The regions of Germany in the local administrative division are called states, and there are a total of 16 of them. Interestingly, three German cities—Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen—are considered equivalent to states in terms of status. You can familiarize yourself with the names of the regions in Germany. Having an understanding of their locations and knowledge of the main cities in the German states will help you navigate better during your travels.
The northern regions of Germany are traditionally referred to as the German Baltic region, which includes the states with access to the northern seas.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: This region has a coastline along the Baltic Sea with wide sandy beaches, attracting beach lovers. There are more than 30 seaside resorts in this Baltic state, with the most popular ones located on the island of Rügen. The cities of Mecklenburg are considered some of the most beautiful in Germany, such as Schwerin and Stralsund.
Schleswig-Holstein: This state is bordered by the Baltic Sea to the east and the North Sea to the west, with its northern border adjacent to Denmark. This windy coastal region is particularly charming in spring and autumn. There are several seaside resorts here, including Travemünde, the island of Amrum, and the famous island of Sylt, which is a favorite holiday destination for Germans. The cities of Kiel and Lübeck are known for their architecture.
Lower Saxony: This extensive state is bordered by the waters of the North Sea and is flanked by the Harz Mountains to the south. Here you will find numerous spa resorts and remarkably beautiful cities, including Cuxhaven, Göttingen, and Wolfsburg. The small towns in this region are home to countless unique museums.
Hamburg: This city has the status of a state and is located between Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. It is an amazing coastal city that has preserved its historic appearance while keeping up with the times.
Bremen: This city attracts automobile enthusiasts with its Mercedes and Porsche museums.
This includes Berlin and other regions of Germany.
Berlin: The capital of Germany has the status of a state. This city is full of modern vibes while preserving its rich historical heritage.
Brandenburg: This region is famous for its landscapes, forests, and lakes. There are several popular spa resorts located around its healing springs, such as Bad Saarow, Luckenwalde, and many others.
Saxony-Anhalt: Located in the heart of Germany, this region is the center of its culture and history. It is home to many popular excursion cities, including Naumburg, Wittenberg, and Magdeburg.
Saxony: This region was home to great composers such as Bach and Schumann, and it has been the birthplace of many works of art and progressive inventions. The cities of Dresden and Leipzig in Saxony are considered centers of refinement and culture.
Thuringia: Thuringia is the greenest part of Germany, with numerous spa resorts, mostly located in small towns. It is also home to one of Germany's most famous ski resorts, Oberhof.
Hesse: This state offers everything for a fulfilling and vibrant life. It has spa resorts like Wiesbaden and Bad Homburg, university cities like Giessen and Marburg, and the magnificent city of Frankfurt.
North Rhine-Westphalia: This region is characterized by its coal industry. It also boasts beautiful medieval structures found in cities like Dorsten and the castle of Wewelsburg. Spa resorts can be found in Aachen and Cologne, with Cologne being known for its masterpieces of Gothic architecture.
Bavaria: This region is the iconic representation of southern Germany. It is famous worldwide for its beer culture. Bavaria is also home to the Bavarian Alps and numerous ski resorts. There are spa resorts as well. Popular cities in the region include Munich and Nuremberg.
Baden-Württemberg: This state is known for the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), a magnificent mountain range. The region is adorned with beautiful lakes and excellent mineral springs, with the spa resort of Baden-Baden being one of its highlights.
Rhineland-Palatinate: This region can rightfully be called the wine region of Germany. It is home to the famous Moselle Valley with its vineyards. In addition to wine, you will find a deep cultural life here, especially in Mainz. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty.
Saarland: This small state is famous for its biosphere reserve "Bliesgau," which is home to a variety of animal species. The capital city, Saarbrücken, showcases architectural beauty. In the vicinity of the city, you can find the remarkable natural monument of "Burning Mountain," where you can witness centuries-old underground coal fires.
