Western Germany - Germany is Wunderbar

Germany Holidays: Cochem’s secret stash

During the height of the Cold War a secret bunker was built to house a complete replacement currency, ready to go.

Germany Holidays: Solingen, city of blades

The ancient metalworking industry has continued well into the modern era in this city in the hills

Germany holidays: Bonn, little big town

Parliament may have moved to Berlin, but there’s still plenty of federal power, and history, in this town near Cologne

Germany Holidays: Beer rivals, Düsseldorf and Cologne

They may be just 30 miles apart, but there’s no agreement between Düsseldorf and Cologne about which is better, Altbier or Kölsch.

Germany Holidays: Trier, Roman splendour in northern Europe

The city that was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire has a former throne room now basilica, two bathhouses, a bridge and the Porta Nigra gateway amongst its wealth of Roman remains.

Germany Holidays: Five places to sit and think in Frankfurt

A selection of excellent places to chill out in hectic Frankfurt, ranging from a park to a cemetery, from an art collection to a couple of cafes.

Germany holidays: Mainz, cradle of printing

The handsome, wine-rich city of Mainz on the Rhine south of Frankfurt was the home of Johannes Gutenberg, an inventor whose work brought the printed word to a much wider audience

Germany Holidays: happy Heidelberg

An intoxicating mix of architecture, history, scenery and student kisses. Rhine cruise passengers and international students create a very international ambience.

Germany Holidays: The Rhine at its best

The Rhine gorge, from Rudesheim to Koblenz, is an outstanding slice of scenery and history, not to mention viniculture and gastronomy. Best seen from a bike, boat or walking trail.

Germany Holidays: Mannheim – where Rhine and Neckar meet

Mannheim might not be a beauty but it has plenty to offer. Go shopping in squares and be surprised by cool cafés and bars.