Both the most populous and the most economically powerful country in the region, Germany is an incredibly diverse nation that offers everything from skiing in the Alps to sunbathing on the coasts, old towns dating back to the Roman Empire and ultramodern architecture in cities like Frankfurt.
Forget The Sound of Music (few Austrians have ever actually heard of it), this country has much more to offer than breathtaking Alpine panoramas - the cosmopolitan city of Vienna has a unique charm and Vienna coffee houses were both the start of many a story and the place where they were written. You can of course always ski or hike in the Austrian Alps as well.
Germanic culture meets Slavic culture in this region that straddles east and west, with historic towns, fairy-tale castles, beer, forests, unspoiled farmland, and mountain ranges, including the mighty Alps.
This small duchy once laid claims upon the entire Benelux region around 600 years ago.
The battlefield for World War I, this picturesque country is known for its culinary specialties and hosts many important institutions of the European Union.
A flat country that is constantly being changed by the seas. Inventive minds in Dutch history developed a technique for claiming land back from the ocean.
Historic cities, monasteries, national parks and a good nightlife, Serbia has a lot to offer the traveller.
The Bay of Kotor, the Budva Riviera, winter sports and natural scenery, Montenegro is one of the most traveller-friendly countries in the region.
Known for its traditional villages and churches, Macedonia also has some of the best wildlife.
One of the more adventurous places in the region; the traveller looking for something different won't be disappointed.