I wonder how often Bremen is overlooked by Cologne and Hamburg, because I had never heard of it until I looked at a map for a place to stay in Northern Germany en route from Cologne to Copenhagen. As soon as I saw the charming buildings online, I knew I had to stop by. It resembled a cross between Munich and Rothenburg, an enchanting blend of neo-gothic and charming medieval architecture. Bremen was and still is a major port city as it is situated along a river that empties out into the North Sea. Our morning spent in Bremen was…

Let’s face it. There really isn’t a whole lot to do in Cologne.  It’s just another big city (Germany’s 4th largest) with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and museums.  And a handful of bridges and a zoo.  We also happened to be in Cologne on a Sunday, which is the worst day to explore any city in Germany because everything is closed. First things first.  We spent our first night about 3 km north of the cathedral along the river, just down the street from the zoo, at a €10/night stellplatz (Reisemobilhafen Köln). Surprisingly, there were quite a few RVs when we…

Despite having a mouthful of a name, the historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber was tiny. But it didn’t matter that it was tiny. What mattered was how irresistibly adorable it was, and the fact its medieval façade wasn’t simply a show to lure tourists. This was the stereotypical Bavarian town, and I couldn’t wait to see it. To our surprise, there was even a convenient stellplatz across the street from the south end of the walled town. With impeccably clean bathrooms, water (100 liters for €1), waste disposal, electricity, and a location just a stone’s throw away from…

Here is a weird fact: the only three things I knew about Germany before my arrival were Oktoberfest, WWII, and the Neuschwanstein Castle.  I sampled a tiny bit of Oktoberfest while in Munich, I shuddered at the Dachau Concentration Camp, and now I fulfilled my dream of walking in a magical winter wonderland at the Neuschwanstein Castle. I read that if you visit the castle in the winter, when the forests and rooftops are dusted with snow, it would be a magical experience.  Because we were already spending February in Germany, I knew we HAD to go.  Winter also meant the…

I never knew that Munich, nevermind Germany, exploded with culture. Even in mid-February, the opposite time of year from the world famous Oktoberfest, locals and especially tourists filled the air (primarily beer gardens) with the boisterous festivities known to Bavarian culture. I’ve already mentioned that I’m not fond of beer, but in Munich, beer is not a beverage but a staple, like bread. Beer in Munich is not only integral to their culture—it is the reason why people visit. To avoid beer in Munich would be like avoiding pizza in Italy. Blasphemy! Two of the closest options to Munich where…

As Americans who had the atrocious history of WWII and Nazi Germany burned into their education since grade school, we knew that a visit to a former concentration camp was a must during our visit in Germany.  However harrowing and heart wrenching the experience may be, we knew that this brutal past time was crucial in shaping the country and the world today. Visiting a country isn’t all about enjoying its beauty, culture, and gastronomy.  Like how the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is to Japan, or the Civil Rights Museum of Memphis is to the U.S., the Dachau Concentration Camp and Memorial is a scar to Germany,…