Federal states

Hike through the Black Forest and take in Lake Constance, relax in Baden-Baden or enjoy the culture in Heidelberg – there are plenty of reasons to visit Baden-Württemberg. This is the area of Germany with the most Michelin stars and the most hours of sunshine. Welcome to the south!

Inspiration and a zest for life. Bright blue skies and crystal-clear lakes. Small Medieval towns and vibrant cities. Bavarian tradition and friendly hospitality. Mysterious forests and snow-capped peaks. Outdoor activities and relaxation. UNESCO World Heritage sites and a wealth of cultural attractions.

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is renowned for its exceptional range of landmarks, vibrant cultural scene and way of life that's somehow all go yet relaxed.

It's hard to imagine such vast countryside being so close to Berlin and yet you can't get to the capital without passing through this holiday destination. After all, the metropolitan area is surrounded by the nature, culture and lakes of Brandenburg. Breathe in the fresh air. Be at one with nature. Get moving. This is what holidays in Brandenburg are all about!

The sister cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven never fail to impress visitors with their remarkable insights into fascinating worlds, maritime and historical attractions viewed from unusual perspectives and broad spectrum of art and culture.

The Hanseatic city of Hamburg is one of Europe's finest urban areas thanks to its maritime charm and cosmopolitan outlook. City living and the wonderful world of nature are intertwined here, with no end of hotels, restaurants, theatres and shops, cool beaches along the River Elbe, the verdant banks of the Alster, a busy port and landmarks from throughout the city's 1,200-year history awaiting visitors.

Hesse lies at the heart of Germany and offers tourists a broad range of holiday options. Whether holidaymakers are looking for nature, culture, hiking, cycling, a spa break, a family holiday or a city break, there is something for everyone in Hesse. And it's quick and easy to get to, given that Frankfurt Airport is right in the middle of the region.

Lower Saxony, a region that is home to diverse natural scenery and must-visit towns and cities, is located directly between the Ems and Elbe Rivers. Lower Saxony is the only German state with both sea and mountains, and it boasts one of the country's most beautiful seashores with the North Sea coast and the seven East Frisian islands.

Picture 1,900 kilometres of coastline lined with upscale Baltic Sea resorts and white sandy beaches, venerable UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning natural scenery. Central Europe's largest continuous area of lakes and rivers is just an hour's drive heading south from the Baltic Sea. The small towns and villages nestled between the Ice Age hills and wetlands are home to some 2,000 palaces, castles, parks and stately homes, including the northern equivalent of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Ludwig van Beethoven, Heinrich Heine and Joseph Beuys – the region of Germany with the biggest population has produced many influential artists and is considered to be one of Europe's main cultural regions. Countless museums, theatres, orchestras, concert halls, musicals and events attract several million visitors every year. The biggest cultural attractions include five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cologne Cathedral, Aachen Cathedral, the Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust in Brühl, the Princely Abbey of Corvey and the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen. Cologne's signature landmark is actually the most visited attraction in the whole of Germany.

Romantic castles, welcoming people and quality wines – Rhineland-Palatinate boasts all this and so much more! The Ahr Valley, Eifel, Hunsrück, Lahn valley, Naheland, Moselle-Saar, Palatinate, Rhine-Hesse, Romantic Rhine and Westerwald regions boasting vast vineyard slopes, dormant volcanoes, lush forests and vibrant towns and cities are just as lively and inspiring as the people who live there.

Cycling tours in the Saarland are all about variety and unforgettable experiences, with family-friendly routes along river valleys, cross-border trips into France and Luxembourg and challenging climbs in the Hunsrück hills that are guaranteed to make cyclists get a sweat on. The Saar Cycle Route is not to be missed as the first cross-border, long-distance stretch to be awarded four stars by the German Cyclists' Federation (ADFC). This is premium Saarland quality at its very best.

Saxony-Anhalt is known as the heartland of German history. It is just waiting for culture enthusiasts to discover its world-class tourist attractions. Active holidaymakers will be spoilt for choice here. And if they follow the motto "Enjoy nature – breathe freely in Saxony Anhalt", they will be sure to discover remarkable natural landscapes.

A holiday in Saxony is a journey of discovery through a cultural landscape dating back 1,000 years. Cultural breaks in the area allow visitors to follow in the footsteps of prestigious composers, architects and artists. The top holiday destinations are ideal for combining city breaks with activity holidays or family holidays with wellness breaks. And that applies all year round.

The Schleswig-Holstein region is defined by the North and Baltic Seas. Wind, wetlands and waves – the ebb and flow of the waters have a major influence on the way of life here. What a perfect holiday destination for families, water sports fanatics and nature lovers!

A variety of landscapes, a fabulous wealth of castles and palaces, an unforgettable diversity of culture and architecture and so many fun things to do – this is what the holiday destination of Thuringia is all about. Nobody has managed to capture the beauty of Thuringia quite so pertinently as Goethe, who said: "Where else in Germany can you find so many wonderful things in such close proximity?"