Travel Guides about Germany

Explore Germany, a country rich in history with fairytale castles, cultural diversity, picturesque towns, and diverse cities.
 
When to visit
The peak season from May through September is the ideal time to visit Germany. The cities will have the most activities and events available, the warmest weather, and the longest daylight hours at this time.
Currency
The Currency of Germany is Euro. 1 Euro is equivalent to 1,07 USD.

Weather in Germany

Germany’s weather varies significantly depending on the region. The south, particularly Bavaria and the Alps, experiences colder winters with ample snow, making it ideal for winter sports, while summers are warm and pleasant. Northern and coastal regions, including Hamburg and Bremen, have milder winters and breezier, cooler summers due to the influence of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The central regions, such as Frankfurt and Berlin, experience the typical four seasons, with vibrant springs, warm summers, colorful autumns, and cold, often snowy winters.

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Jan

2°C

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Feb

6°C

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Mar

10°C

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Apr

15°C

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May

18°C

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Jun

20°C

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Jul

19°C

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Aug

15°C

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Sep

10°C

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Oct

5°C

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Nov

2°C

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Dec

Best Activities in Winter
  • Experience enchanting Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) in cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne.
  • Head to winter resorts in the Bavarian Alps or Black Forest for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
Best Activities in Spring
  • Visit places like Bonn’s Heerstraße (Cherry Blossom Avenue) or the parks of Berlin to enjoy beautiful blooming trees.
  • Attend Frühlingfest (Spring Festival), a smaller version of Oktoberfest held in cities like Stuttgart and Munich.
Best Activities in Summer
  • Enjoy swimming, boating, or picnicking by lakes like Lake Constance, Chiemsee, or Wannsee in Berlin.
  • Explore the Bavarian Alps, with trails suitable for beginners and experienced hikers.
Best Activities in Autumn
  • Participate in Oktoberfest, the world-famous beer festival in Munich, celebrating Bavarian culture, beer, and music.
  • Visit wine-growing regions like the Rhine Valley or Mosel River for the autumn harvest festivals.

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Travel Tips

Yes, tap water in Germany is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing

US citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) but must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their departure date

Many visitors fail to validate their public transport tickets, which can result in fines. In addition, while credit cards are common, many smaller businesses still prefer cash, so it’s important to carry some Euros.

Yes but tourists generally find that Germany is more affordable compared to other Western European nations. A couple can expect to spend between €1,880 and €2,350 ($2,000 to $2,500) for a week-long trip on average.

Popular road trip routes are the Romantic Road, German Alpine Road, and Fairy Tale Road. Each of them offering unique landscapes, beatiful villages and many attractions.

There are no tolls for cars on most highways, but some specific routes and tunnels may have fees.

How to Get There

By Airplane

Germany is served by several major international airports, with Frankfurt Airport being the largest and busiest. Other significant airports include Munich, Berlin, and Düsseldorf, offering direct flights from numerous cities around the globe.

By Train

Germany boasts an extensive rail network operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB), providing efficient connections from neighboring countries. High-speed trains like the ICE make traveling between major cities quick and comfortable.

By Car

Germany is easily accessible by car, thanks to its well-maintained road network, including the famous autobahn. Note that while there are no general tolls on highways for cars, some tunnels and bridges may require fees.

By Bus
Numerous bus companies operate routes into Germany from surrounding countries, often at lower prices than trains. Services like FlixBus provide budget-friendly options for travelers.

 

How to Get Around

Trains

The train system is one of the most popular ways to navigate Germany. Deutsche Bahn operates a comprehensive network of regional and intercity trains, making it easy to travel between cities and regions.

Buses

Buses connect smaller towns and rural areas not served by trains. Local services are efficient, while companies like FlixBus offer intercity connections across Germany and beyond.

Urban Transport

Major cities have extensive public transport systems, including buses, trams, and subways (U-Bahn). In Berlin, for instance, tickets can be purchased at machines or online, with prices starting around €2.80 for a single journey.

Bicycles

Cycling is popular in many German cities, with bike-sharing systems available for convenient rentals.

Taxis
Taxis are widely available in urban areas but can be more expensive than public transport options.

Car Rentals
Renting a car is a great way to explore the countryside or less accessible regions. However, be prepared for potential parking fees in city centers.

 

SIM Card Options

For mobile connectivity during your stay in Germany, consider purchasing a local SIM card.

  • Telekom (T-Mobile): Offers prepaid plans starting at €14.95 for 5 GB of data.
  • Vodafone: Provides various prepaid options, including €20 for 10 GB.
  • O2: Known for competitive pricing, with plans starting at €9.99 for 3 GB.

 

eSIM Options in Germany

If you’re looking for convenient mobile connectivity during your stay in Germany, several providers offer eSIM plans.

  • Telekom (MagentaMobil): Telekom offers both prepaid and postpaid eSIM plans. All plans include access to 4G and 5G networks, calls and SMS within Germany, and EU roaming.
  • Vodafone (GigaMobil): Vodafone provides flexible prepaid and postpaid eSIM options.  Vodafone’s eSIMs have extensive coverage and reliable service throughout Germany.
  • Airalo: Airalo offers a variety of eSIM data packages specifically for Germany, starting as low as $5 for 1 GB valid for 7 days, up to $26 for 20 GB over 30 days.
  • Holafly: Holafly is also providing unlimited data eSIM plans starting at $19 for various durations. This option is great if you a digital nomad who need consistent internet access without worrying about data limits.

What to pack for Germany

  • Passport, Visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Basic clothing (t-shirts, pants)
  • Toiletries
  • Medications
  • Universal plug adapter
  • Smartphone and charger
  • Power bank
  • Lightweight daypack
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear (summer)
  • Warm coat (winter)
  • Travel pillow

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Germany Suggested Daily Budget

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On Budget

€50-€80 per day

Traveling on a low budget in Germany is entirely feasible. You can stay in hostels or budget hotels, with dormitory beds costing around €25-€40 per night. For meals, street food and budget restaurants offer meals for about €10-€15. Public transportation is affordable, with daily tickets costing around €9 in major cities.

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Mid-range

€80-€130 per day

If you are a mid-range traveler, you can enjoy a comfortable experience with nicer accommodations, such as three-star hotels or guesthouses, costing around €80-€120 per night. Dining at mid-range restaurants will cost about €20-€30 per meal. You can also make various activities and sightseeing, with entrance fees typically ranging from €10 to €30.

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Luxury

€160+ per day

A budget of over €160 per day allows for stays in high-end hotels or boutique accommodations priced at €200-€500 per night. Dining at upscale restaurants can cost around €60-€145 per meal. You can make exclusive activities such as private tours or gourmet experiences. You also have the possibility to use taxis or rent car a car to explore the different parts of the country with convenience and comfort.