Twitter
Facebook
Moving boxes and bubble wrap should not be the final things you see before moving to a new location. Take a break from the stress of PSCing and make your last month in Germany a memorable one. Whether you decide to visit one of the many castles dotting the landscape, or simply enjoy a typical German meal, here is a list that can help get you started.
Trips You Can’t Miss
• Neuschwanstein castle tour: Located atop a mountain in Bavaria, Schloss Neuschwanstein is known as the fairy tale home of King Ludwig II. It is also known as the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle design at Disneyland. A castle tour lasts about 30 minutes and is available in both English and German. Check out http://www.neuschwansteincastle.net/ for more information.
• Berlin city tour: You can choose from a variety of tours, such as a walking tour, a bike tour or a bus tour, to name a few. Depending on which tour you decide to take, you can visit the historical Potsdam, take a trip to Checkpoint Charlie, see the Brandenburg Gate or simply learn the history of the largest city in Germany. Visit http://www.berlincitytours.com/ for more information.
• Boat tour down the Rhine: The Rhine River travels from Switzerland to Amsterdam, and those who take a boat tour can enjoy picturesque scenery. Some tours last a week, but there are shorter tours available for those interested. Visit http://www.bingen-ruedesheimer.com/rhine-cruise/index.html for more information.
Places To Check Out Nearby
• Trier: When visiting the oldest city in Germany, be sure to see the “Porta Nigra,” or black gate, which dates back to 180 A.D. Also on the list is the oldest church in Germany, the Cathedral of Trier built by Constantine the Great. This cathedral houses the Holy Robe, which is said to have been worn by Jesus when he was crucified.
• Cologne: Located on the Rhine River, this city is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Visit the Kölner Dom, one of the largest churches in Germany. Also worth a visit is the chocolate museum and the old town, which contains restored buildings.
• Hamburg: A trip to the second-largest city in Germany should include a tour of the city hall and St. Michaelis church. At night, some tourists also take a walk around the Reeperbahn, which is Europe’s largest red light district.
Amusement Parks
• Holiday Park: Located in Haßloch, this park contains a variety of roller coasters and live shows. Located about an hour or so away from the KMC, it is close and relatively inexpensive. Some of the more known rides are the free fall tower and the bigFM Expedition GeForce. For more information, visit http://www.plopsa.be/holiday-park/en.
• Europa Park: Located near the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland, this park features more than 100 attractions and shows. One of the more thrilling rides is the Silver Star, a hyper coaster that you can see before you even reach the amusement park.
• Phantasialand: This amusement park, located in Bruhl, has roller coasters and other attractions for children.
• Legoland Deutschland: Located in Gunzburg, this park is divided into themed areas, which contain an assortment of rides and shows. The main attraction is MINILAND, which contains European towns and landscapes recreated from LEGO bricks.
Things To Eat
• Currywurst: This German dish, consisting of fried pork sausage covered with curry ketchup, is a must have before leaving the country. Currywurst is normally served from food trucks, but you can also order this at the Brauhaus am Markt in Kaiserslautern.
• Schnitzel: This cutlet is made up of meat that is cut and then pounded, dipped in bread crumbs and then fried. There are a variety of different meats available for customers to choose from. Those hungry for a schnitzel can find them in various restaurants.
• Brötchen: This bread roll is soft inside and perfect to eat with cheese or jam. You can find these either in a German grocery shop or in a German bakery.
• Döner: Although this is traditionally a Turkish dish, shops located all around Germany still serve it and have learned to perfect it. Served in flatbread,
it contains shaved meat and whichever vegetables and sauce you wish to add. When you’re out shopping or with friends, you can find a doner shop somewhere downtown and buy yourself a cheap dinner.
Experience These
• Go to a Fest: Germany is always bustling with a variety of different festivals throughout the year. So, find one and take your friends or family! For example, check out the Rhine in Flames festival on July 7, which is when fireworks light up the sky and illuminate the Rhine River; Kaiserslautern’s “Altstadtfest,” or old town fest, which takes place Friday to Sunday in downtown Kaiserslautern; and the Bonn Summer Festival, which lasts until October. For more festivals, visit http://
militaryingermany.com/events/.
• Attend a German soccer game: Experience the cheering crowd and the atmosphere in the stadium as attendees root for their favorite team. For instructions on how to buy tickets for an FCK game, visit http://www.fck.de/en/tickets/news-tickets.html.
