The Hungarian Girl invites you to attend the 16th Stollen Festival in Dresden, Germany.

In occasion of the festival, a giant stollen bread will be baked and paraded through the Old Town towards the Dresden Christmas Market.

Gay Christmas Market

Patroc.com gay travel guide announces that Amsterdam will host a special Pink Christmas Market. Oragnized by the ProGay foundation, the event will take place 18-28 December 2009 right in the center of the Dutch capital.

New London Guide

The Londonist reviews ‘Not for Tourists Guide to London‘ and announces that they will be giving out a few free copies of the guidebook via their Twitter account soon.

Spoleto Guide

On GotSaga.com, read a blog post on Spoleto, Italy, a lovely city located  only 39 miles from Perugia and 78 miles from Rome. The short guide includes Spoleto’s most interesting landmarks and sights, such as the Roman Amphitheater and the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta cathedral.

Photo of stollen by Birger Hoppe

Kiel is a modern place to take a ferry trip or a cruise, especially if you want to do a Scandinavian trip by ship.

Kiel Harbor

If you don’t want to do a trip by ship, you should really take a look at the amazing harbour of Kiel. The big cruise ships are fascinating and it is a wonderful view for a photo. You can film or take pictures of the famous ships and see how the people wave on deck. You walk along the dock and watch the ships going by. I really love the sunsets and sunrises in the harbour, because the ambience is so amazing and you can take so lovely pictures in the most wonderful colours of the sun and heaven. If you like romantic walks along the sea, you should try to get a hotel close to the sea or maybe next to the harbor.

City centre of Kiel

Kiel is also a city, which you can visit in all four seasons of the year. In winter you should take some warm clothes with you, if you don’t want to freeze while you are visiting the city. This city is also a nice city for shopping. In the city centre are a lot of shops with different stores and articles. You can buy some cool fashion clothes or take some little souvenirs with you.

An ideal place to go is the “Holstenstrasse” and the “Holstenplatz” in Kiel to do some great shopping tours or just to take a look at the city centre and the people. There are some really nice cafés and restaurants, where you can take a little rest and drink a coffee. It is so much fun to sit outside in spring or summer and watch the people going by. A very comfortable shopping centre is the “Sophienhof” right in front of the central railway station.

The tourist information is close to the Holstenstrasse inside the new city hall. You can get a lot of information about Kiel there or book some great sightseeing tours. I have done a sightseeing tour by bus and it was very nice to see a lot of Kiel and you get to know some historical information of this city. If you don’t want to spend money on that, you can do your own sightseeing tour by walking through the city.

The city hall is famous for its social constructions and the politic of the city. The building is pretty and if you want, you can take a look inside this historical building.

Next to the Holstenstrasse is a big hall called “Sparkassen-Arena” at the Europaplatz in Kiel. This hall is always used for sport and music events. You can listen to the concerts of world wide music stars, who are giving a concert in the city. So if you have the time to attend a concert, you shouldn’t miss it.

To the city centre belongs of course the Old Town of Kiel too. You can see the style of the old buildings of the city and the old city hall. You will get to see some very impressive houses in the old maritime style. And you should take a look at the Kieler castle, which was bombed in the Second World War and it is now rebuild. The castle has a famous regional library in it with thousands of books. That was an absolutely amazing moment for me to visit this library.

If you are a fan of churches, you can visit the St. Nikolaikirche of the city. It is a beautiful old church with a nice ambience.

Kiel at night

The nightlife in Kiel is pretty varied and depending on your mood and what you would like to do. My favourite discos of the city are “Atrium”, “Max” and the “Mausefalle”.

The Atrium is a big night club in the Dieselstrasse 2 in the city part called “Raisdorf”. It is about 10 kilometres away from Kiel city center. You can get there easily by car or bus shuttle. The disco plays different kinds of music, which is depending to the disco theme of the night. You can party there the whole night long and there are different rooms to dance and listen to the music. There is the main hall, which is quite the biggest room of the disco, the royal room, cocktail room, beat club and the gaudi-room. The drinks are not too expensive and the cocktails are very tasty. In the Foyer is a cash money automat, which is very practical, if you don’t have any money left to party. Very cool is the Birthday-Lounge, which you can attend with 5 friends, if your birthday is on that weekend. And the birthday guest gets a little present for you and your friends.

The Max is about 3 kilometres away from the city center and you can take a little walk to get there. It is in the Eckernfoerder Strasse on the corner to the Eichhofstrasse. It is a cool and modern night club with a big dance floor and nice music. There are different events on the weekends to attend and sometimes  entrance is free. Students don’t have to pay the full price, but you have to take your student pass with you. There is also a birthday special for you and a guest, because you and your guest don’t have to pay the entrance and you will get a little drink present for free. There are also some other birthday specials up to 20 guests, but you have to pay for the other birthday specials.

The disco “Mausefalle” is next to the central railway station of Kiel, which you can reach by a short walk from the city centre. The disco is split in two party scenes. The music in the Mausefalle is pop music, oldies and typically German party music. You can listen and dance to the songs of the 60s, 70s and 80s. The modern part of the disco is the “Nightlife”. The DJ’s are playing black and dance music with hits of the charts. This party scene has a cool Lounge character with a great dance floor. This disco is a little bit smaller than the other two night clubs.

If you don’t want to drive, you should choose the disco, which is closer to your hotel.

Hotels in Kiel, Germany

• Minotel Rabe’s – 2-star hotel – double room from €95
• Am Segelhafen Hotel – 3-star hotel – double room from €93
• InterCityHotel Kiel - 3-star hotel – double room from €79
• Neues Parkhotel – 3-star hotel – double room from €96
• Landhaus Schellhorn – 3-star hotel – double room from €96

Photo by Chjab

The city is located on one of the longest rivers in Europe, the River Rhine and is a mix of old and new with baroque buildings blending in seamlessly with some of the best shopping streets in Germany.

1. The Altstadt

What would Germany be without its beer? The Altstadt (Düsseldorf Old Town) is more renowned for its 300 plus discos and bars than it is for typical old world sightseeing. The Altstadt is often referred to as “the longest bar in the world” in reference to the many bars crammed into a relatively small borough. The Altstadt is worth a trip and if bar hopping isn’t your thing then you will be pleased to read that there are other attractions in the area like the Basilica St. Lambertus and the old City Hall (Rathaus).

