Netherlands, Germany - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**clevercraig** · 04-03-2004, 12:16 PM

I have a pretty good idea about Belgium and Czech Republic (my other stops) but anyone have any advice on cool under-the-radar, or "hidden gem" towns in either Germany or Netherlands. I don't want to spend all of my time in the large cities admist tourist season. Thanks for any suggestions!
-Craig

**LiveFreeorDie** · 04-03-2004, 02:26 PM

I was in Nuernburg a couple of years ago, only for a short time, though. Its a great little semi-medieval German city, with a castle and all that. Some cool WWII history as well with the post-war trials that went on there. When I was there, they had a large photo display in this huge old church in the center of town that had some photos of Nazi parades going down the main street of the city....the same street I had just walked up. Gives you goosebumps to see all the Swazstika flags hanging from the buildings in the picture with the goose-stepping troops and tanks, etc.

The ciy is also famous for its little sausages that are made in this one real old restaurant...I guess the recipe is hundreds of years old and they are very good (and the sauerkraut is unbeleivable too). One thing that struck me as kind of odd was that as we were entering the building, I expected the stereotypical german experience with the busty blonde waitresses schlepping big beer steins (not to sound sexist) etc. Well, the place is owned and run all by asians now. Of course that's perfectly fine, but it struck me as odd because the place is such a german institution. I guess those funny little unusal things you find along the way are the great things about traveling. I love Germany, though. Great country to spend some time in.

**worldwidemike** · 04-04-2004, 03:54 AM

I think there are lots of cool little towns in the Netherlands. Delfft is one, although it is fairly popular, so isn't really under the radar. I was surprised how scenic Holland was...and it so easy to get around on their efficient rail system.

One area I remember in Germany was the Weinheim/Heidelberg area. Lots of cool castle ruins, pretty countryside, and the best hostel I stayed in during my Euro backpacking jaunt (ahem...22 years ago!). Things may have changed by now, so sorry, my info is a tad dated on Germany...

worldwidemike

rattay666 · 05-07-2004, 07:29 PM

It's not really hidden, but Cologne (Koln) is nice and relatively small at least in comparison to Berlin and Munich.

***Beady*** · 05-08-2004, 03:45 AM

The towns alongside the river Rhine are something to check out. Great views. I loved it when I went, and if its a nice day, then I suggest a trip down the river rhine, tons of castles and forts. It's like out of a fantasy picture.