Germany is a central European country, and the largest economy on the continent. It is known for its engineering and its automotive industry, and it carries a long cultural heritage that visitors can see across its cities and regions. Its full formal name is the Federal Republic of Germany, and in the German language it is called Deutschland or Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Germany borders nine other countries and is a founding member of the European Union, which makes it a natural base for travellers exploring the wider continent.
What a visit offers
Because Germany is large and varied, a trip is shaped as much by the region you choose as by the country as a whole. Travellers come for its cities, its engineering and industrial heritage, its museums and historic centres, and the everyday pace of life in a country that has long been at the heart of European trade and manufacture.
- Cities and culture: Germany's urban centres combine historic architecture with modern life and a strong tradition of arts and learning.
- Industry and engineering: The country's reputation for engineering and automotive manufacturing makes it of interest to visitors who enjoy technology and design.
- Connections: Its central position means that neighbouring countries are often within easy reach, so a stay in Germany can easily be part of a longer European journey.
Planning your trip
Germany rewards a little planning. Choose the regions and cities that suit your interests, consider how you will move between them, and allow time to take in more than one area. Whether you are visiting for culture, industry or as a stop on a wider tour of Europe, the country offers a broad and varied experience, and it is worth deciding in advance what you most want to see.
