The first country on my list is one of the most historic in the world.

A country full of history. Castles, war memorials, large cities, mountains, forests come to mind. And also… where I was born!

Born in the north of Germany, naturally, Germany is the first country I ever visited. Makes sense, right?

I used to live near the Danish border a long time ago. In my mid-twenties, I spent a couple of years in Hesse, but I lived a big part of my life in North Rhine-Westphalia, close to steel factories and surrounded by rather soulless buildings. It isn’t exactly postcard material. Still, I was lucky enough to always have beautiful forests and lakes nearby, places that offered an escape whenever I needed one – whether to clear my head, meet friends, or simply think about life for a while.

It’s interesting how quickly the atmosphere can change. Just a few kilometers away, the scenery can feel darker and more industrial, almost heavy. These contrasts kinda shaped how I see places, not just for their beauty, but for their mood.

Traveling

Over the years, I have visited every single state in Germany, all 16 of them. Not that I’m particularly proud of it; it just happened naturally. There was enough time and opportunities. Germany isn’t the largest country, after all. In theory, you could probably cross off all the states in a matter of days. But actually experiencing them, getting a feel for their landscapes, dialects, and subtle differences, takes much longer.

The north is definitely worth visiting, especially the islands like Sylt and Föhr. There’s something special about the North Sea wind, the beaches, the Wattenmeer, and the calm rhythm of the tides. Life feels a bit more exposed there, shaped by weather and water.

That being said, I believe the south has the most to offer in terms of scenery. The mountains in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are stunning, particularly in summer when the days are long and the landscapes are alive with green meadows and clear blue skies. The closer you get to the Alps, the more impressive it becomes. The air feels different, fresher, lighter, and you naturally slow down a bit.

Cities like Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are all worth visiting. Each of them has its own personality: Berlin is creative and raw, Cologne open and friendly, Frankfurt international and fast-paced, Hamburg elegant in its own quiet way. Still, none of them will necessarily take your breath away at first sight. They grow on you instead. That’s how I would describe Germany, actually.

A road trip through the south, however, might do exactly that. Long drives through small villages, lakes reflecting mountain peaks, unexpected viewpoints you didn’t plan for.. and that’s where Germany quietly shines. It’s not always loud or spectacular, but it’s steady, diverse, and full of small moments that stay with you.

Visited: All 16 states / Bundesländer

Food

Some of my favorite restaurants with vegan options in Germany:

60 Seconds to Napoli (various) – hands down, best vegan pizza in Germany!

Asia Vegan Chay (Bottrop) – really good Asian food, I love the vegan duck

Bibimcup (Düsseldorf) – amazing Korean food, the Kim bap is amazing!

Vincent Vegan (Hamburg) – one of the best burgers I have ever eaten

Lavash Döner (Hannover) – the best Kebab/Döner I have eaten in Germany!