In the 24 lectures of The Great Tours: Germany and Austria, you’ll delve deeply into two unforgettable countries, their extraordinary historic and contemporary cultures, and their legacy as fountainheads of European civilization. You’ll visit extraordinary sites from Roman fortresses, majestic cathedrals, and medieval cityscapes with castles and palaces to modern wonders of industry and futuristic urban planning, as well as some of the world’s most beloved cities, which brim with local traditions, iconic beers and foods, and the unique culture of the German-speaking world.
The Great Tours: Germany and Austria
Uncover the astonishing treasures of Germany and Austria in this expert-led tour, and immerse yourself in the region’s enthralling history, resplendent cities, wonders of architecture, cultural traditions, romantic landscapes, and more.
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Grumpy 2 from
Fascinating Course so far.
Just getting ready for lesson 5. I am really enjoying the course, however, I find his frequent "meine Damen und Herren" to be a bit irritating.
Date published: 2024-11-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Landsmann from
Outstanding!
Don't miss this one. Professor Pfrehm has prepared and presents a course that will enrich any and all who choose to participate. Professor Pfrehm presents his material in a laid-back conversational style. He text is enhanced by gorgeous photos, videos and instructive illustrations. It would be an understatement to call this course comprehensive. Topics include food and wine, art, architecture, history, culture, geography and nature. For me this course is like a book that you don't want to end. I find myself hitting the pause button often in order to fully take in the brilliant photos, maps and other illustrations. Bravo Dr. Pfrehm
Date published: 2024-11-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Victor Aldo from
Best Teacher about everything related to the germa
nic world
It is very nice to see dr. Pfrehm back to TGC. I wish him to make another german course. He's very good teaching.
Date published: 2024-11-11
Overview
About
James Pfrehm is an independent scholar who taught German language, literature, and culture at the university level for more than 20 years. He has a PhD in Germanic Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition to studying and conducting research in Germany and Austria, he has taken dozens of students on trips to both countries. As an associate professor at Ithaca College, he was recognized for his outstanding teaching and commitment to his students. He is the author of the book Technolingualism: The Mind and the Machine.
Trailer
01: A Tale of Three Rivers
Begin with an overview of the historical, cultural, and natural riches of Germany and Austria. Preview the route the course will take along the Danube, Rhine, and Elbe Rivers, as they traverse the two countries. Take a first look at the magical landscapes, great cities and towns, and fascinating historical regions that you’ll encounter, setting out from Vienna and ending in Berlin.
24 min
02: Vienna: The Heart of Austrian Culture
Your journey starts in Vienna, the cultural, political, and historical epicenter of Austria. In a sweeping tour, visit sites such as the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral; the palaces, museums, and parks of the Ringstrasse (Ring Road); and the architectural treasure trove of the Hofburg, winter quarters of the Hapsburg emperors. Also, visit the cafes and beer taverns that typify life in Vienna.
32 min
03: The Wachau: Fine Wines and Majestic Monasteries
Leaving Vienna along the Danube, enjoy the rich sights of the Wachau Valley. Learn about the great wines of Krems and its medieval history. Continue to the charming hamlet of Mautern, and the astonishing monasteries of Stift Göttweig and Melk, both boasting treasures of architecture and art. Finish at Melk’s incredible Stiftskirche, one of the most glorious baroque churches in the world.
29 min
04: The Danube from Linz to Passau
Stop first at the vibrant city of Linz, Austria’s contemporary mecca for art, culture, and technology. Glimpse the city’s era under the Nazis, then take in cutting-edge museums, majestic cathedrals, and the historic inner city. Crossing into Germany, discover Passau, with its great Veste Oberhaus castle, stunning baroque cathedral, and culture of edgy performing arts and regional cuisine.
28 min
05: Regensburg: Bavaria’s Medieval Gem
In this UNESCO-designated medieval city, explore the winding cobblestone streets and Wohntürme (patrician houses) of the Alstadt (old city), and other treasures of medieval architecture, among them the Rathaus, an administrative seat of the Holy Roman Empire, and the must-see St. Peter’s Cathedral. Along the way, learn about the city’s trademark Bratwurst sausages and superb Bavarian beers.
