by Tuala Hjarnø (Copenhagen Media Center)
Germany (Berlin, Neuschwanstein Castle, Cologne)
2009 is a special year for Germany as it is 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Built in 1961, the Wall symbolized the division of Germany into West and East parts. The purpose was to stop people moving from one part to another. As a result, hundreds of families were split and this just could not be ignored by international community. This was clearly expressed in a famous “Ich bin ein Berliner" speech made by John F. Kennedy.
We need to know this background in order to understand Berlin’s architecture. Because the city has been divided for almost 30 years, its parts developed independently and were built up according to different styles. Whilst West Berlin has more old-fashioned houses, some people claim that the eastern part of the city in some ways resembles Moscow with its spacious buildings and wide streets.
There is also Berlin Zoo that has the largest range of species from all continents. In recent years it has been in the news because of Knut, a polar bear cub born in 2006. If you consider yourself an art lover, you should definitely visit Museumsinsel which comprises several world-famous museums full of paintings and sculptures.
Currently Berlin is a huge modern city with almost 3.5 million people and a political and cultural centre of Germany. However, there are much more to see in Germany apart from the capital.
While you are here, do not miss a chance to visit Neuschwanstein Castle in southwest Germany. In fact, you might already have an idea of how it looks, because it inspired Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. The castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II who had devoted more than 20 years of life to this project. Unfortunately, the king did not have a chance to live in the castle. Just before the building was completed, he was declared insane and drowned in a lake shortly.
The State Commission, that was strongly against the castle and took the power from the king, could not imagine that Neuschwanstein would make the region world-famous and turn it into one of the most popular tourist attractions.
As Christmas is approaching let us remember some details related to it. Most people know that after Jesus had been born he was visited by Three Kings carrying gifts. Since that, they became an essential part of Christmas celebrations. But how many people know that their relics are kept in a Shrine of the Three Kings at Cologne Cathedral?
by Gavincato (Wikimedia commons)
Today the cathedral is UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best known landmark in Cologne. The cathedral even held the title of world’s tallest building for several years.
Germans are famous for their punctuality and order which apply to everything they do. If you want to see it in real life, visit Cologne Carnival, the biggest of its kind in Europe. However, the most fascinating thing about the carnival is that every year it officially starts on 11 November exactly at 11 minutes past 11 a.m.
The city has an excellent infrastructure and served by Cologne-Bonn Airport with connections to major UK cities.
Copenhagen, Denmark
According to international rankings, Danes are claimed to be the happiest nation in the world. This is just one of a series of unusual things we know about Denmark. Today the country is mostly famous as a birthplace of Lars Ulrich, one of Metallica founders, and Lego.
It is amazing how a country, which consists of over 400 islands, managed to stay united throughout the centuries. Perhaps, the reason why Denmark survived is Vikings, who were good sailors and this helped to conquer large areas including Iceland, Greenland and north of France.
Surprisingly, since the end of the Viking era in 12th century, Danes have been very peaceful and were not involved in any wars in recent years.
This has undoubtedly affected the country’s status. Many tourists agree that Copenhagen is one the safest and cleanest cities in Europe with almost 36% of people using bicycles.
by Christian Alsing (Copenhagen Media Center)
Although Denmark is currently one of the biggest beer manufacturers in the world, binge drinking is not as common as in other EU states.
A particularly interesting attraction for UK travellers is Kronborg Castle which is situated in the town of Helsingør (Elsinore). Shakespeare's Hamlet takes place in this castle and if you are interested in literature, Kronborg is a must-visit.
Whilst in Copenhagen, do not miss a chance to see Tivoli Gardens, world’s oldest amusement park. It was opened in 1843 and has been popular since. It has the tallest carousel in the world called Himmelskibet. At the height of 80 meters you can get an amazing view of Copenhagen.
There are many Easyjet and AirBerlin flights from UK, but you might also consider going by ferry or cruise ship. Ferries regularly operate between Denmark and Norway, so it gives you a chance to see Norwegian fjords for an affordable price.
by Zair Kashek
More in this series:
Places to see in 2009: Quebec city and Hawaii
Places to see in 2009: Venice and Prague
Places to see in 2009: Warwick Castle and Stonehenge
Places to see in 2009: Eden Project and Cadbury World
Tagged in Travel