We explored fantastic Berlin and hiked in beautiful Franconia

While in Germany, we had a wonderful time seeing family and friends. Hiked in our old backyard, Franconia and enjoyed German food. Then we took a superfast train to Berlin, reaching a speed of up to 250 kilometres per hour. The ticket for the five-hour trip was $30.

After 22 years we are back in Germany and had a wonderful time seeing family and friends. We hiked in our old backyard, Franconia and enjoyed the hearty German food. After arriving in Germany, we took a superfast train to Berlin, reaching a speed of up to 250 kilometres per hour. The ticket for the five-hour trip was not expensive, just $30.

During our trip to Berlin, the train generally passes through farming regions. Along the train line, we saw many large wind farms.

Germany is known as an industrial country but has also significant rural areas. During our trip to Berlin, the train travelled generally through rural areas. We enjoyed passing the picturesque landscapes and small hamlets on the way to Berlin.

City of Berlin

Berlin is the capital of Germany. It’s also known for its museums and art galleries. It has the Staatsoper and the famous Berlin Philharmonic. It has famous historical buildings. They include the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and the Reichstag. The Reichstag is the seat of the German Parliament. Berlin is never boring. Go shopping or enjoy the vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Go walking in the many parks, or enjoy the many surrounding lakes. Then relax and recharge at a Biergarten.

When we arrived, we booked into the small hotel Gunia. It’s near the Kurfürstendamm shopping district in the heart of Berlin. Restaurants, attractions, and the U-Bahn underground train are all nearby. Also, being close to a Biergarten under chestnut trees is very important for us.

We toured the Reichstag, which houses the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany’s parliament. The Reichstag was built in 1894, destroyed by fire in 1933 and during WWII, and completely rebuilt in 1999.

We were especially impressed with the fantastic walk-in glass dome. It's above the parliament's main hall (debating chamber). From the glass dome, you have a 360-degree view of the surrounding Berlin cityscape. it symbolises transparency and openness in government

We were impressed with the fantastic walk-in glass dome. It’s above the parliament’s main hall (debating chamber). The glass dome gives a 360-degree view of the surrounding Berlin cityscape. The glass represents openness in government, allowing citizens to see their representatives at work.

The dome is open to the public. Visitors can climb two spiral ramps to reach the top. A mirrored cone in the centre of the dome reflects sunlight down into the chamber, providing natural light.

Walk through the City

The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in 1788 built by orders of King Frederick William II of Prussia. Designed after the gate to the Acropolis in Athens. During the Cold War, it was the border between West and communist East Berlin. It has become a symbol of German reunification. From there, we walked along the gorgeous “Unter den Linden” street to Museum Island.

Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see in Berlin. It has five world-class museums, including the Berlin Cathedral and the Berlin Palace.

When Emperor Wilhelm II came to power in 1888, he ordered the building of a cathedral in Berlin. It was to be like those in Rome and London. We loved the interior, decorated with marble, gold, and mosaics. It’s one of Berlin’s top music venues and hosts many concerts.

We miss the magnificent chestnut trees in Australia. Many are in Berlin, and we arrived at the right time to see them flowering. Later, after a long walk, we had a nice lunch under the trees in a Biergarten in the Nikolai Quarter.

During our childhood, we had the magnificent chestnut trees in our garden. Wonderful trees to climb and built tree houses in it. In autumn we collected the chestnuts. We miss the great trees in Australia. Now in Berlin, we indulge in having a nice lunch under a flowering chestnut tree in a Biergarten in the Nikolai Quarter.

After a long walk, we relaxed at the Neptune Fountain . It is made of bronze and granite and features a majestic statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, surrounded by water nymphs and sea creatures.

After some walking, we had a rest at the Neptune fountain. The fountain is made of bronze and granite and features a majestic statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, surrounded by water nymphs and sea creatures.

Then we walked to Hackescher Markt. It’s a Metro hub with many small shops, restaurants, and a great Biergarten under chestnut trees. After our day-long walk, we drinks there, before taking the Metro back to our hotel.

The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche. The church suffered serious damage during WWII and was rebuilt in 1960. The tower symbolizes resistance to war.

