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5-14 Day Germany Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Germany Trip

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Plan Your Perfect Germany Itinerary with These Detailed Templates!

If you’re looking to plan the perfect trip around Germany, you are in luck! We’re passionate about exploring Germany because it’s a great country – and because Lisa is German!

Jokes aside, we’ve been lucky enough (and have made it a point) to see lots of different parts of the country – from the sea in the north to the mountains in the south. That said, Germany can be a tough country to plan a route or road trip through because there is just so much to see and do!

So, whether you’re looking for the best week in Germany or a Germany itinerary that covers 5 days or 14 days – here’s our master guide with 7 detailed Germany itineraries by train and/or by car! We’ve got cities, attractions, hotels and accommodations, directions, and distances to help you plan the best Germany travel route for you!

We’ve got other great posts to help you plan a visit to Germany:

• Must-Knows + Tips for Travelling to Germany for the First Time
• Helpful German Phrases to Get You By
• Discover 30 Beautiful Places in Germany
• Our Top Hostels in Germany (Stayed at all of them)

Table of Contents

Things to Consider When Travelling in Germany

Before you plan your trip to Germany, there are some things that you should know and keep in mind to make planning easier and to have a successful trip. While you probably know that the currency used in Germany is the Euro, here are some other topics that you should consider as well.

Best Time of Year to Visit Germany

Germany is actually a destination that you can visit year round – but it is important to plan accordingly and go in with the right expectations. If you’re planning a trip during the spring – let’s say from March to May – you could absolutely have beautiful weather… but it may also just rain a lot.

Unfortunately, the weather can be quite difficult to predict. However, as long as you prepare for different possibilities, you can have a great time no matter the weather! Generally you can say that Germany has a moderate climate with cool and rainy winters (more snowy the farther south you get) and warm – but not overly hot – summers.

July and August are usually the warmest months with an average temperature around 20°C. However, there can be days where you have 30°C. Of course, this can vary depending on the exact location you’re travelling to. Often, it is colder by the north coast than it is farther south. 

We would honestly recommend that you avoid visiting the country in July if you dislike crowds since this is when the majority of kids are on their summer break from school. As a result, some cities can get quite busy.

Typically, we would recommend travelling in May or June and then from the end of August until the end of September (or even the middle of October). However, there is also a great reason to plan a Germany trip during the winter because of the many beautiful Christmas markets that you could visit at that time of year!

Public Transportation in Germany

Public transportation in Germany is quite good, especially when compared to North America. Yes, sometimes us Germans like to complain about the “Deutsche Bahn” – the German train company – but at the same time we are also super glad that it exists and works well. 

If you’re wondering: Yes, all the itineraries mentioned below can absolutely be done if you want to take the train (minus the odd day trip to a castle here and there). If you want to check a train connection and/or buy tickets in advance you can do so on the DB Website . Alternatively, you can also download the DB app to your phone. We both have it and use it regularly. 

As an alternative to the train, you can sometimes also use the bus to get from one city/town to another. Since 2013 (before this date it wasn’t allowed), long distance buses have established their presence in more and more cities and are now a popular way to get around for people who are more conscious of their money.

Unfortunately long distance train tickets can sometimes get quite expensive if you don’t book in advance – so the bus can be a good alternative in some cases.

The most popular long distance bus company in Germany is probably Flixbus. We have also used them multiple times to get between cities. If you want to look at the schedule and/or book a ticket, you can do so on their website .

In addition to the trains and long distance buses, the public transport within the cities is also usually pretty good – especially in bigger centres. Many of the cities – or transport associations – have their own transport apps. So, if you know where you are going and plan on using the local buses, trams, metros, etc. then downloading the local transport app would be a great idea!

Car Rental in Germany

If you want to rent a car and plan a Germany road trip, then that is certainly an option as well. Driving in Germany is generally pretty safe and people are not usually as reckless as in some countries in the south of Europe. However, it can get a little crazy in bigger cities like Berlin or Munich – especially if you are not used to driving in bigger centres. 

In Germany, you drive on the right side as it is done in the United States, Canada, and many other countries as well. You have probably heard of the “Autobahn” – that’s simply the German name for our highway system. If you follow any of these itineraries, you’ll drive on many different highways. 

While it is true that there is no speed limit in some parts of the Autobahn, there are lots of sections where there are actually speed limits in place. You can usually find limits imposed at/around construction zones along the way – so don’t think you can just speed all the time.

And PLEASE don’t drive on the Autobahn like you would on a highway in the United States or Canada – pass on the left and then get back over . If you’re going slower than other cars, there’s no need for you to be in the left (or even in the middle) lane. You can probably tell that this is something that Lisa complains about in Canada frequently, haha. 

Since Germany is such a popular destination, there are lots of different rental car agencies to choose from. You can compare prices from different agencies for the duration of your trip with this handy rental car comparison tool . Please make sure to read the fine print so you know whether you need extra insurance, etc.

Also please be aware that many people in Germany drive cars with a stick shift. Rental cars with automatic transmissions exist, but the numbers available are usually lower and these cars might be slightly more expensive.

We’d also recommend that you reserve an automatic car well in advance if you need one – just so you can make sure that one is available for you. It probably wouldn’t be fun learning how to drive a stick shift while on a road trip in a foreign country. 

Travel Insurance for Germany

If you’re planning a trip to Germany and you’re not from another EU country, then you should make sure to get travel insurance for the duration of your trip!

While you’ll probably be fine, accidents do happen and it could get really expensive if you’re not covered. That’s why we always travel with insurance.

If you live in another EU country and have health insurance there, you can get the blue health insurance card with which you are covered in other EU countries in emergency cases, as well.

If you don’t have that option – or are from outside of Europe – we recommend that you get private travel insurance.

Germany Itinerary 5 Days

If you only have a few days to travel through Germany, then have a look below at the two 5-day itineraries we have created. For these itineraries, we have assumed that you are not already in the country so they all start and end in bigger cities.

This should help make it easier for you to fly in/out of an airport with good connections if you are coming from overseas.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a trip through the northern part of Germany or a trip through the south of the country (mainly Bavaria). If you are interested in bigger cities and/or harbours, then we’d recommend the northern route.

In case you prefer half-timbered houses and beautiful old towns, then you should have a look at the southern route instead. Of course, you can always modify any itinerary to better suit your interests!

Germany Itinerary 5 Days – North

This 5-day Germany itinerary through the northern part of the country can certainly be considered a “sampler-type” of itinerary since you get to see the two biggest cities in the country – but not much more than that.

That’s completely fine though – you can only see so much in five days anyway. If you are interested in bigger cities and don’t have more than a few days, then this itinerary would be great for you!

The total driving time for this itinerary would be about 5 hours 30 minutes with a total distance of approx. 520 km. Of course, this can change depending on the route you are taking and the time of day you are travelling. Commuter traffic could add quite a bit of travel time to your journey.

Day 1+2: Berlin Day 3: Bremen Day 4+5: Hamburg

Day 1+2: Berlin

Berlin is a great place to start your adventure since it is the German capital, has multiple airports close by, and has really good train connections.

Since Berlin is such a popular tourist and business city, the car rental industry is well established and there are many different rental agencies to choose from.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Berlin here

However, since you are only visiting bigger cities on this relatively short itinerary, we believe that a rental car is probably not necessary. Instead, for this trip, it might make more sense to take the train.

Since Berlin is such a big city with lots of things to do, it is worth it to spend (at least) two days in the city. So, remember to book your accommodation in Berlin for two nights .

Accommodation in Berlin : Berlin is a massive sprawling city with loads of different areas to stay and different accommodation options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

If you are travelling to Berlin with a car, you’ll need a place to park. Check out Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte for a stay right in the middle of the city close to Museum Island and other top attractions. It also has a tasty breakfast. Park Plaza has free parking on the street near the hotel (if available) or else it’s for a fee (but a reasonable price considering you’re in the middle).

If you are arriving into Berlin by train, you can check out NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie . Located in the city centre right near the top sight “Checkpoint Charlie”, this popular hotel is in the heart of the action/attractions and is easy to get to via modes of public transit (metro – called the “U” for U-bahn).

If you are searching for a hostel/hotel, check out PLUS Berlin . Located over near the East Side Gallery (the piece of the Berlin wall with the artwork on it), Eric stayed here and really liked it! It’s also very easy to get to using public transit and is close to other areas to go out, etc.

Must-see Attractions in Berlin:

• Brandenburg Gate
• East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall)

We have also written a whole article about classic tourist attractions in Berlin in case you’d like some more inspiration. If you’re looking for some tips on how you could spend a day in Berlin, have a look at our One Day in Berlin Guide .

Day 3: Bremen

On the third day of your 5 days in Germany, you’ll head for Bremen. We’d recommend that you do the drive/train ride in the morning so you have enough time to explore the city once you get there.

Bremen is a hanseatic city with a nice old town – the market square with the town hall and the cathedral is especially popular. In German-speaking countries, the city is also known for a tale called the “Town Musicians of Bremen” by the Brothers Grimm. You’ll come across the animals of the tale (donkey, dog, cat, and rooster) many times as you stroll through the city.

The drive from Berlin to Bremen will take you approximately 4 hrs 10 min by car , but only around 3 hrs by train . If you take the train, try to book in advance if you can as this will usually save you some money.

Accommodation in Bremen: Bremen is a popular city to explore and it’s also on the larger side so you’ll find plenty of accommodations to suit your needs. There are hotels in the city centre/old town which put you within walking distance of the river and top attractions. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bremen .

For a popular choice in the historic middle, you should check out the very popular Radisson Blu Hotel Bremen . Funny story – we know there’s underground parking because we parked there when we visited Bremen by car.

If you want to stay closer to the train station just outside the historic centre (but still very central), check out the Dorint City-Hotel Bremen . This lovely and also very popular hotel is close to the pretty Windmill and flower gardens and has water views just outside the old city walls.

Must-see Attractions in Bremen:

• Marktplatz with Town Hall and Cathedral
• Böttcherstraße
• Schnoorviertel

If you want some more tips for Bremen, have a look at our detailed Things to do in Bremen Guide .

Day 4+5: Hamburg

Hamburg is the second-biggest German city and the last stop on this short itinerary. We have been to Hamburg numerous times now and it is actually one of our favourite bigger German cities. You’ll find that the atmosphere of the city is very different than in Berlin. Not necessarily better or worse – just different.

Interesting (and slightly irrelevant) fact: The cities you visit on this itinerary are the three city states that exist in Germany in addition to the 13 area states such as Bavaria, Nordrhine-Westphalia etc.

The drive from Bremen to Hamburg is actually pretty simple and should only take around 1 hour 30 minutes by car and just around 1 hour if you take an ICE (fast train) . The train connection between these two cities is great with trains running pretty frequently. That should make it quite easy to find a train connection that works for your schedule.

Accommodation in Hamburg : Hamburg is popular city with loads of different accommodations and areas to stay in. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

If you are travelling to Hamburg with a car, you might want to check out the Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg . Located in an old water tower, this unique hotel has a number of cool features with stunning views and parking onsite. It’s very popular – and also close to public transit for getting around!

If you are travelling to Hamburg by train, ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg is a great hotel option for you to check out. Located in the cool area of St. Georg, you can easily walk to the hotel from the train station. It’s also walkable to other parts of the city centre and other attractions.

If you are looking for a hostel in Hamburg, you might want to check out Generator Hamburg as a reliable and popular hostel stay close to central station and the heart of the city.

If you want more details about accommodations in the city, we have a more detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Must-see Attractions in Hamburg:

• Speicherstadt
• Elbphilharmonie
• St. Pauli Piers

As one of our first ever articles on Penguin and Pia, we actually wrote a short Hamburg Guide . Have a look if you want some more Hamburg inspiration. Unfortunately it’s not nearly as detailed as our newer article – looks like it’s time for an update!

Germany Itinerary 5 Days – South

If you would like to explore the southern part of Germany instead of the north, then we would recommend the following 5 days Southern Germany itinerary. Compared to the northern itinerary, this trip includes stops in some smaller towns and cities. So, if you are interested in seeing some places of various sizes, beautiful old towns, and maybe a castle, then this might be a good itinerary for you.

The driving distance of this trip is just around 680 kilometres with a total driving time of approx. 7 hours . Depending on your mode of transportation, this can – of course – vary slightly.

