City breaks for New Year's Eve: destinations in Germany

Berlin

Germany's number one New Year's Eve metropolis is - of course - Berlin. Nowhere else is the turn of the year celebrated more intensely than in the capital - ideal for a city break on New Year's Eve! Hundreds of thousands of guests from all over the world gather on the festival mile between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. Two kilometers of party with many show stages, international stars and gastronomic experiences transform Berlin into one big party tent. The highlight is the world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks display, which simply fascinates everyone. You can get in the mood for the New Year in the evening. Classically at the New Year's Eve concert in the Konzerthaus. Or a rousing musical "Chicago" at the Theater des Westens. If you want something a little "smaller", choose one of the trendy clubs in the metropolis and celebrate the New Year with like-minded people: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 ... For more detailed information, call Berlin Tourist Info on 030 250025.

Hamburg

Experience the turn of the year in the north - then you should come to Hamburg. The "Gateway to the World" boasts two firework displays. Particularly atmospheric: the fireworks in the harbor, which are accompanied by the horns of all the ships in the harbor. The fireworks around the Alster are quieter. In both cases, stalls provide refreshments. And otherwise: how about the big New Year's Eve gala in the "Elbarkaden Lounge"? Just one way to welcome the New Year in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg! Info: Hamburg Tourismus GmbH, Tel.: 040 30051300

Munich

Turn of the year in blue and white. From the north to the south. Of course, New Year's Eve is also celebrated in Munich with lots of cheer and hustle and bustle. The best view of the magnificent fireworks is from the Olympiaberg. When the weather is fine, you can see as far as the Alps. Magnificent! And what else? The musical "Beauty and the Beast" or a visit to the "Circus Krone" will entice you! Information: Munich Tourist Information Office, tel.: 089 23396500.

City breaks for New Year's Eve: destinations in Europe

Vienna

At the turn of the year, Austria's capital city celebrates and dances the night away. From 2 p.m. until 2 a.m. on January 1st, the "New Year's Eve Trail" (with food stalls and musical entertainment) guarantees the very best entertainment in the city center, on Rathausplatz and in the Prater. At midnight there is a brilliant firework display on Rathausplatz and in the Prater. Anyone who wants to can dance the waltz. Is there a better way to start the New Year? Information about Vienna as a New Year's Eve destination is available from your travel agency.

London

"3... 2... 1... "Happy New Year" - that's of course also the wish in London. When Big Ben rings in the new year at midnight sharp on New Year's Eve, it's not just the corks that pop. The city's biggest fireworks display is set off over the Thames. There are already celebrations beforehand. In the large squares (e.g. Trafalgar Square) or in pubs and clubs. There are also masked and costume parties. There's something for everyone! Information about New Year's Eve city breaks to London is available from travel agencies

Prague

New Year's Eve in a European metropolis - Prague - is now right at the forefront. No wonder: the Czech capital enchants visitors with its unique old town. When you look up at Prague Castle at midnight on December 31 and marvel at the fireworks, the colorful lights of the rockets glitter in the white snow. Those who love a particularly romantic atmosphere should enjoy the light spectacle on the Vltava River. Many organizers offer boat tours. You can sail along the river with good food and music. Or you can stand on the famous Charles Bridge and watch the magical lights from there. Information about Prague as a New Year's Eve destination is available from travel agencies.

Stockholm

Fancy a city trip to the far north over New Year's Eve? Then how about Stockholm. The Swedish capital also has a great fireworks display to marvel at. They take place in the harbor basin. You can probably see it best from City Hall Square. If you prefer a more contemplative experience, you should visit the Skansen open-air museum - where a poem is read aloud at midnight. Information about Stockholm as a New Year's Eve destination is available from travel agencies

Barcelona

City breaks on New Year's Eve are also an experience in warmer climes: for a New Year's Eve at temperatures of around 10 degrees (plus!), come to Barcelona in Spain. The city on the Mediterranean is not only enchanting in summer. You won't find any really big fireworks displays here on New Year's Eve. Only a few fireworks are set off. Instead, people gather in the squares and toast each other. A nice custom: when the churches ring in the New Year at midnight, Spaniards eat one grape for every chime of the bell. Those who manage to eat all 12 will have good luck ... Information about New Year's Eve in Barcelona is available from travel agencies.