From mountains, lakes, and deserts, to palaces, churches, and even whole cities, there are more than 890 UNESCO World Heritage sites around the globe.

Their cultural and natural heritage have an "outstanding universal value" and, to quote the UNESCO, "belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located."

Learn about some some of the best UNESCO world heritage sites here - my colleague Martha Bakerjian, About.com Guide to Italy Travel, collected articles, photos, and travel inspirations from about.com travel writers in her latest blog A Look at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Germany is proud to have 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and I have covered the following:

• Weimar: Bauhaus Buildings
• Cathedral of Cologne
• Wadden Sea
• Wartburg Castle
• Berlin Museums Island
• Pilgrimage Church "Wieskirche"
• Wuerzburg Residence Palace

Once a World Heritage Site, always a World Heritage Site?

Last month, the UNESCO removed Germany's Dresden Elbe Valley from its World Heritage List due to the construction of a four-lane bridge in the heart of the cultural landscape.

In recent years, there has been a lot of controversy in Dresden and Germany about the construction of the bridge in the Elbe Valley. In 2005, the people of Dresden cast their vote and said "yes" to the steel bridge, which is aimed to end traffic problems in the city - at the expense of losing a cultural heritage.

Do you have thoughts, comments, or feedback you'd like to share with us? Use our comments section below.

_{(Photo: Sylvio Dittrich/www.dresden-tourist.de)}

Until August 15, Hamburg is the place to be for foodies. During the culinary event of "Schlemmer Sommer", over 80 Hamburg restaurants offer fixed-price multi course menus: A gourmet dinner for two will only set you back 59 Euros (not including beverages or tips).
Hamburg's "Schlemmer Sommer" is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some of Hamburg's best restaurants for a fraction of the usual price. Reservations are a must.

You'll find all participating restaurants on the official Website of the Schlemmer Sommer, where you can also download a brochure with menus and addresses.

Hamburg Travel Tips

• Hamburg Weekend Planner
• The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Hamburg
• The Best 5 Bars in Hamburg

In our Germany Travel Forum, a reader asked recently:

I am planning to go to oktoberfest this year with my family (2 kids, 10 and 13 years old). I have never been, I heard a lot about the festival, but I would appreciate some personal advice and tips, especially if I can bring my kids?

Join the conversation! Find out what other readers say and share your own thoughts in our Germany Travel Forum or in the comments section below.

Oktoberfest Resources:

• Complete Guide to Oktoberfest
• Oktoberfest Dates and Opening Hours
• Oktoberfest Events and Highlights

Planning a summer escape to Germany? If you need some inspiration on how to spend the best time of the year in Germany, check out these summer travel ideas for 2009:

• Escape the City Heat: Germany's Best Nude Beaches
• By Bike, Car, or Foot: Explore the Black Forest
• Take a Road Trip: The Best Scenic Routes in Germany
• Enjoy Summer Evenings: Munich's Best Beer Gardens
• The Sport Events of Summer 2009: World Championships in Athletics, Berlin
• Visit Summer Festivals: July Events 2009

_{(Photo by Steve West/Getty Images)}