A unified, wealthy, industrial yet beautiful Germany awaits you and promises some of the most intriguing travel experiences in Europe.
Many of its treasures were lost in World War II, but much remains and much has been restored. Natural scenery, particularly in the Black Forest, the Mosel Valley, the Harz Mountains, and the Bavarian Alps, is a potent lure.
For those who want to see history in the making, we'd recommend visiting Potsdam, Leipzig, Dresden, Meissen, and Weimar, all centers of East Germany before German unification in October 1990. Keep in mind, however, that although political developments have been fast paced, the infrastructure of the five new states cannot change overnight, and living standards here are still different from those in (the former) West Germany.
Germany is one of the most modern and, at the same time, the most traditional of countries. Its advanced technology and industry are the envy of the rest of the world. Here you'll likely meet people of learning and sophistication, boasting a long cultural heritage and devotion to music and the arts.
This guide is meant to help you decide where to go in Germany and how best to enjoy its charms, but ultimately the most gratifying rewards will be your own serendipitous discoveries -- drinking beer in a yard shaded by chestnut trees, picnicking in a Bavarian meadow, or spending time chatting with a wine maker in the Mosel Valley. You will surely remember experiences like these for years to come.
