Krefeld Live Cam

A beautiful city in North Rhine-Westphalia, situated northwest of Düsseldorf

Live Cam Garden Hotel Garni Krefeld - Germany

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  • Schönwasserstrasse 12A - Bockum
  • Krefeld 47800 - Germany
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A Western European country

Alongside the Historic Highlights and the Magic Ten, Germany has numerous other towns and cities which are not quite old enough to be historic, or big enough to be magical, but are worth a visit nonetheless. Very often the jewels are to be found miles away from the mainstream. And one returns home doubly happy after discovering one or more of these small secrets. 16 of these urban attractions are outlined here. Some of the charm emanating from these towns can be appreciated here. But it is best to experience it first hand by going there yourself.

Aachen

Aachen's hot springs have always been a source of attraction for a pot-pourri of visitors from far and near. Most famous bather was undoubtedly Charlemagne, who chose Aachen as his favourite residence thereby making it an intellectual and cultural melting pot. But also its location at the crossroads of Germany, Holland and Belgium bestowed Aachen with its cosmopolitan vigor. This has not changed today. Concerts, theater and cabaret performances offer a sweeping repertoire. Countless monuments are testimony of the city's 2000-year history. There is a lot to marvel at in Aachen: the cathedral, the first cultural asset of the UNESCO with the most significant treasure chamber north of the Alps; the patriarchal throne of the kingdom, which has seated 32 German Kaisers and Kings; paintings and sculptures in the Suermont-Ludwig-Museum; Aachen living culture in the Couven-Haus; the Gothic Rathaus; the Newspaper Museum and last not least the Computer Museum with its fascinating insights into the development of data processing. And when muse and mind are contented, one can always try one's luck in the international casino, enjoy carnival festivities or take one's fill of the famous Aachen "Printen" - a spicy chocolate delicacy.

Cottbus

The director of the Cottbus parks and gardens department must be a much-respected person. At least this is the impression one gets on entering Brandenburg's second largest city. Why? One reason is the terrain of the Federal Garden Show 1995, with which Cottbus again reaffirmed its reputation as verdant city. Another is the Rose Garden Forst, which shouldn't be missed when June blooms. Then there is the Fürst Pückler Park Branitz, Germany's largest landscape garden. It was laid out by Prince Pückler Muskau between 1846 and 1871 and its pyramids make it a unique horticultural work of art. Last not least is the Tertiärwald in Spreeauen Park. This is a redesigned primeval forest from the tertiary period, which takes you back 10 million years. Cottbus also has a blooming cultural landscape. Classics concerts are staged monthly in Branitz Castle. The art collection in the Spremberger Strasse arranges one interesting exhibition after the other. Sports enthusiasts will not want to miss the International Athletics Meeting and the World Cup in track cycling. And the Cottbus Rock Spectacle shows who calls the tune in Brandenburg.



Eisleben

Nestling amid the pleasantly rolling hill country of the Mansfelder Mulde, Eisleben is a lively town with 24,000 inhabitants. It enjoys far-reaching fame as the place where Martin Luther was born in 1483 and died in 1546. Every year, many hundred thousand sightseers from all corners of the world visit the house of the famous reformer. Not to mention the many churches, such as the St. Andreas Church with its original Luther pulpit. The 1000-year old town also has much to offer visitors seeking more worldly interests. In Molmerswede the birthplace of Gottfried August Bürger, author of the fantastic Münchhausen fairytales, provides inspiration for telling stories about Eisleben back home. Both dinosaurs fans and dogs will love the Spengler Museum in Sangershausen, which houses a complete mammoth skeleton and leaves no bones unturned in the true sense of the saying. For digging down deeper into Eisleben's history a visit to the Röhrigschacht Copper Mine Museum is a must. After a 300-meter descent into the shaft one enjoys an exciting trip on the pit railway. And if that's not enough, take your heart up to the Harz (mountains). Just a short drive from Eisleben brings one to a paradise for skiers and sledgers in winter and for walkers in summer. Eisleben - warm hospitality all year round.

