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Many colleagues and friends from foreign countries have asked me about the places to see when visiting Germany. So it is my pleasure to play the advocate for my country.
Germany is a pleasant country to travel. Most of Germany has a cool, temperate climate, rainfall occurs year round with a maximum during summer. Winters there are mild and summers tend to be cool, though temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) for prolonged periods.


By its central position in Europe, Germany is an important transportation hub. This is reflected in its dense and modern transportation networks.
Probably most famous is the extensive motorway (Autobahn) network that ranks worldwide third largest in its total length and lacks a blanket speed limit (although some 80% of the total network has local limits) which can be difficult to non experienced drivers.
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An alternative is the polycentric network of InterCity Express high-speed trains, serving major German cities and destinations in neighboring countries.
www.bahn.de

Federal Foreign Office: What's on in Germany

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Long Night of Museums

30.01.2010 - 30.01.2010, Berlin

Berlin’s museums are opening their doors to the onslaught of nocturnal visitors for the 26th time this year. With Berlin bearing the title “2010 Capital of Science”, the 60 participating museums will be demonstrating not only their exhibition but also their research capabilities. In addition to presentations of the institutions’ scientific work and research projects, the exhibitions will once again be complemented by guided tours, performances and a programme of musical and literary events – offerings that have traditionally given the Long Night its special feeling and atmosphere.

www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de
Opening of the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory’s Tercentenary Celebrations

23.01.2010 - 23.01.2010, Meissen

The state-owned Meissen Porcelain Manufactory has been in existence since 1710. Following the invention of hard-paste porcelain, the Meissen works became Europe’s first and most important porcelain manufactory. Its “crossed swords” mark is the world’s oldest continuously used trademark. Even today, dinner services, figurines and accessories are exquisitely handcrafted in Meissen. To mark the anniversary, limited tercentenary editions will be on offer and there will be a commemorative event with a tempting array of culinary delicacies. The celebrations are to be officially opened on 23 January.


friedrich.meissen.com/
1,000th Anniversary of St. Michael’s Church at Hildesheim

01.01.2010 - 31.12.2010, Hildesheim

One of history’s architectural gems is celebrating its 1,000th anniversary. In 1010, Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim began construction of the Romanesque church with its unique ceiling frescoes. The church was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. After a five-year restoration, the church will present itself in new splendour in time for the opening of the ten-month programme of celebratory events. Church services, art, music and encounter events will reflect the chosen motto “God’s Angels Are Ever Steadfast”.
Cabaret, Musical

16.01.2010 - 16.01.2010, Rostock

“Life is a Cabaret” – those were the words sung by Liza Minella alias Sally Bowles in the 1972 film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Cabaret” that brought the latter international renown. The story of the Berlin night club, and the personal dramas of its stars during the period when the National Socialists came to power, has been back on German stages in recent years. The new production in Rostock will premiere on 16 January.
Semper Opernball & Semper Openairball

15.01.2010 - 15.01.2010, Dresden

“Dream Couples” is the motto of this year’s Semper Opera Ball, which in the space of only four years has succeeded in gaining a firm place in the opera calendar as an internationally acclaimed event. In a year that is celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall, the meaning of “Dream Couples” goes well beyond such celebrated pairs as Tristan and Isolde or Romeo and Juliet. With dream couples like East and West, Saxony and Germany and Germany and Europe, what belongs together is now growing together. For guests who failed to secure tickets, the event will once again be shown on a large screen outside the opera house as part of the Semper Open-Air Ball.
Biathlon World Cup

07.01.2010 - 10.01.2010, Oberhof

When the first organized biathlon competitions were held in the late 19th century, the event combining cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship was still a marginal sport with military origins. Today, the biathlon is one of the most popular winter sports events. Thirty-eight nations have already registered to compete in Oberhof’s 19th Biathlon World Cup – a new record.
Four Hills Tournament

31.12.2009 - 01.01.2010, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Four Hills Tournament is considered one of the major ski jumping tournaments. Since 1952, the popular winter sports event has been held annually in Germany and Austria at the turn of the year. The tournament takes its name from the four venues: Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen. The Four Hills Tournament’s New Year’s ski jumping event has traditionally been held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Last year’s overall winner was the Austrian Wolfgang Loitzl. The record for the most overall victories is held by the Finn Janne Ahonen. However, the German Sven Hannawald is so far the only ski jumper to win all four events at a single Four Hills Tournament.
Gods, Spirits and Demons – Cult Objects of Foreign Peoples

