As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation, Germany remains a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. Germany is located in the centre of Europe. It forms a bridge between maritime West of Europe and the continental East, between the warmer South and the cool North. Germany is a triad of mountain ranges, uplands and lowland plains – the Bavarian Alps in the South, the pleasant wooded mountains of the Mittelgebirge in the centre of the country and the low country along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts in the North.

Cologne's mighty cathedral towers just a stone's throw from the banks of the Rhine. Built over 600 years ago entirely in a high-Gothic style, it is Cologne's most famous landmark and an UNESCO World Heritage site. Its most sacred treasure is the Shrine of the Three Magi, a magnificent gilded sarcophagus thought to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men. More than 500 steps lead up the south tower, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

King Ludwig II's world-famous castle stands proudly against the spectacular backdrop of the Alps in southern Bavaria. Neuschwanstein, his fairytale castle, is the most-visited building in Germany, and was designed to resemble a medieval German knight's castle. Walt Disney also found inspiration for his magic kingdom here and based his world-famous Disney Castle on this spectacular Bavarian highlight.

Heidelberg Castle
The charming city of Heidelberg in south-western Germany is home to Heidelberg Castle - its ruins rise majestically on the site of a medieval castle complex high above the lanes and the jumble of roofs of the picturesque old town. The architecture contains elements of the Gothic and Renaissance periods. The castle gardens, the Great Vat (the world's largest wine barrel) and the remarkable Pharmacy Museum are also worth a visit. Church of Our Lady, Dresden Dresden's most famous attraction is a masterpiece of baroque architecture on the River Elbe. Destroyed in the bombing raids of 1945 the Church of Our Lady has been rebuilt and is now a symbol for reconciliation and peace. With its marbled pillars and delicately painted balustrades the chancel looks as good as new, while the huge stone dome is once again the dominating feature of the cityscape. Black Forest The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald to give it its German name, is famous the world over. Deeply rooted in its traditional culture the Black Forest is an area of mountains, waterfalls and forest in the south west of Germany 125 miles long and up to 37 miles wide. This beautfully scenic region is home to the cuckoo clock and of course the delicious Black Forest Cake and is a paradise for hikers, skiers and spa lovers alike offering something for everyone. Hannover

Herrenhausen Gardens Herrenhausen Gardens comprise the most important styles of garden design, including a baroque garden in the French style, an English landscaped garden and a botanical garden.

Garden paradise
Created between the 17th and 19th century for the Hannover electors and kings, these fascinating gardens unite the most important styles of landscape design. At the heart of the gardens is the Grosse Garten, a baroque garden in the French style, which has a huge fountain, a wide variety of water features, a pumping works and a maze. In the summer months the splendid flower displays provide a stunning backdrop for extravagant festivals. The Georgengarten was designed in the English style, while the Berggarten is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Germany. In addition there are several hundred orchids to be admired in Europe's most diverse orchid collection.