Berlin is essentially a micro-/city-state within Germany. It doesn't have any rural area, but it is surrounded by Brandenburg which has large rural areas. "[M

Berlin is essentially a micro-/city-state within Germany. It doesn't have any rural area, but it is surrounded by Brandenburg which has large rural areas. "[M]uch more rural southern states" - Do you mean Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg? Those are some of the richest states in Germany due to their enormous manufacturing industry. AFAIK: The provincial capital cities of Munich and Stuttgart both have decent public transport.