border. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendor. The city was known as the Jewel Box, because of its baroque and rococo city center. After world war II restoration work has helped to reconstruct parts of the historic inner city, including the Katholische Hofkirche, the Semper Oper and the Dresdner Frauenkirche.

Dresden is a city in Saxony, Germany. It is situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the Czech border. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendor. The city was known as the Jewel Box, because of its baroque and rococo city center. After world war II restoration work has helped to reconstruct parts of the historic inner city, including the Katholische Hofkirche, the Semper Oper and the Dresdner Frauenkirche.

About Leipzig

Leipzig is a city in Saxony, Germany. Leipzig has a prominent opera house and one of the most modern zoos in Europe. Main sights include St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche): Most famous as the place where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a cantor. St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche), for which Bach was also responsible. Gewandhaus: home to the famous Gewandhaus Orchestra. Bundesverwaltungsgericht: Germany's federal administrative court was the site of the Reichsgericht, the highest state court between 1888 and 1945. The Leipzig Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Germany

Leipzig is a city in Saxony, Germany. Leipzig has a prominent opera house and one of the most modern zoos in Europe. Main sights include St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche): Most famous as the place where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a cantor. St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche), for which Bach was also responsible. Gewandhaus: home to the famous Gewandhaus Orchestra. Bundesverwaltungsgericht: Germany's federal administrative court was the site of the Reichsgericht, the highest state court between 1888 and 1945. The Leipzig Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Germany

About Magdeburg

Magdeburg is situated on the Elbe River and was one of the most important medieval cities of Europe. Emperor Otto I, the first Holy Roman Emperor, was buried in the town's cathedral after his death. The Lutheran Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice with a height of 104 m, the highest church building of eastern Germany. It is notable for its beautiful and unique sculptures. Other sights include the Unser Lieben Frauen Monastery; The Magdeburger Reiter (1240), the first free-standing equestrian sculpture north of the alps; Landtag, the seat of the government of Saxony-Anhalt in 1724. and many more

Magdeburg is situated on the Elbe River and was one of the most important medieval cities of Europe. Emperor Otto I, the first Holy Roman Emperor, was buried in the town's cathedral after his death. The Lutheran Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice with a height of 104 m, the highest church building of eastern Germany. It is notable for its beautiful and unique sculptures. Other sights include the Unser Lieben Frauen Monastery; The Magdeburger Reiter (1240), the first free-standing equestrian sculpture north of the alps; Landtag, the seat of the government of Saxony-Anhalt in 1724. and many more

About Hannover

You are In Hannover and you have to meet someone and you ask: “Where shall we meet?” And the reply is: “You have two main options, we can meet under the Clock or under the tail (this expression predates  the cell phone).

You are In Hannover and you have to meet someone and you ask: “Where shall we meet?” And the reply is: “You have two main options, we can meet under the Clock or under the tail (this expression predates  the cell phone).

