Hello. I will be visiting Berlin by myself from May 27 to May 31. From there I plan to travel to Fussen and Bacharach or Freiberg. I am a bit nervous about visiting alone (especially Berlin) because I only know a little German and I'm not familiar with the public transportation system. I would like to experience some of the nightlife in Berlin (Prenzlauer Berg). I would love to have a contact, or if anyone can give advice I'd appreciate it. I'm also wondering about the best way to reach the southern region. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

There's no need to be worried being a solo traveller in Berlin. Admittedly, when I was there, I was only there for a day on my own before meeting friends, but I found it a very easy city to explore on my own.

I would recommend going on one of the guided walks (the one I did was free but you were asked for a contribution at the end which was voluntary). You will see a lot of major sites in a short time and meet other people. If you want, I can dig out the name of the company. The guide was great, enthusiastic and lots of people went for food and drinks after the tour finished mid-afternoon. One thing they did have, was an evening bar tour which sounds like it would be a good way to meet others in the evenings.

Let me know if you want me to dig out any information on the walking tour group.

Regarding the language problem... don't sweat it! At least in Berlin, you'll be able to operate in English at least 70% of the time. All Germans are required to learn at least one foreign language beginning in primary school, and the vast majority choose English. Plus, Germany strikes me as one of the most linguisticlly open-minded countries that I've encountered. You'll be surprised to see English and French everywhere in signs and advertising. Outside of Berlin can be a little different, but still not a major problem. If you'll be in the south or southwest of the country, then that's where all the US military bases were, so many people speak English. As long as you're in commercial or tourist areas, you're good to go in almost all of Germany. And, if all else fails, just look for someone who looks like they're 16-30 years old, and they speak some English. I've relied on this tactic in a number of countries, and it almost never fails.

Transport is also no sweat. For inter-city travel, the Deutsche Bahn trains are great. For speed, you can take the ICE trains between large medium-sized cities, then transfer to a IC or RB train to get to the smaller towns. The ICE trains are high-speed and a little more expensive. Or, you can slow it down and take the IC trains all the way. They stop much more frequently, but they're cheaper. If you get more specific about where and when you want to travel, I can advise you better. Every large German city has outstanding subway and bus service, and the smller cities and towns have good bus systems, so getting around is NEVER a problem. trust me, if you can navigate around New York, Washington, Chicago, or any other large American city, you can get around Berlin and the rest of Germany with no trouble. Much of the system is in German and English, and accessible onthe web. For Berlin, check out http://www.fahrinfo-berlin.de/fahrin...110475777&

and for Deutsche bahn, check out http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/e

Have fun, and enjoy Germany. I think its a great country!

Thank you so much for your help and encouragement.

Where2Travel, if you can get the name of the tour group I'd really appreciate it.

jhides, thanks for the links. I'll take a look and let you know if I have questions. I used to use the trains in New York quite a bit, so I should be okay. I think it's just the language that has me nervous so I'm glad to hear that English is pretty common.

Thanks again!

No problem, I've found their site - here you go:
www.newberlintours.com

A list of some other walking tours can be found here:
http://www.inyourpocket.com/germany/...55743&cp=1

Berwer's Berlin tours in particular get good reviews.

I would check out Humboldt Tours Berlin at www.humboldttoursberlin.com

There's no need about being a solo traveler in Berlin. Take a tour, and meet people. There are tons of travelers in your position open to meeting others.

Here my tips for nightlife:
Prenzlauer Berg is a trendy quarter with dozens of restaurants.
The hottest spot in town is Oranienburger Strasse / Hackesche Höfe. It is the old Jewish district, which is now the pumping heart of Berlins avantgardist night scene. Go to the Tacheles, an alternative beer-garden around a standing ruin which hosts artists workshops. Stroll down Oranienburger Straße with lots of restaurants, bars, artists workshops and prostitutes standing on the curbside. Visit Hackesche Höfe, a unique ensemble of historical buildings.
Inside the first of the Hackesche Höfe, is the Chamäleon, an alternative variety-style theater, which shall be okay for you, although you don't speak German. Other tips are: Blue Man Group in the theater on Potsdamer Platz (almost nonverbal), or if you prefer an old-style revue, Friedrichstadtpalast (also almost nonverbal).
You will enjoy Berlin!