Germany: übercool hotspots

Germany is vast. Even if you had to sift through its vibrant cities, intriguing small towns and undulating countryside to arrive at its top attractions, it would take a lifetime to explore completely. From dramatic architecture to natural beauty that has been the font of inspiration for poetry and literature, the most populated EU state offers snapshots of great achievements and timeless beauty. Here are some hot spots that might help you decide where to begin exploring.


1. Cologne Cathedral

You cannot visit Germany and bypass one of the greatest Gothic churches of Christendom. The construction of this monument began in the 13th century and was only completed by the end of the 19th century, still faithfully adhering to the original plan of drawings which have miraculously survived. Guides who speak a wide range of languages are ever-present at the cathedral. And for a small fee they will point out its highlights – and there are many. The steeples rise to an astonishing height of 157 metres and the cathedral is a veritable museum of ecclesiastical treasures. The gilded shrine of The Three Magi and an altar painted by Cologne's greatest medieval painter, Stephan Lochner, are also unmissable.



2. Rhine valley navigation

This is possibly the most charming way to spend a day. Pleasure steamers drifting slowly along the river Rhine, a vineyard clinging to a precipitous slope, crag-top castles, quaint villages skirting the banks, minuscule eateries and majestic castles along the way – make this a most pleasant run. It doesn't matter if you're driving or boating along. This is the landscape that picture books are made of. But if you want to follow fairy tales to their happy ending, make sure you halt at the Lorelei Rock. Legend has it that a fair-haired siren swirled her pretty legs over this rock, singing melodiously. As she crooned into the night air, many sailors who were driven to distraction by the loveliness of this moonlight apparition, fell into the river. Her story is recounted at the Loreley Besucherzentrum, a modern-day visitor's centre.



3. Munich's Alte Pinakothek

Containing arguably the world's greatest collection of European art, any Alte Pinakothek aficionado will reel off a list of reasons to visit this glorious gallery which houses the fine collection of art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Be prepared to be swept off your feet by greats like Durer, Cranach, Grunewald and by Altdorfer, whose Battle of Alexander of 1592 wins hands down in the most dramatic battle scene contest. The souvenir shop is the perfect place to pick up memorabilia. Postcards, computer mouse mats, bookmarks... my thoughts turn to old Aunt Maude for whom life without the prized possession of an Altdorfer painted mug would be less delightful.



4. Frankfurt's Palmengarten

To describe the essence of Palmengarten is a bewildering task. This garden's got everything from sub-Antarctic shrubs to a Tropicarium devoted to plants from rugged areas. And if that isn't enough, its home to a water playground, a miniature golf course and a Goethe garden, where inspiring quotes may be read from plaques standing sagely amid the flowers. If you listen carefully, a wide assortment of sounds will impress themselves upon your senses: the rustling of leaves, the creaking of branches, the visual riot of blossoms, the singing of an artificial waterfall skipping down the rocky hill to the heather garden.



5. Eberbach Monastery

To the north of the Rheingau, where the towering Taunus Mountains shelter the vineyards, lies a walled monastery. The scenic landscape around the monastery can easily take your breath away. As you wander through the monastery building, a solitary window opens. A hint of the seclusion that was a way of life for the community of monks who lived here for seven hundred years. Entering the Basilica, the guide points out its special features – the Romanesque architecture, the stained glass windows, the tombs in the south chapel… leaving one wonder-struck.



6. Berlin's Checkpoint Charlie

A journey to east Germany is in order if you'd like to go in for a bit of history. The Berlin wall was pulled down in 1989, but rock and brick fragments still exist for viewing. Halt at Checkpoint Charlie, a notorious crossing-point between the East and West. It was here that US and Soviet tanks confronted one another in one of the iciest points of the cold war. A stone's-throw away is the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie – a great museum about the wall. After this eventful trip, pause a moment to taste Himmel und Erde. This Rhineland speciality, a mixture of apples and potatoes that is frequently served with frankfurters is, like its name suggests, heaven on a plate. Guten Appetit!

HOW TO GET THERE

Emirates (emirates.com) has direct daily flights from Dubai to Frankfurt and Munich. For other flights originating from Dubai, visit dnata.com.

Once there, depending on where you stay, there are direct train connections to most places. These can also be reached via the country's sprawling autobahns.

DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT

- A windcheater. The weather is erratic. It is best to be prepared for a sudden shower.

- A camera. There are plenty of good pictures to be taken - from an emperor inscribed on strained glass in the Cologne Cathedral to the exceptional natural beauty of the Rhine Valley.

TRAVELLERS' TIPS

Passport holders of most non-EU countries will require a visa to enter Germany. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, USA and New Zealand do not need entry visas if their stay does not exceed 90 days. For more information on Schengen visas, visit vfsglobal-de-ae.com or call 04 3455461 in Dubai.