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Best of Germany

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12 Day Germany Tour to Hamburg, Berlin and Munich

12 days, 1 country and 12 cities

Accommodation

11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

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See all the sights on this jam-packed Best of Germany trip. From cutting-edge Berlin, you’ll travel back in time and enjoy a traditional meal in a medieval castle, watch life along the Rhine unfold on a cruise and see how the beauty of the Black Forest inspired fables and fairy tales.

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12 days itinerary trip from Frankfurt to Frankfurt visiting 1 country and 12 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Berlin with a Local Specialist

Discover Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich and Heidelberg

Visit the Berlin TV Tower, Mödlareuth Open Air Museum and Neuschwanstein Castle

View Cologne Cathedral and Heidelberg Castle

See the Lorelei Rock and the Bavarian Alps

Scenic Cruise along the Rhine River

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Germany Tours & Vacations

Germany is a fascinating fusion of old and new.

The bohemian streets of Berlin act as a fertile breeding ground for hip art, unique design and innovative ideas, while heritage-filled Munich boasts historic architecture in the form of impressive Baroque and Rococo buildings. In between, travelers will find stretches of idyllic countryside, impossibly gorgeous castles, charming university towns and boisterous Bavarian beer halls. Be introduced to the progressive cities and romantic splendor of Germany and never look back.

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Germany at a glance

Capital city.

Berlin (population 3.6 million)

83.2 million

(GMT+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Germany

Best time to visit germany.

July and August are the busiest months for tourists in   Europe , so outside of these times you will generally encounter fewer tourists.

May, June and September are considered pleasant times to travel as there are less crowds and the climate is comfortable. During these months, beer gardens and cafes bustle at all hours, outdoor events and festivals enliven cities and villages and hiking, cycling and swimming are popular pursuits.

Snow usually starts to fall in December, and winter travel to Germany is becoming increasingly popular, especially to the ski areas in the Bavarian Alps.

Autumn is the optimal time to enjoy romantic Germany. The foliage is turning golden and the climate is still agreeably mild for getting out and about.

Geography and environment

Located in Central Europe, Germany is bordered by:

• Switzerland
• Netherlands  
• Czech Republic

The terrain found in the north of Germany is relatively flat, with the topography growing increasingly hilly moving south.

Southern Germany is characterized by mountain ranges and thick forest, with the Black Forest (on the French border) and the Bavarian Forest (on the Czech border) being the most well known forests in the south.

Germany has small pockets of alpine terrain with the Alps being Germany's highest mountains.

Top 3 contemporary art spots of Berlin

Centrally located and well-serviced by several public transport hubs, historic Mitte is one of the easiest places to view Berlin's killer art scene. See run-down buildings that have been transformed into galleries and hotels, wander down gritty laneways full of vibrant graffiti and feel the urban buzz of Berlin.

2. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

Berlin's counter-culture is evident in the streets of this East Berlin borough, which is full of an eclectic range of hip galleries, innovative hotels, bohemian bars and vintage flea markets. This is the perfect place to gallery-hop, take snapshots and view the handiwork of some of the world's most iconic street artists.

3. Berlin Wall - East Side Gallery

After the triumphant fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 this section of the wall was adorned with colorful paintings and political murals, many reflecting the tone of this iconic time in Germany's history. A visit here reveals history in a way that no museum or book can.

Further reading

Germany travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Is tipping customary in Germany?

When dining out, service charges and taxes are usually included in the bill. Rounding up to the nearest euro or adding 5-10% is customary, although optional.

What is the internet access like in Germany?

Internet access is good in Germany, with Internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my cell phone while in Germany?

Cell phone coverage is generally very good in most parts of Germany. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in Germany?

Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in Germany.

What will it cost for a…?

City public transport ride = 2 Euro Stein of beer = 2.5-4 Euro Simple cafe lunch = 10 Euro  Nice meal in a restaurant = 20-30 Euro

Can I drink the water in Germany?

Tap water is considered safe to drink unless otherwise marked.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Germany?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores and hotels in Germany. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Germany?

ATMs are very common in Germany, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

What public holidays are celebrated in Germany?

• 1 Jan New Year’s Day
• 6 Jan Epiphany
• 14 Apr Good Friday
• 16 Apr Easter Sunday
• 17 Apr Easter Monday
• 1 May Labour Day
• 25 May Ascension Day
• 4 Jun Whit Sunday
• 5 Jun Whit Monday
• 15 Jun Corpus Christi Day
• 15 Aug Assumption Day
• 3 Oct Day of German
• 31 Oct Reformation Day
• 1 Nov All Saints Day
• 15 Nov Repentance Day
• 25 Dec Christmas Day
• 26 Dec 2nd Christmas Day

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Germany go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/germany/public-holidays

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

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Germany Tours & Packages

Write your own storybook ending on one of our 8 - 25 day German tours by exploring the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein, walking the stalls of quintessential European Christmas Markets, or raising a stein of frothy beer at the Hofbräuhaus. Prost!

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Germany tours by region.

A visit to Germany delivers the European experience you’ve dreamed of: castles clinging to wooded mountaintops, grand cathedrals, riverside vineyards, sidewalk cafes on cobbled streets, and more. Savor the contrast of contemporary art and architecture with buildings and neighborhoods that have endured for hundreds of years. From picturesque villages to cosmopolitan cities, Germany will meet your appetite for adventure, history, culture, and fine cuisine. (All washed down with world-class beer and wine, of course!) Book one of our tours of Germany in the summer, and enjoy long days exploring this fascinating country's forests, towns, and cities. Take your Germany vacation in early winter, and visit the magical Christmas markets where you can sample local specialties and confections and shop a tempting array of handicrafts. Or experience Germany via a Rhine River cruise , castle-spotting from the comfort of your vessel’s deck as you drift past historic towns and bucolic farmland. From the cultural riches of the big cities to the natural wonders of the Bavarian Alps and the Black Forest, Germany offers something marvelous every way you turn.

Southern Germany & Bavaria

Southern Germany is a forested wonderland punctuated by old-world cities, picturesque villages, and captivating castles. In southeast Germany lies Bavaria , the largest state in Germany, where the world-famous Oktoberfest is celebrated each fall in Munich, the state capital. Lively beer halls beckon all year round – don’t miss Hofbräuhaus, dating from 1589 and the most famous. Munich is rich with attractions, including the Rathaus Glockenspiel, an elaborate clockwork display on the town hall, and the Munich Residenz, Germany's largest urban palace and former seat of Bavarian royalty. Wander Nuremberg’s cobbled streets, where castle ramparts and Gothic architecture evoke centuries past, visit the Christmas market if your timing is right. Just south, the Franconian Lake District attracts visitors for summer sailing and swimming. Overlooking the beautiful Bavarian forest, the Bavarian Alps, adjacent to Austria, are an international skiing and hiking destination. Enjoy stunning alpine views from the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle. The village of Oberammergau, renowned for its annual Passion Play , is another Bavarian Alp attraction. The woodlands stretch westward, where the mountainous Black Forest inspired the renowned Brothers Grimm fairytales. Prepare to be enchanted by farmhouses and fields, castles, and cuckoo clocks.

Eastern Germany

On your tour of Eastern Germany, encounter Berlin , one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. A UNESCO “City of Design,” Berlin hums with creative energy. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, glittering nightlife, and the Tiergarten, an expansive city park. You’ll also come face-to-face with the once-divided city’s turbulent history by visiting remnants of the Berlin Wall , Checkpoint Charlie, and landmarks of Berlin's East and West sections. From atop the Berlin TV Tower, marvel at the 360-degree views of the now-unified, modernized city. Back on the streets, you’ll see relics of history, including the Baroque cathedral, the neo-Baroque Reichstag building, and the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic 18th-century military monument. You’ll also see modern, cutting-edge architecture, edgy street art, and contemporary boutiques, and winter visitors can visit dozens of Christmas markets . Just two hours south lies elegant Dresden, a city rebuilt following devastating bombing during WWII, dotted with gorgeous Baroque facades. Visit the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera house and the fully reconstructed Frauenkirche with one of the largest domes in Europe. Dresden hosts the world’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1434.

Central German Metropolitan Region

Central Germany is a metropolitan crossroads of commerce and history. Frankfurt's nickname is “Mainhattan,” referring to the Main River on which it lies and the dynamic skyline of this high-powered business hub. High-rises may dominate the views, but the city retains its historical flavor in the medieval center, where half-timber buildings and charming taverns line cobble-stone lanes. More medieval architecture beckons at the Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a fortified city east of Frankfurt. Once larger than Frankfurt and Munich, Rothenburg is encircled by an intact 14th-century wall with gates and towers. Enjoy the beautiful and authentic medieval market square lined with multi-story half-timber buildings. Rothenburg also has a seasonal Christmas market. West of Frankfurt, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, located at the juncture of the Rhine and Main rivers. Named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable metal type, this museum about printing honors one of civilization’s landmark innovations. Right across the street, admire the massive red sandstone St. Martin’s Cathedral, a thousand years old. This Romanesque marvel is near the market square and is perfect for people-watching over coffee.

Western Germany & The Rhine Valley

In Western Germany, the Rhine River flows through scenic valleys dotted with terraced hillside vineyards, then passes through the dynamic metropolises of Cologne and Düsseldorf. Weaving through quaint towns and bucolic farmland, the Rhine River gazes up at a series of castles dramatically perched above – some in ruins, some housing museums, hotels, or restaurants. The Moselle Valley and the Moselle River , a tributary to the mighty Rhine, offer still more storybook castles, charming towns, spectacular vistas, and wine-tasting opportunities. This area is highly regarded for its white wines and Riesling grapes. After the gorgeous countryside of Rhineland, set your sights on the urban rewards of Cologne and Düsseldorf. The must-see High Gothic Cologne Cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world at 515 feet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the river and the old town center from a viewing platform on the south tower. Explore the Altstadt (old town) and see artifacts and ruins dating back to the Romans. Just north lies Düsseldorf, Germany’s capital of fashion and art, where galleries and elegant boutiques ensure world-class window shopping. Both Düsseldorf and Cologne host Christmas markets .

Frequently Asked Questions About Germany Tours

• How many days do you need to see Germany? A country with rich history and architecture has a lifetime of attractions. To explore the whole country, try to book at least 8-10 days. You can also see several countries by booking a river cruise on the Rhine or Danube Rivers.
• What is the best way to tour Germany? Choose one of our land tours or all-inclusive river cruises, and we’ll ensure you see the historical and cultural sites that mustn’t be missed. You’ll also dive into the local culture and cuisine for an intimate look at Germany’s delights.
• What are the best cities in Germany to visit? Munich is sure to please. Its iconic Hofbräuhaus is a lively year-round attraction, and the glockenspiel is positively enchanting. Visit Frankfurt for a beguiling combination of modern urban culture and historic architecture. Hamburg is an inland port city crisscrossed by a network of canals reflecting stately 19th-century brick buildings.
• Which part of Germany should you visit? Outdoorsy travelers gravitate to Bavaria, the Black Forest, and the Rhine Valley for biking and hiking fueled by local wine and beer tasting. Lovers of traditional and folk arts will enjoy the Christmas markets and the cuckoo clock culture of the Black Forest. If you travel for art, museums, culture, and cuisine, the lively cities of Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Düsseldorf will be your happy places.
• What is the best month to visit Germany? The summer months offer long days to enjoy the fantastic scenery and the warmest, driest weather. If you crave the Christmas markets, the ideal travel time is December before Christmas, although some markets stay open before and after this period. Celebrate Oktoberfest festivities during the last couple weeks of September into early October.

Why You Should Visit Germany

A country blessed with many of Europe’s most incredible sights, Deutschland surprises its visitors with an endless array of natural beauty and man-made treasures. There are endless opportunities for exploration on a Germany vacation. Visitors are drawn by the spectacular scenery, with rugged mountains, floral meadows, and winding rivers punctuated by elegant cities and delightful villages. Bavaria entices with its cheerful beer halls, fairytale Neuschwanstein, and medieval villages lined with half-timbered houses. Nuremberg inspires with its heart-warming holiday traditions and wintertime festivities. And Berlin amazes visitors with its mix of profound history and modern innovation.

Our tours of Germany take you to the heart of the action to experience the highlights and more. Whichever tour of Germany you choose, you’ll enjoy eye-opening encounters, expert guides, and special access to legendary sites. You’ll go beyond the guidebook with memorable insider experiences – like learning the secrets to making perfect German pastries, exploring King Ludwig’s chambers with a local specialist, or gaining insight into the ancient techniques of clock making. Whether you dream of sailing past castles on a luxury river cruise of the Rhine or joining the celebrations at Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, you’ll find the perfect Germany trip and create memories you’ll never forget.

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Germany Vacations & Trips from $992

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Your Germany Vacation

When adventure calls, answer it with a customized vacation package to Germany. Wherever your travels lead and whatever you plan to do, get ready to immerse yourself in a destination with so much to offer. Why not organize your trip to Germany around a few of its most popular cities? Munich , Frankfurt and Berlin are terrific places to start. Start packing your suitcase, because your Germany vacation is just clicks away with Expedia.

Top destinations in Germany

The Latest Germany Vacation Packages

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Germany vacation.

From medieval castles to glittering skyscrapers, the fairy-tale splendor of the Alps to the forest-fringed coastline of the Baltic Sea, Germany is a sightseer’s paradise.

Germany Hotel + Flights

You’ll find 208,903 Germany hotels on Expedia starting at $93 a night. Want to make your vacation budget stretch a little further? The best way to save money and time is to bundle your flights, hotel and rental car into a Germany Vacation Package. If you want to start sorting out your itinerary now, you can also add experiences to the mix. If historical attractions are your thing, why not add on a tour of the Berlin Wall?

Your Germany Vacation Itinerary

Day 1-2: Home to Germany’s busiest airport, Frankfurt is where most travelers start their journey. Take in the towering skyscrapers of the country’s financial center from a river cruise before admiring some art at its world-class galleries and museums.

Day 3-4: Rent a car and head south to Nuremberg. Famous for its post-WWII war crimes trials, this city also boasts some stunning architecture. See the best of it with a walking tour through the Old Town.

Day 5-6: Continue your road trip to Munich. No visit would be complete without a stop at Marienplatz, English Garden and Nymphenburg Palace.

Germany Information

Running from September to October in Munich, Oktoberfest is one of the world’s most well-known festivals. Don your lederhosen, follow the crowds and sample some of the famous Bavarian beer.

There’s so much to see and do in the nation’s capital. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time there, check out our Berlin Vacation Packages .

If you want to stress less this vacation, browse our selection of All Inclusive vacations in Germany .

Top Vacation Destinations in Germany

Find fun at the capital with a Berlin vacation

Berlin is the thrilling capital of Germany, where you'll find all sorts of fun things to do. Museums are all over town, including some that offer a focus on oddly-specific topics like video games. The theater productions in Berlin are particularly impressive, but if you're looking to look to the future rather than embrace tradition, you can visit the high-tech Sony Center with its unique shops, restaurants, and cinemas.

Taste the wonder of Frankfurt vacation packages

Frankfurt is best known for its frankfurters, and their sausage recipes still play a major role in the city's identity. When you visit, you can try a wide variety of different sausage dishes, including some that have taken ideas from other cultures as well. Additionally, you'll find several impressive museums and historic sites to explore if you want to take a peek into the past.

Take a trip back in time on a Hamburg vacation

When you visit Hamburg, you'll probably find yourself drawn to the harbor area. This area is one of the most well-preserved historical spaces in the entire city, and you'll find shops and restaurants among the impressive sights as well. Local museums can offer valuable insight into the city's history and the shifts in culture that happened throughout the 20th century and beyond.

Enjoy the culture with Munich vacation packages

Munich is a city known for its traditional celebrations and master-crafted beer. Tradition and beer come together every year here for Oktoberfest, a festival so popular that it's replicated all over the world in areas with even mild Bavarian influences. The nightlife scene here is also thriving, with plenty of bars and clubs to visit after the sun goes down.

Germany Essential Information

Prepare for your germany vacation with our essential travel info, germany hotel deals.

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2024

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2024

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Where to go when

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in germany, europa-park.

Enjoy the excitement at Europa-Park and find out why this is a popular amusement park in Rust. Wander the forest and waterfront while you're in the area.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Almost impossibly picturesque, Ludwig II’s masterpiece of turrets and white walls is perched like a fairy tale above an Alpine valley.

Alexanderplatz

With its stark, 1960s layout, “Alex” is a showcase of Communist-era architecture and a lively central meeting place for locals.

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9 Best Germany Tours to Take in 2024

The best germany tours of 2024 offer just the right mix of expert guidance and independent exploration in germany's top destinations..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

While many of the best tours of Germany in 2024 are led by big name tour companies like Adventures by Disney, Trafalgar, and Road Scholar, you’ll also find great group tours from with customizable itineraries from smaller tour operators as well. From floating down the Danube River on a luxury cruise or hiking through the world-famous Bavarian Alps or Black Forest with a group of family and friends, there’s a guided Germany tour to meet your interests.

2024’s Best Small Group Guided Germany Tours

Whether you’re traveling by sea, via walking trails, or on roads, everything is taken care of with these Germany tour packages, including transportation between activities, tours of famous landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites, and some meals. Here are my picks for this year’s top Germany tours.

WORLD’S BEST:  15 Best Group Travel Companies for Guided Tours in 2024

1. Germany: Berlin to Bavaria Tour

Abercrombie & kent.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Germany: Berlin to Bavaria small group luxury journey starts in Berlin, where you can learn the history of the city by visiting Checkpoint Charlie, the famous former border crossing between East and West Berlin; then on to East Side Gallery to view a host of murals on the longest-standing section of the wall. If you’re looking to try on the royal lifestyle for a day, you’ll like the visit to Proschwitz Castle for a manor tour and wine tasting in the castle’s vineyards.

You’ll also head to Neuschwanstein Castle, which was Walt Disney’s inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. In Munich, a local food tour includes treats and drinks like Bavarian-style doughnuts, sausages, local cheeses, and of course beer. The third day in Munich on your Germany vacation is designed to give you a choice of outings that includes a city bike tour or a visit to Dachau Memorial on a guided visit to the World War II concentration camp. 

• Length: 10 days
• Starting price: $10,495
• Average group size: 18 people

2. Sound of Music: Austria and Germany Tour

Fans of the Julie Andrews movie The Sound of Music will love the Trafalgar tour of the same name that visits Austria and Germany . The nine-day tour takes you across the two counties to see the stunning landscapes and history that inspired the film. The tour starts in Munich, where you can see the Opera House and Hofbräuhaus or go to the Dachau Memorial Site. Then you’ll move to see Neuschwanstein Castle. 

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On day five, the hills will come alive as the group journeys to Salzburg, home of the film’s iconic mountain scenes. There you’ll be able to visit some of the filming locations, tour the city, and enjoy dinner at a local bee farm. The tour concludes in Vienna, where your group gets a private tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s royal collection. 

• Length: 9 days
• Starting price: $3,225
• Average group size: 29 people

3. Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise Tour

National geographic expeditions.

One of the biggest perks of taking a river cruise with National Geographic Expeditions is that a National Geographic Expert and a National Geographic Photographer accompanies you on the trip. The company’s Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise starts in Budapest, Hungary, where you can explore local Christmas markets before boarding the river cruise and join in decorating the ship. 

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In Bratislava, Slovakia, you can take a hike to the city’s castle or take a guided walk that includes seeing St. Martin’s Cathedral, where kings and queens of Hungary were crowned for years. A day in Vienna allows you to explore the Opera House and Schönbrunn Palace, the latter of which hosts a fantastic Christmas market. The trip ends with a day in Passau, Germany, where baroque architecture is abundant and the Christmas market in Cathedral Square welcomes everyone to enjoy the celebration. 

• Length: 8 days
• Starting price: $4,995
• Average group size: 156 people

4. Berlin, Bavaria, and Black Forest Tour

Kensington tours.

