Complete Germany Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Germany is well known for the Berlin Wall, Oktoberfest, and Neuschwanstein Castle. The country is full of history and has many fairytale-like villages and castles to explore. Germany is a popular tourist destination and receives over 179 million visitors each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full-time. Use this Germany travel guide and the following Germany travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Germany are Berlin, Munich, Dresden, and Hamberg.
Berlin Germany Travel Guide
Berlin Germany is well known for its Wall. Today you will find Art Nouveau mixed with Communist blocks, palaces, outdoor art, museums, currywurst, beach bars, huge parks, memorials, and history EVERYWHERE.
READ 72 hours in Berlin Germany
READ 100 Things to Do in Berlin Germany, a Bucket List City
Munich Germany Travel Guide
Munich is famous for its Oktoberfest celebration and the Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall. The city is full of beer halls, Baroque churches, medieval gates, palaces, old town, subway art, city surfing, Maypoles, an Olympic Park, a BMW factory, and a schnitzel.
READ 72 Hours in Munich Germany
Dresden Germany Travel Guide
Dresden is full of WWII history. The city also has gorgeous Baroque architecture, Gothic churches, Bruhl’s Terrace, the most beautiful dairy store in the world, the largest porcelain mural in the world, and the largest treasure collection in Europe.
READ Day Trip to Dresden Germany
Germany’s Romantic Road
Southern Germany’s Romantic Road is a 220-mile scenic byway between Wurzburg and Fussen. The route travels through Bavaria’s rolling hills of vineyards, past medieval towns, and castles. Top day trips to take on the Romantic Road are Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Harburg Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Heidelberg Castle.
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Germany
Where is Germany?
Germany is in Western Europe. It is the 7th largest European country. The country is bordered by the Baltic and the North Sea, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Berlin is the capital. It is also the largest city and most populous city with 3.3 million people.
What is the language in Germany?
The national language of Germany is German Deutsch. Over 95% of the population speak it. German is also an official language of Austria and Switzerland and is the language with the most native speakers in Europe. It is the most widely taught third language across the world. Schools begin teaching English to students at age 5. Around 56% of the population speaks English. You will have no problem speaking English at restaurants, and tourist attractions. Most train stations also make announcements in English. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do I need a visa to visit Germany?
According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.
What is the currency in Germany?
The currency in Germany is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Germany?
ATMs are widely available in Germany. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Germany and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are accepted; American Express and Diners Club may be accepted. You will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euros. Cash is king in Germany. Most grocery stores do not accept credit cards and some businesses may require a minimum purchase.
How much should I budget per day in Germany?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Germany is $128. Expect to pay $1,781 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When is the best time to visit Germany?
The high tourist season is from May through September. Oktoberfest celebrations actually occur in September. April and October are shoulder seasons with fewer crowds and some rain. April is the best time to visit wine country. The end of November through December is the Christmas Market season, expect higher prices and crowds. Winter is cold with gray skies and snow.
What transportation does Germany use?
Germany’s public transportation system utilizes the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (express trains to outside the city center), tram & bus. Download the DB Navigator app before you go. Unlimited transportation tickets can be purchased for 1-Day, 3-Day, or 1-Month. Be sure to validate tickets and pay attention to transportation zones. The country is well connected by local trains making travel within the country simple. Train doors do not open automatically, you must push the button. Do not put your suitcase in the chair next to you. Uber or Lyft are not available, taxis are expensive. Driving in Germany is easy and the roads are well-maintained. 65% of the highways in Germany (Autobahn) have no speed limit and it’s illegal to run out of gas on the Autobahn. Be aware that the country uses photo radar.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Germany?
The plugs in Germany are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What should I pack for Germany?
Locals tend to dress conservatively in dark colors. Dark blue or black denim jeans are common. An umbrella is essential in case of rain during the shoulder season. Bring a sweater or light jacket for boat rides and relaxing in street cafes. A comfortable pair of walking shoes with good soles for cobbled streets is important.
Is Germany a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the risk of traveling in Germany is low. Be aware of pickpockets on public transportation and in tourist areas. Avoid areas where street demonstrations are occurring, they often result in clashes with police. Germany has had several terrorist attacks, but the attacks did not target tourists. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What German food do I need to try?
