Virtual trip of world

 

Private art galleries

 

As Berlin is a city of art, it is quite easy to find an art gallery on your way. They provide a nice opportunity to have a look at modern artists' work in a not-so-crowded environment for free. Some gallery streets with more than about a dozen galleries are Auguststraße, Linienstraße, Torstraße, Brunnenstraße (all Mitte, north of S-Bahn station Oranienburger Straße), Zimmerstraße (Kreuzberg, U-Bahn station Kochstraße) and Fasanenstraße (Charlottenburg). A directory listing of all Berlin's art galleries can be found on The Art of Berlin: Complete Berlin Art Gallery Directory

• Art Center Berlin. Four floors of exhibitions with a relatively good variety of genres and artists. A very nice oasis of calm from the busy Friedrichstraße.
• Galerie Eigen & Art. One of the most famous German art galleries, home to the Neue Leipziger Schule (Neo Rauch et al.)

 

Churches

 

There are some historically interesting and architecturally remarkable churches which are the following:

• Berliner Dom— The biggest and most impressive church in Berlin, built at the turn of the century (19th/20th) as an expression of imperial power. Located next to the museum island. Entrance is €5, and you can climb on top of the dome for a beautiful view over the Berlin center.
• The Twintowers of the Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) and the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral) face each other at the Gendarmenmarkt in Central Berlin, flanking the Konzerthaus.
• Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche— Highly symbolic church, dating back to 1891-95, with two modern buildings designed by Egon Eiermann in 1961, a hexagonal bell tower and an octagonal worship hall, aside the ruins from World War II.
• Marienkirche— Located near Alexanderplatz, this is not only the highest church tower in Berlin (90 m), but also one of the oldest churches left in the historical center of Berlin (which is totally torn down in this area). Entrance is free and inside are many treasures from the old days.
• Nikolaikirche— The oldest church in Berlin, dating back to the beginning of 13th century (at least the stones next to the ground). Does not serve as a church. Changing exhibitions inside, entrance free.
• St. Hedwigs Kathedrale— Domed Church located at Bebelplatz/Unter den Linden, the oldest (mid 18th century) and one of the biggest Catholic churches in Berlin, interior was redesigned in a modern style in the 1950s - but still many treasure chambers in the basement.
• Friedrichswerdersche Kirche— Nice church located near Unter den Linden/Museum Island, finished in 1830 by Schinkel - English Neogothic style. Nice exhibition inside (neoclassical statues and an exhibition about Schinkel's life and work upstairs), entry is free.

 

 

Frankfurt

 

Frankfurt is the business and financial center of Germany and the largest city in the German state of Hesse. The city is known for its futuristic skyline and the biggest German airport.

Located on the river Main, Frankfurt is the financial capital of Continental Europe and the transportation centre of Germany. Frankfurt is home of the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange. Furthermore, it hosts some of the world's most important trade shows, such as the Frankfurt Auto Show and the Frankfurt Book Fair.

 

Historical attractions

 

• Römerberg is the old centre of Frankfurt. It features various buildings and a church from the 14th and 15th century (the buildings were mostly destroyed during World War II but completely rebuilt afterwards). The Römer itself is the town hall of Frankfurt. Cafés and shops can be found at the square itself and in the vicinity. Next to the cathedral, at the Archäologische Garten, you can see the remains of the Roman settlements that gave this place its name. At the Römer, you can also visit the Alte Nikolaikirche (12th century church, current form since the 15th century). Walking towards the Main river, you can also see the Rententurm (Wharfinger's Tower), an old 15th century fortified tower in late Gothic style, which is connected to the Saalhof, an old 12th century castle building that was later modernized but never completely destroyed.  edit
• Dom (Saint Bartholomeus' Cathedral). The main cathedral, built in Gothic style in the 14th century. From 1562 to 1792, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned in the cathedral.
• Eiserner Steg (Iron bridge). Relatively well-known bridge for pedestrians, built in 1869. It is just a minute away from the Römer. Crossing the bridge leads you to Sachsenhausen and provides good views of the skyline.  edit
• Hauptwache. A public area that is often considered the central hub of Frankfurt's modern downtown area due to its importance as a public transportation station and its central location, right between the main shopping street (Zeil), the Rossmarkt (another public square), and the Eschenheimer Tor. The place is named after a Baroque building ("Hauptwache") located more or less in its centre. The building was constructed in 1730 to house the local city militia, as Frankfurt was an independent city at the time. When Frankfurt became part of Prussia, the building gradually lost its original function. Since 1905, it has instead been serving as a café ("Café Hauptwache"). Other attractions include the Katharinenkirche, and the Palais Thurn-und-Taxis.
• Alte Oper (Old Opera) in the center of the city. A busy square with fountains can be found in front of it. Originally opened in 1880, it is not used for operas any more since the rebuilding after the war, but for concerts, congresses, and similar "fancy" events. 
• Börse (Frankfurt Stock Exchange). The Frankfurt stock exchange building, still in use, see the bull and bear statues just outside. You cannot enter the building unless you have registered for a guided tour in advance.
• Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church). This was the seat of the first democratically elected parliament in Germany in 1848.
• Sachsenhausen. By crossing one of the bridges from the city centre you reach the Sachsenhausen part of the city south of the Main river. The old town part, Alt-Sachsenhausen, at Affentorplatz is famous for its old cider bars. You can also walk along the river bank or visit the Schweizer Straße. 