2. Shopping on Königsallee

Königsallee or Kö as it is known locally is a beautiful and exclusive part of the city. A canal divides the picturesque boulevard and leafy trees grow on either side of the waterway. Königsallee also has a plentiful supply of shops and huge department stores on either side of the canal. The shopping malls that are worth checking out include the KÖ-Galerie (with over 130 shops under its roof) and Sevens (famous for its glass roof). And it doesn’t end there! The shopping spills out onto the nearby Schadowstraße and into the Altstadt district. However, if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Gucci and Chanel then don’t despair. There are plenty of great little pavement cafés where you can stop and just watch the world go by.

3. Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

This international museum is actually two different establishments, the K20 Kunstsammlung and the K21 Kunstsammlung. More than just catchy names, they are both famous and world renowned for their exceptional collections of modern international art. The K20 is located at 5 Grabbeplatz and houses art of the 20th century. It has a very impressive collection of works by Paul Klee and some individual pieces by Picasso and Beuys. The K21 features international art from 1980 onwards and is located at 1 Ständehausstraße. The very chic K21 bar is also well worth a visit after a long day at the museum.

4. Deutsche Oper am Rhein

The famous opera company, Deutsche Oper am Rhein are based in Düsseldorf. The company performs in the Opernhaus Düsseldorf and is celebrated as a Classical Ballet and opera company. Operas for children are organized from time to time so it worth checking out their schedule before you travel to see if there is something on that grabs you.

5. Boat Tour on the Rhein

A great way to see Düsseldorf is by boat. Tours are frequent and usually last about an hour. Prices are very reasonable and for just a little more you can double your drift time to two hours. You will be cruised up and down the river, from Burgplatz where you will see what remains of a baroque palace, along the banks of the Altstadt and all the way down to the very modern Medienhafen harbour where world famous architects have created spectacular buildings.

Top-rated Düsseldorf Hotels on Venere.com:

• Hotel Golden Tulip – 4-star hotel in Düsseldorf Erkrath – Double from €59
• Hotel Arosa – 3-star hotel in Düsseldorf Kassel – Double from €109
• Hotel am Volskgarten – 3-star hotel near Düsseldorf train station – Double from e125

Picture of Medienhafen, Düsseldorf, Germany by Filippo.Salamone

How to get from Hamburg to Luneburg

Luenburg is situated about 60 km away from Hamburg and you can get there by car, train or bus. If you rent a car or you might have your own car with you, just take the autobahn (kind of freeway) from Hamburg to Luneburg. One autobahn comes from the city centre of Hamburg and is called A1 and the other autobahn, which goes in the south of Germany too, is the A7. At the interchange Maschener Kreuz/Horster Dreieck just change from A1 or A7 on the A250 and you will get right away to Luneburg. It will take you between 45 minutes and 1 hour to get there.

Another way to get to Luneburg is by railway. Hamburg main train station is located next to the Moenckebergstrasse. If you are in one of the other parts of Hamburg, you can take the subway to the central train station, which is called “Hauptbahnhof” in German. Another central station is Harburg, which is another part of Hamburg. It will take about 40-50 minutes to get from Hamburg to Luneburg by train. If you are not sure how and where to get a railway ticket, just ask some staff in the service point of the Deutsche Bahn in the central railway station. They will help you to get a train ticket.

The other way to get to Luneburg is by bus, which is pretty difficult, because you have to change for other buses. You would have to change for others buses about three or four times and you should have to wait a lot for the next bus, which would cost useful time. So better take the train or the car.

The City Centre of Luneburg

Luneburg is a very historical city and was at that time famous for its salt. The salt cutback made the city rich and elevated.

Luneburg central train station is very close to the city centre and next to the central bus station. You only have to walk about five minutes to get in the city centre with a lot of shops and of course sightseeing. On the way from the central railway station to the city centre you come along and old church called “St. Johanniskirche”. If you are interested in churches, take a look into the beautiful church. Next to this church is a place called “Sande”. You can find some shops and historical houses on the Sande. This style of construction is very typical for the old houses there. From the Sande are leading different streets called “Am Berge”, “Grapengiesserstrasse” or “Baeckerstrasse” to the other shops, where you can find different kind of stuff. You can find Luneburg city hall at the end of  Baeckerstrasse. They are doing some interesting sightseeing tours through the city hall. On the left side of the city hall, which is called “Rathaus” in German, is a small street called “Schroederstrasse”. You can find some really nice restaurants, cafés and bars in this street. One of the most famous and tasty cafés are the “Café Central” and “Café Maexx”. You can eat lunch or dinner in all price ranges there and you will enjoy the wonderful ambience.

Lueneburg Museums and Attractions

About five minutes walk from there is the famous Salt Museum of Lueneburg, where you can see some historical troves and you will get to know everything of the salt city. The Museum is in the street “Hinter der Saline”. Very close to the museum is the old part of Lunenburg called “Altstadt” with a lot of small and historical buildings. Small streets with little houses are typically for the old time of Lueneburg a few hundred years ago. You can walk through the streets and take a look at the houses. People are living there and it doesn’t cost you a thing to take a look at it.

Another museum in the city centre is the “Ostpreussisches Landesmuseum” with a lot of information about the old times in Lueneburg and the old country Ostpreussen. It’s a very historical museum with interesting stuff to see, if you are interested in things like that. Just a few minutes away is an old water tower, which you can visit. You can climb up there (stairs) and take a beautiful view over Lunenburg. Another old thing of Lueneburg is an old crane, which was used at that time to pick up heavy goods and put them on ships and carriages. You can still take a look at the old crane and you don’t have to pay anything for that.

Not for away from the crane is an old place called “Stint”, where you can see these old houses again and you can eat in some nice restaurants and bars there. There is also an Irish Pub, where you can take some drinks and meet nice people. The Stint is very famous at the weekend for little parties and small music events. The comfortable Restaurant September has some nice dinners and they play sometimes live music at the weekend. It’s a great place to meet people and talk a little bit. Along the Stint flows the small river “Ilmenau” and in the summer you can sit outside in front of the Ilmenau and take a little coffee for example.

Lueneburg Parks

Lueneburg has also some nice green parks in the centre of the city. At first there is the “Liebesgrund”, which was a hundred years ago a moat. Now it is a small park for nice walks, maybe with your dog or kids. There is also a playground for children.

The “Kurpark” is a big park including a little sea next to the Soltauer Strasse. It’s a lovely place with a wonderful ambience for a walk and a great place to take a sun bath in the summer. The large green lawn is perfect for some games like Soccer, Badminton or Frisbee. A lot of people are using this park for jogging.

