Germany Vs Poland

Any historian would tell you that if it weren’t for France, Germany’s traditional rivalry would be with Poland. The two countries have competed economically, waged war upon each other and are about to have a showdown on the football pitch soon.

While in football, one country might have a significant upper hand over the other, when it comes to the question of travel – things are a bit, shall we say, undecided.

So, let’s clash Berlin with Warsaw, grand monuments like the Brandenburg Gate with the WWII memorials of Warsaw – and see who emerges the winner.

Germany

Berlin

The capital city of Germany owes much of its tourist influx to its World War II and Cold War history. Divided after WWII into zones of the East (Soviet Union) and the West (USA), the city became the centrepiece of the Cold War struggle and has the marks to show for it. Visit the Reichstag, which was the spot for perhaps one of the most iconic photographs in history of Soviet soldiers planting the Communist flag atop its crumbling structure. Or visit the Brandenburg Gate – noted for its similarity to the Arc de Triumphe in France. Most of the notorious Berlin Wall has now been demolished, but you can still see sections of it near the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie.

Munich

Easily one of the most popular cities in Germany (although Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt give it a worthy competition), Munich is known for its culture and of course, the Oktoberfest. Beyond the beer-guzzling, Munich’s acclaimed arts and culture scene comes alive in its many opera houses and theatres such as the National Theatre. Medieval walls, ancient churches and majestic palaces sit along with teeming marketplaces and entertainment districts for the tourist to enjoy a curious sensation of being in two different eras at the same time.

How to Get There

 A flight to Berlin or Munich is always available, courtesy the large fleet of Lufthansa and, of course, the country’s popularity with both tourists and students. Apart from Lufthansa, carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Jet Airways and Air India operate a busy schedule to airports in Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. . If you wish to book your ticket, please search here.

Poland

Warsaw

A city that lights up so magically in the night was once close to being obliterated. Warsaw’s unfortunate devastation during WWII was tragic enough, but its phoenix-like recovery into one of the most fascinating tourism cities in Poland has been a feat nothing short of miraculous. The Old Town quarter has been wonderfully restored to its former glory, and a number of memorials and museums tell the heart-rending tale of its occupation during World War II. Visitors would be interested to know that Warsaw – once noted as the ‘Paris of the North’ – was home to the noted Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin.

Krakow

The former capital of Poland has a rags-to-riches story not unlike the current capital, Warsaw. Krakow’s evolution from a seventh-century village to the cultural, academic and artistic centre point of the country is the stuff of legend. Its occupation and the opening of a concentration camp for the Jewish holocaust is quite well-documented, inspiring the classic Schindler’s List. Located beside the Vistula River, Krakow is also noted for its Old Town neighbourhood, reputed to be the best Old Town in Poland.

How to Get There

Warsaw and Krakow may not be too popular with Indian tourists yet, but that is all the more reason for you to go there – because you’re guaranteed a ticket no matter how late you book your passage. Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, Air India, Emirates, Air France, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines fly here. Choose your departing city and book your ticket here.                                                                                                                    

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

Okay, let’s be honest: in football, the Germans would cream the Polish. Travel-wise, sure, Germany is certainly the more popular destination. But if you wish to have a power-packed vacation on a tight budget, we’d suggest Poland. Plus, all that WWII memorabilia! History aficionados are sure to drool. So, plan your budget, decide how much you’d like to spend, and then figure out whether it’ll be Oktoberfest in Munich or Krakow’s Old Town that will be getting your custom.

One way or another – do let us know which one you pick!