Property in Germany’s northernmost states offers a rare opportunity to reside in the country’s coastal region. Only Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern reach the sea in the largely landlocked country. Each has its own unique culture and attractions to offer – and each differs in precisely which bodies of water it opens on to.

Property on Germany’s coast

Lower Saxony, or Niedersachsen, tracks the western border with the Netherlands and opens on to the North Sea. To the east, the River Elbe defines its border with Schleswig-Holstein, effectively bringing the spirit of the sea inland to Hamburg. Niedersachsen is also home to Germany’s only deep water harbour at Wilhelmshaven, living up to its heritage with a maritime museum, saltwater aquarium and whale.worlds, a permanent exhibition centring on the skeleton of a whale washed up in the region in 1984.

Schleswig-Holstein itself has coastline on both the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, with Germany’s most northerly point bordering directly on to Denmark and the Jutland peninsula. As well as sandy beaches where you can watch the sun rise or set, the region offers cycling, sailing and surfing, as well as a calendar of cultural events such as concerts.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern completes the list of coastal regions, with the natural landscape again one of its defining features. Colour plays a part here, with the yellow of rape fields reflecting the sunlight during the day, accompanied by green meadows and deep blue lakes. By night, illuminated promenades offer a different outlook on the area, which has risen in popularity over the past two decades. There are now 24.5 million overnight stays by tourists each year, more than three times as many as in 1993.

Property in Germany’s inland north

Nordrhein-Westfalen and Sachsen-Anhalt also lie to the northerly part of the country, increasing the options when it comes to buying property in Germany. The former of the two is mostly used for agriculture, providing a lush green environment in which to live or holiday. A quarter of Nordrhein-Westfalen is under the cover of forests, while 14 nature parks increase the amount of wildlife – both plant and animal – that can be seen while out and about in the area.

Sachsen-Anhalt is one of the three German states – excluding the city states – not to reach the border of the country. However, it is well connected for public transport purposes, with the airport at Leipzig-Halle catering for international arrivals and departures. Rail links travel through to Berlin and Hannover, while the three existing motorways are soon to be joined by two more, the under-construction A38 and the A143, which is still in the planning stage.

Property in Germany’s capital and its surroundings

Property in Berlin itself places visitors at the heart of Germany’s administrative capital – even if it is located towards the north-west of the country in geographic terms. The city-state caters for all ages, with sophisticated shopping, art and cultural exhibitions for visitors with finer tastes. Younger adults are promised flea markets, bars and clubs to keep them entertained, while for children exploration tours combine fun with the chance to learn more about the city.

Around Berlin itself lies the region of Brandenburg, which prides itself on catering for families. In particular, family-friendly communities receive government subsidies and all children are legally entitled to receive day care. Childcare placements here are not only among the best in the country, but also some of the best-quality openings in Europe. With farming regions less densely populated than Berlin and 23,000 archaeological sites including 500 castles and more than 10,000 historical monuments, the region could provide an ideal alternative to the progressive capital city for people keen to enjoy a taste of what has made Germany a success story throughout the centuries.