Germany is the 4th most visited country in the world. With a rich culture, history and a vibrant modern society, it is a magnetic destination for travelers.
Germany has a fascinating history. It is a fascinating country that is rich with culture and art. With its amazing landscape, Germany is a beautiful place for travel. It is an idyllic country with a rich culture and history.
The Germans are well known for their love of art and they have some of the most incredible museums that you can visit. They have a great history of music, theater, and literature. The country is full of great restaurants, breweries, and nightlife.
If you love history, you are in for a real treat. Germany has amazing museums that you can visit. There are castles, palaces, and fortresses that you can tour. The country is full of beautiful landscapes and nature. It is a perfect place for a relaxing vacation.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Language: The official language of Germany is German, though over 50% of Germans speak English as well.
Currency: The official currency of Germany is the Euro (EUR), and the exchange rate is currently 1 USD to 0.88 EUR.
Credit Cards & ATMs: Germany is a predominately a cash-focused society, you will have no problem using your credit card when in Germany. It’s recommended that the card be a Visa or Mastercard as American Express cards are not as widely accepted. ATMs in Germany are known as Bankomat and are typically located inside or out of bank branches. They are less common in shopping centers and petrol stations so you’ll want to plan ahead.
Plugs: In Germany, the power plugs are type F, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hair dryers and hot tools.
Safety: Germany is one of the safest countries to visit in Europe. The crime rates are low, and the laws are strictly enforced and respected.
Best Time to Visit!
The best time to visit Germany is the spring or fall, specifically May or October. Although this does depend on if you’re looking to attend one of Germany’s famous festivals. The spring is often met with frequent rain showers so you will want to bring an umbrella, but the temps have heated up from the winter months. Fall welcomes the cool down from the summer and begins the changing of the leaves.
Summer is peak season and locals rejoice as the weather finally warms up, and the sunshine arrives. Pack light clothing and expect large crowds if you visit during the summer months.
As for festivals, Oktoberfest takes place from late September to early October, and the famous Christmas markets begin at the end of November.
How to Get Around Germany?
Public Transportation – Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. After all, they created the first highway system ever! All the cities and larger towns have public transportation that is reliable and efficient. In cities like Berlin and Munich, all of the various networks are integrated: one ticket gives you access to buses, trams, U-Bahn trains (subway), and S-Bahn trains (above ground). Fares are determined by zone, but generally a one-way fare starts from 2.90 EUR ($3.30 USD). You can get a one-day unlimited pass for 7 EUR ($8 USD), or three days for 17 EUR ($19 USD).
Another great way to get around is by bicycle. Germans love their bicycles! Most cities have well marked bicycle lanes, making it easy to navigate even the busiest streets. You can find bicycle rentals for around 18 EUR ($21 USD) per day in most places. Some hostels even have a rental program in place.
Taxis are expensive and not recommended, especially since the public transportation is so good. All taxis are metered. The base rate is around 3.70 EUR ($4.20 USD) plus an additional 1.90 EUR ($2.15 USD) per kilometer. It’s not worth it! Uber is not used in Germany, but if you want to order a taxi, you can use the MyTaxi app.
Train – Train travel is an incredibly efficient way to get around Germany, albeit not the most cost effective. Germany’s main rail system is Deutsche Bahn, which has both high-speed trains and regular trains. The high-speed trains are an quick way to get around but are usually much more expensive.
For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich can cost as much as 190 EUR ($216 USD), but you can also find seats for 20 EUR if you have a more flexible itinerary. Last minute tickets from Berlin to Hamburg can cost 50 EUR ($57 USD), but advance bookings start around 20 EUR ($23 USD). Frankfurt to Cologne is also around 20 EUR ($23 USD).
It’s always best to book in advance when possible, otherwise you’ll pay the price for last-minute bookings. You can track schedules and fares on the Deutsche Bahn website.
A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping.
Bus – Other than hitchhiking or ride-sharing, buses are the cheapest way to get around Berlin. The service is usually punctual, although not as efficient as the train. Buses are comfortable with reclining seats, air-conditioning, rest stops, and sometimes even free WiFi.
There are a few major bus companies servicing Germany, including:
Flixbus
Eurolines
Deinbus
I recommend Flixbus for the cheapest rates and most comfortable buses. You can get from Berlin to Dresden for as little as 8 EUR ($9 USD), or Berlin to Munich for 25 EUR ($28 USD). Munich to Hamburg is also around 26 EUR ($30 USD).
Ride-sharing – Ride-sharing in Germany is very common. Ride-sharing means you travel as a passenger with someone in exchange for payment toward fuel costs. It’s cheap, and you’ll meet some interesting characters! BlaBlaCar and Mitfahren are the two most popular ride-sharing websites.
Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Germany is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.
DAY 1 – MUNICH
Capital to the landlocked state of Bavaria, Munich is one of those rare cities in the world where the modern and the traditional sit side by side, in a happy mix of tall modern minimalist buildings and nineteenth century monuments.
