Traditional German Clothing

Fashion trends now-a-days are on similar lines all over the world. Germany may not be recognized as an important fashion destination but fashion did have a significant role to play out here. German fashion is known by their classic style of dressing. Germany also boasts of some creative fashion designers as well. Of course, the scene today is quite different from the traditional German clothing. In the olden days, colors also had an important part to play as far as German clothing was concerned. Have you ever wondered what traditional German clothing was really like? Was fashion as liberated as we see it today? Get to know all the know-how about traditional German clothing right here.

Traditional German Clothing:

Dirndl:
A dirndl is a traditional dress, which was worn in the Southern area of Germany. Originally, the dirndl is a simplified version of the folk costume. The dirndl was actually the uniform of the Austrian servants. This was during the 19th century. In the ancient days, every village even had its own particular style of this dress.

The dirndl comprises of many garments that makes up the entire outfit. This has a bodice, which is worn with a blouse, a full skirt and even an apron. The ancient days saw many simplistic designs of the dirndl. Today, one can come across many expensive versions of the same. This traditional German outfit was styled into a heavier design for the winter days. In such cases, materials such as thick cotton or even wool were used for the skirts or even the aprons.

The dirndl is worn today only for traditional events. In the earlier days, the dirndl was often in softer colors as compared to the brightly colored outfits one may see today. The designs available today are also modified to suit the modern trends. A knot on the apron of the dirndl is considered to be a symbol to indicate that the woman is married.

Lederhosen:
The lederhosen mean leather trousers in German. These are knee breeches and were worn by the Germanic men of the Alpine areas and the surrounding locales as well. The lederhosen are made of leather. This traditional style of German clothing was also worn by young German boys till the age of 16. As compared to the traditional Bavarian garment, the lederhosen were less decorated in these cases. It always had features such as the suspenders and the front flaps. The lederhosen were worn in the mountains of South Germany and were preferred by riders or hunters.

Tracht:
Traditional German clothing cannot be complete without the mention of tracht. The style of the traditional tracht has even resulted in the creation of the Landhausmode. Landhausmode sees its influences from the costumes that were worn by the farmers and the peasants. For this outfit, there is major use of linen and loden material.

Gamsbart:
The Gamsbart is also a part of traditional German clothing. The Gamsbart is actually a tuft of hair that is used as a form of a decorative element. This is worn on the trachten hats. Here, the lower end of the hair is set into metal and the upper portion tufts out like a brush. As per the old traditions, these were placed only on hats. Even today, the Gamsbart is used as a part of clothing and is infused in female clothing as well.

It was probably only till the 16th century that people who belonged to the lower strata of society had to wear shades of brown or gray. In fact, clothes in shades of blue were worn only on holidays. When the industrial revolution took place in the middle of the 19th century, factory made outfits started to conquer the markets. Even then, the end of the 19th century saw a revival of these native dresses. This can be seen in the modern styles of dirndls that are found today in the market.

Rivers in Germany

Rivers in Germany have become an important asset for the nation. These rivers have helped to develop a well-connected network of inland navigation system, which handles a large part of the trade and transportation. At the same time, they also prove to be excellent platforms for activities, such as boat cruises in the beautiful surroundings of the country.

River Danube
The Danube is the longest river in Germany, and the second longest in Europe, with a length of 1,777 miles. Its catchment basin is spread over an area of 315,445 sq. miles. It originates in the Black Forest in Germany, flows through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine; and drains into the Black Sea. In its initial course, it passes through German cities like Ulm, Ingolstadt, Regensburg and Passau. It is the only river to flow through the capital cities of four countries, namely, Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary) and Belgrade (Serbia). The Iron Gate gorge on the Danube river, demarcates the border between Romania and Serbia. This navigable river connects the Black Sea with the industrial regions in Western Europe. It is a source of drinking water for approximately 10 million people across the continent.

River Rhine
The Rhine, also known as Rhein, is the second longest river in Germany. It flows through Switzerland, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Netherlands. Originating in the Tomasee Lake, in the Swiss Alps, it flows for 820 miles before draining into the North Sea, near Rotterdam in Netherlands. Its prominent tributaries are Aare, Neckar, Main, Moselle and Ruhr. It has a catchment area of 65,638 sq. miles. In Germany, it passes through major cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf and Duisburg. The 106 mile Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, is a well-developed inland navigation route in the continent. One of the most beautiful rivers in the continent, the Rhine is a major tourist attraction.

River Elbe
The Elbe, also known as die Elbe, is a 678 mile long river flowing through Germany. The river originates in the Karkonosze mountain range in Czech Republic. Its catchment basin is spread over an area of 57,247 sq. miles. Its important tributaries are Vltava, Mulde, Saale, Ohre, Schwarze Elster and Havel. It flows through German cities of Dresden, Meissen, Dessau, Magdeburg, Wittenberg and Hamburg and drains in the North Sea near Cuxhaven, Lower Saxony. The Elbe provides a useful transport alternative to interior Europe, in the form of inland waterways. With numerous dams in its course, it is a good source of potable water. In German history, this river was considered to be the border between East and West Germany.