During our Berlin trip, we walked a lot, and our feet needed to recover. So we booked a Spree River cruise which is a fantastic way to see Berlin. The Spree River winds its way through the heart of the city, offering stunning views of many of Berlin's most famous landmarks.

The best way to explore a city is by foot, Berlin was not an exemption. But our feet did need a rest, so we booked a Spree River cruise which is a fantastic way to see Berlin. The Spree River winds its way through the heart of the city, offering stunning views of many of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.

Franconia

Franconia is a northern Bavaria region in Germany. It has a rich history and a unique culture. The main city is historic Nuremberg. It’s known for its old architecture and Christmas markets.

Then a the end of our wonderful trip, we spent time in the Fränkischen Schweiz (Franconia Suisse), a region not far from Nuremberg. It is wonderful for hiking and enjoying nature. It is a paradise for people who love historic pubs and great food. We have found memories because this is the place where we first met and hiked. We were glad to find this fantastic two-bedroom flat, and the hosts were marvellous.

We stayed in Hirschbach, a little village in Franconia germany not far from Nuremberg. Our flat had two bedrooms. It was fantastic and very cheap compared to Australia.

Hirschbach is a small village inFranconian Alb. It is surrounded by scenic landscapes and is perfect for hiking, and climbing. Then after our long hikes, we relaxed in the beautiful bier garten of the Goldener Hirsch historic pub, built in 1630.

Hiking in the spring in Germany is fantastic. The meadows are green with pretty wildflowers. The deciduous trees have new leaves. We walked from one little village to another.

During spring hiking in Germany is fantastic. The meadows are green with pretty wildflowers. The deciduous trees have new leaves. We walked from one nice little village to another.

Even though the villages are small, in franconia germany without a doubt, you will find a pub where you can get a wonderful meal

Even though the villages are small, without a doubt, you will find a pub where you can get a wonderful meal

During spring, it is quite spectacular to hike through the beech forest in Franconia.

While hiking, we saw wonderful spring flowers—the Akelei flowers —that we had missed for a long time.

During our walks, we were lucky to see the rare fire salamander.

One of our lovely spring hikes in Franconia.

While there are many old castles in Franconia germany, this one is the thousand-year-old Hohenstein Castle.

While there are many old castles in Franconia, this one is the thousand-year-old Hohenstein Castle.

Most of the castles are no longer occupied, while several are now museums. Above is the stunning castle of Pottenstein.

The "Fränkischen Schweiz" is a region in Franconia Germany. Hiking there, can be challenging at times due to some steep climbs. But you get compensated with a beautiful view

Bye bye Fränkischen Schweiz.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a beautiful and historic city in Bavaria with a population of 500000. It is known for its well-preserved medieval Altstadt (old town). It is also known for its lively Christmas markets. The Altstadt is a charming maze of narrow cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. The landmarks are Hauptmarkt, the main market square. There are the Schöner Brunnen, the beautiful fountain, and the Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady.

Then, we went back to our beloved Nuremberg. Where we had been living for many years and all our memories came back. It is wonderful to stroll through small alleys, shop or sit down for a coffee or a beer.

Then we visited the major market square, where the 14th-century "Schöner Brunnen" or "Beautiful Fountain" is. The Gothic spire stands 19 metres tall and features colourful figures depicting different parts of the worldview at the time.

We visited the major market square, where the 14th-century “Schöner Brunnen” or “Beautiful Fountain” is. The Gothic spire stands 19 metres tall and features colourful figures depicting different parts of the worldview at the time.

River Pegnitz, the “Henkersteg” bridge, and the tower where the hangman lived.

Finally, we walked up to the 1000-year-old mediaeval Imperial Castle. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. But take your time; it takes hours to explore every building.

Finally a view of the “Altstadt of Nuremberg,” the historic centre beneath the castle.

We enjoyed many lunches at this great restaurant. We did this while living and working in Nuremberg. Gaststätte "Schlenkerla" with unforgettable food and Rauch Bier (smoked beer)

When we lived and worked in Nuremberg, this was our favourite restaurant. The Gaststätte “Schlenkerla” with unforgettable food and Rauch Bier (smoked beer) was an institution in Nuremberg.