Country information
What is important for my bus trip to Germany, such as travel documents?
But also some fun facts about the country, the German, food & drink.
Germany
General
Germany is centrally located in the European continent and borders no fewer than nine countries: Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. A country full of variety with its rich history, impressive culture, dense forests, rolling hills, proud rivers and, above all, quality and hospitality.
Land area: 349223 km²
Water surface: 7798 km²
Number of km of coast: 2389 km
Highest point: Zugspitze (2963 m)
Lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster (0 m)
Number of inhabitants: approx. 84 million
Capital: Berlin
Form of government: The Federal Republic of Germany is a parliamentary democracy where the Federal President is the head of state. The parliament is formed by the Bundestag, in which 663 deputies have seats. The Chancellor is the head of the government. Germany is a federated state that is divided into 16 federal states ('Bundesländer'). Niedersachsen, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the city-states of Bremen and Hamburg in the north; Westphalia, Hesse, Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland in the west. Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria to the south; Thuringia, Saxony, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin in the east.
Religion: Roman Catholic 34%; Protestant 34%; Muslim 4%; Other 28%
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Reisdocumenten
In Germany you must have a valid passport or a valid identity card (ID card).
The documents must be valid up to and including your return to the Netherlands.
If you do not have Dutch nationality, please consult the relevant consulate of the country of origin.
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Language
The official language is German. You can go anywhere with English.
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Currencies
The German currency is the Euro (€). You can use a card with a Maestro logo at almost any ATM.
Credit cards from Mastercard, VISA, Diner and American Express are accepted almost everywhere.
Look for stickers in relevant shops and restaurants. But also bring some cash; there are still plenty
small shops and restaurants that like cash, especially when it comes to small amounts.
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Electricity
The voltage is 230 Volt. You do not need a travel plug because the sockets in Germany correspond to the Dutch sockets.
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Tap water
Drinking tap water is safe.
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Price level
The prices for drinks and meals are considerably cheaper in Germany.