The Kröpcke Clock was and is one of the best-known landmarks in Hannover so it is an ideal place to meet, especially because it is downtown. Although today’s clock is a replica it is still impressive. The second meeting spot is where you’ll find the equestrian monument of Ernest-Augustus, King of Hannover riding a horse, in front of the Hanover main train station (Hauptbahnhof) at Ernst-August-Platz. Because of its central location, this place is one of the most popular meeting spots in the city and is particularly suitable for appointments with people coming to the city by train. Note: The horse's tail points in the direction of the entrance to the station and when planning a meeting the response was “Under the tail” (obviously referring to the horse’s tail) The 14th century Marktkirche (Market Church of Saints George and James) is a beautiful example of a brick-gothic architectural style, from the impressive saddleback roof to the bell tower, which is about 75 meters high. Near the Marktkirche is the Hanover Historical Museum (Historisches Museum Hannover).  The exhibitions and collections document the history of the city in the last 750 years.  There are beautiful and unique gardens throughout Hanover. The most famous (possibly throughout Europe as well) are the Herrenhausen Gardens (Herrenhäuser Gärten) which include the Great Garden (Großer Garten), the Welfengarten, the Berggarten, and the Georgengarten. The Herrenhausen Palace (Schloss Herrenhausen) is in the center of the gardens. There is no way to describe the distinguished, unique and elegant gardens, each with its individual personality! Festivals and events are held mostly during the spring and summer months. There is also the lovely Maschpark Gardens which was created at the beginning of the 20th century and was the first public park in Hannover. It was built on what was once the city wall and this is where they erected the new Town Hall (Neues Rathaus).  There are two museums around the lake as well, the South Saxony Museum Niedersachsisches Landsmuseum and the Sprengel Museum Hannover with about 12,000 works of German Expressionism and French Modernism in its permanent collection. Exhibits by the most famous artists from around the world hang on these walls, including: Max Ernst, Pablo Picasso, Fernand Leja, René Magritte and countless more, making it one of the most important and interesting museums in Europe. And a trip to the Hannover Zoo that has over 3000 animals, is a must. It was established in 1865 and in the last decades has evolved to show animals in their own world with almost invisible bars or fences. There is a path of about 5 km that weaves between the different areas which have been laid out as “themes”.   Local dishes and local beer make up the cuisine of this area. A favorite classic, local dish is the Pinkel sausage (Grützwurst) which is usually served with kale (Grünkohl) and potatoes. If we may add, not exactly a health food, but definitely a comfort food the smoked sausage includes pork fat, suet, bacon, onions, oat groats and spices. “Bon Appetit” or as we say in German "Guten Appetit”!

About Hamburg

The second largest city in Germany and the eighth largest city in the European Union. A former member of the medieval Hanseatic League, as a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire.Today, Hamburg is a major transport hub and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Hamburg has architecturally significant buildings in a wide range of styles and only a few skyscrapers. Churches are important landmarks, such as St Nicholas', which for a short time in the 19th century was the world's tallest building. There are many parks distributed over the whole city, which makes Hamburg a very verdant city. The biggest parks are the Stadtpark, the Ohlsdorf Cemetery and Planten un Blomen.

The second largest city in Germany and the eighth largest city in the European Union. A former member of the medieval Hanseatic League, as a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire.Today, Hamburg is a major transport hub and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Hamburg has architecturally significant buildings in a wide range of styles and only a few skyscrapers. Churches are important landmarks, such as St Nicholas', which for a short time in the 19th century was the world's tallest building. There are many parks distributed over the whole city, which makes Hamburg a very verdant city. The biggest parks are the Stadtpark, the Ohlsdorf Cemetery and Planten un Blomen.