Another pretty small park is the “Clamartpark” next to the Haagestrasse. There is a big monument of a horse rider in the park. The park is used for walks with your dog and there are sitting very often some homeless people and punks. Don’t worry, because they are all friendly and don’t annoy you.

Lunenburg Hotels recommended by Venere.com:

• Comfort Hotel Lüneburg
• Hotel Best Western Premier Castanea

Photo of Lunenburg Old Town, Germany, by juergen.mangelsdorf

As patronising at that moniker may be it gives you some idea of the artistic renown in which the city was held for so long. Unfortunately, ever since February 1945 when the centre of the old city was wiped out by allied bombing, Dresden has been a byword for barbaric destruction and then, in the Cold War, communist style monotony. Thanks to some very impressive restoration since the reunification of Germany, the city of Dresden is now ready to go back to its previous reputation for art and culture and welcome visitors who want to explore it.

The Albertinum Museum

The first museum on this list has to be the Albertinum, although visitors should note that the building is closed for renovation until later this year. The building itself is quite interesting, having constantly evolved since the dark ages and has served as a Royal Palace and many other uses. When it reopens the museum will hold the New Master Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Neue Meister) which will hold a collection covering the modern period and featuring works by many well known artists and sculptors. While visitors are waiting for the renovation work to take place there are selections from the New Master Gallery on temporary display. Complementing the New Masters Gallery is the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, which means Old Masters Gallery. As the name suggests this covers a period earlier than the Albertinum, roughly the 1700’s back to the 1300’s. The collection was saved from the worst of the destruction of the war but then got ravaged by the Red Army. Most of the collection was later returned but certain pieces have never been found and are now presumed to have been destroyed.

The Museum der Dresdner Romantik

The Museum der Dresdner Romantik is a thematic rather than chronological collection dedicated to the Romantic Movement. This is another museum that lost some of its collection in the war, but thankfully most of it was saved. The exhibits here are quite varied and interesting, especially the remaining Stockhausens. Generally speaking, however, this is a museum for the connoisseur rather than the general interest visitor. The renovation of Dresden has been ambitious and comprehensive. The work on the Albertinum is needed and worthwhile so visitors shouldn’t get too frustrated with its closure. Certainly the rest of the city is splendid enough to keep visitors happy until it reopens. There is some debate about when that will be, there is hope that it will be later this year although it may be early next year. My fingers are crossed for as soon as possible. Photo of the Albertinum Museum in Dresden, Germany, by world of jan

Almost all of those who do visit the state are Germans, international visitors seem to be completely unaware of the states charms and attractions.

My recent visit to the area was not a particularly long one but it inspired me to write this post and explore why Saxony has been ignored by so many for so long.

On the face of it the state should be a major tourist magnet. Dresden has the high culture and low thrills that build a wide appeal. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and has recently undergone a magnificent renovation after the destruction of the war and the ignominy of communism.

Outside the city the state has mountains, the sort of castles that make anyone brought up on Disney go weak at the knees and enough preserved history to shake a stick at. There is also the river Elbe with its leisure potential and sheer scenic beauty.

So these are the attractions, but what are the problems? In terms of direct problems there are none. There is no war raging in the state, or uncontrolled crime ravaging its cities. There are no infectious diseases present, the prices are similar if not lower than other more established destinations and the transport infrastructure is very good.

The problems are more nebulous. Europe’s tourist destinations were generally established during the Cold War, when Saxony was cut off behind the Iron Curtain, or quickly established themselves afterwards, like neighbouring Prague. Since the former East Germany, and Dresden particularly, has needed time to recover from those fifty years of stagnation, it has missed out on the tourist boom.

There is also a problem in that the main attractions of Saxony can be found in a similar from elsewhere. Bavaria has mountains and castles, Vienna, Prague and countless other cities have culture and nightlife in various forms. More established destinations build a momentum which draws more and more visitors and new entrants can have trouble competing.

While I am interested in why tourists have ignored Saxony for so long I am not desperate to change this, and I don’t think the inhabitants are either. Hordes of tourists bring in money but they also inevitable change a place. That change has positive and negative aspects but it is still changed.

Saxony will certainly become a more high profile tourist destination because such a secret cannot be kept for long. The reconstruction works in Dresden are nearly complete and absolutely fantastic. This forgotten corner of Europe will not remain so for long, but I hope discovery does not taint Saxony’s unique charm and style.

Photo of tourists in Dresden, Saxony, by rizkapb

With plenty of fairytale-like castles,  Renaissance and Baroque palaces, fascinating monasteries, impressive fortresses and lovely gardens,  Saxony is a great travel destination for either a romantic weekend break or a cultural holiday in the very heart of Europe.

Each summer, the ‘Free State of  Saxony‘,  which boasts a rich cultural heritage and a strong musical tradition, provides music and art lovers with a whole host of events. This summer’s highlights are the Medieval Festival of Weesenstein Castle, Romantic Evenings and Festival of Chamber Music at Moritzburg Castle,  the Summer Film Festival of Mildenstein Castle, Flower and Garden Show at Altzella Monastery Park,… And if you are looking for romance, classic music, ball and fine dining, do not miss the Summer Festival of Rammenau Castle.

However, since the Castles and Palaces of Saxony often house interesting museums and permanent art exhibitions, these fascinating historical landmarks are really worth a visit in any season of the year. It is really difficult to make a choice; so check out our short list of Baroque palaces, Gothic fortresses and royal residences that you shouldn’t  miss out on your Saxony castles tour:

Kriebstein Castle

The best preserved castle of Saxony,  Burg Kriebstein boasts original furniture and painted wood ceilings dating back  from the Late Gothic period. While visiting the Treasure Vault, Hunting Room, Gothic Room and Kriebstein  Chapel of this charming knight’s castle nestled in a wild, romantic forest, you will feel like  a princess or a fairytale hero.

Moritzburg Castle

Boasting superb Meissen porcelain pieces and Baroque furniture, this splendid moated castle is surrounded by enchanting woodlands, meadows and lakes. A popular tourist attraction in Saxony,  Schloss Moritzburg is really worth a visit for the  impressive collections of antlers and Baroque leather wall hangings featured in the Castle Museum, as well as its miniature lighthouse and the Pheasant Castle Moritzburg, a Saxon rococo-styled hunting palace.

