Established in 1935 the German Wine Route with a length of 85 kilometres is Germany’s first scenic wine route and still the most famous too.

The German Wine Route is full of history, culture and endless stretches of vineyards in a stunning landscape. It runs from Bockenheim (near Worms) in the north to Schweigen-Rechenbach (near the French border) through the Palatinate region of Rhineland-Palatinate. Besides being Germany’s second largest wine growing areas, it also is one of the most beautiful parts in the west of the country.

German Wine Gate © Charles 01-Wikipedia.org

The German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rettenbach is an imposing ceremonial gatehouse, marking the start of the route and its southernmost point. But it really doesn’t matter in which direction you travel along the German Wine Route as there is so much to see and do.

During the festival season from March to October the German Wine Route is a hive of activity. There are the Mandelblütenfest (Almond Blossom Festival) in Gimmendingen in March, the Deutsches Weinlesefest (German Grape Harvest Festival) in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, The Stadtmauerfest (City Wall Festival) in Freinsheim in July, the Wurstmarkt (Sausage Market) and many more. A special highlight is the Erlebnistag (Adventure Day) being held on the last Sunday in August. The whole route then is closed to motor vehicles and open air wine bars are set up for hikers, cyclists and inline skaters visiting the festival. And no matter whether the roads are closed to motor vehicles or not, hiking and cycling are a good way to explore the whole route and enjoy the magnificent landscape and of course the wine.

German Wine Route © Ohummel-wikipedia.org

Typical wines of the area are the white wines such as Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Morio Muskat or Gewürztraminer and red wines such as Dornfelder, Portugieser and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).

Besides vine also lemons, figs, sweet chestnuts and kiwi fruits grow in Region.

The German Wine Route also is a great travel destination during Advent season and Christmas because in many towns along the route typical German Christmas markets are being held.

Helgoland or Heligoland as it is called in English is located in the southeastern corner of the North Sea and about three hours’ sailing time from Cuxhaven at the mouth of the River Elbe. It is Germany’s only high-sea island.

Helgoland consists of red sandstone standing out against the North Sea and has a very healthy offshore climate ideal for people with allergies as it is almost free of pollen. And because of Helgoland being an almost car free island it is free of air pollution too.

Lange Anna © flickr/Timo Kamph

Helgoland is very popular with day-trippers as you can easily get there by plane from Cuxhaven, Hamburg or other places as well as by boot from Cuxhaven (summer and winter) and numerous other places in summer. And because of Helgoland being a duty-free zone it is ideal for shopping tours. You can purchase tobacco, alcohol, electronics and many more.

But Helgoland has of course more to offer. You can stroll around on the main island, which is divided up in Oberland, Mittleland and Unterland on three different levels, connected with stairs and an elevator,  and enjoy the tranquility go on a guided tour in the old bunker. On Oberland you can also see the old lighthouse with a height of 35 metres which is the only building that survived British bombings during WW2.

At the north end of Helgoland you can see Helgolands landmark ‘Lang Anna’ a stack of red sandstone with a height of 47 metres. Nearby you can also find the ‘Lummenfelsen’, the world’s smallest wildlife preserve with thousands of guillmots and other seabirds.

Or you visit the small sand island Düne (Dune) that was separated from the main island in 1720. There you can enjoy a day on one of the beaches or simply stroll around.

And after a having explored the island you should enjoy a good meal in one of the island’s restaurants. Helgoland is famous for its fresh lobster and the ‘Knieper’, pincers of the great crab. But you can of course also get all kinds of fresh fish and meat.