LH.com/travelguide Friedrichshafen

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1 Travel Guide Quick view Travel etiquette Health Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels Getty Images/iStockphoto LH.com/travelguide 01/12

2 02 Quick view a brief overview In European terms,, on the shores of Lake Constance, is a modern city, having only been founded in 1811 by King Friedrich I of Württemberg, who named it in his own honour. In the 20th century it played an important role in s aeronautical history: Zeppelin airships were developed here before WWI (and were once launched from a floating hangar on the lake), while Dornier seaplanes were built and tested here in the 1920s and 1930s. Consequent wartime raids on its factories flattened the city, and most of what stands today is modern. Despite that, this is a warm and friendly place with a lively atmosphere. General Information Country overview Once mockingly referred to as the land of schnitzels and leather pants, has acquired a much more modern image in recent decades. International visitors are attracted to the big cities, especially the capital, Berlin. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, in particular, the city with its many cultural and entertainment attractions has become a major tourist destination. But other German cities also know how to celebrate and enjoy life. Hamburg s annual Hafengeburtstag port anniversary festival attracts around two million visitors every year, the Rhineland is famous for its carnivals, and Munich s Oktoberfest is famous the world over. also has a variety of natural landscapes: for example, from the Wadden Sea and lowland plains of the northwest, the lakelands in the northeast of the country, numerous low mountain ranges and heathlands, to the central highlands and Alpine regions. Geography borders Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. The northwest has a coastline on the North Sea, while the Baltic coastline in the northeast stretches from the Danish to the Polish border. The country is divided into 16 states (Bundesländer) and has an exceedingly varied landscape. In what was once known as West, the Rhine, Bavaria and the Black Forest stand as the three most famous features, while in the east, the country is lake-studded with undulating lowlands. River basins extend over a large percentage of the region, and some of Europe s most prominent rivers flow through the country. These include the Elbe, the Danube and the Rhine. The highest point in the country is the 2962m (9718ft) peak of Zugspitze Mountain in the Bavarian Alps. Cable cars run to the summit, which can also be climbed. General Information LH.com/travelguide 02/12

3 03 Key facts Population: 82,5 million (2016) Capital: Berlin. Language German is the official language. Regional dialects often differ markedly from standard German. Currency Euro (EUR; symbol ) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Electricity 230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round two-pin plugs are in use. Public holidays The public holidays for the January 2018 December 2019 period are listed below. Note: * In catholic regions only ** Sachsen only *** only in Brandenburg, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Sachsen, Sachsen- Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thüringen 2018 New Year s Day: 1 January 2018 Epiphany: 6 January 2018* Good Friday: 30 March 2018 Easter Sunday: 1 April 2018 Easter Monday: 2 April 2018 Labour Day: 1 May 2018 Ascension Day: 10 May 2018 Whit Sunday: 20 May 2018 Whit Monday: 21 May 2018 Corpus Christi: 31 May 2018* Assumption: 15 August 2018* Day of German Unity: 3 October 2018 Day of Reformation: 31 October 2018*** All Saints Day: 1 November 2018* Repentance Day: 21 November 2018** Christmas: 25 and 26 December New Year s Day: 1 January 2019 Epiphany: 6 January 2019* Good Friday: 19 April 2019 Easter Sunday: 21 April 2019 Easter Monday: 22 April 2019 Labour Day: 1 May 2019 Ascension Day: 30 May 2019 Whit Sunday: 9 June 2019 Whit Monday: 10 June 2019 Corpus Christi: 20 June 2019* LH.com/travelguide 03/12

4 04 Assumption: 15 August 2019* Day of German Unity: 3 October 2019 Day of Reformation: 31 October 2019*** All Saints Day: 1 November 2019* Repentance Day: 21 November 2019** Christmas: 25 and 26 December 2019 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Handshaking is customary in, and it is considered rude to address people by their first name unless invited to do so. Normal courtesies should be observed. Before eating, it is normal to say guten Appetit to the other people at the table to which the correct reply is danke, gleichfalls ( Thank you, the same to you ). If you ve been invited to eat at a German house, it is customary to present the hostess with unwrapped flowers (according to tradition, you should always give an uneven number, and it is worth noting that red roses are exclusively a lover s gift). In shops and other businesses, courtesy dictates that visitors should utter a greeting, such as guten Tag (or grüß Gott in Bavaria) before saying what it is that they want; to leave without saying auf Wiedersehen or tschüss can also cause offence. Similarly, when making a telephone call, asking for the person you want to speak to without stating first who you are is impolite. Casual wear is widely acceptable, but more formal dress is required for some restaurants, the opera, theater, casinos and important social functions. Smoking is prohibited where notified, on public transportation and in most public buildings. Health Health Main emergency number: 112 Food & Drink There s nothing to mark out German products as particularly risky to general health (although it has a partly founded reputation for being high in fat). Tap water is safe to drink. Other Risks Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas of southern ; vaccination is advisable. Rabies is present; look out for Tollwut signs. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. During the summer months, sunburn can be a problem. The southwest generally has the highest temperatures. The usual precautions apply: Use a generous amount of sunscreen and be sensible about how long you spend in direct sunlight. Be aware that a breezy day can sometimes mask high temperatures. If walking over a long distance in warm weather, it s advisable to drink and carry plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing, including a sun hat. Blisters can be another problem for hikers. These can often occur if new walking shoes are being worn over a long distance. Ideally, footwear should be worn in before the LH.com/travelguide 04/12

