Northwest Germany The Rhine River has historically been one of Europe’s most important waterways both for trade and agriculture, as well as serving as a rough boundary between western and central Europe. For these reasons the Rhine has been one of the most heavily fortified frontiers in the world from ancient times right through the end of World War II. Most of the surviving … [Read more...]
SWAN CASTLES (NEUSCHWANSTEIN, HOHENSCHWANGAU)
Fussen, Germany Bavaria in Southern Germany is the quintessential land of fairy tales and Teutonic mythology. Centered on the famous Romantic Road that runs south through Bavaria to Fussen, Southern Germany is home to the Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, and of course the famous fairy-tale swan castles of Mad King Ludwig. Built to realize his dream of raising Bavaria to new … [Read more...]
HOHENZOLLERN CASTLE
Hechingen, Germany Hohenzollern Castle, tucked away in southwestern Germany, is one of Europe’s most overlooked architectural gems. The ancestral home of the Hohenzollern family, who produced a number of Holy Roman Emperors as well as the imperial line of Prussia, this was arguably the most impressive castle in Germany until Mad King Ludwig arrived. While it is overshadowed … [Read more...]
WARTBURG CASTLE
Eisenach, Germany Wartburg Castle in Eisenach was not selected for its size, beauty, political or military importance, although it certainly has its share of all of these. Its inclusion is merited as a historical site in connection with Martin Luther. While Luther threw down the gauntlet to the Papcy in Wittenberg, it was Wartburg Castle that harboured him when he was a … [Read more...]
CAFE NIEDREGGER
Lubeck, Germany One of the holiday season’s most popular traditional treats, especially in central and southern Europe, is marzipan, which may be the oldest classic Christmas confection. Marzipan, a candy-paste derived from almonds and sugar, either originated in the Middle East or passed through there on its way to Europe at some time during the Middle Ages. It was likely … [Read more...]
STEINBACH NUTCRACKER WOODWORKS
Hohenhameln & Marienberg, Germany To children of all ages, Christmas is the time of year for the giving and receiving of toys; and no toy is as evocative of this magic season as the Nutcracker doll. Created by innovative woodcarvers in the rich forestlands of Central Germany, Nutcracker dolls have been around at least as far back as the 16th century, possibly even … [Read more...]
LAUSCHA GLASSWORKS
Lauscha, Germany While the earliest Christmas trees were documented in Central Europe sometime in the early 16th century, the first true Christmas ornaments did not appear until three hundred years later. During that long intervening period, the Christmas tree decorations of choice consisted primarily of edible treats. Sometime in the 1840s, a glassblower in the small town … [Read more...]
HANSEL AND GRETEL AT THE GERMAN NATIONAL THEATER
Weimar, Germany Of all the holiday musical traditions, one of the oldest, if somewhat unusual, is Engelbert Humperdinck’s operetta, Hansel and Gretel. This beautiful, somewhat scary composition is closely associated with Christmas for two reasons: first, it premiered two days before Christmas in 1893; and second, it was written as an entertainment for children. Although … [Read more...]
KATHE WOHLFAHRT CHRISTMAS STORE AND MUSEUM
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany Kathe Wohlfahrt is a highly regarded and popular chain of year-round Christmas shops located primarily in Germany. The company’s headquarters in the picturesque city of Rothenburg is not only home to the company’s largest store, but to a magnificent Christmas museum as well. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most popular retail … [Read more...]
CHRISTKINDLESMARKT
Nuremburg, Germany The annual Christmas Market in Nuremberg, Germany is neither the oldest nor the largest, though it is by far the most famous. Nevertheless it is old, probably dating back to the 16th century; and very large, receiving as many as two million visitors annually. The Nuremberg market’s fame is due in no small part to the city’s reputation as Germany’s … [Read more...]
