Glittering lights and festive fun for the winter season at Europa-Park

A fairytale atmosphere and seasonal splendour at Europe's largest theme park. From 28 November 2009 to 10 January 2010, Europa-Park in Rust, southern Germany, will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland with more than two million lights and over 2,000 Christmas trees. As well as a traditional Christmas market, visitors can look forward to a host of winter attractions and electrifying shows. Europa-Park promises fun-packed winter entertainment for all, from the young to the young at heart.

 

• Further Information on winter at the Europa-Park

Nuremberg - the heart of Franconia

Nuremberg is the most beautiful 'small city' in the world with mighty Kaiserburg Castle as its signature attraction. Boasting a modern buzz that belies its 950 years of history, the birthplace of Albrecht Dürer is awash with half-timbered Franconian houses and medieval charm. The delightful old quarter, where Nuremberg's famous Christmas market takes place, is well worth a visit at any time of year with its underground passages.

 

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The Erzgebirge - idyllic mountains steeped in age-old traditions

A trip to the Erzgebirge mountains at Christmas time feels like a journey to another age. Where else is the festive season celebrated with such warmth and with so many time-honoured traditions? From the beginning of Advent, pyramid-shaped Christmas carousels decorate the region's historical market squares, beautifully illuminated stalls fill the air with all kinds of enticing aromas, and elegant candle arches light up windows throughout the town.

 

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Award-winning accommodation

The Lindner Park-Hotel Hagenbeck in Hamburg, winner of the Hotel Property Award 2009, is like a world in miniature for its guests. Both the history of the Hagenbeck family and the continents from which the animals of Hagenbeck zoo and tropical aquarium originate, are reflected in the award-winning concept. Eating at the hotel is equally exciting with authentic flavours of African and Asian cuisine.

 

• Further Information on Hagenbeck Zoo

Renaissance architecture in the Weserbergland hills

The Weserbergland hills, which extend along either side of the Weser river from Hannoversch Münden into the area around Minden, have much for visitors to discover. During the Weser Renaissance period from 1520 to 1640, a unique style of architecture emerged in the region, the legacy of which can still be admired today. Nowhere else in Germany has a comparable abundance of Renaissance buildings.

 

• Further information on Weserbergland

Win an active weekend break at the four-star Jagdhaus Wiese hotel in the Sauerland region