Visit Germany

Follow in the footsteps of Bach

Bronze statue of Bach next to the St.Thomas church in Leipzig

Johann Sebastian Bach wrote musical history and continues to delight people today. We take you on a tour of locations that are, even today, strongly conected to the composer.

Official page Bach Museum, Eisenach

A safari in the Bavarian Forest

The mountainous regions of southern Germany are an idyllic place to ski in winter. But few realize that the Bavarian Forest National Park is also home to some large and intriguing animals.

Travel guide: getting around

Whether you want to get around Germany by train, plane, bus, tram, subway, car or bike, read on for some important tips.

Travel guide: eating and drinking

Enjoying local dishes, treats and beverages of all kinds can be the highlight of any trip. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when dining in Germany.

Travel guide: social etiquette

Old woman pointing her finger at someone

When in Rome, do as the Romans and when in Germany... you get the point. Here are some ways to avoid committing a faux pas while in Germany.

Travel guide: money and shopping

Money makes the world go 'round - or at least money makes it easier to get around. Read on for tips on spending money in Germany.

Travel guide: gadgets and communication

These days, traveling abroad doesn't mean you can't stay connected with home or the office. Whether you're in Germany on business or pleasure, here are some tips for everything in your suitcase with a plug.

Travel guide: public holidays

Germany has many public holidays, some of which vary from state to state. Since most things are closed then, it's best to check dates before you make any plans.

Talking Germany

This week's guest: Peter Maffay, one of Germany’s most popular musicians

Discover Germany

Join tourists from all over the world as they discover Germany.

Discover Germany - the travel magazine

A unique southern feel at German ski resorts

The slopes are open

German ski resorts are not necessarily the first you would think of if you were asked to name a few. But places like Oberammergau, Lenggries, Willingen and Oberstdorf are known for a unique southern German feel. Then there's Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which plays host to world-class ski competitions.
A unique southern feel at German ski resorts

One of four hills

Germany has only hosted the Winter Olympics once. It was at Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 1936 when the Nazis were in power. Garmisch has also hosted two Alpine World Ski Championships and since 1952 has shared the Four Hills Tournament with Oberstdorf and the Austrian resorts of Innsbruck and Bischofshofen. This is German ski jumper Martin Schmitt in flight.
A unique southern feel at German ski resorts

How things have changed

In 1978, when Germany's Maria Epple won the women's slalom at the Alpine World Ski Championships at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, she did it dressed in a way that no professional skier would dare dress today…
A unique southern feel at German ski resorts

Mind your head

…most professional skiers wouldn't dare enter a competition without a helmet. Then there is all the advertising that many athletes wear on their ski clothes, plus padding, goggles and other equipment. But for Canada's Lyndon Rush and his team mates, head protection would have been the main concern at this Bobsleigh World Cup at Altenberg, near Berlin.
A unique southern feel at German ski resorts

Above the clouds

Of course, skiing isn't just for professional athletes. And in fact, ski resorts aren't just for skiers. A lot of people go for a holiday, to breathe the alpine air, or to go paragliding, like this person at Berchtesgaden. Once more famous as the location of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler's mountain retreat, Berchtesgaden is now one of Germany's most popular ski destinations.
A unique southern feel at German ski resorts

Let the world go by

Even up against world class resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland and Norway, Germany is becoming a real draw card during the European ski season. But it's hard work skiing all day, so you might need to take time out from the piste. This beautiful sun deck is at Fellhorn bei Oberstdorf.
A unique southern feel at German ski resorts

Cable car traffic jam

It's always good to have something to read with you. At Lenggries, 60 passengers were stuck for hours in these gondolas while engineers tried to repair the cable car system in 2010. Luckily, all passengers were rescued without injury. But incidents like this do happen occasionally. In 2011, twenty passengers at Mount Tegelberg had to be rescued when a paraglider collided with the cables.
A unique southern feel at German ski resorts

You can't predict the weather

Although Willingen is another of Germany's popular ski resorts, there's no accounting for what the weather might do. And sometimes the snow doesn't fall as you might expect. Here in Willingen, these skiers were the first to enjoy the winter sun... on artificial snow at the start of the season in December.
A unique southern feel at German ski resorts

Moonlight parade

Okay, so that big light isn't the moon, but you get the idea… this was taken at Kanzelwand during a shoot by the photographer Mathias Kessler. Kessler wanted to convey the unique and sculpture-like effect that nature can have in the ski regions of southern Germany. Author: Zulfikar Abbany Editor: Joanna Impey