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.
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.
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![Burgtor gate tower, Lubeck]()
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![Bavarian Alps]()
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![Neuschwanstein Castle from above]()
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![Old church in the Black Forest]()
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![Riesling vineyards]()
Cruising the Rhine: vineyards & villages
Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and FranceView this tour -
![Views of the Danube River through Wachau vineyards]()
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![Berliner Dom]()
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![Nuremberg's historic old town]()
Germany river cruise, Paris & Prague
Luxembourg, Czechia (Czech Republic), Germany and FranceView this tour -
![Marienplatz, Munich]()
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
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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
What food and drink should I try 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.
What language is spoken in Germany?
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.
What's the currency of Germany?
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.
How much should I tip in Germany?
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.
Where can I find the latest travel advice for Germany?
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.
What can I experience in Germany?
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.
Where can I stay in Germany?
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.
Where should I go 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.
How long does it take to fly to Germany from the US?
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.
What's the time zone in Germany?
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.
What's the best way of getting around in Germany?
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.
Do I need a visa to visit Germany?
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.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Germany?
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.
What do I need to check with my passport for travel to Germany?
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
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![Hamburg, Germany]()
Hamburg -
![Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany]()
Oktoberfest in Munich -
![Balconies in Berlin, Germany]()
Balconies in Berlin -
![Bavarian pretzels, Germany]()
Bavarian pretzels -
![Konzerthaus, Berlin]()
Konzerthaus, Berlin -
![Heidelberg, Germany]()
Heidelberg -
![National Park Berchtesgaden, Germany]()
Berchtesgaden National Park, southern Germany -
![Berlin Christmas market, Germany]()
Berlin Christmas market
Other popular destinations
Still looking for ideas? If Germany has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.
