After a very turbulent history, Berlin is now Germany's capital - again. After Germany's reunification in 1990 steps were put in place to restore Berlin's splendour. After being the center of Germany's imperial past, it became the headquarters of Nazi Germany and places like the Reichstag recall that era of history. The post-war division into Eastern and Western Germany with the Berlin Wall dividing the city is another fascinating chapter of modern history.

Today, economic redevelopment and a real estate boom can be seen everywhere. Sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the glitzy shopping boulevard of the Kurfrstendamm, a walk Unter den Linden (the former East's Berlin masterpiece), are standard fare for travellers to Berlin.

Another favorite destination for travellers is Germany's south, the Bavarian Alps and Bavaria's capital, Munich. Munich, of course, is the location of the world's largest Oktoberfest and the Hofbruhaus is probably the most well-known beer hall in the world. You can also catch some nude sunbathing in the Englischer Garten.

Outside of Munich the romantic Castle of Neuschwanstein is a favourite destination. Winter Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Bavarian Alps and Garmisch-Partenkirchen was the site of 1936 Winter Olympics. Somber reminders of Germany's WW II past can be visited first hand in places such as Dachau and Nuremberg, The remnants Hitler's mountaincommand post are located on the Obersalzberg.

Germany offers many other areas of interest, how about a cruise up the Rhine River, or a visit to Cologne or the city of Trier, with its history dating back to Roman times? Other gems include Augsburg, Regensburg, Heidelberg and many more. Hamburg is well known as an ancient merchant and trading city as well as for its red light district. And the Black Forest area with its quaint villages is another favorite destination for many travellers.