Day 1: Munich Day 2: Regensburg Day 3: Nuremberg Day 4: Stuttgart Day 5: Munich

Day 1: Munich

We are starting (and ending) this itinerary in Munich since it is an easy airport to fly in and out of from other parts of the world. If you are coming from another part of Europe by train, the connections to Munich are also usually pretty good.

Munich is the third-biggest German city and a very popular tourist destination. International travellers often mainly know the city because of the Oktoberfest which happens every year from the middle of September until October.

However, there is so much more to do and see in Munich than just the “Wiesn” (as the Oktoberfest is sometimes called as well). We are always happy to return to Munich because there is just so much to explore.

If you are thinking about renting a car for this itinerary, then you’ll be happy to know that it is quite easy to get a rental car in Munich. You can either pick it up directly at the airport after you land (if you arrive by plane) or in the city centre before you head to the next stop on this journey.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Munich here

Accommodation in Munich: Munich is very large and popular city so finding a place to stay is no problem. The issue becomes that there are too many places to choose from! That said, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich .

Specifically, we stayed at the very popular H2 Hotel München Olympiapark and we would highly recommend it for the value for money. The hotel has nice, cozy rooms, a super great breakfast buffet, and has a metro station steps from the front entrance to take you to the city centre.

There’s also onsite parking which makes this hotel perfect if you are travelling to Munich by car. The famous Olympic Park and BMW Museum are close by, too!

If you want to stay a little more in the city centre, then check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This trendy hotel is in the heart of the Old Town just steps from top attractions like Marienplatz and the famous Hofbräuhaus. It’s also easy to get to the central train station either walking or on the metro.

If you are looking for more details on accommodations in this massive city, we wrote a detailed guide on where to stay in Munich .

Must-see Attractions in Munich:

• Marienplatz with New Town Hall
• Olympic Park
• Victuals Market
• English Garden

We also have a great little guide on how to spend one day in Munich if you want more details.

Day 2: Regensburg

On day two of your trip you’ll be on your way to Regensburg, a small city in Bavaria on the Danube river. Due to its location by the river, Regensburg is a popular stop for people on a river cruise. So don’t be surprised if you see many different tour groups in the Old Town.

We recently spent a couple of days in Regensburg to get to know the city better and enjoyed our time there. One of the highlights is the Old Stone Bridge in the city centre which was built in the 12th century. We actually filmed a small YouTube video in Regensburg – which you can watch here if you are curious about what the city looks like.

The journey from Munich to Regensburg takes approximately 1 hr 20 minutes by car and around 1 hr 30 minutes by train . If you decide to travel by train – and especially if you are travelling with other people – we would recommend that travel with a “Bayernticket” (Bavaria Ticket). This ticket for train travel within the state of Bavaria usually allows you to save some money compared to regular prices.

Accommodation in Regensburg:  If you are staying a night in Regensburg, you’ll have a number of great accommodations to choose from. To get started, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Regensburg .

When we visited the city, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express – Regensburg and really liked it. It’s a newer hotel and it really shows. The breakfast was excellent and there is even an onsite parking garage if you are travelling with a car. It’s not in the Old Town or near the river – but we did walk there one day and it only took about 15 minutes.

If you are travelling by train and you are on-foot, then check out the Altstadthotel Am Pach . This simple hotel is located right in the heart of the old town so you’re close to everything there is to see and do in Regensburg – including the beautiful Danube River. They also have breakfast included.

Must-see Attractions in Regensburg:

• Old Stone Bridge
• St Peter Cathedral

We are currently still working on our Regensburg Guide – but we’ll link it here once it is published.

Day 3: Nuremberg

On the third day of this 5 day Southern Germany itinerary you’ll drive – or take the train – from Regensburg to Nuremberg. Nuremberg is a medium sized city in a part of Bavaria called Franconia. If you pay attention, you might notice that the dialect spoken here is quite different from that spoken in Munich and other places farther south.

Lisa actually grew up in this part of Germany so she has been to Nuremberg many, many times. Last year we also went to explore the city together and had a great time. Travellers from abroad mainly know the city for the Nuremberg Trials which took place there after World War II. You can certainly learn alot of history in this German city!

Since Nuremberg is quite close to Regensburg the drive won’t be long – giving you slightly more time to explore the city.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car and between 1-2 hours by train depending on which train you take (some stop more often than others). Once again, a regional ticket – such as the Bavaria Ticket – will probably save you some money if you travel with more people.

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Since Nuremberg is a very popular city to visit in Germany, there are many, many places to stay scattered throughout the city centre and around it. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

When we visited, we stayed at Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we really liked it. Located just inside the medieval city walls, we were really close to the train station and yet also steps from top attractions like the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. The place was bright and great value for the price which we liked a lot.

Close to Five Reasons, we had friends stay at the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg and they loved it. We actually saw it with our own eyes – it had a pool with views of the city among other perks. There’s also a parking lot right across from the hotel if you’re coming to Nuremberg by car. It’s walking distance to the old centre and the central train station so best of all worlds!

Must-see Attractions in Nuremberg:

• Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg)
• Documentation Center + Nazi Party Rally Grounds
• Albrecht Dürer’s House

As is the case with Regensburg, we are also still working on our article for Nuremberg. Once it’s live, we’ll link it here.

Day 4: Stuttgart

Stuttgart is the capital of the German state called Baden-Württemberg and the only place on this itinerary that is not located in Bavaria. The city is mainly known for being a “car hub” since both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have their headquarters there. There are also museums dedicated to both car brands.

Stuttgart is a bit smaller than Munich but there is still a lot to see. In fact, one day won’t be enough to see the whole city – but it’ll allow you to get a good first impression. Next to the car museums, you could visit some of the many green spaces and/or old buildings that the city has to offer.

Driving from Nuremberg to Stuttgart by car will take you approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. If you have the time, you could even take a small detour and stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its picturesque Old Town.

By train , the journey from Nuremberg to Stuttgart will take between 2 hrs 10 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes – depending on the type of train you are taking. Try to book your ticket in advance if possible as this can save you some money.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: There are many places to stay in Stuttgart – especially in the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

If you’re travelling to Stuttgart with a car, check out the Abalon Hotel ideal . Located very much in the city centre, this popular hotel has an underground parking garage and offers a good breakfast selection.

If you’re travelling to Stuttgart by train, you can check out the Pension am Heusteig . This guesthouse-style accommodation doesn’t have parking but offers a great breakfast and is a doable walk or metro ride from the train station. Funny enough, these two accommodations are very close to one another!

Must-see Attractions in Stuttgart:

• Schlossplatz
• Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Day 5: Munich

On the last day of your trip you’ll make your way back to Munich since it is usually easier to leave Germany through the Munich airport than smaller airports in the surrounding area.

However, if you don’t have to get to an airport – and/or are taking the train home – you could also stay an extra night in Stuttgart if you wanted. Both cities are worth spending an extra few hours in – so you really just have to see what works best for you.

If you decide to get back to Munich, then the journey from Stuttgart to Munich will take approximately 2 hours 20 minutes by car and just slightly less (2 hrs 15 minutes) by train .

Accommodation in Munich : We already went over accommodations in Munich in Day 1 of this itinerary. So, you can head back up for the full details – but we would highly, highly recommend the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark as great value for money with great breakfast, parking, and a metro stop outside the front door.

Don’t forget we also have our detailed guide on where to stay in Munich if you want to have a deeper look at accommodations in the city.

We also have a post on spending one day in Munich if you want more details about the city!

Germany Itinerary 7 Days

If you have slightly more time to explore Germany, we have also created two 7 day Germany itineraries for you. Similar to the 5 day itineraries, we made two different itineraries since it’s pretty much impossible to see the whole country in just a week.

Instead of a northern and southern itinerary, this time we have focused on the western and eastern parts of the country. But please don’t read too much into that description – we use the terms quite loosely. As always, you’re welcome to modify any part of the itinerary to make it better fit your schedule/interests.

Germany Travel Itinerary 7 Days – West

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be around 14 – 15 hours and the distance would be slightly over 1100 km . For these calculations, we included the day trip to Monschau (and back to Cologne) as well as the day trip to Freiburg im Breisgau (and back to Stuttgart), which would be a longer day trip anyway.

So, depending on which day trips you decide to add on to (or remove from) this itinerary, your driving time and distance could be noticeably different than the estimates given above!

Day 1: Cologne Day 2: Day Trip to Monschau/Aachen Day 3: Koblenz Day 4: Frankfurt Day 5: Heidelberg Day 6: Stuttgart Day 7: Stuttgart / Day Trip to Freiburg im Breisgau

Day 1: Cologne

As we have already explained above, we like to start these itineraries in bigger cities to make it easier for people from overseas to get to Germany and start their adventure without hassle. Cologne is Germany’s fourth-biggest city (by population) and has two pretty good airports (Airport “Köln Bonn” and Airport “Düsseldorf”) close by for those coming from far away.

If you want to rent a car for this itinerary, it should be pretty easy to get one in Cologne since it’s quite an international city with lots of visitors.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Cologne here

Cologne is a pretty spread-out city so you won’t be able to see the whole city in a day or two. However, the highlight of the city is certainly the Cologne Cathedral which is located right next to the central station and the Rhine River.

Make sure to plan some time to visit this impressive building – we always spend much longer in there than we originally plan. It’s free to enter so it can get very crowded depending on the day and time you’re visiting.

Accommodation in Cologne : Cologne is a very big city with multiple areas to stay in. As such, there are lots of accommodation options across the city. Wherever you book, remember to book your accommodation for two nights since you will go on a day trip and then return to Cologne on the second day. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Cologne .

We have stayed in the Lindner Hotel City Plaza and loved it. The floors all have themes (we got Cologne Zoo with animals), the breakfast buffet is absolutely fantastic, and it’s a short walk to the Cathedral along one main street. There’s also parking available at/near the hotel for those with a car.

If you want to stay more in the heart of the city centre, check out something like the CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom . It’s popular, centrally located with shops and restaurants around, and only a short walk to the train station.

If you are looking for a hostel in Cologne, Eric once stayed at Cologne Downtown Hostel and it was honestly excellent. There’s a grocery store right below it and it’s located in the city centre. It also has a large balcony to enjoy the sunshine from!

Must-see Attractions in Cologne:

• Cologne Cathedral
• Cologne Chocolate Museum

Day 2: Day Trip to Monschau/Aachen

On the second day of this Germany itinerary, you have a few different option: you can either spend another day in Cologne if you feel like you haven’t seen enough of the city yet or take a day trip to Monschau or Aachen. Both of these are two places not too far from Cologne.

Monschau is a popular day trip in the area mainly because of its picturesque buildings in the old town. In fact, you probably have already seen photos of it on social media. To get to Monschau from Cologne, you can either drive or take a combination of trains and buses.

Getting to Monschau takes around 1 hr 40 minutes by car and approx. 2 hours by public transport . To visit Monschau by public transport, you can take the regional train from Cologne to Aachen-Rothe Erde and then take Bus #66 from there to Monschau.

Must-see Attractions in Monschau:

• Monschau Castle

If you want to go on a day trip but don’t want to venture that far, then Aachen would be another great option. This city is actually Germany’s most western city very close to the borders of The Netherlands and Belgium.

We’ve lived close to Aachen for a while and have written a whole guide full of things to do in Aachen that you should read if you want more information. In our opinion, one day is the perfect amount of time to explore the city since it doesn’t have that many attractions and the old town in the city centre is quite compact (but still very pretty).

Getting from Cologne to Aachen is also very easy. It takes approx. 1 hr 20 minutes by car and just around 50 minutes by regional train . You should look into getting a “Schönes Tag Ticket NRW” for the day if you’re travelling with more people as this can save you some money.

Must-see Attractions in Aachen:

• Aachen Cathedral
• Elisenbrunnen

Day 3: Koblenz

From Cologne, your journey continues to Koblenz – another city on the Rhine River. Koblenz is a smaller German city with a population of slightly over 110,000 inhabitants.

There are quite a few castles and nice hikes in the area which are easy to reach from Koblenz – just in case you decide that you don’t want to spend the day in the city. Depending on the time of year, you could also look into booking a boat tour on the Rhine river. This way, you get a unique perspective of the beautiful region.

Getting from Cologne to Koblenz is pretty easy and will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car and between 50 minutes and 1 hr 10 minutes by train . We really like this train journey since the tracks follow the river for a majority of the trip. As a result, you get some really nice views – and might even spot some of the beautiful castles in the area!

