East Germany began building a wall across Berlin on August 13th 1961, and while it existed the Berlin Wall defined the cold war and division of Europe. November 1989 the exits were opened by government decree, and families who had been separated for decades could be reunited.

Spaetzle. What are they and how are they served. Documented back as far as the 11th Century, this traditional German pasta dish played an important role in the every day diet until potatoes were finally accepted in Germany. Try some popular regional Spaetzle favorites.

German Spaetzle, little egg rich pasta noodles or dumplings, have been one of Southern Germany's "Comfort Foods" for centuries, now popular all over the country, they have spread across the world as a treasured memory from home for German emigrants. Short history and authentic recipe.

My Father's Keeper: Children of Nazi Leaders - An Intimate History of Damage and Denial: follows the lives of children, many of whom are still alive, their unenviable legacy: being born to senior members of the Third Reich.

From early Spring through Summer and Autumn, "Biergaerten", Beer Gardens, are a favorite warm weather pastime throughout Germany. But their origins were simply a use of chestnut tree shaded areas covering underground beer storage cellars, in 19th century Bavaria.

Beer Gardens and Oktoberfest in Germany would not be the same without 'Steckerlfisch' for those who like fish and have hunger pangs. A Bavarian specialty, it is a well seasoned grilled fish complete with head, tail and a stick running through it.

There are over 5,000 castles in Germany, and many of them are on the Castle Road. 745 miles of stunning landscapes, valleys, forests and rivers, filled with legacies of the past, medieval towns and villages and castles, castles and more castles.

Although it is often thought of as a New Age trend or old superstition, Moon Gardening is science based, with evidence suggesting a connection does exist between the sky's energy and that of earth, and it is a system which has been followed in Germany for generations.

Many of Germany's festivities for Sommer-Sonnenwende, Summer Solstice, and Johannisnacht, Midsummer Night, were originally mystical Pagan and Pre-Christian events, so fire still plays an important role in celebrating the triumph of sun and light over cold and darkness.

Rumtopf has been a German specialty from at least the 17th century. A heady concoction, made with soft seasonal fruit conserved in sugar and rum from late spring until early autumn, it's a treat for the winter months and an indispensable part of "end of year" holiday celebrations.