About Germany

Federal provinces (Bundesländer)

Germany is divided into 16 federal provinces.
Baden Württemberg, Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Branden-
burg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen (Hesse), Mecklenburg-
Vorpommern (Mecklenburg - Western Pomerania), Niedersachsen
(Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfahlen (Northrhine -Westphalia),
Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland Palatinate), Saarland, Sachsen (Saxony),
Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), Schleswig-Holstein and
Thüringen (Thuringia)

What to see in Germany

Baden-Württemberg is close to Bavaria, situated between Switzerland an France in the South of Germany. The greatest lake of Germany is the "Bodensee", where you will find an tropical island called "Mainau". The Black Forest region ('Schwarzwald') is mainly known for three distinctive features: its highlands, scenery and woods, the typical Black Forest Cake ('Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte') whose success is based on tasty cherry schnapps and the traditional cuckoo-clock.
Another famous feature of the Black Forest region are the traditional hats with their enormous pompoms called 'Bollenhut'. Baden-Württemberg and his capital Stuttgart is also famous because of its high tech automobile and IT-industry. Best known as the home of Porsche andMercedes-Benz, Stuttgart has the world largest automobile museum.

The area around Stuttgart is known for its major wine-growing region and its excellentcuisine. Try dishes like 'Spätzle', 'Maultaschen' or 'Rostbraten' in one of the many cosy restaurants.

Bavaria: The highest mountain of Germany, the 'Zugspitze', you will find in Bavaria, situated at the boarder to Austria. 'Chiemsee', 'Starnberger See' and 'Tegernsee' are just a stone's throw away. One of the most spectacular sights is Neuschwanstein Castle.
Munich's 'Oktoberfest', you will never forget. Bavarian beer (brewed according to the purity regulations of 1516) is world-famous; there are various local breweries, many of them with an excellent reputation i.e. 'Paulaner' and 'Augustiner' brews. Taste the typical "Weißwurst" (white sausage) and the "Brezel".

Bavarian people are often seen in traditional leather trousers ('Lederhosen') or embroidered dresses ('Dirndl'),; they are primarily Catholic and conservative, but humorous.
In eastern Bavaria, you will get good glassworks and porcelain crafts.

The Rhine Valley is one of most popular holiday destinations. Castles, cathedrals, woods and vineyards as much as you can see. See Rüdesheim a typical German city.
Lorelei is probably the most famous figure of German folklore.
The festival "Rhine in flames", a combination of music and fireworks, presents the Rhine Valley's beauty in a contemporary complex.

Heidelberg is one of the most famous cities in Germany. Situated in the valley of Neckar river, the beautiful old typical German town with its sights and narrow, picturesque roads, is easily accessible on foot.
In the pedestrian area no cars or public transportation are allowed to disturb the experience.

The world famous castle is without doubt Heidelberg's highlight.
The city's atmosphere is moulded by its university.Munich is the capital of Bavaria. This charming old town embraces many fine examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical architecture. At its centre lies the famous 'Marienplatz'. The 'Glockenspiel' chimes away at noon and draws masses to the city hall.

Other impressive sights are the 'Residenz', the 'Viktualienmarkt', one of Europe's greatest food markets and Nymphenberg castle, a picture-perfect Baroque palace which once served as the royal family's summer residence.

About the Germans - some clichés

• Germans have no sense of humor
• they love wearing lederhosen
• they all live in castles
• they always eat sausages and sauerkraut
• they are efficient, thorough, obsessed with punctuality

Do not believe it all!

Germany is a country of architectural culture (Weissenhof), designer flair (Hugo Boss) and supermodel chic (Claudia Schiffer). It's a land of perfect and fast cars, a land of long holidays and Frei Koerper Kultur FKK (freebody culture - or nude sunbathing). And believe it or not - some of the Germans always had a sense of humour. Didn`t they allow the artist Christo to wrap the Berlin Reichstag (Parliament) in what looked like a vast sheet?