From Berlin to Munich, here’s some itinerary inspiration for clients going to Euro 2024
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
As the host of UEFA EURO 2024, next summer will be an exciting time to visit Germany. Ten cities are set to host 51 matches kicking off in Munich on June 14 and ending in Berlin on July 14. Along with taking in the soccer action and the stadium energy, here’s a look at what clients can experience during a visit to Germany in 2024.
Fabulous Frankfurt beyond the airport: Jasmin Bischoff, Marketing Director for Frankfurt Tourism Marketing, wants Canadians to know that there’s so much more to the city than its airport. However, anyone with at least a five hour layover should take advantage of its quick connection to downtown. Bischoff recommends visiting the new old town, an area that was destroyed during the Second World War, and restored and recreated to its former glory from 2010-2018. Frankfurt is one of the host cities for the Euro’s. When in town, she also recommends diving into its traditional cuisine ranging from apple wine to a green sauce dish made from seven herbs and sour cream, served with potatoes and boiled eggs.
Buzzing Berlin celebrates milestone: Germany’s capital city, where history, art, and innovation seamlessly collide, is marking the 35th anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall in 2024. More than 60 Christmas markets to visit, Inka Rehahn, Director of Strategic Marketing for Visit Berlin, says the holiday season is also a magical time to visit. Berlin will host the final match of the UEFA EURO 2024.
Bathing in Baden-Baden: During a previous visit to this charming spa town, Bill Clinton remarked, “Baden-Baden is so nice you have to name it twice.” With a location on the doorstep to France and Switzerland, Cornelia Stahr. Head of Global Marketing, said the destination can easily be combined with other countries. A key reason to visit will be to soak up the town’s healing waters at the historic Friedrichsbad (textile-free) or the newer Caracalla bath down the road where swimsuits are worn.
Explore charming Franconia: For postcard-worthy pictures of Germany, look no further than the Franconia region. Jörg Hentschel from the Franconian Tourist Board noted that 2024 will mark the 750th anniversary of the picturesque medieval town Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the 70th anniversary of the Castle Road, which like the name indicates is a trail of palaces. There are also 5 UNESCO Heritage Sites, christmas markets, and loads of breweries and vineyards to discover along the way.
Discover the Historic Highlights of Germany: Sascha Mayerer, CEO of Historic Highlights of Germany, which represents 17 destinations in Germany that are all at least 700 years old, from the likes of Potsdam to Trier, is also home to Germany’s latest UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 52nd site is in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, which boasts a Jewish-medieval heritage with three important monuments – the Old Synagogue, the Mikveh, and the Stone House.
Get to know the real Stuttgart: While Stuttgart is well known for automotive innovation as the home of the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums, the region’s International Marketing & Sales Manager Svenja Heinzelmann shares that her city is also surrounded by vineyards and forests. But for a truly memorable stay, car fans can check out theV8 Hotel Stuttgart, which features car themed rooms. Of course, visitors will also have to try Maultaschen, a kind of large meat-filled dumpling in Swabian cuisine.
Dive into Düsseldorf’s culinary scene: For beer fans, Christian Schüller, manager market development for Düsseldorf Tourism, says travellers will have to visit its old town to try its special top fermented craft beer. The city, known for offering a blend of contemporary architecture, arts, and culture, is one of the host cities for the EURO’s. With a fair number of Japanese immigrants, Schüller shared that the modern metropolis on the Rhine has an unexpected Japanese food scene.
Go behind the scenes in beautiful Bavaria: Another area in Germany rich with rich history, nature, culture and traditions is Bavaria. Interestingly, Susanne Miller, Unit Lead, International Networks at Bavaria Tourism, says the state embraces local insiders to showcase its diversity. Among the most interesting is illustrator and artist Werner Härtl, who paints rural scenes with fresh cow dung.
Make the most of Munich: As one of Germany’s most visited destinations, the Munich Tourist Board’s Melanie Reif knows that Canadians are already well versed in what the city offers. So the Head of International Trade Relations put the spotlight on two brand new hotel offerings. The first is the newly opened five-star Rosewood Munich, the brand’s first property in Germany, housed in two landmark historical buildings, the former headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria and the adjacent Palais Neuhaus-Preysing, a former grand aristocratic residence. And opening in spring 2024 is a 106 room JW Marriott, a new build on the traditional site of the old Hotel Königshof. Notably, Munich will host four EURO matches, including the opening game.
Soak up the culture in Saxony: Germany’s leading cultural destination, with its historic capital, Dresden and its largest city, Leipzig, have lots of offer for visitors, but next year Saxony is a big destination for the travel trade as well. Wolfgang Gärtner, Head of International Marketing, Saxony Tourism, highlighted that the 2024 Germany Travel Mart well be held in Chemnitz, which will also be the European Capital of Culture in 2025. Four EURO games will also be held at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
