Frankfurt and....
Written: Jun 21 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Everything!
Cons: You should learn at least alittle German!
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| Hall56's Full Review: Frankfurt am Main |
What a great place to visit! I actually lived in Giessen (North of Frankfurt about 25 miles) for about five years. This region is often overlooked by tourists because it is not Berlin, Bavaria, or spotted with ski resorts. However, if you want to eat dinner in a castle built several hundred years ago than this part of Germany is littered with such opportunities.
First, Giessen and Marburg warrant a visit, both are University towns and you'll have no problem finding someone who speaks english. Shiffenburg Castle is located in Giessen and it was at onetime a monestary. It now serves as weekend activity center of sorts with food and drink venders along with a nice classical summer concert. Marburg Castle is a castle from the story books.
Just driving (and walking) up the hill is enough of a workout to help you sleep well that night. It is fascinating to visit some of these castles and I have to say that my favorite was the Braunfels castle. Now, another city well worth the visit is Kastel. This hilltop city has some of the best outdoor cafes in central northern Germany. What were once streets have given way to pedestrians and the occasional public bus. On a summer day during the strawberry season you can sit outdoors at any number of cafes and enjoy one of the seasons best treats as you watch the bustling shoppers make their way up and down the streets.
I plead guilty here, there is some kind of manmade series of fountains and waterfalls that I believe translate into Hercules falls or something along those lines. It is a fascinating crescendo of flowing waterfalls working their way free from pools and down a slightly declining hill, a very beautiful site to be sure. Germany is full of such beauty and much of this goes unrecognized by tourists because it is off the traditional path!
Some other key observations that many don't pick up on. Every city of any size at all has its own brewery and style of beer! Try them as you travel throughout Germany but don't drink and drive, Germany basically has a one strike your out type policy. By the way if you make it to Giessen try a Giessner Pilsner, its my favorite! Also travel just outside of Giessen to the city of Lich and try a Licher, it is also a popular beer in that region of Germany. Each village typically has a bakery or two along with a Gasthaus (or two). A Gasthaus is definitely a restaurant and bar and sometimes, it offers a few rooms just like a hotel.
This brings me to hotels. Look around, its hard to find a bad hotel and don't be afraid to stay in what we would almost call a bed and Breakfast here in the US. The owners will be happy to have you stay and in my experience, the German people love to help someone who has a question! At least try to speak some German while you're there, it is appreciated by the Germans and after they've had a laugh, they'll bend over backwards to help you! Again, if you make it to my beloved Giessen try heading to Lich and eating at Charlottenburg Hotel. You'll find a wonderful menu and the veal cutlets will become a lifetime memory!
The things I really miss about Germany are the quality goods especially clothing and shoes. I forgot to mention that Giessen too has its own walkway shopping area. Great food stands and great shopping! Other things I miss are the breads, lunchmeats, and baked items. Germany has to have the largest assortment of beers, breads, lunchmeats, cheeses, and bakery goods of any nation in the world! Don't miss out on this by only visiting airport restaurants and major metro areas! Get out away from the main flow of tourism and see, taste, and enjoy this nation!
Here are somethings you should know about visiting Germany. Like anywhere in the world, if you want to find trouble you will. The Bahnhof (trainstation) in Frankfurt is an operation you must see to believe and appreciate; however, it is also notorious for drug transactions etc. So traveler beware! Prostitution is legal and thus regulated in Germany so don't be shocked if you inadvertantly end up in "that" part of town, its all legal and typically sits adjacent or in the vicinity of the citys nightlife bars and clubs. Speaking of nightlife, you MUST visit Sachsenhausen if you spend even one night in Franfurt! There is a wonderful Irish Pub (thats the name by the way)that serves Guiness by the pint from a tap. If you've never tried Guiness, plan on going nowhere that night after visiting the Irish Pub! Some of the nightclubs in Sachsenhausen have live bands and they are typically free or a very low cover charge. Not far from the Irish Pub there is a three story building that offers a different style of music on each floor and don't be surprised if you find a live band on each floor. The main floor used to be jazz where live artists could be found each weekend. By all means don't forget to try a Donners Burger while in Sachsenhausen! If you like gyros then a Donners Burger is for you! It is the Turkish version of the Greek Gyros sandwich in pita bread.
One final thing I miss and you should look into while in Germany. Antiques. Nearly every town has an antique store and you'll be stunned at the quality and variety of old collectibles to be found. Now I happened to marry a German gal when I was stationed in Germany and she taught me a trick. Ask the owner if he has any WWII items for sale. Selling WWII items is illegal. Any WWII paraphenalia is illegal. I asked and about everyother store would say they did'nt have any or sell any but a surprising number of shops did! I'm talking spiked WWI helmets, nazi paraphenalia everywhere like mutterkind badges, iron crosses etc. I don't mean to offend anyone by mentioning this but if you are a historical collector, it does'nt hurt to ask. Buyer beware! The europeans and Germans are onto US tourists and theres alot of counterfeit war stuff on the market. Another item that I found in antique stores was coins! There were no coin dealers that I was aware of and many shops had coins, US coins, old ones!
A few closing notes. Get Dmarks (German money) at the airport or a bank as soon as you can. The exchange rate you'll get here in the US or by using dollars directly within Germany will leave you alittle light on the exchange. Also, you've heard there is no speed limit on the autobahn (major German highway network) and generally speaking there is'nt. However you'll find a speed limit on parts of the autobahn where a meaningful curve exists and you'll also find a wonderful speed trap at that location! Remember to work your way out of the left lane as soon as you can because in Germany if you get rear ended while driving in the left lane, YOU are at fault! The left lane is for the screamers and europe is full of cars that can travel at warp seven speed!
I loved my time in Germany and I always look forward to going back.
Enjoy your trip and by all means don't be an "ugly american"!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Hall56
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Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 3 members
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