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Germany
There is no perfect time to travel to Germany. This country is beautiful all year long. Visiting the English garden in summer or going to the Oktoberfest in autumn. There is always something to do. The perfect country for a cultural vacation.
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Overview
Months
10. October, 01. January, 02. February, 03. March, 04. April, 05. May, 06. June, 07. July, 08. August, 09. September, 12. December, 11. November
Vacation type
Family, Party, Sightseeing, Nature, Couple, Skiing, Hiking, Mountains
Expenses
<150€, <200€, Over 200€, <100€
Temperature
10-20°C, 0-10°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Europe
Currency
Euro
Languages
German
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit Germany is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October).
- Spring (April to June): Offers mild temperatures and blooming gardens, ideal for exploring cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, as well as enjoying outdoor activities and cultural festivals.
- Autumn (September to October): Provides cooler weather and beautiful fall foliage, perfect for sightseeing and experiencing events like Oktoberfest in Munich.
- Summer (July to August) is also a good time for visiting, with warm weather and numerous festivals, though it is the peak tourist season, leading to higher prices and more crowds.
- Winter (November to March) can be cold and snowy, which is great for winter sports in the Bavarian Alps and experiencing festive Christmas markets, but less ideal for general sightseeing due to shorter daylight hours and chilly weather.
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: May-September (Summer)
Budget Vacation ($50-120/day)
Accommodation: $25-50/night (budget hostels, guesthouses).
Food: $15-30/day (local eateries, cafes).
Activities: $15-30/day (sightseeing, museum visits).
Transportation: $10-20/day (public transport, taxis).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($150-250/day)
Accommodation: $50-100/night (mid-range hotels, Airbnbs).
Food: $30-50/day (restaurants, local dining).
Activities: $20-50/day (guided tours, cultural experiences).
Transportation: $20-30/day (taxis, local transport).
Other Costs: $10-15/day (shopping, souvenirs).
Luxury Vacation ($300+/day)
Accommodation: $100+/night (luxury hotels, boutique stays).
Food: $50+/day (fine dining).
Activities: $50+/day (private tours, luxury experiences).
Transportation: $30+/day (private transport).
Other Costs: $20+/day (luxury shopping).
Off-Peak Season: October-April (Winter)
Budget Vacation ($40-90/day)
Accommodation: $20-40/night (budget guesthouses, hostels).
Food: $10-20/day (local eateries).
Activities: $10-20/day (museum visits, sightseeing).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transport).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($90-180/day)
Accommodation: $30-70/night (mid-range hotels).
Food: $20-40/day (restaurants).
Activities: $20-40/day (tours, cultural sights).
Transportation: $10-20/day (taxis, local transport).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (shopping).
Luxury Vacation ($200+/day)
Accommodation: $70+/night (luxury hotels, boutique stays).
Food: $30+/day (fine dining).
Activities: $30+/day (private tours, luxury experiences).
Transportation: $20+/day (private transport).
Other Costs: $10+/day (luxury shopping).
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Berlin
- The capital city, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and Museum Island.
2. Munich
- Known for its beautiful architecture, beer gardens, and cultural attractions like the Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Oktoberfest.
3. Hamburg
- A major port city known for its maritime history, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district.
4. Frankfurt
- Known for its modern skyline, financial district, and cultural institutions like the Städel Museum and Palmengarten.
5. Cologne
- Famous for the Cologne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic landmark, as well as its vibrant arts scene and historic old town.
6. Dresden
- Known for its baroque architecture, including the Frauenkirche and the Zwinger Palace, as well as its picturesque setting along the Elbe River.
7. Leipzig
- Known for its cultural scene, historic sites, and lively arts community, including the Leipzig Zoo and the St. Thomas Church.
Munich
Islands
1. Sylt
- Known for its long sandy beaches, distinctive thatched-roof houses, and upscale resorts. It’s a popular destination for relaxation and water sports.
2. Rügen
- The largest island in Germany, famous for its chalk cliffs, the Jasmund National Park, and historic seaside resorts like Binz and Sellin.
3. Helgoland
- A unique island in the North Sea known for its red cliffs, seal colonies, and duty-free shopping. It’s also a great spot for bird watching.
4. Usedom
- Known for its sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, and the Peenemünde Historical Technical Museum. It offers a mix of relaxation and history.
5. Fehmarn
- Located in the Baltic Sea, known for its picturesque coastline, beaches, and the Fehmarn Bridge. It’s popular for outdoor activities like cycling and kite surfing.
Sylt
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Bavarian Alps
- Enjoy stunning mountain scenery, outdoor activities, and picturesque villages. Highlights include Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, and the charming town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
2. Black Forest
- Explore dense forests, scenic trails, and charming villages. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, and visiting traditional cuckoo clock workshops.
3. Rhine Valley
- Cruise along the Rhine River to see picturesque castles, vineyards, and charming towns such as Bacharach and Rüdesheim. The Lorelei Rock and Rhine Gorge are highlights.
4. Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Discover dramatic sandstone formations, deep gorges, and scenic trails. The Bastei Bridge offers breathtaking views of the Elbe River and surrounding landscape.
5. Spreewald
- Navigate the network of canals in this unique biosphere reserve, known for its picturesque waterways, traditional paddle boats, and pickled cucumbers.
6. Lake Constance
- Enjoy the beauty of this large lake on the borders of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Activities include boat trips, cycling around the lake, and visiting the island of Mainau.
Cultural Attractions
1. Oktoberfest
- The world's largest beer festival, held annually in Munich. It typically runs from late September to the first weekend in October. The festival features traditional Bavarian beer, food, music, and folk costumes.
2. Berlin Wall Memorial
- Visit this historical site in Berlin to learn about the history of the Berlin Wall, with preserved segments and an informative museum.
3. Neuschwanstein Castle
- Tour this fairy-tale castle in Bavaria, known for its picturesque setting and inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
4. Cologne Cathedral
- Admire the Gothic architecture of this iconic cathedral, with its impressive twin spires and intricate stained glass windows. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
5. Brandenburg Gate
- See this iconic neoclassical monument in Berlin, which has historical significance and is a symbol of German unity and peace.
6. Heidelberg Castle
- Explore the ruins of this historic castle overlooking the city of Heidelberg, known for its Renaissance architecture and panoramic views of the Neckar River valley.
7. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
- Visit this important historical site near Munich to learn about the atrocities of World War II and pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. The site includes a museum and preserved camp buildings.
Oktoberfest
How to get around
1. Trains
- Germany boasts an extensive and efficient rail network. The high-speed ICE (InterCity Express) trains connect major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. Regional trains, such as RE (Regional Express) and S-Bahn (suburban trains), provide connectivity within cities and surrounding areas. Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates most train services.
2. Public Transportation
- In cities, public transportation is comprehensive and includes buses, trams, and metro systems. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have well-developed networks managed by local transit authorities such as Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and München Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (MVV).
3. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- Taxis are widely available in cities and can be hailed on the street or booked by phone. Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Free Now, and Bolt operate in major cities, providing an alternative to traditional taxis.
4. Car Rentals
- Renting a car is a good option for exploring Germany’s diverse regions, including the countryside, scenic routes, and historic towns. Driving is on the right side of the road, and major car rental companies include Hertz, Avis, and Europcar.
5. Bicycles
- Many cities, including Berlin and Munich, have bike-sharing schemes like Lime and Nextbike. Cycling is a popular way to explore urban areas and scenic routes, and Germany is known for its well-maintained cycling infrastructure.
6. Boats and Ferries
- For travel on rivers and coastal areas, boats and ferries are available. Services operate on the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe rivers, providing scenic cruises and transport between cities. Ferries also operate to islands in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
7. Coaches
- Long-distance coach services like FlixBus and Eurolines offer budget-friendly travel between cities and regions, connecting major urban centers and popular tourist destinations.
8. Local Ferries
- In cities with rivers or lakes, such as Hamburg and Munich, local ferries and river cruises provide a scenic way to navigate and explore.
For traveling around Germany, trains and public transportation are ideal for both intercity and urban travel, while car rentals offer flexibility for exploring diverse landscapes. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, bicycles, and boats provide additional options for local and scenic travel.
What to eat
1. Sauerbraten
- A pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices, typically served with red cabbage and dumplings.
2. Bratwurst
- Grilled sausages made from pork, beef, or veal, often served with mustard and sauerkraut.
3. Schnitzel
- Breaded and fried meat cutlet (usually pork or veal), commonly served with potatoes or salad.
4. Kartoffelsalat
- A traditional potato salad made with vinegar and oil or creamy dressing, often served as a side.
5. Black Forest Cake
- A rich chocolate cake layered with cherries and whipped cream, originating from the Black Forest region.
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
Main Airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €50 to €200.
- Cheapest Months: November to March.
- Peak Prices: Summer (June to August) and December holidays.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $800.
- Cheapest Months: March to May and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and October.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,000 to $1,500.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $300 to $700.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Many travelers do not need a visa to enter Germany for short stays, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens from several countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply for a German visa at a German embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- Commonly issued as short-stay visas (type C) for tourism, business, or family visits.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take from a few days to a few weeks, so it's advisable to apply well in advance.
6. Duration of Stay
- Most visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days; visa holders can stay for the duration specified in their visa.
7. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but having travel insurance is recommended.
8. COVID-19 Regulations
- Check for any current COVID-19 entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally safe to drink.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 230V, and plug types C and F (two round pins) are used. An adapter may be needed for devices from other regions.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, with 5-10% being standard for good service.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Deutsche Telekom, O2 and Vodafone. They can be purchased at stores.
6. Driving Side
- In Germany, people drive on the right side of the road.