Accommodation in Koblenz: Koblenz is certainly not a huge city – but you’ll still find a good number of places to stay for a night or two. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Koblenz .

For a hotel right in the city centre, check out the Sander Hotel . This lovely hotel is super popular and close to shops and the rivers. If you are arriving to Koblenz by car, there is onsite parking at the hotel. However, since the city is smaller you can also easily reach the hotel by walking from the central train station.

Must-see Attractions in Koblenz:

• Deutsches Eck
• Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
• Koblenz Cable Car

Day 4: Frankfurt

The next stop on your itinerary is Frankfurt, arguably one of the country’s most popular transport hubs due to the busy Frankfurt airport. Frankfurt is an interesting city that divided people: some people really enjoy it while other people don’t like it at all. To be fair, we haven’t spent enough time in the city to really solidify our opinion.

Either way, we do believe that Frankfurt is a stop that you shouldn’t miss if you are trying to get to know different areas of Germany. Known as the financial hub of Germany, this city with its many skyscrapers can feel quite a bit more modern than other German cities. However, the city also has a beautiful, historical market square that you should visit.

The journey from Koblenz to Frankfurt is another easy one – and if you are taking the train (we would recommend that!), you’ll once again follow the Rhine River for big parts of the journey and be rewarded with some great views.

The train ride will probably be between 1 hr 25 minutes and 2 hrs 12 minutes long – depending on the connection you choose. By car , the trip will take around 1 hr 30 minutes . Of course, this can vary depending on traffic.

Accommodation in Frankfurt : There are loads of places to stay in Frankfurt given its popularity and size. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

A great option in Frankfurt is the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . Located very much in the heart of the city centre close to the old town and river, this cool hotel has underground parking if you are arriving to Frankfurt by/with a car. It also serves up a great breakfast!

If you are arriving by train to Frankfurt, you should check out Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . Located literally right beside the central station (which is in the city centre), this upscale hotel is very popular because it’s very affordable and also has a great breakfast.

Must-see Attractions in Frankfurt:

• Palmengarten

Day 5: Heidelberg

After your day in Frankfurt, you’re heading to Heidelberg which is actually one of our favourite German cities. The highlight of the city is certainly the castle on top of the hill which is visible from many different parts of the city.

Heidelberg is smaller than Frankfurt so you can see quite a bit in just 24 hours. The Old Town is beautiful and lots of attractions are located there. Our highlight was probably the tower climb of the Church of the Holy Spirit. From up there, you get a beautiful view of the Old Town. A very close second was the cable car ride up to the Königstuhl which was lots of fun – even in the rain.

Getting from Frankfurt to Heidelberg won’t take too long. The journey will be approximately one hour by car and between 45 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by train – depending on which type of train you are taking.

Accommodation in Heidelberg: If you’re heading for Heidelberg (good choice), there are lots of great places to stay. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Heidelberg .

We stayed a little outside the old town – but close to the train station – at NinetyNine Heidelberg City . This hotel was really, really great. The beds were comfy and the decor has animals everywhere – you have to see it to understand!

There’s onsite parking (paid) and street parking (free, but not guaranteed) if you are travelling with a car. There’s also a tram stop right outside the hotel to get directly into the city centre in minutes.

If you are looking to stay in the historic old town, then check out colourful hotels like  Hotel Holländer Hof  which overlooks the river or Hotel Zum Ritter St.Georg which is literally overlooking the main Marktplatz.

Must-see Attractions in Heidelberg:

• Heidelberg Palace
• Church of the Holy Spirit (mainly tower climb)

If you want to learn some more about Heidelberg and what there is to do, you can read our detailed Heidelberg Guide here .

Day 6: Stuttgart

The next day you will drive to Stuttgart, a city that we’ve already mentioned in one of our Germany itineraries for 5 days. As we have already mentioned, you’ll probably really enjoy Stuttgart if you are interested in cars.

Even if you aren’t, there is still lots for you to explore. Did you know that wine also plays a huge role in Stuttgart and the surrounding region? If this is something that interests you and you’re there in the summer (specifically around the end of August), then you should stop by the “Stuttgarter Weindorf” (“wine village”) – but obviously, please don’t drink and drive.

As for getting from Heidelberg to Stuttgart, the journey will take you approximately 1 hr 20 minutes by car and between 40 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by train . As mentioned before, the time differs depending on the type of train you are choosing.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: Stuttgart has many places to stay so you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

Be sure to see the Abalon Hotel ideal if you have a car. This hotel has underground parking available and a tasty breakfast. It’s also in the city centre which makes sightseeing easy.

Those coming to Stuttgart by train should look at the Pension am Heusteig . It’s a guesthouse that is located not too far from the first hotel here and it’s a doable walk or metro ride from the central station.

Day 7: Stuttgart / Day Trip to Freiburg im Breisgau

For this itinerary, you can decide how you would like to spend your last day. You could either spend another day to explore more of Stuttgart (and maybe relax for a bit) or you could head farther south and spend a day in Freiburg im Breisgau. We really enjoyed spending time in this small city in the south of Germany during our visit.

We are currently still in the process of writing our Freiburg guide, but we’ll link it here once it’s done. However, a good way to start your exploration of the city is by wandering the old town.

In Freiburg, you’ll find that many of the cobblestoney streets have small water-filled runnels – called Bächle – running alongside it. Sometimes they even have small yellow ducks in them!

The journey from Stuttgart to Freiburg im Breisgau is slightly longer than most other parts of this itinerary. It takes approximately 2 hrs 30 minutes by car and around 2 hours by train . Since this train journey will probably include at least one ICE (the fast train), we’d recommend that you book your train tickets early if you can to save some money.

Must-see Attractions in Freiburg:

• Freiburger Münster (Cathedral)
• Schlossberg + Tower
• New + Old Town Hall

Germany Travel Itinerary 7 Days – East

If the other week-long Germany itinerary doesn’t interest you and/or you really want to visit the German capital Berlin, then you might prefer this eastern route instead.

The driving time would be just slightly over 10 hours and would be approximately 900 km driving distance – including the day trip to Potsdam (which would honestly be easier with public transport, though)!

Day 1: Berlin Day 2: Berlin / Day Trip to Potsdam Day 3: Dresden Day 4: Erfurt Day 5: Bamberg Day 6+7: Munich

Day 1: Berlin

Once again, this itinerary begins in Berlin since it is one of the big cities that is easier to get to for people coming from overseas. Similar to the five day itinerary that started in Berlin, you’ll stay two nights in the German capital. There is just too much to see to spend only one day – and even in two days you wouldn’t be able to explore everything.

In case you’ve already been to Berlin on a different trip and/or aren’t a huge fan of big cities, we also give you the option of a day trip to Potsdam (a city close by) on the second day. More on that below.

Accommodation in Berlin : Finding a place to stay in Berlin can be tough because there are just so many options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

If you have a car, check out Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte . Located right in the middle of the city close to Museum Island, this hotel has a great breakfast and free parking on the street behind the hotel. Otherwise, parking is paid but for a decent price for the city centre.

Those without a car travelling by train should see the NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie . If you want a hotel close to a top attraction that is easy to get to with public transport, this is definitely one of them!

Across the city, PLUS Berlin is a really good hostel/hotel that Eric stayed at a few years ago. It’s a big place but it was a great stay over by the East Side Gallery (part of the Berlin Wall with the graffiti on it).

As already mentioned above, if you want to read some more about Berlin, check out our articles on Things to do in Berlin and How to spend one day in Berlin .

Day 2: Berlin / Day Trip to Potsdam

On your second day, you can choose between spending another day in Berlin to see more of the German capital or going on a day trip to Potsdam – which is a smaller city not far from Berlin.

Potsdam is actually the capital city of the German state called Brandenburg. It’s most popular attraction is probably Sanssouci Palace with the beautiful Sanssouci Park surrounding it.

During our visit, we also enjoyed walking through the Dutch Quarter with its small shops and cafes. Since the city isn’t too big, one day gives you a chance to get a good impression and check out some of the more popular sights.

It is also very easy to get to Potsdam from Berlin. If you decide to drive , it’ll take you approx. 40 minutes , but it could be longer – traffic depending. We would honestly recommend that you do this day trip by taking public transport. This way, you don’t have to worry about traffic and/or finding a parking spot.

For trains, you can take the S-Train #7 (S7) from Berlin Central Station (as well as other train stations) straight to Potsdam Central Station. The journey will take around 35 minutes with trains running very frequently throughout the day.

Must-see Attractions in Potsdam:

• Sanssouci Palace
• Dutch Quarter
• Cecilienhof

Day 3: Dresden

The third day of this Germany itinerary will take you from Berlin to Dresden which is a German city close to the Czech border. To be honest, we haven’t spend that much time in Dresden yet – and it’s certainly on our list of places to visit this year.

One of the city’s main attractions – the Zwinger – is known across the country and a sight that you shouldn’t miss during your visit. It’s a beautiful palace built in a baroque style.

Fun fact: When Lisa was a kid, she didn’t actually know that the “Zwinger” was a palace. Since that word can also mean “dog kennel” in German, she was always confused as to why people would want to visit it during their time in Dresden!

As for getting from Berlin to Dresden, the drive will take you around 2 hrs 10 minutes by car  and  around 2 – 3 hours by train.  Once again, this depends on which connection you choose.

Accommodation in Dresden:  There are a number of accommodations in the compact “Innere Altstadt” close to the River Elbe for you to choose from. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Dresden .

For a great hotel option right in the old town, look no further than the Star Inn Hotel Premium Dresden im Haus Altmarkt . You’re a short walk to the train station, the river, and all the best old sights in Dresden if you stay here and arrive by train. If you come to Dresden by car, the hotel has discounted underground parking available.

Another option right in the old town (and even closer to the river) is Aparthotel am Schloss . Since this is an apartment-style hotel, it’s a great option if you are looking for more of a base to relax in a “home away from home”. It’s a very popular choice, too – and also has onsite parking.

Must-see Attractions in Dresden:

• Frauenkirche

Day 4: Erfurt

Erfurt is a popular city to visit in the middle of Germany – and it’s also the capital city of the German state Thuringia. We’ve spent some time in Erfurt a few months ago and instantly fell in love with the city. Its size is perfect (in our opinion) – giving you enough things to do without feeling overwhelming.

Maybe you’ve seen photos of one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Krämerbrücke. This bridge is not only pretty to look at and photograph, it’s also unique in the sense that there are buildings on the bridge and when you’re walking on it, you can’t actually see the water running below.

Visiting the bridge and climbing the tower of the Ägidienkirche, a church at one end of the bridge, is something we’d certainly recommend during your time in the city. We actually filmed a short video of our time exploring Erfurt. If you are interested in seeing what parts of the city look like, then you can find our video here .

Getting to Erfurt from Dresden won’t take you too long. It will take approx. 2 hours 20 minutes by car  and between 2 and slightly over 3 hours by train .

Accommodation in Erfurt:  Since Erfurt isn’t a huge city, there aren’t a ton of accommodations – but certainly more than enough to find one that works for your style and budget. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Erfurt .

We stayed at  Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße  and really liked our stay. It’s located in a quiet neighbourhood just north of the city centre – a short walk to the Krämerbrücke. The host was lovely, the room was cozy, and there was secure onsite parking for those driving to Erfurt.

If you want to stay RIGHT in the city centre then you should check out  Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt which is right beside the famous bridge. This might be a good place to stay if you are travelling to Erfurt by train and you’re on-foot.

Must-see Attractions in Erfurt:

• Krämerbrücke
• Erfurt Cathedral
• Citadel Petersberg

For more details, have a look at our Things to do in Erfurt article .

Day 5: Bamberg

Bamberg is a small city – or larger town – in the German state called Bavaria. It’s actually located in a region called Franconia, which is noticeably different from the Bavaria that you might know in the area surrounding Munich, etc.

We’ve been to Bamberg multiple times over the years (it’s also close to the part of Germany where Lisa grew up) and are always happy to come back. Bamberg is known for its cute, historic old town which is actually a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most popular buildings the city has to offer is the Old Town Hall (shown above) which is built on an artificial island. The story behind it is quite interesting.

The drive from Erfurt to Bamberg is doable and will take approx. 2 hrs by car and around 3 hrs by train . On the way, you’ll drive through quite a few tunnels since you’ll drive through an area known as “Thuringian Forest”.

Accommodation in Bamberg: Bamberg is a small place to visit so there aren’t a ton of options but still enough to find what you’re looking for. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bamberg .