River Weser
The Weser is a navigable river in the north-west region of Germany. Originating in Hann. Münden, in Lower Saxony, it is formed due to the confluence of Fulda and Werra. After flowing for a distance of 196 miles, it drains itself into North Sea, near Bremerhaven. It has a catchment area of 28,773 sq. miles. The most prominent tributaries of this river include Aller, Ulster, Lesum and Fulda. It passes through the German cities of Bremerhaven, Bremen, Minden, and Kassel. The river course has been altered for a stretch of 84 miles between Minden and Bremen, making the river navigable for heavy ships.

German river cruises are famous throughout the world, and this doesn't come as a surprise, with presence of rivers like the Rhine and the Danube, in Germany. The river cruise on the Rhine takes you through magnificent cities like Dusseldorf and Cologne, while the Elbe river cruise makes you experience the utmost beauty of cities like Hamburg, Magdeburg and Dresden. Over the years, these rivers have inspired many paintings and poems, and they will continue to do so for a long time to come.

Hamburg: Facts and Attractions

Hamburg, whose official name is Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, is Germany's second largest city (after Berlin) and is one of the sixteen federal states of the Federal Republic of Germany. The city gets its name from the first castle built on the site as per the orders of Emperor Charlemagne in 808 AD. Hamburg today is North Germany's center, both culturally as well as economically. Being a trade center, the city has always had an outward and open attitude which is reflected in the attitude of the inhabitants as well.

With an area of 755 sq km (292 sq mi), Hamburg's area is seven times that of Paris and twice that of London. The living space per person in Hamburg is an average of 30 square meters per person, thereby making Hamburg the city with the largest average living space in the world. The city houses 1.7 million inhabitants, which makes it more of a state than a city. 14% of the city is made up of green spaces like parks, natural preserve areas and gardens.

What makes Hamburg a unique city is its lack of skyscrapers. Buildings possessing more than 10 floors cannot be found here. Further, it is commonly believed that Venice is the city with maximum number of bridges. However, it so happens that actually Hamburg is the leader with 2302 bridges. Small adorable canals are found running all along the city like veins in a human body. The city's port with its tanker terminals is home to all major oil refining companies.

According to the demographic facts, we know that the main ethnic groups of Hamburg are of both German as well as non-German origins. The German group comprises primarily of the Hamburgers and the Lower Saxons, while the non-German group comprises of people from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Africa and Portugal. Moreover, the people of Hamburg are open and friendly, with a unique German accent which is considered to be greatest and coolest accent in Germany.

Hamburg: Tourist Attractions

Hamburg is one of the most popularly visited cities in Germany and offers more than 31 theaters, 50 state and private museums, 6 music halls and 10 cabarets which lure thousands of tourists every year. Some of the most popularly loved and visited tourist destinations are:

Binnenalster Lake
Binnenalster or Inner Alster is the small, centrally located part of Alster lake. This is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places that Hamburg has to offer tourists. It is also popularly loved by the locals and during the summer, the lake is flooded with sailing boats. There are boat rides that tour the Alster canals past the entire city and proves to be a wonderful way to see Hamburg.

Altona Fish Market
Another popular tourist attraction in the city is the Altona fish market, which even though is named a fish market, sells anything and everything (along with myriads of fish variety) known under the Sun. This colorful, crowded and lively market started in 1703, and takes place every Sunday from 7 in the morning till midnight. The key attraction of this market is the Fish Auction Hall, where fresh fish is sold in tonnes together. There is also a restaurant which provides lively music thereby entertaining shoppers. This market is a must-visit place for all Hamburg visitors.

Warehouse Complex
The Warehouse complex, also known as Speicherstadt in German, is around a century old and happens to be the world's oldest warehouse complex. The complex is a red brick construction with gables and turrets and is still used to store exotic goods from across the world. This complex has been transformed into a tourist attraction with the addition of an open-air theater, a miniature exhibition, a spice museum and an old Russian submarine that is open for people to explore. The complex is illuminated at night, giving it an enchanting appearance.

Blankenese
Blankenese, the picturesque destination on the north bank of the river Elbe, was once upon a time a fishing village that was favored by retired ship captains. Today, it is extremely popular amongst the local people as a weekend getaway spot. This village features a number of cafes, cinema halls, restaurants, stores and weekly markets selling fresh fruits and vegetables. Blankenese is situated on a very hilly region and is embedded with scores of steps all over the village. Hence, walking is something you have to be prepared to do when you get to this village.

Besides the above mentioned tourist spots, Hamburg is embedded with loads of other must-visit places such as the Planetarium (most up-to-date planetarium in the world), Hagenbecks Tierpark (world's first zoo with open-air enclosures), Hamburg Kunsthalle (Hamburg art museum), Hamburg harbor (biggest port in the Federal Republic of Germany and the fourth largest for bulk goods in Europe), St. Michaelis Church (Hamburg's cultural landmark), Japanese garden (the largest Japanese garden in the world). And the list goes on.

The public transport system in Hamburg is reliable and efficient, and do you don't have to worry about moving around once you get there. Enjoy the various picturesque destinations of Hamburg and capture some lifetime memories for yourself!