Fulda

Situated in middle Germany, Fulda nestles amidst the picturesque landscape of the Rhön and the Vogelsberg. Founded in the year 744, it can now look back on a long history, which one can still discover today. The Michaelskirche, for example, dates from the Carolingian period, making it one of the oldest churches in Germany. In the 18. century Fulda developed into a bastion of the Baroque style. Centerpiece is the art-historical Baroque quarter with the Dom, the Stadtschloss with its formal gardens and orangery. The numerous sights and museums from other periods are also well worth a visit. The appealing Altstadt with its abundance of cafés and bars offers typical Fulda "gemütlichkeit" during an evening stroll. Walkers too will find Fulda and its lovely surroundings fascinating.

Kiel

Kiel, on the Baltic Sea, is so far north that it's not a place one visits in passing. But a detour to Kiel is an experience not to be missed. Kiel is cosmopolitan and radiates maritime charm: boats rocking in the harbor, sails fluttering in the wind, the cries of circling gulls, the penetrating hoots of ships - unforgettable impressions for all visitors. The capital of Schleswig Holstein is cultural focal point of the state. The city museum "Warleberger Hof", the Art Hall, the City Gallery and the castle with its paintings collection in the "Rantzaubau" should be on the agenda of sightseers in Kiel. Kiel also offers many more mundane pursuits, for example, the "Sophienhof", one of Germany's largest covered malls, is a shopping spree Mecca. In the Maritime Museum one can relive the adventurous history of seafaring and wonder at traditional and modern techniques of shipbuilding. And then, a boat trip around the harbor and through the "Nord-Ostsee" canal is great for blowing away the cobwebs. An excursion to Laboe with its Marine Memorial is also a good option. Fans of spectacular sports events should come in June to the "Kieler Woche". The world's biggest sailing regatta is also accompanied by a bustling public festival, a gala on land and water. The cultural climax of the year is the Schleswig Holstein Music Festival from July through August, with Kiel as its center. No less than 100 concerts in more than 30 locations make is one of the international music scene's most outstanding events.

Magdeburg

Close your eyes and just dream of a promenade through Magdeburg. The city's silhouette. The Rotehorn municipal park. Birdsong. Susurrating trees in a gentle breeze. The soft spatter of salty water in a fountain. You meander past the idyllic Marien island, across quaint bridges and through smoothly rolling meadowland. And then the repeated splash of water: the waterfall of the old Elbe. Back in the city take a jaunt through the Middle Ages. See Magdeburg's oldest building, the Roman cloister "Unser Lieben Frauen", dating from the 11. century. Alone the smell of the chill masonry tells the long history of the Mediaeval cloister. Relax in the cloister café and enjoy the view of the arches of the venerable building. After an aromatic coffee, wander over the Domplatz past splendid Baroque buildings and enter the stately Gothic cathedral. Bask in its stillness, its mute light, its proud archways. The day is already drawing to a close. The Alte Markt and the captivating Eulenspiegel Fountain are bathed in early evening light. In the falling dusk saunter along the Elbe promenade with its ancient fortifications and modern sculptures. A pleasure boat swishes slowly into dock, returning from sights which await you tomorrow. Or perhaps one of Magdeburg's many galleries await you, or the Johannis Church with Luther memorial, the Rathaus with its peal of bells and historical Ratskeller, or one of the many Sunday concerts of Georg Philipp Telemann. Curious about Magdeburg? Then let nothing stand in your way of this charming excursion.

Saarbücken

Rubbing shoulders with France, it is little wonder that Saarbrücken radiates some of the flair of its Gallic neighbor. Numerous bistros and pavement cafés, excellent cuisine and wines, weekly markets and flea markets give the city almost Mediterranean charm. Saarbrücken's showpiece is undoubtedly Ludwigsplatz, one of the best-preserved German Baroque squares. Other attractions are the Friedenskirche, the old Rathaus, the Schloss, the state theater and the living heart of Saarbrücken, the St. Johanner Markt. The culture interested will find the far-reaching offer amazing. Film and chanson festivals, experimental theater, symphony, chamber and organ concerts, opera, operetta and ballet, rock festivals, drama groups and performing street artists, numerous museums and galleries stamp the cultural countenance of Saarbrücken. The location of the Saar metropolis is no less picturesque. Nestled in the Saar river valley pastures, at the gateway to France, surrounded by greenery, Saarbrücken is the ideal center for many interesting excursions.

