Germany Travel Tips

GERMANY TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS

At a Glance | Trip Planning | Things to Do | What to Eat | Places to StayLatest

At a Glance

Known for their efficiency and engineering, the Germans know how to make a country. A stunning blend of historical significance and futuristic drive, Germany is a powerhouse of modern life. Get inspired by the power of Berlin, the passion of Munich and the tranquility of Germany’s vast expanse of forest.
 
Enjoy the festive culture of the Germans as you engage in social drinking in the beer houses and gorge yourself on all the sausages and pretzels you could ever desire. Remember the tragic past of the nation, paying respects at WW2 memorials and museums and celebrate the future as you absorb the bustling spirit of Potsdamer Platz. Often dubbed the capital of Europe, Germany is a must-see on any Euro tour and will not disappoint.

Germany Quick Information

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Electricity Socket: 230V AC electricity. Power outlets are usually two-prong round sockets. To avoid the hassle of having to buy new adaptors for everywhere you go, we recommend picking up a Universal Travel Adaptor before you leave.

Visa: Germany is a member of the European Union and signatory of the Schengen convention. Any EU national is entitled to unlimited, Visa-free travel within Germany. Nationals of most American countries plus Australia and NZ benefit from 90 days of Visa-free travel within the Schengen zone. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Schengen visa. If EU nationals wish to stay longer than 90 days, whilst you do not need a Visa, you must register with the local Burgeramt within 2 weeks of arrival. Nationals of other countries such as Russia, China, the Philippines, and other Asian countries must apply for a Schengen visa for any travel in Germany.

Safety: As with most of Europe, Germany is a safe country. It is safer than France or the UK with low risks of petty theft and no natural disasters. Terror threat remains high due to Germany’s political power but attacks are rare and have so far not resulted in many casualties.

However, as always, no matter how safe a country is, we always recommend getting travel insurance whenever planning a trip abroad. Our top recommendation is Safety Wing because of their great coverage and monthly payment plans.

Language: The main language of Germany is German. Germany is a formal and respectful country and saying a little German in a polite manner will go a long way. Many Germans will speak a little English, especially in the major cities and tourist areas but this is not to be relied upon for communication.

Transportation: Germany is a very efficient country that has a very organized public transportation system. You can easily access most parts through trains or buses. Alternatively, if you prefer to go at your own pace, car rental in Germany is also extremely affordable and practical!

germany-gate

Germany Trip Planning

Best Time to Go

It is ideal to visit Germany at any time but you need to be aware of how the weather changes throughout the year, and therefore tourist attractions and prices, to make sure this doesn’t impede on your plans.

Best Time to Go: Summer – April to November (All of Germany)

Weather and activity in Germany can be broken down into three tourist seasons:

  • Low Season (Nov-Mar) – Cold and wet weather with snow in a lot of areas. Ski resorts will be busy with other key sights being less busy but open for a shorter time. Some may even be closed. This season is the best for theater, concerts, and opera.
  • Mid Seasons (Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct) – Sunny weather means this is the perfect season for travel. It is also quieter with lower prices except on public holidays.
  • High Season (Jul & Aug) – Great weather brings higher prices, crowds and busy roads. However, this season is full of great festivals from music, food, and wine to samba.

Rough Budget

As in every country, you can travel around for as cheap or as expensive as you want. Based on our experience, you can travel Germany for as low as $40-80 a day with accommodations and activities usually being your largest expense. This budget is lower end, taking into account staying in hostels, self-catering or eating local and using public transport. For a guide to different types of travel, here is a rough break down of costs:

thailand accommodation budget

Accommodation

Budget: €10-30 ($12-35) dorms / €45-65 ($50-75) budget hotels
Mid-Range: €60-100 ($70-120)
Splurge: €150+ ($175+)

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Food (Typical Meal For One)

Street food: €2-4 ($2-5)
Cheap meal at beer hall: €9-15 ($11-18)
Restaurant: €15-20 ($18-25)
Top-rated restaurant: €100 ($115)

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Transport

Bike Rental: €18 ($21) per day
City Transit: €1-3 ($1-4) per single ticket
Intercity Bus: €15-30 ($18-35)
Overnight buses: €20-70 ($25-82)
Trains: €40-70 ($48-82) slow / €100+ ($120+) high-speed

What to Pack for Traveling Germany

For Germany, you will need a variety of clothes to suit all weather conditions. Even in the mid-seasons, you could come across a few rainy days and it gets especially cold if you’re spending time up in the mountains, so make sure to bring lots of thin clothes that you can layer if you’re cold but that would also be suitable to wear alone for the warmer days.

