When Germany is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind for many of us is a strong and developed country. In addition to this fact, Germany is a magnificent geography worth seeing with its fairy-tale towns from the middle ages, historical squares, magnificent castles built on the summits of the mountains, lush green geography and rivers.
Germany, one of the most developed industrial countries in the world, is the largest national economy after the USA and Japan. With a population of 82.8 million, it is the largest country in the European Union. Located in the heart of Europe, the country has a multifaceted and rich culture as it has accepted many immigrants in the past and has different cultures.
Germany is known in world history as the land of poets and thinkers. There are very few countries that have managed to change the world agenda as much as Germany. Hanseatic union, reforms and yes Hitler and genocide but also printing press, automobile, aspirin, mp3 technology.
Inventions such as light bulb, calculator, insulin, pocket watch, clarinet, paraffin, gasoline, diesel engine, automobile engine, motorcycle, jet engine, cassette player and LCD screen, which have a very important place in our daily life, were made by the Germans.
Known as the land of poets and philosophers, Germany has world literature and music by Bach, Beethoven, Goethe, Handel, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Wagner and Strauss; He gifted values such as Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche and Heidegger to world philosophy. The famous German physicist Albert Einstein developed the general theory of Relativity.
The diary of a young German-born girl named Anne Frank and her family about their escape and hiding from the Nazi persecution in Amsterdam during World War II was published as a book and translated into 67 languages. 300 million copies of the book, which did not fall off the shelves for a long time, were sold.
Oktoberfest, which was first held in honor of the marriage ceremony of Bavarian Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese on October 12, 1810, is famous for being the largest folk and beer festival in the world. The festival is held annually in Munich, Germany, and starts in the last week of September and lasts until the first Sunday in October. There are more than 14 thousand liquor factories in the country, where most alcohol is consumed at Oktoberfest.
The most famous cake in Germany is the schwarzwalder kirschtorte (black forest cake), which consists of chocolate cake cake soaked in cherry liqueur, marinated cherries, cream and lots of chocolate chips. Hamburger, the world-famous fast food dish, takes its name from Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city. Germany, one of the world’s most car-producing countries, sold more than 3 million cars to other countries in 2014, including Mercedes, Volkswagen, Audi and BMV.
There are more than 150 castles in the country. The most famous of these castles is Neuschwanstein Castle, the model castle of the Walt Disney movie Sleeping Beauty, built by the Bavarian State King Ludwig II. Since 2014, every student, including international students, has been receiving free education in Germany. Since freedom is considered to be an inherent human emotion, there is no penalty for attempting to escape from prison in Germany.
Germans are mostly known to be very serious people and yes they are not as crazy as their neighbors to the south. But they are as friendly and helpful as they are serious. They are definitely not as cold as they seem. In general, Germany is a country that has enough diversity to appeal to almost any budget. With its thousands of years of culture, magnificent natural beauties, beautiful structures and flavors, Germany is one of the most touristic countries in Europe.
Germany Travel Guide
Germany , or officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is the most populated country of the European Union member states. Located in Central Europe, the country has borders with Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
The history of Germany begins with the Germanic Kabis, who emerged in the 3rd century BC. Tribes from southern Scandinavia and northern Germany were influenced by different nations and formed the Holy Roman Empire in 962. This state, which existed until 1806, was completely destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars. The state was divided into 39 states in 1814. Thanks to the states that came together in 1871, the German Empire was established.
The German Empire, which continued its existence by gaining strength until 1918, was destroyed by the First World War. After this collapse, the country, which lived through the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany periods, continued its life as West and East Germany between 1945-1990.
Germany is governed by a federal parliamentary system. The country, which consists of 16 states and covers an area of 357 thousand 21 square kilometers, is the fifth largest country in Europe in terms of surface area. Berlin is the capital of Germany, which hosts major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. Germany, which has the largest economy in the European Union, has the fourth largest economy in the world after America, China and Japan.