Historical Facts about Germany

The history of Germany can be traced to the times when the nomadic tribes dominated the region of the present day Germany. The region, however, was never considered as a nation or kingdom till the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire. It was known as Germania, Holy Roman Empire, and Prussia, during the course of its evolution as a nation.

Historical Facts about Germany during the BC Era

In 500 BC, the northern parts of present day Germany were dominated by the Germanic tribes, and the southern parts were dominated by the Roman Empire. The name Germany, is derived from the German tribal word 'gar' which means spear. The Roman Empire and the Germanic tribes often engaged in skirmishes and battles, openly defying each other's power. In 109 BC, the Germanic tribal settlements of Cimbri, Teutoni and Helvetii formed a confederation, to resist the Roman expansion northwards. Julius Caesar, invaded the territory of the Germanic tribes. These encounters were known as the Gallic Wars.

Historical facts about Germany during the AD Era

The Battle of Teutoburg, that took place in 9 AD, shook the Roman Empire. The battle was actually a very clever ambush by the Germanic tribes, under the leadership of Arminius, who was a tribal leader. 10,000 tribesmen slaughtered about 20,000 to 25,000 Roman soldiers and routed 3 Roman legions. Another important battle, the Battle of the Weser River, took place under the leadership of Arminius, in 16 AD.

The period between 300 AD to 700 AD came to be known as the era of Völkerwanderung, when many migrations took place, and shaped the current population of Europe. During this time period, Germany started evolving into an official state. The German Empire, which was then known as the Holy Roman Empire, was founded by Emperor Charlemagne. The Holy Roman Empire was recognized by the Church, in 962 AD, with Otto I as the Imperator Romanorum.

In the year 1075 AD, the conflict between Pope Gregory VII and the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV, gave rise to the Investiture Controversy. The Investiture Controversy was the power struggle between high ranking church officials and the kings of Europe, regarding the appointment of the regional church officials, such as the bishops or abbots. This controversy led to a civil war in Germany and the adjoining regions, and was also responsible for the disintegration of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1077 AD, Henry IV took a long and dangerous journey, barefoot, through the Alps to the Fortress of Canossa in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, to meet Pope Gregory VII and beg forgiveness. It is rumored that the Pope left Henry standing in the snow for three days before opening the gates of the fort to forgive Henry.

The German Crusade of 1096 AD was an uprising by the German crusaders against the local Jews. This crusade involved the mass murders of some of the prominent Jew bankers and businessmen in Germany. The German knights considered it a version of the Crusades. In 1152 AD, Frederick I Barbarossa was crowned as the King of Germany. Frederick I is considered to be the greatest general of the Crusades. He led many successful battles during and around the time of the Crusades. His bravery and skills in battle were so influential, that in spite his death, many of his knights kept on fighting leaderless. Some of his knights, out of sorrow even committed suicide.

1190 BC, at the end of the Third Crusade, the famous order of the Teutonic Knights was formed. In 1291 BC, the Federal Charter for Germany was signed. The demonstration of the first printing press took place in 1455 AD when inventor Johannes Gutenberg printed the Gutenberg Bible. Another important event that took place in this period was that of the Swabian War, in 1499 AD. It was fought between the Swabian forces of the Holy Roman Empire and the Swiss Confederacy. The result was very surprising, as the Swiss forces won the war. This war also established the boundaries between Germany and Switzerland. In 1517 AD, reformer Martin Luther, published his writings, "Ninety Five Theses", that triggered off the Protestant Reformation. The Peasants' War took place in 1524, when the common people of Germany revolted against the government.

Germany in the Modern Era

In the 1800's Germany played major roles in many European battles like the Neapolitan Wars from 1804 to 1815. In the 1900's Germany was held responsible for the two highly destructive world wars. The First World War began in 1914 and ended in 1918. After the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was governed by the Weimar Republic till 1933. In 1933 Hitler seized power, and started the period of the third Reich and Nazi Germany. The Second World War started in 1939 and ended in 1945, almost wiping Germany off the world map.

After the Second World War, the spirit and hope of the Germans was rekindled. The struggle of the German population to rehabilitate their nation was notable. In 1989, the Berlin Wall, that had divided Germany into East Germany (communist regime) and West Germany (democratic regime), was torn down by the citizens of Germany in order to unify their nation.

These days, Germany is considered one of the leading economic and intellectual powers, boasting of the most sophisticated technologies and systems. The German people not only love their nation, but, also protect its history, artifacts, and its environment. In spite of undertaking massive industrial, military and technological developments, the environment of this nation is regarded as a remarkably beautiful one.

Black Forest in Germany

The Black Forest is a forested mountain range in Baden-Württemberg state in Germany. It covers the German districts of Enz, Rastatt, Calw, Freudenstadt, Ortenaukreis, Rottweil, Emmendingen, Schwarzwald-Baar, Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Lörrach, and Waldshut. This 120 mile long and 37 mile wide mountainous area covers approximately 4,600 square miles of the country. The area is preserved by the volunteers of Schwarzwaldverein (Black Forest Society), the oldest existing German hiking and mountaineering club.

