GERMANY

7th country of destination by international tourist arrivals in 2012
26.88 million visitors per year (+2.68)

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATION: Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland; short: BRD).

Germany is the land of poets and philosophers. Names like Goethe and Günther Grass or Bach and Beethoven are from its long and distinguished culture. Its legacy is the exceptional choice of culture on offer in Germany today, from ancient to ultra-modern. Germany is a democratic parliamentary federal republic and after the reunification in 1990 it is now consists of sixteen federal states and each federal states is led by respective the Federal Chancellor.

Germany is a country which is rich in natural beauty. The North Sea and Baltic coasts in the northern parts and the Alps mountain peaks in the south poses extremely diverse and absolutely amazing landscapes, lakes, uplands and densely wooded regions to agricultural plains and not the least the industrial regions. The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany about 2,963 metres. Germany's longest river is the Rhine flows across the country for about 865 kilo metres. Not only this, Germany has 101 nature reserves, 14 national parks and 15 biosphere reserves to attract the mass from around the world. These factors make Germany top travel destination in the world.

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The Climate

The climate of Germany is a varying one because of the geographical differences but mostly it is temperate. The extreme temperatures are very rare here. The winters vary from west to east, with around freezing temperatures in the west and a little below freezing in the east. Summers are typically between 20°C and 30°C and the maximum rainfall happens during the summer months only.

The northern lowlands frequently experience a situation mainly during the winters when they are between these air masses and are simultaneously influenced by both. During that time the winds come from the west and are usually strong. Being close to the polar region, this region is warmed by the Gulf Stream. The regions near the North Sea coast have midwinter temperatures averaging around or more than 2° C.

The Alpine regions in the extreme south and also central German uplands have a so-called mountain climate. The climate in this region is generally constant. The amount of snowfall and average temperatures are generally influenced by altitude rather than by various climatic regions. Winters are generally cold.

The Baltic Coast and North German Plain – Due to the sea, the climate around the Baltic and the North Coast is little variable. In comparison to the inner parts of Germany, the differences between seasons are less distinct. However, the winters are severe with cutting winds and freezing temperatures and the summers are warm and pleasant. The rain showers are frequent but do not last too long.

The Culture and Religions

The German culture began long before the rise of the today’s Germany and it is also one of the main reasons for making Germany the top travel destination. Because of its rich cultural history only, Germany is often known as das Land der Dichter und Denker (the land of poets and thinkers). Life in Germany is of great variations in cultural styles. One can describe it as modern and cosmopolitan. The people here love to celebrate occasions like get together, traditional carnival season, wine festivals, the Oktoberfest and other beer festivals or music festivals from classical to rock.

The Germany is having historical cultural background and so is the religion. The major religions in Germany are: Christian, Roman Catholicism, Jews and Islam. All these religions in Germany have some history associated with them which also makes it in the list of top travel destination.

Places to tour in Germany

The top travel destination, Germany is very rich with its natural beauties, vast history and the modern world amenities. The most famous travel destinations in Germany are:

Berlin — Berlin is one of the biggest cities with several beautiful and historical sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation.

Hamburg — Hamburg is the Germany's second largest city, famous for its harbor and its liberal culture.

Munich— The beautiful capital of Bavaria and the site of the famous Oktoberfest and the gateway to the Alps.

Rothenburg – The most admirable and authentic medieval town on the "Romantik Strasse" (the Romantic Road). Rothenburg is the prototypical walled town with dramatic architecture, good food, and great trinket shopping.

Dresden — Dresden is known for the world class art museums, extravagant palaces, and a beautiful setting on the Elbe River.

Augsburg – Offering fine churches, good food, and a pleasant location. Augsburg is one of the best known towns on the Romantic Road.

Düsseldorf — The fashion capital and offers a wide range of fascinating architecture.

Frankfurt — Germany's metropolis with transportation hub and the largest financial center in the continent. The historical city of coronations and the city of Goethe.

Bremen — One of the most important cities in northern Germany, its old town will be of interest for the travellers who are keen to experience the taste of history

When to go

To tour this top travel destination one can choose any time but generally most tourists arrive between May and September when roads are often clogged and the lodging can be at higher and you’ll be looking for space at the major attractions. Still, the summers are fabulous because skies are more likely to be sunny, much of life moves outdoors, beer gardens are in full swing and festivals/outdoor events enliven cities and villages.

Travelling in Germany

Germany is a member of the Schengen Agreement. As per this agreement there are no border controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty – the European Union Iceland, Norway and Switzerland (except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom). Likewise, a visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty. Germany, the top travel destination can be toured by the following modes:

By plane – Domestic flights are available for city to city travelling. Small but well-kept airline with few routes in the country.

By train – Germany offers a fast and affordable railway system that reaches many parts of the country.

By bus – A few long distance bus lines exist within Germany, most of them orientated to or from Berlin. Besides, there is a very useful long-distance bus line.

By car – Germany has a world-famous network of excellent roads and motorway with no toll or fees for cars. All German airports offer car hire services and most of the main hire firms operate at desk locations.

Organized tours – Organized tours are a great way to see the sites and soak up the local culture – especially if you’re travelling alone or are a first-time traveller. Check out some of the options for tours in Germany.

Major airlines and airports

The most important airports are:

– Frankfurt,
– Munich
– Düsseldorf
– Berlin
– Cologne
– Hamburg
– Stuttgart

So, don’t miss it, just get ready for the tour to Germany, the top travel destination in the world.