Germany—the land of poets and thinkers—is not only home to world-renowned composers such as Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Schumann and Wagner. It is also much loved by tourists for its stunning scenery and landscapes, serene rolling hills, picturesque grazing meadows, picturesque medieval villages, rich culture and hearty, mouth-watering German cuisine, among others. If you want a cornucopia of unique experiences that turn into a great adventure, you should definitely put Germany at the top of your travel list.
Traveling to Germany for the first time could be a scary and exciting experience. At the same time, it can also be overwhelming and intimidating if you know absolutely nothing about the country you are visiting. For such reasons, it will be useful to reserve a Tour in Germany to make sure everything is already taken care of for you so that the trip goes smoothly. If you’re not sure where to start with your preparations, this ultimate travel guide to successfully exploring Germany is a great place to start!
The basics you need to know
First things first, here are the essential things you need to know about Germany before you hop on that plane:
Entry requirements for US citizens
Germany is a Schengen country, which means that tourists from the allied 27 European countries do not need to present a passport to enter Germany. With little or no border control at their mutual borders, tourists from the other Schengen countries can cross the border seamlessly into their neighboring countries, including Germany.
Now, if you are from the US, you will need to present a passport to be allowed to enter Germany. This US passport must be valid for at least 90 days after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area.
Budget Allocation
Accommodation and goods prices in Germany are definitely cheaper than in the US, so you’ll find that most things are affordable here. If you’re an average spender, expect $55 to $90 a day for lodging, food, and transportation. Meanwhile, mid-range travelers may need to spend around $110 to $160 per day, and luxury travelers may need to spend $200 or more daily.
The best time to visit Germany
Like most European countries, Germany has four seasons, each with its own unique charm and appeal. This means that the best time to visit Germany will ultimately depend on your preferences.
Summer
If you enjoy participating in outdoor activities and festivities, it is best to visit Germany during the summer months – from June to August. However, keep in mind that this is also peak season, so there will inevitably be bigger crowds and merchandise tends to be more expensive.
Winter
Meanwhile, if you want to indulge in winter sports, it is best to visit during the winter months – from December to February. Expect picturesque German villages to have a snowy, snowglobe charm. Additionally, accommodation and merchandise prices tend to be lower as crowds are thin during the cold winter months. However, note that many shops are closed for the winter, except for the days leading up to Christmas. German Christmas markets are definitely not to be missed!
Spring and Autumn
The shoulder season in Germany falls both in Spring – from April to May – and in Autumn – from September to October. During these months, the weather tends to be milder, hotel and merchandise prices tend to be lower than in the summer season, and there are also fewer tourists around.
Festivals and Events
Germany is known for its two main festivals: Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets.
Oktoberfest is an annual festival in Munich that celebrates beer, food and Bavarian culture, along with some live music and carnival rides for 16 days straight. This world-renowned festival runs from late September to early October, attracting countless visitors from all over the world.
On the other hand, from late November to late December, Germany transforms its quiet cities into a magical winter wonderland, with snow-dusted Christmas trees and cobblestone streets. During the winter, everywhere you look you’ll see festive log cabins decked out in green Christmas garlands, twinkling string lights and handmade Christmas ornaments and gifts. The delicious smell of roasting nuts, gingerbread, mulled wine and German sausage hangs in the air as you walk through the German Christmas markets. Christmas in Germany really is the happiest time of the year!
Transport
Germany has an extensive public transport network consisting of buses, trams, U-Bahn (or metro) and trains. You don’t really need to rely solely on driving a car to get around, as Germany’s public transport system is reliable, efficient, clean and comfortable to use.
If you want to get to your destination faster, you should take the ICE trains, which are fast but tend to be expensive. On the other hand, regional trains tend to be slower in terms of speed, but are much more affordable. But if you are on a tight budget, driving the bus will do as it is the least expensive option. You can even plan your trip using public transport through apps like Deutsche Bahn or Rome2Rio.
To ensure a hassle-free journey, be sure to always validate your ticket on the machine at the stations before boarding the train or bus. And consider the vehicle schedule as trains in Germany are very expensive. They arrive on the dot, so it’s important for you to get to the station early so you don’t miss your train. Finally, you may need to press a button to open the doors so you can get off at your stop, or you may need to alert the driver that your stop is approaching.
The best places to visit
Germany has a lot of fascinating sights, medieval architecture and landscapes to admire. At a glance, here are the best places to add to your itinerary:
City tours
Germany’s capital is one of the top tourist destinations, thanks to its wonderful museums, rich art and vibrant culture. This is the best place to appreciate Germany’s striking contrasts, where past and present blend as historic buildings sit alongside modern architecture.
It is the capital of Bavaria, which is known as the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest. If you love beer, you’ll love Munich’s beer halls, especially the famous Hofbräuhaus.
This two-millennium-old city is famous for its twin-pointed Cologne Cathedral and its golden medieval reliquary along with its panoramic river views.
Picturesque medieval towns
This German city located in northern Bavaria is known for its charming medieval architecture. As you walk through its cobbled streets, you will be amazed by the panoramic view of its well-preserved half-timbered houses. Arguably, this is the best medieval city in Germany.
Back in the Middle Ages, the Imperial Castle in Nuremberg was once considered the most important imperial palace of the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg was a secure base and prestigious residence for the head of the Empire.
Enchanting castles like a fairy tale
Nestled deep in the Bavarian Alps, this fairytale-like castle is one of Germany’s top tourist attractions. It is known as the inspiration for the design of Disney’s Cinderella’s castle. This castle was built on the orders of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was notoriously known as “Mad King Ludwig”. The beautiful castle of Neuschwanstein was supposed to be a refuge for this reclusive mad king.
This 1,000-year-old fairytale castle lies in the heart of the hills above the Moselle between Koblenz and Trier. It is one of the oldest castles in Germany and is still owned by the House of Elch, a clan that has lived there since the beginning of the 12th century.
