Denmark 2-Days Trip last part; Overnight Train from Copenhagen to Frankfurt

2-Days trip to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Denmark

June 30 to July 01, 2015

Denmark 2-Days Trip 3rd part; Morning Tour to Roskilde 

I booked this overnight ticket on DBAHN website as the Denmark railway website took some errors on my credit card during booking day. Ticket includes the 45mins hybrid ferry ride which the entire train wagons were inside the train during cruising.

CROSSBORDER FERRY RIDE AND OVERNIGHT TRAIN FROM COPENHAGEN, DENMARK TO FRANKFURT, GERMANY

1743H		ETD Copenhagen Stn			EC30; 4h33m	train
1945H		ETD Denmark			hybrid ferry
2030H		ETA Germany			crossborder check
2216H		ETA Hamburg Hbf			platform 7b; 30m transfer
2246H		ETD Hamburg Hbf			platform 14; IC 2021; 6h12m	train

0458H		ETA Koblenz Hbf			platform 4; 9m transfer
0507H		ETD Koblenz Hbf			platform 1; RE 4251; 1h27m
0634H		FRA Flughafen Regionalbf			breakfast

- ​the whole set of train wagons was inside the hybrid ferry
- no border check between Denmark and Germany, only ticket inspection on-board

Denmark 2-Days Trip; Hybrid Ferry from Copenhagen to Frankfurt

Germany Revisited; Night Walk Tour in Frankfurt

night tour to quickly sight-see the best marvels of Frankfurt, Germany

June 10, 2015

5 Days Solo Travel in Autumn Germany (Oct. 2013)

timezone - +0200H UTC (summer time);   capital - Berlin;   language - German
currency - Euro; 1 EUR = 1.1 USD
visa - included in Schengen Agreement, Filipino's are required to apply 1st before travel

Germany is one of the most influential European nations culturally, and one of the world's main economic powers. Known around the world for its precision engineering and high-tech products, Germany is an economic powerhouse boasting the largest economy of Europe, and the 2nd largest country of the world in terms of exports.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Germany

Frankfurt is the business and financial centre of Germany and known for its futuristic skyline and the busiest 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. 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GERMANY (",)
1. German people are the second biggest consumers of beer in the world (after the Czechs), with an average of 107 litres per person per year in 2010 (or 0.30 l per day).
2. Germany has nearly 700 zoological gardens, wildlife parks, aquariums, bird parks, animal reserves, or safari parks, including 414 registered zoos (more than the USA) ! Berlin's Zoologischer Garten is the largest zoo in the world, both in terms of number of species (1,500) and animal population (14,000).
3. The Germans can be credited for the discovery of insulin, the invention of the clarinet, the pocket watch, the automated calculator, the light bulb, television (partly), paraffin, petrol/gasoline & Diesel engines, the automobile (as well as the engine, differential gear and other important devices), the motorcycle, the jet engine, the LCD screen and the Walkman. 

Germany Revisited; Night Walk Tour in Frankfurt (Eiserner Steg Bridge)

How to Apply for Schengen (Germany) Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

* maximum of 6 months validity after issuance with period of stay of under 90 days
* Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time.

* 26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.
* A “Schengen visa” is required to visit one or more of these Member States. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit, tourism or business only, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.
* If you get a multiple entry Schengen visa, you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days. Important is the date of the actual entry, not the beginning of the visa validity. 

* Valid Schengen Visa holders of most of the nationalities can transit/visit other European countries of (1)Albania, (2)Bosnia and Herzegovina, (3)Bulgaria, (4)Croatia, (5)Cyprus, (6)North Macedonia, (7)Montenegro, (8)Romania, (9)Serbia, (10)San Marino and (11)Moldova. Some of these countries provide maximum 15-days stay in any period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Schengen States visa applied in Germany Embassy (June to July 2015)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in France Embassy (2013)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Germany Embassy (2015)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Spain Embassy (2018)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Norway Embassy (2023)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Greece Embassy (2024)

23 Days Solo Summer Adventures in Central, Southern and Northern Europe

Germany - Liechtenstein - Slovenia - Croatia - Serbia - Bulgaria - Romania - Hungary - Slovakia - Poland - Lithuania - Estonia - Latvia - Denmark
June 10 to July 02, 2015

23 Days Solo Autumn Experience in Central Europe (Oct. 2013)

"Let the future tell the truth, and evaluate each one according to his work and accomplishments. The present is theirs; the future, for which I have really worked, is mine." - Nikola Tesla

Schengen Area guarantees free movement within territory of 26 countries. As of 19th of December 2011, Schengen Area consist of 26 countries (of which 22 are EU states): Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland and Sweden along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Being part of the area without controls at internal borders means that these countries no longer carry-out border checks at their internal borders and have stepped-up controls which must meet clearly defined criteria, at the external borders.

