If you want to get from one side of Germany to another, you’ll likely need to take a road.
It can be a daunting task, and even if you’re used to driving in the US or Britain and have been for years, finding your way around Germany can initially seem confusing.
Look what I found out about German roadways!
Why Does Germany Have So Many Roads?
1. Germany Is A Big Country
Germany’s large land area and easy access to the sea have contributed to the number of roads in the country.
Further, Germany has many different terrains they need to traverse efficiently. As a country with a large land area, its roads must be able to connect them with other countries.
Also, they have many lakes and rivers that need to be crossed by vehicles since these waterways are not easily accessible by foot or bike.
2. A Lot Of Germans Are Farmers
You need to know that farming was first introduced to Germany by its neighbors: Denmark and France.
Though it wasn’t until the beginning of the 17th century that it took off, once it did, it started spreading like wildfire.
It wasn’t long before farms became familiar all over Germany—including cities. It meant that farmers needed access to markets and other services that cities had to offer.
That said, they started building roads (and bridges) to get there quicker than taking their wagons or horses on foot.
The second thing you need to know about how farming affects Germany today is that it still plays a vital role in how Germany operates today—which means you will continue seeing lots of roads for years to come.
3. There Are Many National Parks
The infrastructure in these areas needs to be maintained so that tourists can enjoy their time there safely and comfortably without any problems during their stay.
It includes providing roads for them to reach their desired destinations easily at all times without any issues which may cause delays or disruptions.
4. Germany Is One Of The World’s Most Advanced Countries
The high quantity of roads in Germany is due to the country’s strong economy and advanced technology.
It is also because Germans prefer driving rather than taking public transport or walking on foot.
While having so many roads might seem like a waste of space, it helps Germany keep up with its neighbors’ economies.
5. The Country Has A Population Of 84 Million People
As the most populous country in Europe, Germany has had to put a lot of effort into maintaining its roads.
Germany has a population of 84 million, more than any other European country. It means that there are lots of people walking around and lots of cars on the roadways.
6. The Country Has A Large Number Of Cars
Germany has so many roads because of the country’s large population and a high percentage of people who own cars.
The country has over 40 million registered vehicles, which is more than any other country in Europe (except Russia).
It means there are more opportunities for Germans to travel by car than in most other countries.
7. There Are Many Castles Throughout Europe
Germany has a lot of castles. It’s not just that they’re extensive and impressive, but they also tend to be on top of hills or mountains.
Because of this, there are many roads throughout Germany.
The construction of roads helped create a unified culture in Germany and made it easier for soldiers traveling between castles to protect themselves from attack by enemy forces.
8. There Are Many National Parks In Germany
As you travel through Germany, you’ll see that most national parks are located in the north and east of the country.
Because these areas have more forests than other parts of Germany, they have more trees and plants to protect against climate change.
So this also means that Germany has more land to build roads on.
In addition, Germany’s roads are often built on top of old railways or highways, which can be expensive to repair when something goes wrong.
So instead of trying to fix every problem as it happens, they just keep building new ones instead.
9. Because Of The Autobahn System
Germany has so many roads because of the Autobahn system. It is Europe’s most extensive highway system and the second largest worldwide.
The Autobahn has been a critical component of Germany’s infrastructure since its creation in 1932, serving as an efficient method for moving goods across Germany’s lengthy borders.
To know more, you can also read our posts on why roads are black, why Michigan roads are so bad, and why they put salt on roads.
Conclusion
Germany’s many roads have long been started due to the country’s natural resources like rivers, mountains, and farms that need not just one road but multiple road access to reach every destination.
Not to mention that Germany is a large country with a dense population that is rapidly increasing, and with over 40 million registered vehicles and loves driving and traveling around.
Great explanation! Thank you, Tristan.
I’d like to share a bit more. Back in the days, I think the most important are military reasons.
During nazi-rule period, the government required a dense transportation network for efficient troops deployment. The Autobahns (highways) were also a solution to the economical crisis – with inflation and high unemployment during that time.
After the war, being a NATO-frontier country, Germany also need Autobahns to have a good troops transportation method.
Somewhere in the 70’s, Germany started to be “worlds automobile capital”. So there was also some investment into the highways to strengthen the local demand for automobiles.