Julie Burchill may be a recent convert, but the majority of Britons have long been familiar with the rich and varied appeal of Germany.

Indeed, we've been flocking there in record numbers. According to the most recent figures from the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), 5.9m overnight stays were made by UK holidaymakers in 2018 – up five per cent on the previous year. ONS data suggests it is our sixth favourite holiday destination, ahead of Portugal, Greece and Turkey – all of which, arguably, receive far more plaudits.

What's behind Germany's growing popularity? The GNTO points to the country's "sheer choice and variety of holidays", from stays in "picture-box" villages to hiking breaks through its 16 national parks and along its "bracing coastline". But there are many more factors besides. Here are 30 fine reasons to skip the Med and discover Germany this summer.

1. It has its own answer to Norfolk

Looking for a beach holiday but don't want to be overwhelmed by heat? Try the Meck-Pomm region (or, more formally, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern). It's like a German version of Norfolk: vast, lightly populated, and with an enormous seascape. Baltic winds can be bracing: hence those splendid strandkorb chairs (and wind breaks), beaches range from remote and shingly to popular and sandy, while there are two Unesco-listed medieval ports - Wismar and Stralsund - to occupy rainy days.