Kash Bhatta-charya is a well-known british blogger covering tourism affairs. During his journey through Germany he felt enthusiastic about the attractions he got to know.
There were different cities and landscapes, a rich history and above all the traditional bakerys (e.g. the „pretzels“) as well as the hospitality which he experienced.
In
his blog Kash wrote: „Via the pages of photography and architecture coffee table books, I encountered iconic German landmarks like the Schloss Neuschwanstein, the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and the Kölner (Cologne) Dom. I couldn’t understand a word of German. Still, it was fascinating for me to see the images and faces of this unknown land leaping out at me through these books-perfect escapism.“
On a low budget basis the professional blogger visited 15 places in germany. „From Munich to Rugen Island, from fairytale forests and castles to the best markets and cool cafes to iconic landmarks like the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen in Hannover, Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle, BMW Welt Museum to the chalk cliffs of Rugen Island - it promises to be a trip of epic proportions.“
Leipzig in Saxonia - what a city - the place where Goethe had studied and Bach spent 27 years of his incredibly productive musical career. For tourists its very easy to get acquainted with the city. Kash’s top tip: „One of the best free things to do in Leipzig is just drift and enjoy the city’s rich architectural heritage. Walk through any open doorway you find in the Altstadt and walk right into this hidden world of Leipzig’s stunning courtyards and indoor passages like the Madler Passage which are tucked among old and new houses behind the street facades.“
In Cologne Kash had „a great evening of art at the Museum Ludwig, he visited the famous chokolate museum. „Highlight for chocoholic visitors like me was the opportunity to dip wafer sticks into this ridiculous, massive chocolate fountain.“ And at least he tasted the „Kolsch“ - „it’s cold, not too gassy and refreshing- the best beer of Germany in my opinion!“ All in all: „If you love walking, Cologne is the city for you. It’s very compact, pretty city with everything within a short walking distance and reminded me a lot of Edinburgh.“ The
Youth Hostel („Pathpoint Cologne Backpackers Hostel“) is a former church building. „It is a perfect base to explore the city, just a few minutes walk from the train station
Not far away from Cologne Kash visited the small town of Kaub at the river Rhine, famous for its excellent Riesling wine. „I recommend a nights stay at the youth hostel here, the
Jugendherberge Kaub which is one of the prettiest youth hostels you will ever stay in.“
Although he had been warned in advance by the Germans themselves, Kash turned to Hannover., the capital of Lower Saxony. Following „The Read Thread“ guide - a self guided walking tour - he discovered the architectural and historic sites like the town hall, the oldest german flea market, the Sprengel Museum(„ a melting pot of the best of 20th and 21st century art“) and the Herrenhausen gardens, one of Europe’s finest baroque parks. At the end Kash wrote in his blog: „Hanover, I must conclude was far from dull.“
„By the banks of the beautiful Weser, the Hanseatic city of Bremen is another hidden gem of Germany.“ On his discovery tour the blogger visited the museum (Kunsthalle) with famous paintings, strolled through the oldest quarter (Schnoor) of Bremen with its amazing doors and found the statue of the four musicians a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster who came to find freedom in Bremen. The youth hostel was a real surprise for Kash: „I could see the Beck’s beer factory from my room and watch the boats sail by on the Weser river plus….nice sunshine through my window. Perfect eh?“
Last but not least Kash was very satisfied of the
youth hostels in which he stayed. For example in Bavaria he noticed: „If you love a hostel with character and history you will love the beautifully renovated Youth Hostel Jugendherberge Nuremberg which is housed in the 500 year old imperial stables of the city’s famous Kaiserberg castle.“