If you’re looking for a private tour that includes just your family or friends, consider the fully customizable Berlin, Bavaria, and Black Forest tour from Kensington Tours. The all-Germany tour takes you from Berlin to Munich, with stops in Frankfurt, Oberwesel, and Heidelberg. While in Berlin, you’ll see the Charlottenburg Palace, which is the largest palace in the city, and the memorial of the Berlin Wall.

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Then you’ll move to Oberwesel, which is known for its historic military towers and wine production. Other points of interest on this 2024 Germany tour include exploring the Black Forest via zip-line or a toboggan run. In Munich, you’ll see the New Town Hall, which is known for its historic Glockenspiel, and experience an authentic beer garden at Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden. 

• Starting price: $8,929
• Average group size: Just your group

5. Romantic Germany Small Group Tour

The Romantic Germany small group tour from Tauck is ideal for couples looking to get away and enjoy time savoring the sights and sounds of some of the most picturesque spots in the country. Limited to just 24 participants, it’s a good size for exploring destinations in depth with fellow travelers and guides.

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In 2024, this Germany tour starts with a day cruise along the Rhine River, where wine taverns and timbered houses dot the landscape. Car enthusiasts will enjoy being able to see the Mercedes-Benz Museum, and foodies will love dining at a Pudelstein hut in the Black Forest. Of course, you can’t visit Germany without seeing a few castles, and on this trip you’ll see the Neus Schloss Meersburg, Neuschwanstein, and Linderhof Palace. 

• Length: 14 days
• Starting price: $7,990
• Average group size: 24 people

6. Adults-Only Danube River Cruise Oktoberfest Tour

Adventures by disney.

Adults looking for a getaway will enjoy the adults-exclusive Danube River Cruise Oktoberfest from Adventures by Disney . Sure, the cruise visits more than just Germany—Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary are on the itinerary as well—but you get two exceptional days in Germany culminating in a tour of a brewery that’s been open since the 13th century, plus a private Oktoberfest celebration. 

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Other highlights of the river cruise include a food walking tour in Budapest, Hungary; a Mozart and Strauss concert at Schönbrunn Palace; and a walking tour of Salzberg with stops at the Mirabell Gardens and the Salzburg Cathedral. This exclusively adult sailing is for those 18 and older, and you can expect plenty of beer and wine from the region while touring and exploring. 

• Starting price: $5,699
• Average group size: 140 people

7. See it All In Germany: Fast Cars and Fairy-Tale Castles  Tour

Black tomato.

One of the major perks of traveling with small luxury tour outfitter Black Tomato is the ability to completely customize your private Germany vacation, including the See it All In Germany: Fast Cars and Fairy-Tale Castles tour . The trip takes you to some of the best destinations in the country. In Berlin, you’ll see the Berlin Wall, the Palace of Charlottenburg, and experience the city’s nightlife. 

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Then in the Black Forest, you’ll see some of the beautiful vistas from the edge of the forest and literally walk into a cuckoo clock. A highlight of the tour is flying high above Friedrichshafen for a private Zeppelin flight before touching down to enjoy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. 

• Length: 12 days
• Starting price: $9,875
• Average group size: Just your family 

8. The Best of Germany: Grand Cities, Castles, and the Romantic Rhine Tour

Road scholar.

On the 17-day Grand Cities, Castles, and the Romantic Rhine tour of Germany from Road Scholar , you can take a deep dive into the cities and culture of Germany. Road Scholar is an educational nonprofit tour company, and on this tour you’ll be able to participate in a class that teaches you basic German terms you can use throughout your vacation.

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Tour highlights include seeing Berlin from the top of the Deutscher Bundestag, the German Federal Parliament, a tour include the Royal Palace of Dresden, the Memorium of the Nuremberg Trials, and the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. The tour concludes with a boat trip through the Rhine River Valley to the town of Bacharach, where everyone will enjoy lunch at a local vineyard. 

• Length: 17 days
• Starting price: $6,949
• Average group size: 10 to 24 people 

9. Walking Bavaria’s Lakes and Mountains Self-Guided Tour

Exodus travels.

For those looking to explore Germany on foot, the self-guided Bavaria’s Lakes and Mountains tour from Exodus Travels has a great itinerary and a very affordable price, too. The tour starts in Bad Tolz, where you hop a train to Lenggries, then walk along the Via Alpina trail, hiking around Mount Riederstein and along the shores of multiple lakes. Your tour price includes itinerary and maps, hotels, breakfasts, luggage transfers, walking transfers, and the help of a local agent.

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The best part about this Germany tour is that even though there’s a lot of walking and hiking, there’s also secondary transportation on some days, including bus, boat, and cable car journey that will take you from your ending point of the walk back to the main towns where you stay overnight. The longest walk is 11.2 miles on day two, and the shortest walk is 3.1 miles on day seven. 

• Starting price: $1,700
• Group size: Just your family (private self-guided tour)

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Summer 2024 Tours & Vacation Packages Germany

250+ germany vacation packages in june, july and august.

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

Best of Germany (12 Days)

Trip was great. Loved all the places where we went. Coach was kept clean. Hosts and driver were very nice and thorough to provide cultural experience. Over all it was great.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

6 Wonderful Days In Germany

The itinerary was very informative and thorough. It related what to expect from hotel room side to explaining transportation and how to arrive ahead of time for tours.

German Vista

Highlights of Germany

A fascinating, (sometimes too) whistlestop tour of German towns and cities. The tour guide Zsofi and her driver were probably the best I've ever had - they were helpful, upbeat and very clear in their instructions. Trip 'Good' rather than 'Excellent' because of the location of the hotels, most of which were so on the outskirts of a city that it limited what we could do in our free time. Also, some days towards the end of the tour were a bit rushed - the whole thing could stand to be at least two days longer.

Bavaria Bike Tour | Guided Bike Tour | Germany

BEST OF GERMANY BY TRAIN

Really enjoyed this tour. It was exactly what we were looking for, the independence to do what we wanted on some days and some tours organised for us on other days. Communication from Tour radar was great through What’s App. The only thing we would change would be to upgrade the two 3 star motels to 4 star motels.

Customized Germany Train Trip with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Coach / Bus

German Highlights

• River Cruise

Landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle Dutch Symphony Main

Best of Germany (Classic, 12 Days)

Landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle Dutch Symphony Superior Deluxe

• Hiking & Trekking
• Self Guided Walking Holidays

From Munich to Garmisch

• Wine tasting

Moselle Trail

Best of Germany (Small Groups, 12 Days)

• Self-Guided Cycling

Main River BikeTour | Self-Guided | Wurzburg to Frankfurt

What people love about germany tours in summer.

The trip was packed with activities and experiences. The tour director was excellent. Christina was very helpful and friendly. We purchased all the optional experiences and thought all were worthwhile except the last one. We will book a similar trip in the future

A fascinating, (sometimes too) whistlestop tour of German towns and cities. The tour guide Zsofi and her driver were probably the best I've ever had - they were helpful, upbeat and very clear in their instructions. Trip 'Good' rather than 'Excellent' because of the location of the hotels, most of which were so on the outskirts of a city that it limited what we could do in our free time. Also, some days towards the end of the tour were a bit rushed - the whole thing could stand to be at least two days longer.

Destinations

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• Germany Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day Germany Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Germany tours

Discover the culture, history, and beauty of this incredible country. Raise a stein of beer at Oktoberfest, learn about World War II history, or float down the Rhine River on guided tours of Germany.

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What travelers are saying about our Germany tours

Travel tips for germany trips.

Germany is beautiful any time of year, but the off-season most certainly shines. It's during the fall and winter months that some of the country's most famous festivities kick off. While you may need to contend with some crowds hoping to take in the seasonal ambiance, it's the best time to visit Germany if you're looking for a real peek into German culture.

Of all the places to see in Germany, the Christmas markets are some of the most breathtaking. These stunning events can be found in almost every city during late November and December. Set off on one of our Christmas market tours to pick up authentic souvenirs like cuckoo clocks and ornaments, try traditional food and drinks like Glühwein , and see festive winter displays at these seasonal celebrations.

If you're planning to visit Germany a bit earlier, reserve your spot on any of our Oktoberfest tours in September and early October to take part in Munich's world-renowned Oktoberfest celebrations. Think that Oktoberfest is all about beer? That's a big part of it, but the food, music, games, and dancing are all part of the fun, too!

While a winter trip to Germany may be relatively cold, the spring and summer are mild—there's a good reason why May through October are the most popular times to go on tours of Germany! The warmer months are ideal times to book Germany tour packages if you'd like to drink local beers and eat authentic dishes at the many outdoor biergartens , or beer gardens, throughout the country. Plus, the famous Passion Play hits the stage in Oberammergau once every 10 years during these peak travel months. Check out our Oberammergau tours if you'd like to attend this historic performance in 2020.

Interested in Germany guided tour packages? Good news: There are countless places to visit in Germany that are brimming with amazing history and culture. One of the country's most storied destinations include the fabled Black Forest. Legends come to life as you explore this hilly area, which served as the setting for many of the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales and is where the cuckoo clock and Black Forest cake came into being.

Along with the Black Forest, other historic places in the Bavaria region include the city of Munich (especially during autumn's lively Oktoberfest celebrations!), the Bavarian Alps, and the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Plus, visiting the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle is one of our 5 favorite moments in historic Germany . These spots are the highlight of any Germany vacation package.

Other popular stops include Hamburg, Berlin , and the Rhine River Valley. If you're looking to experience one of the world-renowned Christmas Markets, some of the most famous celebrations pop up in Dresden, Nuremberg, Heidelberg, and Freiburg–although any German Christmas market is sure to impress. These seasonal celebrations could be considered some of the most famous tourist attractions in Germany.

A highlight of all Germany tours is authentic German food, which is typically synonymous with comfort food. Among the country's hearty, substantial specialties you'll find rich dumpling stews, sauerkraut, Wienerschnitzel, a variety of sausages, smoked cheeses, and dark breads.

While most of the country's typical dishes can be found year-round, don't miss out on the classic seasonal treats that fill the stalls of Germany's Christmas markets. Here are some seasonal culinary moments worth seeking out:

• Sip Glühwein, an iconic German tipple of hot mulled wine brewed with spices and citrus.
• In Dresden, snack on the city’s sweet holiday invention, Dresdener Stollen , a traditional cake made with dried fruit and marzipan.
• Look for giant circles of flourless gingerbread called Elisenlebkuchen in Nuremberg.

Visiting Germany during Oktoberfest in Munich? It may come as a surprise, but this annual festival is just as much about the food as it is about the steins of beer. Visit any tent during the Oktoberfest celebrations and you're sure to find:

• Bavarian pretzels, Brezen, dipped in a spicy beer cheese called Obatzda
• Cheese-covered noodles called Käksespätzle
• Potato dumplings called Knödel
• Hendl , which is spit-roasted chicken
• All types of sausage! Bratwurst and white Weisswurst are popular

Of Germany's many traditional products, beer is one of the most important—and for good reason. Germany produces over 5,000 brands of beer in 1,300 breweries. In fact, the highest density of breweries in the world is reportedly found just outside Bamberg in Bavaria. On tours of Germany, it's a must to sip Bavarian-style white and wheat beers, Kölsch from Cologne, Oktoberfest Märzen, and dark, malty lagers called Dunkel. Set off on our Food & Wine: Beers of Belgium & Germany tour to try them all!

The thought of classic German drinks may immediately call strong lagers to mind, but don’t count the country’s wines out. Crisp, citrusy Rieslings full of minerality thrive in Mosel, Pinot Noir can be found in Rheingau, and lightbodied reds and white varietals made from Silvaner grapes from Rheinhessen are worth a try.

While preparing for tours of Germany, remember that temperatures can vary depending on the season and region. Bring rainwear so you're ready in the event of unexpected rain showers, and have a light jacket on hand in case temperatures drop near the Alps. It's best to stick to simple basics–Germans often wear casual yet fashionable clothing.

Winters in Germany are generally cold. Bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves for outdoor sightseeing and Christmas market visits. On the other hand, you can't go wrong with T-shirts and shorts during Germany's warm summers, and a light scarf always comes in handy when you need to dress up an outfit. Keep in mind that it's best to wear sneakers or sturdy boots during a trip to Germany; the cobblestone streets found in many historic cities and towns aren't well-suited for high heels or flimsy footwear.

Once you've reserved one of our Germany tour packages, we'll send you detailed information about what to bring with you. Don't forget to download the Go Ahead Tour Companion app before you take off, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket. That includes a detailed packing list you can check off so you don’t leave anything behind!

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Germany vacations 2024 & 2025

• The Black Forest

Birthplace of Beethoven, Einstein and Nietzsche, Germany offers far more to its visitors than its reputation for efficiency, bratwurst and beer. Our specialists would argue that it’s one of the most overlooked vacation destinations in Europe, its cosmopolitan cities are packed with historical charm as well as cutting-edge architecture and contemporary quirks. They’ll help you uncover the highlights of Berlin , including Checkpoint Charlie, the remnants of its infamous wall and trendy open-air markets.

With our specialists’ help, you can plan a vacation to Germany that takes in everything from Cologne’s glorious cathedral to Munich’s Oktoberfest and the Black Forest valleys. You could sample riesling wine in the Rhine Valley or follow hiking trails in the Bavarian Alps. Come to marvel at the theatrical excess of Neuschwanstein  or the legacy of Mahler, Brahms and Mendelssohn in Hamburg, explore half-timbered houses in Alpine valleys, glittering Christmas markets or the darker, more poignant reminders of World War II.

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Suggested tours for Germany

These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to Germany could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.

Rhine Valley & Black Forest highlights

8 days from $6,840pp

Cruising the Rhine: vineyards & villages

12 days from $11,495pp

Highlights of Germany self-drive

13 days from $4,250pp

Northern Germany: Berlin, Hamburg & Sylt

9 days from $7,785pp

Berlin & Bavaria highlights

9 days from $7,190pp

Classical music tour of Germany & Austria

10 days from $7,105pp

Cruising the Danube: Germany, Austria & Hungary

12 days from $7,295pp

Germany river cruise, Paris & Prague

13 days from $12,895pp

Suggested activities for Germany

Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Germany.

Dachau concentration camp and the Eagle's Nest

Visit two important sites to the history of World War II in this day-long tour. First, you’ll see Dachau, the first concentration camp established by the Nazis. Next, you’ll head to the Eagle’s Nest, a mountaintop retreat once owned by Hitler.

Rhine Valley, Rüdesheim and castle boat tour

Explore the Rhine Valley on foot, in the car and by water. Drive past vineyards with your driver-guide, walk around the village of Rüdesheim and cruise past castles on the waters of the Rhine during this half-day activity.

Black Forest in depth

Ride the panoramic roads of the Black Forest, venture up the seven-tiered Triberg Waterfalls and explore the town of Triberg. Spend a day getting to know the Black Forest on this full-day trip through the region.

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Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Germany, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Useful information for planning your vacation in Germany

Although you’ll find sausages, Schnitzel (thin slices of breaded meat), and Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) everywhere in Germany, you should also try Eintopf (stew), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Käsespätzle (egg noodles in a cheese sauce), and Flammkuchen (a pizza-like dish served along the French border).

Wurst (sausages) are a German staple and you‘ll find more than 1,500 varieties across the country. German dishes are traditionally meat heavy and although vegetarian and vegan food is increasingly available in larger cities, in smaller towns, you may find it harder to find meat-free dishes.

For sweet treats, look out for Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau) and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel).

Beer is popular across the country, and the southwestern wine regions produce many varieties of wine, including much-loved rieslings from the Rhine Valley.

The official language of Germany is German, which has many regional dialects. English is widely spoken in the major cities, but less common in rural areas.

The currency of Germany is the euro (€). Cash is still the preferred method of payment with Germans, but credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. You’ll find ATMs in most towns across the country.

A tip of 5%-10% is expected in German restaurants. Tipping is common for drivers and tour guides but is always at your discretion. Your specialist can advise on appropriate amounts closer to your trip.

For the latest travel advice for Germany, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website .

From beerhalls and boat trips to wine tours and World War history, Germany offers a wide range of experiences for the visitor. There are lots of ways to explore the country, its culture, and its history. For example, you could drive a Cold War-era Trabant around Berlin , take a Jewish heritage tour to explore life in the city during World War II, or visit Munich’s beerhalls and Oktoberfest museum.

Outside the cities, you can hike along lush mountain trails in the Bavarian Alps, discover castles, walled cities, and medieval towns as you drive the Romantic Road , tour Rhine Valley vineyards , or explore fairy-tale castles that became the inspiration for Hollywood classics.

In Germany, you can stay in medieval castles, historic spa hotels, sleek urban hideaways, and traditional Bavarian guesthouses. You might choose to start your trip with a stay in a historic mansion in Frankfurt or a stylish apartment in Berlin, then follow it with time at a lakeside, family-run hotel in the Black Forest, or a Belle Époque spa hotel in Baden-Baden, a city long dedicated to wellness.

Or you could choose a chic, contemporary hotel in Dresden, modern, minimalist design in Nuremburg, or an Art Deco retreat with a Michellin-starred restaurant in Munich.

To get some more ideas and to start planning your trip, take a look at our collection of places to stay in Germany.

Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are some of Germany’s most popular destinations, but you’ll also find plenty of interest in Bavaria, the Black Forest, and the Rhine Valley. Germany’s capital, Berlin , is a progressive, cultural city with a poignant past and is a great place to explore everything from World War II history to edgy street art.

Munich offers medieval castles, baroque churches, and access to the Romantic Road , while Hamburg has an ultra-modern riverside concert hall and a clamorous fish market. For pastoral mountain valleys and heavenly hiking head for the Black Forest , or for thermal baths and wellness retreats Baden-Baden is the place to go.

Bavaria is awash with castles, beer gardens, and medieval cities and is home to the whimsical, fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein , while you could finish a trip by relaxing on Sylt , an island retreat known for its long sandy beaches, oyster farms, and pastoral beauty.

It takes around seven and a half hours to fly from the East Coast of the US to Germany, and around 11 hours from the West Coast.

The time zone in Germany is UTC+1 hour. Daylight Savings Time is observed from the last Sunday of March through the last Sunday of October.

The best way to get around in Germany is by train and car. The German rail network is extensive and reliable and makes getting between major destinations easy. You can also rent a car for complete freedom, or we can arrange for a private vehicle with a driver-guide to take you between destinations.

US citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Germany. You can stay in Germany or the wider Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Speak to your doctor about immunizations needed for travel to Germany and make sure you’re up to date with routine vaccinations at home. You can also check the recommended vaccinations by visiting the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

To visit Germany your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the end of your stay and should have at least one blank page.

Germany in pictures

Our expert guides to traveling in Germany

Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Germany. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Germany at its best.

Top 10 Christmas markets across Europe

Each winter, Europe’s towns and cities sprout Christmas markets, sparkling with spangled trees, twinkling lights, spiced wine, and wooden pavilions selling treats and trinkets. We asked our specialists which ones they like best, from Croatia to Oslo to Edinburgh.

Other popular destinations

Still looking for ideas? If Germany has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.

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At the heart of Europe, monumental contemporary and historic events shape today’s Germany. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of the Beatles in Hamburg, the culture of the country is marked by its influential past and present. Imagine yourself exploring postcard-worthy castles such as Neuschwanstein or wandering through medieval cities such as Regensburg. From the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine Gorge to the plains of the north, the range of Germany’s landscapes will capture your heart. Perhaps you’ll also indulge your taste buds as you sample the delicious Marzipan sweet treats of the Hanseatic port of Lubeck, which have been produced there for over 200 years. Whether on a journey on the ‘Romantic Road’ or cruising along the Rhine, know that a stein of German beer or a glass of wine from the Rhine vineyards are both a worthy compliment to a destination that offers far more than the average traveler anticipates.

