it's a pity that the public face of germany are the big cities, not the countryside. almost everyone there is helpful, friendly and usually doesn't care for what someone does as long as it isn't bothering others.
fwiw, same goes for every other country i went to rural parts. there's a giant cultural split between rural communities and big cities almost everywhere in the west.
@genmaicha yes, usually everywhere in rural germany one is greeted, of course using some local wording :) same in other countries.
the argument for big cities in the west is culture and innovation but i really don't see that being the case anymore, if it ever was.