VISIT Germany

Germany offers a captivating blend of historic landmarks, dynamic cities, and scenic landscapes. From the fairytale castles of Bavaria and medieval old towns to modern metropolises like Berlin and Frankfurt, the country is packed with cultural, architectural, and culinary treasures. It’s also known for its efficient transport, festive traditions, and varied regions, from the Alps to the North Sea.

❄️ December – February: Winter is cold, but magical thanks to Germany’s world-famous Christmas markets, especially in cities like Dresden and Nuremberg. Temperatures range from -1°C (30°F) to 5°C (41°F), with snowfall common in the south.

🌱 March – May: Spring brings blooming parks, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds—perfect for city sightseeing or countryside walks. Outdoor cafés begin to open, and festivals start returning.

☀️ June – August: Summer is warm and lively, with temperatures between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F). It’s festival season, with open-air events, river cruises, and beer gardens in full swing. Popular destinations can be crowded—booking in advance is recommended.

🍂 September – November: Autumn sees cooler weather and vibrant fall foliage, especially along wine routes and forested areas. September and October are harvest and wine festival months, while late November kicks off the Christmas market season.

Germany has one of Europe’s best transport systems:

🚌 Buses: Long-distance buses like Flixbus offer budget-friendly connections between cities. Regional buses serve smaller towns and are often coordinated with local train services.

🚂 Trains: Train travel is excellent in Germany. The Deutsche Bahn network includes high-speed ICE trains that connect major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne. Regional trains cover smaller towns and scenic routes.

🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car is ideal for exploring regions like Bavaria, the Romantic Road, or the Black Forest. Roads are well-maintained, and the autobahn allows for high-speed travel, but be aware of speed limits in marked zones. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required if your license is in Latin script.

While card payments are increasingly common, many small businesses and restaurants still prefer cash. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but some places do not take American Express. It’s advisable to carry some euros, especially in rural areas or markets.

Germany uses plug types C and F, both with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz.

If needed, you can order an universal travel plug adapter here.

Tipping is appreciated and customary in restaurants, cafés, and taxis. A tip of around 5-10% is typical. In casual settings, rounding up the bill is also acceptable.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Germany.

In Germany, some stores are closed on Sundays. There are 5 national public holidays in Germany:

• New Year’s Day (January 01)
• Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary)
• Labour Day (May 01)
• German Unity Day (October 03)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

Other holidays vary by state, such as Corpus Christi or All Saints’ Day.

On these days, most businesses and offices will be closed, and many attractions may be shut or have limited opening hours.

In Germany, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are as follows:

• 50 kph / 30 mph in urban areas
• 100 kph / 62 mph on rural areas
• No general speed limit on certain stretches of the autobahn (unless otherwise indicated), though 130 kph (81 mph) is recommended

During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.

• Hello (informal) = Hallo
• Good day = Guten Tag
• Goodbye = Auf Wiedersehen
• Yes = Ja
• No = Nein
• Thank you = Danke
• Please = Bitte
• You’re welcome = Gern geschehen
• Excuse me = Entschuldigung
• Day = Tag
• Night = Nacht
• Good evening = Guten Abend
• Goodnight = Gute Nacht
• Mister = Herr
• Ma’am = Frau
• Street = Straße
• Road = Weg

💡 Tip: With the GoogleTranslate app, you can download the German language to use it even offline!

Germany is generally very safe for travelers. Public transport, cities, and tourist areas are well-policed and well-lit. Still, it’s important to take the usual precautions:

• Secure Your Belongings: Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially train stations and festivals.

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in Germany for police, fire, or medical assistance.