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Destination must-see's, oberammergau:.

The tiny Bavarian village of Oberammergau is straight from the pages of a storybook. You’ll find countless traditional, timbered houses with colorful murals depicting everything from religious scenes to fairy tales. Every 10 years, travelers flock from all over the world to see the city’s famous Passion Play. It all began in 1634 when villagers promised to perform a play depicting the life and death of Jesus Christ every ten years if God would spare them from the Bubonic Plague. No one fell victim to the Plague after that. The tradition continues today, and will be performed in 2022. To join the cast, you must have been born in Oberammergau or have lived in the town for no less than 20 years. This epic play, though performed in German, transcends language barriers and is a bucket list item for many travelers.

• Learn More About Oberammergau Passion Play

Christmas Markets:

Before Christmas was ever celebrated, Germany had special winter markets. These markets were only open for a day or two in early winter to stock up on food and supplies to hold them over in the cold months. With time the markets expanded and craftspeople set up stands selling items often given during the holidays. What makes these markets special and unique compared to other holiday shopping is the atmosphere and quality. While walking the German streets you smell the aroma of mulled wine and baked apples with festive lights and historic buildings. You will not find mass-produced items here, but real quality craftwork.

Berlin and the Wall:

After World War II, Germany separated into two countries, with the east as communist and the west as democratic. As the capital of Germany, Berlin became the center of this divided nation, constructing a wall to contain the segregation. Before the wall was built, citizens in East Germany had begun to move to West Germany to avoid communist rule. After hordes of people began leaving the East, the leaders constructed a wall overnight, shocking the community. Despite initial beliefs, the country was not reunited for some time and the Berlin Wall stayed up for 28 years. Its fall, which happened in 1989, was something that was celebrated all around the world.

Destination Must-Do's

German beer gained its popularity due to the outcome of the strict process it undergoes following the Purity law. Made of water, hops and barley malt, German beer tastes much better than any other. Every year from the middle of September to the beginning of October, Munich hosts the world’s largest folk festival “Oktoberfest” for 16 days. People travel from all over the world to take part in the festivities. There are rides, sideshows, costumes, food, and of course, plenty of beer. With 14 big tents and 21 small tents, beer is served from 9am to 10:30pm every day for a reasonable price.

Neuschwanstein Castle:

There are so many beautiful castles in Germany that it may be hard to pick your favorite! One of the most famous landmarks and most visited castle in all of Europe is the Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle was built by King Ludwig II, known as the “Fairytale King.” The mythical look of the castle even inspired Walt Disney to create the Magic Kingdom, he later replicated this majestic architecture for the park’s palace. In addition to Neuschwanstein Castle, Rapunzel’s castle is also located in Germany and will be included in the new tour “Romantic Road and Fairy Tale Road.”

Rhine River:

This river travels through six countries linking southern and northern Europe. It is the only river in the world with so many old and famous cities on its banks. In the Middle Rhine Valley, located in Germany, you will find vineyards, castles and fortresses. It brings together old myths, fairy tales, and romance and truly is a trip back through history.

Cuckoo Clocks:

The birthplace of the cuckoo clock is in the German Black Forest. They have become the symbol of the region. The clocks were made in the winter time when the farms were snowed in, and then sold in the summer time. There are two main types of cuckoo clocks and all clocks are hand carved with some of the most beautiful detailing in the world.

Expert Advice

For beverages, nothing beats the hot mulled wine, with or without a shot of brandy, or Eierpunsch”, the traditional egg-based, warm alcoholic drink.

The Christmas Markets have their own special fare to sample including candied and toasted almonds, traditional Christmas cookies made of gingerbread, Stollen, an egg bread topped with candied fruit, Bratwurst, and cheeses served on sticks.

Be sure to hit an ATM; many places in Germany do not accept credit cards.

Featured Tours to Germany

Exploring the Alpine Countries Austria - Germany - Switzerland

Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe featuring Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Krakow

Magical Christmas Markets of Austria and Germany

Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-night Danube River Cruise

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria featuring Oktoberfest

Europe: The Grand Tour

European Christmas Markets featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Magical Rhine and Moselle Rivers

Brochures that Feature Our Germany Tours

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Find cheap flights to Germany from $200

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to germany departing on 4/30. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to germany.

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Good to know

Faqs - booking germany flights, what child safety seat regulations must i be aware of before renting a car in germany.

Children up to the age of 12 who are shorter than 1.5 meters (59 inches) are required by German law to ride in an authorized car seat or booster. In case all the other restraints in your rented car are being used by other kids, the child may ride in the rear seat of the car, but they must have a seat belt.

What other cities can I access from MUC Airport once I reach Germany from the US?

MUC Airport serves several other nearby cities that can be easily accessed by public bus services, a rented car, or a cab. Some of the nearby cities to MUC that you should consider visiting on your visit to Germany include Freising, Neufahrn, Erding, as well as Eching in addition to Munich.

Are there affordable airport lounges on flight routes between the USA and Germany?

Yes. Travelers who wish to enjoy airport lounges before boarding their preferred airlines from the US to Germany should consider flying from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). This airport features an economy lounge known as the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 1. This lounge is widely affordable for passengers who plan on traveling from the US to Germany on a budget.

How can I catch the first flight at New York Stewart International Airport on the SWF-BRE route to Germany?

You should consider booking a hotel room in a nearby hotel to SWF Airport if you intend to catch the earliest flight to Germany from SWF. One nearby hotel for consideration is Homewood Suites by Hilton Newburgh-Stewart Airport, located 0.61 miles away.

Which airport is most convenient to Berlin?

The city of Berlin is served by two major international airports: Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) and Berlin Tegel (TXL). Flying into either airport can get you to downtown Berlin in less than an hour via the 24/7 S-Bahn trains, but coming from Tegel can shave around 10-15m off your total travel time.

Where should I fly into to visit the Black Forest?

For travelers looking to visit the Black Forest, there are a handful of airports that can be a good option. Frankfurt Airport is one of the closest airports in Germany, but it can also be convenient to fly into Zurich, Switzerland, and travel to the Black Forest from there.

Do I need a visa to visit Germany?

US nationals currently don’t require a visa to enter Germany for less than 30 days. However, in 2021, US citizens will be required to apply for an ETIAS before traveling to Germany and the rest of the Schengen Zone. Official information can be sought on US government websites, as the guidelines are subject to change.

I’ll be flying to Germany to visit the Rhine Valley, which airport should I fly into?

The Rhine Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. To reach the Rhine Valley, it is most convenient to fly into either Cologne or Frankfurt. If you’re traveling exclusively to Rhine Valley, Cologne is technically the closest air hub; however, Frankfurt is a popular destination and can also provide convenient access.

How long is the flight to Germany?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Germany takes 9h 41m, covering a distance of 4560 miles. The most popular route is Newark - Frankfurt am Main with an average flight time of 7h 25m.

What is the cheapest flight to Germany?

The cheapest ticket to Germany from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $153 one-way, and $300 round-trip. The most popular route is Newark to Frankfurt am Main and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $517.

Which airlines fly to Germany?

Lufthansa, United Airlines & Air Canada fly the most frequently from the United States to Germany. The most popular route is from New York to Frankfurt am Main, and Air Canada, Lufthansa and United Airlines fly this route the most.

What are the most popular destinations in Germany?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Frankfurt am Main (52% of total searches to Germany). The next most popular destinations are Munich (21%) and Berlin (14%). Searches for flights to Düsseldorf (4%), to Hamburg (3%) and to Stuttgart (2%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Germany

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Germany flight deals.
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER) is widely preferred as the arrival airport for most travelers flying from the US to Germany because of its close proximity to Berlin, the country's capital city. Passengers traveling this route have the choice of flying on indirect flights with just one layover at Zurich Airport (ZRH) for SWISS Airlines or Copenhagen Airport (CPH) for Scandinavian Airlines, among others, from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
• A majority of travelers who plan to tour Germany from the USA’s east-coast region depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to different destination airports in Germany. Those travelers who wish to take the shortest time possible from the US to Germany should consider following the JFK to Munich International Airport (MUC) route. JFK acts as a hub for Lufthansa airlines, one major airline offering direct flights from the USA to Germany.
• Consider using Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) if you are planning on traveling to Germany from the central regions of the USA. Travelers who fly via this route from the USA to Germany have the option of using connecting flights only as there are no airlines offering direct flights on this route.
• Consider landing at airports like Hamburg Airport (HAM), Hannover Airport (HAJ), or Bremen Airport (BRE), if you are planning on visiting any of the cities located in the northern region of Germany. All major international airports serving flights from the US to Germany use these three airports.
• Travelers coming from the Northwest region of the United States should consider flying out of Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Those who indent to take the shortest time possible from SEA Airport should consider landing at MUC. Even though there are no nonstop flights on this route, there is a considerable number of airlines serving indirect flights with a single layover at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), like Lufthansa and American Airways.
• When you’re booking your flight to Germany, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself with a layover. There are nonstop flights from the US to Germany departing from Baltimore, New Jersey and New Orleans, but those departing from other cities will most likely have at least a single stop along the way.
• If you’ll be making your way through Bavaria, it can be handy to fly into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to make getting around more convenient. Flying into Frankfurt Airport puts you more readily within reach of Stuttgart and Rothenburg. However, if you’re traveling throughout the entire area, you can book your return flight out of Munich to save time.
• For easy access to both southern Germany and Austria, it can be beneficial to book your flight to Germany via Munich Airport (MUC). Munich is a popular destination on its own, and its proximity to Austria can help you add several areas of interest to your vacation with little extra effort.
• Flying into Prague can be an option if you’re sticking to attractions in eastern Germany and the Czech Republic. Prague is convenient not only to several areas of the Czech Republic, but also Leipzig, Dresden and Nuremberg once you cross over into Germany. A popular route is flying into Prague and returning from Leipzig.
• Oktoberfest, one of the most internationally famous festivals in Germany, generally runs from the last week of September to early October. Flight prices can surge during these few weeks, so unless you’re traveling to Germany specifically for Oktoberfest, it can save you money to book your flights outside of these dates.

Top 5 airlines flying to Germany

I'm a larger, athletic guy (6'2", 260lbs powerlifter) and I found the seats incredibly uncomfortable with minimal leg room, especially in a window seat. Now, I full understand that being smaller may change my view but even if I was 80lbs less, my legs would be the same size and I was sandwiched between my seat and the seat in front of me.

Horrible. This was not first class. This was a connecting flight whi h was late. My original flight never came. I hated the fact that delta gave me a connecting flight from New York to Orlando Florida. No meals and the television screens were not working. There wasn't even any power to charge your phones. This is NOT FIRST CLASS DELTA!!! Do better next time!

This flight was ridiculous. I had to have a connecting flight from New York to orlando Florida??? The flight left late and because it was a short flight there was no first class amenities. I had one alcohol drink. The flight crew was fine, but it sure did not feel like first class. Delta to me dropped the ball by giving me a connecting flight. By the time we got to Raleigh we would have missed the next flight. Lucky for me the flight never came so now I was stuck waiting for a later flight that came in late also.

Our flight was delayed in Atlanta. The staff could have gave us an explanation for the delay and how long it would be.

I liked the ease of checking in, luggage check in, wheel chair assistance, boarding and flight.

On my way home I had a layover. The flight from ATL to CLT was amended 5x while I was waiting. I could have driven home sooner. Overall from Dallas, Tx to Charlotte, NC I started my trip at 4:30pm, I didn’t get home until past midnight. I know things happen, but 5x to make me run back and forth in an airport from different terminals is excessive. I also upgraded to comfort + , I didn’t feel it was worth it. There was no benefit

On my way home I had a layover. The flight from ATL to CLT was amended 5x while I was waiting. I could have driven home sooner. Overall from Dallas, Tx to Charlotte, NC I started my trip at 4:30pm, I didn’t get home until past midnight. I know things happen, but 5x to make me run back and forth in an airport from different terminals is excessive.

They did a fine job. Can't wait to use Delta in the future.

There was a loud squeaky sound the whole time we were flying.

Had a broken tray in business class. Crew just shrugged it off.

So so. Terrible aircraft choice for that leg of the flight.

Due to one crew member not showing up to work, our flight was significantly delayed causing us to miss our connecting flight in Houston to Mississippi causing us to be delayed by more than 6 hours and missing our event all together. Very disappointing. All because ONE crew member called in sick. United did grant us a $15 meal voucher, which was a small but appreciated concession that I wasn’t able to use because I ordered my lunch and paid for it before applying the concession, and the staff said it was too late to use it. Ugh! We also had a TWO delay coming back from Mississippi, but that was on American Airlines and it was due to weather, so not their fault. Anyway, not at all impressed with United’s handling of our flight and the HUGE disappointment of missing our important family event for our 90 year old mother. All that money and all that stress and emotions for nothing. Having to wait the hour to bring an employee from LAX seemed like something that should not have happened. Why don’t you have a local back-up? Santa Ana is not a little airport in a rural area.

Very nice staff , good in-flight entertainment and food/snacks. Our luggage didn’t make it on the way there, but picking up luggage at the airport was a straightforward process.

Flight delayed from Cape Town to Washington then got diverted to miami and in miami we had to fend for ourselves , im still trying to get to Shreveport now

Hated every minute of it. This flight should have only taken 1.5hrs but was delayed over 10hours. Now I am being told I cannot be compensated or refunded my ticket price or extra leg room, which I purchased but did not receive, because the airline is throwing the blame on the 3rd party I purchased tickets through and 3rd party putting the blame on airline. No one wants to help. They received their money and that's all they care about. Im going on 3 days of still trying to get to my final destination, had to cancel car rental, car insurance and hotel. Currently staying in airport until hotels open up. Thank you Lufthansa, Kayak, Underpricer and United for making this trip the worst ever.

the flight from Tampa departed with a delay. The food on board was poor, usually on international airlines alcoholic beverages are offered free of charge , but here it was for a fee, the cutlery was wooden, there were no hot drinks (tea, coffee). Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the portions of food, but it wouldn't have been enough for a child either.And in the future, I will try not to use the services of this airline

check-in luggage charge when they send email for free check-in luggage

Good dinner and nice plane.Smootz flight. Breakfast had no sweet option. Seats hardly reclined.

Flight from CLT to DUS via MUC ticketed by United Airlines and operated by Lufthansa. 2nd leg of flight from MUC to DUS was cancelled and no notification provided. At check in , Lufthansa agents at airport were unable to locate record and wanted us to contact United Airlines directly.

Boarding went well, staff was friendly. Food was not goods at all. I had ordered vegan meal. The seat I picked didn’t have storage area in the front and so had to put my small back pack at the top.my flight to Bangalore from Munich, the tv was broken so I got complimentary wifi which never worked. Food there too wasn’t good. I had paid extra for the seats. The only good thing is that the fact we have a flight direct from Charlotte to Bangalore with one stop in Munich!

Horrible experience. Nothing to give to kids to keep them entertained.

I think I have bruises on my kneecaps. Do the seats have to be so close together these days? And if they are so close they really shouldn’t recline. I think when the gentleman in front of me reclined, the back of his head was on my chin. That being said the crew were always caring and polite, and the flight was on time and very safe. So I’m grateful for that.

I dropped my wallet under my seat on this flight with all of my money and credit card. I requested to be able to go back and retrieve it but Lufthansa denied my request. I went to the Customer Services and they called Lost and Found but I was told nothing found would be turned in until around 12:00pm. My next flight was leaving so I was unable to check to see if my wallet was turned in. I will never fly with Lufthansa again.

Dinner was good by air travel standards but breakfast was too light and heavy on carbs/sugar.

Used to love Lufthansa, but Rowe are too close together in Economy and passengers are allowed to recline their seats so far back it is impossible for those behind them to even reach for carry-on essentials during flight - except for meal service when flight attendants ask for seat backs to be raised, we can’t sleep on planes so this flight was most uncomfortable ever! Rod Rose

Horrible crowding on the seats, headphones provided did not fit or work in the entertainment center, seriously the most uncomfortable flight I have taken in a LONG time. The people in front of me were literally 5 inches from my face the entire flight. Did they change their seats recently? I remember it being tight but wow this was a whole new level. Also I am a 5'3" small woman so I can't even imagine a larger person dealing with that for 11 hrs.

Seat controls of lights were broken, and only 1 of the 2 seat TVs ever worked on the long flight. On the short flight there were no USB connections, on the long one they were difficult to access. Part of my meal was frozen, though the hot portion was good.

Lufthansa fails at mentioning no luggage when booking through points. We had to pay added fees to take checked bags to Europe for 2 weeks. The staff at check in were not helpful at all. told us "if we don't like it, then book another flight". Food was bad, they ran out of half the options. Vegetarian was terrible. The flight crew was nice, and tried to make it work ok.

My school age daughter was not sat near me. We left almost an hour late. Therefore arriving late and missing another flight. Since it was not a connecting flight there was nothing Lufthansa could do about it. After the selay in take off and arrival we waited almost an hour for baggage claim. There was zero concern for my inconvenience. I asked if we could insure being seated together on the return. They stated no because we booked through Kayak. I typically love Lufthansa. This was very disappointing.

Great seats assigned and comfortable, movies are good, food is delicious, great experience. No delays and they prioritize boarding children with parents which is plus.

In economy and food was ok, but with limited leg space (and I was in a 2 seat configuration) it was difficult to eat with a tiny seat tray. I spilt wine on my trousers. First time on British Air (I usually fly Turkish Air) and in a 777. Heathrow was pleasant but changing terminals awkward.

Starting with the flight Cairo to London the plain was so poor no entertainment at all uncomfortable seats although it’s 5 hours long,then an American airline plain took me from London to Miami it was a bad experience the crew most of flight time not available and they asked us to help our selves for any snacks if we need. From Miami to London actually was perfect flight with a huge plain and perfect crew but from London to Cairo was horrible plain with stiff fixed seats not movable no entertainment or wi fi very poor Menu which is unacceptable for a business class

I've done hundreds of flights in my life, and this flight was one of the best I've ever taken, From beginning to end, everything went smoothly, professionally, and with a smile and friendly attitude from all employees I interacted with. The food was delicious (and free), as were the drinks. There was just a genial and effective way in the way that British Airways organized the flight -that reminded of days in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, when flying was a fun, and exciting adventure. I enjoyed and had confidence in the abilities of the flight crew, I'll be flying British Airways several more times this summer. Thank you so much for the great experience! Cheryl Olso

My baggage did not arrived with me. Took 3 days to get it after so may calls and follow up

Terrible! I missed my flight to my final destination and British airlines and American Airlines keep pointing fingers on each other’s. Nobody wants to take responsibility

Terrible. Flight was 3 hours delayed and I missed my other flight to my final destination

Overall, terrific service, accommodations, and experience. Only reason comfort was rated lower was because it was difficult to keep a comfortable sleeping position for the overnight flight, but I also had an economy seat.

Not sure if the crew were experiencing something unknown to me,but the service of passing water was non-existent.In addition,please take consideration when providing yogurt as alternative for breakfast as some of us, could be lactose intolerant.. thanks

Very cramped seats in economy, difficult to get comfortable with your legs and feet and back. The seat width is ok but I’m average size. Food is HORRIBLE. Crew is friendly. Delays and very tight connections made it tough for navigating. We would have missed our connecting flight if it wasn’t delayed too. The terminal transit was slow and normally every 10 minutes before 8pm, after 8 pm is every 30 minutes!!!!! No free wine or drinks!! Below average attitude.

Leg room was better than expected. Lavatory’s were easy to access.crew was grea!

Brand new airplane Airbus 330. Great crew. The staff on the ground is always a bit mediocre at Condor.

Some pretty unfriendly check in crew members. This is a no frills airline.

Seat was the worst I ever had in an airplane

I will definitely recommend your service. This is my first experience with Condor and so far it was great!

