Fly really cheap to anywhere in Europe with Germanwings from the Cologne-bonn airport!
I visited Blankenheim from 1976 to 1985. I loved the people culture and city. I would love to return to see frends like HUBERTA MULLER - larryarnette@yahoo.com.
Bochum is beautiful, if you go there some day you can't miss a soccer game-- these people are so dedicated to their team, it's a great experience. You also have to see the Rhine river and take the lifts up the hills over all the vinyards, if you do I promise you will not be disappointed.
I spent a short weekend in Kiel with a friend and we were surprised at what a pleasant town it is. All the red brick buildings in the old town: looking very sturdy and sober. And then you come to the Harbour and - hey, what a nice and modern breeze! I loved it. Nice beaches nearby and great paths for bicycling.
Try the Westensee Schluck (a local schnapps) - quite delicious!
Wuppertal is well known for its suspended train (Schwebebahn). The big industrial city has turned into a cultural place (historical and art museums, University).
Freiburg is a really interesting place, with its liberal and evironmentally friendly attitude combined with interesting inner city. It reminded me of San Francisco, except smaller and much less gay. I did manage to get a little bored here by the end of my three days, so I only recommend two tops. Going to see a match of FC Freiburg is highly recommended, and the stadium can be reached from the city centre by a long but beautiful walk (one and a quarter hours) along the river to the east.
The Schöens Wochenende (Happy Weekend) train ticket is an amazing deal if you have more time than money. For only €28 up to five people can travel all weekend on local trains (that's €28 total for up to 5 people!). If you wanted to, you can travel all the way from Berlin to Switzerland on nothing but local trains (but it takes about 10 train transfers and 10 hours to do it). Buy a pass at any German train station.
Konstanz is amazing. I love this place! I want to come back.
I lived in Soest for a few years, as well as worked there. Soest is a small city, very accessible and easy to get around in (keeping in mind it is, like many medieval cities, built in circles radiating out from the Cathedral in the centre of town). It is very conducive to walking or cycling. Not only is Soest historically interesting but it has a wealth of interesting gasthofs, cafes, konditorei, and nightclubs. As Soest was home to both Canadian and British troops from the 1950s through the 1970s and into the 1990s -- as well as Belgian troops -- English is not difficult to find, although one should always try and struggle through in German first. For anyone traveling through this region, Soest is an absolute must see.
Tecklenburg is such a beautiful village on top of the Ranges of Teutoburg Forest. It is full of old tiny halftimbered houses, it is so cute! If you are near Münster - visit this place, it will be unforgettable.
I visited Wertheim recently, what a remarkable improvement since I was there earlier in 1962-63. You have made it a virtual wonderland of scenery!
Karlsruhe is a great midsized people, about 250,000 people live there. You can find a huge palace and many cultural things to do. Nightlife is ok, too. And Karlsruhe is one of the warmest cities in Germany very close to the Rhine River, the Black Forest and the French Border (all within 30 minutes).
I recently visited your beautiful, peaceful city, and honestly didn't want to leave. It reminds me somewhat where I live in Seattle Washington, with the water all around. And Flensburg has such an interesting, and very old history. Right on the border with Denmark, it has the Danish neatness, and beauty. I will come back some day when I can stay longer. You're fortunate to live in such a heavenly, quiet, peaceful city like Flensburg. I'm sure you have your share of crime,and similar problems, but not like the United States. Will close for now. And thank you for making Flensburg such a wonderful city. God Bless You.
Plau am See is a stunningly beautiful lake district. The people are warm and welcoming and the surrounding country is well worth a drive tour to seek out the hidden treasures. I can't wait to go back again.
Heilbronn is a nice, medium- to small-size city with a little bit of everything to do. I've never stayed in a hotel there but it's a nice town/city. Summertime offers nice festivals and the wintertime offers the beautiful WeihnachtMarkt! Enjoy it!
Baden-Baden is fun to explore especially with all of the staired ally ways that lead into seemingly secret courtyards with foutains. Bring a good pair of shoes because the town is very hilly.
Hamburg is a vibrant, cool city. The harbour area is fascinating, and the Reeperbahn (German version of Amsterdam's Red Light District) is worth a visit - for the experience of course! Very friendly locals, cool bars, restaurants, culture, and good shops...what more can you want?
One interesting thing about Singen is that it is home to that sauce that many Germans put on everything known as Maggi. Everywhere you are reminded of Maggi.
Paderborn is a beautiful city with great shops and plenty of night life. There are many restaurants of worldwide origin and the city generally has a welcoming and exciting feel to it. Paderborn is a must for anybody visiting Germany.
Düsseldorf … The oldtown part of Dusseldorf rocks.
Flessenow … Beautiful, serene, peaceful. The perfect place to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the German countryside.
Ludwigsburg … It has a really good scenery and I can't wait till I am back. It was a very relaxing week and the weather was great.
Villingen-Schwenningen … I had a great time there, enjoying my Eis while watching people passing by. Great place to shop too! And this place is always lively!
Igersheim … I love the country, people, food, and beer. It's a great place to visit!
Monschau … We have visited Monschua on several occasions and have found it to be a lovely town.
Todtnauberg … The most breathtakingly beautiful place I have ever visited.
Tauberbischofsheim … Lived there for about a year when I was stationed in Wuerzburg in the Army year 1986-90. Great People, wonderful Maybaum fest, love every minute I spend in that city.
