Berlin

357.022 km²
(8,6x the Netherlands)

UTC +1

German, Frisian, Danisch, Italian, Turkish

Zugspitze - 2962 m

In 1848, a flag with horizontal tricolor of black, red and gold was adopted. From 1867-1918 and 1933-1945 the colors were black-white-red. and from 1949 the original colors were adopted again.

The euro was introduced simultaneously in 12 European countries, as well as in Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City on 1 January 2002. This was the largest monetary exchange operation of all time. On the front of the note is a gate or window and a bridge on the back. These are all fictional. De euro replaces the Deutsche Mark, introduced in 1948.

Schiltach is located at the east side of the Black Forest where the rivers Schiltach and Kinzig meet. The village was founded in the 13th century as a trading post and resting place for travelers. The village and castle changed dukes several times. Until the arrival of the railway, the wood from the area was transported downstream as tree rafts by way of the river. After river Enz with 105 km, the Kinzig is the longest river in the Black Forest with 93 km. Nowadays there are only a few sawmills left to admire. Schiltach also houses the famous Trautwein tannery. The old center opposite Trautwein is well worth a visit with its beautiful half-timbered houses.

Schönau am Königssee was first mentioned in a deed from 1456. The village largely depends on tourism. The bobsleigh track from 1968 is the oldest permanent bobsleigh track in the world but it was severely damaged by heavy rain and subsequent mudslides in 2021. In 2023, the damage still has not been repaired. Königssee is close to the bobsleigh track. It is the third deepest lake in Germany. The valley was formed by glaciers. The lake is almost 8 km long and 1.7 km at its widest point. The mountains around the lake are steep and you cannot hike around the lake. You can walk on the left side, just past the Malerwinkel viewpoint, but then the path stops. The other option is a boat trip on the lake but make sure you are early. In the afternoon there are long lines with waiting times of more than an hour.

The small town just north of Schönau am Königssee underwent quite a few name changes: Perchterscadmen, Perhtersgadem, Berchirchsgadem, Berchtoldesgadem and now Berchtesgaden. It was first mentioned in a document from 1102 which states that there is a lot of salt in the area. The first salt mines were opened in 1517. These were responsible for Berchtesgaden's wealth. Nearby is the Kehlstein (1835 meters) with the Kehlsteinhaus (eagle's nest).

The Black Forest is the largest forest area in Germany. This low mountain range has a size of more than 6000 km². At 1493 meters, the Feldberg is the highest peak. The Roman name was Silva Nigra. The German name 'Schwarzwald' was first used in a document from the year 868 of the Swiss castle of St Gallen.

Gengenbach is a 45-minute drive from Schiltach, on the west side of the Black Forest. It was founded in the 13th century. The eye-catcher here is the old center, which is definitely worth a visit.

Bacharach, a fortified town on the Rhine, was first mentioned in the 11th century. In 1356 it obtained city rights due to its importance in the wine and timber trade. Work on the city walls began in 1344 and was completed in 1400. No fewer than 14 city towers were built into the wall. Despite the fortifications, the residents underwent eight different military occupations during the 30 Year War. During the Nine Year War, French troops blew up the castle and four of its towers. The castle is now a youth hostel. Below the castle lie the ruins of the Werner Chapel.

Füssen is located on the Lech between the Ammergauer and Allgauer Alps. The city is known for the sulfur springs of Bad Faulenbach and the fairytale castle Neuschwanstein. It is the end point of the Romantic Road. The current city originated from an 8th century monastery of Saint Magnus. It received city rights at the end of the 12th century.

The Hohe Schloss, the former summer residence of the prince bishops of Augsburg, was built on a steep rock between the 13th and 16th centurie. Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the second half of the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Construction began in 1869 and stopped after Ludwig's death in 1886. It was opened to the public six weeks after his death. The last parts, in a highly simplified form, were completed in 1892. Walt Disney visited before he started building his theme parks. It was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle. The Marienbrücke was built in 1850 and from here you have a beautiful view of the castle. If you want to get onto the bridge from the castle you will have to wait in line and it costs one euro. If you descend from the Tegelberg, there are no waiting lines. The castle was built on the site of two castles, the fortress of the lords of Schwangau. During the Second World War it was used as a warehouse for stolen art from France. The Germans wanted to blow up the castle so that the art would be lost, but an SS gruppenführer refused to do that. The gold reserves of the German bank were also stored there, but these disappeared a few days before the Allies took over the castle.