Anywhere you stay is basically in or close to the old town/city centre. For a place to stay with parking (for those arriving by car), check out Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg . It’s located right on the river.

You might also want to see Palais Schrottenberg  to stay right in the middle of the Old Town! For reference, the train station is a short walk to the north of the river – not far from these places in the centre.

Must-see Attractions in Bamberg:

• Bamberg Cathedral
• Old Town Hall
• Alte Hofhaltung

If you want some more information about Bamberg, please read our detailed Bamberg, Germany Guide .

Day 6+7: Munich

From Bamberg, your journey will continue to Munich which will be the last stop on this 7 day eastern itinerary. Not only is this the third biggest city of the country, it is also one of the most internationally known destinations in Germany.

Whenever we come back to Munich, we always enjoy our time there. For some reason, the atmosphere always feels more laid back than in other big German cities and the people are usually quite friendly. We might also be a little bit biased, though, since Lisa grew up in this part of the country and is more used to the mentality, dialect etc. than in other parts of Germany.

For this itinerary, you’ll spend two days in Munich since there is quite a lot to see. Next to the obvious attractions like the Marienplatz with the New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche close by, there are also lots of museums and other things that you can explore.

If you’ve already been to Munich before and/or decide that one day in the city is enough for you, you could also opt for a day trip on one of these days. We’ve just recently written a whole Day Trips from Munich Guide , which you can browse through to get some inspiration!

Driving from Bamberg to Munich will take about 2 hrs 20 minutes by car and between 2 and 3 hrs by train . If you decide to only take regional trains instead of the ICE (fast train), you should look into getting the Bayernticket. This can save you some money, especially when you’re travelling with more people.

Accommodation in Munich:  Since Munich is so large and popular to visit, there is definitely no shortage of places to stay! You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich .

That said, we loved our stay at H2 Hotel München Olympiapark . Located up by the famous Olympic Park, we’d highly recommend it since it was amazing value for money. The breakfast was huge and delicious and there’s a metro station outside the lobby door that takes you into the heart of the old town in minutes. There’s also parking if you are arriving by car.

For a hotel that is a little more central, you should see the Platzl Hotel Superior this hotel is really popular – and for good reason. It’s located around the corner from attractions like Marienplatz and the famous beer hall, Hofbräuhaus.

For more help looking into accommodations and neighbourhoods in Munich, check out our where to stay in Munich guide .

(Check out our guide to one day in Munich if you want more details on things to do and see.)

Germany Itinerary 10 Days

Although we have tried to create short itineraries that allow you to see more than just the standard cities, it is no doubt easier to see more of Germany if you are able to travel for longer than one week. To give you a couple different options that you could look at (and then potentially modify), we have created two 10-day Germany itineraries.

Once again, we believe that ten days would not be enough time to see the whole country – and even if you managed to do that it would be too stressful (in our opinion). Both of the following itineraries give you a good mix of bigger and smaller cities as well as a few interesting day trips. So, have a look and see which one you like better!

Germany Itinerary 10 Days – North

If you’re interested in seeing more of the northern part of Germany and experiencing the mentality and way of life of people in the flatter part of the country, closer to the sea, then have a look at the following 10-day itinerary!

The total driving time would be slightly less than 17 hours with a distance of approx. 1470 kilometres. For these calculations, we have included the day trips to Schloss Drachenburg, Lübeck, and Flensburg. So, if you decide to skip any of these, your driving time and distance would obviously be slightly lower.

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Bonn Day 3: Day Trip to Schloss Drachenburg / Cologne Day 4: Münster Day 5: Hanover Day 6: Hamburg Day 7: Day Trip to Lübeck Day 8: Day Trip to Flensburg Day 9+10: Berlin

Day 1: Frankfurt

Similar to some of the other itineraries mentioned in this article, we start this 10-day itinerary in Frankfurt. By now you should probably already know why – Frankfurt has the biggest airport of the country which should make it easier for people coming from overseas to get to Germany and start their adventure.

Furthermore, Frankfurt is quite centrally located so it is easy to get to many different cities from here. So even if you decide against following our itineraries step-by-step, Frankfurt would be a good starting point!

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Frankfurt here

Accommodation in Frankfurt : You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Frankfurt. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

One really popular hotel in Frankfurt is the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . This Motel One is near the river and walking distance to lots of things in the city centre. If you are coming to Frankfurt with a car, Motel One has underground parking which can make life easy! They also have a nice breakfast.

A hotel option closer to the train station is Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This hotel is just to the north of the main station which makes it a great option if you are arriving by train and have no car. It’s popular because it has a great breakfast and is good value for money.

Day 2: Bonn

On the second day, you’ll head from Frankfurt to Bonn. As you might know, Bonn used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany during the time that Germany was split into two countries. Later, the capital was relocated from Bonn to Berlin.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Germany during your time in the country, then Bonn would be a good city to do that in. For example, you could visit the so-called “Haus der Geschichte” which is a museum about the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.

It won’t be difficult to get from Frankfurt to Bonn since the two cities are not too far apart. The journey will take approximately 1 hr 50 minutes by car and between 1 hr 20 minutes and 2 hrs if you take the train . Once again, we’d recommend that you book your train ticket in advance if possible.

Accommodation in Bonn: There are a number of accommodation options in Bonn which you can choose from – many are right in the city centre/old town. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bonn .

Keep in mind to book your accommodation for two nights for this itinerary. (You could also spend the following night in Cologne if you day tripped to there, though).

For a great hotel in the heart of the old town, check out BrauHotel Bonn . You can easily walk here from the central train station but they also have a and parking garage close by if you arrive by car. There’s also a craft beer bar on the ground floor!

Another option is the Hilton Bonn . This hotel offers you amazing views of the Rhine River. It’s a bit north of the city centre but still very much close to it. There is parking but it can be expensive so keep that in mind when you book.

Must-see Attractions in Bonn:

• Bonn Minster
• House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany (Haus der Geschichte)

Day 3: Day Trip to Schloss Drachenburg / Cologne

On day three of this itinerary, you can choose to stay in Bonn, or go on one of two day trips: to Schloss Drachenburg (a castle not far from Bonn) or to Cologne which is also close by.

Schloss Drachenburg is actually a private villa/mansion that was built to look like a castle in the 19th century. Today, it is a popular attraction in the area.

From Bonn, you can either drive to Königswinter by car (and then leave your car at the car park) or take public transport to the Königswinter/Clemens-August-Straße station. You can find more information about that and opening hours etc. on the offical website .

If you are not a huge fan of castles, then you might opt for a day trip to Cologne instead. In this case, you might even decide to change your base and spend the night in Cologne instead of returning to Bonn at the end of the day. That is definitely an option that you can choose since there are lots of accommodation options in Cologne as well.

Getting to Cologne from Bonn will take you around 40 minutes by car (this can obviously depend on traffic) and only approx. 25 minutes by train . Just a quick warning: Trains can get very full if you are travelling during rush hour traffic – so try to avoid that if you don’t like being surrounded by lots of people in a small space.

Day 4: Münster

The next day you’ll head from Bonn – or Cologne – to Münster. Since Bonn and Cologne are so close, the journey wouldn’t really differ much from either city.

Münster is a smaller German city that we really enjoy. To be honest, it sometimes reminds Lisa of Copenhagen – mainly because of the many bikes that you can see all around the city. The University of Münster plays a big role in the city and the vibe – depending on which part of the city you are in – is noticeably younger.

One of the highlights of the city – for locals and visitors alike – is the lake Aasee which is located quite centrally. When the weather is nice, there are always people sitting on the grass enjoying the sun and maybe even out on the water (depending on the time of year). You can rent a small paddle boat to explore the lake from a unique perspective.

The journey from Bonn to Münster should take you slightly less than 2 hrs by car and between 2 hrs and slightly more than 3 hrs by train . If you want to save some money and are travelling with other people, then you should look into getting an “NRW Schönes Tag Ticket”. With this ticket, you wouldn’t be allowed to travel on ICE’s (the fast train), but the connections using only regional trains wouldn’t be much longer.

Accommodation in Münster: Münster might feel small but it’s actually pretty spread out and offers accommodations for all styles and budgets. You can  check here for accommodations and hotels in Münster .

If you want a popular hotel option right in the centre, the  H4 Hotel Münster  is a short walk to the heart of the historic centre. It also has onsite parking for those travelling to Münster by car – but you can easily walk there from the train station in the south of the city centre.

Must-see Attractions in Münster:

• Münster Prinzipalmarkt
• Historic Town Hall
• Münster Cathedral

For a more detailed guide, have a look at our Things to do in Münster, Germany article .

Day 5: Hanover

The following day you are travelling from Münster to Hanover. In German “Hannover” is actually written with two “n”, so don’t be surprised if you see it being written slightly differently.

Hanover is the biggest city and the capital of the German state called Lower Saxony. Compared to some other cities on this itinerary it is a less popular tourist destination. To be fair, even we haven’t spent that much time in Hanover yet. Hopefully we’ll be able to change that soon. However, that’s not to say that Hanover is not worth a visit.

Not only can you explore some beautiful gardens and interesting museums in the city, but it is also located pretty much halfway between Münster and Hamburg. That makes it a great stop to break up the journey and spent another day in a city that allows you to explore without too many other (international) tourists around.

By car , the journey from Münster to Hanover will take you around 2 hrs . If you choose to travel by train instead, it will take you approximately the same amount of time .

Accommodation in Hanover: Hanover is a larger city but the accommodation are still relatively packed together in and around the historic city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hanover .

For a stay right in the city centre, check out the Hotel Loccumer Hof . This popular hotel is a very short walk from the central station which is perfect if you are arriving to Hanover by train. That said, they also have parking onsite so this hotel works well if you arrive by car!

For another hotel option, check out the Arthotel ANA Prestige am neuen Rathaus . This boutique hotel is directly across from the beautiful New Town Hall in the south end of the city centre by the greenspace and water! They also have a really nice breakfast and parking available.

Must-see Attractions in Hanover:

• New Town Hall
• Marktkirche
• Herrenhausen Gardens

Day 6: Hamburg

On day six of this 10-day itinerary you’re on your way to Hamburg. If you’ve read the details of any of the shorter itineraries in this article, you’ll know that we really like Hamburg.

The city offers modern areas, such as “HafenCity”, mixed with historic (e.g. “Speicherstadt”) and alternative areas (“Sternschanze”) . This makes exploring the city all the more interesting – there is truly something for everyone. During your time in the city, we’d also recommend that you climb the tower of the St. Michael’s Church. From up there, you get a beautiful view of most parts of the city.

The journey from Hanover to Hamburg won’t be long. Depending on the route you are taking (Highway A7 or A1), it’ll take between 1 hr 30 minutes and 2 hrs by car . If you opt for the train , you can expect the journey to take between 1 hr 15 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes . This depends on the connection you choose.

Accommodation in Hamburg : Hamburg has many, many places to stay. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

The Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg might be a good option if you have a car while you travel around Germany. This cool hotel is inside an old water tower which gives guests stunning views of the city around. There’s also parking onsite and it’s close to a transit stop for getting around the city.

Located not too far from the central train station, ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg makes for a good hotel option if you don’t have a car. It’s located in St. Georg which is a lively area within walking distance of the city centre.

Those that need hostel for their stay in Hamburg might be happy with Generator Hamburg . It’s a popular hostel in the city and is close to the train station for easy getting around. If you’re unsure about where to stay, you can always check out our detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Once again, if you’d like to read our (very) short Hamburg guide, you can find our Things to do in Hamburg article here .

Day 7: Day Trip to Lübeck

For the next couple of days, we decided to include some day trips from Hamburg. This allows you to stay in one accommodation for longer than just one night and gives you the option to see some more of Hamburg as well. If you don’t want to visit any other cities and want to spend more time in Hamburg instead, then feel free to skip one or both of the day trips mentioned.

Lübeck is the closer one of the two day trips mentioned from Hamburg. Within Germany the city is mainly known for its delicious “Lübecker Marzipan” (Lübeck Marzipan) – but of course there is much more to the city than just that. One of the highlights is the Holsentor, a red-brick city gate dating back to the 15th century.

The journey from Hamburg to Lübeck will take you slightly over 1 hr by car and just around 45 minutes by train . In our opinion, that’s great for a day trip since it gives you lots of time to actually see the city instead of spending a lot of time in the car/on the train.