This mountainous range is made up of gneiss rock, covered with a layer of sandstone. Some of the tallest mountains in this area include the Feldberg, Herzogenhorn, Belchen, Spieshorn, Schauinsland and Kandel. The Black Forest was an important mining region of the European continent in medieval times. Rivers such as the Danube, the Neckar, the Wiese and the Murg cut through the mountainous range, providing the region with ample water supply to preserve it's rich ecology. The tarn lakes present in this area, are evidence to the fact that the Black Forest was covered by glaciers during the last glacial period, the Würm glaciation.

The forested region comprises of pine and fir trees. Though, excessive lumbering has led to the depletion of forest cover in this area, efforts are being made to replenish it. The region is home to rare fauna such as horses known as the 'Black Forest Foxes' and the Hinterwalderberg cows. The giant earthworm, Lumbricus badensis, is only found in this area of the world.

The Black Forest is one of the booming tourist destinations in Germany. Tourists flock to the valleys in the vicinity of mountains like the Feldberg and the Belchen. Lakes like the Titisee and the Schluchsee also contribute to the beauty of this region. The Triberg waterfall on the river Gutach is one of the famous waterfalls in the Black Forest. The 14,000 mile network of backpacking trails present in this area, is suitable for activities such as cycling, trekking or cross country running. For tourists who seek something other than nature, there are also a couple of museums like the Vogtsbauernhöfe; an open air museum showcasing the life of farmers of the region in 17th and 18th century, and the German Clock Museum in Furtwangen; displaying the history of the clock manufacturing industry. Even the mines dating back to medieval times have been re-opened as a tourism venture.

Lumbering is another prominent activity of people residing in this region. Wood carving has flourished as a cottage industry over the centuries. Cuckoo clocks and carved ornaments are items of fancy for tourists visiting this area. Farming, cattle rearing and other dairy related activities are practiced at a substantial level.

Other than nature, this place is also famous for legends and unique traditions that are practiced here even today. The fables rife about the area, makes the Black Forest even more exciting. According to one of the fables, water nymphs reside in the dark depths of the Mummel Lake in Baden while another talks about a king living in the deep waters of the lake, who drags women to his underwater kingdom. Then there are age old traditions like the last grape harvest is brought home by a bullock-cart, as it is believed, that if they don't follow the tradition then the whole crop turns sour.

The Black Forest in Germany is truly a marvelous place that mother nature has bestowed upon humanity. It's truly a wonderful experience and everyone should pay a visit at least once in their lifetime.

Tourist Attractions in Germany

Germany is the picture perfect European country, the home to fairytales and folklore. Germany is one country that has the balance of urbane developments and picturesque landscape. You can have a look at castles and concentration camps. You can visit harvest festivals and rich heritage structures. You will enjoy every minute in Germany and experience a warm hospitality from the local Germans. You should visit Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, etc. and have a look at their infrastructure that you will never see anywhere in the world. Let us now go into the details of some of the famous tourist attractions in Germany. You can read more on Germany: travel and vacations.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Germany

Berlin
Berlin is a beautiful city that contains the remnants of the past. You can still visit the Berlin Wall in some parts of the city and have a look at the last remaining gate, the Brandenburg Gate. You should also visit the Charlottenburg Palace that is, the oldest surviving Prussian palace. The other place to visit is the Soviet War Memorial, which was built as a tribute to the Russian soldiers who died fighting Hitler.

Dachau
This is one place you should not skip as it is the remainder of the dark past. This is a concentration camp build in 1933 that was a training ground for those who were to staff the camps. You will find a statue with an inscription ‘Never Again’ that is a reminder to never let the past horrors occur again. You can read more on historical facts about Germany.

Cologne
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Germany, this city rests at the banks of River Rhine. You can have a taste of a different style of beer at the city, cathedral and a new dialect. You can read more on fun facts about Germany.

Heidelberg
The romantic city of Germany, Heidelberg is established near the river Neckar. The ancient towers and bridges or the sandstone castle towering over the old town is a breathtaking sight. The oldest university of Germany, that was founded in 1386, is still active in Heidelberg. You can get to catch beautiful sights of the town from the Alte Brücke or Old Bridge. On the opposite bank of the river, you can view mesmerizing views of Germany from the Philosophenweg or Philosopher's Path.You can read more on rivers in Germany.

The Black Forest
Don't let the name fool you, this is one of the famous tourist attraction in Germany. It is located in the south western Germany and known for its Cuckoo clocks. You can camp and hike in the Black Forest that is covered with dark firs and pines. It is also known as the Home of the German Soul and known for its picturesque valleys. You can read more on Black Forest in Germany.

The Frisian Island
This is another one of the major tourist attractions in Germany, that is surrounded by countries like Germany, Denmark and Netherlands. You can visit the Sylt and Amrum islands that are one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Germany. Sylt is a popular tourist destination with the Hamburgers and Amrum is the widest beach that is open to nude sunbathing and swimming. You can read more on interesting facts about Germany.

Munich
Munich is a famous tourist attraction in Germany that is the capital of Bavaria. It is located on the River Isar and on the northern side of Bavarian Alps. This famous tourist attraction in Germany is known for its Munich Oktoberfest. It was actually a royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony Hildburghausen on October the 12th, 1810. However, today the day is still celebrated with a 16 day festival. This festival is celebrated in September, despite the name. This lively and unforgettable festival is known for its food and never ending beer drinking celebrations. You can read more on the major cities in Germany.

