For the winter season 2011 we would like to introduce you to unique, typical and authentic German Christmas markets and 3 new UNESCO World Heritage sites - Beech Forest, Fagus Factory and Pile Dwellings. Numerous indoor and outdoor cultural activities as well as special Christmas treats can be discovered all over Germany.

In 2011, the UNESCO World Heritage committee decided to add three new German heritage sites to the World Heritage List. A Beech Forest, the so called Fagus Factory in Alfeld as well as Pile Dwellings along the German Alps have been considered worth for putting them under special governmental protection due to its natural, architectural and historical uniqueness.

Due to onward forest clearance and industrial development, Europe's once extensive Beech Forests have been decimated, now cover only a tiny fraction of their potential natural distribution area and exist only in Germany anymore. These beech forests are spread over four different states, Brandenburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Thuringia. http://hwww.weltnaturerbe-buchenwaelder.de  

The Fagus Factory is a shoe last factory, located in Alfeld, Lower Saxony. The appeal of the still operating factory lies in the unique modern architecture which has been influenced by the Bauhaus school. The building is known for vast expanses of glass panels and functionalistic aesthetics designed by Walter Gropius. It is a landmark in the development of architecture around the world and a symbol of North German innovation. http://whc.unesco.org  

The prehistoric Pile Dwellings along the German Alps, France, Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia grant an insight in the life of former peasants. They have been built between 5000 and 500 B.C. and represent the agriculture, trade and logistics of human being at that time. The most important archaeological finds are the oldest fabrics and wheels from about 3000 B.C. The German parts of the Pile Dwellings extend to the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria. http://www.germany.travel 

 

 

Ginger Bread and Nuremberg Christmas market

The well-known Nuremberg Christmas Market "Christkindelmarkt" is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany and can be traced back to the 16th century. In 1737, al-most all craftsmen from Nuremberg were offering their individual products. This year, over 2 mil-lion visitors are expected to visit the market from November 25 until December 24, 2011. Christmas in Germany always has been associated with "Lebkuchen" gingerbread, which is probably the most delicious experience during the Christmas season. It is made of honey, cin-namon, ginger, cloves, almonds, candied orange peel, lemons, nutmeg, eggs and sugar, and other ingredients. Another name given to this German sweet is "honey cake" or "pepper cake" and it comes in all kinds of forms, such as the hearts, gingerbread houses or just as round coo-kies. The history of the Lebkuchen can be traced back to the old Egyptians, Romans and Greek times. Today "Lebkuchen" is a protected designation of origin and must be produced within the boundaries of the city of Nuremberg. Further information on the Christkindlmarkt and German Christmas Markets in general can be found on http://www.germany.travel

Regensburg's "Zwischengang" and the Christmas market

In December 2009, Regensburg has been enriched by an innovative concept of enjoying gourmet dining while learning more about the city of Regensburg. The new concept "Zwischengang", initiated by Jörn Wiebe, is a culinary "Gourmet-Happening" which appeals to all senses. Each course of the dinner will be eaten in a different location of the city. Whilst walking from one res-taurant to the next one, the guide explains the history and most important sights of Regensburg. Strolling through the streets of the historic center, it works up the appetite for authentic German food in an exclusive ambience again. Jörn Wiebe offers weekly group tours but also creates individual tours on request. Further information on this can be found at www.zwischengang.de

Regensburg is not just well-known as UNESCO World Heritage site; Regensburg also is famous for its traditional Christmas Market, called "Christkindlmarkt". The Christmas Market is considered as one of the ten most beautiful Christmas Markets in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and is more than 400 years old. Let the day pass by while enjoying the medieval Christmas atmosphere and of course a hot mulled wine. Our insiders' tip? Visit the Christmas Market located in the courtyard of the Thurn and Taxis Palace, where fairytales will be brought to life. This year, the Christmas markets in Regensburg will take place from November 24 to December 23, 2011. Read more about Christmas in Germany at http://www.germany.travel