10 unusual city tours in Germany

Explore the gritty and grungy underground subculture of Germany's capital every day from 11:00 am and 1:00 pm for free. Local artists from the "Alternative Berlin Tour" will show you the raw, artistic scene of Berlin. From squats to street art, graffiti and Berlin's coolest districts. Go if you dare!

Cologne is known for its wonderful smells, like the scent of its famous "4711 cologne" or the aroma of chocolate. But what about the odour of Cologne's sewage? Find out why you shouldn't turn your nose up at the tour of the Roman sewage system and experience the city underground. In the tour you will discover the former Roman province, its palace and sewers.

If you love marzipan, Lübeck is the place for you. The northern German city is the home of "Niederegger Marzipan" whose recipe for the almond-paste sweet is top secret. Embark on a voyage of sweet temptation through the history and creation of the city. Along the way are great get-aways to the Niederegger Café or the Niederegger museum. The guided tour usually takes place on Saturdays at 11:30 am.

Why not take a city tour to a new level in Friedrichshafen? At the home of the zeppelin in sourthern Germany, you'll discover the insides of the modern airship and experience its heights. On a 30-minute tour, the zeppelin takes you over the Bodensee and shows you Friedrichshafen from a bird's eye view. Tickets for this unique experience are not cheap.

Many are familiar with the German fairytale "Pied Piper of Hamelin". Just like in the book, a pied piper playing his magic pipe will lure you into the history of the small town of Hamelin and re-enact the story. Not only do you pass the Pied Piper's house and familiarize yourself with other locations, but you also learn about myths related to the fairytale.

Missed out on Oktoberfest this year? No need to worry because the "Beer Challenge Tour" will guide you through Munich's festive beer halls, beer gardens and beer culture. The most popular beers in Munich are Hofbräu, Augustiner and Paulaner. Forgotten what these varieties are? Join the tour everyday starting at 6 pm.

At 2,962 meters above sea level, the "Zugspitze" in Bavaria is the highest German mountain. If you want to take your trip to another altitude and discover Bavaria from above, then take the "Zugspitze Glacier Tour". The tours start daily at 11 am and 1:30 pm and are free. As the Zugspitze lies directly between two countries, you might step in Austria and Germany in just one day.

While we often associate "The Beatles" with Liverpool, the story of one of the greatest rock bands in the world actually started in Hamburg. The "Beatles Tour" takes you back into the 60's, to the spot where the original boy band first played. Meeting daily at 5 pm, the tour takes you through The Beatles' past, while experiencing lively Hamburg.

If you thought beer was the nation's favorite drink, you can think again. Enjoy Frankfurt's famous apple wine, also known as "Ebbelwei" or "Äppelwoi" on a scenic tour of the region where two-thirds of Germany's apples originate. On an hour trip with the "Ebbelwei express", you can explore the old town, traditional cider bars and Frankfurt's apple wine district.

With Christmas just around the corner, Nuremburg is inviting tourists from all over the world to experience the magical city at night. On a guided tram tour, you can take a historical journey through Germany's luminous old town, while sipping on mulled wine and indulging on gingerbread. Afterwards take a walk through the renowned, traditional Christmas market.