Germany, which was reunited after the fall of the Berlin Wall, has existed as a single country since 1990. After reunification in 1990, Germany was divided into 16 federal districts. In addition to the three city-states of the country, Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen, there are 13 different administrative regions from Schleswig-Holstein in the north to Bavaria in the south. The country, which has been a member of NATO since 1955, is among the Schengen founding countries.
81.5 million people live in Germany, which is the third country with the highest number of immigrants after the United States and Russia. 87.5% of the population consists of Germans, 6.5% Turks, the remaining 6% consists of people belonging to other nationalities. In the country whose official language is German, besides Germanic languages, English, Turkish, Polish, Balkan languages and Russian are also spoken frequently. The mother tongue of approximately 100 million people worldwide, German is the second language of 80 million people.
Most of the German people believe in Christianity. Two-thirds of Germany’s population is Christian. Protestants and Catholics are almost head-to-head, but there are more Protestants in the north of the country, while Catholics outnumber the south. Germany is also home to 4 million Muslims and some 100,000 Jews. 36% of German people do not believe in any religion.
Germany has a versatile geographical wealth. It has a width of 640 km from west to east. This means a very large geography when compared to many European countries. The North Sea and the Baltic Sea are located in the north of the country, while the majestic Alps are located in the south. Between these two points are fertile plains, lakes and rivers. 38 places scattered among this geography are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Germany Attractions
Each city of Germany has its own magic. You can experience Hamburg’s maritime passion in ‘Maritime City’. Duesseldorf is the city of fashion and a very good place for shopping. Dresden is a city of culture and baroque reigns dominate all over. Hannover, on the other hand, is called the city of innovation because it is the capital of trade fairs.
You can experience the Christmas Market in the historical city Nuremberg, Bach, books and art nouveau architecture in the music city Leipzig, traditional German cider in the art city Frankfurt, musicals in Stuttgart, chocolate in Cologne and a different phenomenon in every city.
Festivals are very important in the social life of the country. From various agricultural products to classical and rock music, wine and cultural festivals, Germany hosts many world-famous festivals. These festivals are the best opportunities for tourists to get to know the local culture and have fun. The most famous of these, of course, is Oktoberfest.
Germany Attractions
- Berlin
- Leipzig
- Heidelberg
- Rugen Island
- Romantic Rhine
- Cologne
- Dresden
- Lubeck
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Munich
- Frankfurt
- Rennsteig
- Weimar
- Hamburg
- Moselle Valley
- Black Forest
- Dusseldorf
1. Berlin
Berlin , the capital of Germany , is a city that has left a place in the memory of the world with its wall that was demolished in 1989, dividing the country’s west and east. Berlin, one of the most popular tourism destinations in Europe, is the scene of a riot of colors with its Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Museum, vibrant nightlife, and people from different ethnic identities and cultures.
Berlin is extremely rich in history, with works such as the Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace and the Reichstag building. Especially the Führer’s Headquarters and the bad traces of the Berlin wall shine brightly in front of the visitors of Modern Berlin with the colors of street art, the best examples of dance art and the creativity that you can see everywhere.
Home to 14 thousand animals, the Berlin Zoological Garden is known as the zoo with the most species in the world.
2. Leipzig
Known for its world-famous music composers, Leipzig is the center of the German state of Saxony. It is possible to see the traces of music masters such as Bach, Richard Wagner and Felix Mendelssohn all over the city.
Leipzig is very satisfying in terms of places to visit. Augustusplatz, where Napoleon was defeated; Leipzig’s historic district Markt and Altes Rathaus ; Bach’s church St. Thomas and other important church St. Nicholas; Leipzig University Tower , which reveals the city view ; majestic Battle of the Nations Monument ; Castle Colditz , which has been the subject of movies, is the most important places.
3. Heidelberg
Located in southwestern Germany, Heidelberg is home to the University of Heidelberg , Germany’s oldest university. The city, which is located on both sides of the Neckar River, is known as the most romantic city (Wege der Romantik) in the country. The city, which has a young population with the presence of university students, has a rich history, culture, art and entertainment life.