29 min
06: Ingolstadt and Munich: Beer and Beyond
At Ingolstadt, enjoy the city’s imposing medieval fortifications, the remarkable facilities of Audi motors, and two of Ingolstadt’s signature breweries. Next, encounter the great city of Munich, stopping first at the futuristic headquarters and museum of BMW, and then at the city’s renowned film studios. Finally, delve into Munich’s historic architecture surrounding Marienplatz, and the city’s great beer gardens.
34 min
07: Ulm and Tuttlingen: A Taste of Swabia
Begin at Ulm, a city with a proud Swabian German heritage and dialect. Take in the extraordinary Ulmer Münster, and sights such as the historic Fisher’s Quarter, with its half-timber houses and great river festival. In beautiful, scenic Tuttlingen, learn the amazing story of the town’s rebuilding after a fire in 1803, and its current role at the center of the med-tech industry.
30 min
08: Salzburg and the Austrian Alps
Dig into the sights of the famed city of Salzburg, beginning with its role in the salt trade, and historic landmarks such as St. Peter’s Abbey, and the mighty citadel of Festung Hohensalzburg. Trace the history of Salzburg’s powerful prince-archbishops as you travel the Altstadt, with its palaces and stunning baroque churches. End with a look at the majestic alps at Zell am See.
28 min
09: Giants of the Ruhr: Duisburg and Düsseldorf
Now begin your journey along the Rhine, with a stop at Duisburg, where the Rhine and Ruhr Rivers converge. Take the measure of Duisburg’s inland harbor, Europe’s largest, its signature pilsner beer, and its vibrant steel industry. Then visit the multicultural metropolis of Düsseldorf. Discover the city’s lively waterfront, its role as a capital of fashion, and its own iconic beverage, Altbier.
29 min
10: Cologne: From Karneval to Kölsch
Uncover the 2,000-history of Cologne—encompassing imposing Roman ruins, Germany’s oldest town hall, and the city’s monumental Gothic cathedral—home to dazzling Christian treasures, stained glass, and art. Learn the story of Cologne’s eponymous perfume and glimpse the extravagant yearly season of Karneval, celebrated passionately with Kölsch, the city’s top-fermented beer.
28 min
11: The Romantic Rhine Valley
Discover a stretch of the Rhine that has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its stunning scenery, history, and culture. Explore the legendary castles overlooking the Rhine, which figured in conflicts with the French, as well as serving as toll points in the river’s economic history. Enjoy the area’s superb Riesling wines, enchanting towns, and its iconic romantic poetry and folklore.
29 min
12: Worms: City of the Nibelungs
In the historic city of Worms, trace the footsteps of Christian reformer Martin Luther, whose famous trial unfolded here. Then encounter the 12th-century epic poem the Nibelungenlied, set within and deeply identified with the city. Learn the plot of the poem, featuring the dragon-slaying hero Siegfried, and visit the local monuments to the epic, as well as the magnificent cathedral, Wormser Dom.
28 min
13: Speyer and Baden-Baden: From Mikvah to Spa
Continuing along the Rhine to Speyer, trace the history of the city’s Reichstag Imperial Diet of 1529, confronting the Luther controversy; the Speyerer Dom, the largest Romanesque church in the world; and the Jewish community’s 12th-century Mikvah or ritual bath. Take in the sensory pleasures of Baden-Baden’s ancient hot springs, along with its majestic architecture and garden landscapes.
27 min
14: Freiburg: Gateway to the Black Forest
The city of Freiburg reveals one of the region’s most picturesque Altstadts (historic centers). Begin at the Münsterplatz (main square) and visit treasures such as the Gothic Freiburger Münster church, Wentzinger house, the Alte Wache wine house, and the city’s medieval gates and charming alleys. At the edge of the fabled Black Forest, glimpse the Schauinsland peak, and the idyllic Wutach Gorge.
