Germany Travel Guide

Experience the magic of Germany: vibrant cities, fairytale castles, awe-inspiring landscapes, and quaint half-timbered towns await.

Deutschland, is much more than its stereotypes of precision engineering, efficiency, sausages, and a love for beer. Historically known as the land of poets and thinkers, and has made great contributions to various fields such as science, philosophy, art, music, literature, and engineering.

It’s a destination for every traveller.

Germany has always held a special place in my heart. Being half German, I grew up surrounded by stories of Germany from my father, heard the German language being spoken, ate German food, and my Oma was my special pen pal.

When I was a teenager, I got to live in Germany for a bit through a language immersion program followed by spending the summer with my Oma. That experience ignited my passion for travel and all things European.

Since then, I’ve been back to Germany five more times! In 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to live in Berlin for three months. Germany feels like a part of who I am. And I’m thrilled to get to share it with you.

Travel Guide to Germany: The Basics

Getting there: Getting to Germany is a breeze, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. The country boasts multiple international airports, with Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Berlin (BER) being its top.

Getting around: Germany makes travelling within the country easy and affordable with efficient domestic flights, trains, and buses. For exploring smaller towns or planning a quick trip to multiple destinations, renting a car and driving on the Autobahn outside major cities is an ideal choice.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Germany. In restaurants, it is common to leave a tip of around 5-10% of the total bill, or rounding up to the nearest euro.

Weather: Germany’s climate experiences regional variations, but you can use this as an approximate guide.

• Spring (March to May): temperatures ranging from 5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F)
• Summer (June to August): temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F)
• Autumn (September to November): temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F)
• Winter (December to February): temperatures ranging from -5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F)

Travel Guide for Germany: Best Places to Visit

Top 5 Cities in Germany

1. Berlin: The Vibrant Capital: is a lively metropolis known for its rich history and dynamic culture. Explore the iconic Berlin landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, the UNESCO-listed Museum Island, taste its culinary delights and experience the city’s famous nightlife.
2. Munich: Bavarian Charm and Festivities: is located in the heart of Bavaria, and is renowned for its traditional charm. Famous for Oktoberfest, Munich offers picturesque parks like the English Garden, historic architecture, and a welcoming atmosphere.
3. Cologne: Cultural Heritage by the Rhine: is situated along the Rhine River and home to the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Köln Dom). Visit one of Germany’s best collections of Roman artifacts and stroll through the charming Old Town.
4. Frankfurt: The Financial Hub: is a vibrant city with a modern skyline surrounding the historic Römer square. Explore renowned museums like the Städel and experience the diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife in this cosmopolitan city.
5. Hamburg: The Port City Gem: is famously known for its rich trading history. Explore the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt district with its red-brick warehouses, and other architectural gems. Discover the city’s upscale charm as you shop and dine at some of its most posh boutiques and restaurants.

Top 5 Charming Places to Go in Germany

1. Bamberg: Brewing Tradition and Historic Beauty: explore the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with medieval architecture, including the unique Altes Rathaus situated in the middle of a bridge. Don’t miss trying the local Rauchbier, a smoky beer specialty.
2. Heidelberg: Romantic Old Town and Castle: wander through the romantic Old Town, visit the iconic Heidelberg Castle, and stroll along the scenic Philosopher’s Walk overlooking the Neckar River.
3. Lübeck: Hanseatic Elegance and Marzipan Magic: stroll through the medieval charm of Lübeck’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and admire the Gothic architecture, visit the Holstentor gate, and indulge in Lübeck’s famous marzipan treats.
4. Dresden: Baroque Splendor on the Elbe: discover the baroque beauty of Dresden, situated along the banks of the Elbe River. Visit the Zwinger Palace, marvel at the Frauenkirche, and stroll along the historic Bruhl’s Terrace.
5. Würzburg: Baroque Beauty and Vineyard Views: visit Würzburg for its baroque architecture, highlighted by the Residenz palace. Explore the Marienberg Fortress, take a stroll along the Alte Mainbrücke, and savour local wines in the surrounding vineyards.

Top 5 Fairytale Villages in Germany

1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber: is a picturesque medieval town straight out of a fairytale. Known for its well-preserved half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, this charming town is like stepping back in time.
2. Quedlinburg: is a town frozen in time, boasting over 1,300 half-timbered buildings. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Quedlinburg features winding narrow cobblestone streets, Quedlinburg Cathedral and a medieval castle.
3. Cochem: is a postcard-perfect town with a fairytale castle perched on a hill. Cochem is a scenic gem along the Moselle River full of colourful half-timbered houses overlooking vineyard-covered hills.
4. Monschau: is nestled in the picturesque Eifel region, and is a fairytale village oozing with timeless elegance. With its half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and charming marketplace, Monschau offers a romantic atmosphere.
5. Goslar: is a charming medieval town on the edge of the scenic Harz mountains. As a UNESCO-listed Old Town with half-timbered houses, a visit to the enchanting Imperial Palace is a must.

Top 5 Road Trips in Germany

1. Romantic Road (Romantische Strasse): Route: Würzburg to Füssen. Highlights: Explore medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Bavarian Alps.
2. Castle Road (Burgenstrasse): Route: Mannheim to Prague (Czech Republic). Highlights: Journey through a landscape dotted with over 70 castles and palaces, including Heidelberg Castle, Wartburg Castle, and the picturesque Karlštejn Castle in the Czech Republic.
3. Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwald Hochstrasse): Route: Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt. Highlights: Wind through the dense Black Forest, visit charming villages like Baiersbronn, and enjoy panoramic views from the heights of the forested mountains.
4. German Alpine Road (Deutsche Alpenstrasse): Route: Lindau to Berchtesgaden. Highlights: Drive through the Bavarian Alps, passing by serene lakes, charming alpine villages, and iconic sights such as Lake Königssee and Eagle’s Nest.
5. Wine Route (Deutsche Weinstrasse): Route: Bockenheim to Schweigen-Rechtenbach. Highlights: Discover the vineyard-covered landscapes of the Palatinate region, visit historic wine villages, and indulge in wine tastings along one of Germany’s oldest wine routes.

Travel Guide Germany Tips

• The best time to visit Germany is in the Spring and Autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
• Germany is a safe country to visit but it’s always a good idea to keep valuables secure, be cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas
• Cash is king in Germany. Although credit and debit cards are widely accepted, many restaurants still are cash only, even in big cities like Berlin
• Cultural Courtesies and etiquette by being punctual, greeting with a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact, and saying “Prost!” when clinking glasses during a toast
• Sundays in Germany are typically quiet, with many shops and restaurants closed. Plan your activities accordingly and enjoy a leisurely day exploring parks or cultural sites.
• Germany is very environmentally conscious, with a robust recycling system with separate recycling bins for paper, glass, plastic, and waste
• Check public transportation passes and save on travel costs by purchasing a regional or city-specific transportation pass

Germany Travel Blog: My Articles

Berlin

Other Destinations in Germany