Germany vacations

No wonder they invented the word. Literally ‘a lust for hiking’, Germany’s long distance walking routes are not just tokens of this love, they are like Cupid’s arrows firing straight into every hiker’s heart. Such as the Eifelsteig, a 313-km route through the Eifel mountain range in western Gemany. Not to be confused with the Rheinsteig trail, following the course of the Rhine. Which may sound like it should be flat, but in fact this is gorgeous gorge territory, so there are plenty of ups and downs, be it over vineyard bedecked hills, ancient forest covered escarpments or along river cliffs. And as for Bavaria and the Bavarian Alps, well, you will feel left out without a knapsack on your back and a pair of Meindls on your feet. The production of these fine hiking boots has been part of the Bavarian economy since 1683. These boots are made for walking, as is their country.

Food is a national obsession in Germany. Michelin Star restaurants abound, every dietary need is catered for, and regional specialties are, well, special. From superb fish on the island of Rügen, Black Forest smoked ham and trout (as well as cake for afters of course), Westphalia pumpernickel, Frankfurt asparagus with herb rich green sauce to Saarland’s fine cheese menu. 

The country is one big farmer’s market. You can fill a picnic pannier at the local butcher (metzgerei) which doesn’t just sell cuts of meat but, in most cases, also salami-filled rolls and all round deli deliciousness. The timelessly tempting Bäckerei and Konditorei, bakery and pastry shops respectively, will have your mouth watering and your brain unable to choose. And the markets themselves are always brimming with seasonal produce from white asparagus in spring, cherries, apples, plums and berries in summer to an eclectic array of mushrooms in autumn. Look out for Federweisser stalls at this time of year too, serving young, freshly bottled wine, often served with seasonal onion tarts.

From markets... to Christmas markets. One of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe is in Munich. Stalls steam with vats of gluhwein and sell Bavarian dishes and crafts. If you're not filled with the Christmas spirit within a few hours, at least you'll be full of lebkuchen.