Martin Luther was a German monk who disagreed with some of the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic church. In 1517 he spoke out against the church. The people who supported and followed Luther's teaching became known as Protestants.
Ludwig von Beethoven was a composer who was born in Bonn, Germany in 1770. His compositions are still performed and recorded throughout the world today. Some of Beethoven's most well-known compositions are his nine symphonies. Click here to see if you recognize this theme from the Ninth Symphony. (Your computer must have RealPlayer to hear the music.)
Born in Ulm, Germany in 1879, Albert Einstein moved to Switzerland in 1895 to study in Zurich. After earning a doctorate at the University of Zurich, Einstein taught and lectured in Switzerland, Germany, and the United States for many years. He eventually accepted a post at Princeton University and became a permanent resident of the United States. Einstein is best know for his Theory of Relativity.
Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous castles in Germany - probably in the entire world. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, it is fairly new, as castles go, being not much more than 100 years old. The castle was built between 1869 and 1892. King Ludwig never actually lived in it, though, since he died six years before it was completed. Today Neuschwanstein belongs to the German government and is a favorite place for Germans as well as for tourists to visit.
The Rhine River valley is one of the most beautiful areas in Germany. You will find many centuries-old castles lining the banks of this lovely river, as well as picturesque vineyards and ancient cathedrals. If you take a cruise down the Rhine, beware of the song of the Lorelei! They were said to be beautiful magical creatures whose songs would lure sailors close and cause them to wreck their ships on the Lorelei rocks.