Germany and the countries of Northern Europe have played a major role in the continent and on the world stage. From German philosophers to Swedish playwrights to Dutch artists, their collective contribution to arts, culture, and politics has been significant.
Visit these northern countries to see more than just their heritage. Their unique locales, which range from smartly engineered canals to Alpine forests to Nordic archipelagos, highlight the region’s stunning natural beauty. And the many distinctive historical buildings, churches, and monuments—including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites—still found in many towns and cities help us get a sense of these countries’ long and storied past.