 

Museums

 

Museums in Germany are generally closed on Mondays (there are exceptions); the exact opening hours on other days depend on the museum. If you want to visit a museum on a public holiday, check with them before to be sure they open on that day.

The museums in Frankfurt offer a wide range of exhibits. Many museums are clustered on both banks of the Main in a district called Museumsufer. To get there, take the subway to Schweizer Platz (southern bank) or Willy-Brandt-Platz (northern bank), then walk towards the Main river. You can see the downtown skyscrapers when you leave the station Schweizer Platz, that's the direction you have to take. There are enough museums in Museumsufer to keep you occupied for a while, and it is especially suitable if you are staying in Frankfurt only for a short time.

• Architektur Museum (German Architecture Museum). The Architecture Museum displays various types of exhibits about buildings and architecture.
• Deutsches Filmmuseum (German Film Museum). The German Movie Museum displays—as the name implies—the art and history of film making..
• Städel-Museum.. Fully named the "Staedelsches Kunstinstitut" (named after Johann Friedrich Staedel), the museum displays various works of arts, both modern and old. There are also varying exhibitions at any time. Behind the museum is the Städelschule, an art school with a cheap cafeteria.
• Museum Giersch  (Museum of Regional Historic Art and Culture). The broad exhibition range covers all types of art – painting, photography, sculpture, graphic art, architecture and applied arts. Usually the exibitions focus on artist that have some sort of connection to Frankfurt or the Frankfurt region. It presents works on loan from public and private owners, which are often stored in depots or private collections and therefore not otherwise accessible to the general public. There are also varying exhibitions at any time.
• Museum für Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Arts). The museum for applied arts and design hosts just that in a beautiful Richard Meier designed building. The small park around it is a popular hangout in summer and there is a small posh restaurant on the ground floor.
• Liebighaus (Liebig House). Large collection of sculptures and statues from all over the world.
• Museum der Weltkulturen (Museum of World Cultures). Due to a lack of space and funding currently doesn't display its permanent ethnographic collection but rather shows well-made exibitions.
• Museum für Kommunikation (Museum of Communication). Formerly known as the postal museum, it explains the history of communication with a strong focus on postal services and telecommunication. A lot of old telegraphs, phones, fax machines etc. can be tried out so it is fun for not too young kids. Don't miss the small but impressive art collection, hosting works with communication themes from the early 19th century up until today.
• Jüdisches Museum (Jewish Museum). This is not on the actual Museumsufer but on the other bank of the river. The Jewish community in Frankfurt can look back on over 850 years of history in Frankfurt and is the second oldest community in Germany. The well funded museum in the old Rothschild (they originate from Frankfurt) palais pays reference to this history with a strong focus on the holocaust.
• Ikonen Museum (Icon Museum). Founded in 1990 through a donation of 800 icons from the 16th-19th century this museum today has about 1'000 icons and today also has special exhibitions for modern icons.

