For a quirky European holiday, you must visit Germany.

Guten tag, fellow traveller! Welcome to the land of gigantic beer mugs, hearty food and fascinating history. But there’s more to Germany than you think. Think scenic drives along some of the most picturesque roads on earth. Think robust art scenes that explore the various social and political issues of our time. Think welcoming locals who are all too keen to share their culture. Germany is the ultimate travel destination and here are five reasons why:

Lounging around their various biergartens

Chinesischer Turm, aka Chinese Tower beer garden/biergarten. Image: Wagner Santos de Almeida

As noted, Germany is the place for hearty food and drink, and the ultimate way to experience it all is in their biergartens. Germany has a wide collection of them scattered around the country, all sharing stunning surroundings and exceptional beers and eats. We love them so much that we’ve created a list of Germany’s Best Biergartens. Imagine chilling in a huge outdoor dining room with hundreds of other patrons. From lakeside lounging to rooftop views, the biergartens in Germany are a top reason to visit this charming country.

Taking in their multifaceted history

View of inside the Auschwitz concentration camp, Germany. Image: gigisteofin

The history of Germany ranges from the evils of Nazi Germany to the grand rise of its railway empire. German history dates all the way back to Julius Caesar, who called the unconquered area east of the Rhine as “Germania”. The history of this country weaves through conquering wars, religious impositions, political unrest and industrial revolutions. It’s a colourful history worth exploring and there are plenty of places that share it. Wander through the powerful world of Auschwitz and Birkenau, check out the railway history of this great nation in various train museums and even drive through the countryside for a fresh view of Germany.

Going for scenic drives

Forggensee Lake and mountain ranges in Allgäu, Bavaria, Germany. Image: Fotorina / Shutterstock

Keeping in mind Germany’s colourful history, you can only imagine the historical architecture and untouched landscapes that make up this wonderful country. Take a scenic drive around the countryside especially along the famed romantic road that stretches for 350km through the forests, towns and mountain ranges of Bavaria. Another popular spot is the Black Forest, noted to be an inspiration for some of Brothers Grimm tales. And a must-do is the former 19th century home of Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle, a lavish Romanesque structure that stands the test of time.

Immersing in their various art scenes

Balconies of Dresden Opera House, Germany. Image: Konstantin Tronin / Shutterstock

With a long and wavering history comes a generous taste of art. It’s how great art comes as a way to decipher and unravel changing political and social struggles. Enjoy the fine arts of Germany in places like the Dresden Opera House or Kunsthalle Hamburg art museum that covers seven centuries of art. Then, explore the Weimar culture that rose during the 20th century and made movies like Cabaret featuring Liza Minnelli. The German art scene is a smorgasbord of ideas that are yearning for exploration.

Enjoying the friendly locals

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany. Image: Perati Komson / Shutterstock

The German people who make up this fine country are friendly in nature, but a hard bunch to crack. While most westerners love a good dose of small talk to break into new friendships, you’ll find it hard to undertake this custom in Germany. German people are quite direct in nature and are not afraid to uphold social customs. But this is what makes Germany so interesting to visit. The challenge of navigating the social scene will build up new experiences and skills for when you get back home.