Going to Gottingen in Germany, help

hawker1986 · 14 Feb 2011 at 11:36

Hey Guys,

The story is that a friend of mine is going on a PhD exchange program to Gottingen, Germany. Myself and some of my mates have decided this is an excellent excuse for a holiday

. Unfortunately were not well versed in the region and I'm looking for a few ideas. Were there for a week basically and well be hiring a car. Things we have on the list atm are:

Day trip to Berlin
Day trip to Frankfurt
Some rambling as the coutryside is meant to be rather nice...

Thats it, so I was hoping someone had some insight into the area and decent things to do (were going in May). Also if anyone knows Gottingen iteself, any tips/advice/decent places to eat?

Cheers in advance,

Hawker

scorza · 14 Feb 2011 at 11:53

Out of interest why Frankfurt? I've never been but may be getting sent there with work, I've spoken to some of the chaps who have worked there before and they said there's not an awful lot to do there /shrug. Maybe consider Hamburg instead?

Ghosteh · 14 Feb 2011 at 12:15

One thing I'd do before driving over in Germany is do a quick study of the road rules, they're a bit different over here to who can give way and whatnot. You may think you're on the main road, abut the side road may have priority and you'll get someone pulling out in front of you.

As for the area, don't know it unfortunately, I live in another part of Germany.

Goliath · 14 Feb 2011 at 12:23

scorza said:
Out of interest why Frankfurt? I've never been but may be getting sent there with work, I've spoken to some of the chaps who have worked there before and they said there's not an awful lot to do there /shrug. Maybe consider Hamburg instead?

Or Dusseldorf - both are preferable to Frankfurt TBH. If you're going to Berlin, I'd recommend at least a couple of days there; it's a fabulous city with an awful lot to see and do and it would be a shame to go without sampling the nightlife

You needn't hire a car if you are just city-hopping, the public transport is superb and a lot less hassle (IIRC it's on the ICE line between Berlin and Frankfurt so there's probably an express every hour). Having said that, if you fancy a day in the countryside the Harz Mountains are stunning and not far away at all.

Duff-Man · 14 Feb 2011 at 12:45

Goettingen is beautiful

It's kind of like the Cambridge of Germany - a University town with a lot of historic buildings.

When we go there, we usually fly to Hannover or another convenient city, and get the ICE to Goettingen.

LordSplodge · 14 Feb 2011 at 13:06

Goliath said:
You needn't hire a car if you are just city-hopping, the public transport is superb and a lot less hassle (IIRC it's on the ICE line between Berlin and Frankfurt so there's probably an express every hour). Having said that, if you fancy a day in the countryside the Harz Mountains are stunning and not far away at all.

This ^

German public transport is legendary.

Oh and Berlin in a day would be pushing it. I'd say two min.

Wicksta · 14 Feb 2011 at 13:16

I agree with the comments regarding Frankfurt, it's awful. It would be like someone coming to the UK and going on a day trip to Birmingham.

Morte · 14 Feb 2011 at 13:20

Goettingen isn't far from the old East-West border so I'd reccommend a trip to the east as when I went the difference was still noticeable.

Also some time in the Harz mountains is recommended.

Finally sort out your designated driver rota as the beer in Germany is the best in the world.

Stupot_ · 14 Feb 2011 at 13:24

Spend a couple of days in Berlin so you get an evening there.

LordSplodge · 14 Feb 2011 at 13:46

Morte said:
Finally sort out your designated driver rota as the beer in Germany is the best in the world.

Or use the excellent public transport (as described above) - That's what I did when I was in Germany.

hawker1986 · 14 Feb 2011 at 14:16

Yes were going to be flying to Hannover too, we were planning some trips to the mountains etc hence the car - I'm not a big drinker so I've volunteered to drive. Not a big deal to me.

Ok ill add the east-west border, that does sound interesting.
ill lose Frankfurt and look into the others - only reason I had it on the list is cos its in the vicinity and ive heard of it

.
We'd been discussing how long to go to Berlin for, sounds like you've made up my mind at least

.

Any other ideas? Anything in Hannover worth seeing?
Oh also anywhere specific in the Harz Mountains to aim for? Or just drive towards the middle?

Cheers for the great responses already.

Hawker