Go To Germany For…

Beer

Beer at Oktoberfest.

Germany has arguably the best beer in the world, which you are constantly reminded of when speaking to German travellers in other countries. A lot of regions and even pubs have their own brewery, so there are plenty of different beers to try across the country.

Castles

Hohenzollern Castle.

Germany is probably the best destination in Europe for castles, with plenty to see along the Rhine river, often in very scenic locations.

Forests and Mountains

Konigssee Lake in the Bavarian Alps.

The Black Forest and Bavarian Alps are perhaps the best places for hikers in Germany with wide mountain peaks and panoramic views.

Football

Borussia Dortmund’s famous yellow wall.

Whether you love it or don’t understand it, sample a game of football in Germany to see the best that this sport has to offer. The Bundesliga has top quality players, stadiums and atmospheres, and it is much cheaper to watch games live than in England and Spain.

Consider Going Elsewhere If You…

Are On A Tight Budget

Germany is expensive when compared to other European countries, it is the largest economic power in Europe so prices are relatively. Particularly transportation and accommodation will be more pricey than all of nearby Eastern Europe and destinations such as Spain, Italy and France.

Want To Relax Or Go With The Flow

Germany is very efficient, and can seem serious and over organized. There isn’t necessarily a problem with this, but your time in Germany will seem very structured, and you are less likely to experience that free sprit feeling, than when in other destinations.

Top Places To Visit In Germany

Germany Need To Know

Basics

Entry

Germany is a member of the borderless Schengen Zone, meaning you can freely move to other member states without the need for multiple visa applications and passport controls.

Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone, and can generally stay for as long as they wish.

A vast amount of passport holders from other countries can also enter the Schengen Zone visa-free for up to 90 days including; Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Several nationalities are also permitted to work in Germany without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay.

Citizens of visa-exempt nations need only produce a passport which is valid for the entirety of their stay, but other nationals require a Schengen visa and must have a passport which has at least 3 months’ validity beyond their period of stay.

For official information visit auswaertiges-amt.de or your home government travel bureau.

Getting Around

Germany has a fast, reliable and affordable railway system that reaches most parts of the country and is the best method of transportation within the country. It is considerably cheaper to book in advance.

You can view timetable information and buy tickets at Deutsche Bahn, click on the offers menu button to find deals and rail passes. Official Europe wide rail passes can be obtained through Rail Europe

There are a large amount of bus operators, which makes pricing competitive, resulting in some great deals for travellers by bus. Busticket (German language) is a bus price comparison website.

Taxis in major towns and cities are reliable and easy to find.

Hitchhiking in Germany is possible and safe, but is illegal to do so on the Autobahn.

Read more about Getting Around When You Get There

Accommodation

Germany has a wide variety of hostels and you should never have any problem finding one.

The average price of a hostel is €10-25 a night.

All hostels in Germany will provide linen, cooking and bathroom facilities. Usually there will be internet facilities as well as common and laundry rooms.

Read more about Accommodation When You Get There and Living in Hostels

Food And Health

The standard of food safety and hygiene is good, and there are places to eat out cheaply, if you do not wish to cook. The are 3 major discount supermarkets in Germany; Norma, Aldi and Lidl.

Water is completely safe to drink from all kitchen taps in Germany, unless stated.

Medical facilities are good, but make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

EU and EEA citizens should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving home. The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip.

Other nationalities may also have reciprocal health care agreements, find out from your government travel bureau.

Always contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Visit here for Recommended Vaccinations and read here for more about Travelling Health In General

Weather & Time To Go

Germany generally has mild, seasonal weather throughout the year. The weather on the north coast is often rough with strong winds. The mountainous regions are obviously cooler and experience cold winters with lots of snowfall.

Communications

Internet and wifi is widespread and accessible in most hostels. Local pay-as-you-go SIM cards for your mobile phone and international calling cards are cheaply available.

Dangers And Considerations

Crime levels in Germany are low, but take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pick pocketing.

All Nazi slogans, symbols, and gestures are forbidden and displaying them in public is illegal. Jokes about Nazism, Hitler and the war are not tolerated at all, even light hearted jokes, that may sound funny abroad. A joke can land you up to 3 years jail time and a large fine. It is best to avoid the topic in general.

If in mountainous areas, particularly in winter, check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped. Don’t undertake any activity alone (including hiking).

Although rarely prosecuted, insults against other people are prohibited by German law.

It is illegal to cross German pedestrian crossings when the red pedestrian light is on.

Anti-social behaviour is not tolerated by the German authorities.

Dangers constantly change. Always check with your foreign office (British Foreign Office webpage) or travel advice bureau for the latest information regarding your destinations safety.

Read more about Safety And Security here

Respecting Culture

Germans are efficient and punctual, if you are meeting someone ensure you are time. Most Germans arrive early as it considered rude to leave people waiting.