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The Most Popular Cities to Move to in Germany
Are you thinking of moving to Germany? Its strong economy means you might be considering it for work reasons, while international surveys show you can enjoy a high quality of life in many of its towns and cities.
Hamiltons Removals can offer a competitively-priced domestic and commercial removals service to all parts of Germany. Here are six cities which are popular destinations to move to.
Berlin
Germany’s capital is highly rated both in Mercers’ latest Quality of Living survey and the annual InterNations study of expats. Its thriving economy is just one reason why many people consider moving house to Berlin. The city was largely rebuilt after the Second World War and the reunification of East and West Germany. This means it can boast a high standard of modern housing. It is also extremely environmentally-friendly, with plenty of parks and green spaces, and many people get around by bike.
Dusseldorf
This western German city, on the banks of the River Rhine, is also rated highly in the Mercers’ survey. Dusseldorf is renowned for its trade and fashion fairs, and the city is sometimes described as the fashion capital of Germany. Finance, media and telecoms companies are particularly well represented in the city’s thriving business sector. Dusseldorf has a thriving expat community and is also home to several renowned international schools.
Frankfurt
This city in central Germany scores well in the InterNations survey. It has earned the nickname ‘Mainhattan’ because it is situated on the River Main, and its large number of skyscrapers resemble the New York skyline. Like Berlin, it also suffered major bomb damage in the Second World War. It has since been rebuilt to become a major financial hub. If you prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Frankfurt has plenty of parks and green spaces, and the spectacular Taunus mountains are only around 20km away if you enjoy walking or hiking.
Hamburg
This is Germany’s second largest city, after Berlin, with a population of more than 1.7 million people. Even though Hamburg is 110km inland from the North Sea, because it stands on the River Elbe it is still considered a port. This helped the city grow and become the economic hub of Northern Germany. If you are considering removals to Hamburg from the UK, the city also has a strong British connection, as it was occupied by Allied forces after the Second World War. There are still a number of societies devoted to UK culture in the city.
Munich
Munich is associated across the world with the Oktoberfest beer festival, but there is much more to Germany’s third largest city. It is a vibrant multicultural city, where around one in four of its residents are of foreign origin. UK residents thinking of removals to Munich can enjoy original English-language films in Cinema Munich and performances by world-famous pop and rock stars at the Olympiahalle. The city’s major employers include the finance and insurance industries and vehicle manufacturing companies.
Stuttgart
Porsche, Mercedes Benz and Daimler all have their HQ in this city in south-western Germany. Some people call it the city ‘the cradle of the automobile’. The area’s fertile soil means the city also boasts a flourishing wine industry, and the annual Weindorf wine festival underlines its importance to the local economy.
Whether you want commercial or domestic removals to Germany, Hamiltons Removals can answer all your needs. We provide a comprehensive service to Germany and all other European destinations, including France, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands. We make weekly trips to most countries.
We can professionally pack your items if required, and you can choose between our dedicated service, or a groupage option where your items are included as part of a bigger consignment. Click here if you would like to know more about our European removals service.
Easter Customs Across Europe
The tradition of celebrating Easter has long been established in different cultures across Europe, but many countries don’t just send cards and eat chocolate eggs.
Norfolk removal company Hamiltons Removals are experts in organising domestic and commercial moves to Europe, and our friendly, knowledgeable staff make sure the whole relocation process is as smooth as possible. To help you on your way, here we look at some of the ways countries across the continent mark Easter.
France
On Good Friday, all the church bells fall silent to mark the passing of Jesus, while on Easter Sunday they ring out to mark his resurrection. The French then greet each other warmly, with hugs, to show that the celebration is under way.
In common with youngsters across the world, French children enjoy hunting for Easter eggs. They are equally likely to go searching for chocolate chicks, bunnies and bells. The commonest dish served at the meal table is a lamb dish known as l’Agneau Pascal, because in the Bible Jesus was often referred to as The Lamb of God.
Germany
Many Germans think Easter represents the start of spring, so they embark on a major home clean-up. Often they will then decorate their houses with clay bunnies, crocuses and branches hung with painted eggs. In the weeks before Easter, shops sell Osterbrot, a special bread with almonds and raisins, and it is eaten over the holiday weekend.
Another major German custom is the lighting of Easter fires in public places on the Saturday evening. They are kept burning until dawn and are often accompanied by food stalls and rides for children.
Italy
If you are thinking of moving home to Italy, you will discover many Easter traditions with religious roots. Pilgrims travel from all over the world for the Pope’s address in St Peter’s Square, Rome, while processions known as Via Crucis or Stations of the Crosstake place across the country. Stations such as churches are marked with pictures of Jesus and pilgrims say prayers at each one.
Traditional Italian Easter dishes include Torta Pasquelina, a pie in the form of a quiche which typically contains cheese and spinach, while youngsters can enjoy a rich ‘Easter Dove’ cake which is full of candied peel and almonds.
Norway
Here stores and businesses close for five days over the Easter period. This allows plenty of time for the Norwegians to stay at their mountain cabins, or enjoy a spot of cross-country skiing. They are just as likely, however, to read or watch a murder mystery.
In a tradition which is thought to date back to the 1920s, many publishers bring out new crime novels over Easter, while the TV schedules are full of whodunnits. Even milk cartons carry short mystery stories on their sides for around a fortnight.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia
A tradition common to many Eastern European countries, is for Czechs and Slovaks to decorate eggs for Easter and display them around the house.
Hamiltons Removals can help you if you are moving home to Italy, Germany, France, Norway or any other European destination. We are a Norfolk removal company, based close to the Suffolk border, arranging moves for customers from across the UK and abroad. We have years of experience in putting together packages tailored to fit your individual requirements. Follow the link above to find out more. Our international removals department can also arrange moves to countries including the USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.