Lake Constance
The lake that is fed by the River Rhine is the largest lake shared with Switzerland and Austria. It is also one of the major tourist attractions in Germany. This region has the warmest microclimate and an old fashioned resorts that is popular with Germans. You can visit the resort town on the lake side and a structurally intact castle of Germany. You should visit the island of Mainau on the Northern end of the lake and also the postcard town of Lindau on the southern end.

The Romantic Road
This is one of the several themed roads in Germany and is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Germany. The Romantic Road has the most beautiful scenery, cuisines and ambiance that you will definitely enjoy. And the Nordlingen Ries Crater on this path is where the American astronauts learned to moonwalk.

Neuschwanstein Castle
The most famous tourist attractions in Germany is the Neuschwanstein Castle. This is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Germany that was build in 1869 by King Ludwig. This castle is one of the real pieces of fairy tale castles. You can read more on castles in Germany.

These are some of the top 10 tourist attractions in Germany that you should visit. Germany is a very beautiful country. You need to plan your travel well in advance so that you do not miss visiting the most beautiful places on earth when you are in Germany. There are plenty of major tourist attractions in Germany that will surely make your trip to the land of fairytale a simply unforgettable one.

Tips for doing Business in Germany

Germany, the fourth largest economy in the world, is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It is also a member of the European Union. The country primarily relies on export-oriented growth. The present economic situation has caused its exports to shrink. According to the European Commission, Germany's output is expected to shrink by 5.4 percent. Unemployment is also on the rise. Hence seeking employment in Germany can be a daunting task. Rather than taking away jobs from the permanent residents, being self-employed and providing employment to others might be a welcome initiative.

Starting a Business in Germany: Is it an Easy Task?

According to The World Bank Group, Germany ranks 25th among 181 countries as far as 'ease of doing business' is concerned. The same study ranks Germany at 102, when it comes to 'starting a business'. Clearly, starting a business in Germany is not an easy task.

Tips for doing Business in Germany

Applying for a Residence Permit

Having a residence permit is a precondition for starting any business in Germany. The rules regarding applying for the permit vary, depending on whether or not the person is a citizen of an European Union (EU) member country.

Citizens of an EU member state: A person from an EU member state is required to inform the registry office before starting any business.

Citizens from non-EU countries: In order to obtain a residence permit there should be an economic justification or a social need for the proposed business. It might be easier to obtain a permit in case the business is able to generate at least five jobs and the investment is around €500,000. A person already having a residence permit has to get it re-approved, before starting a business.

Types of Business

Any person who intends to start a business and remain self-employed can be classified under one of the following categories: Professionals, Businessmen or Micro-Entrepreneurs.

Professionals: The liberal professions are as follows: medical and non-medical healing professions, legal, tax and other business advisory services, technical and scientific jobs, professions facilitating communication and linguistics and teaching profession. Any member of a liberal profession needs to prove his skills by taking a test. This is a means of convincing the authorities that his skills are required by the society and they would benefit the economy. The entrepreneur is required to register with the tax office and pay taxes using the tax number assigned to him. However, there is no trade tax. An English teacher who decides to start a spoken-English coaching class is an example of a self-employed professional.

Businessmen: Generally, all self-employed people who do not belong to any of the liberal professions are classified as business people. The key point is that the business under consideration should aim to provide employment to the entrepreneur and a few others. Preferably five or more people should be employed by the business. An entrepreneur who is interested in starting a catering business is an example of a business person. Business people are required to register with the designated trade office and submit their annual profit & loss statement and balance sheet to the tax office.

Micro-Entrepreneurs: A micro enterprise is intended to provide employment only to the entrepreneur. In this case, the enterprise has to be registered with the chamber of industry and commerce or with the chamber of crafts. The fees paid to the chamber and the taxes levied depend on the amount of revenue generated.

Germany, like most countries is going through a phase of recession. The government is trying to revive the economy by giving a boost to the automobile industry. It is encouraging fuel-efficient and environment-friendly cars. A business related to the automobile industry might be a good option for people desiring to set up business in Germany.

Germany Facts for Kids

Germany is a Central European country and is bordered by Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Poland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France, Luxembourg and Netherlands. With a population of over 82 million it is one of the most densely populated countries. Germany is one of the super powers of the world and it had a key role to play in the history of the world. Germany is officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany and is known as Bundesrepublik Deutschland in German. It is mostly known for being under the regime of Adolf Hitler, but there is more to Germany than that. There are many Germany facts for kids that will make kids appreciate the uniqueness of this country. Here we will present to you some Germany facts for kids that will help children to know more about this beautiful country.

Germany Facts and Information for Kids

Germany is surrounded by mountain ranges as well as extensive uplands and lowland plains. It consists of the Bavarian Alps in the South, the Mittelgebirge in the center. It is also surrounded by the North Sea and Baltic Sea in the North and South coasts. Germany has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 22-30º C in the summers and falls below 0º C in the winters. More than 30 percent of land in Germany is covered by forests and it has 97 natural reserves. Here we will present to you some interesting facts about Germany.