A few travel essentials that we recommend bringing would be a good rain jacket (here’s our guide on how to pick one), a collapsible water bottle, as well as a good pair of walking shoes.

For a complete guide on what to pack for Europe, check out our full article.

View Europe Packing List
germany forest

Best Things to Do in Germany

Drink in the Magic of Berlin

As well as being the largest city and Capital of Germany, Berlin has a lot more to offer than its turbulent history. Known for its art and music scene, hip vibes, and being a general city for freelancers and creative types, the capital is also home to world-class museums, a great cafe culture, cheap food and a fantastic nightlife!

There are really heaps of things to do in Berlin! Oh, and did we mention that it is still pretty affordable compared to other Western European cities?

Insider Travel Tip: Berlin is a huge city with lots of exciting things to do. However, as it is very popular amongst tourists, we recommend booking things in advance. Here are a couple of tours that we recommend to help you get a better grasp of the city.

Recommended Tours

  • Berlin Welcome Card–  This city card is great value as it allows you to save money on transportation, attractions and more. Once you purchase it, you get free public transport in certain zones as well as discounts for over 200 attractions within the city.
  • TV Tower Fast Track Entry & Restaurant Seats– Every city has an iconic building that is a must visit. In Berlin, it is the TV tower. With this pass, you can skip the lines and grab a seat with the most incredible view.
  • Sachsenhausen Memorial Walking Tour- If you’re interested in history, this concentration camp tour provides an in-depth walkthrough of the atrocities that happened during Hitler’s regime.
  • Berlin’s Street Art Tour– One of the things I love the most about Berlin is that is has so much art! This street art tour walks you through some of the best murals in town, showing you an alternative side to this historical city.

Experience the Nature that Germany Offers

Germany may have some thriving and vibrant cities that attract many a traveler, but it also boasts a variety of natural landscapes that draw in the outdoor enthusiasts too. If you love to get outdoors, hike the Berchtesgaden National Park and surround yourself with lush forests, crystal clear lakes, and steep rock faces. If this is too sleepy for you, you may want to venture to Lake Constance instead. Being the largest freshwater lake in Germany, this is a popular destination to hike, cycle and wander in nature.

Get Lost in Munich

Overshadowed by the buzz that Berlin causes among travelers, Munich maybe quiet but it makes a name for itself in its own right. Home to centuries-old buildings, interesting museums, trekking trails, plush parks, popular beer halls, and amazing food, this is a city that is steeped in culture and has a beauty that will stay with you long after you leave.

Although known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, Munich is a city that offers plenty of options for every type of traveler. Again, similar to Berlin, Munich has tons of awesome things to do. Listed below are a few of our best recommendations.

  • Dachau Memorial Tour– For history buffs out there, this tour is a must. Although very sad and somber, the concentration camps play a large part of Germany’s history.
  • Segway City Tour– What better way to see Munich than by a segway tour? Not only is it super fun but the guide will go into detail in the historical significance of each site.
  • Bavarian Beer and Food Tour– If food and beer is your jam (and it totally should be) this tour is perfect for you! Get to know the local delicacies and brews through this awesome food tour.
  • Day trip to Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castles– If you’re short on time but want to squeeze in a day trip to this beautiful castle, we recommend going on this tour rather than trying to do it independently.

Attempt to Survive Oktoberfest

With the world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival) held annually in Munich, how can you not attend if you’re in Germany in late September? 16 to 18 days of festivities where a lot of beer is consumed, there is nothing like raising a stein of beer whilst singing German songs with more than 6 million people from around the world! Giant pretzel anyone? Visiting Germany during Oktoberfest was one of the most incredible festivals we’ve done!

If you’re into partying and would like to do yourself, go check out Stoke Travel’s Oktoberfest.

oktoberfest munich

Explore Germany’s Other Great Cities

There are many great cities in Germany so don’t just stop at the big two, Berlin and Munich, before heading elsewhere in Europe. If you like a city with an abundance of green spaces, Hamburg is famous for its parks and canals.

Being the second-largest city in Germany and second-busiest port in Europe, it also offers a diversity and uniqueness that you can’t find anywhere else. More of a history buff? Frankfurt may be more your style. Not only does it boast plenty of historical sights, but it offers some pretty cool science museums and a great restaurant scene too.

Cologne is also a good option for history and culture lovers, so make sure to soak in the art scene and famous Cathedral. For a city that is underrated, make sure to head to Hanover for some truly amazing insights into German culture. Want a mix of culture and nature? Check out our things to do in Dresden article.

germany town

Hike the Black Forest

If you like the Brothers Grimm fairy tales then you’ll love the Black Forest! Bordering France, this mountainous region in Southwest Germany is known for its dense, evergreen forests and enchanting villages dotted throughout. With a plethora of hiking trails, you can spend days exploring this stunning area, stumbling upon charming vineyards, Gothic buildings, and of course miles of breathtaking landscapes!

Admire Neuschwanstein Castle

Who doesn’t want to see the model for the Disney Castle? Perched on top of a rugged cliff surrounded by a scenic mountain landscape, this 19th-century palace is nestled in a lush forest and is simply idyllic. Nothing can explain the feeling of staring up at this picturesque creation, so you’ll just have to come and see why it is one of the most visited castles in Europe for yourself.

You can reach this beautiful beauty on a day trip from Munich or Berlin as mentioned above. Alternatively, you can also arrange for a guide to walk you through the castle in a private small group tour which includes a few snacks in a nearby farm.

castle germany

Tours Around Germany

If you prefer traveling with a group tour, we highly recommend G Adventures. They are a super reputable company and have been running tours around Europe. The reason why we love G Adventures is because they have loads of different tours that cater to different age groups. They have family tours, tours for 18-30 year olds, and even tours that take you all over Europe, allowing you to explore a little bit of everything.

If traveling by yourself isn’t your jam, check out the variety of tours that G Adventures has and the details and dates of each trip. We suggest using the filters in the sidebar to help you find a tour that fits your travel dates and travel style.

Click Here to View Germany Tours

What to Eat in Germany

Germany is often outshone by the cuisine of its nearby neighbors such as Spain, France, and Italy, but what many people don’t know is that the German cuisine is so much more than just meat. Warm, hearty, and traditional, the food will not disappoint! If you’re only in Germany for a short amount of time, here are a few dishes that you need to try:

Bratwürste

If there is one meat to mention, it has to be the famous Bratwurst sausage that everyone knows and loves! No matter where you are in Germany, you can find a delicious Bratwurst to feast on, with the best supposedly coming from Nürnberg.

Spätzle

A delicious (and completely vegetarian!) dish to come out of Germany! One of the most famous dishes, Spätzle is a kind of pasta, consisting of eggs, flour, salt and a splash of fizzy water to fluff up the dough. Sounds too simple right? Try it as a side dish or topped with a heap of cheese as a main and you’ll be amazed!

Maultaschen

A delicious ravioli dish, Maultaschen parcels can be packed with minced meat, sauerkraut, spinach or anything that takes your fancy! Whether you eat them boiled or fried, as a side or as a main, this is heaven on a plate.

Pretzel

Ahh the German pretzel, a simple yet mouth-watering creation! Twisted into a bracelet shape with a brown crust that is crisp and glossy and a doughy inside, these bad boys can be found everywhere in Germany ready to devour.

germany pretzel

Places to Stay in Germany

Compared to many other European countries, accommodation in Germany is quite cheap. Choices range from hostels (which are plentiful, especially in the cities), budget to luxury hotels, and Airbnb.

While camping is technically illegal in Germany, you can still find many around that charge from €5-20 ($6-23) per night. If you’re traveling during national holidays, peak season, or Oktoberfest, we highly recommend that you book your accommodations ahead of time. We recommend checking sites like Booking.com, Agoda, or Hostel World to find the best deals.

Books to Read when Traveling to Germany

If you’re looking for more information (or inspiration) on how to plan your trip, check out some of our book recommendations below.

Germany Rick Steve’s Guide

If you’re looking for a specific German travel guide, Rick Steves gets out vote as it has tons of great tips to help you plan your trip.

The Book Thief

Telling the story of a young woman who fell in love with books during the Nazi occupation, The Book Thief gives you a glimpse of what ordinary people went through during this period.

The Boy in Striped Pajamas

Even if you’ve seen the film, this book whose story revolves around how a young boys life is changed by the war is still worth reading!

All the Light We Cannot See

This book is all about a blind French girl and a German boy who meet during the war which they boy struggle to survive.

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