Germany
Germany’s tourism industry has been on the incline since the end of the WW2, although having East and West Germany divided did hamper its popularity. Now that it is a unified country, tourism is booming and Berlin is the third-most visited destination in the EU. Being such a city in demand, real estate in Berlin should prove to be a good investment property. Usually property available in the city is in the form of apartments, but when compared to somewhere like London, the prices are really quite reasonable.
Geography
Germany is in central Europe, spanning from the Alps in the south of the country, up to the North Sea and the Baltic. In the southern region, Bavaria and the Alps border with Switzerland and Austria, offering some fantastic scenery and great skiing. The famous Neuschwanstein Castle is here and is one of Germany’s top tourist attractions.
In the north of the country is the Baltic Sea coast, also a popular spot for both domestic and international tourists. The northern areas are quite flat, being a wide plain with rivers, such as the Rhine, flowing through. The capital city of Germany is Berlin, located in the north-east and lies along the banks of the River Spree. Once a divided city to keep East Germans out of West Germany, the Berlin Wall was demolished in 1989 and the two halves were reunited. The city is now a modern and thriving urban area with a mix of architecture, such as the Brandenburg Gate and Schloss Charlottenburg as well as being an important centre for science, culture and European politics. German properties for sale by Vogue Estates are currently offered in Berlin where properties for sale are available in various architectures, depending on where they are located.
Berlin has a temperate climate with relatively mild winters and warm summers. Unfortunately the summer months are also the wettest. June has the highest average rainfall, with average high temperatures of 22 C (72F), whilst July and August are a few degrees warmer.
History
Germany has experienced a troubled history and has been a country divided more often than one unified.
Germany’s states have always been quite diverse and suffered differences, meaning that a common unity was difficult to achieve and did not really happen until the 19th century. After defeat in WW1, the 1930’s saw a Nazi dictatorship take over and although this did help the country’s economy it eventually nearly destroyed it by taking Germany to war and suffering a major defeat in WW2. After the war Germany was divided into West and East and West Germany emerged as a major European power and was a founder member of the EEC. East Germany remained mostly under Soviet domination, though following the collapse of Communism in 1989, Germany reunited as one country in 1990.
Cuisine
German cuisine varies greatly across the country as it has many different influences. In Berlin, a favourite fast food is the Currywurst – a sausage cut into thick slices then seasoned with curry powder and usually served with french fries. Other well-known dishes include Sauerkraut (pickled shredded cabbage), Stollen (usually eaten around Christmas) and Wiener schnitzel (thinly sliced beef steak, breadcrumbed and fried). The German’s favourite meat is pork, so this is frequently served.
Germany is always famous for its wines and beers. Like the food, beers differ around the country. A local Berlin beer is the Berliner Weisse and wines are grown predominantly along the upper and middle Rhine.
Currency
The currency used in Germany is the Euro. Prior to the introduction of the Euro, Germany had the Deutsche Mark.
Language
The official language of Germany is German, although there are many Turkish speaking German citizens who immigrated into the country in the 1960’s.
Featured Property
Grunauerstrasse Kopenick
- Price : 2,184,732 EUR
- Location : Berlin
- Description:
Proudly situated over the beautiful river Langer, which flows through Kopenick, this Twenties apartment block has undergone the most amazing transformation and redevelopment. It consists of 34 apartments with private storage and a beautiful courtyard and is only for sale as a complete block not as i...
Peter Vischer Strasse
- Price : 125,060 EUR
- Location : Berlin
- Description:
Schöneberg is one of the most popular and desirable residential areas of Berlin. This premier six-storey residence overlooks a beautifully maintained communal garden area, and is situated just a few minutes' drive from the world-famous Kurfürstendamm shopping avenue....