The North German plain, the largest land region in Germany, is low and nearly flat. Almost the entire plain lies less than 300 feet (91 meters) above sea level. The region is drained by broad rivers that flow northward into the North Sea or the Baltic Sea. These rivers include the Elbe, Ems, Oder, Rhine, and Weser, all of which are important commercial waterways. Large ports and industrial centers are located on them.

The wide river valleys, as well as land along the seacoasts, have soft, fertile soil. Between the river valleys are large areas covered with sand and gravel. These areas are called heathlands. The sand and gravel were deposited by glaciers that moved across much of Europe thousands of years ago. The glaciers also formed many small lakes in the North German Plain. The soil of the heathlands is not suitable for farming, and trees have been planted in many of them to provide timber.

The southern edge of the North German Plain has highly fertile, dustlike soil called loess. This area is heavily cultivated and thickly populated. Many of Germany's oldest cities, including Bonn and Cologne, are in this area.

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The Central Highlands are a series of plateaus that range from nearly flat to mountainous. They are covered with rock and poor soil. Most of the plateaus lie from 1,000 to 2,500 feet (300 to 760 meters) above sea level. Two of them—the Harz Mountains and the Thuringian Forest—have peaks that rise more than 3,000 feet (910 meters).

Rivers in the Central Highlands have cut steep, narrow valleys. These rugged gorges, especially that of the Rhine River, are among the most beautiful sights in Germany. In some areas, the valleys broaden into small, fertile basins.

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The South German hills include a series of long, parallel ridges, called escarpments, that extend from southwest to northeast. Sheep are raised on these rocky ridges. Lowlands between the ridges have fertile clay soil. Some of these lowlands are among the best farmlands in Germany.

Along the southern edge of the hill region are large areas covered with sand and gravel. This soil was deposited by ancient glaciers that spread northward from the Alps. Most of the South German Hills rise from 500 to 2,500 feet (150 to 762 meters).

Much of the region is drained by the Rhine River and two of its branches, the Main and Neckar rivers. The Danube River drains the southern part. The Danube is the only major river in Germany that flows eastward.

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The Black Forest is a mountainous region. Its name comes from the thick forests of dark fir and spruce trees that cover the mountainsides.

The region consists of granite and sandstone uplands with deep, narrow valleys. It averages between 2,500 and 3,000 feet (762 and 910 meters) above sea level. Some peaks rise more than 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).

The Black Forest is the scene of many old German legends and fairy tales. It is also known for its mineral springs. Many famous health resorts are located near the springs.

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The Bavarian Alps are part of the Alps, the largest mountain system in Europe. The majestic, snow-capped Bavarian Alps rise more than 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). The highest point in Germany, the 9,721-foot (2,963- meter) peak Zugspitze, is in this region.

The beauty of the Bavarian Alps has made them a year-round vacationland. The region has many lakes formed by the ancient glaciers from the Alps. It is drained by mountain streams that flow into the Danube River.

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