Laid back to lively - the changing face of Germany.

Whether you are looking for a place to relax, somewhere full of history and atmosphere, or simply a place to party the night away, look no further than Germany.

The country was relatively unknown as a holiday destination, but as the years roll on Germany is shrugging off its old image and becoming the place to see and be seen.

Starting with Berlin, the capital of united Germany since 1999, this vibrant, youthful and cosmopolitan city has seen many changes since its golden era in the 1920s, when the beautiful and the talented came to play. Many echoes of Berlin's past have survived and some of the most popular visitor attractions remain the Brandenburg Gates, which now symbolise unity, and the Reichstag building, the traditional seat of power which was renovated after suffering severe damage in the Second World War. The Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Germany until 1999, has been mostly demolished, although a small section has been preserved.

But the golden era of 1920s Berlin is repeating itself, as people seek out one of Europe's most diverse and heady nightlife scenes, which is not controlled by set drinking hours. Add into the mix more than 100 museums and galleries, about 50 performing arts venues and thousands of clubs, bars and restaurants and it is obvious why the city is becoming more popular.

But there is more to Germany than this. Take the famed Black Forest, a beautiful region with stunning scenery and picturesque villages. The lakes, footpaths and snowy hills in winter make this a dream destination for walkers, hikers, skiers and swimmers. For others, attractions like the waterfall in Triberg, the highest between the North Sea and the Alps, and the promise of some of the finest dining you will find anywhere in the world is plenty to keep them coming back for more. In fact, twelve of Germany's top 100 restaurants can be found in the Black Forest.

Another feature high on the list of holidaymakers is the beach. You may think this is one thing Germany fails on, but you would be wrong. Germany has some fantastic beaches with the fine, white sand you expect to find at any good holiday resort. One undiscovered gem is Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It is not quite as popular yet as other resorts, but if you do venture there you can be sure of a nice surprise. There are gentle white sands, newly built accommodation and low prices.

Other popular areas include Sylt, although a word of warning if you are planning to hit the beach. It is famed for its nude beaches. In fact, topless sunbathing is quite common in Germany, but any nude beach areas are marked by signs. Don't let this put you off. Sylt has a lot to offer, most notably the miles of bike routes through cool forests, that let you get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist centres,

As can be seen, Germany has much to offer. From Berlin, the vibrant city that never sleeps, to the quaint villages straight out of a picture book in the Black Forest, there is something for everyone. Those who are always on the go can always find something to burn off their energy, while those wanting a lazy holiday can while away the hours at the beach. One thing is for sure though, one visit is just not enough.