About Lubeck

The city of Lübeck (German: Hansestadt Lübeck) is situated strategically on the mouth of the River Trave which flows into the bay in the southern Baltic Sea. In the early years as the city grew, it quickly became a powerful maritime trading center and has remained a center for maritime commerce to this day. The large entrance gate to the city is called: The Holsten Gate (Das Holstentor) and marks off the western boundary of the old center of the Hanseatic* city of Lübeck. Built in the 15th century the Red Brick Gothic Gate is a reminder of medieval city fortifications. Together with the Citadel Gate, they are the last two remaining gates. Regarded as a symbol of the city with its impressive two-round towers and arched entrance, together with the old city center they have been included on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city of Lübeck (German: Hansestadt Lübeck) is situated strategically on the mouth of the River Trave which flows into the bay in the southern Baltic Sea. In the early years as the city grew, it quickly became a powerful maritime trading center and has remained a center for maritime commerce to this day. The large entrance gate to the city is called: The Holsten Gate (Das Holstentor) and marks off the western boundary of the old center of the Hanseatic* city of Lübeck. Built in the 15th century the Red Brick Gothic Gate is a reminder of medieval city fortifications. Together with the Citadel Gate, they are the last two remaining gates. Regarded as a symbol of the city with its impressive two-round towers and arched entrance, together with the old city center they have been included on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The impressive gate is one of the most photographed spots in Germany. There are two statues of reclining lions in front of the Holsten Gate, created in 1823.  Enter the gates and visit the Holstentor Museum which is now a municipal history museum with appropriate exhibitions which makes clear the power, wealth and maritime strength in the past.  Above the passageway there is a Latin proclamation, in bold gold letters which says: “Harmony within, peace without”. So much to see in the Old Town – following are but a few of recommended sites to visit: St Marien zu Lübeck, generally referred to as Lübeck Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church) was built on the highest point of Lübeck's old town between 1265 and 1352. It is a medieval basilica and is visible from afar, its pair of tall spires overlooking the town.  Until the middle of the 13th century, it was a Romanesque brick church but then it was redesigned based on the Gothic cathedrals in France. Because of its Gothic style it is often called the "mother church of brick Gothic". The architecture had a tremendous influence on churches built later on. The interior of the church is impressive and stands out for its design: the choir stage, the altar, the preacher's stage and the organ. It’s “claim to fame” is nevertheless that it has the highest vault (highest “curved” ceiling) in the world – at 38.5 meters. “Kodak Moment”: You can capture incredible views of the old town and the bay from the rooftop. Marzipanmuseum Niederegger (Marzipan Museum in Café Niederegger is on the second floor) The production of marzipan began here around 1800 and its history is on display in this “fun and tasty” museum which introduces the visitor to the history of marzipan and shows off life-sized marzipan figures with changing marzipan artwork. You can find it on Breite Straße 89 close to many of the museums. The House of Buddenbrooks is a museum, formerly home to the renowned writer Thomas Mann, a Nobel Prize Laureate. The House is named after his book "The House of Buddenbrooks", which is considered one of his most important works. The Lübeck Town Hall (Lübecker Rathaus) started out in the 13th century as an indoor trading hall and has had many transformations over the centuries. It was finally completed in the late 1500’s. Some original parts, such as the gables and parts of the façade can still be seen. It is one of Germany's most famous medieval brick Gothic buildings and is located right in the heart of the Old Town. It was the center of power of the Hanseatic League*. It is one of the most famous Gothic-Renaissance architectural style brick buildings and many have compared it to a fairytale castle, this does not stop it from holding the city council meetings there to this day. It too is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck.   *Note: What is Hanseatic? It is a medieval ‘union” (guild) merchant trade association. Hanseatic League? Founded originally in Germany (other countries joined over the years) an organization of merchant communities to protect their mutual trading interests. This league actually exists to this day and the Lübeck mayor is at its head. Secret: Don’t miss the opportunity to dine in the restaurant in the Town Hall’s vaulted cellars – it is one of the oldest restaurants in North Germany, also popular for social events. The Hospital of the Holy Spirit (Hospital zum Heiligen Geist) from the 13th century, is one of the oldest hospitals in the world and is now a museum and a major attraction in the old town. The hospital is one of the most important architectural monuments in Gothic red-brick style and many tourists come to see the building for its special structure, with its three-gabled representative frontage and four slender spires and the long house in which the beds of the needy were lined up in rows. A site not to be missed is the church hall with its magnificent stained-glass windows has precious artwork and the walls are covered with frescoes The Old City Center of Lübeck is in great parts inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Curiosity: The Kaak! The Kaak is a pillory (penalty pole) - in this case for dishonest vendors, and was built in the 15th century. You can see it standing in the market.  During WWII many buildings were destroyed but the Kaak was preserved. Unfortunately, it was torn down but eventually rebuilt in the late 1980’s. Address: 23552, Markt, Secret: Immerse yourself in the world of the alleys and courtyards in the Old Town! The winding streets become a colorful maze and as you wander around you will understand why this truly deserves to be part of the Lübeck UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today there are less than the original 200 such alleys and courtyards, however, fortunately, many open to the public. As the Hanseatic City of Lübeck grew there was a need for more housing as there was lack of space within the city walls. Some clever person came up with the idea of one-room “shacks” (or windowless stalls) as a solution for housing and were rented out mostly rented them out to tradespeople, seamen, laborers. Secret: Some alleys and courtyards are more popular than others: Glockengießerstraße 23, Haasenhof, Glandorps Hof, Hartengrube 52, Von-Höveln-Gang on Wahmstraße 73-77.