    * The life expectancy of an average German man is 73 years and that of a German woman is 80 years.
    * The Capital of Germany is Berlin and it has a population of over 3.47 million people.
    * There are 16 states in Germany and they are Baden-Württemberg, Hamburg, Bavaria, Saarland, Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bremen, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rhineland Palatinate, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.
    * A very important Germany facts for kids is that after the world war II, Germany was split into two separate states: The Western Federal Republic of Germany and the Eastern German Democratic Republic. Germany was thereafter unified again into a single state in 1990.
    * The country has considerable natural resources in the form of coal, lignite, copper, iron ore, uranium, potash, natural gas, nickel and timber.
    * The primary ethnic group in Germany consists of German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4% and 6.1% of other ethnic groups which comprises of Greek, Italian, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Polish and Spanish.
    * German is the main language that is spoken throughout the country and the the major religions are Protestants, Roman Catholics and Muslims.
    * An interesting German facts for kids is that it is the second most populous country after Russia in Europe and it is the fifth largest economy in the world.
    * 11 percent of the German population live below the poverty line and the unemployment rate in Germany is 7.5 percent.
    * We cannot talk about Germany without mentioning Albert Einstein who is one of the most famous German people. This physicist, and Nobel laureate was born in Ulm Germany.
    * Germany is also a member of United Nations, G8, NATO and G20. It is also one of the major economic superpowers of the world.
    * One of the most interesting Hitler facts is that he was a struggling painter in Vienna and he was rejected twice by the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
    * There is great controversy regarding how did Hitler die? Although the official report is suicide many conspiracy theorist suggest that his death was in fact faked and he went into hiding to create the new Third Reich.

Fun Facts About Germany for Kids

Germany is well known for its superior automobile industry and earns considerable revenue by exporting machinery, chemical goods and automobiles. But there are many fun German facts for kids that will make learning about Germany more interesting. Here are some fun Germany facts for kids.

    * Germany is the second largest consumer of beer in the world after Ireland and an average German drinks 119 litres per year.
    * Want to know some fun facts about Germany? There are more than 1300 beer breweries in Germany which make 5000 different types of beer.
    * One of the most unique facts about Germany is that Germany has the highest number of zoos in the world with more than 400 officially recognized zoos. It also has many wildlife parks, aquariums and other natural reserves.
    * There are over 150 castles in Germany, although most of them have been converted to hotels. Many old German aristocrats still reside in these castles.
    * Germany is also the home to the world's oldest brewery Weihenstephaner Brewery.
    * One of the most important historical facts about Germany is that the Cologne cathedral located in Cologne which is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world and it took 632 years to complete it.
    * Germany is known for its fabulous baked goods and pastries. There are over 300 types of bread and 1200 different types of cakes and pastries.
    * One of the most famous places in Germany is the city of Trier in Germany which was known "second Rome" and it was the home of several Roman emperors.
    * The cuckoo clock that features a small bird appearing through a wooden trap door was invented in Germany in the 17th century. As the bird comes out of the trap, it chirps like a cuckoo as the clock strikes the hour.
    * The Black Forest in Germany is a wooded mountain range in Germany in the southwestern region of Baden-Württemberg. The forest was so named because the dense growth of conifers which did not allow sunlight to penetrate through the tress, making the area dark.
    * Traditional German clothing consisted of tracht which are made of linen and lederhosen which are trousers made of leather.
    * Germans have a fondness for sausages as is evident from more than 1200 varieties of sausages that are to be found here.
    * One of the most popular fests in Germany is the Oktoberfest. It is a 16 day festival which is actually a public celebration which is characterized by dancing, guzzling down beer, food and music.

These were some Germany facts for kids. Germany has a lot to offer as a country and its scenic beauty has to be seen to be believed. The culture, people and food are unique and this is what makes Germany a great nation.

Famous Places in Germany

Deutschland ist wunderbar! Kennst du nicht? Okay, for those not very much acquainted with German, I meant Germany is wonderful! Don't you know? The language apart, this largest country in Central Europe sure knows how to go about achieving 'Vorsprung Durch Technik' (Advancement and progress through technology). But at the same time the Germans also know how to party and how to portray and maintain their culture, heritage and tourism. Germany is an absolute haven for travelers and tourists and the famous places in Germany never seem to end!

Famous Places in Germany to Visit

The Gothic Hotspot
Cologne is the place, if you are enthusiastic about seeing a magnificent epitome of Gothic architecture, in the form of Cologne Cathedral. One of the finest church buildings, this church boasts of herculean proportions and craftsmanship of unbeatable quality. All these things make it a must see when you are talking about travel and vacations in Germany.

Brag about Bavaria
Bavaria is a fantastic tourist package with its 4 major areas of tourist interest. These are Bavarian Forest and East Bavaria; Swabia and the Allgau in the southwest, Upper Bavaria in the south and Franconia to the north. A paradise to chill out, this region puts you on a platter, an array of landscapes, from mountains to lakes and forests. Sehr gut ( very good) isn't it? Plus there is a 'Romantic Road', the most famous and picturesque of all the German roads. It connects northern Bavaria with the south.

