Wesch

I am planning a trip in August to Amsterdam for a couple of days, and I think I may have convinced my hubby to then bop over to Germany for a couple days as well. I've done some research on Berlin, and it sounds awesome. There is so much to see in Germany, though...I have no idea which area I should target, and our stay would only be 3 days max.

We are in our early 30's and will have our 2-year-old with us.

Mainly, we want to get a taste of Germany (my husband's ancestry is German) and see some historical sites. I am a big WWII history buff.

So...your input and suggestions are much appreciated!

Thanks!

PS - can anyone recommend a budget airline that flies from Amsterdam to Germany?

yk

Hi Wesch-

My vote is Berlin, Berlin & Berlin.

Any reason you want to fly from Amsterdam to Germany? The train is probably just as fast (considering the time to get to the airport, 1-hr check-in, and getting from the airport at your destination into the city). For example, Amsterdam-Berlin is a little under 6hrs on their ICE train and costs € 84 in 2nd class.

Otherwise, try Basiq Air (but they fly out from Rotterdam instead of AMS)

Wesch

Good to know!

We don't seem to do trains much, with our daughter. I'm not sure how she'd do for 6 hours, so I'm always a little hesitant about that. BUT...if it's easier than flying, it's definitely an option!

Thanks!!

Russ

Berlin is too large to see in just a couple of days, in my opinion.

For historical sites, try the nearby Rheinland. Trier is Germany's oldest city, with Roman ruins and two UNESCO World Heritage Site buildings. In Remagen, south of Cologne, you can visit a fascinating WW II museum housed in the supports of the old "Bridge at Remagen".

www.bruecke-remagen.de

The Cologne Cathedral itself is magnicicent, of course (only a few steps from Cologne's train station), and a stop in castle-country - the Rhine between Koblenz and Bingen - would be worthwhile too (see Marksburg Castle in Braubach south of Koblenz - never destroyed, and a good, quick tour:

www.roadstoruins.com/marksburg.htm )

Wesch

TTT

Singletail

I appreciate Russ' sentiments but let's face it, GERMANY "is too large to see in a couple of days" too...Berlin is 5 1/2 hours by train from A-Dam; Cologne less so.
If you are a "big WWII buff" then I think Berlin would suit you better..the only WWII stuff of note along the upper Rhine would be Remagen where the bridge no longer stands but there is a museum in one of the original pillars.
For a scenic trip then the Rhine-Cologne option might be, overall, better, although if you and your child are interested in palaces vs. ruins of castles, Berlin (and nearby Potsdam) have those in abundance.
Shopping: Berlin, without question
More relaxed/slow: The Rhineland

mikemo

I would agree with Russ and Singletail: the Dom in Koln and the Rheintal, but I would add the Moseltal and the castle Burg Eltz just w of Koblenz. The drive from Koblenz to Trier along the Mosel is slow, relaxing and special. The Belgian battle grounds are not too far and the French military cemeteries in Alsace and Lorraine are striking reminders of two lost generations and the insanity of war.

mikemo

Sorry Wesch,
I am a small town/vill traveler: my fav in Germany is Rothenburg am Tauber and in France Riquewhir in Alsace.
Finally, I always seem to have the most fun with the Bavarians, and I always drive when not in large cities.

richardab

What method will you use for "bopping"? I have to say the Munich is one of my favorite cities. It is spotlessly clean, has tons of great German restaurants and beer, friendly people and some good inexpensive hotels. There are tons of sights to see including palaces, museums and parks. It also has a really great central shopping area. I loved it and it is perfectly "do-able" in a few days.

TravelingMom

I've been wondering the same things. I'll have a couple free weekends on my husband's next business trip. I'd have to say that, in my experience, the small towns in Germany always seem to give me a more "local" feel.

I'm also thinking that (now that I'm also traveling with a child), the Rhine/Mosel valleys would make be more appealing. That, and the fact that they can be quickly reached by train or even by renting a car. In fact, from what I've read a car makes it a bit easier to mosey your way through the valleys, stopping as you please.

Does anyone have any recommendations for Pensions or similar type lodging in the area? I've been reading several guidebooks trying to identify a small, local run (English not necessary) that has a good location for seeing the Rhine and/or Mosel. Honestly, the guidebooks aren't much help and I'd love to have some advice from another traveller who has been there!

annesherrod

I agree with Russ and previous posters that the smaller towns give you a better "taste" for the country.
If you have a car drive on the Mosel, and enjoy the little hamlets along the way. We loved Cochem, and Burg Eltz - is a MUST DO.
We also loved Meersburg (Bodensee). It has the oldest in tact castle in Germany. It has a huge collection of antique weapons, etc..
Have fun!!

LaurenSKahn

I also vote for Berlin--which in many ways is much more exciting than Paris or London. I never thought I would have that reaction there, but I did.

Be sure to hit the Pergamon Museum if you go. What a museum! Lots of fabulous things to do there!

