Germany is a modern and cosmopolitan country steeped in history (countless museums, castles, quaint villages and cobblestone roads) and rich in amazing natural beauty (the country boasts 16 national parks, 104 nature reserves and 15 recognized biosphere reserves). Between the North Sea and Baltic coasts in the north and the peaks of the Alps in the south there are checkerboard agricultural areas, vineyards, forests, rolling hillsides and craggy mountains. Use our many stories below to begin planning your next visit to Germany.
PASSPORTS: Citizens of European Union countries simply need a valid identity card. Citizens of any other country seeking to enter Germany will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date from Germany with at least two blank pages. Click on the banner below to determine if you will also need a visa for your visit.
By Plane – Most international flights will arrive and depart from one of five major international airports – Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, and Berlin.
By Train – It is easy to get to almost anywhere in Germany on either the fast train (InterCityExpress) or the other lines (InterCity, EuroCity, and InterRegio). For booking information, go to the Deutsche Bahn website here.
By Bus – FlixBus / MeinFernbus offer affordable and convenient intercity bus service connecting many towns and cities in Germany, as well as other international European destinations.
By Car – Travel by car is very easy in Germany and renting a car relatively uncomplicated. But there are a few things to keep top of mind. First, many German towns and cities have designated low emission zones, meaning only certain vehicles meeting established low emission standards and bearing a color-coded sticker are permitted. Learn more about the emission stickers here. Second, while the autobahn has suggested speed limits in places, in other places and most certainly on most roads, speed limits are strictly enforced. And those speed limits can change in a blink of an eye, typically right before a speed-trap camera catches you flying by. If you rent a car, stay within the speed limits at all times and drive carefully!!!
Language – The main language in Germany is Deutsch (German). Many Germans, especially younger ones and those living in larger cities speak English sufficiently well that tourists and visitors who do not speak German and those whose Deutsch is “nicht sehr gut” (not so good) will be able to communicate just fine. Still, it’s always a good idea to learn a few German language basics so that you feel more comfortable shopping and in a restaurant.
Learn to speak a bit of German so you can get around more easily and don’t stand out as a tourist! Read our story Start to learn languages – Top language learning apps and websites.
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Time Zone — UTC (+01:00)
Currency — Euro (€)
Best time to visit — May through September.
Country Code — +49
Health – Ticks are prevalent in many forested regions in Germany and carry Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Be sure to use insect repellent and wear insect repellent clothing when walking in forests and fields. Ask your doctor about needing a TBE vaccination if you plan to spend significant time walking in forested areas.
For over-the-counter medications and seeking minor health issue advice (sore muscles, cough, cold, etc.) you will go to an Apotheka. Should you need a doctor or emergency care while in Germany, be sure your health insurance will cover you internationally — and at what level. We strongly advise purchasing travel insurance that that has emergency medical coverage sufficient enough to cover you in the event of an emergency.
Emergencies – To reach the police, fire department or ambulance service, dial 112. Calling 112 is free from any landline or mobile phone. This is throughout Europe.
Late spring to early autumn (think May through early October) are the best times to visit if you are seeking warmer, sunnier weather — this is also the most crowded time to visit as a result.
To check the latest weather for any destination you are thinking of heading to in Germany, visit our weather page complete with weather radar and minute-by-minute forecasting.
Christmas markets in Germany offer warmth and good cheer during the holiday season. Dreaming of visiting some of the best Christmas markets in Germany on a winter holiday? Here are a few of the top ones to add to your travel list.
Germany’s capital city of Berlin is not lacking in high places for great views of the Berlin skyline. 17 places top our ultimate list of scenic Berlin views for you to enjoy.
When it comes to Christmas in Berlin, there are dozens of Christmas markets – so many that it can be difficult to choose the best Christmas markets in Berlin. Here are our top picks to experience among the best Berlin Christmas markets.
Imagine staying up all night going in and out of any number of Berlin museums. When the annual Long Night of Museums in Berlin rolled around, we joined in the fun — wandering through museums until 2 a.m. It is a great way to explore some of the best Berlin museums.
Potsdam Palace Night lets you stay out late with your friends in Park Sanssouci enjoying artists, illuminations, food, and drink – sans curfew – just fun in the dark at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Berlin TV Tower’s distinctive needle and giant sphere is visible throughout Berlin, and it is still the tallest building in Germany. From the panoramic floor or restaurant inside the sphere high above Berlin, visitors enjoy some of the best views in Berlin.
A one-hour historic sightseeing cruise along the Spree River is a perfect introduction to some of the most important historic sites and buildings in Berlin.
Travel around the world in under a day at Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg – the world’s largest model railway. Stride like Gulliver through an ever-expanding miniature world that includes Europe, the United States, and soon South America.
The Danube cycle path from Regensburg, Germany to Vienna, Austria, is a very popular and classic cycling route for a reason – mostly flat bike paths beside a very scenic section of the Danube River.
Nestling into the Henri Hotel in Hamburg, Germany, just feels warm and cozy. The Henri Hotel is truly one of the best boutique hotels in Hamburg – casual luxury with a touch of attitude and humor.
Take a Berlin gasometer tour to experience what could arguably be one of the best views of Berlin, sunrise to sunset. View a photo gallery and video of our gasometer tour to get a look at the adventure of a lifetime you could have. The 360-degree views of Berlin from the top of the gasometer are stunning, night or day.
The St Nikolai Kirche has been a part of the Hamburg skyline since the 12th century. In ruins since World War II, just its spire remains standing. The spire and restored crypt below serve as a haunting and moving memorial to the horror of war’s devastation.
The beloved Christmas Garden Berlin, closed due to the pandemic in 2020, returned in 2021, for its magical, illuminated journey through the Botanical Garden Berlin. Enjoy a photo and video tour of the 2021 trail of lights and music.
In the last days of World War II, the Battle of the Seelow Heights to the east of Berlin was a bloody massacre. The small Seelow Heights museum and memorial features exhibits, artifacts, and graves documenting the Battle of Berlin and the tens of thousands of lives lost in just three days.
Berlin is endlessly fascinating and remains one of our favorite cities in the world to photograph and explore. We’ve included a few of our top Berlin photos in this Best Berlin Photos – Our favorite Berlin Instagram photos post. Scroll through to discover what to see on your Berlin visit.
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