Destination overview

There are few countries that have had as much impact on the world as Germany, which has given us the printing press, the automobile, aspirin and MP3 technology.

This is the birthplace of Martin Luther, Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, Goethe, Beethoven, the Brothers Grimm and many others who, in their own way, have left their mark on human history. As you travel the country, you'll have plenty of brushes with genius, but Germany's storybook landscapes will likely leave an even bigger imprint on your memories.

There's something undeniably artistic in the way the scenery unfolds – the corrugated, dune-fringed coasts of the north, the moody forests, romantic river valleys and vast vineyards of central Germany's backbone and the magnificent splendour of the Alps, carved into rugged glory by glaciers and the elements. All are integral parts of a magical natural matrix that's bound to give your camera a workout.