As of January 2015, valid Schengen Visa holders regardless of nationality can transit/visit European countries of (1)Albania, (2)Bosnia and Herzegovina, (3)Bulgaria, (4)Croatia, (5)Macedonia, (6)Montenegro, (7)Romania and (8)Serbia. Some of this countries provide maximum 15-days stay in any period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

My 3rd time to visit the European continent (1st visit was last October 2013 and 2nd visit was last June 2014), 43rd solo backpacking trip, total of 55 countries visited so far and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

3rd Solo Trip in Europe fridge magnet collections 

The Viewing Deck Collections; Medieval Europe Castles

A castle is a type of fortified structure built in Europe during the Middle Ages by nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble. This is distinct from a palace, which is not fortified; from a fortress, which was not always a residence for nobility; and from a fortified settlement, which was a public defense – though there are many similarities among these types of construction. Over the approximately 900 years that castles were built, they took on a great many forms with many different features, although some, such as curtain walls and arrowslits, were commonplace.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle

The Viewing Deck Collections; Medieval Europe Castles

Budget and Safety tips in Solo Backpacking Central Europe

France-Switzerland-Luxembourg-Belgium-Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Austria-Italy
October 10 to November 02, 2013

Central Europe Hostels and Dormitories I checked-in

Europe solo backpacking is very, very expensive. This was the most ultimate and extreme budget deficit I ever had in my traveling life. Imagine for just Schengen visa processing, I spent more than $600 for total combined cheapest round-trip tickets, hostel accommodation, travel insurance, and other visa fees. By the way, read and understand travel insurance policy. Bring the original copy and have a scanned copy just in case as this might come in handy. In addition, I decided to travel in Autumn season because of the off-peak treatment aside for the major reason of 1st time travel with Foliage and not-so chilling ambiance. Off-peak season is from October to March while peak season is from April to September. Peak season fares and prices (train, accommodation, food, service, etc) can boost to almost 50%. 

In terms of security, what was mostly being reminded in all crowded tourist spots especially in Paris and Rome is BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS. Though I always bring my important stuff with me at all times, I constantly checked its presence at least 20 times a day . This was my first time being so much attentive to my things, I'm not like this before. Although there were no gut feeling of suspicion and people here are more smarter, I have to not lower my guard at no time. Even when I'm sleeping in hostel, I hug my important things with me in bed.

In terms of kindness, everyone is absolutely accommodating and willing to help. Though I experienced a little pissed-off moment in Paris and Vienna, most of the time I was overwhelmed of their kind attitude, especially Belgians and Dutch. Embrace the adventure, feel the local way of living. I asked mostly the local resident to challenge my social skill and adapt local language.

1st time collection of cheapest ref magnet comprising of the 9 countries of Central Europe

Central Europe Hostels and Dormitories I Checked-in

France-Switzerland-Luxembourg-Belgium-Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Austria-Italy

October 10 to November 02, 2013

Train travel experience and tips in roaming Central Europe last part

* 5 star is the highest, 1 star lowest. Recommended means the hostel/dormitory passed my overall qualification based on satisfaction stay.
* All booked accommodation have 10% reduction in their actual price during payment on arrival. This is due to the 10% payment did on hostelbookers website.
* Italy requires 2 Euro city tax for every night stay.

Friends Hostel, Paris (booked) Oct. 10-13, 2013, 3 nights for 54 Euro
- just infront of barbes rochensuart metro stn, very cheap & walking distance away to souvenir items and red light district
-somehow rude staff, only 1 outlet for 6bedroom dorm, very narrow bathroom, scheduled wifi(9am-6pm) & lots of bystander blacks infront
- somehow recommended (2.5 stars)
 
St. Charles Train Station, Marseilles Oct. 13-14, 2013.
- I intentionally sleep inside train station due to the ff;
1. I must exchange my booked online ticket to the SNCF counter (opens at 0500h) due the machine does not accept Mastercard intl, only Mastercard europe
2. I finished roaming around the city by almost 11pm and my etd was 0506h the next day. Its a waste of money for approx 5hrs sleep.
3. St. Charles stn is very clean and safe. I slept discreetly (on seating postn) behind the stores inside.

