‘I’ve visited 27 countries – this European destination is the best’ | Europe | Travel
The country is very easily accessible from the UK (Image: Brian Dillon)
In the UK, we are lucky enough to have so many amazing countries pretty much on our doorstep. Just a few hours on a plane will transport you to an entirely different world, even if it’s just for the weekend.
One journalist and self confessed ‘travel addict’ has visited a grand total of 27 countries, but he says there’s one that truly stands out. The Express writer Brian Dillon has hailed Germany as the best country to visit, thanks to its rich history and stunning landscapes to underrated food scene. After spending last summer interrailing across Europe, it was Germany that left the biggest lasting impression.
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Brian said: “Jumping from hostel to hostel between seven cities in these five countries, Germany blew me away. I had been to Germany in the past, and every time I go there, I have a completely different experience.
“I go back to Germany in my mind, reminiscing about how surprised I was by the scenery and the gorgeous cities. This year’s Germany trip consisted of time spent in Munich and Stuttgart. However, I had previously visited the country’s capital, Berlin.
“Each place I’ve been to in Germany was different from the other, from the brutalist jungle experience of Berlin to the historic elegance of Munich to the small-town vibe of Stuttgart. “
German cities are a fascinating mix of old and new (Image: Brian Dillon)
Brian’s favourite German city is Munich, thanks to its amazing architecture, charming Old Town, and local parks.
He said: “Every major city has some nice parks to explore. But Munich does it differently. Not only are the green spaces here stunning, but they all have lovely beer gardens where you truly feel like you are living like a local when you sit there, sipping a local beer and taking in the unique surroundings.”
Stuttgart didn’t have quite as many attractions, but Brian said there was a ‘very different feel’ and it was good to spend the day exploring.
He was also a huge fan of Berlin, noting: “There are the obvious tourist attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall. But for me, the truly enjoyable experience in Berlin is the unique bars, the thriving arts and music scene, the edgy markets and the otherworldly nightclubs.”
Dresden at Christmas time is on Brian’s travel bucket list (Image: Getty)
Beyond its beautiful cities, each with their own character, the German countryside also deserves some praise.
Brian said: “When I travelled on a sleeper train between Brussels and Prague, much of my journey was spent speeding through the stunning German countryside. The sweeping green fields, the old-timy villages and the staggering mountains were a sight to behold. Waking up in a train cabin and seeing all of this first thing in the morning is an experience I will never forget.”
The views of the German countryside are gorgeous (Image: Brian Dillon)
So if you’re planning a holiday for this year, Germany could be the perfect shout. Brian said: “If you were to tell me that for my next holiday, I had to go back to a country I had been to before, I would book a flight to Germany. Although I have been to three different cities and through stunning countryside, I suspect that this country has a lot more for me to experience.
“The port city of Hamburg, the historic Cologne, the Christmas markets in Dresden, and the classic architecture of Nuremberg are definitely on my bucket list.”
Also on Brian’s list of favourite countries included Croatia, with its clear blue waters and pretty towns, and Canada thanks to its amazing natural landscapes.
