Germany has undergone great change over the decades, largely since its reunification following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Of note was its colorful celebration of the FIFA World Cup in 2006, which highlighted so well the country’s modern, multicultural personality. The reinvention and resurgence of Berlin itself has been remarkable over recent decades, and is now one of the most exciting and enthralling of Europe’s great cities. In the heart of the ‘old continent’, Germany’s rich and often turbulent past has left a legacy of artistic, architectural and historical treasures. The contrast between past and present is evident across the country in cities such as Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf, where fine old buildings and museums often sit adjacent to new bars, trendy restaurants, shops and modern art galleries. Throughout the year Germany’s plentiful forests, rivers, lakes and mountains offer great adventures and an ideal escape from big city life. Formerly behind what was once called the ‘Iron Curtain’ during the Cold War years, the state of Saxony is where you will find Sachsenring. It is also home to three sizeable cities which have each undergone great changes of their own over the course of modern times; Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz.

Beer is popular in Germany, and throughout Saxony there are many traditional breweries which have always remained faithful to the sixteenth-century ‘Reinheitsgebot’ - the world’s oldest Purity law. Local beers such as Radeberger and Wernesgrüner come highly recommended by residents and visitors alike, and the Freiberger Brauhaus in Freiberg is the oldest brewery in Saxony, with roots traced back to 1266. The German tradition of ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ is said to originate in Saxony. Enjoying coffee and cake in one of Leipzig’s many coffeehouses is a fine way to spend an hour or two. Saxon cuisine traditionally features freshwater fish such as carp or trout, whilst potato soup, Blinsen (a pancake) and Klitscher (a potato pancake) can often be found on local menus. The German staples of good quality sausage, schnitzel, roast pork, and of course pretzels, are easy to find throughout Saxony; Greek, Italian and Turkish influences are also evident in modern German cuisine.