Negeri Impian

The city's Main River mirrors Germany's most spectacular skyline and Europe's tallest office building. Often seen only as a transit hub or a business centre, Frankfurt spends more money on the arts than any other European city. Chances are you will most likely be able to catch a groundbreaking exhibition at one of its museums, second only to Berlin's as Germany's finest. The international flavour is supported by foreign citizens, which accounts for more than one quarter of the urban population. Frankfurt is Germany's financial centre, home to Germany's stock exchange and over 400 banking institutions. The city is served by Europe's second largest airport containing a nightclub, art gallery and X-rated cinema to help while away those in-transit hours. Most of Germany's Autobahnen (expressways) converge on centrally located Frankfurt. It's tucked neatly in a valley below the northern Taunus Hills, equidistant from Hamburg and the Alps. Aside from the new town, or Neustadt (the business district), the old town, or Altstadt, features narrow medieval buildings with steeply gabled roofs clustered around pleasant squares. South-bank Sachsenhausen is the closest Frankfurt gets to 'old Germany' with its rowdy taverns, rustic restaurants, and tiny alleyways. The meticulous restoration of Frankfurt's Old Opera House is largely due to the power of the people; it was to be replaced by a concrete block structure but was voted down. The Deutsches Filmmuseum is a rare treat, with premieres, themed exhibitions, and an extensive archive. Goethe Haus displays the great writer's home from his birth in 1749 until 1775, when he moved to Weimar. The Goethemuseum shares a pretty garden with the house. Frankfurt am Main's museums include Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts) featuring industrial and product design, a museum dedicated to communications (Das Museum für  Kommunikation) with its hands-on exhibits for kids and the Cold War espionage equipment that will fascinate adults. The 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew was the site of the imperial coronations. Frankfurt am Main has appealing proposals for every tourist, not the least of which is Ebbelwoi, the town's signature tipple.

Heidelberg

The medieval city of Heidelberg is the well-known site of one of Germany's most impressive historic landmarks, the Heidelberg Castle. Noteworthy religious buildings include the Church of Saint Peter and the Church of the Holy Ghost, both dating from the 15th century. The city is the site of the first university in Germany, the University of Heidelberg, founded in 1386.

Cologne

Known as Köln in German, the city is a railroad hub and a major port in northwestern Germany. Cologne is renowned for its churches such as the Cologne Cathedral with its twin spires, each 157 meters (515 feet) high, one of the largest bells in the world, and the shrine of the Magi. The oldest church in Cologne is Sankt Maria im Kapitol, consecrated in 1049.

Leipzig

Leipzig, located in east central Germany, acquired the nickname Kleine Paris ("Little Paris") in the 18th century.

University of Leipzig (1409) alumna include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the composers Robert Schumann and Johann Sebastian Bach (buried in the chancel of Saint Thomas Church) and the philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte. The German composer Felix Mendelssohn conducted concerts here until his death in 1847. The philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and the composer Richard Wagner were born in Leipzig. Leipzig was chartered by the margraves of Meissen in the 12th century. They initiated the trade fairs, which continue today.

Hannover

The city is a wealth of medieval architecture and museums. Tourists also come to view the former royal palace, now an art museum located within the massive baroque-style landscaped gardens of Herrenhäuser Gärten. Hannover is the capital of the state of Niedersachsen, and sits on the riverbanks of the Leine in northwest Germany.

Hamburg

Founded in 808 by Charlemagne, Hamburg was the religious center for northern Europe for centuries. The ancient ramparts around the old section of the city have been converted into a network of gardens and pedestrian walkways. The city boast more bridges and canals than Venice and Amsterdam combined. Shipping and water are the main themes in this port city in north central Germany.

Freiburg

Freiburg im Breisgau sits on the edge of the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany. The Freiburger Münster is a prominent feature of the city. Built in the late Middle Ages, it is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Germany noted for its outstanding stonework. The largest city in the Black Forest, Freiburg attracts many visitors to this beautiful wine growing region to participate in its numerous festivals.

Dresden

Dresden lies on the Elbe River in east central Germany, near the border with the Czech Republic. Much of the city was rebuilt after the allied bombing raids of second World War. Among the reconstructed buildings are the 18th-century Zwinger Palace, which houses several noted museums; the Dresden State Opera House; and a number of churches dating from as far back as the 15th century.

Much more to find in Wired Destinations' Germany Travel Info and Germany Travel Tips. We also have recommended Germany hotels, Berlin hotels, Munich hotels, Frankfurt hotels and Cologne hotels for your choosing.