27.11.2009 - 31.12.2010, Oberhausen, Rheinland

Visitors to this interactive, multimedia exhibition in Oberhausen can gain first-hand experience of foreign peoples’ cult objects. On show are original jungle drums, masks and statues of exotic gods, waiting to transport visitors to foreign worlds. The exhibition is divided into six thematic sections: 1. Creation – Myths of the Beginning of Existence. 2. Nature as the Giver of Life and Bringer of Danger. 3. Spiritual Mediators between Heaven and Earth. 4. Masks – The Phenomenon of Metamorphosis. 5. The Guardians of the Cult. 6. Cult and Sound.

Deutsche Welle: DW-WORLD.DE - Germany

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School commemorates first anniversary of deadly attackThe town of Winnenden remembers the first anniversary of Germany's biggest school shooting to date. Yet in the midst of the mourning, there is disagreement on the best approach to preventing such attacks.
Archbishop will report to Pope on abuse in German church schoolsGerman archbishop Robert Zollitsch is set to meet Pope Benedict XVI for discussions on sexual abuse against children at church institutions. Meanwhile, the Pope faces questions on whether he knew anything of such crimes.
Traveling to Germany 'breaks down prejudices,' new stats revealGermany's central tourist board recorded 360 million overnight stays in Germany this year. While most tourists are still German, more and more foreigners are discovering the country.
German exports fall as recovery slowsExports in Europe's biggest economy dropped by 6.3 percent in January, raising fresh worries about the state of the German economy. Meanwhile, China's exports surged 46 percent in February.
Berlin takes aim at drug makers in health-care reform bidGerman Health Minister Philipp Roesler wants to change the way drugs are priced on the lucrative German market as part of his health-care reform plans. However, the proposals are already proving controversial.
Merkel backs European Monetary FundGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel is backing plans for a European Monetary Fund, as Germany and France outline plans to regulate financial market speculation.
Court decision backs cheated investorsFollowing a ruling Tuesday, brokerage firms in Germany and abroad can now be on the hook for not looking out for the best interests of their investors.
Left ... out? One woman's politics cloud citizenship chancesHow far left is too left, when it comes to becoming a German? A woman raised in the country has applied for citizenship, but due to her politics, the outlook is dim.

Deutsche Welle: DW-WORLD.DE - Visit Germany

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Germany's wooden toy makers preserve a tradition all year roundMany of Germany's traditional handcrafted wooded toys and decorations come from Seiffen. There, specially trained craftspeople work to preserve the centuries-old techniques and pass them on to the next generation.
For Berliners, Tiergarten park is both survivor and saviorThe Tiergarten park is the green "lung" of the German capital. And it is as important to the citizens of Berlin today as it was in centuries past.
Intact German Cold War bunkers open to the publicTwo of the German government's top-secret Cold War bunkers have recently been opened to the public. Down to the extra toothbrushes in the bathrooms, they're remarkably intact.
Washerwomen Hold Key to Rhineland Carnival Tradition'Weiberfastnacht' marks the start of carnival festivities in Germany's Rhineland. The day's unique history is also linked to the women’s rights movement.
Makeover Planned for Hitler's Baltic Sea Hotel ColossusAfter years of uncertainty about its future, a Nazi-era resort on the German island of Ruegen is now set to get a makeover and open its doors for vacationers.
Germany's "Fifth Season" BeginsIn many parts of Germany, 11:11 am on Nov. 11 marks the start of Carnival, a season of controlled debauchery and uncontrolled drinking that climaxes during the days preceding Ash Wednesday.
German Wine Producers Discover the Art of PRAfter years of being thought of as cheap and sugary, German wine is enjoying huge international success. It owes its success to producers who are adapting to accommodate a new generation of consumers.
Philharmonic Hall Set to Become Hamburg's Newest LandmarkHamburg's new concert hall will be more than a location for fantastic musical moments. The imposing structure that includes a grand hall and a hotel is set to become the newest landmark on the port city's skyline.