Hotel Glocke Backpacker, Bern

Train Travel Experience and Tips in Central Europe last part

France-Switzerland-Luxembourg-Belgium-Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Austria-Italy
October 10 to November 02, 2013

Train travel experience and tips in roaming Central Europe 1st part

NETHERLANDS (HISPEED)
- booked tickets were Brussels to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Cologne, both valid only on booked date but open time.
- no power outlet, no upper bank and no wifi onboard. Seats are comfortable, even the toilet.
- IC train bound to Amsterdam was stopped to more than 1hr due to technical problems
- though I booked in Hispeed website, most trains assigned were not their owned.
- my supposed to be night train sked from Amsterdam to Cologne has stopover of more than 5hrs in the middle of the night. Thus, sleeping outside station again.

GERMANY (DBAHN)
- booked tickets were all domestic trips (Cologne to Hamburg, Hamburg to Berlin, Berlin to Fussen and Fussen to Munich)
- credit card is required to show on inspector onboard together with print-out eticket
- no power outlet, no upper bankand no wifi onboard
- train seats are less comfortable compared to the SNCF, SBAHN and HISPEED.
- no english translation onboard audio announcements
- mini led display for the route reservation on that particular seat. If none indicated, these means that seat is open to anyone.
- no human/machine inspector for the metro tickets. When I purchased my ticket to a vendo, there is only one small validation machine nearby the platform. 
- Tickets bought are valid only on the date and time it was purchased. All details are included in the online eticket, ensure you understand accordingly.
- Berlin to Augsburg stop-over was delayed by 30mins, good thing the stop-over duration is 35mins so I still have time to analyze the station on the next destination.
- very stunning vivid meadow views on the left side of the train from Augsburg to Fussen, prepare your camera.
- in Munich, I have a sudden changed of plan due to boredom. I bought Bayern Bohmen ticket for 25 Euro which entitles for 1day unlimited ride in Bavarian region (RE/RB/CN trains only). I went for a short visit in Nunsberg. This is very, very economical knowing that I can immediately hop to any trains I want despite of peak periods.
- no wifi onboard and no 220v outlet. Trains are comfortable, even the toilet.

Czech Republic (CD) Train

Nurnberg City Short Visit Tour

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Munich City tour by day and at night

The potential for great day trips of Munich is enormous. With the Bayern ticket (unlimited travel for 1 day in Bavaria at 22 Euro), these trips can be a real bargain. I used this ticket to make a short trip in Nurnberg. Nurnberg is a beautiful old town with castle, great museums, a lot of history and the largest Christmas market in the World. Just 90 minutes travel time from Munich.

Nurnberg City short visit tour (Lorenz-kirche)

Munich City Tour by Day and at Night

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Fussen tour last part; Germany's signature landmark, Neuschwanstein Castle

Starting from my hostel which is only 100 meters away from Munich Train station, I roam the city again by self-guided walk by a free map provided, starting back from Train Station going to Karlsplatz. Afterwards, to Frauenkirche then to Rathaus for night shots. Munich is the capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria. It is located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps. Munich is the third largest city in Germany, behind Berlin and Hamburg.

Marienplatz is a central square in the city centre of Munich, Germany. It has been the city's main square since 1158. The city has been the center of surfboard riding on a stationary wave since the mid-1970s. Up to 100 surfers daily hit the waves in the city's Englischer Garten. There, in the Eisbach river, the flow velocity of the icy water is about 5 meters at a rate of 20 tons per second, and the temperature never gets above 15 degrees Celsius.The BMW Museum is an automobile museum located near the Olympiapark, it deals with the history of the automobile manufacturer BMW.

inside Munich City (Max-Joseph Platz)

Fussen Tour last part; Germany's Signature Landmark, Neuschwanstein Castle

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Fussen tour 1st part; biking into Hohenschwangau Castle

After I paid my tickets to both castles, I decided to enter first Hohenschwangau Castle at 1155H then the Neuschwanstein Castle at 1355H with 355 steps from the ground.

Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein), New Swanstone Castle, is a nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as a homage to Richard Wagner. The palace was intended as a personal refuge for the reclusive king, but it was opened to the paying public immediately after his death in 1886. The palace has appeared prominently in several movies and was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle and later, similar structures.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuschwanstein_Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle

Fussen Tour 1st part; Biking to Hohenschwangau Castle

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Berlin City tour last part; other tourist spots

How to go to Hohenschwangau;
From Fussen Train Station, I rented a bicycle for 12 Euro rate on one day, around 5 kilometers travel distance. Admission for both castles is 23 Euro, where tickets is only available at the ticket center. Scheduled guided tours only of approximately 30 minutes. Photography and Video inside the 2 castles is NOT allowed. Lots of good buy souvenir items inside. Opens everyday from 0800H to 1700H.

