Germany travel guide : explore cities, culture and landscape

What you need to know before visiting Germany

• Official name: Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland)
• Capital: Berlin
• Population: About 83 million people
• Official language: German
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Government: Federal parliamentary republic

How Germany's history shaped modern Europe

Germany's historical journey is a remarkable odyssey of transformation, from fragmented territories to a unified nation that has profoundly shaped European history:

Early foundations: from Germanic tribes to Holy Roman Empire

Germanic tribes first emerged in historical records when they clashed with the Roman Empire. After Rome's fall, the region became part of Charlemagne's empire in 800 CE, later evolving into the Holy Roman Empire—a complex patchwork of semi-autonomous states that lasted nearly a millennium.

The age of enlightenment: German philosophers and thinkers

The 18th and 19th centuries saw Germany become a center of philosophical thought and scientific advancement. Figures like Kant, Goethe, and Beethoven emerged during this period, establishing Germany as a cultural and intellectual powerhouse even before it existed as a unified country.

The path to unification: how modern Germany emerged

Under Otto von Bismarck's leadership, the modern German state was born in 1871 following the Franco-Prussian War. This new German Empire quickly became an industrial and military power, setting the stage for its complex role in the tumultuous 20th century.

From division to unity: Germany after World War II

Following the devastation of World War II, Germany was divided into East and West for over four decades. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 led to reunification in 1990, beginning a new chapter in which Germany has emerged as a champion of European integration and democratic values, working to address its difficult past while building a more inclusive future.

German culture: language, arts and traditions

German language: key phrases and cultural concepts

German, with its compound words and precise expressions, is the native language of around 100 million people worldwide. It has given us concepts that cannot be easily translated, like "Wanderlust" (the desire to travel) and "Zeitgeist" (the spirit of the times), revealing unique aspects of German cultural perspective.

German contributions to philosophy, music and literature

Germany's intellectual heritage includes philosophers like Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Marx, whose ideas have transformed human understanding. Its musical contributions span from Bach and Beethoven to modern electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk. In literature, Germany gave the world Goethe, Schiller, Mann, and Hesse, while its film tradition includes the expressionist masterpieces of the Weimar era and contemporary directors like Werner Herzog and Wim Wenders.

German cuisine: what to eat and drink during your visit

German cuisine combines hearty regional specialties with modern innovations. Notable dishes include:

• Bratwurst and other specialty sausages
• Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage)
• Schnitzel (breaded meat cutlets)
• Pretzels (especially in Bavaria)
• Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte)

German beer culture is protected by the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) of 1516, the world's oldest food quality regulation still in use, which ensures the highest standards in brewing.

German engineering: excellence in technology and design

"German engineering" is synonymous with quality and precision. From Mercedes-Benz and BMW automobiles to high-tech medical equipment and sustainable energy solutions, German products reflect a national commitment to excellence and innovation. This technical mastery extends to the country's approach to education, with its dual education system that combines academic learning with practical training.

Where to go in Germany: top cities to visit

Berlin: essential sights in Germany's vibrant capital

Once divided by the infamous Wall, Germany's capital has reinvented itself as one of Europe's most exciting cities:

• Brandenburg Gate: The neoclassical monument that has witnessed key moments in German history.
• Reichstag Building: The historic parliament building crowned with a modern glass dome symbolizing transparency.
• Museum Island: A UNESCO World Heritage site housing five world-class museums.
• East Side Gallery: The longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, now an open-air art gallery.
• Potsdamer Platz: Once a no-man's land between East and West, now a futuristic urban center.

Munich: experiencing Bavarian culture and heritage

Bavaria's capital combines traditional German charm with cosmopolitan flair, from the famous Oktoberfest and beer halls to world-class museums and the technological hub of BMW Welt.

Hamburg: exploring Germany's gateway to the world

Germany's second-largest city and largest port features a historic Warehouse District (Speicherstadt), the futuristic Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined.

Cologne: Gothic architecture and Rhineland charm

Dominated by its magnificent Gothic cathedral with the world's largest church façade, Cologne offers a blend of Roman history, medieval architecture, and vibrant modern culture.

Dresden: the restored baroque jewel of eastern Germany

The "Florence on the Elbe" has risen from the ashes of World War II to reclaim its status as one of Germany's most beautiful cities, with its restored Baroque architecture and renowned art collections.

Best natural destinations in Germany: forests to mountains

• The Black Forest: Dense, evergreen woodlands that inspired many Grimm fairy tales.
• Bavarian Alps: Majestic mountains with picturesque villages and crystal-clear lakes.
• Rhine Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage site with vineyards, medieval castles, and the legendary Lorelei rock.
• Baltic Sea Coast: White sand beaches, chalk cliffs, and charming seaside resorts.
• Saxon Switzerland: Dramatic sandstone mountains and formations near the Czech border.

Interesting facts about Germany you may not know

Germany has over 1,500 different kinds of sausages and 1,300 types of bread.

The first printed book, the Gutenberg Bible, was produced in Mainz, Germany in the 15th century.

Germany is home to over 20,000 castles, from medieval ruins to fairy-tale palaces.

The world's oldest brewery still in operation, Weihenstephan, was founded in 1040 and is located near Munich.

The German Autobahn has no general speed limit on many sections, making it unique among highway systems.

German innovations that transformed global technology

• The printing press (Johannes Gutenberg, 1440)
• The automobile (Karl Benz patented the first gasoline-powered car in 1886)
• X-ray technology (discovered by Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895)
• The electron microscope (Ernst Ruska, 1931)
• MP3 audio format (developed at the Fraunhofer Institute in the 1990s)