A flight attendant placed a meal on my tray. I was in 44E. The passenger who was in 44G had gone to the bathroom. I ate the meal. When the passenger in 44G asked where his meal was the flight attendant put the blame on me. She claimed another attendant put the meal on my tray. She then claimed when she gave me the meal she asked me if I had ordered a special meal. She did not Worst experience I have ever had with a crew member.

Entertainment screen was not functioning, there was no effort made by flight attendants to take care of the problem. All I could do was looking at customs forms and watch landing videos for 10 hrs 😁 Bruno Volk

I did not get a flight from JFK to Portland nonexistent Condor flight 308 does not exist and JetBlue knew nothing and someone changed my ticket and eliminated that leg of the flight. I would love to know who’s going to pay for my $750 car rental.

My return flight from JFK to Portland Maine disappeared and it cost me $750 to rent a car and drive home from New York. I don’t even know where to start with who screwed up or what condor blaming the ticket sales or JetBlue JetBlue knows nothing. Everyone giving me the runaround. Gotta say the service all-around sucked.

The flight was fine. We were served a meal and a snack. Boarding was fine.

I don't believe we were given any food... but for the size of the plane, it was pretty comfortable and a nice flight. I dont believe there was any individual onboard entertainment, and the headphone jack was the one with 2 holes, so I couldnt use my headphones... the boarding times were all over the place, and we never really flew on time.

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Oktoberfest, the Germanic Experience

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Quintessential Germany & Austria: An 11-Day Guided Tour of Oktoberfest & Bavaria’s Heartland

Discover the Germanic awe of the world’s longest running beer festival at Oktoberfest in Munich, with exclusive seating in the Ochsenbraterei Tent—your very own VIP beer hall among a sea of six million festival goers. Meet Patrick von Ritchthofen, a direct descendant of the Red Baron, before journeying across the Austrian border for a Danube River Cruise, sailing past the mountainside vineyards and lush green surrounds of the Wachau Valley. After touring Berlin’s iconic sights, everything sparkles at a once-in-a-lifetime Dresden dinner, hosted at the King of Saxony’s former summer residence. Enjoy a meal of delicious abundance at the Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz, a baroque castle complex originally built for the King Augustus II in 1720.

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How to Plan a Trip to Germany (Your Step by Step Germany Trip Planner for Traveling to Germany for the First Time!)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

You’ve decided to visit Germany. Hooray! Whether you’re looking for bustling cities, sandy beaches, alpine hiking, intriguing history, fairytale castles, delicious food, fun festivals or friendly people, Germany is the perfect European vacation destination.

Not only is there a tremendous amount to do, see, eat, and experience in Germany, you can easily combine a visit to Germany with other European destinations. Germany is easy to get around in by train, bus, car or bike, and many people speak English.

You’re probably wondering…where do I even begin with planning my dream-come-true vacation to beautiful Deutschland? 

Where should I go? Is it better to take the train or rent a car? What are the must-see cities and attractions? Which ones should I skip? Where’s the best place to stay? What should I eat and drink?

Join our FREE Germany Trip Planning Facebook Group!

Don’t worry! We’re here to help you narrow down your travel options, plan your itinerary , and book your trip with ease. It’s actually quite easy to plan a trip to Germany by yourself with the information in this article, on this site and with some help of some online booking engines.

To reduce overwhelm and help you plan your ideal vacation, we cover everything you need to know to get started planning your trip to Germany . And if you have any questions, you’re welcome to ask us in our free Germany travel Facebook community or send us  an email . 

Ok, let’s begin!

• 1 Meet Your Germany Travel Guides
• 2 Overview of Regions
• 3 Where to Go in Germany: Itineraries and Planning
• 4 Want more itinerary ideas? Are you a big city person? Check out… 
• 5 Prefer smaller historic, picturesque cities? Check out…
• 6 What about cute little villages with “Fachwerk” (half-timber) architecture? There are so many! Here are a few ideas…
• 7 Looking forward to visiting fairytale castles?
• 8 Like islands and water? Take a look at…
• 9 What about nature, hiking, and national parks? Consider…
• 10 Passports & Visas
• 11 What’s the Best Time to Go to Germany?
• 12 Germany Booking Timeline
• 13 What’s the Weather in Germany Like?
• 14 What Time is it in Germany Right Now?
• 15 What’s the Best Way to Get to Germany?
• 16 Where to Stay in Germany
• 17 Getting Around Germany
• 18 What to Wear in Germany
• 19 My Absolute Favorite Travel Clothing Items
• 20 What to Eat in Germany

Meet Your Germany Travel Guides

Hi, we’re Cate and Aaron, and we love helping people plan amazing trips to Germany. While Aaron has visited Germany several times (and is our chief rental car driver!), I lived there for 4+ years, have spent nearly 30 years of my life going back and forth between the US and Germany, and have traveled to all corners of the country.

I also taught German for several years and have a PhD in German Applied Linguistics, which means I’ve gotten to know Germany from several different angles. We’re so excited to help you plan your dream trip to Deutschland! 

Overview of Regions

Northern Germany  – Hamburg is the largest city in this region but there are other must-visit smaller cities like Lübeck , Stade, Bremen, and Lüneburg. Northern Germany also has the beautiful beaches of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, the Wadden Sea national park, and the islands of Sylt, Flör, and Heligoland. Northern Germany is flat and great for biking. It looks so different from Bavaria! Combine a trip to Denmark with a visit to northern Germany.

Eastern Germany  –  Berlin is of course the feature city in this region, but Dresden, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Quedlinburg, Bautzen, Erfurt, and Weimar are smaller must-see cities. There’s also the Harz mountains, Swiss Saxony national park , Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes in Thuringia, Wernigerode castle, the Schwerin Palace, and Sansouci in Potsdam. Combine a trip to eastern Germany with a visit to Poland or the Czech Republic.

Central Germany  – This region offers bustling cities like Cologne , Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt , smaller cities like Aachen, Wiesbaden, Koblenz, and plenty of cute villages. There’s also the Rhine and Mosel river areas, vineyards, the Eifel national park, castles , and beautiful rolling hills. Combine a visit to central Germany with a trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, or France.

Black Forest/Baden-Württemberg  –  Stuttgart is the largest city in this region, and smaller cities like Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Freiburg , Tübingen, and Ulm also warrant a visit. Vineyards and wineries, spa towns, castles (such as Hohenzollern or Lichtenstein ), waterfalls, Lake Constance, cute villages, and hiking are also features of the Black Forest /Baden-Württemberg region. Combine a trip to France or Switzerland with a visit to southwestern Germany.

Bavaria/Alps  – Munich is the feature city of Bavaria ( Oktoberfest! ), along with smaller cities like Regensburg, Nuremberg, Würtzburg, Bamberg, and Passau. There’s also the famous Zugspitze, Eagle’s Nest, Neuschwanstein castle , and Chiemsee lake, as well as lovely alpine towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Berchtesgaden . Combine a trip to Bavaria with a visit to Austria, Czech Republic or Switzerland.

Click here for what to do in Munich!

Where to Go in Germany: Itineraries and Planning

There’s so much to see and do in Germany! Here’s some info to get you started on your itinerary (you can also check out this article with 10-14 day itinerary ideas ). 

If you have just a few days,  I recommend focusing on one city and a day trip (e.g., Hamburg with a day trip to Lübeck or Munich with a day trip to Neuschwanstein ).

If you have a week,  you could visit 2 cities (plus 2 day trips) in different parts of Germany and allot one day for travel between cities (e.g., a few days in Munich with a day trip to Chiemsee, travel day to Berlin, then a few days in Berlin with a day trip to Potsdam). Or you could spend a week touring one region of Germany (e.g. the Black Forest or the Rhine and Mosel areas).

If you have two weeks,  you can see a lot of Germany! You could, for example, start in Berlin, then visit Hamburg, take a day trip to Lübeck , then visit the Rhein river area, stop in the Black Forest , and end your trip in Munich. You could easily do this trip via train or car. Take a look at a couple 10-14 day itineraries we’ve outlined to give you a sense of how much you can do in that amount of time.

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

How long does it take to travel around Germany by train? 

It’s quick and easy to travel around Germany by train. Here are some sample travel times to give you an idea: 

• Berlin to Hamburg – 1 hour 45 minutes 
• Berlin to Munich – 4 – 4 1/2 hours
• Hamburg to Lübeck – 1 hour 
• Hamburg to Cologne – 4 hours 
• Hamburg to Munich – 5 hours 40 minutes 
• Frankfurt to Nuremberg – 2 hours 
• Stuttgart to Munich – 2 1/4 hours 
• Munich to Berchtesgaden – 2 hours 

I use and recommend the official German rail system website to check travel times and book train tickets (point-to-point, saver tickets, and discounted regional tickets). I book all of our train tickets here!

Want more itinerary ideas? Are you a big city person? Check out… 

• Cologne / Düsseldorf

Prefer smaller historic, picturesque cities? Check out…

• Lübeck
• Würtzburg
• Tübingen

What about cute little villages with “Fachwerk” (half-timber) architecture? There are so many! Here are a few ideas…

• Wernigerode
• Quedlinburg
• Dinkelsbühl
• Rothenburg Ob der Tauber
• Berchtesgaden

Looking forward to visiting fairytale castles?

• Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau (the “Disney castle”)
• Castles near Frankfurt
• Castles near Cologne
• 16 castles to visit in Germany

Like islands and water? Take a look at…

• Husum (North Sea)
• Timmendorferstrand (Baltic Sea)
• Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Titisee 

What about nature, hiking, and national parks? Consider…

• Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park
• Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park 
• Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park
• Jasmund National Park
• Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park
• Müritz National Park
• Lower Oder Valley National Park
• Harz National Park
• Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
• Hainich National Park
• Eifel National Park
• Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park
• Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Bavarian Forest National Park
• Berchtesgaden National Park
• Black Forest National Park

How about a road trip? Why not drive the…

• German Timber-frame Road (northern to southern Germany)
• Romantic Road (Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, north/south)
• Castle Road (Bavaria to Baden-Württemberg, east/west)
• Wine Road (Palatinate wine region, north/south)
• Fairytale Route (from Hanau to Bremen, south/north)
• Black Forest High Road (Baden-Württemberg, north/south)
• Alpine Route (Baden-Württemberg to Bavaria, east/west)
• Volcanic Route (Rhein River and Eifel mountains, north/south)

Passports & Visas

If you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, you do not need a visa to enter Germany (at the time of publishing this article). You do, however, need a valid passport with at least 3 months validity AFTER your planned departure date.

Play it safe and have MORE than 6 months validity on entrance to Germany! You also need at least 2 blank passport pages at the time of your arrival. Check your passport NOW so you have plenty of time to renew it if needed. Do not wait until the last minute to do this (been there, done that – it’s expensive and stressful)!

Germany is part of the Schengen zone, which means you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. If you visit other countries in the Schengen zone before or after Germany, that counts towards your 90 days and reduces the amount of time you can spend in Germany. While on the automatic 90-day tourist visa you may not work but you can engage in business.

What’s the Best Time to Go to Germany?

The best time to visit Germany is whenever you can get there! No, seriously! There’s no best time of year for your  Deutschland   tour because there’s no bad time of year to visit. I’ve traveled all over Germany in spring, summer, fall, and winter and enjoyed every single season (Cate here, writing this article, by the way).

When should  you  travel to Germany? Well, it just depends on what you’re looking for…

Summer  is when you’re most likely to have warm (even hot) sunny weather. But it’s not guaranteed. I’ve had hot steamy summers in Germany (like last summer when we traveled during a heat wave), cold rainy summers, and everything in-between.

Fortunately, even if you encounter rain in the summer it likely won’t last more than a few hours or at most a couple days before you’ll see the sun again. The benefit of summer travel is that you’ll have nice long days for sight-seeing because the sun doesn’t fully set until about 10pm. If you’re interested in beaches or mountains, summer is a great time of year to visit.

Note, however, that not all hotels, cars, and restaurants use A/C. If you really hate hot weather, play it safe and avoid Germany in the middle of the summer. (Although, to be honest, in all of the summers I’ve spent in Germany, there have only been a few days in the summer that I’ve found truly unbearable without A/C.) If you  must  have A/C, be sure to confirm that your room or rental car has it.

Summer can also be a more crowded time to travel, since so many families make use of summer break. Book accommodation early for the most options and best prices!

Winter  travel in Germany can be cold but beautiful. One of my favorite times of year to travel in Germany is during the four weeks of advent at Christmas.

Yes, it gets dark early (by 5pm or a bit earlier) but the lights, decorations, and Christmas markets more than make up for it. Plus, you can go skiing and enjoy other winter activities.

I was just in Germany for a couple weeks in December and the weather was perfectly fine 90% of the time. There was only one day where the weather was truly miserable and even on that day there were enough breaks in the weather to enjoy my day trip exploring a new town and a new Christmas market. 

Germans don’t let winter keep them from enjoying outdoor activities, hiking to strolling through a Christmas market or enjoying a coffee at an outdoor cafe. Don’t let it stop you, either! Just bundle up, grab a mug of Glühwein, and you’ll be fine!

Fall and spring  are also great times to visit Germany. In the fall you’ll enjoy crisp mornings and cool evenings and seeing the leaves change color.

In the spring you’ll experience the joy everyone feels when they can once again sit outside at cafes and restaurants. The weather can vary quite a bit day to day but if you travel late in the fall or early in the spring you can score great deals and will find smaller crowds.

Germany Booking Timeline

I’ve booked flights, accommodations , and tours and tickets a few weeks before my arrival, and I’ve booked them several months in advance. Book early if you:

• Are traveling during peak summer, Christmas market or ski season
• Have very specific travel dates or lodging, transportation, sight-seeing needs
• Are visiting big cities
• Are on a tight budget
• Are visiting during a special event, such as Oktoberfest 

I usually start looking at my options as early as possible so I can figure out what a good deal looks like for my travel dates. I then set up flight alerts and start earmarking AirBnB’s and hotels. I begin booking whenever I find something that meets my needs and fits my budget. 

Here’s a general booking timeline to get you started:

6-12 months in advance:

• Research and book your international flights
• Research travel insurance
• Plan your travel itinerary and dates
• Research and book flights within Germany or Europe
• Research travel options within Germany (rental car, train bus, etc)
• Research accommodation options (book if you find great deals or if availability is limited)
• Make sure your passport is up-to-date (you need at least 6 months left on it when you enter Germany) and apply for a new one if it isn’t

3 – 6 months in advance:

• Book accommodation
• Book trains or busses (usually 90 before your travel dates is the earliest you can book but always check if you can book earlier – the best deals go fast)
• Book rental car
• Book tours, events, and tickets
• Book travel insurance 
• Review your travel wardrobe and gear and purchase the items you need  

1 month in advance:

• Book any remaining attractions and tours
• Book airport transfers or plan how you will get to your lodging
• Purchase a sim card for phone or check how you can use your current phone service in Germany (e.g., I can use my Verizon phone service for a $10/ a day fee)

1 week in advance: 

• Print out or ensure that you can easily access all bookings, tickets, and travel info on your phone (make sure you can access everything without data or wifi!)

1 day in advance:

What’s the Weather in Germany Like?

What will the weather be like when you visit Germany? Well, it depends on the time of year and where you are. Weather in Germany can be somewhat unpredictable no matter the time of year.

I recommend being prepared by wearing layers, packing an umbrella or rain jacket, and remembering that the weather will likely change soon. And, as I said earlier, don’t let any kind of weather stop you from enjoying Germany! 

Summer.  Germany comes alive in the summer with everyone and their dog (literally, there are dogs everywhere) outside enjoying the nice weather. Average high in the summer is 80F.  

Be warned…it can rain in the summer but it doesn’t usually last that long. It can also be super hot in the summer…but again, scorching temperatures doesn’t usually last that long.

Fall.  Such a beautiful time of year in Germany with the leaves changing colors and cool, crips mornings and evenings and warm days. One of my favorite times of year in Germany! In September, the average high is 67F and by November it’s around 47F.

Winter.  Bring your scarf, hat, and mittens because German winters can get cold! Average temps hover around freezing with warmer days in the 40s/50sF. While it can snow anywhere in Germany, you’ll find the most snow in southern Germany. Winter weather doesn’t mean everyone hides inside, though. On the contrary! Do what the Germans do – bundle up and enjoy the outdoors.

Spring.  I love being in Germany on the first spring day because  everyone  heads outside to enjoy the sun and everyone is in such a good mood! Early spring will see a high around 47F but by late spring it’s more like 67F.

What Time is it in Germany Right Now?

Germany is in the Central European Time zone (CET) or UTC+2. It’s 6 hours ahead of the US EST, 7 hours ahead of CST, 8 hours ahead of MST, and 9 hours ahead of PST.

Daylight savings in Germany in 2020: time “falls back” on October 25 and “springs forward” on March 29. Write these dates in your calendar so you don’t accidentally miss any flights or trains (been there, done that)!

What’s the Best Way to Get to Germany?

It depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going.  When flying from outside Europe, many people fly into Frankfurt (FRA), the largest airport in Germany and one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe.

The benefit of flying into Frankfurt is that it has a ton of direct flights, and once you reach Germany you can easily take a commuter flight, train, bus or rental car to your final destination.

The downside? The airport is huge, busy, and I’ve noticed prices into Frankfurt have been higher than regional airports in Germany.

I used to  always  fly into Frankfurt , and then take a train, bus or rental car to my final destination. But recently? I’ve found that it’s easier (and sometimes cheaper) to bypass FRA and fly into other German cities, such as Munich , Hamburg , Berlin , Düsseldorf ( Cologne ) or Stuttgart .

You might even be able to find a direct flight from the US (I’ve flown direct Atlanta – Stuttgart and Washington DC – Munich, for example). Otherwise, you’ll change planes somewhere in Europe and take an easy 1-3 hour flight to Germany. We’ve changed planes in London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Paris, and Vienna, for example. You could also fly into another European city and then take a train, bus or rental car into Germany.  

A Few Notes About Flying Into FRA (Frankfurt Airport) and Traveling Onwards

If you take a commuter flight from Frankfurt  (FRA) to your final destination in Germany, you’ll go through passport control in FRA and then to your connecting gate. Super easy. Most flights from FRA to elsewhere in Germany are an hour or less in duration.

If you’re traveling onward by train from Frankfurt,  you can transfer to the train right at the airport below Terminal 1. If your train leaves from the main station in Frankfurt, you can either take the S-bahn or a regional train from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof (main station) in about 10-15 minutes.  

Important:  you’ll find cheap “savings fare” train ticket prices if you book your ticket online well ahead of your arrival. Be sure to book your ticket for  at least  a few hours after your flight’s arrival time into FRA.

Be warned: getting through passport control, customs, picking up your checked luggage, and making your way to the train station can take longer than you think. And if your plane from the US (or elsewhere) is delayed…well, it’s easy to miss your train and have to buy a new, much more expensive ticket on the spot. Personally, I would book a saver fare train ticket for a train that leaves 3-5 hours after my international flight’s arrival time – at the minimum. And that’s still cutting it close if there’s any kind of delay!

Tip: If you want maximum flexibility and peace of mind, buy a “flex ticket.” You’ll pay more but these tickets aren’t tied to a specific train. So if your flight is five hours late, you can take a train later in the day without changing your ticket or losing money.

These tickets also you to stop somewhere en route to your final destination for a couple hours, and then get back on a different train (e.g., stop in Stuttgart for a couple hours on your way to Munich). So if you arrive on time, you can work in a short excursion on the way to your final destination (store your luggage at a locker in the train station). If your flight is late, just go directly to your destination. These tickets are also refundable before the first day of travel.

For ultimate flexibility and peace of mind, spend the night in or around Frankfurt and book a saver fare train for early the next morning. 

You can also easily pick up a rental car at FRA  and drive to your final destination. Aaron and I have done this a few times and never had any problems.

The one problem we do have? Staying awake long enough to drive to our destination! We usually keep the driving distance to an hour or two on the day of our arrival and drink a lot of coffee. Sometimes we pull over at rest area and take a nap. 

