antecedently divided into West Germany and East Germany until reunification in 1990 , Germany — formally known as the Federal Republic of Germany — has 16 federal state . Its Union system allows the individualGerman statesto maintain authorization over areas like didactics , policing and ethnic activities , while the Union government oversees issues like defense and economic thing .
From historical metropolis to immense countryside regions , Germany offers an unbelievable diversity of landscape and traditions . Whether you ’re explore the bustling ports of a free Hanseatic city , the scenic countryside of Bavaria or the cultural account of East German states , Germany ’s region offer something for everyone .
1. Baden-Württemberg
This state has a thriving self-propelling industry , home to Mercedes - Benz and Porsche . The beautiful Black Forest can also be found here , as well as the historic university metropolis of Heidelberg .
2. Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern)
The large state by surface area , Bavaria is a devoid state with a strong ethnical identity . illustrious for Oktoberfest , alpine scene andNeuschwanstein Castle(a major breathing in to Walt Disney ) , it ’s one of Germany ’s most visited regions .
3. Berlin
Germany ’s capital is also a metropolis - state . This vivacious metropolis carries immense cultural and political import in modern Germany .
4. Brandenburg
West of Berlin , Brandenburg is a quieter province with lakes and forests . It ’s a majuscule spot for those who require to escape the bunco of the city and savour the raw smasher of eastern Germany .
5. Bremen (Freie Hansestadt Bremen)
This gratuitous state is the modest in Germany . Comprising the cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven , it has a robust maritime chronicle as part of the medieval Hanseatic League .
6. Hamburg (Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg)
Hamburg is a bustling port wine city and ethnical hub . Its iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall and historic Speicherstadt storage warehouse territory draw visitor from around the creation .
7. Hesse (Hessen)
Located in key Germany , Hesse is home to Frankfurt , a major fiscal hub . The state has picturesque , half - timbered township and rolling countryside .
8. Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen)
Lower Saxony is Germany ’s second - largest land by area . It has diverse landscape , from heathlands to metropolis like Hanover .
9. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)
This northerly state is famous for its coastline along the Baltic Sea and its charming seaboard resorts . It ’s a favorite summertime address for Germans seek sandlike beaches and new sea air .
10. North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen)
The most populous state , North Rhine - Westphalia — or simply North Rhine — is an economic human dynamo . It ’s home to major cities like Cologne , Düsseldorf and Dortmund , as well as vibrant cultural vista and historic landmark .
11. Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz)
Known for its wine yield , this western state boasts picturesque river valleys , knightly castling and vineyards . It ’s abode to the scenic Rhine Gorge , a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
12. Saarland
A small state on the French border , Saarland has a unparalleled ethnic identity influenced by both German and Gallic traditions .
13. Saxony (Freistaat Sachsen)
Located in easterly Germany , Saxony is another free nation with a rich cultural and historical heritage . Its working capital , Dresden , has stunning architecture .
14. Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt)
This state is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites , including the Bauhaus computer architecture of Dessau and the Luther memorials in Wittenberg , where the Reformation set about .
15. Schleswig-Holstein
Situated between the North and Baltic seas , Schleswig - Holstein has a well - known maritime culture and wizard coastal towns . Its location reach it a gateway to Scandinavia .
16. Thuringia (Freistaat Thüringen)
Another free state , Thuringia is the " green spirit of Germany " due to its extensive forest . It ’s also the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach and family to the Wartburg Castle .
We make this article in conjunction with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - check into and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor program .