 

Other museums

 

• Naturmuseum Senckenberg (Nature Museum Seckenberg). Commonly just called Senckenberg museum it is one of the most famous museums of Frankfurt. The Senckenberg has various exhibits on natural history; plants, animals, minerals, and so on; the biggest attraction are the dinosaur skeletons and the collection of preserved animals that were hunted and stuffed in a less enlightened age. Highly recommended for anybody interested in the subject. Also suitable for children, who can touch some of the exhibit (like replicas of Dinosaur skeletons).
• Museum für Moderne Kunst (Museum of Modern Art). The building was designed by Hans Hollein to resemble a boat, which is most notable when approaching it from the back (east). Apart from well-known artists in the permanent collection, e.g. Roy Liechtenstein and Andy Warhol, the museum has changing exhibits that often include very recent work. The museum has an associated restaurant Triangolo.
• Museum Judengasse is part of the Jewish Museum. Here are exhibited the foundations from the Jewish Ghetto dating back to 1462, as well as information about life as a Jewish person in this ghetto during the Middle Ages. Info is in English & German. Outside of this museum is the "Holocaust Memorial Wall" with over 11,000 names of Frankfurts' murdered Jewish citizens on it. It surrounds the medieval Jewish cemetery dating back to 1272. There is another outpost of the Jewish museum near by, which hosts exibitions on a regular basis. It is housed in a 4 story world war II overground bunker.
• Geldmuseum der Deutschen Bundesbank (Money Museum of the German National Bank). A museum about money and its history.
• Archäologisches Museum (Archaeological Museum). Located in a building which formerly housed a Carmelite monastery.
• Kunsthalle Schirn is a museum specializing in contemporary art. There are two exhibition spaces that rotate every month or two.
• Portikus exhibition hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The contrasts of Japan are startling: big cities dazzle with bright lights and high-tech gadgetry, while in countryside towns centuries-old Japanese culture is alive and well with geishas, zen rock gardens, and temples and shrines.

Japan's vibrant pop culture is a massive draw for wide-eyed tourists, with ground-breaking electronics and leading fashion and design items available here long before the rest of the world.

Yet, beneath the brash modernity beats an ancient heart. Japan is still the realm of the exquisite art of the geisha and the skill of the sumo wrestler, where lively age-old festivals are celebrated and food is elevated to an art form.

Japan is a land of great natural beauty. The contrasts range from the snow festivals and lavender farms of the northern isle of Hokkaido to the sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters of the subtropical islands of Okinawa. Whether you choose to climb volcanic Mount Fuji or wander through the pine forest of Mount Koya, a journey to Japan is unforgettable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tokyo 

 

Ah, Tokyo. The country’s capital city has more than its fair share of sightseeing. Here are a few of its must-see attractions.

Imperial Palace

Kokyo, or the Imperial Palace, is in Chiyoda prefecture in Tokyo. Visitors my wander the outside garden, although the East Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Tokyo Tower

At 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is the world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower, making it an obvious sightseeing attraction. It was modeled after France’s Eiffel tower, which is 320 meters tall. Visitors can choose to visit the main observatory located about mid-way, or they can visit the special observatory 250 meters above the ground. The cost is approximately 1,500 yen (roughly $14) per adult to get a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo from the top floor.  The tower is located just outside of Roppongi, famed for its entertainment and nightlife. Those visiting the tower during the day should also consider stopping by the Zojoji Temple, an excellent example of the many Buddhist temples located throughout Japan.

Tokyo Dome City

This leisure complex is located in the center of Tokyo and consists of the Tokyo Dome baseball stadium, an amusement park, a spa and a hotel.   Tokyo Dome is the home of the Yomiuri Giants, but also serves as a venue for large concerts with its capability of seating 55,000. It is nicknamed “Big Egg” because it is round, large and white.      Korakuen, the amusement park in Tokyo Dome City features several roller coasters. It is ultimately named after nearby Koshikawa Korakuen, one of the three most famous Japanese gardens. Those who visit Tokyo Dome City should also consider visiting the garden as it is located only a short walking distance from the city.

Shopping

If you want to go shopping, Tokyo is the place to be. Walk down Shinjuku to find the latest technology (and go to the kabuki theater afterwards) or Shibuya and Harajuku to find the latest fashions (and, if time allows, stop by a karaoke box or a local café). Often, major department stores such as Takashimaya or Mitsukoshi can be found these areas.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland attracts millions of both Japanese and foreigners every year. What makes this Disneyland different from others? During Japanese holidays, Disney characters sometimes dress up in traditional Japanese clothing during the parades.

Yokohama China Town

Although located just outside of Tokyo, Yokohama’s China Town is a must if you want to eat some of the best Chinese food available. If you drive to Yokohama, you will pass the famed Rainbow Bridge, which is especially attractive at night.