Must-see Attractions in Lübeck:

• Marienkirche
• Heilig-Geist-Hospital

Day 8: Day Trip to Flensburg

For the following day, we have another day trip option for you. The journey to Flensburg is slightly longer than to Lübeck – but it would be worth it. Flensburg is a smaller German city in the north of Germany, very close to the Danish border.

Since it is located close to the water, shipping plays an important role in the city to this day. If you’re interested in learning more about that, then the Maritime Museum would be a good place for you to visit.

Another thing we would recommend is a walk along the Rote Straße. Here you’ll find different “Hinterhöfe” (similar to backyards) with cute cafes and small shops.

Getting to Flensburg from Hamburg should take slightly less than 2 hrs by car and the same amount of time by train . As already mentioned, it would be a longer journey than to Lübeck, but if you want to experience a smaller, maritime city, the trip would be worth it!

Must-see Attractions in Flensburg:

• Historischer Hafen (Historic Harbour)
• Flensburger Schifffahrtmuseum (Maritime museum)
• Museumsberg Flensburg

Day 9+10: Berlin

On the second to last day of this itinerary, you’ll head from Hamburg to Berlin where your journey ends. This allows you to spend two days in the German capital. Since there is so much to do in Berlin, we’d recommend that you do some research beforehand to narrow down which attractions you’d like to visit.

If you’ve never been to Berlin before classics like the Brandeburg Gate and the Reichstag would be a good place to start. We’ve written a few different articles about Berlin – one about classic attractions (link below). Maybe these will be a good starting point to gather some more information!

The drive from Hamburg to Berlin will be one of the longest mentioned as part of this itinerary – so you should keep that in mind. It’ll take approximately 3 hrs 20 minutes by car (with traffic it could be longer), but just 1 hr 50 minutes by train .

It’s a popular train route since it connects the two biggest German cities so trains run frequently throughout the day. Once again, we’d recommend to book your train ticket in advance to get one of the discount tickets and save some money.

Accommodation in Berlin : As the capital city, there are lots of accommodation options for Berlin. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

Those travelling to Berlin with a car should look into the Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte for a hotel in the city centre with free street parking available. There’s always paid parking for a reasonable fee if those are full and you’ll be close to top attractions.

The NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie is a popular hotel option for those coming to Berlin by train since it’s close to attractions in the city centre and you can get there very easily with the metro.

Finally, if you need a hostel/hotel, check out PLUS Berlin . This is where Eric stayed a few years back and really enjoyed it. You’ll be close to the East Side Gallery – the part of the Berlin wall with the artwork on it. It’s also easy to get in and out of the city centre from here.

Also feel free to have a look at our guide on Berlin Attractions and tips for a day in Berlin .

Germany Itinerary 10 Days – South

This 10 day Germany itinerary begins and ends in Frankfurt – so it’s pretty much a small loop through the southern part of the country. If you want to be closer to the mountains (for part of the trip at least) instead of the sea, then this itinerary might be better suited for you than the other 10 day version.

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be slightly over 17 hours with a total distance of approx. 1330 kilometres. This includes the day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Tübingen. So depending on if/how you modify the itinerary, these estimates could differ.

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Würzburg Day 3: Nuremberg Day 4: Munich Day 5: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle Day 6: Day Trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Day 7: Ulm Day 8: Stuttgart Day 9: Day Trip to Tübingen Day 10: Frankfurt

Similar to the northern version of this itinerary for 10 days, you begin your adventure in Frankfurt. During your day in the city, you shouldn’t forget to visit the Römerberg with the beautiful half-timbered houses. If you want to get a nice few of the city from above, then you should look into visiting the Main Tower as well.

Frankfurt is also a great place to pick up your rental car – if you decide to complete this itinerary by car instead of using public transport. You can either pick up a car at the airport or at different spots in the city centre. This obviously also depends on the rental company you choose.

Accommodation in Frankfurt: Frankfurt is full of accommodation options – from the city centre to the airport. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

For a hotel in the heart of the city, check out the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . Complete with underground parking, good breakfast, and a top location in the centre and close to the river, this hotel is a decent option if you are travelling around with a car.

For those not travelling with a car (and taking the trains around Germany), check out Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This nice looking hotel is really popular for its breakfast, price, and the fact that it’s steps from the central train station.

Day 2: Würzburg

On day two of this itinerary, you’ll be on your way to Würzburg, a small German city that we’re always happy to return to. Similar to Stuttgart, Würzburg is located in a region that is known for its wine.

As such, it comes as no surprise that a highlight in Würzburg is to drink a glass of (white) wine on the Old Bridge across the Main river. We’ve done that multiple times and would especially recommend it during the evening when it gets dark.

Another thing you shouldn’t miss in Würzburg is the short walk up the hill to Marienberg Fortress. Up there you can not only explore the old fortress, but you also get a beautiful view of the old town and other parts of the city.

We actually wrote a whole guide about Würzburg (link below) where we not only talk about things to do but also mention some great cafes and restaurants!

The drive from Frankfurt to Würzburg will be a short one. It should only take you around 1 h 20 minutes by car and between 1 h 07 minutes and 1 hr 50 minutes by train depending on the type of train you’re taking (ICE vs. regional train).

Accommodation in Würzburg: Würzburg isn’t a huge city so you’ll find a number of places to stay packed together in the city centre and a number of other hotels and guesthouses around. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Würzburg .

On a recent trip, we stayed at the  Best Western Hotel Würzburg-Süd . It’s a little south of the city centre but the tram stop is right outside the hotel so you’re into the historic city centre in minutes. There is also an onsite parking lot if you’re arriving to Würzburg by car. We booked this one last minute but we would stay again.

If you want to stay a little more central, then you can check out Hotel Strauss . With a location close to the river, the train station, and the city centre – it’s a great option fo those arriving by train.

We also once stayed at  Hostel Babelfish for a budget accommodation and it was honestly not too bad, either. It’s right across from the train station for easy access in and out of the city.

Must-see Attractions in Würzburg:

• Marienberg Fortress
• Würzburg Residence

If you want more tips for visiting Würzburg, have a look at our detailed Things to do in Würzburg Guide (+ insider tips) .

The next day you’ll be on your way to Nuremberg, which is another city in Bavaria that we really like. In German, Nuremberg is actually written/called “Nürnberg” – just an FYI, so you’re not confused when you see this written somewhere.

As we have already mentioned in the description of one of the shorter itineraries, there is a lot of history to be found in the city. Not only can you explore an old castle in the middle of the city, you can also learn a lot about Germany’s dark history if you’re interested.

Getting from Würzburg to Nuremberg will take approx. 1 hr 20 minutes by car and between 53 minutes (ICE) and 1 hr 13 minutes (regional) by train . If you’re travelling with more people and decide to just take a regional train, look into getting a “Bayernticket” as that could save you some money.

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Nuremberg is a larger and well-travelled city in Germany so you will have no problem finding a place to stay! You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

We ended up staying in the very popular Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we enjoyed our stay. The room was bright with new furnishings. It’s also located just inside the old city walls so we were close to the metro, a short walk to central train station, and also close to the heart of the old town!

Very nearby was the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg – we had friends stay there. They really liked this hotel which had a swimming pool with city views and other great perks. If you are arriving to Nuremberg by car, there’s a parking lot across the street from the hotel as well as street parking around. The train station is very close as well so it’s a great location overall.

• Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Day 4: Munich

On day four of this Germany trip, you’ll be on your way to Munich. As you might know Munich is the capital of the German state called Bavaria and there are lots of things to do in this city.

That’s why you’ll spend three nights in Munich. This way you can explore the city in more detail if you want or go on a couple of day trips from Munich to see other popular attractions as well. It’s really up to you.

The journey from Nuremberg to Munich won’t be overly long and it’s a route Lisa has driven many times. It’ll take you around 2 hrs by car (of course traffic depending) and between 1-3 hrs by train.

Since this is a popular train route, there are lots of different connections of varying length – some are quick and others are slower trains with more stops. Since that’s the case, we’d recommend that you plan in advance and try to catch a better connection to avoid an unnecessarily long train ride!

Accommodation in Munich: Since Munich is such a popular and large city, there are plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich . Just remember to book your accommodation for three nights if you are following this itinerary!

We stayed at the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark which is a very popular hotel because of the price and the value. It was a prefect stay. The breakfast was amazing, they had parking, and the location was great – only a quick metro to the heart of the city centre. You also have the Olympic Park and BMW Museum as top attractions nearby!

If you’re itching to stay right in the heart of the action in Munich, check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This is a hotel around the corner from Marienplatz in the old town with the famous beer hall Hofbräuhaus just steps away. The central train station is also walkable from here.

Of course, you can learn all about the best areas to stay in more detail with our Munich accommodation and neighbourhood guide .

Learn more about Munich with our one day in Munich post!

Day 5: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle probably doesn’t need a lot of introduction – it is arguably one of the most popular day trips from Munich. If you want to see this fairy-tale castle with your own eyes, then this day trip might be for you.

However, it is such a popular attraction that depending on the time of year it can get incredibly crowded. So if you are planning this itinerary for the middle of summer, we’d honestly recommend that you think twice about whether you really want to do this day trip. A second day in Munich wouldn’t be so bad either, would it?

If you are set on visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, then have a look at our Day Trips from Munich Guide . In that article – under the Neuschwanstein Castle section – we talk about all the different ways you can get to the castle.

In case you don’t want to stress too much about logistics and are not travelling with a rental car, you could always look into a day tour that brings you to Neuschwanstein Castle and then back to Munich. Here are some examples:

• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace  – A very popular tour to check out two castles in one day!
• Just Neuschwanstein Castle  – Grab your live guide and check out the classic castle you came to see!
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen   – Explore the surrounding area on this day trip + see that great castle!

Day 6: Day Trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Another popular day trip from Munich – and the one we would recommend for Day 6 of this itinerary – is a trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the south of Bavaria, close to the Austrian border.

We have been to Garmisch-Partenkirchen recently and really enjoyed our day there. However, that was during the shoulder season, so we can’t really say much about how busy it gets in the summer or during the ski-season.

There are a few good reasons for visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The obvious one is that the town is super close to the mountains and it is very easy to reach the “Zugspitze” (Germany’s highest mountain) from here.

Of course, you don’t have to go that high up – there are also lots of other mountains and great hiking trails in the area if you’re looking for a day in nature.

Other reasons why people come to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to visit the Partnach Gorge which is quite beautiful and/or the old town where you can admire the decorative paintings found on many houses.

It’s actually quite easy to get from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. By car , it should take you around 1 hr 10 minutes and by train the journey would be approx. 1 hr 22 minutes . It’s actually a nice drive/train ride since you’ll get some great views of the mountains as you get closer to your destination.

Must-see Attractions in/close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

• Partnach Gorge

The following day you’ll travel from Munich to Ulm, a small city in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is actually located right by the border with Bavaria – “Neu Ulm” in fact is a city on the Bavarian side. When you’re there, it sometimes feels like it is just one bigger city. For you as a visitor, this doesn’t really matter – just an interesting side note.

Ulm is mainly known for having the church with the tallest steeple in the world – so that is something you shouldn’t miss during your visit. Other than that, we’d also recommend that you check out the Fishermen’s Quarter where you can find some beautiful, half-timbered houses.

Getting from Munich to Ulm won’t take you long. The journey will take approx. 1 hr 40 minutes by car and between 1 hr 19 minutes and 2 hrs by train. Once again, this depends on which type of train connection you choose (ICE vs. regional trains).

Accommodation in Ulm: It’s best to stay in the centre of Ulm since it’s not huge and the attractions can mostly be found there. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Ulm .

For a boutique hotel option right in the city centre, check out Boutique 005 Ulm City . This hotel is super walkable to the train station if you are arriving by train but also offers an option for parking. It’s location makes it really close to all the top attractions in the city.

For a stay closer to the river, you can check out the Hotel am Rathaus – Hotel Reblaus . With onsite parking available and a really good breakfast, this more “authentic” hotel is an experience not to be missed in Ulm.

Must-see Attractions in Ulm:

• Ulmer Münster
• Fishermen’s Quarter

Day 8: Stuttgart

From Ulm, you’ll head to Stuttgart on the next day. Stuttgart is a city that we have mentioned a few times in this article already. If you’ve read some of the other itineraries, you’ll know that Stuttgart is known for both cars and wine.

