German glimpses

Captivating culture across 16 states.

Whether it's art, music, enchanting markets, spectacular landscapes sporting events, film festivals or other attractions Germany's 16 states have something for everyone.

The 16 states are, Baden-Württemberg, the Free State of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern), Berlin, Brandenburg, the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen (Freie Hansestadt Bremen), the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg (Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg), Hesse (Hessen), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), Saarland, the Free State of Saxony (Freistaat Sachsen), Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt),Schleswig-Holstein and the Free State of Thuringia (Freistaat Thüringen).

Bavaria

Bavaria has a picture-perfect countryside, unspoilt natural surroundings and a wealth of culture. The region has several fresh lakes, national parks and numerous nature conservation areas for keen holidaymakers and sports enthusiasts alike. Bavaria's medieval castles and small towns, grand palaces and elaborate churches provide the perfect vacation. The capital is the beautiful Munich, which held the 1972 Summer Olympics. Bavaria has two striking rivers running through the state, the Danube and the Main, while the upper Rhine forms part of the west border of the state.

Baden-Württemberg

Home of the cuckoo clock, Zeppelins Daimler-Chrysler and Porsche, Baden-Württemberg is located in the southwestern part of Germany. The third-largest state in area and population, with 10.7 million inhabitants, the state capital is Stuttgart. Sharing its borders with Switzerland to the south and France to the west, Baden-Württemberg has culture, tradition, energetic towns and cities.

With a wide range of sports and leisure activities, friendly, welcoming people and excellent food and drink a holiday in Baden-Württemberg is an unforgettable experience. The State Opera House, State Gallery, musicals, Stuttgart Beer Festival, Daimler-Benz and Porsche car museums, botanical gardens all ensure holidaymakers are entertained.

Brandenburg

Brandenburg is in the east of the country and is one of the new states. It was recreated in 1990 upon the reunification of the former West Germany and East Germany. The capital is Potsdam, with a population of 2.5 million.

Brandenburg is known for its well-protected and presented environment, with countless nature parks, such as High Flaming Nature Park, Westhavelland Nature Park and the Stechlin-Ruppiner Land Nature Park. The crystal clear lakes, vast countryside and fruit orchards confirm that Brandenburg offers a picture-perfect experience for all tourists.

Hessen

Hessen, situated in west-central Germany, has more than six million inhabitants. Wiesbaden is the capital of this beautiful state. The picturesque Römerberg square is lined with historical timber-framed buildings. Frankfurt, 'city of contrasts', is a popular destination for tourists. The city has the tallest building in Europe, the famous Zeil shopping street and an internationally renowned trade fair centre.

Hessen has a variety of experiences on offer: natural scenery, ancient woodland and picturesque lakes and rivers. The Fulda River and Eder River flow in the north, the Lahn in the central area and Main and Rhine in the south.

A history dating back to the times of the Germanic tribes, the ancient Romans and the Middle Ages is preserved here, perfect for history enthusiasts. Numerous spas and health resorts will entertain the health-conscious holidaymaker.

Berlin

Berlin is the capital city as well as a state, with a population of 3.4 million. It is Germany's largest city and the second most populated city in the European Union. Located in the north east of Germany. It is the third most visited destination in the EU and it's no surprise why, home to orchestras, recognised festivals, contemporary architecture, and a thriving nightlife.

A major attraction is the East Side Gallery, an open-air exhibit of art painted directly on the last remain pieces of the Berlin wall. The Brandenburg Gate is another iconic landmark not to be missed. Berlin has a big nightclub culture, including, Kunst Haus, Tacheles, Tresor, Kitkatclub and Berghain.

Berlin also boasts 153 museums, 50 theatres, the Deutsches theatre in Mitte and The Berliner Ensemble, famous for the performing works of Bertolt Brecht. Berlin also has three opera houses, the Deutsche Opera, the Berlin State Opera and the Komische Opera.

With a remarkable seven symphonies, Berlin is simply in a class of its own when it comes to entertainment. The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the most prominent orchestra in the world.

Lower Saxony

With almost eight million inhabitants and situated in the north central region of Germany, Lower Saxony is the second-largest in area and fourth in population among the 16 states. Hannover is the capital.

Nidersachsen is known to many in the regional as 'golf land', with beautifully kept courses for all levels of players. The great hotels are known for their health spas and relaxing environment. Lower Saxony is a perfect location for a relaxing break.

Bremen

Bremen may be the smallest of Germany's states but the past 1,200 years have woven a rich tapestry of Hanseatic heritage and cosmopolitan culture into the state. It is the second-oldest city republic in the world still in existence after San Marino. (A country in the Apennine Mountains. It is a landlocked commune, completely surrounded by Italy.)

The magnificent architecture that radiates from the distinct Weser Renaissance Rathaus and the graceful Roland statue in Market Square is one of the city's pulling points. Along with the charming sculpture of the Bremen Town Musicians, it remains a defining monument for the Grimm Brothers' a celebrated fairy tale in Bremen.

For 40 years, the prestigious Bremen 6 Days, which frequently attracts more than 125,000 people, has transformed the AWD Dome into an indoor venue for cycling enthusiasts. Germany's biggest samba festival in February is also popular with tourists.

In October, the Freimarkt is Germany's oldest and third largest civic festival, drawing over four million people to the Bürgerweide, just minutes from the historic city centre. The fairground features over 320 attractions, something that should not be missed.

Hamburg

The city state of Hamburg has a population of more than 1.7 million. It is the second-largest city in Germany, along with Hamburg Harbour.