Weimar

"Where can one find as much so fair in such a small area" was how poet Goethe praised the small town on the Ilm. He was quite right too, idyllic Weimar was then the bastion of German classics. And today you still have the opportunity of experiencing Goethe, Schiller and Liszt "live". Let the everyday life of Goethe come alive in his birthplace or summer house, with its captivating landscape park. Trace Weimar's classical past among the art collection's treasures. Pay a visit to Schiller at home, or eavesdrop on Franz Liszt during one of his concerts.

About one hundred years after its classical pinnacle, Weimar once again became focus of public attention: as the birthplace of the famous Bauhaus by Walter Gropius. An art, design and architecture school of immense significance for all subsequent movements. In the Bauhaus Museum countless Bauhaus works by leading artists of world fame can be wondered at.Weimar will herald the passing of our millennium in 1999 as the Culture Town of Europe, once again attracting international interest. And today a visit is also a vivid experience. Weimar is a charming and natural blend of past and present. Come in October to the Weimar onion market, where Goethe liked to meander and where housewives today still buy floral decorated onion chains as supply for the whole year. And with its Art Festival, the European Summer Academy, the Ettersburger Culture Workshop, wonderful tour opportunities in the surroundings, international congresses and events, Weimar remains firmly in the present too.

Darmstadt

Darmstadt had its heyday at the turn of the century as the artists colony was founded at Mathildenhöhermstadt - Art Nouveau and Deco'. Since then, splendid Art Nouveau villas have dominated Darmstadt's cityscape. For Nouveau and Deco lovers Darmstadt has lots to offer indeed. The museums display much furniture and sculpture, captivating porcelain and objets d'art from the epoch of flowing style. Today, the former residence town is also a campus, with its own typical student flair. Every year, the Mediaeval castle ruins provide an eerie backcloth for the Halloween festival. On a more earthly note, the nearby Bergstrasse tempts wine connoisseurs. With its warm climate and fertile soil grapes ripen to perfection. For romantics, the view of the Rosenhöhe with its enchanting rose garden and teh sumptuously entwined rosarium, it will be love at first sight. For leisure seekers Darmstadt is the ideal starting point for off-the-beaten-track walking or cycling tours in the Odenwald.

Erfurt

Looking over the rooftops of Erfurt one can't help but notice a seemingly endless number of towers and venerable church steeples. It's the unique aspect of the city which has given it the nickname "The Rome of Thüringen". No other city in Thüringen has as many churches as Erfurt. They are testimony in stone to a history which dates back to the year 742 when St. Boniface founded the bishopric of "Erphesfurt". Well into the 17th Century Erfurt developed into one of Germany's largest and most prosperous cities. The Mariendom (Maria Cathedral) and Severikirche (Church of St. Severus) which were built between the 12th and 15th centuries, bear witness to this fact. The university (founded in 1392) once included Martin Luther on its faculty. Until its closing in 1876 it was one of the most prominent centers of higher learning in Germany. The city is graced with an ensemble of delicately restored Renaissance- and half-timbered homes which endow it with one of the best preserved Middle Age town centers in the country. The most impressive secular structure from this age is the Krämerbrücke (Merchant Bridge).The baroque citadel of Petersberg is the only city fortress of its kind in Central Europe. Its well-preserved structure reflects an architectural style that is characteristic of the 17th and 19th centuries. Today Petersberg affords visitors an opportunity to see an underground labyrinth of abandoned mines and a historical exhibition. It also provides a magnificent view of the Old Town in Erfurt.

Karlsruhe

Never has the awareness of this Baden residence city been boosted so consistently as by the soccer stars of the Karlsruhe Sports Club, In just a few years the team has rocketed into the top echelons of European soccer. And with its blend of splendid history and ambitious hightech projects, Karlsruhe is also one of southern Germany's most lively cities. Set on the Rhine plain between the Palatinate, Vosges and Black Forest hills, Karlsruhe was founded in 1715 by Margrave Karl Wilhelm and designed in star or fan-formation. Still today, 9 municipal streets and 23 woodland avenues radiate out in all directions from the Palace. This is a natural invitation to excursions into the surroundings, for example to Alsace or nearby Black Forest.