If you want to rent a car at the airport and are concerned about driving while jet lagged, consider picking up the car and then spending the night in nearby town, such as Wiesbaden (I spent an enjoyable few days there before catching my flight home a few years ago). 

If you’re catching a bus  from the city center to travel onwards, S-bahn 8 or 9 will zip you into town quickly and cheaply in about 10-15 minutes. Buy tickets at any of the ticket machines before you board the S-bahn.  

You can also catch busses  into Frankfurt and elsewhere in front of Terminal 1 (arrivals level) and Terminal 2 (level 2).

You’ll find taxis  in the same general area. It takes about 20 minutes to get into downtown Frankfurt by taxi.

Flying to Germany from Elsewhere in Europe

These days it’s super easy and generally inexpensive to fly to Germany from all over Europe. Here are a couple tips:

When booking your international flight, you might be able to include a stop-over in the city where you’ll transfer to your Germany flight. I used to do stopovers in London, and a couple years ago I did an awesome stopover in Iceland. TAP also offers free stopovers in Lisbon or Porto.   

I highly recommend looking into both flying and taking a train (or bus) into Germany, especially if you’re arriving from a neighboring country and not on a stopover. Of course, if you’re flying from cities like London, Barcelona, Rome or Oslo, flying is the best option. But if you’re traveling from Paris, Vienna, Copenhagen or Prague, for example, a train might be the better way to go.

Even if the actual flight is only an hour, you have to factor in the time it takes to travel to the airport, go through security, potential flight delays, and then traveling to your lodging once you land. A 5- or 6-hour train ride might actually take less time than a 1-hour flight when you total it all up!

Traveling to Germany By Train, Bus or Car

Traveling to Germany from other European countries by train, bus or car is easy. Train travel is generally simple, comfortable, and quick. Most train stations in Germany are located in the city center, so it’s easy to get to your lodging via taxi or public transportation. 

If renting a car in another country, just double check that you’re authorized to take the car out of the rental country. If you are, you’ll have no problems crossing the boarder and driving around Germany. 

Busses tend to cost less than trains, and you can find some amazing deals, but to be honest, I still prefer taking trains over busses. Trains are more comfortable, you can get up and walk around, and they’re almost always faster than busses. Plus, they don’t get stuck in traffic.

Tips for Booking the Best Flights with Cash or Miles: 

• Start looking for flights early,  especially if you’re traveling during peak season. I booked our mid-June flights in late January. While we found low mileage flights for very specific weekend travel dates, we could have found better flight times had we booked even earlier. 
• Track flights  through google or look at options in Hopper so you’ll know a good deal when you see one.  
• Look for last-minute deals.  When I decided to go to Germany in December I didn’t start looking for flights until early November (the trip was a last-minute decision). Because I was flexible on travel dates and went early in the month, I found excellent tickets using miles. This doesn’t always happen, but it never hurts to look for deals, even if your travel dates are right around the corner. 
• Fly in or out of smaller regional airports  (e.g., Berlin , Hamburg , Stuttgart , Munich , Düsseldorf). When I booked our flights for mid-June I couldn’t find anything into Frankfurt using miles. But I did find flights into Berlin and out of Stuttgart, and that actually worked even better for that trip ! For my recent December trip , I found that flying in and out of Stuttgart used the lowest amount of miles and had the best schedule. I’ve also flown into Hamburg and Munich airports.

Where to Stay in Germany

Germany has so many options for lodging:

• Vacation rentals (e.g., VBRO, AirBnB)
• Hip boutique hotels
• Quirky hostels
• More traditional HI hostels
• Large hotel chains
• American-styles hotels (Hilton, Marriott, etc)
• Family-run Pensionen (bed and breakfast)
• Camping (RV and tent)

When we’re in Germany we typically opt for AirBnB (I like having a kitchen to make breakfast) or a smaller family-run Pension or boutique hotel. We used to stay in hostels when we was younger (they’re pretty nice in Germany) but even then I found Pensionen to be very affordable – sometimes  more  affordable than hostels – especially when traveling with one or two other people. If we’re spending the night near an airport or train station and want convenience and ease we’ll stay at a larger chain hotel .

Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget accommodations, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Germany! To help you get started, check out our Germany hotel guides.

Breakfast  is often included with lodging in Germany (but not always). Sometimes breakfast will feature fresh bread or Brötchen (delicious German rolls), cold cuts and cheese, butter and jam, and tea and coffee. Other times there will be an extensive breakfast buffet that includes things like yogurt, museli, a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, and even hard-boiled eggs. You’re unlikely to find things like omelets, bacon, pancakes, waffles, and hot oatmeal.

If you’re looking to save money on lodging,  book rooms with a shared bathroom. (This is typically only an option in smaller or older hotels and not an option I come across as often anymore.) Sometimes that will mean sharing a full bathroom with other guests on your floor, and other times you’ll have a sink and/or shower in your room and will share a toilet located in the hallway. Shared bathrooms are more common in smaller Pensionen than in hotels.

These days I prefer the convenience of having a full bathroom in my room but I’m not averse to sharing a hall bathroom when needed (takes me back to my younger backpacking days – ha!). I’ve never had to wait to use a shared bathroom or had any trouble with them. Sometimes there are two or more bathrooms per floor. If you do opt for a shared bathroom, bring flip-flops!

Hostels can be a great option for families,  as many offer family rooms. Hostels typically offer a simple breakfast and sometimes dinner. While accommodations are simple, some hostels can be in spectacular locations. The hostel in Bacharach, for example, is in an old castle on a hill and offers a gorgeous view of the town below and the Rhine river!  

Getting Around Germany

One of the benefits of traveling in Germany is that it’s super easy to get around the entire country. You have so many transportation options.

You can rent a car and drive from place to place. Or you can stick to trains and busses. Or ride a bike – there are tons of bike paths throughout Germany.   

If I’m primarily visiting big cities I prefer taking the train or a bus to get from one city to another. When I spend more time in smaller cities or want to take day trips to harder to reach places, I prefer having a car.

For our recent summer trip to Germany, we rented a car at the Berlin airport and returned it to the Stuttgart airport. We didn’t take trains or busses at all. We got a car so we could go to places that aren’t as easily (or quickly) accessible by train. We didn’t use the car every day, though. We walked and used public transportation when exploring cities.    

Speaking of public transportation, Germany’s is one of the best! It’s super easy to get everywhere you want to go via the S-bahn (above ground metro), U-bahn (underground metro), Strassenbahn (street car), and city bus. Taxis (and Uber/Lyft, where available) are also convenient options, though more expensive than public transport.

There are also car-share programs that you can look into. I haven’t used any of them and don’t know how convenient they are for travelers but it doesn’t hurt to check them out.

German cities are very walkable, so it’s easy to get around by foot. And, if you’d like to bike around like a local, there are lots of places to rent bikes (or scooters!) around town or maybe even at your hotel or AirBnB. If you’re more interested in just one afternoon of biking, try a city bike tour!

A few transportation tips:

• For the best train ticket prices book your ticket via the official German rail system website in well in advance. I book all of our tickets there. Note: if you pre-purchase your ticket at the lowest price you have to take the specific train you booked. If you miss that train, you have to buy another ticket. 
• If you don’t mind taking slower regional trains you can get some really cheap tickets and regional day tickets. You may not want to use these tickets to go from Munich to Hamburg, but they’re great for day trips, whether traveling solo or with others.
• Busses are often less expensive than the train (though not quite as comfortable and often slower).
• There are Eurail options for Germany, and they’re a great choice if you value flexibility and ease or if you want to make stops while traveling (eg., stop in Cologne for a couple hours while traveling from Hamburg to Munich).
• If you plan to rely on public transportation in the cities you visit, buy a day pass (or perhaps a multi-day or week pass) rather than individual tickets. Also check to see if there are group day tickets or if young kids can ride free. Note: there’s often a small additional fee to bring a bike or a large amount of luggage on public transportation. There are often less expensive day passes for travel starting after 9am. 

What to Wear in Germany

Check out my packing list for Germany!

Layer, layer, layer!  The weather in Germany is often unpredictable so your best bet is to bring layers so you can customize your wardrobe on the fly. Since rain is a possibility any time of year, you may want to bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella.

Bring comfortable shoes.  You’ll no doubt walk all day long (often on cobblestone), so bring your most comfortable, supportive shoes. Be sure to break in your shoes  before  you travel. There’s nothing worse than realizing a day into your trip that your shoes pinch your toes or give you huge blisters. (Bring along moleskin, just in case. I always have  this kind  in my day bag!) I typically bring a good pair of walking shoes appropriate for the season (e.g., boots in the winter) and a nicer pair of flats (sandals in the summer).

You can wear jeans.  Some people say  never travel with jeans  but I’m not one of those people. I love traveling with jeans! They’re comfortable, I can wear them a few times without having to wash them, and I feel less like a tourist wearing them because everyone wears them. If you like jeans, wear jeans.

Scarf, hat, gloves.  If you’re traveling in the winter or even late fall or early spring, definitely bring a warm scarf, hat, and gloves or mittens. Or buy them in Germany and take them home as a souvenir! Almost all of my winter accessories are from Germany. Even if you’re not traveling in colder weather, I recommend a  travel scarf with a hidden pocket  for ease and security.

You can wear shorts in the summer.  Shorts are more popular in Germany than they used to be, so if you like them and are comfortable in them, wear them. That said, do also bring summer dresses or skirts and or lightweight pants to wear when shorts are too informal.

Bring a comfortable day bag or purse.  When you’re out and about all day you want a comfortable bag or purse to hold your travel essentials – wallet, phone, camera, ipad/kindle/book, umbrella, journal, etc. For peace of mind, you may even want one with special security features.  Click here to read my guide for buying the best travel purse.

My Absolute Favorite Travel Clothing Items

Merino wool camisole/tank  – These camisoles are the BEST for travel! They’re soft, comfortable, easy to hand wash, and they never stink. This might be TMI but a few years ago, when I was traveling solo around Europe, I wore the same merino wool tank each day for 14 days in warm spring weather. It never smelled bad! Since that experiment I don’t typically go that long without washing my tanks, but I like knowing that I could!  Click here to read more reviews and buy a merino wool camisole/tank.

Foldable flats  – I splurged on a pair of foldable leather flats a few years ago, and after I broke them in I started really liking them. I wouldn’t recommend them for a full day of walking (especially on cobblestones) but I like to bring my foldable flats along for a change of pace or when I want the option of wearing a cute pair of shoes but don’t want them to take up much space in my suitcase.

Merino wool shoes  – I bought a pair of dark grey merino wool walking/tennis shoes a couple years ago and I LOVE them! I can wear them barefoot in the summer, and not only do my feet stay relatively cool, my shoes don’t stink when I take them off at the end of the day. I can throw them in the wash if they get dirty (though mine still look great 2 years later), they pack flat and don’t take up much space in my suitcase or travel backpack, and the heel is thick and cushioned. You can also buy replacement merino wool insoles without having to buy a new pair of shoes.

What I don’t like: the pair I have doesn’t have enough arch support for me and there’s not enough padding under the ball of my foot. The first few times I wore them they were uncomfortable after walking all day and I was super disappointed! But after adding an arch support and a gel insert under the ball of my foot (I like  this one ) I loved them and now wear them all the time while traveling and at home. Many people love them from the start!  Click here to to read reviews and check out merino wool shoes.   

What to Eat in Germany

You’ll never go hungry while traveling in Germany! While you can always find traditional items like Schnitzel, Spätzle, Rouladen, and Bratwurst, there are plenty of healthier options, including those that are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.

Many restaurants now cater to special diets and accommodate allergies, as do some specialty grocery stores. Aaron has a meat allergy and frequently eats gluten-free and has never had a problem finding delicious food in Germany.

These days Germany has a wide variety of restaurants to ft all budgets featuring cuisine from all over the world (except Mexican…I’ve yet to find good tacos in Germany). So you won’t be stuck eating Schnitzel every day – unless you want to!

We usually eat breakfast at our AirBnB or hotel, enjoy a nice lunch at a restaurant we’ve stumbled upon, and then grab a Döner, salad or pizza for dinner. We also often picnic using ingredients from the bakery and grocery store or farmer’s market.

Traditional German dishes to try:   Schnitzel, Spätzle, Rouladen, Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Schweinehaxen, Maultaschen, Currywurst, Leberkäse, Flammkuchen, Sauerkruat, Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), Quark, all kinds of German breads.

Quick lunches and snacks on the go:  Döner, Falafel, Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Bratwurst, Currywurst, salads, Brötchen filled with meat and/or cheese, fresh pretzels, pastries, cakes. Click here to see the best German street food!

Desserts & sweet treats:  Schwarzwälderkirchtorte (Black Forest Cake), Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake), cheesecake, Stollen, Frankfurter Kranz, cake, Donauwellen cake, Berliner, Lebkuchen, Pflaumenkuchen (plum cake), all kinds of pastries and chocolate – just to name a few! Click here to see the 10 must-try German desserts and sweets.

Beer:  every kind you could ever imagine! I usually just ask for the local beer unless there’s a specific one I know I want to try.

Christmas: This is the best time of year to be in Germany, partly because of the many delicious holiday treats like Lebkuchen, Stollen, Glühwein, and so much more. Click here to read more about what to eat in Germany during the Christmas season.

Want to try German food now? Click here to see where to buy delicious German food online!

Got a question about traveling in Germany? Join our free Germany trip planning community or  send us an email!

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

69 Comments

I enjoyed reading this information. My husband and I would like to stay in Germany for 2 to 3 months in 2022. I am interested in staying in the area of Bamberg with the plan of visiting other regions in Germany via a rental car. Either at the end or beginning of our stay we would like to visit France (especially Paris). I have so many questions. But our hope is to have basically our last trip on our own and experience more of the everyday lifestyle. Up to this point we have only traveled via being guest of Viking River Cruise and tours.

Hi Donna! 2-3 months in Germany sounds awesome! Since you’ll be there so long, you might want to consider spending 1 month in 3 different regions or 1.5 months in 2 regions. Otherwise you’ll be doing a lot of overnight or multi-night trips if you want to see other regions. Are you thinking about renting an AirBnB? If you want to experience the everyday lifestyle, I highly recommend it. Feel free to email me if you have questions as you start planning. 🙂

Hi! Thank you for this awesome post. It’s very useful. I wanted to ask you a question. I’m planning to travel to Germany as soon as the pandemic starts to be less dangerous. I want to go to Germany for 2 months, how many cities do you think is possible to visit? And also how much money do you think is possible to use everyday for food if my budget is small? Thank you very much!

Hello! Two months is a good amount of time to visit Germany, and you should be able to see and do quite a lot! Just how many cities depends on how quickly you like to travel and what you want to do in each place (e.g., just see the highlights or live like a local). If you want to stick to big cities you could spend 1-3 weeks in each and take lots of day trips to see the surrounding area.

If that’s the case, you could rent an Airbnb (or similar), which would not only save you money on lodging (they’ll often give discounts for stays of 1 week or longer) but also make it easier to make some inexpensive meals at the Airbnb (and it’s easy to make German dishes “at home”!) and maybe even do laundry for free.

If you want to be on the go the whole time, moving from city to city (big, medium, and small), it will be more expensive unless you stay at hostels (or super cheap hotels). And remember to factor in the constant packing and unpacking, time getting to/from the train station (or airport)…that gets tiring when traveling for a couple months!

I recommend coming up with a budget, then looking at what kind of lodging fits that budget (hotels, hostels, longer Airbnb stays, Couchsurfing, etc). Then think about what you most want to do in Germany (live like a local, just spontaneously explore, see specific sights, have specific experiences, etc) and what you want your daily experience to be like (e.g., do you want to feel relaxed each day and get to know fewer places or be on the go, packing and unpacking, moving from place to place). Neither is better than the other, it’s just important to get clear on what kind of experience you want!

A few ways to reduce your budget: – Eat in fewer sit-down restaurants. Eat breakfast at “home”, buy snacks and drinks at the grocery store and bring them with you each day, cook some meals each week at “home”, pick up lunch from a grocery store or bakery and eat in a park, etc. Make eating dinner in a sit-down restaurant a special occasion. Doing these things will save you money and you’ll eat healthier!

– Take busses or slower trains to travel around Germany. There are regional train passes you can purchase that allow travel in a specific area very inexpensively. Travel will be slower and there are some restrictions on when you travel (often not during rush hour) but you’ll save money and often you’ll see some out of the way sights. You can also get good deals on flights but once you factor in travel to the airport (time and cost), time to check in, waiting to board, potential delays, and then getting from the airport to your final destination, it’s often just easier to take the train.

– Buy standard train tickets in advance. You can get nice discounts on faster train tickets if you book far enough in advance.

This might be more info than you wanted but I hope that helps you start planning your trip! Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂

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Great post full of detailed information on all aspects of travel in Germany. When travel reopens in Europe we’re planning on a 2 week trip in Germany with our adult son. He’s an avid soccer fan so we’ll need to plan the trip around the soccer schedule so he can see as many games as possible. We are considering Eastern Germany with a short trip into Poland or Northern Germany with a few days in Denmark. We’d really appreciate your expertise and suggestions. Although we’ve traveled extensively in many western and eastern European countries, we have not spent a great deal of time in Germany. Thanks. J.

Hello! I’m back working on this site now and am happy to help. I’ve got more articles and resources coming but let me know if you have any specific questions!

Hi Both The Ueckermann family 9-10 adults and 2 little once to experience Germany in Oct 2023. Central G and Netherlands will be awesome. We need to do all planning and funds estimates please assist. We live in South Africa and hopefully COVID 19 not a factor any more. Plan 2-3 weeks depending on the funds regards Engela

Hi Engela! Let me know if you have any specific questions about planning your trip to Germany. Happy to help!

HI, I was having trouble with your email 🙂 so sorry I am just replying here. I was hoping you could help us and I wasn’t sure if you offer buying tickets and guidance of our specific places we would like to visit. Anxiously wanting to hear back from you, Anne

Hi Anne! I just sent you an email. 🙂

Hello Cate! Such a well written article with great info! My husband and myself would like to travel to Germany in Oct. of 2022, possibly with my then 16 year old son as well. We want to go in October so we can also experience Octoberfest. I cant have beer because I have celiac’s. IS THERE OTHER ALCOHOL DURING OCTOBERFEST OTHER THAN BEER? WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN OCTOBER AND DOES OCTOBERFEST RUN THE FULL MONTH? IS THERE A CERTAIN AREA WE SHOULD STAY TO REALLY EXPERIENCE OCTOBERFEST AND ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES TO AVOID DURING OCTOBERFEST? We are overwhelmed with planning our trip because we don’t even travel within the US and I feel like there’s so much we want to experience in such a short period. We would like to go for 2 weeks. We want to go because both our families are from Germany. My family comes from Nuremburg (sp) and my husbands family Bavaria but we are unsure which part. This trip is important for us to try to learn about our family roots. DO YOU KNOW WHERE WE COULD GO IN GERMANY TO LEARN ABOUT OUR GENEOLOGY? We would like a more of a laid back approach to experiencing Germany. I dont want to necessarily feel rushed every single day but I do understand that some events and places we would want to visit would need to be scheduled and we are ok with that. I would like to do the Air bnb but know nothing about them. I would like less stress worrying about transportation such as missing busses. We are interested in castles, picturesque views, experiencing floating on the Rhine River perhaps. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON AIR BNB’S THAT PROVIDE BREAKFAST AND ANY IDEAS ON AREA’S TO VISIT BASED ON EVERYTHING I’VE PROVIDED? P.S……our last name literally translates to “the German”. We have had so many Europeans tell us that when they hear our name…LOL

CORRECTION: This is Lisa Nemec. My hubands family is Bohemian. We believe his family crossed over from Czech.