Bratwurst, currywurst, schnitzel (fried breaded cutlet), rouladen (bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles wrapped beef or veal), sauerbraten (pot roast with dark gravy), reibekuchen (fried potato pancakes), kartoffelsalat (potato salad with bacon, chives and vinegar), kartoffelkloesse (potato dumplings), maultaschen (dumplings stuffed with meat, bacon, ham, spinach), sauerkraut, rotkohl (pickled pink cabbage), speckpfannkuchen (crepes with bacon), spätzle (egg noodles), käsespätzle (mac and cheese), brezel (pretzel), spaghetti eis (spagehtti shaped ice cream), apfelkuchen (apple pie with raisins), schwarzwälderkirschtorte (black forest cake), and Ritter Sport (chocolate bars).
Tips for Traveling in Germany
- Tipping is generally 10%.
- The internet is slow.
- Wifi is available in many restaurants, cafes, and train stations.
- Water isn’t free and usually is carbonated, tap water is looked upon as disgusting.
- Drinks do not come with refills.
- Expect to pay .50 to use a restroom.
- Smoking is banned in public places, but drinking in public is legal.
- To get 1 beer in Germany, show your thumb. Show your thumb and first finger for 2 beers.
- Greet Friends by knocking on the table.
- Cheers with water are wishing death on the person.
- Germans like personal space and dislike small talk.
- Germans follow the rules and are direct, they will call you out.
- Do not jaywalk or walk in the bike lane.
- Stoplights flash yellow before the green, never walk against the light.
- Nudity isn’t weird in Germany, expect it at swimming pools.
- Sunday is a day of rest by law, stores are closed.
- Expect to take the stairs, elevators are very small when they are available.
- Pillows are square and blankets do not cover the whole bed in hotels.
- Take your own bag with you to the store and you will have to bag your own things, quickly.
- Recycle, recycle, recycle!
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Germany
- See the Berlin Wall.
- Enjoy a boat ride through the Hamberg Canal.
- Visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Attend Oktoberfest in Munich.
- Take a boat ride down the Rhine River and visit as many castles as possible.
- See the white cliffs of Rügen and relax on the white-sand beaches.
- Explore the fairy tale towns on the Romantic Road (Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Regensburg).
- Visit the Aachen Cathedral and the Cologne Cathedral.
- Drive through the Black Forest on the Brothers Grimm Fairytale Route.
- Relax in a thermal bath in Baden-Baden.
Check the Germany Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About Germany
- One-third of Germany is still covered in forests and woodlands.
- College education in Germany is free, including international students.
- There are over 2,100 castles in Germany.
- There are over 1,500 different beers in Germany.
- Berlin has the largest train station in Europe.
- The largest department store in Europe is in Berlin, the KaDeWe.
- There are 2.5 million half-timbered houses in Germany.
- Berlin is 9 times bigger than Paris and has more bridges than Venice.
- There are over 300 bunkers and hundreds of kilometers of underground tunnels in Berlin.
- The first printed book was in German.
- The first magazine was launched in 1663 in Germany.
- Germans invented the light bulb, calculator, automobile, insulin, accordion, clarinet, pocket watch, gummy bears, paraffin, the motorcycle, the jet engine, the LCD screen, and the Walkman.
- Germany was the first country in the world to adopt Daylight saving time.
- Germany has the largest population in the EU, 81 million people.
- Germany has a legal say on what babies can be named.
- Germans believe it’s bad luck to celebrate birthdays early (don’t count your chickens before they hatch).
- Germans also believe if you bury your deceased dog under your doorstep, its ghost will guard the house.
- There are over 1,000 kinds of sausages in Germany.
- Germans are the world’s second-biggest beer drinkers.
- Beer is considered a food in Bavaria.
- The Christmas tree (Tannenbaum) tradition came from Germany.
- Most taxis in Germany are Mercedes, and garbage trucks are too.
- Prison escape is not punishable by law in Germany.
- It is illegal to declaw cats in Germany.
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Germany Travel Guide
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Germany’s Best Attractions and Day Tours
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