Discover Germany

Germany is a country of striking contrasts, where medieval towns, forested landscapes, and fairy-tale castles exist alongside some of Europe’s most energetic modern cities. In Berlin, layers of history are visible everywhere, from the Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Wall to bold contemporary art, design, and nightlife. Farther south, Bavaria offers alpine villages, grand palaces, lively beer halls, and Neuschwanstein Castle rising dramatically above the countryside. Travelers can wander the preserved lanes of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, cruise past vineyard-covered hills and ruined castles along the Rhine, explore Hamburg’s historic harbor, or hike through the dark woods and mountain valleys of the Black Forest. Germany’s cultural traditions run equally deep, reflected in the collections of Berlin’s Museum Island, the music of Bach and Beethoven, and a literary heritage shaped by Goethe, the Brothers Grimm, and Thomas Mann. Food and drink are part of the experience, whether sharing pretzels and regional beer in a Munich garden, sampling sausages at a local market, or discovering how dramatically the cuisine changes from one region to the next. With excellent rail connections and an extraordinary variety of cities, landscapes, and stories, Germany rewards travelers who venture beyond its most famous landmarks and take the time to understand the many different identities within the country.