Rammenau Castle

Schloss Rammenau is a charming Baroque castle situated halfway between Dresden and Bautzen. Built in the 17th Century, this Saxon Castle used to be a summer residence and boasts magnificent interiors with neo-classical influences. Interesting things to see in Rammenau include the Mirror Hall, the Blue Salon, the Golden Room, the Bulgarian room, the Chinese Room and the Devil’s Room,  as well as  the  German philosopher JG Fichte Memorial.

Dresden and the Elbe Castles

A UNESCO World Heritage Site,  the Dresden Elbe Valley is really worth a visit for Dresden’s royal residence and the three Elbe Castles. The capital city of Saxony offers an array of historical landmarks including the mysterious Dresden Fortress and the Science Tunnel, the Renaissance palace of  Dresden Stableyard featuring the  impressive “Procession of Princes” mural, and the Versailles-style Dresden Zwinger housing artistic treasures such as Raphael‘s Sistine Madonna and the Meissen porcelain carillon.

Tips for your  Saxon Castles Holiday: Romantic Castle Hotels & Palace Tour Cards

For a really romantic stay in Saxony with a touch of luxury, you can book an accommodation in a castle hotel such as the charming  Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz. This Dresden hotel on the Elbe River is located in the park of Pillnitz Castle, a former summer residence of the Kings of Saxony, and offers comfortable, quiet guest rooms, a gourmet restaurant and banqueting facilities.

In order to make visitors save time and money, the Saxony Tourist Board offers a Palaces Tour Card that allows free admission to over forty of the Saxony’s castles from Dresden to Leipzig to Chemnitz. For further information on the Saxon palaces and residences check out the Map of Saxony Castles available on the Saxony Tourist Board website.

Additionally, some of these drinks aren’t at all hard to make and sample, however strange they may seem.

Lemonade – Britain

Victorian recipe books record numerous (and often strange) ways of making the perfect lemonade, which was usually consumed in the garden accompanied by a reserved game of bridge – some recipes even involve leaving overnight and straining through muslin (in layman’s terms, the thin material often used to make curtains and wedding dresses alike). A general consensus reached by most is to include some of the bitter rind into the recipe somewhere along the line for taste.

Polish Rhubarb Honey – Poland

As you might have guessed from the title, this popular Polish summer drink is extremely refreshing with the sourness of the rhubarb contrasting with the sweetness of the honey all poured over ice. It tastes a little bit like cranberry juice and is probably a little bit healthier than the Lemonade because of the addition of honey.

Limoncello – Italy

Before the seasoned Starbucks fan inquires, the Frappuccino is merely a product of the vivid imaginations of corporate fat cats who wanted to find a way to keep coffee sales high in the summer and is no more Italian than the Yeti. But Limoncello, thankfully, is. It’s simply an Italian lemon liqueur made from sugar, lemons, water and pure alcohol and is frequently drunk cold after meal times to aid digestion.

Strawberry Bowle – Germany

It’s called “Bowle” because it’s served from a large glass bowl in the manner of Punch. Made with Brandy, Champagne, Dry White Wine, and Strawberries, it’s said to be quite a good mix. It should be served in a wide, flat glass with a bit of fruit in the manner of a martini. It’s deceptively light while actually very alcoholic.

La Terre Rouge– France

A simple Red French table wine, ideal for picnics and for just about anything, comes from a blend merlot, grenache, and carignan grapes from different regions of Southern France to at varying altitudes and temperatures to really give the wine some substance.

Sangria – Spain

Sangria is a wine punch consumed all over Spain during the sweltering summers. There are many different variants and recipes of the famous drink, but most include red wine, lemonade, and fruit. Many modern varieties contain shots of Bacardi or Vodka, or vast amounts of ice and 7-up to weaken it accordingly, which may be wise if some of the drinkers are a little youthful and inexperienced. It’s so popular in Spain that it can even be bought bottled, but that detracts from the fun of making it yourself and serving it with the authentic bits of fruit floating around in it.

Photo of refreshing drinks by Mickael Dietch

With a population in excess of 500,000, Leipzig is Saxony, Germany’s largest city, and is currently the industrial hub of the Saxony region. However, it is also a major cultural center, affording both locals and international travelers alike many interesting sights, an extremely lively nightlife, and a wide array of shopping possibilities. Notable attractions include the Botanical Garden in Leipzig, the Christmas Market, and the famous Leipzig Zoo. However, for many locals and visitors, the club scene and nightlife are second to none anywhere in Europe.

The easiest way to describe the Leipzig nighttime scene is that there is something for every preference and taste, regardless of age or gender. The majority of the nightlife scene is concentrated in an area called the Altstadt and is classified into two categories of visitors. The area situated around the Markt features a huge assortment of bars, cafes, and other entertainment venues. It also serves as a great place to plan and then kick off your nighttime adventure.

The mellower, older crowd tends to sit and drink at the bars and cafes with outdoor venues, especially in the Barfussgaesschen, located just off the Markt in a well trafficked alleyway. The younger crowd who are always looking for something more adventurous head to the clubs and discos in order to burn off some calories on the dance floor. Regardless of which group you fall into, they both are flourishing rather well, so you will enjoy what each venue has to offer. Here are the three top-rated venues for you to consider when exploring the lively nightlife in Leipzig:

1. Leipzig’s Drallewatsch

From Anglo-Saxon, drallewatsch translates as “have a good time”, but today refers to Leipzig’s premier pub district. It covers Grosse (large) and Kleine (small) Burfussgässchen, Fleischergasse, and Klostergasse. The area features more than 30 bars and pubs, and is also the sight of the annual Honky Tonk – the biggest pub festival in all of Europe.

2. Moritzbastei

One of the most unique nighttime environments in the entire city and the most popular venue for college students. Here you will venture through a series of tunnels constructed in medieval times that the local students have transformed into several bars and highly used dance floors. For the “dance-aholic”, there are three different venues to explore.

3. Nachtcafe

A 3-story structure surrounding an extensive courtyard in the middle. You snake around a broken down elevator shaft drowned in red light as you enter the club. Expansive yet intimately social in every corner, Nachtcafe features a minimum of three music genres, lounging rooms, and several dance floors. You can almost picture yourself in the midst of Dracula’s favorite hangout – if he was a “club-goer.” However, there is no end to the entertainment or excitement that goes on here.