Bamburg
With the veil of the past looming large on this UNESCO World Heritage site, Bamburg is known for its awesome historical townscape. Medieval and Baroque buildings in this city are spectacular. Some of the must see places in Germany in this area are Imperial Cathedral (13th century), the old Town Hall, picturesque fishermen’s dwellings (‘Little Venice’), the Franconian Beer Museum, Old Royal Palace, New Palace, rose garden; and Michaelsberg Monastery. If you are keen on getting a glimpse of historical facts about Germany, you have to visit this place.

Black Beauty
One of the most famous places in Germany, Black Forest or the Schwarzwald is located in the southwest corner of Germany in the German federal-state of Baden-Wurttemberg. The Black Forest in Germany has created its identity on account of legends and anecdotes related to it, as well as the unique black fir trees adorning the landscape. Skiing, watchmaking and tourism is what this place is famous for.

The Rhine Valley or Rhine Land
The middle Rhine area, between Bonn and Mainz is one of the most popular and famous places in Germany. The Rhine Gorge, a section of Rhine from Koblenz to Bingen is a UNESCO Heritage site and the valley is famous for its wines. Rhine valley is synonymous with Gothic architecture and has witnessed the lives of great personalities from Western Europe. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Germany.

Mix of the Historical and Contemporary
The melting pot of gen next Germans and the Germany of yesteryear, Berlin houses the parliament of Germany. Berlin has a great mix of the pre-war Germany and the intensely western and Americanized city. One can obviously notice the stark contrast between east and west Berlin, even though its been quite some time since the historical Berlin wall was destroyed and the city became one. The eastern part is more of the traditional Germany, having retained some of its pre-war heritage. Berlin is well known for its museums, art galleries and universities, for instance the Pergamon museum, housing classical antique works.

Wow! The list is never ending and there are many more places you wouldn't want to miss out if you go to Germany. Here are some more of the best places in Germany -

    * Ingolstadt known for its 15th century architecture
    * Munich a major international arts and business center and one of the major cities in Germany.
    * Constance Mainau and Reichenau Island on Lake Constance
    * Hamburg's port
    * Tubingen, south of Stuttgart, is a world famous, and beautiful, university town on the River Neckar.
    * Wartburg Castle, World Heritage site in Thuringia, near Eisenach
    * Brandenburg Gate
    * The palaces and gardens of Potsdam

I guess that was it! I can tell you more about famous places in Germany, but if I tell you that, then you would probably miss out on discovering something impromptu in Deutschland. This is where I say good bye – Wiedersehen!

Facts About Castles in Germany

Build on, and make thy castles high and fair,
Rising and reaching upward to the skies;
Listen to voices in the upper air,
Nor lose thy simple faith in mysteries.
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (from The Castle Builder)

For someone who lives in a part of the world that is too modernized to accommodate any space for fantasy and wild flights of imagination in her life, I would call myself quite the daydreamer! I've grown up listening to fairy tales and stories involving fantastic creatures and knights coming to the rescue of fair damsels in distress. Therefore, while I was growing up, I began giving in to my desire to explore actual castles in various different parts of the world. Now, not for nothing is Europe known as the land of fairy tales, what with such a lot of European countries being homes to a large number of ancient castles and forts. Prominent among these countries that are the homelands of castles and fairy tale-like settings are Scotland, Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Wales, Hungary, Albania, Sweden, Portugal, Denmark, Poland, France, Bulgaria, Austria, Armenia, Croatia, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland and Ireland. Various other European countries are also home to a large number of castles and fortresses. For now, let's take a look at some interesting facts about castles in Germany.

Famous Castles in Germany

Before we proceed to the various facts about castles in Germany, let's take in the numbers. Here is a list of all famous castles in Germany, classified according to their locations.

Area in Germany Having Castles	Most Famous Castle in the Area	Total Number of Castles In/ Around This Area
Baden-Württemberg	Hohenzollern Castle	44
Bavaria	Neuschwanstein Castle	81
Berlin	Charlottenburg Palace	22
Brandenburg	Babelsberg Palace	89
Bremen	Castle Blomendal	3
Hamburg	Castle Bergedorf	8
Hessen	Braunfels Castle	Over 200
Lower Saxony	Imperial Palace of Goslar	98
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern	Schwerin Castle	52
North Rhine-Westphalia	Castle Broich, Mülheim	49
Rhineland-Palatinate	Eltz castle	About 200
Saarland	Castle Saarbrücken	19
Saxony	Zwinger Palace	Over 100
Saxony-Anhalt	Castle of Wernigerode	Over 300
Schleswig-Holstein	Breitenburg Castle	Over 200
Thuringia	Wartburg Castle	Over 200

Please take note that the components of the above table includes castles, forts, palaces as well as manor houses.

Information on Castles in Germany

Here are some random interesting facts about castles in Germany that I'm sure you'll have fun reading. Besides the information, these facts are pretty high on the amusement value!