5 05 trip. As a counterpoint to the balminess of the summer, German winters can be fairly severe. This is generally truer the further east you travel. If you re arriving during the coldest months of the year, make sure you have adequate clothing. At any time of year, in fact, temperatures can be unpredictable even in July and August it makes sense to have a sweater (and maybe an umbrella, too) to hand. Other health problems that inexperienced travelers might reasonably encounter are the various knock-on effects of consuming too much alcohol. The risk, unsurprisingly, is particularly prevalent among those attending Munich s Oktoberfest. Be aware that some beers have ABV levels of as much as 6 or 7% and should therefore be treated with respect. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone Country code:+49 Mobile telephony and Internet Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-eu state do not benefit from the new arrangement. Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking credentials entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in Bodensee (Lake Constance) sits on the northern shore of a 500-sq-km lake on the Swiss border. The promenade that stretches along the city s waterfront is a great place to stroll and admire the views. There are also plenty of cafés for distraction. Uferpromenade Dornier Museum Dedicated to one of s most famous aeronautical engineering companies, this hangar museum has displays outside and in, tracing Dornier s history from pioneering pre-war days to the space age. Claude-Dornier-Platz Opening times: Daily (May-Oct) Tue-Sun (Nov-Apr) LH.com/travelguide 05/12

6 06 Tel: Viewing Tower There are great views of the city, the lake, and the Swiss and Austrian mountains on the far shore, from the viewing platform atop this 22m-high tower. It s built at the end of a pier in the harbour. Seestraße Zeppelin flights For a unique perspective and experience, book a scenic flight out of airport aboard a modern Zeppelin airship; flights last 30 minutes to two hours. Landlubbers can tour the Zeppelin NT (New Technology) moored in its hangar. Messestrasse Tel: Opening times: By advance reservation (Mar-Nov) zeppelinflug.de Zeppelin Museum Graf von Zeppelin launched his first airship in in This museum now houses the world s biggest collection of Zeppelin-related artefacts, including a part reconstruction of the ill-fated Hindenburg, which exploded infamously in Seestrasse 22 Tel: Opening times: Daily (May-Oct) Tue-Sun (Nov-Apr) Schlosskirche and Castle Beside a privately owned castle by the lakeshore, the twin-towered church is a grand example of baroque architecture, and has a remarkable white stucco interior. Schlossstrasse 2 Tel: Opening times: Thu and Sat-Tue (Easter- Oct) Wed (Easter-Oct) Fri (Easter-Oct) Sun (Nov-Easter) Klangschiff The Sound Ship sculpture, created by Helmut Lutz in 2000, sits in the water by LH.com/travelguide 06/12

7 07 the shores of Lake Constance. The 40m wood and steel ship was built to be an ambassador for peace, and was inspired by the 1990s wars in the Balkans. Uferstraße 1 School Museum This small city centre museum shows how schools developed over time, and what classrooms would have looked like in 1850, 1900 and Try your hand at writing on slates. Friedrichstrasse 14 Tel: Opening times: Daily (Apr-Oct) Tue-Sun (Nov-Mar) Zeppelin Fountain and Memorial The city pays tribute to the famous industrialist and local resident with a fountain and monument near the railway station. The fountain was created in 1909, and escaped war damage despite everything around it being destroyed. Uferstrasse 1 Haldenbergkapelle Just north of in the village of Ailingen, the tiny Haldenberg chapel is notable for its rural hilltop setting and its magnificent views of Lake Constance and the Alps. Kirchweg Shopping in Shopping in Key Areas s central pedestrianised zone is the place to look for most needs and desires. There are also several department stores here. The lakeside promenade is a great place to find local food items, with fresh-caught fish playing a central role. Markets Bargain hunters should head for the weekly market that sets up every Friday on Adenauerplatz. Every Saturday a gourmet food market appears on the same spot. Like most German cities, a Christmas market opens up in December; s centres on Buchhornplatz in the centre, usually with over 70 festively themed stalls and musical accompaniment. LH.com/travelguide 07/12

