October 2021 13 www.bahrainthismonth.com germanyinbahrain Munich The capital of the state of Bavaria, the home of Oktoberfest and one of Germany’s largest cities, Munich owes much of its popularity as a tourism destination to its location on the outer edge of the beautiful Bavarian Alps. Although not one of Germany’s oldest cities – its roots can be traced back to a settlement of monks pre-dating its official founding in 1158 – Munich has played a major role in shaping the country’s cultural and political make-up. The city’s rapid growth saw it develop into an important centre for religion, arts and trade. These days, no visitor can fail to notice the city’s many surviving churches, including the iconic cathedral and Munich’s most recognised building, the Frauenkirche. Another reason Munich has attained a place as one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations is its historic city centre. It’s a delight to explore on foot, especially if visiting the city’s large open square, the Marienplatz. Here, you can explore delightful old architecture dating all the way back to medieval times, including the Old and New Town Halls. The Black Forest The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in all of Europe. Situated in the south-western corner of Germany and extending 160km from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, it’s a hiker’s heaven. On the west side, it descends steeply to the Rhine, crossed by lush valleys, while on the east, it slopes more gently down to the upper Neckar and Danube valleys. Popular spots include Germany’s oldest ski area at Todtnau, the magnificent spa facilities of Baden-Baden, and the attractive resort of Bad Liebenzell. Hohenzollern Castle Hohenzollern Castle is one of the most impressive and beautiful castles in Germany. Perched on the top of a hill, you can see its silhouette against the skyline as you approach from any direction. One of the most intriguing things about the castle is the catacombs, or underground caves, where ammunition and gunpowder was stored. You can walk through this maze of caves and marvel at the effort it took to create them. The castle is also where the legend of the ‘white lady’ started – a ghost of a woman in white has been seen several times by various people. Neuschwanstein The quaint old town of Füssen, situated between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps and a popular alpine resort and winter sports centre, is a good base from which to explore nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Europe’s most famous (and picturesque) royal castles. King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this many-towered and battlementcovered fantasy fortress – the inspiration for Walt Disney’s famous theme park castles – from 1869-86. A variety of tour options are offered, including guided tours of the sumptuous interior taking in the Throne Room, the Singers’ Hall... and some of the country’s most spectacular views.
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