Of course, there’s more to see in the city than that. If you’re interested in architecture, you might enjoy visiting the New Palace at the “Schlossplatz” and if you’re into art, the Staatsgalerie (an art museum) might be for you.

Getting to Stuttgart from Ulm will only take slightly over 1 hr by car and approx. the same amount of time by train . There are slower trains – called RB instead of RE which stands for “Regional Express” – that take longer than that. However, if you plan ahead, you shouldn’t have a problem catching an RE or ICE Train since they run frequently throughout the day.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: Since there are a number of places to stay in, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

Those with a car can check out the Abalon Hotel ideal because it has an underground parking garage while those travelling to Stuttgart by train can check out the Pension am Heusteig since it’s easy to get to walking or with the metro.

Day 9: Day Trip to Tübingen

On day 9 of this itinerary, you have the choice between either spending a second day in Stuttgart or taking a day trip to Tübingen, a university town not far away.

Tübingen is a popular day trip from Stuttgart and is mainly known across the country for its old university. In fact, some of Lisa’s friends have studied there. When in town, you shouldn’t forget to visit the market square with its 15th century town hall. Another popular attractions is the Hohentübingen Castle on the hill which nowadays is home to a museum.

It won’t take you long at all to get to Tübingen from Stuttgart. That makes it great for a (half-)day trip. The journey should only take around 42 minutes by car and between 43 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by public transport – depending on the connection you choose.

Must-see Attractions in Tübingen:

• Hohentübingen Castle
• Market Square with Town Hall
• Hölderlinturm

Day 10: Frankfurt

On the last day, you’ll make your way back to Frankfurt. This is where your itinerary ends since it will hopefully be easy for you to get back home from here.

The journey from Stuttgart back to Frankfurt will probably be the longest one for this trip – but it’s still easily doable. It should take you approx. 2 hrs 25 minutes by car and between 1 hr 17 minutes and 3 hrs 30 minutes by train. Once again, this is dependent on the connection you choose (ICE vs. regional trains).

Accommodation in Frankfurt: Since you’re back in Frankfurt, we already went over accommodations in Day 1 of this same itinerary. That said, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt and specifically check out the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer for a central hotel with parking.

Germany Itinerary 14 Days

This Germany itinerary is the longest one that we have for you – for now. If anyone is interested in a 21 day version, please let us know!

The distance you’d cover with this 14 day itinerary would be around 1960 kilometres . The driving time would be approx. 22.5 hours – but of course, this varies depending on traffic and the exact route you decide to take.

As you’ll see below, sometimes the driving time between two cities is longer than 3 hours. So, while this itinerary is totally doable in two weeks – if you wanted to slow down the pace a bit, you could just as easily spend more time in some of the cities and complete the itinerary in more days.

Since you have probably already read about most of these places in some of the itineraries above, we’ll try to keep the descriptions short and not get too repetitive.

Our version here is written as an “incomplete route” from Frankfurt to Munich. However, as with most of our itineraries, you are welcome to reverse the direction if that works better for you and/or start and end in the same city. So, to see a big part of the country, your 14 day Germany itinerary could look something like this:

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Koblenz / Eltz Castle Day 3: Cologne Day 4: Hanover or Celle Day 5+6: Hamburg Day 7+8: Berlin Day 9: Erfurt or Weimar Day 10: Nuremberg Day 11: Stuttgart Day 12: Augsburg Day 13+14: Munich

Once again we begin this itinerary in Frankfurt since it is an easy city to get to. As we have mentioned before, there are a few things to see in the city so you can start exploring on day one!

Frankfurt is also a great city to pick up a rental car. Since many international (business) travellers fly into Frankfurt, there should be many cars available with automatic transmissions. In smaller German towns you’ll find that this is not always the case.

Accommodation in Frankfurt:  If you are making a stop in Frankfurt, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

As for accommodation options, the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer has parking available and is located in the city centre close to the Main River. That’s important if you have a car with you but it’s also walkable to the train station, so you know.

Another great hotel option that is even closer to the train station is Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This hotel is known for its prime location to the north of the station, its tasty breakfast, nice decor, and fair price. This is definitely a popular place you should at least look into if you are travelling by train around Germany.

Day 2: Koblenz / Eltz Castle

On day two of this itinerary, you’ll be on your way to Koblenz, a small German city on the Rhine river. You can either explore the city or use it as a base to visit one of the many castles close by.

Our suggestion would be a visit to Eltz Castle which is a beautiful medieval castle surrounded by a forest. Please keep in mind that the castle is not open year round. You can check opening hours here .

You could also visit Eltz Castle as a day trip from Frankfurt but then you’d have to return to Frankfurt at the end of the day. This wouldn’t make much sense unless you want to spend some more time in Frankfurt anyway, as Cologne (your next destination) is closer to Koblenz and Eltz Castle than Frankfurt.

The drive from Frankfurt to Koblenz should take around 1 hr 30 minutes by car . If you want to take the train , the journey would take between 1 hr 30 minutes and 2 hrs 15 minutes . From Koblenz, it is only about a 30 minute drive to Eltz Castle.

Accommodation in Koblenz: Since Koblenz isn’t that large, you should have no problem finding and choosing an accommodation that works for you. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Koblenz .

If you want a popular option right in the heart of the city centre, you should see the Sander Hotel . This hotel is located within walking distance to the rivers as well as restaurants and shops in the centre. If you travel by car to Koblenz, they have onsite parking which is handy. That said, you can also easily walk from the hotel to the train station in minutes.

Day 3: Cologne

The next stop on your 14 day Germany itinerary is Cologne, a city we have mentioned already in some of the previous itineraries. As you might know, the highlight of the city is the Cologne cathedral which is quite an impressive sight. As the city is located on the Rhine river, a boat tour might also be a great activity depending on the time of year you are visiting.

Getting to Cologne from Koblenz takes around 1 hr 15 minutes by car  and between 50 minutes and 1 hr 15 minutes by train . The train tracks follow the Rhine river for part of the journey which allows for some beautiful views!

Accommodation in Cologne : There are lots of great places to stay in Cologne. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Cologne .

We recently stayed at the Lindner Hotel City Plaza which was great value for money. The breakfast buffet is incredible and it’s an easy, short walk into the city centre near the Cathedral. It also has parking available for those with a car.

If you want to stay a little closer to the river and the Old Town, check out the CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom . With many things around to keep you busy – like attractions, food, and/or drinks – you’re just a short walk to the central train station if you stay here.

For those looking for a hostel, Cologne Downtown Hostel was a great stay for Eric a number of years ago. It’s really popular, in a great location, and has a nice rooftop balcony to enjoy.

Day 4: Hanover or Celle

Day 4 of this itinerary will take you to either Hanover or Celle depending on your preference. Celle is a noticeably smaller city/town than Hanover and the two places are only a few minutes apart.

Getting from Cologne to Hanover will take approximately  3 hrs 10 minutes by car  and between  2 hrs 40 minutes and 3 hrs 5 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Hanover: Since Hanover is a well-travelled city for people moving around Germany, there are a number of accommodation options in and around the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hanover .

To stay very close to the central train station in the city centre, you should see the Hotel Loccumer Hof . The location makes it great if you are travelling by train and on foot. They also have onsite parking if you are arriving to Hanover with a car!

To the south of this hotel, the Arthotel ANA Prestige am neuen Rathaus is an option right across from the New Town Hall. This hotel has a beautiful, light style and is also close to the water/parks. Complete with breakfast and onsite parking, you can’t go wrong here!

If you want to spend a night in a smaller German city instead, then Celle is a good option as it is not far from Hanover. That will make it easy to reach the next stop on your itinerary without too much of a detour. The journey from Cologne to Celle would be slightly longer and take around 3 hrs 30 minutes by car and 3 hrs 19 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Celle: Celle isn’t that big at all – so there are only a handful of places to stay. That said, there are still some great options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Celle .

Of note, check out Hotel Borchers . This hotel – one of only a handful located in the heart of “city centre” is a top pick with a tasty breakfast and an underground car park. You can also walk there from the Celle train station which is located not too far across town.

Must-see Attractions in Celle:

• Celle Castle
• Bomann Museum
• French Garden

Day 5+6: Hamburg

An itinerary across a large part of the country wouldn’t really feel complete without including Hamburg. Since there is quite a bit to see in this hanseatic city, you’ll spend two nights in the city to give you more time to explore.

Getting from Hanover to Hamburg will take you approx. 1 hr 45 minutes by car and between 1 hr 15 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes by train . As mentioned before, this varies depending on the type of train connection you choose.

The journey from Celle to Hamburg will be approximately 15 minutes shorter at 1 hr 30 minutes by car . If you opt for the train, you can expect travel times between 1 hr 10 minutes and 2 hrs .

Accommodation in Hamburg : Since Hamburg is a well-travelled city, it makes sense that there are loads of places and areas to stay in. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

The Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg might work for those with a car since they have onsite parking. This old water tower is a different hotel than you might be used to but it’s a great experience overall.

Something closer to the central station to get to on foot would be the ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg which is located in St. Georg. This is an area with shops and restaurants and is very much part of the city centre.

Those looking for a budget accommodation can check out Generator Hamburg which is a popular hostel close to the train station. If you’re ever unsure or want more advice, we have a detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Day 7+8: Berlin

Of course, we couldn’t forget to include a stop in the capital of the country when planning a longer trip through Germany. Since there is so much to do and see in Berlin you will spend two nights there.

This will also give you some more time to recover from all the driving you have done so far on this journey. Getting from Hamburg to Berlin takes approximately 3 hrs 20 minutes by car (obviously traffic depending) and just about 1 hr 50 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Berlin : There are lots of hotel options in Berlin. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

The Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte is a good option in the city centre for those coming to Berlin with a car while the NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie is located right at the attraction “Checkpoint Charlie” in the city centre.

A great option for a hostel/hotel where Eric stayed a few years back is PLUS Berlin . You can find it near the famous East Side Gallery which is a very popular attraction to check out.

As mentioned a few times now, we also have more articles on t hings to see in Berlin and a one day Berlin itinerary .

Day 9: Erfurt or Weimar

For the following day you have the choice between Erfurt or Weimar as your next destination. Both are small cities in the state of Thuringia with Weimar being smaller than Erfurt. If you know anything about Martin Luther, an important figure in the Protestant reformation, then you might have heard of one or both of these places before.

If you’re looking for a place with a beautiful old town and some nice churches as well as buildings for you to explore, then we’d really recommend Erfurt. We had a great time during the days we spent there. The city also has some really nice, cozy cafes if that is something that you care about.

Getting to Erfurt from Berlin will take a while – but it is a great stop on the way to the south of Germany. You can expect the journey to take approx. 3 hrs 40 minutes by car and just around 1 hr 50 minutes by ICE (fast train) .

Accommodation in Erfurt:  With Erfurt being a smaller city with a smaller central area to explore, finding a place to stay isn’t too difficult. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Erfurt .

When we visited Erfurt, we booked the Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße . This was a simple guesthouse with a nice host and cozy rooms located just a short walk north of the Krämerbrücke. There’s also a small parking lot onsite if you’re coming to Erfurt with a car.

For a stay that is more central, check out Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt . It’s located basically right beside the Krämerbrücke making it a great option if you are travelling by train and you’re on foot.

Once again, if you want to learn some more about Erfurt before you visit the city, check out our detailed Erfurt Guide here .

If you instead preferred to learn some more about the well-known German writers Goethe and Schiller – or about Germany’s dark past – then you should plan to visit Weimar instead.

Two of the highlights there are Goethe’s and Schiller’s House – now turned into museums. Close to Weimar there’s also the Buchenwald Memorial which was a former Nazi concentration camp. This was the first KZ-Memorial Lisa ever visited. It was a somber experience, but also an important one in regards to understanding more about Germany’s past.

The journey from Berlin to Weimar will be slightly shorter than to Erfurt – at least by car. It’ll take approx. 3 hrs 15 minutes by car and around 2 hrs 20 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Weimar : There are a handful of places to stay in Weimar since it’s a smaller city – but you still have good options. You can check here for accommodations in Weimar .

In particular, check out Amalienhof Hotel und Apartment . This classic and very popular hotel is just south of the heart of the city centre. It features parking onsite and an excellent breakfast. It’s also not too far to walk to the train station if you are arriving on foot.

Must-see Attractions in/close to Weimar:

• Buchenwald Memorial
• Goethe’s House
• Schiller’s House

Day 10: Nuremberg

On day 10 of your itinerary, you’ll drive – or take the train – from Erfurt/Weimar to Nuremberg. This Franconian city has also been mentioned in some of the shorter itineraries.