 

Osaka

Osaka is located in the Kansai region and is the third most populated city in Japan with 2.7 million people. The Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area has a total of 16.6 million people.

The main attraction in Osaka is Osaka-jo, or the Osaka Castle. The view of the castle is especially pretty in the Spring  

Kyoto

Kyoto, formerly Japan’s capital, is now considered the country’s culture capital. The city was spared its 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, palaces, gardens and architecture during World War II.             The city gives visitors the feel of “old Japan,” when they walk through the geisha districts. Geisha are artist-entertainers that are trained in traditional customs such as tea ceremonies and dancing, and they can still be seen in Kyoto today wearing traditional kimonos and makeup.  

If you visit Kyoto, make sure to visit Uji Byodoin (the structure featured on the 10 yen coin), Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji. These are some of the most well-known shrines and temples in the country.

 

Hakone 

 

For a truly relaxing experience, visit Hakone. The Japanese often come to Hakone for its many onsen, or hot spring baths, as well as its gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding parks and mountains. Many opt to stay in traditional-style inns. Patrons sleep in tatami rooms on futons.

 

Kamakura 

 

The main attraction in Kamakura is hands down the Amida Buddha, or Big Buddha. The bronze statue has stood outside since the 15th century when a tsunami washed away the temple in which it was once housed. Other sights in Kamakura include the Hase Kannon Temple and the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine.

Kamakura has many traditional-style inns that attract visitors from all over, as well as a popular beach.

 

Hokkaido 

 

The northernmost island of Japan is Hokkaido, which is known for its excellent skiing conditions. Perhaps the best time of the year to visit would be in February, during Sapporo’s annual snow festival. Sapporo hosts an ice sculpting competition at Odori Park, attracting two million people every year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain) is a sovereign state located off the north-western coast of continental Europe. The country includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland and many smaller islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with another sovereign state—the Republic of Ireland. Apart from this land border the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel and the Irish Sea.   The United Kingdom is a unitary state governed under a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system, with its seat of government in the capital city of London. It is a country in its own right and consists of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. There are three devolved national administrations, each with varying powers, situated in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh; the capitals of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland respectively. Associated with the UK, but not constitutionally part of it, are three Crown Dependencies and fourteen overseas territories. These are remnants of the British Empire which, at its height in 1922, encompassed almost a quarter of the world's land surface and was the largest empire in history. British influence can still be observed in the language, culture and legal systems of many of its former territories.     The UK is a developed country and has the world's sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP and seventh-largest economy by purchasing power parity. It was the world's first industrialised country and the world's foremost power during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The UK remains a great power with leading economic, cultural, military, scientific and political influence. It is a recognised nuclear weapons state and its military expenditure ranks third or fourth in the world. The UK has been a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council since its first session in 1946; it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, the G7, the G8, the G20, NATO, the OECD and the World Trade Organization.

 

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is a medieval castle and royal residence in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, notable for its long association with the British royal family and its architecture. The original castle was built after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry I it has been used by a succession of monarchs and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe. The castle's lavish, early 19th-century State Apartments are architecturally significant, described by art historian Hugh Roberts as "a superb and unrivalled sequence of rooms widely regarded as the finest and most complete expression of later Georgian taste". The castle includes the 15th-century St George's Chapel, considered by historian John Robinson to be "one of the supreme achievements of English Perpendicular Gothic" design. More than five hundred people live and work in Windsor, making it the largest inhabited castle in the world.         Originally designed to protect Norman dominance around the outskirts of London, and to oversee a strategically important part of the River Thames, Windsor Castle was built as a motte and bailey, with three wards surrounding a central mound. Gradually replaced with stone fortifications, the castle withstood a prolonged siege during the First Barons' War at the start of the 13th century. Henry III built a luxurious royal palace within the castle during the middle of the century, and Edward III went further, rebuilding the palace to produce an even grander set of buildings in what would become "the most expensive secular building project of the entire Middle Ages in England". Edward's core design lasted through the Tudor period, during which Henry VIII and Elizabeth I made increasing use of the castle as a royal court and centre for diplomatic entertainment.        Windsor Castle survived a tumultuous period during the English Civil War, in which the castle was used as a military headquarters for Parliamentary forces and a prison for Charles I. During the Restoration, Charles II rebuilt much of Windsor Castle with the help of architect Hugh May, creating a set of extravagant, Baroque interiors, still praised today. After a period of neglect during the 18th century, George III and George IV renovated and rebuilt Charles II's palace at colossal expense, producing the current design of the State Apartments, full of Rococo, Gothic and Baroque furnishings. Queen Victoria made minor changes to the castle, which became the centre for royal entertainment for much of her reign. Windsor Castle was used as a refuge for the royal family during the bombing campaigns of the Second World War and survived a fire in 1992. It is a popular tourist attraction, a venue for hosting state visits, and the Queen's preferred weekend home.