Check out St. Peter’s Church for an unobstructed view of the city, and of the Alps, if you’re lucky to experience a clear day! The Viktualienmarkt is a great place to shop and eat, before you head to the Jewish Museum and the Asamkirche.
WHAT YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY DO IN MUNICH?
Munich’s Rathaus on Marienplatz is an architectural masterpiece. The remarkable courtyard is just ideal for getting away from the crowds.
A leisurely walk in the Hofgarten.
Sign up for Munich’s original pub crawl.
Munich is not just about striking buildings and warm people. The city is also great for discovering vibrant street art scene. So keep your phone ready.
A quick stopover at the Odeonplatz Square.
Discover Munich’s beer culture at Viktualienmarkt.
Get out of the city centre and visit Schloss Nymphenburg.
Relax at Isar stone beach – an ideal summer spot with a gorgeous view.
DAY 2 & 3 – BLACK FOREST, LAKE CONSTANCE, THE ALPS
Known most popularly as the birthplace of the Grimm Brothers Tales, the Black Forest is a dense forest bordering France. Known for it’s spas, the forest often opens up into hamlets with noteworthy Gothic architecture. You can easily spend a few days here – the views will enchant you completely.
Visit Lake Constance, also called Bodensee by the locals, whilst in the area. The 53-km long lake borders Switzerland, Germany and Austria and is home to a variety of fauna. Get gorgeous views of the Alps from here, and on your way back to Staufen or Freiburg with your German rail pass, where you can spend the night.
WHAT YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY DO IN BLACK FOREST?
Start your Black Forest break by sampling the delectable Black Forest Cake.
Explore the charming town of Triberg and take a quick stop at Germany’s highest waterfalls.
Go boating on Lake Titisee.
Feast your eyes on the endless collection of German Cuckoo clocks at House of 1000 Clocks, Triberg.
Hike up the Schlossberg at Freiburg town.
Sample a house beer at Feierling.
Located near the French border, the Black Forest is named so because of the dark green pine trees in the area. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails worth exploring. You can spend some time stopping in towns that are famous for their cuckoo clocks and typical German food. It’s best seen in the fall.
DAY 4 – NEUSCHWANSTEIN AND OTHER CASTLES
A Germany itinerary is nothing if not for it’s stunning castles. It’s a good idea to spend a day just visiting Neuschwanstein and other castles in the area. This19-century Romanesque Revival castle sits atop Fussen and is testimony to the skilled workmanship of it’s era.
Other castles in the area are equally enchanting, and warrant a visit. Two other castles that you can explore post visiting Neuschwanstein are Hohenschwangau and Linderhof. You could stay the night either in Fussen, or in Reutte, and hop on your next train destination early morning- minus train tickets for Germany, of course- your Eurail pass will cover that!
WHAT YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY DO IN FUSSEN (NEUSCHWANSTEIN)?
Catch the glimpse of Neuschwanstein from Marienbrücke.
Eat at Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein.
Take a stroll around Fussen’s city centre.
Soak in the countryside Bavarian beauty.
Step inside the Hohenschwangau Castle.
Taste the most delectable cakes at Konditorei Kurcafe.
DAY 5 – ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
Follow the Romantic Road tour as you tread through the gorgeous town of Rothenburg into the nearby towns of Augsburg and Wurzburg. The birthplace of many enchanted Disney tales, Rothenburg is a magical town that deserves at least a day’s visit. Trip down the medieval era as the charming town on the Romantic Road has capacity to enchant you completely. The pristine Bavarian landscapes make for a postcard perfect holiday stay in Germany.
When in Rothenburg, wander aimlessly from one place to another. You’ll get endless fabulous photography opportunities at every step of the way in this Bavarian town. Your 7 days Germany itinerary will be incomplete without a visit to this dreamy town.
WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST DO IN ROTHENBURG?
Explore the old town/Rathaus.
Take the original nightwatchman tour (with Hans George).
Climb the citywall and walk the 2.5 miles stretch.
Click a picture at the iconic Plönlein corner (the fairytale home that the town is famous for).
Step inside Käthe Wohlfahrt store. You can recognize it by the big red and black delivery truck parked right in front of the store.
Spend a peaceful afternoon/evening at the Castle Garden.
Grab some pizza and cocktails at Vito or Cafe Michelangelo.
DAY 6 – HEIDELBERG
Heidelberg is a historic university town that has survived unscathed since the 18th century. You have to come for the Baroque architecture and the phenomenal ruins of the Renaissance castle, which for hundreds of years was home to the Imperial Prince Electors of Heidelberg.
Those ruins have inspired generations of people, most famously the Romantics at the start of the 19th century. And part of that allure comes from the Odenwald terrain, as Heidelberg is couched in a wooded valley by the Neckar where hills on both sides of the river offer storybook vistas of the city.
WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST DO IN HEIDELBERG?
Explore Altstadt
Visit Schloss Heidelberg. Perched 80 metres above the Altstadt and Neckar is the former seat of Heidelberg’s Prince Electors, now one of the most beautiful ruins in the world.