A magnificent wooden town next to the wide Neckar River, Heidelberg is picturesque with its imposing Renaissance castle, lovely cafes, bookstores and poetry events. Germany’s oldest university town is also famous for the birthplace of German Romanticism and for its magnificent panoramic view of the Philosopher’s Path (Philosophenweg).
4. Rugen Island
Rügen , Germany’s largest island, is located on the Baltic Sea. The island is a destination preferred by both Germans and foreign tourists for holidays, with its beautiful beaches, stylish and impressive hotels, and quiet and calm structure. Jasmund National Park with its breathtaking cliffs, lighthouse, fishing village and Slavic Castle ruins are among the things that can be seen on the island.
5. Romantic Rhine
The Rhine is one of the longest rivers in Europe and the most suitable for boat trips. The Romantic Rhine , which runs along the middle part of the Rhine with the city of Bingen and Bonn , is a route with impressive views.
Hop on a boat from Koblenz and see and experience local cultural villages, fairytale medieval castles, vineyards, charming towns and mermaids believed to seduce fishermen. The most interesting structure on the route is Lorelei Rock. The rock in the middle of the river is mentioned in mythology as a nymph who called out to the sailors and killed them.
Romantic road : Germany has more than 200 very long bike paths, which stretch from the main cities to tiny and very cute towns. Arguably the most beautiful of these roads is the 350km long road from Wurzburg to the Austrian border.
6. Cologne
Cologne , one of the most visited cities in Germany , is also known as Cologne. Hosting Europe’s most vibrant nightlife, discos and parties, the city is also popular with the Cologne Cathedral, one of the landmarks of medieval architecture. Many boutique museums can be visited in the city, which has a rich cultural history.
At Christmas time, all cities and towns have a very lively image with traditional street markets, but none of them can be as fun and beautiful as in Cologne. Toys, gingerbread and handmade souvenirs are just some of the festival’s numerous products. Glühwein (hot wine) is one of the sweetest parts of this magnificent experience.
7. Dresden
Dresden , which suffered great destruction under bombardment during the Second World War, was rebuilt in accordance with the old city plan after the war. The city is one of the important centers of the country’s cultural and artistic life. The Frauenkirche Cathedral and the Semper Opera are worth seeing in the city, which impresses art lovers with its art galleries, museums and different collections.
The city, which was left almost orphaned by the First World War, is today a magnificent and artistically fulfilled place before us. Especially after the renovated Dresden Frauenkirche church was magnificently restored and restored to perfection, the city had a very exquisite face.
8. Lubeck
Lübeck , the country’s largest port city on the Baltic Sea, was destroyed during World War II. It is among the first cities to be bombed in World War II. The city, which has a magnificent atmosphere with its architectural structures that are the reflection of medieval architecture, was founded in 1143. The city has a charming atmosphere with its narrow streets, 12th century town hall and historical city gates.
9. Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle , located near Füssen, in the state of Bavaria in Germany, is a famous building that inspired Walt Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’. One of the most photographed architectural structures in Germany, the castle was built for the Bavarian King Ludwig II to rest. The castle is similar to Disneyland Paris.
Neuschwanstein, a palace like no other, is located in the Alpine foothills of Bavaria. It is one of King Ludwig II’s most elaborately equipped castles, and its design is mostly inspired by Wagner operas. If it manages to impress you when you look from the outside, it will turn your head with its decor and design when you go inside.
10. Munich
Hosting Germany’s world-famous beer festival, Oktoberfest, Munich is one of the most vibrant and colorful cities in the country. The 16-day Oktoberfest, first celebrated in Munich in 1810, is one of the most important parts of Bavarian culture.
If you are planning to attend the festival where you can find a magnificent organization and live music, although it is called October, it is mostly held in September, so check the dates well before buying your ticket.
The city is very colorful with its historical churches, magnificent palaces, night venues, streets that combine modern and past. Millions of people visit Munich every year for its food and beer festival.
Forming a natural border on the Austrian border, the Bavarian Alps have a strikingly beautiful appeal. It is easily accessible from Munich and there are many skiing, hiking and canoeing options here for those who love adrenaline sports. Those seeking peace can also relax and gather themselves in the magnificent SPA centers.