Hohenschwangau Castle (Schloss Hohenschwangau), literally known as High Swan County Palace, is a 19th-century palace in southern Germany. It was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was built by his father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. It is located in the German village of Hohenschwangau near the town of Füssen, part of the county of Ostallgäu in southwestern Bavaria, Germany.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohenschwangau_Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle

Berlin City Tour last part; other Tourist Spots

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Berlin city tour 1st part; 288 steps up above Victory Column

After visiting the Victory Column which is approximately 1 kilometer farther from the train station, I roam the city again by self-guided walk by a free map provided in Tourist information office, starting from Brandenburgertor to the west all the way to Berlin Cathedral. Afterwards, to Berlin Tower then a metro hopping from Berlin Wall to Charlottenburg Palace for night shots.

Brandenburgertor is a former city gate, rebuilt in the late 18th century as a neoclassical triumphal arch, and now one of the most well-known landmarks of Germany. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust,  consists of a 19,000 m2 (4.7-acre) site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs or "stelae", arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field. Berlin Cathedral (German: Berliner Dom) is the colloquial name for the Evangelical (Protestant) Oberpfarr- und Domkirche (Supreme Parish and Cathedral Church). Fernsehturm is a television tower in the city centre close to Alexanderplatz, constructed between 1965 and 1969. Berlin Wall was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic starting on 13 August 1961, that completely cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin. Charlottenburg Palace is the largest palace in and the only surviving royal residence in the city dating back to the time of the Hohenzollern family.

Berlin city tour (Brandenburgertor)

Berlin City Tour 1st part; 288 Steps Up Above Victory Column

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Hamburg City tour last part; other tourist spots

How to go to Victory Column;
From Berlin Train Station, Victory Column is around 1 kilometer distance from the north Exit. Entrance fee going above is 3 Euro. Photography and Video is allowed inside. Souvenir items on sale inside. Opens everyday from 0900H to 1800H.

The Victory Column  designed to commemorate the Prussian victory in the Danish-Prussian War, by the time it was inaugurated on 2 September 1873, Prussia had also defeated Austria in the Austro-Prussian War (1866) and France in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71), giving the statue a new purpose. Different from the original plans, these later victories in the so-called unification wars inspired the addition of the bronze sculpture of Victoria, 8.3 metres high and weighing 35 tonnes, designed by Friedrich Drake. Berliners, with their fondness for giving nicknames to buildings, call the statue Goldelse, meaning something like "Golden Lizzy".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_victory_column

288 steps up above Victory Column

Hamburg City Tour last part; other Tourist Spots

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Hamburg City tour 1st part; inside St. Nikolai and St. Mikaelis Church

Hamburg is not only Germany's largest sea ports but also one of the largest harbours in the World, although it is almost 120 kilometers away from the sea. Every year in May the harbour celebrates (Hafengeburstag) not surprisingly the largest maritime spectacle in the world, where tug bullets and ship parades entice millions of visitors to the banks of Elbe.

The Bismarck Monument is a monument located in the St. Pauli quarter. It is dedicated to Otto von Bismarck, and is one of 250 memorials to Bismarck worldwide. St. Jacobi Church founded in  the 13th century and home to the famous Arp Schnitger organ. St. Catherine Church is built between 1350-1420. On the outer wall of the 115 meters high tower you will find the figure of St. Catherine. St. Petri Church is the oldest church in the city, founded probably around 11th century. A 132 meter high tower can be reached via 544 steps. Rathaus is a splendid sand stone building in the style of the historicism wit h647 rooms. The seats of the legislative assembly and cabinet of Hamburg.

Hamburg City tour (Bismarck Monument)

Hamburg City Tour 1st part; Inside St. Nikolai and St. Mikaelis Church

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Cologne city tour last part; other tourist spots

Hamburg's city scape is shaped by the steeples of the main churches. I went to this churches again by self-guided walk with a map provided by the Hostel.

St. Michael Church is one of Hamburg's five Lutheran main churches and the most famous church in the city. St. Michaelis is a landmark of the city. It is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and has a viewing deck platform 109 meters above the Elbe. There is an elevator access for this. 5 Euro entrance fee. The "Michel" with its tower is the true landmark of Hamburg. Enjoy the view from the tower, visit the church and the crypt.

