Germany offers a path for every kind of traveler, whether it leads toward the castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, a glass of local wine in Rhine Valley, or across to Austria's Salzburg Lake District, an area synonymous with the Von Trapp family and The Sound of Music. For history buffs, stories of the Cold War abound in Berlin, and day trips to World War II memorial sites offer a somber and significant look at the past. If you find yourself in Munich in the fall it can only mean one thing: a stop at Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, for a taste of Bavarian brews, culture, and food.
Like much of Central Europe, Germany is warm from April through August, and cold between October and March. High season is usually mid-June through August, and picks up again mid-September through October for the legendary beer-swilling shenanigans of Oktoberfest. If you can handle the winter chill, then December is a magical time to visit thanks to the Christmas markets (weihnachtsmarkt); warm yourself up with some glühwein, bratwurst, and festive cheer.
Traveling around Germany is easy, thanks to its extensive and reliable Deutsche Bahn (DB) train network. Most major cities have comprehensive public transportation networks (such as trains, trams, and buses), and boat trips along the Rhine, Elbe, and Danube offer scenic vistas. Additionally, the country’s vast network of autobahns (high-speed highways)—which are famous for having no general speed limits—provide travelers another option for self-driving and guided touring adventures.
There are picturesque old towns all over Germany with lots of things to do, and sometimes it can be hard to choose where to visit. Three places to see are Rüdesheim am Rhein in the winemaking region of the Rhine Valley; Quedlinburg, close to the Harz mountains; and the medieval town center of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Access these towns by renting a car, taking a guided tour, or planning to visit via train.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +49 | Language(s) German | Attractions 349 | Tours 2,880 | Reviews 86,303 |
Germany is an active country, and recreational activities abound. Its North Sea coast attracts swimmers and fishers, while its wealth of hiking and cycling trails crisscross the country. You can go wild swimming with locals in the country’s ponds and rivers, or trek, ski, and mountain bike in Alpine south.
...MoreHamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland—the world’s largest model railway—was recently voted Germany’s most popular tourist destination, while Berlin (with highlights like the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall) was named its most-visited city. Other popular attractions include the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Potsdam’s Sanssouci Palace, and the Europa-Park theme park.
...MoreGermany is world-renowned for its beer (plus annual celebrations like Oktoberfest) and hearty food offerings like sausages and dumplings. It’s known for its many castles, including Neuschwanstein Castle and those along the Rhine River. And the country is also celebrated for its high culture, including classical music, philosophy, and literature.
...MoreGermany offers a wealth of unique attractions, from UNESCO-listed highlights like Hamburg’s port to Cologne’s cathedral and from its thriving capital of Berlin to the scenic sweep of the Rhine River (flanked by castles and world-class wineries). Nothing compares to Bavarian architecture and Alpine views—nor parties like Oktoberfest.
...MoreWith a population of 84 million, Germany is a large and eclectic country. Home to the biggest economy in Europe (and one of the key member states of the European Union), it’s a political powerhouse. And it’s a global leader in fields ranging from education and automotives to design and art.
...MoreGermany has many scenic destinations, but Bavaria is home to its most well-known vistas. The country is packed with postcard-worthy views—from chocolate-box towns like Bamberg to fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle; from snow-capped Alpine peaks to forested valleys; and from the twists and turns of the Danube River to Königssee Lake.
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