To experience the real Germany, you have to go where the locals forget the proverbial punctuality. Many stereotypes apply to Germany and Germans, which are sometimes true, but when we get to know the authentic life of the locals better, we realize that we can discover many more interesting things about this country and its inhabitants.
For example, did you know that Germany, despite its reputation as an industrial country, has large areas pristine nature? And that in no other European country do they eat so much bread? Or that it is UNESCO Kneipp therapy included in the list of German intangible cultural heritage? And yes it is black forest cake from the Black Forest, which reflects the colors of the traditional Bollenhut hat, the most popular cake in Germany?
It is the spirit of travel Mojco Mavec, the cute presenter and creator of the popular show Over the planks, took to the south of Germany. In this time's show, which will be broadcast on Sunday, 26 December 2021, at 1.25 pm on Television Slovenia, you will be able to learn about the preservation of the cultural heritage of traditional spas with elegant architecture in the spa town Baden-Baden, where according to testimonies around the year 69 AD, the ancient Romans were already healing themselves, discovered a wooded and hilly area, Black Forest. It is home to many artists who have drawn inspiration from rural life, and it deserves the title of a culinary destination 17. restaurants with Michelin stars. Indulging your taste buds with traditional or modern dishes typical of this German region can be completed with the real cherry on top of the cake - the famous Black Forest.
Here you will explore the old crafts of the Black Forest, walk the well-trodden path between the former Carniola and the charming university town with stunning architecture and a picturesque old town on the Neckar River, Tübingen. Tübingen, which was already an important cultural center during the Reformation. Primož Trubar worked here and had the first Slovenian book printed in Morhart's printing house in 1550 - Alphabet and Catechism.
The route will lead you to the countryside, where you will descend through less exposed wetlands at the foot of the Alps to Oberammergau. You will walk through the streets of the magical and unique place of Oberammergau, which is also associated with the oldest dramatic text in Slovenian, and see incredibly beautiful facade painting and peek behind the scenes of a unique passion play.
Endless kilometers of highways. This is the first impression Germany leaves on the hurried traveler as he rushes to his destination. But in a country where driving a car is part of the national identity, it pays to stop. And several times. The last stop will be in Augsburg – one of the oldest cities in Germany, which in terms of population is similar in size to Ljubljana. Like Ljubljana, Augsburg is also closely related to the ancient Romans, as the city was founded by them and named after the then emperor Augustus.
Augsburg, view of the city center with the city hall © Getty images/ SeanPavonePhotoWe wish you a pleasant journey through southern Germany and a happy and travel-filled coming year 2022!