 

Stonehenge

The breathtaking prehistoric monument located near Salisbury in the English county of Wiltshire stands as strong today as it did 3500 years ago. Documented as one of the most famous places in the world to visit, Stonehenge was built in three phases that consisting of over 30 million hours of labor.       There are no written records as to why Stonehenge was built. There are many theories but no confirmations. Some theory it was a place of dying, while others theory it was a place of healing. Some reason Stonehenge was built for human sacrifice while others speculate it's all about astronomy.     Some think it is a solar calendar that predicted the sunrise, sunset, eclipse, moonsets and moonrise while others reckon it as a place for worship. The reasoning for Stonehenge remains a mystery.      Some authors state the supernatural must have played a part in the construction of Stonehenge reasoning the stones were too heavy making impossible for anyone to move and carry therefore making Stonehenge a much bigger mystery.           Whatever the reason, the circular landmark of large standing stones is a wonder to everyone as Stonehenge dates back as far as 3100 B.C. the estimated built time.          Although total construction was not completed at that time, Stonehenge was built in three phases with a time span of 1500 years. There is also evidence at the construction site that it could actually date back as far as 6500 years.            Throughout history many archaeologists and antiquarians have visited Stonehenge to try and satisfy this monumental mystery. Whether this mystery will ever be solved, Stonehenge draws visitors from all over the world. It is a place to visit that will satisfy your own curiosity. If you'd like to come and pray or meditate or just take in it's architectural beauty, Stonehenge is a place you will not want to miss.

 

Snowdonia

Snowdonia National Park was established in 1951 and is the second largest of the 11 National Parks in England and Wales. Although the Snowdonia Mountains cover a fairly compact area, in the north they loom over the coast and are undeniably spectacular. The area around Mount Snowdon is the busiest part of the park. About half a million people climb, walk or take the train to the summit each year. This was the area where members of the first successful attempt on Mt Everest trained, and it's been the training ground for many of Britain's best-known mountaineers since then.     The Welsh name for Snowdon is Yr Widdfa, which means 'great tomb' - legend says that a giant who was killed by King Arthur is buried on the summit. The English name is said to have been derived from an old word for snow, which crowns the peaks in winter. As well as impressive mountains, the park contains a wide variety of other natural features - rivers, lakes, waterfalls, forests, moorlands, glacial valleys and a lovely coastline.     There are Stone Age burial chambers, Bronze Age burial cairns, Roman forts and Welsh and Norman castles there.      The remains of the huge mining and quarrying operations that were once a major industry can still be seen. These are now tourist attractions like the former slate quarries and gold and copper mines.

 

Hadrian’s wall

Hadrian's Wall was a defensive fortification in Roman Britain. Begun in AD 122, during the rule of emperor Hadrian, it was the first of two fortifications built across Great Britain.         The wall was the most heavily fortified border in the Empire. In addition to its role as a military fortification, it is thought that many of the gates through the wall would have served as customs posts to allow trade and levy taxation.            A significant portion of the wall still exists, particularly the mid-section, and for much of its length the wall can be followed on foot or by cycle . It is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern England. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. English Heritage describes it as "the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain".

 

York Minster

York's cathedral, although known as a minster, is officially the "Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York ". By definition a cathedral is the site of a bishop's throne (a cathedra) but the word 'cathedral' did not come into use until af ter the Norman conquest. In Anglo-Saxon times important churches were minsters, but not all were bishops' seats.   York Minster's history began in 627AD when King Edwin of Northumbria was baptised in a simple wooden church at York within the site of the old Roman fort. The church was approved by the Pope and its dedication to St Peter reflected its links with Rome. The wooden church was rebuilt in stone and completed by King Oswald but the bishop's seat was transferred for a time to Lindisfarne. The minster was rebuilt again in 664AD and again after a fire in 741AD. It was eventually destroyed during the Norman siege of the city in 1069.             The Minster represents almost every stage of the Gothic style of architecture from 1230 to 1475.