    * The famous Neuschwanstein Castle was designed by a theatrical set designer, Christian Jank, and not an architect!
    * The Sleeping Beauty Castle at the Disneyland Park is inspired by the Neuschwanstein Castle.
    * The architectural styles of all these German castles vary greatly. While some are styled after Baroque architecture, you'll find a lot of castles fashioned after Renaissance and other architectural styles.
    * The Wartburg Castle houses many a legend within its fortified walls and gigantic chambers. For instance, it was constructed as a result of a German Duke's fascination with the Alpine scenery. Also, a number of music contests were held in this castle and frescoes depicting the winners can still be found on the walls of its court.
    * The Wartburg castle is also famous in the history of Germany due of its association with the Protestant Reformation movement. Martin Luther was held inside this castle as a punishment for leading the movement.
    * The intricate woodwork inside King Ludwig's bed chamber in the Neuschwanstein Castle was completed by 14 carpenters in four and a half years!
    * Many of the German castles underwent reconstruction and redesigning due to the various outside influences brought back to home by Medieval kings and knights returning from war in foreign lands.
    * Castles situated in different locations in Germany vary to some extent in terms of design and architectural style from each other. Castles in no two regions would have either a similar look or feel. Considering the whopping number of castles that are situated throughout Germany, that's a hell of a lot of variety!
    * The design of the Herrenchiesmee Castle was inspired by the French Versailles. It has a number of French styled gardens in its premises and the rooms are ornamented by quite a significant number of mirrors in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.
    * The Castle of Hiedelberg presents one of the best examples of what a true Gothic styled architectural masterpiece should be! Another instance of Gothic influence is the Eltz Castle which still has its strong Gothic plaster (containing blood of ox, animal hair, camphor, quick lime and clay) intact.
    * The Hiedelberg Castle boasts of the largest wine barrel in the world which has the capacity to hold a whopping 55,345 gallons of wine at a time!

I am sure your curious feelers must have been activated after reading these amazing facts about castles in Germany! With well over 20,000 castles, forts, palaces, manor houses and fortified buildings all over its expanse, even a year-long trip to Germany would fall short for exploring each of these castles and architectural masterpieces. Indeed, the more you learn about various other facts and information about Germany, the more this fairytale land beckons you with a promise of intrigue and fantasy!

Cool Facts about Germany

When we talk about Germany the first thing that comes to mind is Hitler. Yes, Adolf Hitler, one of the most famous and ruthless dictators of all time, was the ruler of Germany from 1935 to 1945. He made headlines with his gruesome atrocities and made his country a global name. However, this was almost 80 years ago. A lot has changed since then and Germany is now regarded as one of the most magnificent countries in the world. This article on cool facts about Germany gives you an insight on one of the most beautiful countries of the world.

Germany is a country situated in West Central Europe, which is also known as the Heart of Europe. The most fascinating part about Germany is that it represents such a rich and varied culture within itself that everyone who's on a European vacation is fascinated to see and experience Germany. It's the land of castles, fairy tales and great minds. One look at the natural and rich surroundings and you feel that you have landed in heaven. The country offers you unlimited adventures which leaves you tired and exhausted but you still want to try everything. So if you love the Germans and their country, here are some cool and interesting facts about Germany.

Amazing Germany Facts

Looking for some fun facts about Germany? Historians say that the country was home to people belonging to different cultures. It was also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire till the 1800's. Many more cool facts about Germany for kids and adults are listed below.

    * Even though Germany is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 82 million people. The Germans have kept more than 31% of their land mass under forest cover.
    * After the Irish, Germans are the biggest beer drinkers. An Average German consumes more than 119 liters of beer every year.
    * The city of Frankfurt is also known as "Bankfurt" by many Germans. This is because the high number of banks located in the city.
    * You can find more than 100 castles in the German land. This makes the country one of the most castle populated countries in the world.
    * One of the most amazing Germany facts is that, it's the only European country which borders nine different nations.
    * A cool Germany fact for kids is that the country is home to 97 natural reserves and Black Forest is the biggest of them.
    * The official name of Germany is The Federal Republic of Germany.
    * Berlin is the capital of Germany. Other major cities in Germany are Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Hanover, Dusseldorf and Bremen.
    * An interesting historical fact about Germany is that the state of Thuringia is home to the world's most colorful caves.
    * Buying a beer in Germany is very cheap, the problem arises when you have to choose from more than 1,000 brands of beer. The German love their beer so much that they have also used it in an expression: Das ist nicht mein Bier this means, "That is none of my business".
    * This is strange but true. Adolf Hitler helped create the Volkswagen Beetle.
    * Do you love the brand "Adidas"? Yes, Adidas is a German brand and the brand "Adidas" comes from the designer's name Adi Dassler.
    * After the World War 2, Germany was divided in to West and East. There was a huge fight between Soviet Union and Western Powers as to who will control Germany. This led to Cold War which lasted almost 44 years and it was ended in 1989 when East Germany opened its gates to the West. You can read more about the history of the Berlin wall.
    * Germany has the largest economy and is also the most populous country in the European continent.
    * The country is also called the largest producer in the world. It's exports include machine tools, electronics, food, beverages, chemicals, automobiles, steel, coal, cement, iron and machinery.
    * Germany is also home to two of the world's most luxurious car brands; Audi and BMW.

So these were some amazing Germany facts and information. You think you can add in some more cool facts about Germany, please leave your comments.