Travel Month: August
Introduction:
As our summer break was drawing to a close, we opted for a brief 8-day vacation in Europe. Our destination of choice was Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. However, since our preferred flight choices all involved layovers in Frankfurt, Germany, we decided to explore some cities in the East of Germany, namely Berlin, Nuremberg, and Dresden, before making our way to Prague, instead of taking a direct flight from Frankfurt, Germany.
Day 1: Berlin, Germany
Our European journey began the moment we landed at Frankfurt Airport. We hopped into a taxi for a swift 15-minute ride to the train station, bypassing the available train alternatives. With a couple of hours to spare before our train to Berlin, we strolled around the neighborhood near the station and enjoyed a leisurely lunch.
The train journey to Berlin unfolded as an approximately three-hour visual feast through the heart of Germany, unveiling charming countryside views and glimpses of quaint villages. By the time we arrived in Berlin, evening had set in. Our hotel was a mere 20-minute walk from the station by the river Spree.
Day 2 – 3: Berlin city tour
The next day, we opted to use a hop-on-hop-off bus to explore Berlin, given the overcast and chilly weather. Berlin, situated along the river Spree, holds a significant historical connection to World War II and the Cold War. We climbed to the top of the Berlin Cathedral (270 steps) to get a panoramic view of the city. Later in the afternoon, we visited key attractions that were once part of East Germany.
Our second day in Berlin included a 2-hour World War II walking tour, during which our guide led us through historical sites, offering valuable insights. We met our tour guide at the Brandenburg Gate. The gate stands as a symbol of peace and unity, attracting visitors from around the world. We walked through key locations associated with World War II, shedding light on the significant events and their impact on Berlin. We visited iconic landmarks such as remnants of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Topography of Terror exhibition center. In the evening, we had plans to visit the city’s museums. Nowadays, it’s crucial to pre-book tickets for these attractions. If time is scarce, consider starting with the Pergamon Museum. Despite having our tickets secured, jet-lag took a toll on us, forcing us to reluctantly abandon our museum plans.
Day 4: Dresden, Germany
We boarded a morning train bound for Dresden, an idyllic city nestled along the picturesque banks of the river Elbe. After stowing our luggage in the station’s locker room, we secured day tickets for the tram and set off to explore the charming old town area. Notable among its landmarks was the Frauenkirche, a prominent 18th-century church that endured destruction during World War II, serving as a war memorial for five decades before undergoing reconstruction between 1994 and 2005.
While renowned sites like the Zwinger and Dresden Castle were on our list, time constraints compelled us to forgo them. With a bit of time to spare before catching our train to Prague, we hopped on a tram for a leisurely ride through the city. In the evening, we embarked on a scenic train journey to Prague, relishing the breathtaking vistas along the Elbe River.
Day 5 – 6: Prague, Czech Republic
The next 2 days we spent in Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic. More about it in my Prague post.
Day 7-8: Nuremberg, Germany
We returned to Nuremberg, Germany, and faced a tight train connection with just a 10-minute layover, prompting us to opt for the Flix bus from Prague to Nuremberg. To our surprise, the bus proved to be a comfortable mode of travel, though it’s advisable to carry some snacks for the 3-hour ride. It was on time and a very smooth ride. We arrived around noon and leisurely explored the Old Town area. In the evening, we took a taxi to the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Ground and the Nuremberg Trials Memorial, where high-ranking Nazis faced justice between 1945 and 1949. Our friendly taxi driver doubled as a tour guide, quizzing us about our life in the U.S. in return.
On our final day, we enjoyed a walking tour through Nuremberg’s Old Town, soaking in the sights of Nuremberg Castle, St. Sebaldus Church, the Gothic Schöner Brunnen fountain from the medieval period, and artist Albrecht Dürer’s House. The experience was made even more delightful by our local guide, Anthony, whose family has a longstanding connection to this tour, dating back to his grandfather.
Some Travel Tips:
- Check if you need a visa to enter the country.
- Rental car charges are exorbitant if your drop-off and pickup locations are in 2 different countries.
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