Germany
Christmas comes into its own in Germany with the onset of the market season. Little wooden huts spring up selling all manner of magical things from handmade toys and trinkets to the German take on mulled wine: glühwein.
As for the New Year
See in the turn of the next decade at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, where there are fireworks at midnight and entertainment in the form of live music.
Meanwhile, if you're heading to Frankfurt for fun and frolics this New Year, make your way to a River Main bridge, Romerberg market place, or the square at the Alte Oper.
The people of Munich mark the new year with an arts festival. The Tollwood New Year's Eve Party, on the Theresienwiese, brings together live music and DJs. Waltzing at midnight is also traditional.
Talking of Munich…
In 2009 Stephen Fry headed out to Bayern for the 'second leg of [his] Wagner documentary'. He was over there for the start of the Bayreuth Festival – an annual celebration featuring the celebrated composer's operas.
Fry took time out of his schedule to comment on the 'sweet' fields of hops. For Bavaria (as it's also known) is beer country, green and lush, quite literally in some cases.
Oktoberfest
For Munich inhabitants are said to be the world's largest consumers of beer – apparently they sup an eye-watering 190 litres of beer per head per year, according to the 'AA City Pack' guide to Munich. So it's no surprise that the Bavarians pay homage annually to their local tipple.
Indeed Oktoberfest spans September to October normally and is a coming together of beer with music and dancing. As well as the central theme, there are fairground rides and activities for the entire family.
The official Oktoberfest website is full of handy hints. For example, it's easiest to take public transport into the actual festival. And if you have a pram of buggy, then Fridays and Saturday nights are best avoided because of the crush.
Making the most of Munich
Munich offers a mix of medieval and Rennaissance buildings. But if you're a fan of modern architecture and you're on a budget, the book recommends climbing the Olympic Tower, not to walk off that beer, but to savour the fantastic views of the stately city.
Indeed, this is the land of the famous Oktoberfest – a festival of beer and songs. But more of that later.
And talking of views, you can climb to the top of the twin onion-domed towers of the Frauenkirche, which was built in the Italian-Renaissance style between 1468 and 1488.
For lovers of science and technology check out the Deutsches Museum or satisfy your search for luxury cars with a visit to the BMW museum. For Munich is home to the manufacturer, which has sadly declared it is bowing out of Formula 1 at the end of the 2009 season.
Not far
About an hour's drive from Munich is Oberammergau, which has a history for putting on the religious Passion Plays.
This festival dates back to the Reformation, namely 1634 when the inhabitants of the township vowed to give thanks to God for sparing them from a particularly virulent outbreak of the bubonic plague.
In time-honoured tradition, the next session is set to come round in 2010 as part of its 10-year cycle.
And of course there are the Alps too.
Member offers
If you hold an AA Membership Card, you're in luck. We've put together some German discounts you can take advantage of during your trip.
AA Member benefits around Germany.
(PDF document opens in a new window)
Cheap eats
These eateries each come in at under 25 euros per head and are extracted from a range featured in the AA City Pack Guide.
For some local fare, try Munchner Suppaküche – a soup kitchen. And you can't go to Germany without sampling the famous range of sausages.
Nurnberger Bratwurtz Glöckl is an old tavern that grills its own bangers over a beechwood grill.
Sadly the asparagus season is over as they do some pretty spectacular things with the home-grown produce during May and June.
However, if all that meat leaves you cold, the quirky Vincenz Murr allows you to pick your own salads, then you can picnic by the fountain opposite.
Where to stay
Bayern is positively brimming with campsite options, according to 'AA Camping & Caravanning Europe 2009'. For example, Azur Camping Auwaldsee is picturesque, but still manages to offer easy access, as it's close to the motorway leading to Munich.
Getting there
There are ferries between Harwich to Hook of Holland, which is just under 8 hours' drive from Munich. Newcastle ferries sail to Amsterdam which is marginally closer at 7.5 hours' drive.
Or if you'd prefer to go via Belgium, Hull and Rosythe go to Zeebrugge, which is roughly 8 hours' drive as well.
Breaking down in Germany
The main language is German of course, so if your language skills don't stretch to gasket, it's worth considering AA European Breakdown Cover. So if you break down, you can call us for 24-hour English speaking assistance. We'll arrange for a local mechanic to come out to you.
And if the car can't be fixed there and then, we'll arrange for you, your family and your car to be transported home again. Buy online to get up to 30% off. Cover starts from just £9.05 for a day.
Other products & services
Last updated: November 2009
Prices correct at the time of going to press.
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