Tucked into the center of Germany, Thuringia is often overlooked in favor of destinations with more internationally recognizable names. As with the country’s other states, Thuringia quietly reveals a rich combination of culture, landscape, and history. This is the region of dense forests, hilltop castles, and towns shaped by centuries of intellectual and artistic life….
As a whole, Hessen is a rich combination of natural and cultural offerings. Frankfurt’s glass skyline represents modern Germany at full speed, while nearby iconically German half-timbered villages and forested valleys would appear a world away. Spa towns once frequented by European aristocracy sit within easy reach of volcanic landscapes, vineyard-covered hills, and some of…
Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) boasts an astounding 12 regions. Assembled rather than inherited, the state was established after World War II with the consolidation of the Rhineland, Westphalia, and Lippe. Those identities remain distinct even now. Cologne feels different from Münster, the Ruhr doesn’t feel like Düsseldorf. Exploring the state thus becomes…
Saxony-Anhalt is representative of German history in so many ways; industrial complexes, medieval wonders, iconic composers, religious revolutions and architectural beauties are all found here. But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to its manmade relevance, Saxony-Anhalt’s natural landscape delights even those with a slight interest in being outdoors. Different chapters of Germany’s story exist…
Berlin isn’t for everyone. Do I think that everyone should visit it at least once? Yes. Do I love Berlin each time I visit? No. However. It is still one of my favorite places. Now I may sound like that friend whose relationship status is perpetually summarized by “it’s complicated”, but seriously! Hear me out….
If you’ve traveled to or from Berlin on land, you’ve encountered Brandenburg. Possibly without even realizing it! The state surrounds Berlin entirely—the region wrapped around one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals. But while Berlin draws the attention, Brandenburg presents a contrast. It’s where the pace shifts, the landscape opens into lakes and farmland, and a…
It can come as a surprise that Bremen is its own German state. It’s small—just the city of Bremen and the port town of Bremerhaven—but its influence historically has far surpassed its borders. If you spend enough time here, you’ll be able to identify how that legacy is still a part of the day-to-day. As…
If you were to ask a local what Lower Saxony is like, they may have to pause for a moment. Not because there isn’t anything to say, but because it’s difficult to explain the heart of such a quiet place. As we’ve discussed, most states outside of Bavaria aren’t the Germany most travelers imagine first….
Hamburg is a beautiful city, revealing itself in reflections on the waters of its harbor and the glass facades of many cultural institutions. Here you’ll find brick warehouses in calm canals, church spires rising above the Elbe River, and events that commemorate over 800 years of traceable relevance to maritime trade. Centuries of arrivals and…
If you think Germany is all timber-framed cities and fairytale castles, then Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will surprise you. This northeastern state is a breath of salt air with lakes stretching toward the horizon and Baltic waves breaking upon sandy shores. It’s a place meant for slow mornings, long walks, and days measured by light on the water…