Travel to Germany

When contemplating an European voyage, one of the countries that you should unquestionably have on your list is Germany. It is the largest country in Central Europe and has access to both the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. It is delimited by Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxemburg, Belgium and the Netherlands.

It is recognized that Germany is a touristic state that provides a nearly limitless number of temptations and pleasing things to see. You could be a winter sports fan or you could like the sea, you might adore mountains or you might be enjoying yourself while promenading on a plain. In Germany you don't have to worry about these minor things. Germany has one of Europe's most distinct reliefs. In the South you will see the high Alps, an excellent place for a winter holiday, with stretch ski slopes and remarkable panoramas. In the North lie the Baltic and North Seas, where you can appreciate a nice bath and a suntan throughout the summer. Also, the red old-brick houses built here bear witness to an exceptional event in German history, the Hanseatic pact between the medieval towns and their guilds.

Though is one of world's most authoritative countries, Germany is still a divided state. Throughout the country you can run into a wide range of architectural styles, people and  styles of living. Each zone has its own exclusive personality and its own old days. People who live here have created a solid bond with these places. They share different aspirations and have outstanding local customs and attitudes, so, as a tourist, you will constantly come across something recent and challenging. In other words, it is outrageous to get tired while traveling through Germany.

Germany's cities are clearly a place you would want to visit. Great museums, medieval cathedrals, stores and comfortable hotels are just of the fascinations that can be found within Germany's most developed cities, like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne or Dusseldorf. The diverse German cuisine and some of the world's most famous beers and wines will keep your curiosity at a high level while the shops and especially the nightlife will most likely impress any modernistic traveler.

German people are very satisfied by their country. It is not a modest detail to live in one of Europe's leading countries. Though, they are right on to any new experiences and will not stumble to grant you an assisting hand or some guidance. The only thing they demand is to show them the respect they are entitled to. Just express friendliness, be sociable and don't make unnecessary jokes. Show them that you are aware of their customs and lifestyles and you will gain new friends.

When it comes to finding a room in Germany, there are several offers that you should consider. From unpretentious hostels to top-class hotels there will be an accommodation for each kind of pocket. The value of services is perfect, so you will be tempted to return as soon as possible. If you want to spend your vacation in an unfamiliar European state and have an enjoyable time touring and voyaging while eye witnessing some of Europe's most decisive past events, then Germany is doubtlessly your best option.

At the heart of the EU, Germany is a federal republic comprising 16 'Bundeslander' (states). Re-united in 1990 after 45 years of separation into the Soviet controlled East Germany and West Germany, the country has borders with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland.

It also has a North Sea coastline to the north west, and Baltic Sea coastlines to the north east.

To the south are the Bavarian Alps. Almost a third of the country comprises forest and woodland.

Germany is a major industrial nation with major interests in car manufacturing and engineering as well as in service industries such as banking and insurance. It is the world's largest exporter and the second largest importer. It is also the UK's second largest export market, after the US.

The Foreign Office reports that more than a decade after reunification, there are still differences in living standards between the eastern and western Bundeslander with unemployment still a key issue in the east.

However, there are signs the country's long period of economic stagnation is now at an end with healthy economic growth predicted over the next few years.

According to the Foreign Office there is a general threat from terrorism in Germany. 'Such attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers'. However, 'most visits to Germany are trouble free', it said.

UK citizens do not require a visa to enter Germany. However, those intending to stay three months or longer must register with the German authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt) within seven days of arrival.

Those staying in Germany for a short visit are not normally required to register. Hotels are legally obliged to register guests and this information is passed automatically to Einwohnermeldeamt. There is no longer a requirement for EU Citizens to apply for a residence permit.

German people have a long tradition of renting their homes while the tax system mitigates against property speculation and buying costs are relatively high - around 6 to 8 per cent of the purchase price plus an agent's commission of approximately 6 per cent plus VAT. The upshot is that the property market is relatively slow meaning that investing in Germany should be for longer term capital growth.

In the interim, investors looking for rental returns can benefit by German property prices not having moved ahead at the same pace as EU partners and by strong rental demand from long term tenants. (Rental yields are said to be as high as 10 per cent in major cities although this is often in poorer areas where property values are expecting to fall - more realistic expectations in better areas would be between 4 and 6 per cent.

With many Germans moving from the poorer east to the more affluent west, there is a housing surplus in the east - much is in a poor state and earmarked for demolition or renovation. Germany also plans a major home building programme over the next few years, so shortages are unlikely.

When buying there is usually no pre-completion contract. The terms and conditions of the final contract - which must be signed before a notary (who acts for both sides) are for agreement between the parties. Buyers need to employ their own lawyer, should have contracts translated if necessary, and are recommended also to employ a tax accountant.

They must also satisfy themselves on the condition of the property they are buying. Mortgage financing is available, for up to 70 per cent of the purchase price. Long term fixed rate terms at relatively low rates of interest are on offer.