Travel Guide To Germany 2022

Germany is a diverse country with a lot to offer! The combination of old-world charm along with contemporary urban cities makes it an ideal travel destination.

With a diverse range of food, lodging, and beverage options, Germany has traditionally been less expensive to visit than its European counterparts.

Even though German is the dominant language, many people do speak English, making it easy for visitors who do not speak German to communicate.

The country is traversed by 7,900 miles of the autobahn and nearly 21,800 miles of rail. This extensive network makes it incredibly simple to travel by car or rail. Germany, as the birthplace of high-performance automobiles, is the place to get an adrenaline rush. A great way of doing so is by renting a car for a high-speed drive on the autobahn.

The country, which is divided into 16 distinct states, has a region for every type of activity. Furthermore, each state has its food and beverage specialities.

Germany is synonymous with inventive and urbane living, and it has three cities with populations greater than one million people. These metropolises have a wide range of music, shopping, bars, and nightlife to keep both the young and old entertained. On the other hand, the country's thirteen national parks provide a peaceful respite from the hectic city life.

Germans know how to decompress and relax, and they make it easy to return home feeling reinvigorated with over 1,000 wellness centres, beautiful hotels, 350 health resorts and spas, and an extensive range of specialist clinics.

Top Places to visit in Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)

Schloss Neuschwanstein rises above the Bavarian woods like a fairytale castle. The Bavarian'schloss' served as a model for the castle in Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty, and you'll realise why given that it's Germany's most photographed structure.

The castle is beautifully designed, both architecturally and in terms of its captivating embellishment on the outside and within the interior. Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the castle in the mid-nineteenth century to serve as a getaway, and he dedicated the castle to Richard Wagner due to his love for classical music conceived by the composer.

Berlin Wall

A dramatic turn of events on August 13, 1961, shaped Berlin's cityscape for many years to come. The Berlin wall, built to prevent East Berliners from fleeing the Soviet-controlled East German state, became a symbol of disunity, fear, and universal oppression from that day forward.

Today, the surviving remnants of the Berliner Mauer are nothing but graffiti-covered lengths of concrete and dilapidation, but the sight is enough to attract thousands of visitors, even though nothing is appealing about it.

Erholungspark Marzahn

The German government embarked on an ambitious project to build the Erholungspark Marzahn, a public park in Marzahn, which was completed in 1987. The result is a rather unique combination of an oasis of tranquilly and cosmopolitan beauty, all within the confines of a bustling urban reality.

The Chinese garden, which was entirely designed and built by local landscape architects and artisans, is the largest of its kind outside of China. A visit to the gardens will provide you with the opportunity to see ponds, pavilions, watercourses, traditional architecture, and ceremonies representing countries such as Italy and Korea. Certainly, a magnificent work of art that every visitor to Berlin should see.

Berchtesgaden National Park

The Berchtesgaden National Park exemplifies nature as it has been untouched by human intervention. The national park is essentially a paradise of lush forests, pristine lakes, sharp rock faces, bouncing meadows, and quaint little villages.

Trails that are marked wind through the beautiful scenery, offering opportunities for biking, trekking, and Nordic walking. And don't miss Lake Königssee, which resembles most Norwegian fjords in terms of beauty, with the exception that the lake is far cleaner.

Sylt

The strangely named Sylt encapsulates much of what people often feel is missing in Germany – tranquilly, shifting dunes, surfing, a laid-back ambience, scenic lighthouses, with plenty of sunshine.

Sylt, which lies on an elongated piece of land on Germany's northern coast overlooking the North Sea, is seen as a great combo of exuberant nature and world-class glamour with high-class boutiques, bustling restaurants, and tranquil coves witnessing wave after wave of tourists throughout the summer months. If nothing else, the views are breathtaking.

Burg Eltz

Many visitors to Burg Eltz in Rhineland-Palatinate describe it as Germany's most beautiful castle. The castle certainly makes a striking impression, and it is one of the few medieval fortresses in Europe that has survived completely intact. The cone-shaped towers rise exhilaratingly from the lush greenery of the Elzbach valley, and the elaborate Gothic ornamentation is well worth the effort of climbing the hill. Surprisingly, the castle has a decent number of flushable 15th-century lavatories, in direct contrast to the sophisticated and captivating Versailles, which has none.

Upper Middle Rhine Valley

For centuries, the Middle Rhine Valley has enabled cultural progressions between the north and the Mediterranean, serving as one of Europe's most important transportation routes. However, it is the upper 40 miles (65 km) expanse that has provided an endless source of inspiration for artists. The area, which is rich in sun-drenched vineyards, historic towns, and idyllic castles, exemplifies the harmonious relationship that humans can have with their environment. To witness and experience the region from the best vantage point, travel by boat, preferably aboard the last of the Rhine's remaining paddle steamers, the Goethe.

Dresden Elbe Valley

Soaring castles, picturesque villages, legendary centres, splendid churches, and massive bridges dot a small 12.5-mile stretch of the Dresden Elbe Valley, where natural and cultural values combine to make it an ideal weekend getaway.

The valley is filled with unassuming elegance while being a throng of dramatic events, all of which come together to create an energising yet soothing scenery that offers plenty of interest to all of its visitors. Despite the devastating allied bombings of 1945, Dresden still represents a marvellous mix of heritage, politics, education, and economics, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the Elbe Valley.

