Tips For Gay Travel To Germany
Germany has long been a LGBT stronghold, with thriving communities in all of Germany’s metropolitan areas. This is one reason why gay travelto some of Germany’s LGBT hotspots, such as Cologne, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are well known with travelers from around the world. Germany is home to several Pride festivals of world-renown and offers accepting gay tours throughout the country. Like in any country, city dwellers are often more accepting than rural villagers; however, as a whole, Germany is a safe, accepting destination for a gay vacation.
Cologne is a fantastic choice for gay trips to Germany and is often referred to as the LGBT capital of the country. Cologne is picturesquely positioned on the Rhine River and is the oldest large city in Germany. It is the home of the famous Cologne Cathedral, Kolsch beer, and a vibrant arts and culture scene that draw travelers from all over the world to experience this grand city’s rich history and jovial residents. If anyone looks askance at a same-sex couple showing affection in public, it will very likely be a tourist, since this warm, welcoming city has a huge LGBT population that is fully integrated and well-established.
Cologne is also the proud host of the 2010 Gay Games, has a very visible, well-established LGBT community and is quite comfortable with all types of couples holding hands or showing affection in public. As another way to show just how welcoming Cologne truly is, visitors can purchase a Pink WelcomeCard from the KolnTourismus Service Centre, which is good for free public transportation, discounts on museums, theater, opera and river cruises, and great discounts for local LBGT establishments, including saunas, bars, clubs and shops.
The welcoming city of Berlin also has a vibrant, very visible LGBT community and a wide array of establishments spread throughout the city. Party goers planning Berlin gay holidays may want to consider planning their arrival during Pride season when Berlin becomes a virtual LGBT mecca for two consecutive weekends. First, Berlin hosts Europes largest LGBT city festival, the Lebisch-Schwules Stadtfest, followed by the world-renowned Berlin Gay Pride Parade and Christopher Street Day festival which are attended by hundreds of thousands of LGBT folks, friends and supporters, making this an ideal choice for summer gay vacations to Germany.
No matter how you travel to Germany, alone or in a group, Germany gay tours will undoubtedly be full of many wonderful experiences. In order to make the most of your Germany vacation, consider exploring this intriguing country as part of a professionally arranged gay travel tour or planning your trip through a travel agency well-versed in gay vacations to Germany.
Piece by Howie Holben for Germany gay tours and gay vacations for singles.