Germany itinerary help
Feb 16th, 2006, 09:01 PM
#1
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Germany itinerary help
I got such great help last time I posted three years ago, I just can't help myself. I have to do it again!
My friend and I are going to Germany and have tickets to the US games in Gelsenkirchen on the June 12 and in Kaiserslautern on June 17. She has never been to Germany and we will want to do some sightseeing too. We will arrive on the 10th or 11th (don't have tkts yet) and drive up toward Gelsenkirchen. A friend tells me that that whole area is flat, industrial, and a little like L.A. and that I should stay outside of it and drive in for the game. Any other feedback or suggestions? Then we're off to the Kaiserslautern area for the game on the 17th. I know this area is pretty and more touristy but would like some suggestions of what to do/see. Thanks!
My friend and I are going to Germany and have tickets to the US games in Gelsenkirchen on the June 12 and in Kaiserslautern on June 17. She has never been to Germany and we will want to do some sightseeing too. We will arrive on the 10th or 11th (don't have tkts yet) and drive up toward Gelsenkirchen. A friend tells me that that whole area is flat, industrial, and a little like L.A. and that I should stay outside of it and drive in for the game. Any other feedback or suggestions? Then we're off to the Kaiserslautern area for the game on the 17th. I know this area is pretty and more touristy but would like some suggestions of what to do/see. Thanks!
Feb 17th, 2006, 07:24 AM
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> A friend tells me that that whole area is flat, industrial, and a little like L.A. <
I understand that this statement is not exactly a compliment for L.A.
I live exactly in this area (neighboring town to Gelsenkirchen) and we regularly host guests from all over the world including many U.S. citizens. When they have stayed for a week they are completely amazed.
Well, what to do:
- Nightlife. Gelsenkirchen is right in the heart of the Ruhr-Valley, a heavily urbanized region with half a dozen large universities and tons of entertainment. I particularly recommend the "Bermuda triangle" in Bochum (the neighboring city south of Gelsenkirchen). There are fantastic bars, restaurants and discotheques.
- Industrial history. Many historic mines and mills have been turned into museums or cultural centers. Certainly worth a visit! Also interesting are the former miners neighborhoods with picturesque small houses in village-like settings.
- Something different is Villa Hügel, a gorgeous mansion of the Krupp family in Essen, looking like a castle in a huge park. Now open to the public and hosting outstanding art exhibitions.
- There are dozens of beautiful castles nearby, many of them in the countryside.
- Right in the industrial area there are several museums of modern art.
- If you want landscape: The Ruhr river flows through a beautiful valley, with lots of lakes, forests and hiking opportunities.
- Where to stay? It may be a good idea to stay right in the center of nightlife. Consider in Bochum this hotel which is a bargain: http://www.art-hotel-tucholsky.de/start.html
Another option is a design hotel in an historical quiet neighborhood in Essen:
http://www.hotel-margarethenhoehe.de/
On the way from Gelsenkirchen to Kaiserslautern, do not forget to stop at Cologne and to drive through the Rhine Valley!
My email is: [email protected]
I understand that this statement is not exactly a compliment for L.A.
I live exactly in this area (neighboring town to Gelsenkirchen) and we regularly host guests from all over the world including many U.S. citizens. When they have stayed for a week they are completely amazed.
Well, what to do:
- Nightlife. Gelsenkirchen is right in the heart of the Ruhr-Valley, a heavily urbanized region with half a dozen large universities and tons of entertainment. I particularly recommend the "Bermuda triangle" in Bochum (the neighboring city south of Gelsenkirchen). There are fantastic bars, restaurants and discotheques.
- Industrial history. Many historic mines and mills have been turned into museums or cultural centers. Certainly worth a visit! Also interesting are the former miners neighborhoods with picturesque small houses in village-like settings.
- Something different is Villa Hügel, a gorgeous mansion of the Krupp family in Essen, looking like a castle in a huge park. Now open to the public and hosting outstanding art exhibitions.
- There are dozens of beautiful castles nearby, many of them in the countryside.
- Right in the industrial area there are several museums of modern art.
- If you want landscape: The Ruhr river flows through a beautiful valley, with lots of lakes, forests and hiking opportunities.
- Where to stay? It may be a good idea to stay right in the center of nightlife. Consider in Bochum this hotel which is a bargain: http://www.art-hotel-tucholsky.de/start.html
Another option is a design hotel in an historical quiet neighborhood in Essen:
http://www.hotel-margarethenhoehe.de/
On the way from Gelsenkirchen to Kaiserslautern, do not forget to stop at Cologne and to drive through the Rhine Valley!
My email is: [email protected]
Feb 17th, 2006, 07:36 AM
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This post caught my eye as I am planning a trip to Germany next year. Although I won't be visiting the area around Gelsenkirchen, in reading traveller1959's reply, I can only say wow, is this a great board or what?
Feb 17th, 2006, 07:42 AM
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Here a English website:
http://www.ruhrgebiettouristik.de/index.php?LA=en
http://www.ruhrgebiettouristik.de/index.php?LA=en
