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Geographical information
The flatlands in the north of Germany stretch from the Netherlands to Poland, skimming southern Denmark where she bridges the North and Baltic seas. The central belt cinches Belgium and Luxembourg to the Czech Republic's western prong. The Rhine and Main rivers, long crucial for inland shipping, power through the troughs and gorges, which cut through the Central Uplands. To the south, the Danube River drains the Bavarian highlands from the Black Forest, near the French and Swiss borders, to Munich. The southern reaches of the Bavarian Alps give way to Austria.
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Nature
| Flora | German forests -studded with beech, oak, birch, chestnut (mostly the nonedible horse-chestnut variety), lime, maple and ash trees- are beautiful places to escape the madding crowds and relax. Mixed deciduous forest carpets river valleys at lower altitudes, and coniferous species grow thicker as you ascend. Waldfruchte (berries) are particularly colourful and, for the most part, poisonous. The same applies to mushrooms, which are essential for the development of healthy root systems in trees, especially in deciduous forests. Chanterelle (Pfifferlinge) mushrooms are one of the seasonal culinary delights | | Fauna | In the Alps, the alpine marmot inhabits the area below the tree line, while the wild goat lives in the area above. The snow hare, whose fur is white in winter, is fairly common in this neck of the woods, as is the chamois, which also populates pockets of the Black Forest, the Swabian Alps and Elbsandsteingebirge (south of Dresden). A rare but wonderful Alpine treat for birdwatchers with patience is the sighting of a golden eagle - Berchtesgaden National Park staff might be able to help you spot one. The jay, with its darting flight patterns and calls imitating other species, is easy to sight in the foothills; look for flashes of blue on its wings. | | National Parks | Germany's nature parks, biosphere reserves and national parks are havens consisting of valuable natural and cultivated landscapes. Some of these protected areas are unique worldwide. Germany has more than 90 nature parks, 14 biosphere reserves and 15 national parks, which are all internationally recognized. It is only in the last decade that most of these vast areas have been given this special protection. |
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Climate
Germany has a temperate climate: warm summers (May-August) and cold, wet winters (November-March). The average temperature in July varies from 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. In January, the variation is from -1 to 6 degrees Celsius. Rain falls throughout the year. A good time to visit Germany is the autumn (September-October). It is less crowded and the weather is just right to go sightseeing.
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