Panorama of Leipzig, Germany, at night by Smithers LE

The city’s countless art treasures, priceless wealth, and spectacular architecture define it as being one of the most exquisite cultural centers in all of Europe. Just the history of the area alone is worth exploring, but if you really want to dive into the culture that is still a big part of Dresden, it’s the museums that are in abundant supply which will hold the greatest allure for you.Museums in Dresden cater to all types of tastes, so if you’re an archaeology fiend, an art aficionado, a dabbler in the sciences, or a history buff, chances are you will discover all you are hoping to explore here in Dresden. Whether it’s an afternoon excursion or just wanting to get out on a rainy day, noteworthy attractions centering on collectibles, cultural items, and historical attractions abound. Permanent collections can be found as the format of most locations, however, there are also traveling exhibits that you may want to be aware of as well.

Here is a list of recommended museums that you won’t want to miss should you be planning a visit to Dresden, Germany:

1. Carl Maria von Weber Museum

Originally the summer home for German musician Carl Maria von Weber between 1818 and 1824, the museum is now the resting place for numerous documents and paintings, as well as other memories, stemming from von Weber’s craft and lifestyle. The museum features concerts and historical society meetings held in museum home’s gardens during the summer months.

2. City Historical Museum

Currently housed in what was once the headquarters of the government (dating back to the 17th century), the City Historical museum was destroyed during World War II. It was reconstructed, recreating the original architectural style, and today houses the museum. Here you will find archives and photographs highlighting Dresden’s growth and development into a regional power.

3. Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister

Named in honor of the “Old Masters”, this museum of the arts is one of the more popular tourist venues and is the main showplace of arts and crafts from several different periods of German culture. It is one of the better displays of the different artistic movements and styles that have transpired during the area’s storied development and history.

4. Kunstgewerbemuseum Dresden

Relative to Dresden’s art and culture, this museum sponsored by the city houses a wide array of exhibits such as items from the baroque period, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and other classical works as well. There are currently more than 42,000 pieces that have been accumulated since the museum’s doors were opened in 1876.

“Statue of Carl Maria von Weber” picture by martinroell

Frankfurters go by many names.Weiners, weenies, franks, but the principle is the same for all. You take a long orange sausage, made from pork traditionally but nowadays from generally any meat, stick it in a bun of similar shape and decorate with various relishes to taste. The frankfurter has altered over the years from its original design in Frankfurt, but if you were to be at its place of origin then where would you get a really good sausage?

Snack Point

Make no mistake, these are The Best Worscht in Frankfurt, or according to their advertising they are. Located on 37 Grüneburgweg, Snack Point has been around since 1970 and prides itself on the hotness scale which goes from 1 to 6 and might be worth asking about or trying someone else’s before you buy your own. It’s a fast food joint but has all the taste and charm of a street-side vendor. It’s a shame it’s not open late but it’s more than worth it during the day, for the experience alone.

Wurstchenbude

Nothing more than a sausage-stand but then what much more do you need? Like every other city in the world, Frankfurt is no exception when it comes to selling their best foods on the streets. There are literally dozens of these Wurstchenbudes dotted all around the city and every one of them just as good as the last. Here you’ll find the likes of the Bratwurst, which is a pale smoky sausage, a Knackwurst which is similar but shorter and fatter and now more recently a Curry-Wurst, which is pretty self explanatory. It’s hard to say where and when the Wurstchenbude will be, but anywhere near the Alte Brücke, which is the oldest bridge in town, is a good bet.

Gref-Völsings Rindswurst

The cow has always been a fan of the sausage because it means it saves his bacon, so to speak. But then Frankfurt housed many Jews in the early 20th Century and so a demand for beef sausages was created and after that things flourished to the heights and stature they are now. The butchers shop is called Gref-Völsings Rindswurst was the first to think of this gap in the market and it’s become something of legend now. Found on Hanauer Landstraße 132. You can browse the sausages for hours looking at all the different shapes and flavours and the friendly staff are there on hand and happy to answer any questions, in English sometimes too if you’re lucky (and patient). A lot of their trade comes from the on-site vendor who is famous for the Rindswurst sausage and very popular with the nearby office workers. This one is well worth a visit for the complete Frankfurt sausage experience.

Photo of sausage and Sauerkraut in a Frankfurt restaurant, Germany by husar

But the readers of the Venere Travel Blog are not just some regular travelers because they have the knowledge provided here. Pick up some valuable tips!

Fly cheap to Germany

Sometimes airlines cause us to feel real astonishment or even shock. They can offer such prices for tickets that you would think of no better means of traveling. I recommend you checking such website as Skyscanner for cheap flights in Germany. Here is the list of our favorite special airlines: RyanAir, AirBerlin, Lufthansa, and EasyJet. RyanAir is the crowned queen of these companies, if offers budget airfare and besides it is easy to build connecting flights with other cheap airlines. You should be really lucky to get a cheap ticket with AirBerlin and Lufthansa, but miracles do happen. Sometimes you cannot find a cheap ticket from an airline that lands in the city you are heading to, but do not get upset! There is always a way out: you should use the craziest possibilities to connect your flights and get a cheap connection.

Train travel in Germany

Besides, you can always use the services of Die Deutsche Bahn and travel Germany cross-country by train. Die Deutsche Bahn offers their Europe-Specials, but they are not that cheap. If you are not familiar yet with a wonderful weekend ticket, we would like to introduce you to it. As train tickets in Germany are pretty expensive, this one offers a fantastic possibility to travel for only €7. This ticket costs 35 EUR and can be used by up to five people. The only problem is that only regional trains can be taken. You can also use the services of TGV-Europe or Interconnex and book the same trains as with Die Bahn but cheaper. And here we have one more wonderful tip for you: night train tickets are much more cheaper! But you have to be aware of that because when you book your ticket on the website, they do not always offer this tickets.

Hit the road!

If flying and traveling by train is not an option for you, I have more good news. You can use such means of traveling as Mitfahrzentrale or Mitfahrgelegenheit. These are the websites where you can find people driving along the roads of Germany (and not only Germany!) by their car and looking for fellow-travelers who are going the same direction and can share the petrol money with them. Drivers have their profiles on these websites, so you can check some information about them as well as their pictures and arrange a journey. Besides, good old hitchhiking is always there for you if you consider it safe enough. But do not forget that during the winter time which is coming close and closer it can get really cold (-10-15 C°) in Germany.