LindaW

My first vote would be Berlin--it is the history of the 20th century. You have the Olympic Stadium, the redone Reichstag, Berlin Wall, Templehof Airfield (Airlift fame), Brandenberg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, Kurfurstendamstrasse, Unter der Linden, radio tower. In addition, it has wonderful museums, symphony, good food and friendly people. I hope you would be flying out of Berlin because two long train/car trips would be difficult and have quality time. You could not see everything in Berlin but could get a taste.
My second recommendation would be Koln (Cologne), Koblenz and trip down the Rhine as has been mentioned by other posters.
If you do the train, get a compartment--no difference in price and more private and easier to handle a young child.

Betsy

Munich, Munich, Munich--for the reasons that Richard mentions above plus the fabulous Victualienmarkt, just off the Marienplatz. You could train down from A'dam, stop for an overnight along the Rhine to give your daughter a break, and train on to Munich. That itinerary would give you a quick taste of contrasting areas. Bet you'll want to return!

Where are your husband's ancestors from? That could be a consideration also.

ThinGorjus

Blimey, I hate Munchen. It is pretty, but an oh-so-cookie-cutter city. After two days I was as bored as a battery chicken.

mikemo

TravelingMom,
Karen Brown's Germany Inns, etc. is pretty good for the Mosel and OK for the Rhine, but there are 100's of pensions in great locations in both regions and the Eifel (maybe 25 km) N of the Moseltal and (40km)W of the Rheintal is gorgeous, but quite rustic and I can give you many recommendations there. Just avoid the F 1 season @ der Nurburgring.
ThinGorjus - Thank God you're not stuck several months a year in Dallas!

tom42

While I can't say it is the best city in Germany (b/c it's the only one I've been to), I recently got back from Berlin and your impression is correct - it was awesome. I stayed for 6 nights and was really able to enjoy the city at a somewhat leisurely pace. Two or three nights means that you'll have to prioritize. If your interested in WWII - Cold War sites, I suggest that you stay in Mitte. I stayed at the Ritz Carlton, Potsdamer Platz, which is located right where the Berlin Wall used to stand. Very interesting area. Old contrasting with very new (the brand new steel and glass Sony Center is across the street and has numerous restaurants, bars, movie theatre. etc.). Other hotels in the area included the Hyatt, Westin, and Hotel Adlon. I'm not sure what your budget is - these are all pretty expensive but beautiful hotels. The Ritz Carlton was amazing (it is new and I received a very reasonable introductory rate of 165 Euros per night - don't know if it's still available).

You may also decide to stay in western Berlin, around the Ku'damm. That area is great also - a more traditional Western city. While I thoroughly enjoyed discovering that area, I thought that the area in what was East Berlin had a more of a sense of history. It is rapidly being rebuilt and there is still a good amount of construction going on.

Some interesting sites include - Brandenburg Gate, Berliner Dom, Reichstag, Alexanderplatz, area around Gendermanmarket, the Topography of Terror (get the free English audio at the information booth), Checkpoint Charlie, and a small section of the Wall that remains standing. Although unfortunately I missed it - the Jewish Museum is supposed to be very good.

My favorite restaurant in Berlin was Aigner's. It is reasonably priced, family friendly and yet kind of cool also. The food was excellent - if you go, either you or your husband should get the Brandenburg duck - the best duck I've ever had. The veal dumplings appetizer was also excellent.

I wish I was there right now!

Wesch

Thanks all!

I have done some more research, and I think we're pretty much settled on Berlin. I am sooooo looking forward to it.

My biggest hitch now is to get us from Amsterdam to Berlin. Surprisingly (at least it's surprising to me), I can only find ONE airline that flies that route, and that's KLM. Their rates are $173 each! That's a bit much for us. We are taking Easyjet to Amsterdam, and that's cheap. But I can't find a cheap airline from AMS to Berlin. I know the train is 5.5 hrs, so we might end up with that. It's just easier to fly with a 2-year-old. Trying to entertain her for that long on a train might be less than enjoyable. : )

Speaking of hotels...thanks tom42 for the recommendations. We try to keep it around 100 euros/night. We want to be near most of the sites (Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Topography, etc.). Can anyone recommend a good place in our budget in this area?

Thanks again to all!! Fodorites are the most helpful people around. : )

PS-my husband's ancestors are from Leimersheim, which is pretty far south of Berlin. We'd love to go there, but not sure how that can work yet. More research needed.

Fernweh

The only "direct" airline from the Netherlands (Rotterdam) to Berlin is
Basiq Air, round trip for as low as Eur 50.
For hotels in Berlin, try www.hrs.com,
the site shows hotels sorted by neighborhoods and prices.

Betsy

Since your trip is in August, you have time to learn to use Priceline for your Berlin hotel. Go to www.biddingfortravel.com, a noncommercial site that's a tutorial for using PL, and scroll waaaay down to Europe Hotels, then click on Germany Hotels. You can get great hotel prices for good hotels, but you have to do your homework first. There are links to hotel reviews on the site, and recent successful bids are reported there too. If I were going to Berlin, I'd bid at the 4-star level. A quick check shows a bidder was able to get the Westin for $61.

Here's a list of hotels that PL uses in Berlin. There are others, but they may not be central:

Tiergarten - Kufuerstendamm
5 Star
Swissotel
Intercontinental

4 Star
Crowne Plaza
Westin Grand Berlin
Ramada Plaza Berlin
Top Alsterhof Hotel

3 Star
Top Concept Hotel

I have no affiliation with either site, I'm just a happy BFT and PL user.