The 14th of February (Valentines Day) is considered the day of love and lovers in Germany and other countries. But why is that? You can read all about the meaning of Valentine’s Day, its history and customs here Every year on February 14 is Valentine’s Day. In Germany, and many other countries around the world, this date is used to give flowers and chocolates, to … Continue reading Valentines Day, the Founder and it’s Origin
One crisp January morning in Germany, I opened my door when I heard the sound of soft singing. I saw three children dressed in robes and golden paper crowns, they were the Sternsinger—the “Star Singers.” They were disguised as the Three Wise Men and brought with them a centuries old tradition. This tradition still warms hearts across the country at Epiphany. It was Three Kings … Continue reading Three Kings Day: The Meaning of Sternsingers in Germany
A few years ago, while traveling through South Bavaria, I found myself in the enchanting city of Passau—a place where three rivers meet and history flows through every cobbled street. Nestled at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, Passau is known for its baroque beauty, its vibrant culture, and one extraordinary treasure that left me breathless: the largest cathedral organ in the world. … Continue reading Passau Cathedral has the worlds largest Organ
While on our Mediterranean cruise we booked an excursion to Bari, Italy, which is a southern Italian coastal town. Unbeknownst to me, we stopped at a cathedral which has a significance in most of the Christian world. It has a tomb with relics of St. Nicolaus Continue reading Saint Nicholas tomb is in Bari, Italy
My daughter and I enjoyed some beautiful, sunny days early October in the vicinity of Füssen near the King Ludwig II castles. Since Neuschwanstein was under renovation, we were looking forward to take a tour through Hohenschwangau castle, which was also Ludwig’s and Otto’s childhood home. Nestled in the shadow of its famous neighbor Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle quietly reigns with its own regal charm. Our … Continue reading King Ludwig II childhood castle, Hohenschwangau
While staying at a cozy hotel just west of Frankfurt, I found myself flipping through a stack of brochures at the reception desk one quiet morning. One in particular caught my eye—it featured a picturesque town called Idstein, nestled in the rolling hills of Hesse. Idstein is part of the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (Timber-Frame Road), connecting towns with fine Fachwerk buildings and houses. The brochure promised a beautifully preserved Altstadt, … Continue reading Idstein’s Historic Charm
The Felsenkirche in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, is an iconic landmark in the region and has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The Chapel was established around 1350 a.D. to serve as a place of worship for the miners working in the nearby gemstone mines. The church is perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The actual church was built … Continue reading An iconic landmark, the Felsenkirche of Idar-Oberstein
The Watzmann mountain is not only Berchtesgaden’s landmark, it is also shrouded in famous legends and myths. Even today, the peaks of the massif are referred to as a family The Watzmann itself, with its 2713 meters of the middle peak, highest inner-German peak, as well as the Kleine (small) Watzmann known as the Watzmannfrau, and its 2307 meter frame with the smaller peaks, the … Continue reading The Berchtesgaden Watzmann Legend