30 min
15: Politics and Art in Weimar
Grasp the critical role Weimar played in the creation of the first German republic, setting inadvertent precedents for the Nazi era. Come face to face with Germany’s darkest history at the concentration camp of Buchenwald, testament to the horrors of Nazism. Then encounter the golden era of Weimar theater in the 19th century, under the aegis of visionary poet/playwrights Goethe and Schiller.
27 min
16: North Sea Bound: Cuxhaven and Hamburg
At Cuxhaven, explore the unique natural site of Das Watt, a coastal system of intertidal mudflats, and trace the town’s history as a major fishing harbor. Then discover the booming seaport of Hamburg. Explore the city’s lush green spaces; its culture of classical music and stunning portside concert hall; and the Speicherstadt, a historic warehouse district boasting UNESCO World Heritage status.
27 min
17: The Altmark: Hidden Gem of Germany’s East
The Altmark comprises a remote and beautiful region of northeast Germany. Visit Altmark highlights, starting with the picture-perfect, half-timber houses and shops of Havelberg, and Stendal, with its classic, Brick Gothic churches and gate towers. At Tangermünde, known as Germany’s prettiest small city, enjoy its remarkable medieval wall and gates, stately castle, and local “cowtail” beer.
28 min
18: Magdeburg: The City of Two Ottos
Take in the diverse sights of this extraordinary city, highlighting its great Kanalbrücke (water bridge); its Green Citadel, a futuristic architectural creation; and Germany’s oldest Gothic cathedral. Trace the history of Magdeburg through two of its most iconic and beloved historical figures: the heroic emperor Otto the Great and the architect, politician, and scientist Otto von Guericke.
28 min
19: Germany’s Luther Cities
Delve into the life of the Father of the Reformation, Martin Luther, with visits to five cities designated as Lutherstädte, or Luther Cities. Follow the events of Luther’s life that sparked one of history’s great revolutions, at historic sites in cities such as Eisleben, where he was born and died; Erfurt, where he studied; and Wittenberg, where he famously nailed his “95 theses” to a church door.
30 min
20: Leipzig: City of Heroes and Musicians
Relive the events of Leipzig’s 1989 “Peaceful Revolution,” a historic, nonviolent demonstration that foreshadowed the reunification of Germany. Sample the delights of the city’s food specialties and unique Gose beer. Then explore the lives and work of two of Leipzig’s iconic musical sons: Bach, who spent his most productive years here, and Mendelssohn, with his multilevel musical legacy.
31 min
21: Dresden: Florence on the Elbe
Dresden’s magnificent cityscape has long inspired comparisons with Florence. Learn about the destruction of much of the city in World War II, and its subsequent, painstaking rebuilding. Witness the splendor of its extraordinary palette of architecture, at sites such as the beloved Frauenkirche church, the palace of the Saxon prince electors, and the phenomenal baroque palace complex of the Zwinger.
31 min
22: The Many Shades of Nuremberg
Within this multifaceted city, explore the Altstadt’s medieval wall and towers, historic bridges, 13th-century churches, and bustling marketplace. Trace the dark history of the Nazi’s Kongresshalle, outdoor rallying areas, and the postwar war crimes trials. Then discover the imposing castle complex of the Kaiserburg, the home of artist Albrecht Dürer, and the city’s underground beer cellars.
30 min
23: On the Fringes: Graz and Flensburg
In the first of two remote cities, grasp Graz’s mix of tradition and modernity at its Venetian-style statehouse and elegant royal palaces, versus its biomorphic Kunsthaus (art museum), and the Murinsel, a manmade floating island. Then enjoy Flensburg’s mix of Danish and German heritage at its superb Renaissance castle and historic center and discover the city’s tradition of rum and beer making.
30 min
24: Berlin: The Hub of German History
Finish your tour in the great city of Berlin, Germany’s capital and a world-class destination for art, music, culture, and history. Enjoy the city’s flagship sights, highlighting the Brandenburg Gate, a structure that has born witness to some of history’s most significant events; the Berlin Wall, symbol of a formerly divided nation; and the Reichstag, the hub of German democracy.
32 min
