Christmas Market Spree

Düsseldorf

Dusseldorf is one of Germany's economic hubs, with a densely
populated city centre housing about 600,000 people. The city is
lively, with a love of music and culture that is hard to resist.
Dusseldorf is famous for its trade and fashion fairs and attracts
visitors from all over the world to these big and exciting events.
Streets like Bolkerstraße, Ratinger Straße and Kurze Straße are
alive with entertainment in the evenings. Those looking for an
authentic drink can sample the locally-produced Altbier (meaning
old-style beer) for which Dusseldorf is known.

Much of Dusseldorf was destroyed in World War II. The city is
therefore not as scenic as others in Germany despite its ancient
history, the first mention of which dates back to 1135. Modern
architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, however, in
Frank Gehry buildings and the colourful Colorium, all clustered in
the harbour district.

There are several pedestrian malls to stroll through and plenty
of museums and parks to enjoy. Visitors will be hard-pressed to
find a cleaner and more elegant city in Germany, even if there are
fewer historic buildings than may be expected. There is a
long-standing rivalry between Dusseldorf and Cologne but both
cities are gems for visitors - just order the right beer in the
right city!

Dusseldorf is located within easy distance of Bonn and Cologne,
and due to its proximity to the border also makes a good base for
weekend trips to Amsterdam, Paris, or Brussels.

Bonn

Bonn is a city in western Germany straddling the Rhine river. It’s known for the central Beethoven House, a memorial and museum honoring the composer’s birthplace. Nearby are Bonn Minster, a church with a Romanesque cloister and Gothic elements, the pink-and-gold Altes Rathaus, or old city hall, and Poppelsdorf Palace housing a mineralogical museum. To the south is Haus der Geschichte with post-WWII history exhibits

Mainz

Mainz is a historic city located in the western part of Germany, specifically in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. As the capital of this state, Mainz offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that attracts visitors from all around the world.

With a history dating back more than 2,000 years, Mainz is known as one of the oldest cities in Germany. It was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC and was an important center for trade and politics during the Middle Ages. Throughout its history, Mainz has been influenced by various rulers and empires, including the Romans, Franks, and even Napoleon.

One of the most prominent landmarks in Mainz is the Mainz Cathedral, also known as the Mainzer Dom. This impressive Romanesque cathedral, originally built in the 10th century, is the seat of the Bishop of Mainz and an architectural masterpiece. Visitors can explore its stunning interior, which features intricate stained glass windows and a grand organ.

Another iconic site in Mainz is the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. This museum showcases the history of printing through Gutenberg's original printing presses and also exhibits rare books and manuscripts. Gutenberg's invention revolutionized the spread of knowledge and contributed immensely to the cultural and intellectual development of Europe.

Exploring the picturesque Old Town of Mainz is a must-do for any visitor. The narrow streets are lined with charming half-timbered houses, medieval churches, and vibrant squares bustling with cafes and shops. The Marktplatz, or Market Square, is the heart of the Old Town and an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee or taste local delicacies.

Nature enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore in Mainz. The city is located along the banks of the Rhine River, providing numerous opportunities for scenic walks or bike rides along the promenade. Just a short distance from Mainz, you can also find the Rheingau region, famous for its vineyards and wine production. Visitors can take a leisurely tour of the vineyards, sample the region's famous Riesling wines, and enjoy the beautiful landscape.

Mainz is also a vibrant cultural hub with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The Mainz Carnival, known as "Fastnacht," is one of the most famous events in the city. It takes place in February and includes colorful parades, costumes, and street parties. Other cultural highlights include the Mainz Summer Lights Festival, featuring spectacular light installations and performances, and the Mainz Music Festival, showcasing a diverse range of music genres.

In terms of gastronomy, Mainz offers a variety of traditional German dishes as well as international cuisine. The city is known for its regional specialties such as sausages, sauerkraut, and pretzels. Visitors can enjoy these local delicacies in traditional taverns or modern restaurants scattered throughout the city.

Getting to Mainz is relatively easy, as it is well-connected by train and has direct flights to major European cities via Frankfurt Airport, which is just a short train ride away. Once in Mainz, public transportation is efficient, including buses and trams, which make it easy to explore the city.

Overall, Mainz offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a must-visit destination in Germany. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient Roman ruins, admiring Gothic architecture, tasting fine wines, or simply enjoying a relaxing stroll along the Rhine River, Mainz has something to offer for everyone.

Koblenz

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

Düsseldorf

Dusseldorf is one of Germany's economic hubs, with a densely
populated city centre housing about 600,000 people. The city is
lively, with a love of music and culture that is hard to resist.
Dusseldorf is famous for its trade and fashion fairs and attracts
visitors from all over the world to these big and exciting events.
Streets like Bolkerstraße, Ratinger Straße and Kurze Straße are
alive with entertainment in the evenings. Those looking for an
authentic drink can sample the locally-produced Altbier (meaning
old-style beer) for which Dusseldorf is known.

Much of Dusseldorf was destroyed in World War II. The city is
therefore not as scenic as others in Germany despite its ancient
history, the first mention of which dates back to 1135. Modern
architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, however, in
Frank Gehry buildings and the colourful Colorium, all clustered in
the harbour district.

There are several pedestrian malls to stroll through and plenty
of museums and parks to enjoy. Visitors will be hard-pressed to
find a cleaner and more elegant city in Germany, even if there are
fewer historic buildings than may be expected. There is a
long-standing rivalry between Dusseldorf and Cologne but both
cities are gems for visitors - just order the right beer in the
right city!

Dusseldorf is located within easy distance of Bonn and Cologne,
and due to its proximity to the border also makes a good base for
weekend trips to Amsterdam, Paris, or Brussels.