My last article „Wild Germany“, about the 16 German National Parks, brought a number of comments, but also an idea. Wilma wrote: „Je vindt er eigenlijk heel veel wat sommige mensen in andere landen zoeken“. It means: „In Germany you actually find a lot of, what some people looking for in other countries“. She is right – and that gave me the idea to compare some international sights with Germany. Take a look how beautiful Germany can be, even in wintertime, as you can see above:

Next to Paris is the castle of Versailles – one of the biggest palaces in Europe. There, magnificent chambers, but also a wonderful exterior view and wide park lands await the visitors. A speaking of visitors: Of course there are masses of them here. If you want a little quieter, you’ll find it in Bavaria.

To be more precise, at Chiemsee. On the island of Herrenchiemsee stands the New Herrenchiemsee Palace, which was built from 1878 on the model of Versailles. No wonder that it resembles the palace in France. Clear advantage: on a hot day, you can jump right into the lake to cool off, after a sightseeing tour.

You have to sit in a plane for about nine hours to get from Germany to China. The journey becomes even more complicated if you want to get as far as this sight: the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province. Those who have taken the way can admire the rocks that rise steeply into the sky. But when it comes to rocks, Germany is no fool – here, too, a region can keep up.

Impressive sandstones also rise from the ground in Saxon Switzerland. A paradise for climbers, but also for day tourists and those who want to inaugurate their hiking boots. A clear advantage: instead of flying, you simply take the train to Dresden for a few hours.

England is not exactly known for sunny beach holidays, but this sea panorama can still convince. The famous white cliffs of Dover have made a name for themselves and attract walkers and hikers time and again.

You might have to do without the traditional teatime on Rügen, but not without an impressive cliff panorama. The forest has already taken up a little more space here, but tourists still get their money’s worth of the white cliffs of Rügen.

The Provence: Already with the name of the French region most people probably have the lush purple lavender fields in front of their eyes and the wonderful smell of it in their nose. In France miles and miles of agricultural lavender farms.

If you can turn a blind eye, you will also find it in Germany. A little more rustic than the orderly lavender fields, the Lüneburger Heide comes along in all its splendor. Those who do not want to miss the purple spectacle should book quickly now: The flowering time of the heath is mainly August and September. A small disadvantage: unfortunately, one has to abstain from French delicacies here. But try a specialty there – Heidschnuckenbraten !!

Yosemite Falls in California’s National Park attracts many tourists every year. But mountains, water and hiking – Germany should be able to handle that. Right?

Sure! At least on the pictures, you could think the Röthbach Falls in Berchtesgaden is the waterfall in the USA. Much easier to reach and as beautiful as in the States.

This panorama shows the French town Beziers. Especially the Cathedrale Saint-Nazaire dominates the townscape. The German double of Beziers cannot compete with the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, but the panorama can keep up.

In Heidelberg, the castle ruins tower above the city, the Neckar and the old bridge. A trip to the city, which was founded in the 12th century, is particularly worthwhile for immense history, worldwide known university and a Mecca for wine fans. In Heidelberg castle, one will find the world’s largest wooden wine barrel. In total there are 4 big ones, dating back to 1591. The biggest is made from 130 oak trees and its capacity is 220.000 liters !!

Normally Venice is virtually flooded by tourists, during and shortly after the Corona pandemic it was suddenly as if it was empty. But those who want to make a classic gondola trip do not have to travel up to Italy.

The visitor has to bring a little fantasy with him. As in Bamberg, one can indeed do a gondola trip, but the view is clearly different from the one of Venice. Instead of mass tourism, you can at least enjoy some peace and quiet here – and instead of imported Italian wine, try the Franconian one, and enjoy the special „Franken Bratwürstl“ on „Kraut“.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of America’s most famous landmarks. It was put into operation in 1937 and is 2,737 meters long. Those who prefer to take their travel pictures in front of their own front door will also find what they are looking for in Germany.

At least from a distance, the Rhine Bridge Emmerich resembles the Golden Gate Bridge. Although the suspension bridge near Kleve, which is also red, is not as famous as its counterpart in San Francisco, it still sets a record: At 803 meters it is the longest suspension bridge in Germany. Along the Rhine promenade, the extraordinary, beautiful architectural building-art can be seen for miles, in my opinion, a „Must See“ destination.

Another US sight is the „Horseshoe Bend“, a horseshoe-shaped bend of the Colorado River in Arizona. Above the river, you have a great view of the stony desert of Arizona. After a whole day drive through Monument Valley, we reached this place, camped and spent the night in front of this amazing panorama, but very lonely, nothing else there for miles.

A very similar river bend can be found at the Saar Bend. You can admire it from the viewing platform or from a treetop path. So why fly all the way to America? Here you can enjoy local specialities and a fantastic wine tasting of the region Mosel-Saar-Ruwer.

Moraine Lake is located in Banff National Park in Canada. It is wonderful how the mountains are reflected in the crystal clear water. Spectacular scenery, lots and lots of pictures taken. But mountains and water – Germany can do that too!

Near Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies the Eibsee. From there you have a wonderful view of the Zugspitze. The many small islands in the lake are the result of a landslide that occurred between 1700 BC and 1,400 BC. Isn’t this a spectacular view too?

Right next to the Colosseum in Rome, tourists cavort around the Arch of Constantine. It was consecrated in 315, originally there was still a Quadriga on it, but this fell victim to plundering early on. Those who do not want to go to Italy to visit the arch should consider a trip to Munich.

In Munich, between Maxvorstadt and Schwabing, the victory gate is located. Ludwig I. gave the order in 1840 to build it according to the model of the Constantine Arch. In the Bavarian capital, unlike the triumphal arch in Rome, the Quadriga can still be admired on top of the building.

If the above ideas and places are not inspiring you enough, try to find out more sightseeing destinations by yourself. Down here are some views of German beauties without a closer description. Click in this blog on Germany and you will find much more about it.

Go on traveling the „center of Europe“ and discover yourself  Nature, History, Landscape, Architecture, Culture, Local Cuisine, Tradition, and Friendly People. Just the city of Berlin has more miles of waterways than Venice and Amsterdam together.

During my whole life, I traveled the world all over, it was exciting, adventurous, instructive and most wonderful. Now, at the end of my years, I am trying to reflect a bit more on my home country, especially since, during my absence, East and West Germany grew together. It is more to see and to discover in Germany that you can achieve in a lifetime. A German saying is: „Warum in die Ferne schweifen, wenn das Gute liegt so nah“? This means:    „Why to stray into the Distance when the Good is so near“?