The journey from Erfurt to Nuremberg will take approx. 2 hrs 40 minutes by car in a southern direction. The drive from Weimar to Nuremberg will just be a couple minutes longer.

If you decide to take the train, the journey would take between 1.5 hrs and 2 hrs from Weimar and between 1 hr 10 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes from Erfurt .

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Nuremberg is a city with loads of history and attractions so it’s very popular. As such, you will find hotels and accommodations all over the city – from the old town to the surrounding areas. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

We booked a stay at Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we would recommend it. You can find the place inside the massive old city walls so the location was great – walkable to the central train station and also to go find top attractions.

On the same trip, friends of our stayed at the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg . It was close to where we stayed and they really enjoyed it. There’s this great pool on an upper floor with city views as well as a parking lot across the street if you travel to Nuremberg by car. The train station is close as is the old town by walking so it’s great option overall, too.

Day 11: Stuttgart

The following day you will be on your way from Nuremberg to Stuttgart – once again, a city we have mentioned multiple times now during this article. From Nuremberg, it’ll take you around 2 hrs 15 minutes by car  and  between 2 hrs 10 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes by train to get to Stuttgart.

As we’ve mentioned before, if you are driving and have the time, you could take a small detour and stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a stroll through its beautiful old town. We’ll leave that up to you!

Accommodation in Stuttgart: You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

The Abalon Hotel ideal has parking for those with a car while the Pension am Heusteig is a guesthouse close by but is easy to get to by the metro system if you arrive by train to central station and you are walking.

Day 12: Augsburg

On day 12 you’ll be on your way from Stuttgart to Augsburg, a small city in Bavaria and one of Germany’s oldest cities. Around Germany, most people have heard of Augsburg because of its “Fuggerei” – a historic social housing complex where rent has increased very slowly over the centuries. It’s certainly worth a visit!

It’ll take you around  2 hrs by car to get from Stuttgart to Augsburg. If you opt for the train , then you can expect the journey to take approx. 1 hr 40 minutes .

Accommodation in Augsburg: In Augsburg, you will find a number of places to stay around the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Augsburg .

For a reliable stay, check out Hotel Augusta . This popular hotel – located right in the city centre – features breakfast and has parking available if you are travelling to Augsburg by car.

The nice thing about Augsburg is that because it’s a smaller city, you can easily walk to the hotel from the train station if you are arriving by train.

You might also check out City Hotel Ost am Kö which is another hotel in the heart of the centre walkable to the station. It also has breakfast and parking garage right nearby.

Must-see Attractions in Augsburg:

• Augsburg Cathedral
• Perlach Tower

Day 13+14: Munich

On your second to last day of this itinerary you will drive from Augsburg to Munich. That’s the last stop on your two week Germany adventure. In Munich, there is more than enough to see to spend two days in the city.

Munich also has an airport with good international connections in case you’re coming from overseas and need to take a plane to get back home. If that’s not the case, we’d encourage you to see whether the train would be an alternative to get you back home as well.

The journey from Augsburg to Munich should take just less than  1 hr by car  and  between 30 and 48 minutes by train.  So it’s certainly one of the shortest transitions mentioned in this article.

Accommodation in Munich:  If you’re exploring Munich while in Germany, there is no shortage of places to stay and areas to check out. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich . For this itinerary, remember to book your Munich accommodation for two nights.

We really liked our stay at the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark . From the really good breakfast, nice rooms, and excellent location with metro access nearby – you cannot beat the price for Munich. There’s also parking available if you’re travelling with a car to Munich.

For a spot right in the heart of Munich’s charming old town, check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This is a trendy hotel that puts you super close to all the action at busy Marienplatz and is steps from Hofbräuhaus, the beer hall made famous decades ago. You can also catch the metro or walk to the central train station from here.

If you are looking for more details on accommodations in this city, we wrote a detailed guide on where to stay in Munich .

To learn more about the city – as we have mentioned before – check out our post on Munich in a day if you want more details about the city!

And there you have it – one massive Germany guide with more than one Germany itinerary to suit your travel needs! Whether you’re looking for a short 5 day or a wild 14 day itinerary – we’re sure you’ll have a great time exploring Germany. We’re actually really happy to have created this post – Lisa especially. It’s always fun to help others explore your home country!

As always, Happy Germany Itinerary Waddlin’, – L&E

• Compare flights on Skyscanner
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• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
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• Go over our packing list

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A 1st Timer’s Guide to Germany Travel: Where to Go, When to Go & More!

Last Updated: August 30, 2024

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While most commonly associated with beers, bratwursts and tight leather pants, Germany is a country full of delightful finds that extend far beyond the stereotypes.

From dreamy castles and fairytale towns to awe-inspiring nature and sprawling cities, Deutschland has a little something for every kind of traveler… although I’ll admit the leather pants are also great.

I first visited Germany on a 6 week backpacking trip across Europe, and as I sipped my comically large beer under the toasty Berlin sun, I felt a strange sense of calm and belonging.

Spurred by this hunch, I moved to Munich. One study abroad later, I loved it so much I stayed for over 5 years… enough to gain so much giddy enthusiasm for this country that I’ve become a thoroughly insufferable dinner guest.

But my social life’s loss is your gain, my friend… because today, I’ve decided to channel all my Deutschland fangirl tendencies into this concise Germany travel guide filled with all my top tips, itineraries, and recommendations.

I hope you find it helpful, and of course, feel free to ask any more questions in the comments section or on Instagram here.

Save this Germany Travel Guide for Later!

I promise it’ll come in handy!

Traveling to Germany Basics

Currency: Euro

Language: German, although accents and dialects vary wildly! In larger cities and tourist hotspots, most Germans also speak excellent English.

Getting Around: Trains, buses and flights are plentiful and affordable in Germany – my best tip is to use Omio to compare options easily. Having a car is ideal for visiting smaller towns, more remote locations and numerous destinations in a short amount of time, but is otherwise not needed for big cities.

Curious about trains in Germany? Read my full step by step guide to German train travel.

Germany Highlights (By the Season)

• Winter: Christmas markets, skiing & alpine sports, Karneval and Fasching season (Carnival), Starkbier (Strong beer) season
• Spring: Cherry blossoms in Bonn , Frühlingsfest (Springfest) in Munich
• Summer: Hiking, Beer Garden season, summer festivals/celebrations
• Fall: Oktoberfest and other Volksfests, the world’s biggest pumpkin festival in Ludwigsburg, the Wurstmarkt (world’s largest wine festival)

My Favourite Places in Germany

Not sure where to go in Germany? Here are some places I can definitely recommend!

Let’s get my mega-biased opinion out of the way first – Munich is the city I called home for 5+ years, and I couldn’t recommend it more… especially if you’re obsessed with beer like I am. This is the birthplace of Oktoberfest after all!

There are lots of fun things to do in Munich , like hopping around the city’s sprawling museum district (many only cost 1 euro on Sundays!), eating up the best Bavarian food that Munich has to offer or soaking in the wealth of historical sites scatered around the city.

It’s also an ideal base for many epic day trips. Going from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle (AKA the real life Sleeping Beauty castle) takes only 2.5 hours. Or, if you want to visit glorious Salzburg from Munich (AKA the birthplace of Mozart and setting of Sound of Music), that’s only 1 hour by train.

Why visit Munich when you travel Germany:

• Amazing beer & beer festivals
• The English Garden – one of the largest city parks in the world
• Beautiful palaces and museums
• Easy base for amazing day trips to the Alps

Berchtesgaden National Park

If it’s natural beauty you’re after, Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park (near the border to Austria) is a must-visit.

Everything here is breathtaking – from the shimmering turquoise lakes and snow-flecked mountains to the adorable Berchtesgaden town center.

And, if you’re up for it, this is the ideal place to enjoy a typically Bavarian wellness weekend.

Why visit Berchtesgaden National Park when you travel Germany:

• Stunning hikes and scenery
• The glorious boat ride on Königssee to see the equally stunning Obersee
• Historic sights like Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest

Hands down one of my favourite places to visit time and time again is Berlin.

This endlessly fascinating city is home to incredible museums, delicious food, and a unique culture that makes it distinct from the rest of the country, despite its status as capital!

Whether you’re a history nerd, an avid partyer, or a famished foodie, Berlin has plenty to offer.

Why visit Berlin when you travel Germany:

• Fascinating history
• World-class museums and attractions
• A thriving nightlife and food scene

Franconia is a glorious region in northern Bavaria that is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Franconia.

To me, it’s one of the most underrated regions in Germany for international visitors, with an abundance of fairytale half-timbered houses, amazing beer, and unique natural landscapes.

Here are some places in Franconia that are absolutely worth visiting:

• Franconian Switzerland
• Würzburg (still haven’t been yet!)

Perhaps the most idyllic entry of this list is Monschau, a sleepy but gorgeous village found near the border to Belgium.

I was lucky enough to come here for Christmas markets a few years ago, and I loved it so much, I skipped the train I’d pre-booked just so I could spend a few more hours there. 

Picturesque half-timbered houses clustered around a roaring central river… oh, and a castle on a hill. Because of course they have one.

Why visit Monschau when you travel Germany:

• Super friendly locals
• Picture-perfect scenes at every turn
• Christina might cry if you don’t

Hamburg is an amazing city I’ve had the chance to visit a few times now. It’s a lifestyle city that reminds me a lot of my hometown, Vancouver.

Home to a mix of classic and modern architecture (including the coolest opera house in the world!), as well as Germany’s #1 attraction – the adorable Miniatur Wonderland, Hamburg has a lot to offer tourists, but perhaps the best way to enjoy it is with a nice beer and sunset along the Elbe.

Why visit Hamburg when you travel Germany :

• Amazing architecture like the Elbphilharmonie
• Fresh and tasty seafood (and a booming foodie scene!)
• A fun, vibrant vibe

Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, and its beauty is all the more astounding when we consider that much of the city was destroyed completely in WWII.

After decades of reconstruction however, Dresden once again shines with its former glory, establishing itself as one of the most important cultural hotspots in Germany.

… and all only a stone’s throw from Saxon Switzerland, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country!

Why visit Dresden when you travel Germany :

• Stunning architecture and sights
• World-class museums and culture scene
• Its jawdropping Christmas market (the oldest one in the country!)

Stuttgart (and its Surrounding Area)

Stuttgart is the biggest city (and capital) of the German state Baden-Württemburg. 

It’s perhaps best known as the ‘cradle of the automobile industry’, which explains why it’s home to not just one, but two car-centric museums: one belonging to Mercedes-Benz, and one to Porsche.

Besides cars though, the area around Stuttgart offers up some of the cutest small towns you can find in Germany, all easily reachable by public transport, meaning you get the best of all worlds during a visit here.

Why visit Stuttgart and the surrounding area when you travel Germany:

• Fairytale towns like Esslingen, Ludwigsburg, and Tübingen
• Stuttgart’s Stadtbibliothek, one of the most unique and beautiful libraries in the world
• Lots of fun events like Stuttgart’s Christmas Market and the Cannstatter Volksfest 

Thuringia is a state often overlooked by international tourists, but if you’re looking for a truly charming German escape, its capital Erfurt makes an excellent choice.

This beautiful city is famed for its unique Krämerbrücke, which is a gorgeous medieval bridge lined with residential buildings.

But that’s not all – there’s also an impressive cathedral, an imposing fortress, and surprises waiting on every corner… quite literally, because Erfurt is the HQ of the German children’s channel KiKA, and there’s plenty of fun statues of famous characters scattered around town.

Why visit Erfurt when you travel Germany:

• Krämerbrücke, the longest inhabited bridge in Europe
• Quirky and fun children’s channel sculptures all over the city

Cologne, to me, is a city synonymous with fun and celebration. While at first glance, it might not rank among the “prettiest” places to visit in Germany (much of it was destroyed in the war), it still boasts several impressive landmarks and sights, like the epic Cologne Cathedral.

Where Cologne really shines though is during special events – the Christmas markets here are some of the best I’ve been to in my entire life, and the Karneval celebrations… well, those are truly epic!

Why visit Cologne when you travel Germany:

• Bucket list events like the Cologne Christmas Market and Kölner Karneval
• The iconic Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), one of the most famous churches in the world 
• Fun-loving locals who are among the friendliest I’ve ever encountered in Germany

Last but not least, we have Hannover, a city which (in my opinion) is one of the most underrated cities in Germany where tourism is concerned.