Hi Lisa! There are plenty of other drinks at Oktoberfest, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something. The weather at that time of year can vary but in late September to early October it’ll likely be warm during the day and cooler in the evening. Oktoberfest is mostly held in late September but I believe it goes until Oct 2 in 2022. There are a lot of hotels and AirBnB’s within walking distance of Oktoberfest (also walking distance to downtown) but book early because they fill up quickly! You’ll also pay a premium at that time of year. Some people prefer not to stay near the main train station but other people don’t mind it.

As to where you could go in Germany to find out about your genealogy, I’d start by searching the genealogy sites online and get as much specific info as you can. You can then try a site like http://www.genealogienetz.de/index_en.html (I haven’t used it, just found it).

If you have 2 weeks, you could fly in and out of Munich and focus on Bavaria. While in Munich you could take a couple day trips to Salzburg, Berchtesgaden, Neuschwanstein, the Alps, etc. You could see a lot at a laid-back pace in 2 weeks!

AirBnB’s are great if you’re going to be somewhere for at least a few days, want a little extra space, a kitchen, etc. Even just being able to make breakfast, coffee/tea, and keep drinks cold for when you come home in the evening is so nice. But you don’t typically get hotel-like services like a prepared breakfast, new towels each day or linen changes. If you want to be walking distance to lots of things in Munich, a hotel near downtown could be a great option. If you’re ok with being in a neighborhood, an AirBnB could be a good choice. There are so many great neighborhoods in Munich so you really just need to look at price, amenities, and distance to the things you want to see. I’ve stayed at hotels near Marienplatz and in an AirBnB further away (maybe a 10-15 minute walk + U-bahn ride to Marienplazt) and I enjoyed both.

I hope that helps!

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HELP……I have been put in charge of coming up with an itinerary for my hubby and 4 of our friends for travel in July 2022. I truly have no idea what I am doing. What we are looking for are castles, beautiful scenery and history (although I have been told that they do not want to go to concentration camps). The following is the tentative itinerary I have come up with. We are looking also, for moderate priced Inns/quaint hotels and castle stays centrally located. Any changes/suggestions/comments would be GREATLY appreciated. We will be renting 2 cars. 1 night Munich drive to Nuremburg 3 nights Nuremburg – drive to Fussen 1 night Fussen – drive to Ettal 3 nights Ettal – drive to Unterwossen 1 night Unterwossen – drive to Salzburg Austria 3 nights Salzburg Austria drive to Munich 1 night Munich – fly home

Hi Linda! Your itinerary looks good for a 2-week trip. Here are few suggestions:

-If you’re flying into Munich, you could drive right to Nuremburg on the first day, since it’s only a couple hours drive from Munich airport. If you pick up your car, drive into Munich, settle into a hotel, and then drive to Nuremburg the next day, you’re using a lot of time for driving/checking in/unpacking/packing and you won’t get to see much of Munich. If you go right to Nuremburg on arrival day and stay for 3 nights, you could add a night to the end of your trip so you have 2 nights in Munich or add a day to Salzburg and keep Munich at 1 night.

-Fussen and Ettal are pretty close to each other so you could stay 3-4 nights in one and then take a day trip to the other. I like to reduce the number of one night stays as much as I can during 1 and 2 week trips for the reasons I mentioned above. You could also stay in Ettal and make day trips to both Fussen and Unterwossen and cut out 2 1-night stays.

-If you don’t want to see Munich, I’d keep that at 1 night and stay near the airport at the end of your trip. If you do want to see Munich, I’d give that 2 nights minimum.

I hope that helps! I think you’ll really enjoy your itinerary!

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Thankyou for all the wonderful suggestions! I’m visiting Germany closer to Christmas for two weeks.

That’s my favorite time to be in Germany! Everything is so beautiful and festive. You might be interested in my Stuttgart Christmas Market article – even if you won’t be near Stuttgart, it will give you an idea of what you can do, see, and eat at any Christmas market. I also talk about 6 other nearby Christmas markets that are super fun to visit. 🙂 Enjoy your trip!!

I had all but given up on our delayed 25 yr Wedding Anniversary(07/28/2020 delayed to Sept 2021, due to covid) trip to Germany. Then I found your website! It reinvigorated our desire to NOT CANCEL our plans! We have a son in Kaiserslautern(rhein main air force base) , and want to split a 2 week trip between seeing 7-8 days traveling in Germany( Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart) and Paris. And then 6 to 7 day visiting our son. We had all but given up, until I read your article. Thanks! I wish that there were some way to have everything planned for us in advance! But, your post at least has assured us that we can make this happen on our own. Thank you very much!!

Definitely don’t cancel your plans, even if you have to postpone! (We had to postpone our anniversary trip, too – such a bummer!) You can definitely make your trip to Germany happen. Here are a few ideas for you…

You could fly into Paris, then travel to Kaiserslautern to see your son and do a day trip to Stuttgart (visit the Christmas market if you’re there in December or nearby Esslingen any time of year) and then either visit Munich and the area around there (fly out of Munich) or travel up to Cologne and over to Berlin (fly out of Berlin).

It’ll be a lot to try to see Paris, spend several days in Kaiserslautern, and also see Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, and Berlin but if you can combine things – like if your son can go with you to visit Stuttgart and Munich or Cologne and Berlin, you could see a lot of the places you’re interested in. Flying into one city and out of another will help a lot, too.

You could also fly into Munich, then go to Kaiserslautern via Stuttgart, take a short trip to Paris, then go to Berlin via Cologne and fly out of Berlin. Or do the same but start in Berlin and fly out of Munich.

You’ll have a great time no matter your itinerary! 🙂

Your website is a such a great resource! I have a ton of questions about planning a trip, I’m just going to send you an email.

Thank you Komal

Got it and replied 🙂

What is a good budget for 2 adults in Germany for two weeks?

It’s nearly impossible to give a guideline because it depends on so many things – your travel style, what kind of transportation you want to use, your accommodation & restaurant preferences, etc. I know that’s not very helpful in the short-term but it would be less helpful for me to give you a specific budget not knowing any specifics about you or your trip plans. Plus, most travelers like to splurge in one area and cut back in another but that’s so different for each traveler.

What I recommend is this: start looking at flights, transportation, and accommodations well before you want to book them in order to get an idea of what each costs for your travel dates. Add everything up for 2 weeks and then decide if you’re ok with that amount so far, keeping in mind you’ll still need to add on food, souvenirs, tickets/tours, insurance, and anything you need to get before you leave (clothes, luggage, passport, etc). I like to do this research before I book flights/transport/accommodations. That way I get an idea of what will be my splurge and where I will need to reduce costs to keep within the budget that’s right for me. Everyone’s ideal budget is so different!

hi i am planning to travail to Germany in December 2021 with my family , any idea

My big tip for Germany in December: visit the Christmas markets (if they’re open this year)! You’ll find one in nearly every German city, town and even small villages. They’re outdoors so dress warmly and enjoy the food, drink, and stalls. They’re a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts, too.

Days are short in December, and some touristy sites do shut down in winter, so keep that in mind. But you’ll still find plenty to do after dark, especially if you’re in bigger cities. As long as you take these two things into consideration, you’ll have a great visit no matter where you go!

Hi, my partner and I are wanting to visit Germany in January 2022. I have previously stayed in Wurzburg for 3 weeks and dream of taking my partner there.Seeing as I went with school a few years ago we didn’t really have a chance to look around other parts of local Germany. Where would you recommend us to go whilst in that area? We like architecture (but not too much…) we’re in our 20’s so we also want to have fun 🙂 we’ll either be driving (we live in France) or we’ll be going by train. Will the Christmas markets still be on? I doubt it but you never know… Thanks

Also, we are wanting to go with our dog. Would that be possible or too complicated?

You could easily go to Munich and spend a few days there – lots to see and lots of places to have fun. (I had a great time there in my 20s!) There are also a lot of day trip options – Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, Neuschwanstein, Passau, Regensburg, etc. You could also stop in Nuremberg on your way to Munich. All of that is easy by car or by train – and if you go by train, you could probably do those day trips using a regional train pass. Or you could do guided day trips and not have to plan anything! I’ve got some listed in my Munich guide – https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/munich-travel-guide/

It looks like the Christmas markets are on for 2021 but they could always get canceled in the coming weeks. Most have their last day on Dec. 24 so unfortunately, you won’t get to see them if you visit in January. That just means planning another trip to Germany for December 2022! 🙂

Germany is pretty dog-friendly so it’s probably do-able. But there are likely museums and other sites that might not allow dogs inside. If you mostly want to spend time outdoors, and your dog is ok with possibly very cold/wet/windy weather, or if you can leave the dog at your lodging for part of the day, it might work ok.

Hope that helps!

Hi Cate, you have put together a terrific planning guide. Thanks. Our 4 children just gave us a trip back to Germany in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. We lived in Erlangen from Aug 1972 – 1973. We are excited to go back but we are debating between a Rhine river cruise or going on our own. We’ll probably go sometime in May/June or Sept/Oct 2022.

How exciting!! It’s so fun to go back and revisit where you used to live in Germany. Aaron and I did that in 2019 and had such a good time seeing what had/had not changed. I’m excited for you!

I’ve heard people say great things about Rhine river cruises. If you don’t have time to or don’t want to do much trip planning, that’s a great option. The downside is that you’re more limited to what you can do and see. If you have time and interest in planning your own trip, you can definitely do it. And since travel is coming back, I’ll be focusing on this site a lot more in the coming months and helping people plan their trips, so I’ll be here to help you, too. 🙂

Hi Cate, We have wanted to visit Germany (from the US) for a few years now and have finally decided to make it happen, but had no idea where or how to start. Your article is full of valuable information. Thank you. At least we now have a starting point. Our trip isn’t for another year, but it will go quickly. So excited and thank you for all the information.

You’re welcome! I’m so excited for you already. 🙂 The next year will fly by and you’ll be on a plane bound for Germany before you know it. Now that travel is coming back, I’ll be focusing on this site a lot more so be sure to come back when you’re ready to plan your trip. I’m working on lots of guides and helpful resources! 🙂

Hello. My grandfather expressed interest in going to Germany in 2022. More specifically, he wants to go to ‘The Battle of the Bulge’ where his older brother passed away in World War II. We would also like to go to the Holocaust Memorial. I have been trying to research/plan this trip but would be open to suggestions. We are from the US and could spend about a week out there. I am grateful that I stumbled across your blog as it is very informative and interesting! 🙂

Hello! That sounds like it will be a wonderful trip for your grandfather! If you’re talking about visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin (highly recommended), you could fly right into Berlin (their new airport!) and spend half of your time seeing the city, then head to Brussels and take a Battle of the Bulge day tour! I found one here that you can look at (aff link): https://www.getyourguide.com/bastogne-war-museum-l35043/bastogne-battle-of-the-bulge-tour-from-brussels-t169657/?partner_id_Y5UOFLS It looks like it also goes into Luxembourg so you could get 3 countries in one trip. 🙂 If you have enough time, you could take a day trip to Brugges or Ghent – both are 30-60 minutes from Brussels. You could then fly out of Brussels back to the US. To get from Berlin to Brussels you’d probably want to fly but it’s a short flight and you could probably get an early morning or a late afternoon flight so it wouldn’t take up your whole day. Hope that helps with your planning!

Hi, your site is wonderful and has some great information! I am traveling (solo) to Germany in late April and will be there for one month. I have been to Munich/Bavaria/Salzburg before so I’d planned on focusing my trip on the rest of Germany. I’m flying into Berlin and was planning on staying there 4-5 nights, then I’m not sure where to go. I was thinking of spending a week in an area and going on day trips; for example, the Black Forest, the middle Rhine area, maybe Harz Mountain. But I also want to see some cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Trier, and Hamburg. So maybe a bit of both cities and countryside? Do you have any thoughts? Thanks!

I definitely recommend choosing 3-4 locations where you can stay for a week or so and then take day trips. You could do longer stays in Berlin and Hamburg – there’s tons to do and see in each city, as well as lots of day trip options. You could also do Cologne or try a smaller town on the Rhein or Mosel and explore that area in more depth. For the Black Forest you could stay in the university town of Freiburg and day trip to towns/hiking in the Black Forest, as well as Basel and Colmar/Strassbourg). You could also choose 3 locations for longer stays (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg and Freiburg) and then do a couple of 2 or 3-night stays as you travel between cities, e.g., a short stay in Wernigerode or Quedlinburg (Harz mountains), Trier, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, or Tübingen on your way to Freiburg. Tip: if you want to do a lot of day trips, make sure you stay where it’s fairly quick and easy to get to the train/bus station! Since you’ll be there for a month you have lots of flexibility and plenty of time to do and see a lot of the areas you mentioned!

@Cate, Thank you so much! I’m really enjoying going through your site, too!

Looking for a good travel guide book for Germany any recommendations?

Rick Steve’s is always a good one! I’ve used his guidebooks a ton. You can get his Germany guidebook on Kindle or as a hard copy (aff link): https://amzn.to/33z7d59

@Cate, Thanks

So excited to find your site! My husband and I will travel from Texas to Bavaria for 7-10 days in September. I am in charge of all the planning. I’m thinking Munich & surrounding area and Salzburg. Do you have any suggestions? I’m also pondering some organized day tours..

Munich is a wonderful home base for seeing lots of great sites in Bavaria! You could easily spend 1-3 days in Munich (especially if you’re there during Oktoberfest) and then take day trips to places like Neuschwanstein, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Salzburg, Linderhof, Chiemsee, Berchtesgaden, Nuremberg…just to name a few! You can easily do all of that by train and mix it up with some organized day tours here and there. I’ve been working on a Munich guide that will have ideas for day trips and tours so keep an eye out for that!

Hello Cate, Your blog is very helpful. Like to seek your help and guidance. I am from Singapore and not familiar with Germany. Both me and my wife intend to fly to Amsterdam where my daughter is attending university and spend 18 days vacation with her in Europe during her break. Am planning 7 days touring Germany. Tentatively looking tourist site at hamburg, Berlin, Stuttgart and then off to another country eg. france, switzerland or Italy for another 7 days. then travel back to Amsterdam to fly home. Any advise how we can optimize the traveling as we are not familiar with these region? Appreciate your kind assistance. regards, Perry

It will be so much fun to travel with your daughter! It might be difficult to fit Hamburg, Berlin and Stuttgart into 7 days. On the train it takes about 6 hours from Amsterdam to Hamburg, 3 hours from Hamburg to Berlin, and over 8 hours from Berlin to Stuttgart. While all three of those cities are amazing, I recommend choosing either northern or southwestern Germany, rather than trying to hit all three (or make the Germany part of your trip 10 days).

You could, for example, travel from Amsterdam to Hamburg, then to Berlin, and fly from Berlin to France or Italy. That would give you plenty of time for travel, city exploring and day trips.

Or take the train from Amsterdam to Stuttgart and explore that area. Stuttgart is close to France, so you could spend several days seeing both southwestern Germany (Stuttgart, villages in the Black Forest, Freiburg, Baden-Baden, etc) and French cities like Strassbourg, Colmar and Mullouse. You could also very easily go to Basel in Switzerland! It’s a long train ride from Amsterdam to Stuttgart so I’d look into flights. Stuttgart is a great airport to fly into!

Hi, my family and I would like to visit Germany this summer. My husband and I have two teenagers (15 and 13), and one of them is reads a lot and it is very interested in history. We would like to visit german cities but also, some concentration camps. Our plans is to spend two weeks there. Any suggestions?

You’re going to have so much fun in Germany! Everywhere you go there’s so much history, so it just depends on what kind of history you’re looking for. For a 2-week stay you could easily visit 2 (maybe 3) different parts of Germany without feeling like you’re spending your whole vacation on the train or in the car. You could, for example, fly into Munich, visit the city and Dachau concentration camp, take a few day trips to Salzburg, the Alps, Neuschwanstein, Nuremburg, etc – there are so many options!…then visit the Black Forest area, the Rhein/Mosel area, the Hamburg area or the Berlin area and fly out of that second city (Stuttgart, Cologne/Düsseldorf, Hamburg or Berlin). If you want to focus on 2 main areas, say Munich and Berlin, you could do a 1-2 night stopover in a city in-between. Hope that helps you get started on your planning! 🙂

@Cate, We are from USA planning on attending next years NfL game if possible. We are a large group 10-15people who would also like to see the culture and history. Open to staying in Berlin, munich, or anywhere else as long as accessible to get to game. We want to fly out wed night from BOS be there Th F S Su (game in Frankfurt) leave M. Anything you would recommend?

Hi! I just now saw your question. If you’re flying into FRA and have Th, F, and S to do some sight-seeing, I’d stick to the Frankfurt area and do day trips. If you go to Berlin or Munich you’ll spend most of your time in transit and checking in/out of hotels. We’ve got a Frankfurt guide on our website and also a castles guide – so you could spend a day exploring FRA, then a day visiting a castle, and then 1 day visiting a nearby city like Heidelberg, Nürnberg or Rothernburg ob der Tauber. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. We’ve also got a Germany Trip Planner and one-on-one travel consults, too. And lots of info on this website. We’re happy to help!

I just found your great website! We have just drafted a 3 week trip plan to Germany and Austria and I would love your thoughts about it!. Is late May better than June? (I really can’t do heat without AC!)

– [ ] 2. Land in Vienna- 2 nights… – [ ] 3. Take tour or just Spend a day in the sprawling Schönbrunn Palace, – [x] 4. Rental car to Take KM 29 for about an hour to Burg Liechtenstein drive an hour to Melk Abbey Then Steyr From Melk, Steyr 1 night stay – [x] 5. Spend a little time, touring the Steyr Mannlicher! – [x] 6. Wake up early and bike 15 minutes to spend the morning exploring more of Halstatt before the day-trippers.. Sky Walk salt mine – [x] 7. After lunch, enjoy more the beauty of Salzkammergut area! on to Salzburg in time to return the rental car. we will stay in the old town (Salzburg 3 nights) – [ ] 8. See Salzburg – [ ] 9. Take guided tour to Eagles nest – [ ] 10: To Munich by 2 hour train.. taxi to hotel, Sleep Munich 2 nights … – [ ] 11. Guided tour all day— Dachau and Munich sites – [x] 12 Slow morning to rest, checkout, cab, 1.5 hour train to Oberarmagau for lunch and stroll. Rent car in Garmish and Drive another hour to Sleep in Hohenschwangau 2 nights Maybe take 30 minute Schloss Hornschwangau Castle tour before closing if time – [x] 13 Visit Neuschwanstein! (Hohenschwangau castle first if not last evening) then rent a bike and go a mile -7 minutes to Tegelberg luge ride – [x] 14 drive 2.5-4 hours but first stop for lunch and see Ulm Cathedral. Going Opposite the crowds arrive in afternoon to stay in nearby Rothenburg 3 nights. See stunning Rothenburg – [x] 15 After coffee and quiet streets, walk the medieval wall. If crowds arrive, leave and drive a short way and tour the Bad Weinsheim Frankonian Open Air Museum – [x] 16 Drive 30 min to Ansbach, park and Take 30 min train and10 min cab into Neuremburgfor day. – [x] 17. leave in early morning and drive 3-5 hours through To St Goar take B9 along the Rhine from Bingen arrive in time to tour Burg Eltz and then maybe return car in Emmelshausen this day or next. Take cab back down to nearby St Goar for 3 nights. – [ ] 18 See Burg Eltz castle if not seen yesterday and then see Marksburg castle – [ ] 19 REST maybe just board a boat for a relaxing Rhine River cruise from Sant Goar. We will disembark to visit small Bacharach and back again by train. – [ ] 20 Depart by 70minute train to Frankfurt airport Or would it be better to do the trip in reverse, starting with Germany first? Thank you!!

