Germany has long been a LGBT stronghold, with thriving communities in all of Germany’s metropolitan areas. This is one reason why gay travelto some of Germany’s LGBT hotspots, such as Cologne, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are well known with travelers from around the world. Germany is home to several Pride festivals of world-renown and offers accepting gay tours throughout the country. Like in any country, city dwellers are often more accepting than rural villagers; however, as a whole, Germany is a safe, accepting destination for a gay vacation.

Cologne is generally thought of as the LGBT capital of Germany and is a fantastic destination for gay trips. Poised on the banks of the Rhine River and the oldest larger city in the country, Cologne draws travelers from around the world to indulge in this picturesque city’s rich culture and history, to get to know its jovial inhabitants and to experience the thriving art scene. As the home of the world-famous Cologne Cathedral and Kolsch beer, Cologne has something to offer to art lovers, history lovers and beer lovers alike.

There are more community cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs and establishments than any traveler could visit in one gay vacation and this friendly city even boasts being the proud host of the 2010 Gay Games. To top it off, LGBT visitors are so welcome here, there is even a Pink WelcomeCard available for purchase from the KolnTourismus Service Centre that provides free public transportation, discounts on local attractions, such as theater, river cruises, museums and opera, and discounts and LGBT shops, saunas, clubs and bars.

The welcoming city of Berlin also has a vibrant, very visible LGBT community and a wide array of establishments spread throughout the city. Party goers planning Berlin gay holidays may want to consider planning their arrival during Pride season when Berlin becomes a virtual LGBT mecca for two consecutive weekends. First, Berlin hosts Europes largest LGBT city festival, the Lebisch-Schwules Stadtfest, followed by the world-renowned Berlin Gay Pride Parade and Christopher Street Day festival which are attended by hundreds of thousands of LGBT folks, friends and supporters, making this an ideal choice for summer gay vacations to Germany.

Whether you are going to Germany alone or traveling with a group of friends, gay travel tours in Germany will surely be filled with opportunities to learn about Germany’s LGBT community, meet new friends and make lifelong memories. To get as much as you can out of your travels, you may want to participate in gay tours with a travel agency with experience arranging Germany gay vacations.

Piece by Howie Holben for Germany gay tours and gay vacations for singles.