Hamburg is the second largest port city in Europe and ninth in the world. It is popular among visitors for its music scene, sporting events, and fairs.

Hamburg has two of the most visited sites in Germany, the harbour (8 million visitors per year) and the Reeperbahn (4 million). Hamburg has the fastest growing tourism industry in Germany (2005 and 2006 about 15 per cent)

Hamburg is most popular in the spring and summer. A typical Hamburg visit should include a tour of the city hall and the grand church St. Michaelis (called the Michel), the old warehouse district (Speicherstadt) and the harbour promenade (Landungsbrücken). Sightseeing is easy, with buses connecting all locations. And, of course, a visit in one of the world's largest harbours would not be complete without taking one of the harbour and/or canal boat tours which start from the Landungsbrücken.

Meckleburg –Vorpommern

Meckleberg-Vorpommern's capital is Schwerin, with a population of 1.7 million, located in the northern part of Germany and comprising two parts, Mecklenburg and Virpommern.

The 'state of a thousand lakes' is often characterised by its unspoilt nature. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's varied coastline offers peninsulas such as Fischland-Darss-Zingst as well islands like Rügen (Germany's largest island), Hiddensee or Usedom.

A total of 283 nature reserves, 110 landscape reserves and three of Germany's 14 national parks are scattered all over the state, most notably Jasmund National Park, Müritz National Park and Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern often attracts tourists with its 2,000 castles, palaces and manor houses, which often function as venues for concerts and festivals, such as the Music Festival of Mecklenburg-Vorpommen.

North Rhine –Westphalia

Situated in the west of Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia offers exciting walks for hikers, beautiful meadows and unforgettable forests. With radiant mountains and romantic river valleys North Rhine-Westphalia really is the idea location for adventurous outdoor types.

North Rhine-Westphalia offers guided tours of the exceptional historical castles such as the Schloss Augustusburg.

Dusseldorf is the state's capital, with a population of 18 million — the largest population of all 16 states.

Rhineland-Palatinate

Rhineland-Palatinate has a population of more than 4 million. It is the western-most state in the country. The capital Mainz offers extraordinarily diverse regions, idyllic rivers, landscape, mountains, countryside, historical towns, charming villages and several of the best wine-producing areas in Germany. There are more than 1,000 vineyards and wine festivals. Wine seminars are available covering theoretical and practical aspects of the wine industry.

The summer offers a festival season with unique events on the water, such as the 'Rhine in Flames' festival. An impressive interplay of fire, water and lights. The event takes place over five nights between May and September.

There are countless medieval castles and palaces to visit. With its romantic location, its fresh clean air and its opportunities to cycle through the countryside or visit the thermal baths, Rhineland really is the ideal state to visit.

Saarland

Saarland's capital is Saarbrücken. With a population of 1 million it is the smallest state in terms of size and population, but don't let that put you off. It has fantastic countryside, ideal for cycling. Boat trips are available along the river Saar or on the Bostal Lake, giving the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery on the way, with trips ranging from one hour to all day excursions.

The unique boating holidays give visitors the opportunity to experience Saarland from the water either on their own boat or by simply hiring one. Houseboat trips begin from Saarbrüken on the Saar-kohle canal to the Rhine-Marne Canal and the best part is you are still able to venture on land to visit the beautiful countryside. And if shopping interests you then Saarland is ideal. With unique boutiques, designer's stores, shopping centres and malls Saarland provides holidaymakers with endless choices.

'Historisches Museum Saar' (Saarland Regional History Museum) offers an in depth look into Saarland's history.

Saxony

Saxony is located in the southeast of Germany, with a population of more than 4.2 million. Dresden is the capital of this charming state. Saxony is the tenth largest in area and sixth largest in population among Germany's 16 states.

Dresden is situated in a valley on the River Elbe. There are numerous sights to see while in Saxony, such as the Dresden Zwinger, The Frauenkirche Church, Semper Opera House and Royal Palace as well as several other historical monuments. The impressive landscape in the Elbe meadows and the slopes provides an impressive spot for tourists, with picnic areas and beautiful castles. The Dresden State Theatre runs numerous smaller theatres, with several choirs, most notably The Kreuzchor. (Choir of the Cross.)

Also home to Leipzig, which holds the largest war monument in Europe, Volkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument of the Battle of the Nations) was built to commerate the successful battle against Napoleonic troops in 1813.

Saxony-Anhalt

Saxony-Anhalt's capital is Magdeburg with a population of almost 2.5 million. The state's biggest city is Halle—a town of art and historical beauty. With the river Saale, a popular zoo and magnificent castles, Saxony-Anhalt is an ideal cultural trip for nature lovers and active holidaymakers.

Badkosen has many spas and saline springs for those who require a relaxing and stress-free vacation.

Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein is ideal for families with its 'homely' feel and seaside resorts on the North Sea, which highlight the state's natural beauty.

The romantic countryside, market squares, and the wide range of water and land-based activities will keep everyone entertained. Whether it's the extreme sport fan, keen amateur or the health conscious, there are a wide variety of activities to keep everyone amused. And for those who want to take it easy, there are many spas where you can simply sit back and relax.

Thuringia

Thuringia is situated geographically in the centre of Germany and has a population more than 2.3 million.

The appeal of this enchanting state lies in its diversity. Whether it's nature, culture or entertainment, Thuringia provides it to the highest level. For nature lovers who want to experience a relaxing peaceful vacation, Thuringia is for you. With unspoilt countryside, and the opportunity to explore the fascinating castles and palaces it's the perfect getaway.