It’s not usually super hot in May but it can be hot in mid-late June. The last time we were there in June (2019) it was incredibly hot and there isn’t as much a/c there…but you never know, I’ve had cold and rainy June visits, too. If you want to be more sure of not-super-hot weather, I’d go in mid-late May or early to mid-June — as long as you’re ok with the possibility of some not-so-warm days. If you go in mid-late June and don’t love hot weather, book hotels with a/c, rent a car with a/c, and plan to buy a lot of cold drinks. No matter the weather, it’s always fun to travel around Germany! 🙂

You could easily do your itinerary either way so I’d just look at whether flights are better into Vienna/out of FRA or vice-versa. Check the hotels you want to stay in to make sure they have availability — I’ve actually reversed my itinerary before due to hotel availability!

You’re planning to cover a lot of ground in 3 weeks and be on the go go go, which some people find more tiring than expected…but if you know your travel style, then go for it! 🙂 3 nights in one place gives you 2 full days, which is a good amount of time for most places. 2 nights means 1 full day, which can be enough in some locations but if you do many in a row, it can feel like you’re constantly checking in/unpacking/packing/checking out, and can get super tiring if you’re doing a lot of day trips.

Be sure to plan in time for getting ready, eating breakfast, packing, checking out of the hotel, getting to the train station/car rental – it often takes up more time than you’d expect. Trains aren’t as punctual as they used to be, so keep that in mind for what you plan on arrival after a train trip.

An idea — instead of taking a train to Oberammergau, then to Garmisch to rent a car, then driving to Hohenschwangau, I’d rent a car in Munich and drive to each place. It will probably be less expensive to rent in Munich and easier than doing the train and car pick-up (especially with luggage!).

For the longer drives, plan on them taking longer than what’s estimated in google maps because there’s often traffic! If you miss the traffic and arrive early, it’ll be a nice bonus!

Your idea to add in some guided day tours is a good one – it’s a nice change from having to figure everything out yourself and can feel like a mini vacation from your vacation.

Overall, you’ve got a really fun trip planned!

Hi Cate! I love your clear way of describing and explaining. My husband and I are invited to a wedding outside of Berlin the last weekend in April. From there we would love to head to the spas in Baden-Baden .. what else would you suggest to see in the Baden-Baden area and without driving the best transportation option? We can stay up to about 10 days. Thank you!

Thank you for your nice comment! 🙂 I’d take the train from Berlin to Baden-Baden. It’s about 6 hours and you can relax and see the sights along the way. You could fly from Berlin to Stuttgart but by the time you travel to the airport in Berlin (the new one is further out than Tegel was), check in, wait to board, fly, and then take the train from Stuttgart to Baden-Baden, it’s at least as long as – if not longer – then taking the train.

When in Baden-Baden you could visit Gengenbach, the Black Forest, Triberg (cuckoo clocks & waterfalls), Tübingen, Stuttgart/Esslingen, Lichtenstein Castle, Hohenzollern Castle, Freiburg, Basel (Switzerland), Strassbourg (France), Colmar (France) — just to name a few! You should be able to reach all of these places via train/bus. The Black Forest Open Air Museum is also a lot of fun! I’m working on guides to several of these locations – and some are already on the site – so check back soon for new ones. 🙂

You should be able to get a free KONUS train pass, which enables you to travel throughout the Black Forest region for free. I don’t think it works for every place I listed but it will get you to several of them. Here’s more info about the KONUS card: https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/planen-buchen/konus-gaestekarte (you can switch to English if it’s in German).

You could fly out of Stuttgart airport or travel up to Frankfurt and fly out of there. Strassbourg or Basel might work, too.

@Cate, that really does! Thanks again,

You’re very welcome!

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I am planning a trip with my husband, 18 year old daughter, mother in law and myself. We will have 8 nights total flying Munich to Amsterdam or vice versa. Interested in the Christmas markets, of course, castles (would love if we could stay the night in a castle if that’s possible), and just getting an authentic German experience. My mother in law found family ancestry in Stuttgart, so she would like to stop there. The other areas that we have an interest in are Frankfurt, Cologne (wonder if there is such thing as a day cruise on the Rhine River), and maybe Hamburg (for the canals, but I’m not sure December is the best time of year for that). Although, I’m not sure we’ll be able to see all those cities in just 8 nights, as we would also like 1-2 nights in Amsterdam.

We plan to rent a car and I will be doing the driving. We live in Colorado so I’m familiar with winter driving, but wonder if I can use Google maps while traveling through Germany.

Would love your thoughts or suggestions on this.

Thank you, Lea Ann

Hi Lea Ann, you’ve got the makings of a magical winter trip! All of the places you mentioned will be beautiful in December because of the Christmas markets. Stuttgart, for example, has a huge, old Christmas market (plus there are 2 other really beautiful ones nearby) and there are 2 nearby castles you can visit. Hamburg and Cologne and also wonderful cities (Frankfurt too but I’d skip it on a short trip unless you have a specific reason to go there).Amsterdam is also a lot of fun and a great place to fly in or out of.

It’s a lot to fit into 8 nights so you’ll definitely need to hone in on just a few places, otherwise you’ll spend your entire trip packing/unpacking/driving. 🙂

You can use google maps in Germany and that’ll make getting from place to place easy. But unless you want to stop at specific sights between cities, you could easily take the train, since you’re going to big cities (you don’t need a car in any of the cities you want to visit). If you don’t mind parking the car at each hotel in the city, a car can give you more flexibility.

You can also stay in a castle in Germany! We’ve got a guide for that right here so you can see which one you like best.

It’s hard to get more specific about an itinerary here in the comments without taking to you and getting a better sense of your interests and needs but we’ve got lots of resources to help you — Christmas market guides (definitely take a look at the Stuttgart one!), city and hotel guides , and we’ve also got a Germany Travel Bundle with an interactive Germany Travel Map, City Cheatsheets, and other resources, and I do one-on-one trip planning consults .

And be sure to join our travel planning Facebook group !

@Cate, thank you for your quick response and feedback! I’ll check out the links you shared and I’ve joined your Facebook group.

You’re welcome! Glad you joined the group! 🙂

Hi Cate , I have visited Germany but only Düsseldorf for my sugery. I will like to take my wife and kids with me this time I have an appointment in December might use the opportunity to take them for Christmas holiday . I have 12’night in total . 5 night in Düsseldorf can you please advise which city we can visit for the rest days and we are not leaving Germany until 26th. So I want them To enjoy the Christmas but I don’t know which city to choose .I will you to please give me where the kids can enjoy the trip age 8 ,6 and 3 . Do we fly back from Düsseldorf or from Another city ? Thanks for your help.

If you’d like to fly out of the Düsseldorf airport, you could spend the second part of your trip in Cologne so you could visit the markets there, in Bonn, and surrounding area (e.g. a day trip to Aachen).

If you’re ok with flying out of a different airport, you could go to Stuttgart (good Christmas markets in the area and a couple castles), Munich (good markets and day trips) or Berlin (good markets and day trips) and fly out of any of those airports.

Most everything will be closed on Dec 25 and the latter half of Dec 24 so keep that in mind when doing your daily planning.

Hope that helps with your planning!

Hi, Thank you for the detail page. I and my family will be visiting to watch a NFL game in Frankfurt and had some travel ideas outside of the city that I have not found solutions for. First, are US citizens allowed to rent cars without a permit? We want to travel to Stuttgart and Munich for some museums and possibly Berlin, but I’ve yet to figure how time and distances for the trip as these do seem to be quite a distance from each other. Then, we would end the trip back in Frankfurt to travel back to the US, unless we find an airline in Berlin. Do you have suggestions? This would be a 7-14 day trip, depending on cost. Thank you

Hi Marco! Yes, you can rent a car with just your US driver’s license. While not required, an int’l driver’s license can be helpful if you get pulled over or in an accident (you can get on at AAA). You can check distance between those cities via google maps (it’ll show you both driving and trains). I always add 25% to the times they suggest because there’s a good chance you’ll encounter traffic somewhere. We use google maps for all of our road trips in Germany. You could definitely do Frankfurt – Stuttgart – Munich – Berlin – Frankfurt (stay near airport on the last night) in 14 days. If you don’t want to drive from Munich – Berlin – Frankfurt, you could return the car in Munich and then take the train to Berlin and back to Frankfurt. Hope that helps you get started on your trip planning!

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Tailor-Made 2024 Euro Travel Packages

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The Biggest European Football Event

In 2024, Germany will experience what soccer fans around the world have been looking forward to for years - one of the brightest sporting event on the planet! Come to support your favorite team and players and enjoy the most famous sights of Germany.

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Three-time winners and three-time hosts of the tournament Germany, will host 2024 Euro. Our Euro Cup travel packages are customizable, allowing you to see the best of Europe and experience this illustrious tournament the way you want.

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We have handpicked best-rated and centrally located hotels in all the host cities. All our properties have breakfast included and wonderful set of amenities to enhance your travel experience in Germany.

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Enjoy included great sightseeing tours to brighten up your stay in Germany. Why not marvel at the iconic cultural and historical treasures or attend the most famous shows in Europe?

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Where to stay in Germany for Euro 2024 this summer – the best hotels in each host city

R unning from mid-June to mid-July, this summer’s Euro 2024 is taking place in Germany . With matches being held in ten different stadiums, fans will be travelling to some of the country’s most popular cities, as well as some unsung gems. The opening game will be in Munich and the final in Berlin , while the England squad will first walk out in Gelsenkirchen, a place known for its home club and industrial heritage.

For all the host cities , it’s a chance to show off their local landmarks, lifestyle and lager – note the recent warning from the UK Foreign Office about the strength of German beer – while they welcome guests from around the world. If you’re planning on joining the party, here are our hotel recommendations for each city. They reflect different budgets, not-to-miss parts of town and proximity to the stadiums and public viewing areas. And at time of writing, all have availability over the key dates.

Germany’s vibrant capital attracts visitors all year round thanks to its captivating history, diverse cultural offerings and ever-evolving neighbourhoods – not to mention its hard-to-beat nightlife which will continue long after the final whistle. Matches will be held at the impressive Olympiastadion, built for the 1936 summer Olympics, while fan zones will be found at two iconic landmarks: the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag.

Where to stay

The Circus Hotel is a popular boutique hotel with a rooftop honesty bar in Berlin-Mitte and it makes an excellent base for exploring the whole city. The hotel also has a hostel and apartments nearby.

Read more on Europe travel :

• Best hotels in Europe 2024
• Where to stay during the Paris Olympics 2024
• Best family adventure holidays in Europe

Sir Savigny is found in the fashionable Charlottenburg neighbourhood to the west. This sophisticated stay has a communal library and local artwork in the rooms. Trains from the station next door take you straight to the stadium.

SO/ Berlin Das Stue was once home to the Danish embassy and this commanding 1930s building is now a plush five-star hotel. Overlooking inner city park Tiergarten, it offers a quiet setting with easy access to both viewing areas.

Hosting group stage games for Scotland and England, Cologne is where you’ll find a famous gothic cathedral, bridges spanning the Rhine and light Kölsch beer. The latter is served in small glasses that will be refilled if not covered with a beer mat. Wander around the old town, visit different museums and stroll along the river – during the tournament there will be a viewing area on the eastern bank.

Surprisingly stylish budget hotel MEININGER Hotel Köln West is in easy reach of the stadium, with a tram connection running along buzzy Aachener Straße. The nearby forest park, Stadtwald, offers a break from city life and the football crowds.

Stayery is an aparthotel-like stay in the hip neighbourhood of Ehrenfeld, popular with young professionals and digital nomads. You’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants in this area, as well as good transport links to the stadium.

Hyatt Regency Cologne is a fine establishment by the river with wonderful panoramas of the city. The public viewing area at Tanzbrunnen is just a short walk away.

Located in the heart of the industrial Ruhr region, this dynamic city is now a culture and tech hub – as well as a football hotspot. The BVB Stadion, home to the mighty Borussia Dortmund, is the biggest stadium in the country with a league capacity of over 81,000. Back in town, the German Football Museum examines the game’s history and will be holding a range of events throughout the championship.

Basecamp Hotel has a bottle green and blush pink colour scheme that runs through this tasteful development in the city centre, complete with co-working spaces and a roof terrace. The studios come with a small kitchen.

Very close to the stadium and the trendy Kreuzviertel neighbourhood, Dorint An den Westfalenhallen Dortmund has over 200 rooms, a spa area and onsite restaurant.

Sellmann’s Boutique Hotel is a newly renovated retreat that is well placed for the stadium and the Westfalenpark viewing area. Book a suite for a freestanding bath at the end of your bed.

Another host on the Rhine, Düsseldorf is a city of music (Kraftwerk), great food (Little Tokyo) and fancy shops (Königsallee). The stadium, the Merkur Spiel-Arena, is close to the airport, with plenty of chain hotels nearby, but head into town for more boutique options. Here, you’ll find a viewing area in front of the curved façade of the Schauspielhaus theatre, plus two more by the river.

Ruby Coco boasts Hollywood-style mirrors, pocket spring mattresses and a cocktail bar, with this hotel being located on Dusseldorf’s poshest shopping boulevard. The nearby U78 line runs all the way to stadium.

Sitting between the old town and the river, smart Boutique Hotel Orangerie has comfortable rooms and a great breakfast. It’s ideally situated to reach the public viewing areas by the water.

Discover the city’s more extravagant side at local institution Breidenbacher Hof , which has been in business for over 200 years. Their restaurant The Duchy serves European cuisine in a Parisian-inspired brasserie.

Germany’s financial hub, Frankfurt is a cosmopolitan destination with lots to discover. Start by checking out the museums that line both banks of the river (Museumsufer) and end with an apple wine (Apfelwein) in a traditional tavern. Known as Deutsche Bank Park since 2020, the city’s stadium will host the England Denmark game on June 20.

Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer is a stone’s throw away from the public viewing area between the Holbeinsteg and Friedensbrücke bridges, and this sustainability-focused hotel has bright and functional rooms. Children under 12 stay for free.

Offering views of Frankfurt’s high-rise skyline from the rooftop bar, The Blasky is a cool spot to hang out in the Sachsenhausen neighbourhood. The stadium is easy to reach by bus or car.

Low lighting and dark tones help create a luxurious vibe at centrally located hotel Roomers Frankfurt (the Scandic is next door). Enjoy the football but leave some time to unwind in the spa too.

Gelsenkirchen

Home to popular team FC Schalke 04, Gelsenkirchen is where England will play their first game (against Serbia). Another industrial town, not far from Dortmund, the public viewing area will be in Nordsternpark, a former colliery site that is now a park. The site is just one example of multiple projects in the area that have transformed refineries, quarries and railway lines in new attractions.

Ibis Styles Gelsenkirchen is a good budget option next to the main train station and close to the shops in the centre of Gelsenkirchen.

Four-star Heiner’s Parkhotel is found in a repurposed warehouse next to Nordsternpark. It has a restaurant, a beer garden and 36 spacious rooms with nods to the area’s industrial past.

Stay the night in renovated 13th century castle Schloss Berge , complete with a moat and well-kept gardens. It feels like a different world, but the stadium is just a few minutes away.

Germany’s second largest city has a mesmerising harbour and fascinating architecture, from the striking contrasts of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall to the brick neo-gothic warehouses in the Speicherstadt. The district of St. Pauli, known for its football club, is where the Beatles played some of their earliest gigs; look out for the square named after them.

Superbude Altona is a lively hotel with colourful interiors. It has different room constellations, which works well for groups. This one is in Altona, not far from the stadium, but there are two further branches in the city.

Tucked away in a side street close to the main station, the HENRI Hotel Hamburg Downtown has 1970s-inspired interiors and a cosy lounge downstairs.

East Hotel Hamburg is a four-star stay in a former iron foundry, close to the public viewing area in St. Pauli and a good jumping-off point for exploring the neighbourhood.

This vibrant city, long said to be hot on the heels of Berlin, has a cutting-edge art scene and world-class classical concerts. It was here where the peaceful demonstrations began in 1989, with various museums now dedicated to the history of Leipzig and East Germany. The stadium is only ten minutes from the main station, but don’t rule out staying in some of the city’s interesting neighbourhoods.

Multitude Hostel sits to the west of the Red Bull Arena. This top-rated hostel puts equal focus on comfort and design. Each bunk has its own blackout curtain and reading light, while the bar feels like the hippest joint in town.

Baroque-style Hotel Fregehaus shares a courtyard with a number of shops and ateliers. The public viewing area for the matches is a short walk away, while several public transport options take you towards the stadium.

Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof is also centrally located, next to the historic Naschmarkt square and old town hall These lavish lodgings in a former trade fair building come with a two-floor spa and upmarket dining options.

Hosting the first game of the tournament, Scotland versus Germany, the Bavarian capital is no stranger to international football matches. Fans will be hosted at the Allianz Arena, where Harry Kane regularly steps out to play for Bayern Munich. Back in town there’s plenty to see from the surfers riding a static wave to the twirling figures in the Glockenspiel clock.

Munich’s Hotel New Orly is a boutique hotel with a sauna and gym in the attractive neighbourhood of Neuhausen-Nymphenburg. From here you can take the underground straight to the fan zone in the Olympic Park.

The elegant Schwabinger Wahrheit by Geisl can be found in the once bohemian neighbourhood of Schwabing. It’s well-located for reaching the stadium, with the U6 line taking you there in half an hour. Check out the “team room” which sleeps six people.

Opened in 2023, Rosewood Munich in the old town is the first Rosewood property in the country. It spans two historic buildings and features works from diverse German artists

Normally associated with Mercedes and Porsche, the capital of Baden-Württemberg surprises visitors with its local wines, restored 10th century castle and cube-shaped art gallery. At the heart of it all is the city’s expansive square, Schlossplatz, a popular meeting point and the place to come and watch the game on two big screens this summer.

Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark is within walking distance of the stadium, with some rooms even overlooking it. The Mercedes-Benz Museum is also in this area.

Found among the wine bars, antique shops and artist studios on the cobbled streets of the Bohnenviertel district, the quirky Der Zauberlehrling has individually themed rooms and a gourmet restaurant.

With a sleek sleek design, EmiLu Hotel sits in the middle of the city, within walking distance of Schlossplatz and several good transport links to the stadium. The sixth-floor suites come with a private terrace.

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What to see and where to stay in every host city for Euro 2024 in Germany

The countdown to UEFA Euro 2024 is on and it promises to be another brilliant international tournament.

While multiple cities from various countries were used at Euro 2020, things will go back to normal in the summer.

Euro 2024 will take place across 10 cities in Germany, and it will be their first major tournament as hosts since the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Fans from across Europe will soak up the brilliant atmosphere in Germany and there will be fan zones in each of the 10 host cities.

“We have amazing stadiums, fans who love football, and we have people who love celebrating with other Europeans,” former Germany defender Phillip Lahm said.

“In Germany, we always look back on 2006 and how the World Cup brought us closer together while also providing the opportunity to welcome others to our country.

“We plan to replicate that, updated for modern times. We will organise a huge football party in Germany.”

We’ve looked at the 10 host cities, including their Euro 2024 fixtures and top tourist attractions.

And we’ve teamed up with Marriott Bonvoy, who offer a choice of some of  the best hotels to stay in Germany .

They provide comfortable and stylish hotel rooms with luxurious amenities and brilliant service.

You can travel with peace of mind due to their best rate guarantee, flexible cancellation policy and commitment to clean standards.

Euro 2024 gets underway in Munich when Germany face Scotland at the Allianz Arena on June 14.

The stadium is home to Bayern Munich and has hosted some iconic games, including Chelsea’s win over the German side in the 2012 Champions League final.

Alongside the football, Munich also has plenty to offer for fans staying in the city.

You can take a walk around the Olympic Village or visit the Deutsches Museum, one of the biggest science and technology museums in the world.

Munich’s famous year-round produce market, the Viktualienmarkt, is where to head for fresh food and an authentic Bavarian  beer garden.