About Berlin

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

Berlin, which is the capital city of Germany, became the capital city after the reunification of Germany by Bismarck in 1871. The city is surrounded by nature reserves on both banks of the Spree River. It is a city-state with a rich and complicated history that invites the tourist to many experiences ranging from visiting historical sites, museums and architecture, through culture and cuisine to shopping, shopping, shopping.

It seems that Berlin was first mentioned in the 13th century. Although the origin of the name is not quite clear, Berlin seems pretty close to the word for “bärlein: which in German means “little bear”. That is how the bear became the mascot/symbol of the city. In the year 2001 the “lone bear” developed into the Berlin Buddy Bears, a fiberglass sculpture of bears and it seems that they have become unofficial ambassadors of Berlin. At the end of WWII Berlin was divided between two German states, so the government offices were moved from Berlin to Bonn, and that is how it was for the next forty years. The “Berlin Wall” was erected as a divider in 1961 and came down in 1989, where it stood is a magnet for tourists today as they walk along the street Friedrichstrasse. Check Point Charlie was the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947–1991). Since then, the graffiti that was painted on the walls along with the Brandenburg Gate symbolize a reunified Germany and are witnesses to the past. The monument, 18th-century neoclassical Brandenburg Gate was erected by the Prussian King Frederick William II, copying the gate by the same name at the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. You can see the tall, 26-meter statue from the wide boulevard called Unter den Linden,  from the City Palace right up to Platz Pariser where the Brandenburg Gate stands. The boulevard is so called because of the Linden trees that line the street.Note: During the time of Napoleon the famous statue that is atop of the gate, the Quadriga, which is a chariot drawn by four horses, was removed but when it was returned a decade later it became a symbol of victory for Germany.  On the northern side of the boulevard is The Museum Island. This is one of the most popular visited sites in Berlin, as well as one of the most significant  museum complexes in all of Europe. Situated on Spree Island it includes five museums: The Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum and the Pergamonmuseum. A sixth building has been added - The James Simon Gallery (James-Simon-Galerie) which is a visitor center and art gallery. Take note that there is an important ‘treasure’ on the island: The Berlin Cathedral, aka The Berliner Dom. It was built by Kaiser Wilhelm II in a Renaissance and Baroque style and besides being a magnificent building, it is probably one of the most important Protestant churches in Berlin. Note: Dom - Many people think this is the German word for “dome” but it means cathedral. We suggest that you join the locals and take a break and some leisure time in the Pleasant Garden (Lustgarten), a neoclassical luscious, green park that is in front of the Altes Museum and near the majestic Berliner Dom at the other end.  Secret: A main attraction in the garden is a huge seventy-ton, granite bowl. Around 50 people were seated in the bowl at a  special breakfast to inaugurate this bowl. The Berliners call it “The Berlin Soup Bowl”. Berlin's famous Tiergarten, Grosser is located in the heart of Berlin and close to the Brandenburg Gate. It is a magnificent park with spacious green areas – just as popular as Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. This park spreads out for about 500 acres with tree-lined paths leading to Berlin’s oldest zoo and the zoo-aquarium.Secret: In the summer months on Sunday evenings you just might be on time to hear the bells from the Carillo, which is the bell tower, 40 meters in height, situated next to the House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt - HKW). The HKW has presentations, concerts, films conferences and a variety of cultural activities and exhibitions throughout the year.  Everyone knows that Berlin is one of the best places for shopping!  They have great shopping centers and outlet centers with an endless range of products from latest fashion in clothing to the latest consumer goods. The culinary scene in the city is world-famous and varies from traditional German food such as potato pancakes, pea soup with sausages, potato stew to ethnic food that has been integrated into the local cuisine. There are many diverse eating establishments, food stalls and of course the finest of restaurants and cafes. There are plenty of beer houses and bars that serve beers and drinks of all types. However, the well-known “White Beer” (Weisse Beer) so called because it is  calls for at least 50% wheat to barley malt, which makes for a light colored top-fermenting beer. It is the most popular beer enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for its unique taste.