The Brandenburg Gate Berlin, Germany
The Brandenburg Gate
Berlin, Germany

Germany is one of the largest European countries in size, while it has the largest population of the members of the European Union.  The capital city is Berlin, although Bonn shares the seat of government.

After the Second World War, Germany was divided into East and West Germany. West Germany established a federal government system, while East Germany was ruled buy communistic leaders.   Citizens were not allowed to freely cross from one side to the other.  In 1989, Hungary opened its borders, allowing Germans to leave the economically struggling Eastern areas and relocate to West Germany.  On November 9, the same year, the leaders of East Germany softened and allowed their citizens to leave.  Eventually the wall that separated East and West Berlin was torn down and the country was reunited.

Rathaus (City Hall), Munich, Germany
Rathaus (City Hall), Munich, Germany

The German culture that many Americans are familiar with is actually more closely related to the Bavarian,  one of the federal states located in the southeastern part of Germany.  Lederhosen, Dirndl skirts and beer gardens are popular cultural icons.

There is much more to Germany than beer, though.  Modern cities draw people from all over the world to do business in Germany’s thriving economy.  Berlin is the largest city, followed by Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Frankfurt.

Here are some posts you might enjoy:

The Magnificent Cologne Cathedral

Munich City Center – Yarn Shops and Other Attractions

Castles Along the Rhine

Buying Train Tickets for Travel in Germany

Cruising the Rhine River in Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle