Germany Travel Guide
Germany blends storybook towns, edgy creative hubs, and deep forests with precision-engineered cities. From the romantic Rhine to Berlin’s art-soaked streets, you get rich history, spotless transport, seasonal festivals, and a food scene that swings from hearty rustic to sleek contemporary.
When to Visit Germany?
Spring and fall bring mild weather, blooming parks, vineyard colors, and fewer crowds. Summer is warm with long days that suit lakes, beer gardens, and outdoor festivals. Winter lights up with Christmas markets, ski options in the Bavarian Alps, and cozy cafés. Plan around big events like Oktoberfest in late September and early October if you want the buzz or prefer to avoid it. For a deeper month-by-month breakdown with crowd levels and sample itineraries, see our dedicated When to Visit Germany guide.
How to Get to Germany?
Germany’s main gateways include Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport with extensive global connections. Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Stuttgart also handle many international flights. High-speed ICE trains link major cities and connect to neighboring countries such as France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Austria. Buses offer budget friendly routes, while well-marked autobahns make road trips smooth if you are confident driving abroad. For route ideas, intercity comparisons, and border-hopping tips, check our How to Get to Germany guide.
What to Do in Germany?
- Wander Berlin’s Museum Island and take in contemporary galleries in Mitte and Kreuzberg.
- Trace history at the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag’s glass dome, and the Berlin Wall memorial.
- Cruise the Rhine to see castles near towns like Bacharach and Boppard, then taste Riesling at riverside wineries.
- Explore fairytale Neuschwanstein and the Alpine foothills around Füssen for lakeside walks and viewpoints.
- Stroll Munich’s Marienplatz, climb St Peter’s Church tower, and relax in the English Garden.
- Tour the Romantic Road, overnighting in medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Würzburg.
- Visit Cologne Cathedral and cross the Hohenzollern Bridge for skyline photos and love locks.
- Hike the Black Forest trails near Triberg and Todtnau, then sample Black Forest cake.
- Discover Dresden’s rebuilt baroque center including the Frauenkirche and Zwinger Palace.
- Get outdoors in Saxon Switzerland National Park with sandstone cliffs and the Bastei Bridge views.
What to Eat in Germany?
Start with pretzels and fresh-baked breads, then move to regional staples like schnitzel, currywurst, and bratwurst with mustard. In Bavaria try weisswurst and Obatzda with a crisp Helles beer. In the north look for Fischbrötchen rolls, while Swabia serves käsespätzle and maultaschen. Don’t skip street food markets for döner, modern German bistros for seasonal game, and bakeries for Apfelstrudel or Berliner. For a full list of regional dishes, drinks, and where to try them, dive into our What to Eat in Germany guide.
What to Buy from Germany?
Quality shines in items like kitchen knives from Solingen, beer steins, Black Forest cuckoo clocks, and Bavarian tracht accessories. Christmas market treasures include hand carved ornaments, Räuchermännchen incense smokers, and nutcrackers. Gourmet gifts range from Riesling and Spätburgunder to marzipan from Lübeck and artisanal mustard. For market addresses, shopping streets, and packing tips, see our What to Buy from Germany guide.
Germany Nightlife
Berlin leads with techno temples, warehouse parties, and intimate cocktail dens. Munich’s beer halls and beer gardens are social classics, Cologne is friendly and music forward, and Hamburg’s St Pauli mixes live gigs with late night bars. University cities such as Leipzig and Heidelberg bring youthful energy and affordable nights out. For curated bar routes, club etiquette, and late transport, check our Germany Nightlife guide.
Germany Festivals and Fairs
| Festival or Fair | Month | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Karneval Cologne | February | Street parades, costumes, and parties before Lent. |
| Frühlingsfest Munich | April | Spring fair with rides, tents, and local beer. |
| Rhein in Flammen | May to September | Nighttime river fireworks along the Rhine on select dates. |
| Fusion Festival | Late June | Alternative music and arts gathering near Lärz. |
| Bayreuth Festival | July to August | Richard Wagner operas at the Festspielhaus. |
| Rheingau Wine Festival | August | Wine tastings and food in Wiesbaden and the Rhine valleys. |
| Oktoberfest Munich | Late Sep to early Oct | The world’s most famous beer festival with tents and folk culture. |
| Christmas Markets | Late Nov to Dec | Festive stalls across cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, and Munich. |
Germany Important Days and Holidays
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Good Friday and Easter Monday | Moveable Christian holidays observed nationwide |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| Ascension Day and Whit Monday | Moveable spring observances |
| Oct 3 | Day of German Unity |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Second Day of Christmas |
Things to Know for a Germany Trip
- Cash and cards: Cards are widely accepted, but some small cafés and kiosks still prefer cash.
- Transport: City day passes are great value. Validate paper tickets before boarding if required.
- Sundays: Many shops are closed on Sundays, plan grocery runs accordingly.
- Language: English is common in cities, a few German phrases help in smaller towns.
- Tipping: Round up or add about 5 to 10 percent in restaurants and cafés.
- Safety: Cities are generally safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and on night transport.
- Weather: Pack layers and a compact umbrella year round.
- Connectivity: Buy an eSIM or local SIM for seamless train and map access.
- Driving: Observe speed limits. Some autobahn sections are unlimited, many are not.
- Culture: Be punctual, separate recycling, and stand right on escalators to let people pass.
Germany rewards slow travel. Mix a few major cities with a castle dotted river valley, add a national park hike, and time your trip with a festival for an extra spark. If you are planning routes and neighborhoods, you will love our Places to Visit in Germany guide.