Go to Alte Brücke (Old Bridge). Crossing the Neckar between the Altstadt and the Neuenheim district on the right bank, the Alte Brücke dates in its current form to 1788 during the rule of Elector Charles Theodore.
See the Philosophenweg. On the right bank of the Neckar is a two-kilometre path on high ground presenting views over the city and Schloss Heidelberg across the river. The path climbs from the Neuenheim district up the Heiligenberg Hill, but you can also access the trail from the Alte Brücke on the east side.
DAY 7 – WURZBURG
This small city nestled in the Bavarian region boasts of some of the coolest rococo and Baroque architecture. Apart from it’s massive repute as a prime manufacturer of wine, the 18th-century Residenz Palace attracts a huge part of it’s tourism. Visit to admire it’s dainty frescoes and ornate tapestries! Wurzburg is always buzzing with so much life and energy. It feels simply great to sit in the outdoor cafes and people watch at times.
WHAT YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY DO IN WURZBURG?
Head straight to the Würzburg Residence.
Just behind the Residenz, discover the Court Garden.
Pour yourself a glass of wine at the Old Main Bridge. The statues of saints on the bridge might remind you of Charles Bridge in Prague.
Watch the bustling life at the market square and step inside the St. Mary’s Chapel.
Do not miss eating Falafel at Veggie Bros – a tiny but kitschy cafe with great healthy food options.
Hike up to the Käppele (Church on the Hill) for spectacular panoramic views of Wurzburg. Be prepared for a 25-minutes steep walk uphill to the fortress.
MORE DAYS IN GERMANY?
With just enough spare time on your hands, consider visiting Dresden, capital of the Saxony. The city attracts hoardes of tourists with an eye for museums. Apart from the exquisite architecture, you could also spend time learning about the city’s difficult past – the Second World War bombing of Dresden proved to be a landmark event in the history of the War. Dresden is also known for it’s charming oh-so-European cafes and bistros!
Once you’re done with Dresden, hop on your next train to Hamburg, and check out this major port city for a day. The city’s central boulevard, connecting the Old Town with the New Town, is iconic and worthy of a couple minutes of focused photography! You can also try eating at nice Hamburg cafes and restaurants.
Add Hamburg and Dresden in your 10 days in Germany itinerary without any second thoughts. The baroque city of Dresden will make for an amazing stopover.
Germany Travel Costs
Accommodation – Accommodation in Germany is quite cheap compared to other Eurozone countries. Hostels are plentiful and range from about 10-22 EUR ($11-25 USD) per night for a dorm room. For a private room, expect to pay around 40-50 EUR ($45-57 USD) per night. Free WiFi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast. Budget hotel prices begin in the same price range, so expect to pay between 45-65 EUR ($51-71 USD) for a small double room with a private bathroom, closet, and maybe a desk. Airbnb is another great option for as well (one I use often) with shared accommodation going for as little as 30 EUR ($34 USD) per night and an entire apartment or home starting at 50 EUR ($57 USD). While wild camping is illegal, there are a ton of campsites around the country. Expect to pay 5-20 EUR ($6-23 USD) per night for a basic plot.
Food – Food in Germany is very cheap (and hearty). You can eat out from outdoor vendors for around 2-4 EUR/$2.50-5 USD (great sausages and bratwurst). Meals at many of the beer halls around the country cost only 9-15 EUR ($10-17 USD). Pre-made sandwiches cost around 5 EUR ($6 USD). Fast food (think McDonald’s) will cost around 7 EUR ($8 USD). Beer usually costs 4-5 EUR ($4.50-5.70 USD) for a nice pint. If you eat in the beer halls, a traditional German meal plus a beer will cost around 14-18 EUR ($16-20 USD). Turkish, middle eastern, and Asian food can be found for as little as 5 EUR ($6 USD), while a nicer meal at a sit-down restaurant will cost just over 20 EUR ($23 USD). If you plan on cooking for yourself, a week’s worth of groceries will cost around 35-65 EUR ($40-74 USD).
Transportation – High-speed trains, which are popular in Germany, are very expensive — Berlin to Munich can cost over 180 EUR ($205 USD)! Most of the other (slower) intercity trains cost between 40-70 EUR ($46-80 USD) for a second class ticket. It’s cheaper to take a slow regional train or overnight bus. Most intercity bus tickets cost between 15-30 EUR ($17-34 USD). In Germany, the earlier you book tickets, the cheaper it is so if you have set dates, don’t wait! For public transportation, city transit systems are reliable and cost around 1-3 EUR per single ticket, though you can usually find day-passes that will get you a better rate. If you want to explore via bicycle, most cities offer daily rentals for around 18 EUR ($21 USD).
Activities – Museums cost between 1-15 EUR ($1.15-17 USD). Bike tours and river cruises can cost 24-40 EUR ($27-46 USD). Most city tours are between 12-25 EUR ($14-29 USD). Renting a bike costs about 18 EUR ($21 USD) per day, though prices will vary in each city.
That's all for today. Hope I was able to convince you to take a trip to Germany. Do let me know your views!
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