Germany, a country melding tradition and innovation, is well known for its history, cultural variety, culinary delicacies and landscapes.
No matter where you go, a vacation in Germany provides enough variety to easily enjoy a few weeks there.
However, many travelers decide to combine Germany with visiting other countries during their Europe vacation, as Germany is well situated in the heart of Europe. Germany is surrounded by the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic and Poland, with Italy nearby. This makes it easy to include Germany as part of your European vacation.
A Germany vacation offers so many facettes to the visitor: its world famous Bavarian flair, the Alps and the Black Forest in the South, the Sea with its intriguing coastal landscape in the North, Wellness regions in the Southwest, and history – both old and new, in the East. Germany offers something for everyone.
The North
Germany has two seas: The North Sea, with its tides and little islands that look like a string of pearls along the coast; as well as the Baltic Sea, with its beautiful landscape, nature reserves and parks, and a touch of eastern European flair. Both areas have different characteristics, and are exciting to explore.
The most popular German island is Sylt, situated on the border with Denmark. here you can enjoy overlooking the beautiful coast while dining at the most spectacular and historical coffee shop of the northern coast. The Baltic Sea is well known for its beautiful landscapes and spas. The Ruegen Peninsula has unique chalk cliffs, which are about to disappear as they fall off piece by piece into the ocean. Make sure to take a look before they are gone forever. The Northern German air is well known for its healing effects. It is so fresh and clear, you will notice how well you sleep during your vacation.
Hamburg, the Northern Star of Germany, is one of the largest harbor cities of Europe with a significant history of emigration. Even though a large city, it still has the atmosphere and charm of a fishing town with its impressive harbor, early morning fish markets and old warehouses.
The northern towns, like Kiel, Glueckstadt, Travemuende and Timmendorf, are mostly former fishing towns and have a very special atmosphere. Today these towns have became popular for their spas. Spa hotels offer their guests the northern flair with delicious meals of fresh fish and the hospitality of the northern Germans.
The South
Who hasn’t heard of Bavaria with its beer, bratwurst and Lederhosen. These details describe the personality of the southern folks quite correctly. The South is all about tradition and passion for good German food and beer, as well as the Bavarian style of celebrating.
Oktoberfest is known all over the world and is an expression of how Germans like to sit in their Biergarten and enjoy life. The Bavarian capital of Munich is a beautiful and historical city with an almost Mediterranean flair. Bavaria itself is well known for the beautiful Alps, where visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling and other extreme sports. Bavaria’s lakes invite relaxing vacations with beautiful surroundings, and time for sailing and other water sport activities. The charming little towns in the Bavarian countryside are perfect for a unique cultural and traditional experience.
The Southwest, Baden-Wuerttemberg, is the region of the Black Forest: beautiful woodlands, romantic valleys, magnificent castles, outstanding gastronomy, and wine regions. It is also the wellness and spa destination of Germany. With an impressive castle situated on the beautiful Neckar River, Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most romantic and picturesque cities. Well known for its hot springs and healing thermal water, Baden-Baden is probably the most popular wellness-town in Germany.
The West
The west of Germany is well known for cities like Cologne, with its beautiful Cathedral situated on the Rhine River, or Frankfurt, the German city of finances and so called “Mainhattan” (situated on the Main River). Frankfurt is much more charming than many visitors would think. Besides the many skyscrapers, Frankfurt offers a lot of historical buildings, museums and cultural highlights.
The East
World history was created in the eastern part of Germany. With cities like Berlin, Dresden and Leipzig, a variety of historical sights, and cultural experiences and beautiful landscapes, eastern Germany traditional and the modern, and everything in between. Probably no other city combines history, present and future, as well as Germany’s capital, Berlin. The diversity of historical landmarks and contemporary architecture fascinates people from all over the world.
How to get here
Germany’s major airports are spread throughout the country and accessible on major airlines.
How to travel within the country
If you have never been and would like to get a real taste of Germany, taking a Germany escorted tour through the country or through specific areas would be a good way to start. That way you will be guided and educated all the way.
For independent travelers, the best way would be to travel by car. Roads in Germany are in very good condition and easy to drive. Almost every city is accessible via car, and the German Autobahn is known all over the world. To avoid any fines, make sure to get yourself familiar with the strict rules on the German roads: they are quite different than in the US.
Germany offers a variety of scenic routes throughout the different German regions like: The Romantic Route, The Castle Route, The German Fairy Tale Route, The Classic Route and several Wine Routes, which are easy to drive by car or offered as escorted tours by motorcoach.
An alternative way of travel would be via rail. Germany has one of the best rail structures throughout Europe and almost every town is accessible via rail. Even though German rail is not inexpensive (and often trains are delayed, which seems to be against all German clichés of punctuality), the railway is a very comfortable and safe way of travel.
The most romantic way of travel through Germany would be cruising onboard a riverboat along one of the beautiful German rivers - the Rhine, the Moselle, the Elbe or the Danube. Cruising through Germany offers fascinating landscapes, beautiful nature, historical sights like castles and villages along the way. Read more about river cruises.
No matter which way you decide to travel, make sure to predefine the emphasis of your own interests and what you would like to see - food & wine, art & culture, history, wellness or relaxation. There is such a variety in Germany, that it can be overwhelming trying to experience everything at once.
Where to stay
Germany offers all types of accommodation from five star accommodations, superior and first class hotels, to tourist class and pensions. Depending on your budget, you will be able to find everything you desire. However, our Germany travel expert can also assist in reserving the best accommodations.
Where to eat
Germany is well known for its good food, so make sure to get a taste of it. Enjoy fresh fish or “Matjes” with German potato salad on the coast and Weisswurst, Eisbein, Knoedel, Spaetzle and Sauerkraut in the South and Southwest. For good wine and wine tasting make sure to go to Germany’s wine region in the Southwest. You will find local cuisine in the traditional Gasthaus or Weinstube and good German beer in every restaurant and pub known as “Kneipe” throughout the country.
Safety
Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe. Make sure to follow the same safety rules as in any major country or town.
Best time to travel
Germany enjoys the beauty of four seasons. The best time to travel is between May and October. You will be able to enjoy the most scenic beauty in spring, when the flowers begin to flourish, or in the fall, when the colors of the country begin to change from green to orange and dark red.
If you have a sense for romance and enjoy the cold and beauty of winter, there is no better time to travel than the end of November or early December to view the beautiful and popular Christmas markets all over the country while keeping warm with a delicious glass of Gluehwein (hot red wine punch).
To arrange your vacation to Germany contact our Germany travel expert!
