All 16 German States, Listed in Alphabetical Order

This state has a thriving automotive industry, home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The beautiful Black Forest can also be found here, as well as the historic university city of Heidelberg.

The largest state by surface area, Bavaria is a free state with a strong cultural identity. Famous for Oktoberfest, alpine scenery and Neuschwanstein Castle (a major inspiration to Walt Disney), it's one of Germany's most visited regions.

Germany's capital is also a city-state. This vibrant metropolis carries immense cultural and political significance in modern Germany.

West of Berlin, Brandenburg is a quieter state with lakes and forests. It's a great spot for those who want to escape the hustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of eastern Germany.

This free state is the smallest in Germany. Comprising the cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven, it has a rich maritime history as part of the medieval Hanseatic League.

Hamburg is a bustling port city and cultural hub. Its iconic Elbphilharmonie concert hall and historic Speicherstadt warehouse district draw visitors from around the world.

Located in central Germany, Hesse is home to Frankfurt, a major financial hub. The state has picturesque, half-timbered towns and rolling countryside.

Lower Saxony is Germany's second-largest state by area. It has diverse landscapes, from heathlands to cities like Hanover.

This northern state is famous for its coastline along the Baltic Sea and its charming seaside resorts. It's a favorite summer destination for Germans seeking sandy beaches and fresh sea air.

The most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia — or simply North Rhine — is an economic powerhouse. It's home to major cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf and Dortmund, as well as vibrant cultural scenes and historic landmarks.

Known for its wine production, this western state boasts picturesque river valleys, medieval castles and vineyards. It's home to the scenic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A small state on the French border, Saarland has a unique cultural identity influenced by both German and French traditions.

Located in eastern Germany, Saxony is another free state with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Its capital, Dresden, has stunning architecture.

This state is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Bauhaus architecture of Dessau and the Luther memorials in Wittenberg, where the Reformation began.

Situated between the North and Baltic seas, Schleswig-Holstein has a well-known maritime culture and charming coastal towns. Its location makes it a gateway to Scandinavia.

Another free state, Thuringia is the "green heart of Germany" due to its extensive forests. It's also the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach and home to the Wartburg Castle.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.