8 08 Shopping Centres Most of the major shopping centres are located outside the city in the surrounding suburbs. One convenient central mall is the Bodensee Center (Meistershofener Strasse 14), with several hundred outlets. Medienhaus am See (Karlstrasse 42) is by the harbour, and is home to a host of different retail outlets as well as cafés. Restaurants Restaurants in is filled with great places to eat in every budget range. Many have harbour or lakeside settings, and serve lake-caught fish. Most others focus on local Swabian or more general classic German cuisine. Goldenes Rad High-class fish restaurant with large glass windows to maximise the lake views. Karlstrasse 43 Price: Expensive Buchhorner Hof Classic German cuisine served in elegant surrounds. Friedrichstrasse 33 Price: Moderate Weinstube Glücker Traditional German Weinstube with a strong emphasis on fish and seafood. Olgastrasse 23 Price: Moderate Zeppelin Museum Restaurant Enjoy grand harbour views and classic Swabian food in this art deco eatery, part of the Zeppelin Museum. Seestrasse 22 Price: Moderate Café Antonius Friendly low-budget café a great place for coffee and a cake or a light snack. Karlstrasse 21 Price: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 08/12

9 09 Nightlife Nightlife in has a lively nightlife scene for all tastes, from a relaxed glass of wine in a traditional Weinstube to a cocktail in a trendy lounge bar.for those preferring something louder, there are a host of discos, clubs and music bars. K42 A chic modern bar with a lakeside terrace, this is part of Felder s Restaurant. Karlstrasse 42 Tiffany s Lounge Bar Modern, trendy and bijou café, billing itself as the smallest cocktail bar in town. Friedrichstrasse 73 Café Bar Belushi Bustling, down-to-earth student bar that welcomes everyone. Montfortstraße Graf-Zeppelin-Haus Cultural centre with regular musical performances covering everything from opera and classical to rock and pop. Olgastrasse 20 Calendar of events Calendar of events Street Magic Festival and Sunday Sales (Verkaufsoffener mit Strassenzauberfestival) Shoppers are enticed into town in early April with special Sunday openings combined with enchanting magic shows outside on the street. While the conjurers create illusions and cast their spells, local bands and musical groups entertain crowds in Adenauer Platz. 15 April LH.com/travelguide 09/12

10 10 Venue: City Centre Bodenseefestival Taking a new theme each year, this springtime arts festival offers a delightful mix of classical concerts, literary events, theatrical productions and ballet performances staged in castles, churches, theatres and museums. Other highlights include film screenings and masterclasses from the artist in residence. 5 May - 27 May Venue: Various venues Ham Radio: International Exhibition for Radio Amateurs Amateur radio geeks are in for a treat at this annual show featuring over 200 exhibitors from around 30 countries. As well as sharing tips with experts and 15,000 other hobbyists, visitors can dig around for spare and rare parts in Europe s biggest amateur radio flea market. 1-3 June Venue: Messe Interkulturelles Stadtfest Visitors to this two-day lakeside festival can experience a flavour of numerous different cultures. Groups from around the globe perform folk music and dances on two stages, while visitors can wander between stalls to sample tasty international cuisine or browse original handicrafts. 30 June - 1 July 2018 Venue: Uferpromenade Seehasenfest Founded in 1949 to entertain children during post-war reconstruction, this festival is one of s biggest events, featuring colourful parades and crazy water activities (jousting on the lake anyone?). The guest of honour is the seehase, the lake s hare, a role taken on with gusto by a local resident July Venue: Various venues Kulturufer On the go since 1985, Kulturufer transforms s waterfront into a massive performance space every July/August. Over 200 artists stage cabaret acts and concerts, street circus and children s theatre. There s comedy, open-air cinema and dancing too, with shows taking place outdoors and in huge tents. 27 July - 5 August 2018 LH.com/travelguide 10/12

11 11 Venue: Uferpromenade Night Flea Market (Nachtflohmarkt) Rummaging around s end-of-summer flea market can uncover some real gems. Bric-a-brac, vintage clothing and mismatched crockery are stacked high on stalls by the waterfront and it s a great place to pick up unusual curios, trinkets, books, paintings and ornaments. September Venue: Uferpromenade Interboot All manner of boats are crammed into the exhibition halls and on the lake for this annual watersports marketplace. From stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks to sleek sailing boats and swanky yachts befitting a Russian oligarch, there s an incredible array of watercraft on show September Venue: Messe City Festival and Sunday Sales (Verkaufsoffener Sonntag mit Stadtfest) Local shops present their latest products and winter collections in these special Sunday openings coinciding with a city festival. As well as plenty of retail therapy and food tastings, there are kids crafts, a Segway course, live entertainment and competitions. 21 October Venue: City centre Hotels Hotels in has no 5-star hotels, and few true budget options, but it does offer a broad enough selection of mid-range options to more than compensate.rooms can be at a premium when a trade fair is in progress at the city s Messe exhibition hall however. Ringhotel Krone Large and sumptuous traditional spa hotel just west of the city. Untere Mühlbachstraße 1 Category: Expensive LH.com/travelguide 11/12

12 12 City Krone Comfortable and modern spa hotel with an ideal central location. Schanzstrasse 7 Category: Expensive Zeppelin Modern, family-run, mid-sized option in a convenient central spot. Eugenstrasse 41/1 Category: Moderate Comfort New-build design hotel with full comforts and conveniences. Ailinger Strasse Category: Moderate Stadthotel Kleiner Berg Simple but bright small hotel, just a five-minute walk from the lake. Moltkestrasse Category: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 12/12