Photo of destination display in Christuskirche underground station, Hanover, Germany by Jan The Manson

The Gay and Lesbian culture in Germany is almost legendary and should be discovered first hand in order to gain a true appreciation of its intensity. Thriving gay and lesbian culture can be found in all of Germany’s larger cities with the most prevalent being found in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Munich. The Gay and Lesbian culture dates back to the days of King Ludwig the II of Bavaria, evidenced by what an extraordinarily snappy dresser he was.Hamburg’s architecturally unique harbor, bridges, and waterways hold exceptional allure for many travelers as well as for gays and lesbians, but the city has become very trendy and is oftentimes referred to as “the place to shop and drop.” However, it isn’t just the beautifully displayed and presented products that are on sale here – indeed, the lifestyle is as well. The following attractions and events will give you an idea of the best places to frequent if you are looking to mingle with other gays and lesbians.

Gay and Lesbian district of St. Georg

You can attend the annual Ballissima, which is the autumn ball held in mid-November. There is also the conventional St.Pauli Discovery as well as Magnus Hirschfeld Center’s dance courses exclusively conducted for gays and lesbians. Additionally, you can enjoy the Café cum Bistro’s legendary Sunday brunch after enjoying a performance by the Schola Cantorosa – an entirely gay choir.

Christopher Street Day

Currently a huge part of Hamburg’s social make-up and has a wide array of bars, clubs, discos, and party-venues to experience while adventuring out into the city. Especially enjoyable to venture into are those venues that are situated on the banks of the Elbe, one of the most spectacular rivers in all of Germany.

In addition to the above, the club scene and nightlife have a lot to offer gay and lesbian culture in Hamburg. The following is a listing of the #1 and #2 top-rated gay and lesbian clubs and discos (according to Qype.com) that you won’t want to miss while visiting the city:

Tom’s Dancehall

This is the #1 personal favorite of local homosexual men, friends, and girlfriends in Hamburg. It features a gigantic dance floor with excellent JBL sound and a separate smoking lounge where you can relax in more intimate surroundings.

DARE

The 80s Gay Club – rated #2 right behind Tom’s Dancehall as a gay and lesbian favorite nightlife venue. A throwback to the music and pop culture of the 1980’s, the club features excellent dining in an affordable fancy atmosphere.

Photo of sunset over Hamburg, Germany by eriwst

There is so much more to German dining than sausages and beer. Just like Germany’s culture, history, and its people, the culinary delights that you will find are rich and varied. Just remember that the part of the country you are in will always determine the menu that you might be enjoying. Seafood abounds if you’re visiting the coast by the North or the Baltic Sea. Crayfish pastries, succulent smoked salmon, and thick fish chowders are what you are most likely to order off the menu.

However, when you’re in southern Germany, especially near the Black Forest, then wild game is the bill of fare with boar, quail, and venison being the more common menu entrees. The more popular favorites are meat dishes and the most popular is the Schnitzel (cutlet) which is a universal menu item in this part of the country. Typically,  is breaded, but it is always delicious. You can find pork versions of Schnitzel, but it is most commonly made with veal.

The following is a list of the best restaurants in Germany’s Black Forest:

1. Colombi Restaurant

This is some of the best French cuisine that you will find on German soil and is a favorite stop for lunch when you are visiting this southern region of Germany.

2. Rathausgloeckel

Touted as the best local cuisine in all of Baden-Baden and part of one of the area’s most preferred hotels. It is extremely clean and despite being decorated in an older motif, it is very comfortable and cozy here. The restaurant also features an excellent breakfast buffet. Rathausgloeckel is rated as the #1 place to eat in Baden-Baden.

3. Namaskaar

Top-rated Indian cuisine of southern Germany and possibly all of Europe.

4. Schlosscafe

Ccafé-style with European and German cuisine. The restaurant is very kid-friendly, but can be equally romantic for lovers.

5. Kreuzblume

Located in Freiburg and rated as one of the top restaurants in the region, Kreuzblume features some of the best German cuisine in the southern regions and has a top-quality serving staff to match.

6. Parkhotel Adler Restaurant

Local cuisine for breakfast and brunch. Features outdoor seating and is flexible enough to be geared for any occasion from a business affair to something very romantic. The facility is continually busy so be sure to make your reservations in advance.

7. Bareiss

Rated the #1 restaurant in the Baiersbronn region. Outstanding and perfect are the typical adjectives when talking about the food, serving staff, and the ambiance with this restaurant.

8. Zur Linde

Oone of the more extensive menus that you will find in southern Germany but with a number of seasonal variations. Most meals feature 4 or 5 courses but it is still a great value for the money.

Photo of Schnitzel by poolie

Now we’re still in the depths of winter, it seems fitting to cover a few of the drinks that the rest of Europe’s slurping down between chapped lips.

Hot Chocolate -Europe

Every nation in Europe has its own version. The beverage that was supposedly invented by South American Tribes who found cocoa beans precious and even used them as currency, when they weren’t mixing them with Chili. It was discovered by the Spaniards in the 1500’s, and then over the years taken up by all over Western Europe, who ditched the chili and added milk and sugar and vanilla to counteract the bitterness. One unforgettable variant that I’ve experienced was Lithuanian Hot Chocolate, which was literally Black and Milk Chocolate melted in a small espresso mug eaten with a teaspoon.

Bicerin – Italy

Bicerin is an Italian Drink that originates from Turin. It consists of a tasty combination of Espresso, Hot Chocolate, and Whole Milk poured in 3 separate layers – essentially a unique version of a Mocha Cappuccino. Only the Italians could be so inventive with their drinks. Three Musketeer’s Author Alexander Dumas wrote that his morning habit of starting the day with one was something unforgettable.

Tea – England

Summer, winter, springtime, harvest – there’s always a time for a cup of English Tea. It’s one of the only drinks that manage to be both relaxing and stimulating. Some of the most well known favourites are “Earl Grey” and “English Breakfast”, the former being one of the strongest. Traditionally, Tea was accompanied by a scone, toast, or sometimes crumpets (small, pancake-type flour and yeast bread product). Tea in Britain was for centuries treated like Coffee and served with Milk and Sugar, although this practice is becoming less common with the increasing popularity of Green and Herbal teas, which are incidentally disgusting with milk and sugar (I trust the reader can detect the tone of regretful experience from the author’s early morning forays).

Glühwein – Germany

Glühwein is a mixture of red wine, vanilla pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar, and lemon – all heated up. A popular Scandinavian variant of Glühwein is Glögg, (or Glögi), which is similar except served with almonds and raisins.

