Matador's Ultimate Guide to Germany

Beer, dream-worthy medieval castles, and fairytale scenery ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  [Matador's Guide to Germany]( Matador's Ultimate Guide to Germany Hi all, Germany is among the most diverse places to visit in Europe for food, drink, nature, and culture. Here, you can walk through epic [Christmas markets]( or work your way through [27 different types of sausages](. You can drink beer in the [motherland of hops]( and experience the famous [counterculture scene of Berlin](. Oktoberfest is behind us, but it’s never too late to plan a trip for the holidays (or get an early start in planning for [next year’s Oktoberfest](. This week, Matador explores Germany. [Let’s dive in](. [EXPLORE GERMANY](  GET INSPIRED [Berlin Waterfront]( What It’s Really Like To Live as an Expat in Berlin, Germany Berlin, in particular, is a popular base. Around one-third of Berlin’s residents are from overseas, and many expats add to this multicultural population. The city is an enriched cultural hub and has attracted creatives and entrepreneurs who take inspiration from the magnificent architecture and artistic offerings. [READ MORE]( [Baden-baden]( This German Spa Town Is the Most Relaxing Escape Baden-Baden, in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, is known for its thermal baths and relaxing location on the doorstep of the Black Forest. [READ MORE]( [pretzels and beer]( Soak Up Stunning Views, Booze, and Brats on the Bavarian Gourmet Trail Crystal clear lakes, dense pine forests, storybook villages, and weißwurst sizzling on the grill — welcome to Bavaria’s Gourmet Trail. As the name suggests, this route is largely devoted to local eats inspired by southern Germany’s long-standing tradition of hospitality and indulgent cuisine. [READ MORE](  NATURE + ADVENTURE [two bike riders]( 6 of the Best Cycling Routes in Germany Instead of pouring over hundreds of maps to see if one might work for you, let this list be your starting point. Spanning the entire country, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to rolling vineyards, here are six of the best cycling routes across Germany. [READ MORE]( [park in Berlin]( The Most Unusual Green Spaces in Berlin You Need To Visit After World War II shattered 80 percent of the city, thousands of trees were imported to Berlin from across Europe in an effort to disguise destruction with foliage. As a result, Germany’s capital city is being reclaimed by nature. [READ MORE]( [Saxon Switzerland]( Saxon Switzerland Is a Stunning National Park That’s Actually in Germany You’d be forgiven if you thought it was in Switzerland, but you’ll actually find this forested, rocky wonderland in eastern Germany on the border with the Czech Republic. [READ MORE](  FOOD + CULTURE [people eating food in Germany]( 4 Travel Itineraries for Sampling the Best Food in Germany These itineraries show you the best of the best, and they can be navigated separately or joined together, sampled distinctly or paired, just like Germany’s top dishes. What will you find? Well, that depends on the route you choose. Many more exist, but the four below will linger on your palate for a very, very long time. [READ MORE]( [christmas cookies]( These 10 Spiced, Buttery, and Nutty Cookies Are the Flavors of Christmas in Germany German people take their festive sweets very seriously. In Germany, on Christmas and the weeks leading up to it, cookies are undoubtedly the star of the dessert table. There are a number of varieties — many spiced and decorated with nuts — that accompany festive celebrations. [READ MORE]( [vineyard in Germany]( You Know Bavaria for Beer, but You Should Be Going for the Wine, Too Bavaria is home to Franconia, a cultural region in the northwestern part of the state with a history that dates back to at least the 8th century. Unlike the rest of Bavaria, Franconians prefer vineyards to beer gardens. Müller-thurgau, silvaner, and bacchus are the primary grapes grown in the region. [READ MORE]( [German bread]( Why Germany, Not France, Is the Bread Capital of Europe Not only is bread a culinary treasure, but it’s also deeply embedded in nearly every aspect of German culture, from history to entertainment: In 2015, UNESCO awarded German bread “intangible heritage” status. [READ MORE](  TIPS, ADVICE + DEALS [Berlin Airbnb]( These Berlin Airbnbs Showcase the German Capital’s Artsy Side Standing out as one of the hippest cities in Europe, Berlin’s fusion of grunge and glamour is a siren’s call for travelers. Whether you’re flying in to tick-off museums or for the legendary nightlife, top on your agenda is deciding where to stay in Berlin. [READ MORE]( [Kreuzberg]( Why You Need To Hang Out in Berlin’s Kreuzberg Neighborhood A quirky, artsy vibe that contrasts with Berlin’s thriving nightclub and party scene — and you have an area that actually does embody the counterculture that the city is known for. [READ MORE]( [cars in a factory tour]( Why You Should Take a Factory Tour on Your Next Trip To Europe. Yes, a Factory Tour. There’s something about seeing age-old traditional crafts being made and learning about the people who choose to keep these skills alive. But it can be equally interesting – and arguably even more valuable – to know how the things we use every day are made. [READ MORE]( [Epic Stays TikTok](  [Facebook](  [Twitter](  [Youtube](  [Instagram](  [Tiktok](  [Pinterest]( [Update your email frequency and topic preferences here](. Or [unsubscribe from our newsletter.]( We'll be here when you need us! Copyright © 2022 Matador Network, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Matador Network, PO Box 7775, Suite 40021, San Francisco, CA 94120, United States Â