Student Travel Programs in Germany
Exploring Germany
Germany is commonly associated with bratwurst, beer, castles and automobile production. It’s also sadly remembered for its role in World War II. But there’s so much more to the country.
One third of Germany is covered with forests and woodlands. The nation has striking mountain ranges like the Bavarian Alps and has more than 12,000 scenic lakes. It’s been home to some of the greatest geniuses to ever live – from Ludwig van Beethoven to Albert Einstein. The country has been called the “Land of the Poets and the Thinkers.”
On top of this, the nation is dotted with innumerable charming towns with Medieval architecture and sweeping scenery. If you’re considering a journey to Germany, here are some country details to keep in mind.
Country Overview
Germany is one of the most populated countries in Europe with about 84 million residents. The country is among the nations with the highest number of neighbors. It borders nine other nations: Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
Germany’s landscape is quite varied from the rolling plains of the north to mountainous south. The thick forests in the southwest are called the Black Forest since ancient Romans found the area to be dark and mysterious with no light shining through the canopy. Today Germany is known for automobile production, but cutting across the country is an extensive train network and tens of thousands of miles of hiking trails.
The present nation did not come into being until the 19th century when Prussian Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck brought together dozens of German-speaking kingdoms and principalities. The nation-state was called the German Reich. The time periods of the German Reich are generally split in three:
- German Empire (1871–1918)
- Weimar Republic (1918–1933)
- Nazi Germany (1933–1945)
Today Germany is a parliamentary and federal democracy. 86% of the population is German and the rest of the people are Turkish, Polish, Syrian and other ethnicities.
Weather
Germany has a relatively temperate climate. The warmest month in Munich is July. Here are the average weather conditions you’d expect in Munich in the summer:
| June | July | August | |
| High Temperature | 68.9 F | 73.6 F | 73.4 F |
| Low Temperature | 50.7 F | 54.7 F | 54.1 F |
| Average Daylight | 16 hrs. | 15 hrs. 4 min | 14 hrs. 3 min |
| Average Rainfall | 5 inches | 5.2 inches | 4.4 inches |
| Monthly Rainy Days | 13.8 days | 12 days | 11.4 days |
History
History of Germany – Documentary
Look back at the history of the Germanic people from centuries ago through the Medieval Age, Roman Times and beyond.
Culture
Bach, Beethoven And Beyond: Classical Music In Germany
How many famous German composers can you name? Bach, Brahms, Beethoven, Handel. What about Hildegard of Bingen? Watch the video to learn more.
Food
German Food: From Schnitzel To Black Forest Gateau – Mahlzeit!
Take a look at some of the delicious dishes that Germans commonly eat.
Spätzle Recipe – How to Make Spätzle or Spaetzle (Tiny German Dumplings)
Try this fast and easy recipe for a German classic.
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