It’s traditionally served at the world-famous Weihnachtsmarkt (German Christmas Markets) to warm the spirits (and blood supply) of frozen seasonal shoppers up – the best markets are said to be at held at Nuremberg, Münster, Aachen, Leipzig, and Dresden. Sounds Interesting? More information on German Christmas Markets can be found elsewhere on this blog.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your travels!

Photo of hot chocolate by paPics

Here are three of the scariest amusement parks in Europe :

1. Alton Towers in the UK

This theme park has by far the best rides for adrenaline junkies in the UK. Oblivion celebrated its 10th birthday in 2008, which is a ride that sends passengers plummeting, face-first. It was one of the newer additions to roller coaster Nemesis that leaves riders’ feet dangling in the air and a swooping air ride, which is a bit namby pamby.

One of the best times to book into this theme park in Staffordshire is in the run up to Halloween when the park puts on a whole host of events to get the hearts racing. Marked in scores from one for the kids to five for the fearless, there are mazes filled with zombies, a gloomy wood of demons to walk through and a scary performance by an evil janitor locked inside a boiler house.

There is a discount for people who book tickets online and cheaper tickets for groups. Anyone who visits Alton Towers website could even win tickets free by entering competitions that are regularly posted on the company’s website.

2. Tivoli in Copenhagen

Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tivoli is scary because it is an ancient amusement park. Opened for the public by the royal family in the late 1800s these rides are rickety and rustic. One push too far and something might snap off. Luckily, a large part of the park has been updated and the older rides are tested frequently to live up to stringent Danish safety standards.

A good time to visit is also in October when the theme park puts on scary events, albeit milder than Alton Towers’. The Demon is the most fearsome ride in the park dropping riders more than 20 metres in the air, there is a sky swing that spins visitors several feet up and a fling in the arms of the octopus for a mild bit of titillation.

Getting in costs 85 Denmark Kroner (£10.27, $15.27 or €11.41) for over 12s and 45DKK for visitors aged between three and 11 years. Children under three get in free. Tickets for attractions are charged in addition to admission with multi-ride passes 200DKK for over 12s and 160DKK for three to 11-year-olds.

3. Europa Park in Germany

Fly in to Germany’s Europa Park with EasyJet offering flights from London and Liverpool in the UK and Swiss providing planes from London and Manchester. The 239 ft tall roller coaster the Silver Star dwarfs the Pepsi Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the UK, which held the title of the world’s tallest roller coaster in 1994 at 235 ft. That’s enough to send a shiver up any adrenaline junky’s spine.

Although the park is based around ideas of the stereotypes of the different nationalities in Europe, there are some adrenaline rides. There’s the Alpine Coaster, which sends riders on loop-the-loops at top speed, Atlantica SuperSplash, Europa’s version of a log flume and a water roller coaster. So you don’t get frustrated with attractions like ‘Crazy Taxi’ next to the ‘London Bus’ in the English quarter, ‘Fijord-rafting’ in the Dutch or gondoliering in the Italian area.

There are different prices in the winter and the summer at Europa, with admission at €34 in the summer for over 12s and €30 for four to 11-year-olds with under fours getting in free. This makes winter a better time to visit for travelers on a budget. From November 29th to January 11th, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prices for over 12s adult admission is €26 with entry for four to 11-year-olds, €23. To make a visit cheaper still, evening tickets are available for entry after 16:00 (the park closes at 19:00 in the winter). The cost for children is €12 and for adults the price is €15.

Photo of roller coaster at Europa park, Germany, by beketchai

The most famous parade is the Rose Day Parade, called the Rosenmonntag when extraordinarily decorated floats displaying everything including lampoons of German politicians. Chocolates, sweets, flowers, stuffed toys and even other gift items are tossed from the floats to the cheering onlookers. While costumes, parades, music bands crowding the streets and squares all over the city are major attractions, what draws most tourists to this, probably the wildest, European carnival is the complete abandonment of all restrictions and the riotous parties and masked balls organized in the city every night. This blog lists the best parties of the carnival so that the partygoer in you is done partying to the fullest by the time the carnival draws to a close.

1. Kölsche Aape Sitzung

Kölsche Aape Sitzung is one of the biggest parties of the carnival bringing together all aspects of a party and a ball. Drinks flow at civilian prices while dancing continues throughout the night. The party is being arranged in the Cologne Maternushaus for the second time this year. Exhilarating live and recorded music, flickering lights and the lost-in-fun attendees all add to the intoxication of the event.

2. EhrenGarde der Stadt Köln

EhrenGarde der Stadt Köln is the Honor Guard of the City of Cologne. They organize several women’s meetings throughout the year but one of their best known parties is definitely the one they throw during the carnival. Remember yellow and green are the thematic colors here. The hottest masquerade ball in Cologne has guests dressed in some of the best costumes. An entirely different world is created inside the walls of this huge hall- a world lost in the charm of the carnival.

3. Rosa Funken Köln

Rosa Funken Köln or the Costume Ball of Pink Sparks will be held on the twenty first of February this year. Almost a thousand and a half guests pack the Cologne-Mülheim arena. In addition to the dancing and drinking there are several performances put up by international artists that range from magic shows, acrobat shows, oriental fantasy dances and the dances of horror, vice and ecstasy to the more openly raunchy girl revues, peak skirts and erotic garters shows. The most imaginative costumes also receive special prizes at the end of the ball.

4. KKG Blomekörfge

The oldest family company in Cologne is the registered association of KKG Blomekörfge. Its parties are more staid and suited for the family. Special programs, great food and music ensure that every guest entering the Ostermann Hall gets the full value of the ticket price.

It is important to remember to wear slimmer costumes to the parties because of the space constraint at these places. The tickets to most of these parties are expensive but it is bound to make you feel better when you know that a percentage of every ticket price goes towards some charity.

Photo of carnival costume shop in Cologne, Germany, by Jesus Presley

Germany boasts a variety of cosmopolitan resorts, glacier skiing, and serene mountain hideaways that will accommodate nearly every taste imaginable. Situated in central Europe, Germany offers easy access to a multitude of accommodations and ski resorts that are sure to please. The numerous ski areas that dot the Bavarian Alps’ landscape are probably some of the better choices for skiing and snowboarding as well. Additionally, if cross-country skiing is what you are craving, you will find an abundance of that in Germany’s ski areas as well.

