Telegraph readers on German holidays: 'Berlin is just fantastic'
Another chapter was written in the story of England’s rivalry with Germany on Tuesday evening as Gareth Southgate’s side came out victorious during their round of 16 fixture against Joachim Löw’s men.
While decades of competition on the field may have clouded Britons’ view of Germany, it’s actually a wonderful holiday destination, according to Telegraph Travel’s Greg Dickinson.
Not to be dissuaded by sporting rivalries, Telegraph readers have told us why they secretly love Germany and shared stories of their most memorable holidays. Read on for the best discussion points from our readers and share your own view in the comments section at the bottom of this article.
‘Germany is a great place to enjoy for a long weekend, or more’
@Ben Greenslade-Smith:
"I have spent fantastic long weekends in various parts of Germany, visiting friends and seeing the sights. There is the stunning old town and summer beer festival in Nuremberg. The great shopping, the zoo and the car manufacturers’ museums in Stuttgart. There is so much to see and do in Munich and then there is the amazing Berlin nightlife and all the history that goes with the city.
"Germany is clean and tidy with vibrant cities and stunning countryside. German and international food choices together with domestic wine and beer make the country a great place to enjoy for a long weekend or more. Driving across the country is quick, easy and pleasurable on good roads, with folk who can actually operate a car properly (unlike the Dutch, French, Belgians or Italians!)
"Germans are far more welcoming than the likes of the French, and yet the British continue to plough their money into the economy of the latter because they can't get over the war(s). Wake up people! There's a big wide world out there other than Spain and France for your short haul holidays."
'We have more in common with Germany than we’d like to admit'
@Andrew Hamilton:
"Try Hamburg. It’s a cross between Manchester and Liverpool without the turmoil that both the UK cities suffered in the 70s and 80s.
"It has polite, helpful and friendly people as well as hearty food, good beer (though less variety than UK), generally good weather, beautiful countryside and good transport. Culturally we have more in common with Germany than we like to admit."
'It is a fascinating and varied country'
@Joe Ninety:
"I have seen a lot of Germany driving through it (and overnighting) on my way to Italy. It is a fascinating, large, and very varied country. The younger and middle-aged Germans, in my experience, are lovely people. The older ones can be a bit crusty but then, as no spring chicken, so can I."
'Berlin is just fantastic'
@Jez Corfield:
"I spent time in Germany while in the Army, and would visit frequently with work. It’s a great place to visit for a holiday, no proper beaches but good for mountains and city breaks. Berlin is just fantastic."
'I recommend Bamberg and Lubeck'
@Steve Lenane:
"Germany is a great place to visit, with friendly people and beautiful architecture. I recommend Bamberg and Lubeck. Munich lives up to its reputation, though I don't think that Cologne does as there are many nicer cities to visit."
'We had a wonderful visit to Berlin'
@Mick Gould:
"A couple of years ago we had a wonderful visit to Berlin. My spouse could not believe the cheap, clean and efficient integrated transport system. Of course this is partly due to it being subsidised by the dividends taken out of the sad British transport system by the Germans."
'Once we are welcome to go back we will do so'
@Graham Stott:
"We've had some hugely enjoyable cycling holidays in Germany and its near neighbours: across the 'Danish' peninsular (and back); around Lake Constance; along the Baltic coast to the Polish border; and a tour in Bavaria. All well run, fabulously interesting and friendly. Once we are welcome to go back we will do so."
'My favourite place is the Mosel river'
@Bill Irvine:
"I bought a motorhome in Germany in 2007. I would recommend anyone wishing to buy one to do so from Germany. Aside from the left hand drive advantage, the price was much better than anything the English counterparts were offering, and easily exported back to the UK.
"Having travelled extensively around Europe and most of Germany, I can honestly say that it is the best country in Europe for holidays in a motorhome or just camping. Wonderful cities, excellent outdoor swimming pools with (usually) cheap entrance fees, clean campsites, efficient toll-free road network, quality food at reasonable prices, hot summers lasting from April till October, lout and litter free towns, respectful young people – I could go on. I have found the people curious but very friendly, especially if you attempt a few words of their language.
"My favourite place (and it's hard to choose as there are so many beautiful areas and medieval towns) is the Mosel river, where one can purchase the nicest wine for three euros per bottle."
'I will keep going back'
@Steve Hatton:
"I have visited Hamburg, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Berlin and Munich. I have loved every trip to Germany: its cities, its people and the great beer! I will keep going back. Munich is next."
'We go to the Black Forest region as often as possible'
@Angela Haines:
"My family have spent many happy times in Germany, either on RAF tours of duty years ago and also on holiday. We go to the beautiful Black Forest region as often as possible which is in the south west and the sunniest part of the country. The food, beer and wine are all fantastic. Hygiene standards are very high and the accommodation and the swimming pools are spotless. Most Germans speak very good English and have always made us feel welcome. Far more so than the French!"
'It’s only us that seems to want to constantly refer to the war'
@A C H Melchett:
"I have never had anything but positive experiences in Germany and with the German people. This includes in Bavaria and skiing with the Forces – stunning, Oktoberfest, my university girlfriend's German friends when she studied there, and the former East German submarine captain in my syndicate at Staff College. All perfectly charming people. It's only us that seems to want to constantly refer to the war."
'Everyone should consider a visit to Germany'
@Philip Livingstone:
"Once Covid is over, everyone should consider a visit to Germany. It has absolutely fantastic cities like Berlin and Dresden. Both are well worth a visit."
'Did I mention the beer?'
@K D Grubb:
"Germany is a great place to visit. It has beautiful scenery, great beer, efficient and cheap travel. Did I mention the beer?"
