Welcome to Germany
A country full of surprises
Let us show you a country full of surprises and follow us back to the ancient times of the Middle Ages, the world of the Burgfraeulein and the time of legends and fairy tales. But Germany's charm is still present and has not left as the times changed. Even today there are a lot of fascinating things to see, do and discover.
Germany offers big events and traditional festivals, from top quality concerts, art exhibitions, major international sporting events, colorful street festivals to the traditional Christmas Markets.
Culture is very important in Germany in the past centuries and also nowadays. In whatever city you go you will find art and exhibition houses as well as theaters and operas and a lot more. Some of the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Durer, van Dyck, Rubens and El Greco belong to Germany's art collection.
Germany is special and famous for its hundreds of castles and palaces, which tell the stories of the past from all epochs and genres, and each of them is worth a visit. Each castle and palace has its own story, legend and its own ghost, which is striving around at midnight. Live like a prince and discover times that are long gone.
In the modern society Germany is famous for its musicals. Music was always an important issue in Germany and a lot of famous people can be named in the context with Germany, like Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner.
Germany is a country rich of experience due to its very long history, its strategic position in Europe and of course the two devastating World Wars.
In 1871 the German empire was formatted under the chancellorship of Otto von Bismarck, who passed the most advanced social welfare legislation at this age. The empire broke down in 1914 because of a fast evolving military power and ended in WWI.
From 1919 to 1933 Germany was a peaceful, liberal democratic regime, which was handicapped by economical problems and the rise of political extremes. Social unrest, the hyperinflation and the great depression caused this government to fall.
In this time of turbulences the National Socialist (Nazi) party, led by Adolf Hitler, spoke to the nationalist and racist sides of the German people and made a lot of unfulfilled promises like less unemployment and no fear from the communist east.
Hitler set himself in power after a unclear voting and abolished democratic institutions and opposition parties.
In 1945 after WWII Germany was divided into four zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, France) and is a Federal Republic since 1949. West and East Germany were separated until the unification on the 3rd of October 1990.
But there is more about Germany than only history.
Discover the 30 sights included in UNESCO´s World Cultural Heritage list, admire picturesque half-timbered buildings, magnificent palaces and cobblestoned alleyways and stroll along romantic inns. Follow the footsteps of famous people like Wagner or Luther and learn about their life and work. Admire various architectural styles from different eras like the Baroque or the Romanesque style.
And for those who love nature: Germany offers more than 90 nature parks, 14 biosphere reserves and 15 national parks, which are all internationally recognized. There you can find a great variety of flora and fauna, which is partly unique and unspoiled. The great landscape is admirable and the perfect place to relax body and sole.
Germany today is Europe's largest economy and has the biggest population (more than 82 million inhabitants) in Europe. It is the third largest economy in the world, but has only a size of 357,021 sq km, which is slightly smaller than Montana. Germany is located in the center of Europe, surrounded by Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. The highest point in Germany is the Zugspitze (2,962 m) which is located in the south at the border to Austria and offers spectacular views all over the Alps.
Germany has 16 different states with growing cities, cozy little towns and natural beauties. Germany's big cities are full of life and each has its unique character due to history, culture and its people.
Some more facts about Germany:
Germany's currency is EURO. Germany has the Central European time. Its climate is temperate and the temperature can vary from 30°C in summer to 0°C in winter. Germany's capital is Berlin, which was separated into East and West Berlin until the unification on the 3rd of October 1990. Germany stands at the center of European affairs and is a key partner in U.S. relations. Germany has one of the world's highest levels of education, technological development, and economic productivity.
All this and a lot more is just waiting to be explored
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