Europe's economic engine and cultural heartland — Gothic cathedrals, baroque palaces, world-class museums, the Rhine's medieval castles, and the legendary Oktoberfest tradition.
- Capital
- Berlin
- Population
- 83,517,030
- Area
- 357,021 km²
- Languages
- German
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- GDP
- $4,744,804M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Currywurst, Sauerbraten, Bratwurst
Annual visitors
12,449,000 (2020)
Safety
Very low (0.91/100k)
Avg temp
9.6°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 110
Travel guide
Germany (German: Deutschland) is the largest country in Central Europe. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, innovative inventions, its old-world charm and Gemütlichkeit (cosiness). Discard any perceptions of Germany as being homogeneous; a country of surprising regional diversity awaits your presence. Many tourists visit Germany to experience European history and the diverse German landscape. German culture, outdoor activities, German holidays and festivities, the countryside and rural areas, and the German cities are identified as being big draws for visitors.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Germany
Best time to visit
May–September for outdoor sightseeing and summer festivals. Christmas markets (late November–December) are a highlight. Oktoberfest runs mid-September to early October. Avoid July–August if you dislike crowds.
Visa
EU/EEA nationals enter freely. US, UK, Canada, Australia and most Western nationalities get 90 days Schengen visa-free.
Highlights
Lake Titisee, located in the Black Forest region of southwestern Germany, is a picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery and charming villages. With its serene waters and scenic landscapes, Lake Titisee offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in activities such as boating, swimming, hiking, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The lake's idyllic setting makes it a popular destination for relaxation and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the Black Forest.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (99)
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Major cities
Berlin
Germany's electrifying capital — a city of history, reinvention, world-famous museums, and Europe's most creative nightlife.
Munich
Bavaria's beer-garden capital — home to Oktoberfest, stunning baroque churches, and the gateway to the Alps.
Hamburg
Germany's gateway to the world — a port city of canals, the Reeperbahn, Miniatur Wunderland, and excellent fish markets.
Cologne
Germany's Rhineland metropolis with the magnificent twin-spired Gothic cathedral, Carnival, and Kolsch beer culture.
Frankfurt
Germany's financial capital and main air hub — Romerberg old town, excellent Stadel Museum, and Sachsenhausen apple wine.
Dresden
The Florence of the Elbe — Baroque masterpieces rebuilt from WWII ruins, the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera, and Frauenkirche.
Nuremberg
Bavaria's second city with a medieval castle, Christmas market, the Nazi Documentation Centre, and world-famous Nuremberg sausages.
Heidelberg
Germany's most romantic city, with a ruined castle above a riverside university town that inspired Romantic poets.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Germany's most perfectly preserved medieval walled town — the quintessential Romantic Road stop with half-timbered fairytale streets.