Autumn. Thats the time of the year when friends all over the world tell you (if you are German like i am, atleast) that they themselves or people they know fly to Germany for a few days to go to the famous Oktoberfest in Munich. After these days they come back and tell all who want to hear it how great it was and how weird the Germans are. They come back thinking that all their stereotypes about Germany are perfectly true. And why should they think otherwise? They saw Germans dressing up in the traditional Bavarian way, drinking beer until they collapse and much more.

But let me tell you. If you have only been to the Oktoberfest, you can't claim that you've been to Germany. You can say that you have been to a traditional event in Germany. But there is way more to Germany than that. So if you have the time, don't only visit the Oktoberfest or Munich, visit Germany. Here are some suggestions for you and you friends for the next time:

Visit the BMW world in Munich:

This is something you can do without leaving Munich. BMW, the famous car brand, created an exhibition about the BMW history. And if you don't like cars, go there for the architecture!

The BMW world

Visit Hamburg:

Hamburg is the second biggest city in Germany and, in my opinion, the most beautiful. Not only can you visit the famous harbour with the so called "Speicherstadt", but also enjoy the different flairs of the different downtown areas (the best of them is the "Schanzenviertel"). Hamburg has endless possibilities for activities, so I won't go any further here. Instead I'll give you some pictures!

The townhall

The so called "Speicherstadt" where goods were stored in the 19th and 20th century

The "Schanzenviertel", where its all about art and lifestyle

Visit Neuschwanstein:

This speaks for itself...

Visit the different landscape types of Germany:

Germany, oh wonder, doesn't only consist of Bavaria. There are many different landscapes and cities that have to offer a lot of fun! A big contrast to the cities is Mecklenburg-Western-Pomerania. If you enjoy the sea and endless fields, that is the right place for you to relax!

Oh. And of course you can visit Berlin! But anyway, now you have an idea of the broad possibilities that Germany offers besides the Oktoberfest. Don't only drink your holidays away with beer at the Oktoberfest. Get out there and explore!

icfiedler