St. Nikolai museum and observation tower has also an admission fee of 5 Euro. Museum in the crypt of the church destroyed in 1943. Panorama lift up to one of the World's highest Church towers with impressive view of Hamburg. The altar mosaic is worth sight seeing and is from  design of Oskar Kokoschka.

St. Mikaelis Church

Cologne City Tour last part; other Tourist Spots

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Cologne City tour 1st part; 533 steps to the top of Cathedral

After visiting the Cologne Cathedral and its viewing deck above, I roam the city again by self-guided walk by a free map starting from Ludwig Museum to the south then going north for the Rhine park cable car going to opposite side of the Rhine River for Rhine Park. Cable car ride one way costs 4.5 Euro for a 15 minutes sightseeing above the Rhine River and the serenity of Cologne City. 

As early as 1859, Cologne had already a fixed bridge. The bridge as you see it now was built between 1907 and 1911 and rebuilt after being completely destroyed in World War 2. On each side of the bridge you will find statues; Freidrich Wilhelm IV and Wilhelm I on the Deutz side, Friedrich II and Wilhelm II on the city center side. The fence running the entire length of the bridge has become a site where lovers can show their affection by fixing a padlock to the railing.

Cologne has one of the oldest (it was only the 8th in Europe when it was opened in 1960) and the most beautiful zoos in Germany. Opposite of the entrance, the Rhine Cable car crosses the river and offers great views of Cologne. St. Martin's Church is a beautiful roman Church with its four turrets grouped around a central spire, is the heart of the Altstadt and was built between 1150 and 1172.

Cologne city tour (one of the Roman Church)

Cologne City Tour 1st part; 533 Steps to the Top of Cathedral

Central Europe 6th part: 5-days in traveling solo in Germany

October 20 to October 24, 2013

Overnight train from Amsterdam to Cologne

How to go to Cologne Cathedral;
From Cologne Train Station, the Cathedral is exactly just outside of the north Exit, around 50 meters away. Free Admission inside but going above is 3 Euro. Photography and Video is allowed inside. Souvenir items on sale inside. Opens everyday from 0900H to 1800H. 

If you wish to do the building justice, give yourself an hour or two to have a good look around, and to climb the 533 steps up the South Tower.

Cologne Cathedral (High Cathedral of St. Peter) is a Roman Catholic church in Cologne, Germany. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and is a World Heritage Site. It is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 20,000 people a day. Construction of Cologne Cathedral commenced in 1248 and was halted in 1473, leaving it unfinished. Work restarted in the 19th century and was completed, to the original plan, in 1880. It is 144.5 metres (474 ft) long, 86.5 m (284 ft) wide and its towers are approximately 157 m (515 ft) tall. The cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and has the second-tallest spires. Its two huge spires give it the largest façade of any church in the world.
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cologne_Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral (High Cathedral of St. Peter)

Central Europe 6th part: 5 Days Traveling Solo in Germany

23-days Autumn Experience on my 1st Schengen Visa Escapade
October 20 to October 24, 2013 

"Recommend to your children virtue; that alone can make them happy, not gold." - Ludwig van Beethoven

My 23rd country to visit, 25th solo backpacking trip, 5th visa application for tourism on entire single page, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany (Deutschland), is a federal parliamentary republic in western-central Europe. With 80.3 million inhabitants, it is the most populous member state in the European Union. Germany is one of the most influential European nations culturally, and one of the world's main economic powers. Known around the world for its precision engineering and high-tech products, it is equally admired by visitors for its old-world charm and "Gemütlichkeit" (cosiness).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany

walking to Neuschwanstein Castle

23 Days Solo Autumn Experience in Central Europe

France-Switzerland-Luxembourg-Belgium-Netherlands-Germany-Czech Republic-Austria-Italy
October 10 to November 02, 2013

"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return." - Leonardo da Vinci

My 3rd continent to visit (1st was Asia then 2nd was Africa).

Schengen Area guarantees free movement within territory of 26 countries. As of 19th of December 2011, Schengen Area consist of 26 countries (of which 22 are EU states): Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland and Sweden along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Being part of the area without controls at internal borders means that these countries no longer carry-out border checks at their internal borders and have stepped-up controls which must meet clearly defined criteria, at the external borders.

From country of 1st world to continent of 1st worlds, budget backpacking beyond after accomplishing the Land of the Rising Sun during its summer season last June 2013.

9 sovereign states and 1 observer state visited in Central Europe