But first it is wise to discover all that Karlsruhe has in store. Saunter through the streets and view the Baroque Palace with the State Museum and park, the Marktplatz with classical Rathaus and church, the Pyramid or Turmberg with Germany's oldest stand-up cablecar. And take a trip to Ettlingen where spectacular summer plays at the Schloss are staged in summer. The numerous parks, gardens and woods offer unlimited recreation opportunities. And people visiting theaters, museums, exhibitions, concerts and congresses will not be disappointed by what Karlsruhe has on offer.

Konshtanz

For stepping across frontiers, Konstanz, or "Konshtanz", as the locals say in their Badish dialect, is the place to be. The resort on the Bodensee (or Lake Constance) lies at the junction of four countries: Germany-Austria-Switzerland-Liechtenstein. An hour's travel takes one to Zurich, to check out if Swiss timepieces are ticking properly. On a day-trip to Vaduz one may even come fact to face with a prince. Dornbirn, where Austria's tempting desserts await one, is only a dumpling's throw away. And spectacular falls are in store for all visitors to Schaffhausen on the Rhine. Back in Konstanz there are still many sights to see. The cathedral, a Roman column basilica built between 1052 and 1089. Or the figure "Imperia" - a nine meter high sculpture which has presided over the entrance to Konstanz harbor since 1993.

Konstanz's oldest suburb, the Niederburg, is also worth visiting. Above all in February, when carnival and fanfare processions weave their way through the quarter's delightfully preserved 14. century alleyways. Devotees of the Allemanic street carnival will enjoy a fantastic time here. For friends of flowers and nature, it will be love at first sight on Mainau Island, only 7 km distant from Konstanz. It is the home of one of the world's most beautiful parks, a sea of flowers amid a lake of captivating beauty. What a pity, that with these unlimited opportunities vacations are so short. But there is always a next time!

Nürnberg

The Nürnberg Altstadt is presided over by the Mediaeval Kaiserburg, which rises majestically above the city skyline. The Altstadt is encircled by the five kilometer long city walls he Altstadt is encircled by s of, whose 80 towers disclose its former fortification function. Today, Nürnberg's 500.000 inhabitants can enjoy cosmopolitan flair coupled with romantic half-timbered facades and idyllic squares in the downtown area. Nürnberg's Hauptmarkt is home of the "Schöne Brunnen" (beautiful fountain) with its secretive ring of luck. In teh Altstadt the Gothic Frauenkirche and St. Lorenzkirche with their impressive works of art bear witness to the city's prime period. For fans of art and history, Nürnberg is a treasure trove: with 1.2 million exhibits, the Germanic Nationalmuseum has the most significant collection of art and art historical objects in the German-speaking area. In the Albrecht Dürer Haus an impressive multi-vision show outlines the life and work of teh celebrated Nürnberg painter. These are just some highlights Nürnberg's has in store for its visitors. Come yourself and get to know the others too.

Ulm/Neu-Ulm

Most visitors are usually unaware that they are moving between two different German states. Although having common geographic roots and only divided by the Danube, Ulm belongs to the state of Baden Württemberg, Neu Ulm to Bavaria. Together they form the cultural and economic hub, as well as shopping metropolis of the region between Allgäu, Lake Constance and the Swabian Alb. Sightseeing in Ulm is meandering through the romantic fishermen's and tanners' quarter. Promenading along 500-year old city walls by the Danube. It is perspectives into attractive alleyways, views of historic half-timbered buildings and above all the outlook from the world's highest church steeple, that of Ulm cathedral. This Gothic building is an architectural gem, its choir stalls and wall busts have their place art history.

Ulm knows how to celebrate too. One of its most prominent festivals is the "Schwörwoche" (oath week) with "Schwörmontag". This is a very special event commemorating the first official oath of the mayor in 1397, promising to take care of rich and poor alike. This manifests one of the oldest city charters in existence and reason enough for a gay public festival with its traditional water procession the "Nabada". Ulm also has everything to pack a trip full of interest: museums, monuments, pleasant pubs and restaurants, lots of green open spaces and interesting leisure pursuits.