The landscape of Germany is incredibly diverse: in the north, ancient Paleozoic mountain ranges alternate with lowlands, which also extend into the central part of the country, while the south is dominated by younger, Alpine formations. The capital is Berlin, which until 1989 was famously divided by its Wall into east and west. Several cities are experiencing a significant tourist boom: from Munich to Dresden, Stuttgart to Frankfurt.
Germany is crossed by two major rivers, the Rhine and the Danube, which run in opposite directions. The Danube rises in the Black Forest and is a crucial waterway, connecting Germany with many Eastern European countries (Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, and Romania). There are also numerous lakes, with Lake Constance being the largest, stretching into Austria and Switzerland. The German climate is transitional: oceanic in the northwest, with abundant rainfall, and more continental in the east and southeast, characterized by hot summers and cold winters.
Southern Germany is covered in forests, where respect for the Wald (woods) is deeply rooted in German cultural traditions. Native wildlife is limited, mainly including deer, wild boar, hare, weasel, badger, wolf, and fox, but birdlife is rich, with migratory species like the white stork.
In the coastal waters of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, the most common fish are herring and cod.
Easter in Germany
One of the most unique features of German Easter is the Easter Bunny (Osterhase): a chocolate rabbit given to all children. During this period, pastry shop windows are filled with chocolate bunnies of every shape and size.
Tradition holds that on Easter Sunday, it’s the bunny who brings children generous chocolate eggs. But as a playful creature, the rabbit hides the eggs throughout the house and often in the garden, in the most unexpected places. Children must be patient and resourceful, joining in this treasure hunt for the coveted, colorful chocolate eggs.
Much like the hare, the rabbit was considered by ancient pre-Christian populations of northern Europe a symbol of fertility. Over the centuries, it has become a figure of good fortune, heralding spring, the rebirth of nature, and new beginnings.
German homes are splendidly decorated with egg and bunny motifs to celebrate the festive mood.
It’s a time for families to come together, with parents and children painting egg shells, a beloved tradition among kids in Germany.
Another highlight is the Easter bonfire, strictly kindled by natural methods—using flint, rubbing wood, or the sun’s rays focused with a magnifying glass. Sometimes, church lights are extinguished and relit from this sacred, meaningful fire.
Germany at a glance
- Country: Federal Republic of Germany
- Area: 357,022.90 km²
- Capital: Berlin
- Population: 82 million inhabitants
- Language: German
- Religion: Predominantly Lutheran Protestantism and Catholicism
- State system: federal republic
- Main cities: Berlin, Essen, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Mannheim, Düsseldorf, Nuremberg, Hanover, Dresden, Bremen
Useful information about Germany
- Currency: Euro
- International dial code: +49
- Car registration code: D
- Driving side: right
- Entry documents: ID Card or Passport
- Vaccination required: None
- Electricity: 220 V
- Units of measurement: metric system
- Time zone: same as Italy
- Fixed-date public holidays: January 1: New Year’s Day; March-April: Good Friday; March-April: Easter; March-April: Easter Monday; May 1: Labour Day; May: Ascension Day; June: Whit Monday; October 3: Unity Day (National Day); December 25: Christmas; December 26: St. Stephen’s Day; December 31: New Year’s Eve
- Climate: generally moderately continental, with cold winters and fairly warm summers, and persistently unstable due to the constant clash of different air masses, causing abrupt changes from warm to cold and dry to humid conditions
- Average temperatures: -1°C to 1.5°C in winter; 17°C to 20°C in summer
- Transport: Many national airlines: Lufthansa, Germanwings, Air Berlin, Hapag Lloyd, LTU, Condor; all airlines operate direct flights to Germany. Trains: Deutsche Bahn, also Trenitalia and French Railways.
- Airports: Many German cities have an airport: Berlin, Essen, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Mannheim, Düsseldorf, Nuremberg, Hanover, Bremen, Dresden, etc.