Football pleasure at the Allianz Arena, the stadium of Bayern Munich, is a real peak for Germans. If you have the chance to catch the matches of big clubs like Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen, Hertha Berlin, Schalke 04 or Werder Bremen, we say never miss it. Most of the stadiums are new and built for the 2006 world cup.
11. Frankfurt
Although Frankfurt is the financial center of the country with its bright office buildings, it does not have many cultural features that can attract tourists. Known as the financial center of Europe, Frankfurt is known for its banks street, fairground and green arches around the city. Standing out with its quality of life, the city established around the Main River is at a point where modern life and environmentalist character meet with its green areas, bridges, magnificent views and magnificent promenades.
Art centers on both sides of the river are among the most important museum areas in Germany. Giersch Museum, Museum of Applied Art, Museum of World Cultures, Museum of Communication and Liebieghaus are just a few of these museums.
Its historic sites date back to medieval times and there are many buildings still in good condition. Goethe-Haus, the house of the famous German writer Goethe, located in Brober Hirschgraben, one of the most popular spots in the city; Built in 850 at Domplatz, the great cathedral Kaiserdom St. Bartholomew; Römer, Frankfurt’s 600-year-old town hall, must be seen in the city.
12. Rennsteig
With its mountains, tidal coasts and, of course, majestic forests, Germany is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The historical texture of Rennsteig stretches for 170km into the forest and creates an extraordinary synthesis by blending the rich culture with its richer visuality.
13. Weimar
A millennial city, Weimar was home to many writers, musicians, composers and poets. Among these artists are names such as Goethe, Luther, Bach, Liszt, Wagner and Schiller. In addition to being a must-visit place for culture lovers, it also impresses visually with its architecture dating from the golden age of the 18th and 19th centuries.
14. Hamburg
Hamburg , Germany’s largest metropolis , is attractively beautiful with its lush green structure, bridges, huge harbor, lakes, parks and gardens, architectural structures and vibrant life in a geography where rivers intersect. I have had the opportunity to visit twice so far.
The city in the south of the Jutland Peninsula, which separates the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, is impressive with its natural beauties as it was founded around the Binnenalster and Aussenalster lakes. The Alsterfleet (Alster Canal), which connects the Alster Lake and the Elbe River, and the walking path around the canal are Hamburg’s most important breathing areas.
With its colorful and cosmopolitan structure, it beats music in the heart of the city. You can follow the Beatles’ footsteps on the Reeperbahn; can enjoy the fiery life; or you can dance until the morning with DJs. The best time to see the neo-gothic canals of The Speicherstadt is definitely at night.
15. Moselle Valley
Wine tasting in the world-famous Moselle Valley is one of the most delicious ways to get to know rural Germany. Let alone the steep banks of the Moselle river, immerse yourself in the beauty of the valley with its traditional culture, slow flowing life and seductive nature. Do not forget to try especially white wines.
16. Black Forest
Few rural areas in Germany have such a dense, green, mountainous and fairy-tale atmosphere as the Black Forest. A long walk in the forest is the best way to enjoy these photogenic views and climb the magnificent hills of the national park. You will have a very good reason to visit many charming areas such as Triberg im Schwarzwald, which are small but characterful towns in themselves. Also, did you know that the world’s largest cuckoo clock is here?
17. Dusseldorf
The places you must see in Düsseldorf are listed as Old Town-Altstadt, MediHarbour, Königsallee, Benrath Palace and Kaiserswerth. In addition to these, dozens of museums and art galleries are waiting for their visitors. In Düsseldorf, the Schloss Benrath district, which reflects the old texture of the city, Kaiserpfalz, Lin Castle and Schloss Dyck Palace, and the Hofgarten, Düsseldorf’s largest and oldest green area, should also be seen.
Germany shopping
When we talk about a developed country like Germany, it would not be wrong to say ‘whatever you look for, you will find’. Optical equipment such as cameras and binoculars, as well as materials such as porcelain, handmade crystal, silver, steel, Solingen knife, leather, and sports equipment are among the products exclusive to Germany.