1. Berlin area

Though most would think that Berlin is too flat of an area to afford any decent skiing, you might be surprised. Schöneswochenende offers a nice network of cross-country opportunities and the next village along the route – Braunlage – offers you some decent downhill skiing. You can travel to Altenberg which lies on the Czech border if you want the best cross-country skiing in the area.

2. Garmisch

Garmisch was the setting for the 1972 Summer Olympics but it is also the gateway to Germany’s most renowned ski area in the Bavarian Alps – Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Located at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, the resort is one of the Bavarian Alps’ principal health resorts as well. In addition to world-class skiing, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers the visitor culinary and cultural delights, as well as pristine landscape, serene relaxation, and upscale shopping.

3.  Oberstdorf

Located between Lake Constance, Munich, and Stuttgart is Oberstdorf -Germany’s 2nd most popular ski area and rival of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in both popularity and quality of skiing. Though Oberstdorf is considerably more cosmopolitan, it is renowned for its wide array of lodging facilities and ski-jumping competitions. The skiing opportunities here are the most extensive anywhere in Germany, with Fellhorn/Kleinwalsertal being the principal ski area.

4.  Willingen-Upland

Located about 2½ hours to the north of Frankfurt is Willingen-Upland Ski Resort. The ski area has 13 ski lifts that serve 13 individual pistes and features 15km of downhill skiing. The natural snow is also augmented by 6 snow cannons and with the 13 lifts, it can facilitate 12,500 skiers/snowboarders per hour. The ski runs at Willingen-Upland are perfect for the Beginner or the Intermediate skier. Since this is lower altitude skiing, the snow cover periods may vary greatly.

5. Baden Baden

Sitting literally on Baden Baden’s doorstep is the Mehliskopf and it is literally a paradise for cross-country skiers having over 600 miles of ski routes. There are also several snow-making machines to enhance the pistes as well.

In recent times, these top German skiing destinations have had footfalls from all over the world. If you are planning a trip to any of these skiing destinations, make a good travel itinerary and enjoy the German hospitality.

Photo of Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort by Bernd Braglmann 

It’s arguably one of the most ancient areas of central Europe and what the entire region would have looked like when dinosaurs ruled the earth.

The forest

The area known as Schwarzwald is in the very south of Germany, in the Rhine Valley on the border with Switzerland and France, and is classified as a wooden mountain range. Everything is big, wet and a little bit scary. It’s aptly shaped like a sausage (or bratwurst, if you will) and covers an area of roughly 5000 square miles.

The wood is thick and dark (hence the name Black) and is largely pine and fir. Over the last few decades it has been suffering from mass logging and many authorities have been regulated to stop it from disappearing. The Forest is so vast it stretches across a dozen districts in the region, each taking charge of their own quarter with very different styles. There are seven rivers flowing in and around the Forest and the highest mountain is called Feldberg, which stands at a pretty impressive 1,493 metres high.

Baden Baden Spa

If you’re looking for a great place to use as a base whilst exploring some of the Forest look no further than the beautiful and ancient large town of Baden Baden (so good they named it twice). The word baden is German for bathe and when you find the natural springs at places such as the hugely relaxing Caracalla Spa you’ll know why they named the whole town after them. Located on the north-western side of the Forest, BB is famous for its grand casino and its 10th Century castle. Well worth a visit if you’re thinking about staying in a hotel or guest house.

The Mine Museum

Then there are the fabulous old mines of the Forest, which have been long since used for mining and are now opening up as tourist attractions. Silver, lead and zinc are some of the metals once extracted from below the trees and one of the best mines to swing by on your travels is the Mine Museum Schauinsland, which charges around 5 Euros for a tour of the lost underground world.

The German Clock Museum

You might be interested by the German Clock Museum too perhaps? The world-famous cuckoo clock might sound a bit Swiss, but it’s actually more likely to have been made in the Black Forest. The museum is to be found right in the middle of the Forest in a town called Furtwangen and it houses some remarkable additions to the world of time keeping, from the totally unique astronomical by Hans Lang to one of the world’s first pendulum-powered clocks.

Photo of wooden house in the Black Forest, Germany, originally posted by Fr Antunes

The main course meal of a traditional German holiday is Goose. This tradition is nationwide and upheld per German household without fail as only authentic traditional German Christmas dish.

The marvelous Goose dish is usually stuff with a delicious mixture of prunes and apples to entice the taste buds all the more. While sides dishes do vary per household once consistent element remains when this dish is served with wild rice stuffing.

Other great enhancers to this dish include adding apples that have been both peeled and cored. It is highly suggested to allow for one cup per pound of goose to get it just right. The traditional German meal tends to be served a la buffet style. A table is prepared adored with the finest in German holiday complementary to the main course cuisine. This buffet table most certain will feature a selection of the nationwide loved German wursts.

Another must have for the quintessential holiday dining experience is the German stollen. It is consider a most wondrous invention for the German palette. The most Christmas element for this festive meal is hands down the German baked goods. German baking takes on a whole new meaning when it is featured at a Christmas holiday meal.

Roast Goose with Wild Rice Stuffing

• 1 goose, 9-12 pounds
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 3 1/2 cups wild rice, cooked
•   2/3 cup pignolia nuts
• 2 large Granny Smith apples
• 1/2 cup chopped scallion
• 2 teaspoons marjoram
•  2 cloves
•  1 bay leaf
• 1 cup boiling water
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
•   1 – 2 tablespoons flour
•   1/2 cup applesauce

Preheat oven to 325°F. This meal has a preparation time of 1 ½ hours per side roasting time. Firstly, the gizzards are removed along with the neck and heart from the cavity of the Goose. Then Place into a small pan with 4 cups of boiling water. Next reduce the heat and simmer for two hours or until the liquid has reduced to 2 cups under a partially covered lid.

Next is the stuffing preparation. Mix rice, pignolia, apples, scallions, marjoram and parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. The mixture is then stuffed into cavity of goose and followed by the closing with laced skewers and trusses the legs. The Goose is then place breast side up on a baking rack in a pan. Add boiling water, cloves and a bay leaf then bake for 1 ½ hours. Once golden turn over and bake for another 1 ½ hours until done. When the juice appears to run clear this Goose is ready.

Once ready take the goose from pan, pour off all but 1 1/2 tablespoons fat and place the pan on stove top over low heat. This is followed by 1 tablespoon flour sprinkled in the bottom of the pan. Whisk rigorously while scraping up browned bits on bottom of pan, and pour in reserved stock. Next whisk the mixture well and add applesauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Photo of Christmas in Berlin, originally posted by Eirik Newth