Fixtures in Munich:

14/06 : Germany vs Scotland   (21:00) 17/06 : Romania vs Ukraine   (15:00) 20/06 : Slovenia vs Serbia (15:00) 25/06 : Denmark vs Serbia   (21:00) 02/07 : Round of 16 – 1E vs 3A/B/C/D (18:00) 09/07 : Semi-final (21:00)

If you’re heading to Munich in the summer, we’d recommend the Munich Marriott Hotel in the district of Schwabing.

Guests enjoy free access to a gym and an indoor pool and there’s also an American Sports Bar, which will broadcast games at Euro 2024.

Nordfriedhof Underground Station is a five-minute walk from the hotel and offers a direct ride to the Allianz Arena.

The capital of Germany, Berlin is one of the country’s most vibrant cities – and it will be immersed in football fever at Euro 2024.

The Olympiastadion has a 74,475 capacity and will host six games at the tournament, including the final on July 14.

It has previously hosted the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France and the 2015 Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus.

Berlin is also famous for its landmarks and historical sites, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building and the Berlin Wall Memorial.

We’d recommend a visit to the TV Tower, which offers an impressive panoramic view over Berlin from a height of over 200m.

Fixtures in Berlin:

15/06 : Spain vs Croatia (18:00) 21/06 : Poland vs Austria (18:00) 25/06 : Netherlands vs Austria (18:00) 29/06 : Round of 16 – 2A vs 2B (18:00) 06/07 : Quarter-final (21:00) 14/07 : Final (21:00)

The Berlin Marriott Hotel is the ideal place for your stay in Germany’s capital with the Potsdamer Platz Train Station just 200 metres away.

American specialities are served in the Marriott’s Midtown Grill, which features an open kitchen and a summer terrace.

Search for your place to stay in Berlin for Euro 2024 on the Marriott Bonvoy website .

One of the biggest and oldest cities in Germany, Cologne sits on the River Rhine and will be welcoming fans from both England and Scotland at Euro 2024.

The RheinEnergieStadion – the home ground of FC Koln – hosts Scotland vs Switzerland on June 19 and England vs Slovenia on June 25.

The city also has something for Formula 1 fans, who can see the personal collection of Michael Schumacher. The exhibition includes the original cars from his seven Formula One World Championship victories.

But a trip to Cologne wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the cathedral (Kölner Dom), the third tallest church in the world and one of the most visited landmarks in Germany.

Fixtures in Cologne:

15/06 : Hungary vs Switzerland (15:00) 19/06 : Scotland vs Switzerland   (21:00) 22/06 : Belgium vs Romania   (21:00) 25/06 : England vs Slovenia (21:00) 30/06 : Round of 16 – 1B vs 3A/D/E/F (21:00)

There are many hotels in Cologne , but the Cologne Marriott Hotel is situated in the heart of the city and the Cologne Main Station is just a three-minute walk away.

Guests can relax in the Pluesch Bar & Lounge, while many brilliant dishes are served in the Cast Iron Grill.

Dortmund is home to the Westfalenstadion, one of Europe’s most iconic and atmospheric football grounds.

England will play against France at the stadium in the semi-final if both sides top their group and win their subsequent knockout games.

Football fans will love the DFB-Museum, which is devoted to the history of the Bundesliga and the German national team.

Besides its enthusiasm for football, Dortmund is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and the Dortmunder U houses a stunning arts centre.

Fixtures in Dortmund:

15/06 : Italy vs Albania   (21:00) 18/06 : Turkey vs Georgia   (18:00) 22/06 : Turkey vs Portugal   (18:00) 25/06 : France vs Poland   (18:00) 29/06 : Round of 16 – 1A vs 2C (21:00) 10/07 : Semi-final (21:00)

Located in the Dortmund technology park, Courtyard by Marriott Dortmund  is just a five-minute drive from the Westfalenstadion.

While staying at the hotel, you can relax in their recently renovated rooms or enjoy sunny days on the outdoor terrace

Gelsenkirchen

England’s first game in Euro 2024 sees them travel to Gelsenkirchen to take on Serbia at the Veltins-Arena, the home ground of Schalke 04.

Should they come first in Group C, Gareth Southgate’s side will also return to the city in the Round of 16.

The Veltins-Arena hosted the 2004 Champions League final and was the venue for England’s penalty shootout defeat against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup.

But there are plenty of other things to see and do outside the stadium and families will enjoy the Zoom Erlebniswelt, which is one of the best zoos in Germany.

Fixtures in Gelsenkirchen:

16/06 : Serbia vs England   (21:00) 20/06 : Spain vs Italy   (21:00) 26/06 : Georgia vs Portugal   (21:00) 30/06 : Round of 16 – 1C vs 3D/E/F (18:00)

While there are no Marriott hotels in Gelsenkirchen, fans can stay overnight in the nearby city of Essen.

The Moxy Essen hotel is a short walk from Essen Main Station and you can take a 10-minute train journey into Gelsenkirchen.

The second largest city in Germany, Hamburg will play host to five Euro 2024 games at the Volksparkstadion.

The stadium is home to Hamburger SV and has previously hosted the 2010 UEFA Europa League final, which saw Fulham lose 2-1 against Atletico Madrid.

Hamburg is often nicknamed the Venice of the North due to its world-renowned harbour and visitors can take brilliant boat tours along the River Elbe.

After a night at the football, the legendary entertainment district in the heart of St Pauli is worth a visit as it is packed with bars, clubs and live music venues.

Fixtures in Hamburg:

16/06 : Poland vs Netherlands   (15:00) 19/06 : Croatia vs Albania   (15:00) 22/06 : Georgia vs Czechia   (15:00) 26/06 : Czechia vs Turkey (21:00) 05/07 : Quarter-final (21:00)

At the Hamburg Marriott Hotel, you’ll be just a three-minute walk from the local Underground station.

Guests can eat at the Cast Iron Grill restaurant, while the Piano Bar offers live music and a cake buffet every afternoon.

There are plenty of other options too if you’re looking for where to stay in Hamburg .

Stuttgart will host five games at Euro 2024, including Scotland’s group-stage fixture against Hungary on June 23.

The Stuttgart Arena – also known as the MHP Arena – has a 51,000 capacity and has previously staged games at the 1974 and 2006 World Cups.

The city is also home to two of the most famous car manufacturers in the world and you can visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

If you’re a wine-lover, Stuttgart is definitely the place to be as the region has many renowned wineries and vineyards.

Fixtures in Stuttgart:

16/06: Slovenia vs Denmark (18:00)

19/06: Germany vs Hungary (18:00)

23/06: Scotland vs Hungary (21:00)

26/06: Ukraine vs Belgium (18:00)

05/07: Quarter-final (18:00)

The Stuttgart Marriott Hotel Sindelfingen is located near the airport and the MHP Arena is a 30-minute drive away.

Guests can sample innovative regional dishes and authentic Swabian specialities in the onsite restaurants.

After leaving Gelsenkirchen, England will travel to Frankfurt to face Denmark in their second group-stage match.

They will play at the Deutsche Bank Park, which has a 58,000 capacity and is one of the oldest stadiums in Germany.

While the city isn’t renowned as a major tourist destination, visitors in June and July can enjoy a scenic stroll along the banks of the River Main.

Frankfurt’s distinct skyline has also earned it the nickname ‘Mainhattan’ and the Main Tower offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

Fixtures in Frankfurt:

17/06 : Belgium vs Slovakia   (18:00) 20/06 : Denmark vs England   (18:00) 23/06 : Switzerland vs Germany   (21:00) 26/06 : Slovakia vs Romania   (18:00) 01/07 : Round of 16 – 1F vs 3A/B/C (21:00)

The Frankfurt Marriott Hotel is a 15-minute drive from the airport and the local underground station is within walking distance

It is the tallest hotel in Germany and you can stay in one of their famous Skyline rooms, which offer a unique view of the city.

Book your hotel in Frankfurt today .

Having previously hosted American football matches, concerts, boxing matches and the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest, the Merkur Spiel-Arena will now have five games at Euro 2024.

England will head to the stadium – the home of Fortuna Dusseldorf – in the quarter-finals if they finish top of their group and win in the last-16.

The city is very industrial, but if you prefer drinking to sightseeing, you can have a great time here.

Dusseldorf’s Altstadt (Old Town) consists of around 260 pubs and restaurants and has been dubbed ‘the longest bar in the world.’

Fixtures in Dusseldorf

17/06 : Austria vs France   (21:00) 21/06 : Slovakia vs Ukraine (15:00) 24/06 : Albania vs Spain (21:00) 01/07 : Round of 16 – 2D vs 2E (18:00) 06/07 : Quarter-final (18:00)

Courtyard Duesseldorf Hafen is at an ideal location on the waterfront with the Merkur Spiel-Arena just a 15-minute drive away.

The hotelhas a terrace that overlooks the Rhine, and the facilities include a fitness centre and a spa area.

Browse where to stay in Dortmund with Marriott Bonvoy.

Leipzig will host four games at Euro 2024, including a highly anticipated group-stage clash between France and the Netherlands.

The Red Bull Arena is one of the more modern arenas in Germany, having opened in 2004 in time for the 2006 World Cup.

Leipzig has undergone extensive modernisation in recent years, earning a reputation as Germany’s new cultural hotspot.

But the city’s history still remains a focal point for visitors and the Monument to the Battle of the Nations is a must-see landmark.

Fixtures in Leipzig:

18/06: Portugal vs Czechia (21:00)

21/06: Netherlands vs France (21:00)

24/06: Croatia vs Italy (21:00)

02/07: Round of 16 – 1D vs 2F (21:00)

Leipzig Marriott Hotel is situated opposite the main railway station, but you can also have a 30-minute walk to the Red Bull Arena.

It provides guests with two restaurants and the Champions Sports Bar, which pairs classic American bar food with live sporting events.

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UEFA EURO 2024 Trophy Tour continues through Germany

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Article summary

The Henri Delaunay Cup is making its way through Germany ahead of UEFA EURO 2024, and fans in the host cities of Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen have now seen the iconic trophy up close.

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We’re just seven weeks away from the start of UEFA EURO 2024, and the festivities have already started in Germany as the Trophy Tour has been continuing to make its way through the ten host cities.

The event kicked off in Stuttgart on 22 March and has since been to Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, with fans across western Germany getting the chance to see the iconic Henri Delaunay trophy and meet some special guests.

Excitement builds across the country

The second stop on the Trophy Tour was Frankfurt, where the silverware embarked on a photo tour through the city, including Frankfurt Arena, which will host five matches at UEFA EURO 2024.

The trophy was then put on display at the MyZeil shopping centre, where tournament ambassador Célia Šašić was in attendance alongside Host City ambassador and former Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Alexander Meier, who signed autographs for fans before taking part in a Q&A session with other local guests. Meanwhile, 11-time table football world champion Chris Marks showed off his skills, with two more tables available for fans to use.

The Tour then moved onto Cologne, which will also host five EURO 2024 matches. Tournament director Philipp Lahm accompanied the trophy on a photo tour ending at the German Sports & Olympic Museum, where fans were able to take pictures with the cup. Lahm then took part in a talk with Mayor Henriette Reker and Host City ambassador Toni Schumacher, who won the 1980 UEFA European Championship with West Germany.

In Düsseldorf, Lahm met Host City ambassadors Sandra Mikolaschek, a two-time Paralympian in para table tennis, and Selin Oruz, Olympic bronze medallist in hockey, following a photo tour taking in the sights of the city and inviting local football clubs to join in the fun. The Merkur-Spiel Arena will stage five EURO 2024 games, including the third quarter-final on Saturday 6 July.

The next stop was Dortmund, where fans were treated to an afternoon of fun family-friendly activities at Friedensplatz, including football-themed games and plenty of food and drink options. The trophy was paraded through the city, with stops including the German Football Museum and BVB Stadion, which will host six EURO 2024 matches, culminating in the second semi-final on Wednesday 10 July.

The trophy then made the short trip to Gelsenkirchen and the Arena AufSchalke, where four EURO 2024 matches are scheduled to take place. It was greeted at the stadium by Host City ambassador, 43-cap Germany forward and Schalke 04 legend Gerald Asamoah. Along with former teammate Émile Mpenza, Asamoah took part in a penalty shootout challenge before watching a tournament for local youth teams with mascot Albärt. Schalke players were also in attendance and signed autographs for the children, who could take photos with the trophy.

The Trophy Tour’s final stops

The UEFA EURO 2024 Trophy Tour now heads to the capital Berlin before making its last three stops in Leipzig, Hamburg and Munich, where it ends on 14 May, exactly a month before the tournament kicks off.

Through its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy , UEFA EURO 2024 aims to be a reference point for sustainability in the world of sports, and a driving force for sustainable development in Germany and beyond. The Trophy Tour is playing an important role by bringing the festivities to supporters across Germany, while fostering ties with local organisations and supporting grassroots football.

Keep up to date with all the latest UEFA EURO 2024 news .

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Secretary Blinken talked economy, security and AI during trip to China

Kai McNamee

Ashley Brown

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with China's leader Xi Jinping. Washington and Beijing are engaging in talks over issues of economic development, global security, AI and more.

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

Today U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with China's leader Xi Jinping. The meeting wraps up a three-day visit to China as Washington and Beijing held talks on economic development, AI and more. Our colleague, Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep, was also in Beijing, and he spoke to Blinken about what he's gleaned from meetings with China's top leaders on global security.

STEVE INSKEEP, BYLINE: One thing you were focused on was trying to get China to stop giving aid to Russia's military as it invades Ukraine. And we can talk about China's attitude here because they've made a public statement. Their foreign ministry spokesman was asked today about ending aid to Russia, and he said, look. We trade with Russia, and you guys aid Ukraine. You're hypocrites. That sounded like a, no, we're not stopping - seemed to be what they were saying.

ANTONY BLINKEN: What China is doing now - it's not providing weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine as...

INSKEEP: Right.

BLINKEN: ...For example, North Korea and Iran are. But it is the No. 1 supplier of the critical components for Russia to rebuild its defense industrial base and other things that are going right into a massive production of munitions, of weaponry, of tanks, of armored vehicles, which in turn are going into Ukraine. This is not only a problem for us. It's not only a problem for Ukraine. It's a problem for virtually everyone in Europe because they see this as helping to perpetuate the Russian aggression in Ukraine. They also see it as creating a growing threat to Europe's security. So one of the things that I shared with our Chinese colleagues is that at the very same time that they're trying to develop better relations with Europe, they can't be doing that while at the same time helping to fuel what is the biggest threat to Europe's security since the end of the Cold War. Now, we've already taken steps ourselves. We're prepared to do more if China is not prepared to act to curb this activity.

INSKEEP: So Elbridge Colby, who's a former Republican defense official - you're nodding; you know him - was on the program this week and said he is concerned that these U.S. efforts could provoke a war that the United States is not ready for. What is the risk here?

BLINKEN: We're all about preventing wars, preventing conflict. And, again, one of the things that was so important in trying to reestablish regular contact with the China, regular engagement was the restoration of our military-to-military communications, something that came out of the president's meeting with President Xi last year. And we've seen...

INSKEEP: That prevents an accidental war.

BLINKEN: That's right.

INSKEEP: But what if China decides they must act 'cause they're running out of time?

BLINKEN: Well, I'm not going to get into their own decision space, but we've been very clear that when it comes to the South China Sea, when it comes to the Taiwan Strait, our purpose, our focus is on maintaining peace and stability, maintaining the status quo and not seeing any actions taken that could disrupt it.

INSKEEP: So while we're here in Beijing, we've been talking with a lot of people, and we met a university professor who said America's reputation has declined here, in part because of U.S. support for Israel and its war against Hamas. And it's been widely reported that China is playing up this conflict in the Global South, in many nations, to undermine the United States. How can you respond to that?

BLINKEN: Look. I can't, you know, focus on what they may be saying or doing inside of China. But what I can focus on is two things. One, of course, is what what we're doing in the Middle East, both to try to bring this conflict to an end as quickly as possible in a way that allows Israel to ensure that October 7 never happens again but also to do everything we can to protect the men, women and children who are caught in this crossfire of Hamas' making. And I've had, I think, six conversations with my Chinese counterparts since October 7. I actually believe that China could play a constructive role. It has influence with critical countries in the region, including, for example, Iran. So what I'm focused on is trying to encourage China to use that influence in a productive way.

SHAPIRO: You can hear Steve Inskeep's full interview with Secretary of State Antony Blinken at npr.org.

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Macron visit to Germany in May to focus on EU ties

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South Korea's Yoon to meet opposition leader amid bid to reset presidency

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will meet opposition leader Lee Jae-myung for talks on Monday after a crushing election defeat for the president's ruling party led to widespread calls for him to change his style of leadership.

Where Americans are traveling in 2024: By the numbers

• Published: Apr. 28, 2024, 12:36 p.m.
• NerdWallet | special to cleveland.com

Americans are traveling abroad in droves.

The number of U.S. citizens flying to international destinations reached nearly 6.5 million passengers in March, according to the International Trade Administration. That’s the highest March total in over five years and shows that the post-pandemic “revenge travel” trend is the new normal.

It wasn’t just March, which usually sees a spike in international departures for spring break. In every month of 2024 so far, more Americans left the country than last year and 2019. These trends point to a blockbuster summer for overseas travel.

Nearly half of Americans (45%) plan to travel by air and/or stay in a hotel this summer and expect to spend $3,594 on average, on these expenses, according to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted online by The Harris Poll and commissioned by NerdWallet.

That’s despite rising travel prices that have caused some hesitancy among would-be travelers. About 22% of those choosing not to travel this summer cite inflation making travel too expensive as a reason for staying home, according to the poll.

So where are traveling Americans going? And what does it mean for those looking to avoid crowds of tourists and higher travel prices?

New travel patterns

Nearly every region in the world saw an increase in U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2023, according to International Trade Administration data. Only the Middle East saw a decline of 9%. Yet not every region saw the same year-over-year bump. U.S. visitors to Asia saw a 33% jump, while Oceania and Central America each saw a 30% increase.

Comparing 2024 with 2023 only tells part of the story, however. The new patterns really emerge when comparing international travel trends to 2019. For example, Central America received 50% more U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2019. Nearly 1.5 million Americans visited Mexico, up 39% compared with before the pandemic. That’s almost as many visitors as the entire continent of Europe, which has seen a more modest 10% increase since 2019.

Only Canada and Oceania saw fewer visitors in March 2024 than in 2019, suggesting that interest in these locations has not rebounded. Indeed, the trends indicate a kind of tourism inertia from COVID-19 pandemic-era lockdowns: Those destinations that were more open to U.S. visitors during the pandemic, such as Mexico, have remained popular, while those that were closed, such as Australia, have fallen off travelers’ radars.

Price pressures

How these trends play out throughout the rest of the year will depend on a host of factors. Yet, none will likely prove more important than affordability. After months of steadiness, the cost of travel, including airfare, hotels and rental cars, has begun to sneak up again.

About 45% of U.S. travelers say cost is their main consideration when planning their summer vacation, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans by the travel booking platform Skyscanner.

That’s likely to weigh further on U.S. travelers’ appetite for visiting expensive destinations such as Europe, while encouraging travel to budget-friendly countries. It could also depress overall international travel as well, yet so far, Americans seem to be traveling more.

For those looking to avoid crowds while maintaining a budget, Skyscanner travel trends expert Laura Lindsay offered a recommendation many of us might need help finding on a map.

“Albania has been on the radar of travelers looking for something different,” Lindsay said. “Most people have yet to discover it, but flights and tourism infrastructure are in place, and there are fewer crowds in comparison to trending European destinations like Italy, Greece, or Portugal.”

On the flip side, American travelers looking to avoid crowds of compatriots would do well to avoid Japan, which has seen a staggering 50% increase in U.S. tourists between March 2019 and 2024.

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Sam Kemmis writes for NerdWallet. Email: [email protected] . Twitter: @samsambutdif.

The article Where Americans Are Traveling in 2024: By the Numbers originally appeared on NerdWallet.

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