Köln Dom (Cologne Cathedral)

Even though Cologne Cathedral has been under construction for around 600 years, every added detail replicates the original design. UNESCO incorporated the cathedral on the World Heritage List in 1996, and for good reason: the structure is a work of engineering genius.

The cathedral stands on the site of a 4th-century Roman temple and houses three golden-crowned skulls thought to be from the Three Magi. The cathedral's intricate decoration and imposing appearance always take the unsuspecting visitor by surprise.

Museumsinsel (Museum Island)

This collection of neoclassical buildings from the nineteenth century, considered one of the world's most significant museum complexes, is situated on the tip of an island in the Spree River. The museums, which number five, house magnificent collections of ethnological and historical items, a plethora of art pieces, including Byzantine and Late Antique works, as well as a variety of sculptures. The sheer magnitude of the collection ensures that there's something for everyone.

Europa-Park

Europa-Park is lots of fun while also providing an uninterrupted and enjoyable learning experience. The theme park, which is located in the heart of a high-end resort, resembles a miniature version of the European continent.

Take a Formula 1 race car ride at Silverstone Race Track, visit the Russian MIR space station, eat freshly baked bread from the "Quartier Francais," or enjoy the charms of some of Italy's hot spots. There is surely something here for everyone, regardless of age or gender.

Weimar Museums

Weimar, once home to the likes of Nietzsche, Liszt, Bach, and Goethe is now a popular destination for intellectual tourists. Weimar's abundance of exquisite museums reflects a genuine sense of excitement.

The 1,000-year-old town may not take your breath away with its stunning architecture, but as the centre of German Enlightenment, it will certainly stimulate the mind and is therefore well worth a sufficiently long visit.

Old Town of Quedlinburg

The origins of Quedlinburg can be traced back to the 9th century, during the reign of the Carolingian Dynasty. The town was originally made up of several tiny villages, but today these tiny villages form a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets which lead visitors beyond the beautiful facades of ancient tenements, colourful houses with small flower-laden gardens, and splendidly scenic temples. The Old Town of Quedlinburg is rich in historical significance and romanticism.

BMW Museum

The BMW Museum in Munich, with its distinctive design as a high-tech silver bowl, is an example of cutting-edge architectural work. When you step inside the dynamic interior, you'll quickly realise that BMW automobile manufacturing is about much more than just prestige.

It's a work of art, a means of expression, and ultimately the result of a world where imagination meets reality. Though you may not know much about the automotive industry, you will have a much better understanding of it after visiting the BMW Museum in Munich.

Staying, Eating And Travelling in Germany Accommodation

In comparison to other Eurozone countries, accommodation in Germany is quite affordable. Hostels abound, with prices ranging from 10 to 22 EUR per night for a dormitory with 6-8 beds. Expect to pay 40-60 EUR per night for a private room. Free Wi-Fi is commonplace, and many hostels also provide complimentary breakfast.

A small double room with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi costs around 45-65 EUR in a budget hotel.

Outdoor vendors sell sausages and bratwurst for about 2-4 EUR. Meals in many of the country's beer halls range from 9 to 15 EUR. Sandwiches are usually around 5 EUR. A combo meal at a fast-food restaurant costs around 7 EUR.

Transportation in Germany

Bicycle touring and river cruises cost between 24 and 40 EUR. The majority of paid city tours range between 12 and 25 EUR. Renting a bike costs between 5 and 15 EUR per day, depending on the city.

Germany offers some of the best world's best public transportation. All cities and big towns have reliable and efficient public transportation. In cities such as Berlin and Munich, all networks are integrated: a single ticket grants access to buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (above-ground train). Fares vary by zone, but a one-way ticket typically starts at 2.90 EUR. A one-day unlimited pass costs approximately 7-9 EUR, while a three-day pass costs approximately 17-20 EUR.

Apart from hitchhiking, buses are the least expensive means of transport in Germany. They are on time, with comfortable seats, air conditioning, rest stops, and free Wi-Fi.

Ridesharing – In Germany, ridesharing is very common. Ridesharing entails travelling as a passenger with someone in return for payment for fuel costs. It's not always as cheap as taking the bus, but it's often faster. The two most popular ride-sharing websites are BlaBlaCar and Mitfahren. Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking is very safe in Germany, but not very popular.

Best Time To Travel in Germany

Germany is an all-year destination. Summer is the most popular time to visit because the weather is hot and everyone is outside enjoying it. People gather in beer gardens and at lakes to swim. This is also peak season when prices are significantly higher than usual. Temperatures average around 24°C

during this time of year and can reach well into the 30s°C. You should book your lodging and transportation as early as possible.

Spring temperatures rise quickly, and the season is characterised by the emergence of cherry blossoms. It's warm enough to walk around in t-shirts and shorts by May. May 1 is Germany's Labor Day, and the country celebrates it in full vigour. If you happen to be in town at the right time, take to the streets with your fellow Germans to enjoy the live bands, drinking, and dancing.

A trip to Germany in the autumn is a fantastic idea, particularly in Bavaria, where the greenery in the mountains creates opportunities for some incredible photography. Temperatures can be chilly at times, but you'll be fine with light layers.

Winter in Germany can indeed be chilly, with temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), but Germany is known for its Spirit of Christmas, and the holiday markets throughout the country, particularly in Munich, Berlin, and Dresden, are well worth your time. Pack some warm clothes and enjoy the delicious glühwein (mulled wine).

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