Tag: Germany

ISLAND HOPPING in GERMANY

Posted onAuthorRenata Green65 Comments

While international tourism to Germany is increasing, visitors rather stick to the clichés like beer and Lederhosen in Munich and a cruise on the Mosel River, or they hang out at the hip capital Berlin – instead of enjoying Island Hopping in Germany.

I guess that’s the reason why many people think Germany is landlocked. They don’t think about long coasts, two seas, and about 80 islands.

Hooded wicker chairs on the beach of Borkum West of East Frisia
The Strandkorb’s hood can be left in the upright position or reclined so that the sunbathers lie in the sun. The footrest can also be used as a storage space, and to the sides are small wooden fold-out tables large enough for your drink and a book or magazine. It definitely is the perfect beach furniture.

However, that’s exactly what Germany’s north has to offer – and many fascinating phenomena like the tideland that comes with it. As a matter of fact, Germany’s shoreline is longer than the Portuguese one.

So what are you waiting for? Join me on my island hopping…in Germany!

This Way to the Whole Story ->

NordArt 2024: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit

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Last Saturday, the moment had come: NordArt 2024 opened its gates and is once again delivering a wealth of inspiring art to its visitors.
In this post I’ll tell you everything you need to know for your visit to the NordArt 2024 – but first, I reveal the secret of where the fun-sounding venue Büdelsdorf is actually located.

Eva by MojDa David Moješčik at the NordArt 2024
Eva by MojDa aka David Moješčik in the center of the humongous former production hall.
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BERLIN guide: get the most for less on bus 100

Posted onAuthorRenata Green35 Comments

Who needs an expensive hop-on hop-off bus? Follow my guide to Berlin and you’ll get to see most for less by taking the city bus 100.

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, seen from the Pariser Platz
Pariser Platz on the Eastern side of the Brandenburger Tor – where the gate used to divide East and West Germany. Today it’s the busiest tourist spot in all of Berlin.

In conclusion, all you need is a cheap WelcomeCard that allows you to explore Germany’s capital on your own. Oh, and of course this guide.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

From North German Ports to the Americas: Migration in the 19th and 20th Century

Posted onAuthorRenata Green55 Comments

In the 19th and 20th centuries, millions of people left Europe for the Americas in search of a better life – choosing a migration route through North German ports.

sculpture called Die Auswanderer, emigrants, remembering Migration from North German Ports to the Americas
This sculpture called Die Auswanderer, hence emigrants, is standing on the shore of the river Weser. It remembers the seven million passing through the port of Bremerhaven. Actually, this statue by Frank Varga was donated by the German-American Memorial Association.

As a counterpart to the arrival halls in Ellis Island, several museums in German cities remember the adventurous journeys of the emigrants in transit.

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BOOMTOWN BREMERHAVEN – Complete Guide

Posted onAuthorRenata Green45 Comments

The city of Bremerhaven was founded as Bremen‘s access to the North Sea, and after some ups and downs, the city is now evolving into a Boomtown – as I prove in this complete guide to this widely underrated city.

Seute Deern
The Seute Deern (which in Low German means Sweet Girl) was the world’s last cargo sailing ship made entirely of wood. In March 2020, one of Bremerhaven’s most iconic landmarks had to be scrapped. However, they are planning on building a copy.

After a changeful history, today the city is almost secretly evolving into a Boomtown.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

BREMEN – BIG and small. A complete city guide.

Posted onAuthorRenata Green45 Comments

Bremen, located in the northwest, is definitely not Germany’s most famous city. However, visitors who find their way here will certainly be surprised. And even rewarded since the historic old town – partly a UNESCO world heritage site – deems like the capital of a fairyland. And you’ll run into some fabulous creatures and fairy tale figures, indeed.

The Roland in front of the City Hall of Bremen
Mr. Roland in front of the town hall: As long as he stands tall, Bremen remains free and independent.

But there is far more to discover in this Free Hanseatic City.

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LUBECK – a guide to Germany’s most ravishing city

Posted onAuthorRenata Green48 Comments

Somehow, Lubeck, Germany’s most ravishing city, has always reminded me of Venice. An innocently cute and relatively small city that used to possess such political influence and economic power, reaching all over Europe and beyond.

Lubeck Germany's most ravishing city: Holstengate
There are quite a few lions in Lubeck – honoring Henry the Lion, the Bavarian King who, after Munich, also founded Lubeck in 1159. In the Backdrop, the iconic Holstentor and right next to it, the ancient salt warehouses.

Although Lubeck has incredibly beautiful buildings and alleys, seven church towers, three Nobel prize winners, and world-famous marzipan, it does not suffer from destructive over-tourism. Therefore, let me show you around one of Germany’s most captivating cities.

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Guide to the Island of FEHMARN – Where Plan B is the Best Plan

Posted onAuthorRenata Green41 Comments

Beaches, Breezes, Birds, and endless fields of Brassica Napus – I don’t really have to explain why on the Baltic island of Fehmarn Plan B is the Best Plan, do I?

Renata Green riding a bike on the island of Fehmarn
Cycling along rapeseed fields – the basic activity of our stay on Fehmarn. (Photo: Mimi Green)

Therefore, I’ve had a soft spot for the Northgerman Island of Fehmarn for the longest time.

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Weekend in DUISBURG – Steel And Style in Germany’s Ruhr Area

Posted onAuthorRenata18 Comments

On my discovery tour through Germany’s Ruhr Area, I spent a weekend in Duisburg, a city mainly known for its large steel plants but extremely underrated when it comes to art and style.

Tiger And Turtle, a rollercoaster in a new style, visited on a weekend in Duisburg.
The walkable rollercoaster Tiger & Turtle is one of Duisburg’s most outstanding landmarks.

Very unjustly so, because you’ll be surprised how many hidden gems I pulled out from Duisburg’s cultural lucky bag.

This Way to the Whole Story ->