In East Germany, musical instruments and wooden toys are widely sold. Contrary to a well-known myth, cuckoo clocks are not produced in Switzerland, but in the Black Forest region of Germany.
German handmade items can easily be found everywhere, but there is a wide selection, especially in the giant Christmas markets. Prices of German brands such as Birkenstock, Jack Wolfskin, Hugo Boss and Adidas are the same as the world average. However, there is a much wider product range of these brands in the country.
Germany nightlife
Germany’s nightlife ranges from sophisticated cultural parties to exuberant and fun street parties. In big towns and cities, there are options such as theatre, opera, live music bars and many nightclubs.
The country is especially famous for its electronic music and is one of the most famous places in the world. Hip-hop and heavy metal are also popular music genres. Berlin is especially famous for its places that are open all night.
Cabaret culture has managed to protect itself for years and serves a very large segment. You can hear traditional folk music mostly in rural areas. While there are numerous breweries in the south, wine cellars are common in the Rhineland Palatinate, Franconia and Baden regions.
Germany eating and drinking
Germany is a country with a very rich food culture, where you can find many dishes from both local and international cuisine. People of different nationalities also have an impact on this. The lamb of Saxony, the stew of Rhineland-Westphalia and the noodle-based cuisine of the Southwest are famous.
Here you can find many of the healthy dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine, and perhaps even the best. Germany is also more affordable than other western countries in terms of price. Beer and wine varieties, which are the pride of Germany, are always with you all over the country.
where is germany
Located in Central Europe, the country has borders with Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The highest point of the country, which has mountain ranges such as the Alpine Range, Eifel, Hunsr’ck, Reinland and Wetterstein, is the Zugspitze Point in the Wetterstein mountain range with an altitude of 2,962 meters.
Approximately 8 thousand square meters of the country, which is spread over an area of 357 thousand square meters, consists of water resources. The country, which has some major rivers of Europe such as Rhine, Danube and Elbe, has a temperate oceanic and continental climate. Famous for its vast forest areas, wildlife parks, underwater parks, and bird parks, Germany is number one in the world, with more than 400 registered zoos.
when to go to germany
Germany, like many other European countries, is a country that can be visited all year round. The country has hot summers and cold winters. Snowfall is not common in winter. It rains year-round, and a large part of Germany receives heavy rainfall, especially in the summer.
In January, the temperature goes down to 3°C during the day and rises to 22°C in July. The highest temperatures are concentrated in the southeastern region, where the Mediterranean climate prevails. In the ski areas, the high season starts in December and lasts until the end of March.
Between May and September is the most suitable time for touristic trips and the most preferable period for those who will do nature sports. However, the spring and autumn seasons are also a season preferred by those who do not want too many crowds and those who want nice weather at the same time.
Unless you are in mountainous regions, January to April is the period when it is not crowded and the weather is relatively mild. Travel is easier when there are no crowds, but don’t be surprised if you don’t see a change in prices as cities like Berlin don’t have low season.
Prices are slightly higher in the summer season. Another point to note is that you do not coincide with the periods when trade fairs take place. These are the times when prices peak.
Germany transportation
Germany has a very well-functioning highway system. Although some areas are very crowded, in general the quality of highways in Germany is outstanding. All roads are free to everyone except big trucks. Big trucks are not allowed to drive on weekends and during summer holidays, which makes the work of vehicles traveling long distances much easier.
Germany is a wonderful country for cyclists. The roads, which are only for cyclists, can be traveled almost everywhere and for very long distances.
One of the most convenient ways to go to the far parts of the country by saving both time and money is to use the railway. Train services are operated by regional companies and are very frequent.
Urban areas all have a very well-functioning bus system, trams and subways. In the biggest cities, city tickets have to be bought from the ticket machines at the stations.
how to get to germany
There are direct flights from Turkey to many cities in Germany. There are direct flights from Istanbul to Germany’s capital Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hannover, Munich, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Bremen, Leipzig, Baden-Baden and Friedrichshafen. It is also possible to reach German cities by plane from Ankara, Izmir and Antalya.