Locally, people often joke that Hannover is one of the most boring cities in Germany, but I don’t think that’s true at all. One quick look and you’ll find a stunning palace within the city, an architecturally impressive Town Hall (with a unique elevator offering epic views), and a cool laidback vibe that many compare to what Berlin was like decades ago.

Here are some awesome things to do in Hannover.

Why visit Hannover when you travel Germany:

• Its gorgeous New Town Hall
• The stunning Herrenhausen Palace and its gardens
• A fun, laidback city vibe

Bucket List Experiences in Germany

Germany is full of incredible bucket list experiences. Here are a few of my favourites:

Christmas Markets

German Christmas markets are the stuff of bucket list dreams.

If you adore Christmas, a German Xmas market trip needs to make it on your bucket list, because nobody captures Christmas coziness and joy quite like the Germans do.

The best part (besides the droolworthy assortment of German Christmas Market foods ) is that you’ll find Christmas markets in just about every city, town, and even the smallest of villages, each with their own unique take on traditions.

Trust me, you could never get bored of visiting these.

Here are some full guides to the Christmas markets I’ve visited in Germany:

• Munich’s Christmas Markets
• Berlin’s Christmas Markets
• Cologne’s Christmas Markets
• Esslingen Christmas Market
• Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
• Karlsruhe Christmas Market
• Düsseldorf Christmas Market
• Nuremberg Christmas Market
• Essen Christmas Market

Oktoberfest

Trust me – Oktoberfest , AKA the world’s largest beer festival, is reason enough to make a trip to Germany.

Typically celebrated annually in Munich, this is one of the most incredible events in the world, with millions of people attending, millions of beer served, and a guaranteed recipe for making memories to last a lifetime.

… If you can remember anything after 5L of beer that is.

Read my full Oktoberfest guide for more details.

Visiting Fairytale Castles

If you love castles, I recommend avoiding Germany……. because you might just combust from sheer fangirl joy.

Seriously, Germany is every castle lover’s kryptonite, with elegant palaces and fairytale castles in the thousands. If you’re a Disney gal like me who grew up dreaming of happily ever afters, pack a ballgown and head to Germany ASAP.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Here are some castles that you must visit in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Nuremberg Castle

The Cherry Blossoms in Bonn

The cherry blossoms in Bonn (also the birthplace of Beethoven and gummy bear legend, Haribo) are absolutely spectacular, and 100% worth visiting in Spring time. In fact, I’d even say they’re one of the best things to see in Europe at Spring time.

Yes, you, too, can come frolic in these tunnels of pink! Here is my guide on where to find cherry blossoms in Bonn.

Karneval, Fasching, Etc.

Carnival Season is one of the best times to visit Germany if you’re looking for a party.

The grandest celebrations take place just before Lent, and are celebrated throughout the country, although the festivites in North-Rhine Westphalia are probably the best known.

My top recommendation? Go celebrate in Cologne, where the Kölner Karneval draws millions of visitors every year.

My Recommended Germany Itineraries

Germany is a huge country with a massive diversity in sights… so how can you organize your time efficiently and make the most of your trip? Here are some German trip itinerary ideas…

Germany itinerary ideas for a taste of everything:

• Southern Germany Classic: Munich, the Allgäu (for Castles!), Garmisch Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden National Park, Stuttgart & Area, Black Forest
• Eastern Germany Classic: Berlin, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland
• Western Germany Classic: Aachen, Monschau, Eifel National Park
• Northern Germany Classic: Hamburg, Bremen , Lübeck, Kiel, Sylt
• The Rhine River Classic: Mainz, Koblenz, Burg Eltz, Cochem, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Harz Mountains Experience: Harz Mountains, Goslar, Wernigerode, Quedlinburg

Germany itinerary ideas for city breakers and culture hunters:

• The Big City Tour: Berlin and Munich (a 4 hour express train connects them)
• The BaWu Special: Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Tübingen, Esslingen, Heidelberg
• The Bavaria Special: Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Bayreuth
• The Saxony Special: Leipzig, Görlitz, Dresden
• The Rhine City Hop: Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Romantic Villages Hop: Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Füssen

Germany itinerary ideas for nature lovers:

• Southern Germany Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Black Forest and Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Bavaria’s Best Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich’s Lake Region, Franconian Switzerland, Danube Gorge
• Eastern Germany Nature Itinerary: Dresden and Saxon Switzerland National Park

My Top Germany Travel Tips

• If you’re overwhelmed by transport options, Omio is a great resource for comparing trains, buses and flights in Germany at the same time.
• If travelling by train, look into group discount tickets like the Bayern Ticket which give you unlimited train travel for one day on regional trains. It can save you a TON of money.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries nearby (i.e. Switzerland), a Eurail pass might save you money.

Accommodation:

• Booking.com is a great place to search up hotels, and filtering by Free Cancellation allows you to book without paying upfront
• Airbnb can be a very affordable alternative for longer stays/bigger groups

Attractions and Tickets:

• GetYourGuide is a great site for finding tours and attraction tickets
• City passes like the Munich City Pass , Berlin Pass , and the Cologne Card can save you a LOT of money if you plan to visit many tourist attractions in a short time
• If you’re trying to find specific info about a place, try using Google Translate to search in German because German versions of sites always have more info

If you’re past the planning stage and heading to Germany soon, make sure you read this before you go:

• Hilarious must-knows before you visit Germany

More Germany Travel Reads

Feeling inspired to visit Germany after reading all that?

As you can (probably) tell, I’ve written extensively about Germany.

So, here are some more articles that might pique your interest:

• Unique Things to do in Germany (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else)
• The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
• Hilarious Must-Knows Before You Visit Germany

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

4 thoughts on “A 1st Timer’s Guide to Germany Travel: Where to Go, When to Go & More!”

i found myself reading almost every post in your website for days and days and i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and adore and thank you for spending so much time and effort to make it so helpful, informative and fun to read. you have helped me plan my trip to munich in december and i cant wait to visit just because of your enthusiasm 🙂

We would like to Thank you for sharing such a beautiful blog! Very informative.

This Germany Travel Guide truly captures the multifaceted beauty of Deutschland, a country that has something to offer to everyone, from culture enthusiasts to nature lovers. Your personal anecdotes from living in Munich make it come alive, making me yearn for a taste of that amazing beer you’ve mentioned, and a wander around the English Garden! The varied seasonal highlights emphasize how Germany is a year-round destination, offering uniquely charming experiences, from the festive winter Christmas markets to the lively summer festivals. It’s heartening to know that navigating around the country is convenient, making it possible to explore its picturesque small towns and vibrant cities. This guide is a treasure trove for anyone planning to travel to Germany – it gives a well-rounded view of the country, infused with personal insights, which makes it even more valuable. I’m particularly intrigued to visit Munich, the city you so passionately call home.

As a Berliner, I can’t agree more with this guide. Germany truly is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, natural beauty and urban charm, hearty cuisine and diverse cultures. Moving around in Germany is indeed quite convenient thanks to the well-organized public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. And yes, English is widely spoken in major cities, so communication shouldn’t be a problem for travelers. As for the varied dialects across regions, it just adds to the unique charm of exploring this beautiful country. Safe travels, fellow adventurers!

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The Perfect 7-Day Germany Itinerary

Germany is a country full of history, Medieval cities, amazing food and wine, and cultural traditions that you can join in, like Oktoberfest. Yet not many U.S. travelers spend a lot of time exploring this country – choosing to go to France or Italy instead. We want to change that and help you see how exciting Germany can be.

It can be difficult to decide where to start and where to go when visiting a country for the first time, so we’ve done the hard work for you and planned a full 7-day Germany itinerary, beginning in the thriving tourist hotspot of Hamburg and ending in the equally popular city of Munich. 

With just 7 days to explore this vast country, you will only be able to skim the surface, but you’ll be able to see and enjoy famous landmarks and amazing things that you probably didn’t even know were here. Like some of the places on this list of beautiful sights to see in Germany.

We’ve also listed some tips for your trip to Germany below the itinerary itself, so be sure to read until the end for some important advice. 

Planning your trip to Germany?

• Book a  transfer from the airport  to the city center with  Welcome Pickups .
• Rent a car  from the airport through  Discover Cars .

Best Tours and Experiences in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich – Embark on a day trip from Munich to witness Neuschwanstein and Linderhof’s magical fairy tale castles.
• Rhine Valley Trip from Frankfurt, including Rhine River Cruise – Embark on a romantic Rhine Valley tour from Frankfurt, where you’ll sail along the Rhine River on a traditional steamer, passing by vineyards, medieval towns, and castles.
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train – Explore the history of the Holocaust on a half-day tour from Munich to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.

Visiting other destinations in Germany? Check out our guide to traveling in Germany that includes information on many popular destinations like Berlin and Munich , plus Oktoberfest in Munich . Going outside of Germany? Here’s our Europe travel guide .

Table of Contents

Where to Start & What to See

Many tourist guides and travel blogs will recommend beginning your visit to Germany either in Hamburg Munich or Berlin, but in the interest of cutting travel time as short as possible during your trip, we suggest starting in Hamburg. 

Hamburg is located on the River Elbe and is one of Germany’s federated states. Since Hamburg is in the northern region of Germany, it’s easy to work your way down through the other central and southern locations in the itinerary from there, and it’s only just over 2 hours from Berlin by train.

Stops On the Itinerary

• Hamburg – Sitting on the River Elbe is the second largest city in Germany, Hamburg. It is the biggest harbor city in Germany. It’s also a beautiful city to tour because two-thirds of the land is covered with parks, trees and lakes.
• Berlin – As the Capitol of Germany, Berlin is rich in culture, architecture and nightlife. The city is covered with parks, rivers, greenery and bridges. Partake in a walking tour to get the full effect of this historic German city.
• Dresden – Dresden is the largest metropolitan area in Germany. The city thrives on manufacturing, transportation, and culture. The high tech items are what drive their economy and occupy their jobs. It is also a place of art and inspiration.
• Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber – You don’t want to miss this cute town in Bavaria that is just oozing with charm. It’s a Medieval walled city with beautiful colored wooden houses.
• Neuschwanstein – Everyone knows this amazing castle, but to see it in person is an experience you won’t forget.
• Munich – Munich is a southern city in Germany that is located near the Alps. Best known for hosting the annual Oktoberfest Beer Festival, Munich is also a city filled with cultural activities. This is a great cultural center in Germany with opera, theatre, ballet, museums, and galleries. In Munich, you will find also the factory of the sports car BMW.

How to Get Around

Driving is very easy in Germany, as is the train system. However, you can’t easily reach every place on our itinerary by train. In places, such as between Rothenburg and Neuschwanstein, the train requires a minimum of three changes and takes over four hours.

It’s best to rent a car so you can get around to each place without having to deal with train times and tickets.

If you prefer to use the train only, then I would modify the itinerary to stay in only the bigger cities, which would be Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, and Munich, with a side journey to Neuschwanstein from Munich .

• Hamburg to Berlin: 3:20 by car; 1:45 via train
• Berlin to Dresden: 2:10 by car; 2:15 via train
• Dresden to Rothenburg: 4 hours by car; 7:45 via train
• Rothenburg to Neuschwanstein: 2:30 by car; 6 hours with transfers

When to Visit Germany

There are reasons why you might want to visit Germany in each season. For instance, the popular Oktoberfest celebration is in September, as is the wine harvest, which is a great time to visit the wineries.

In the winter there are Christmas markets taking place in cute towns all over Germany, especially in Rothenburg. Spring is a great time to go for fewer crowds, better prices, and an abundance of spring flowers.

You might also be interested in planning a trip during the Hamburg Dom , which takes place three times per year. It’s Northern Germany’s biggest public festival. Expect it to be on in November, April, and August.

7 Days In Germany

Day 1: hamburg.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during Hamburg Dom, join in the classic funfair rides, sample traditional German food , and just take in the culture.

• Two fun areas to visit are the Speicherstadt (city of Warehouses), and the surrounding HafenCity, where you’ll find many of the city’s most-visited tourist attractions. Just walk around to see the changing shape of the waterfront and the now protected World Heritage Site.
• The newly opened Elbphilharmonie  is an interesting building to check out and to visit if you want to catch a performance by the Orchestra. It’s Hamburg’s tallest inhabited building.
• Museums – There are four museums you should definitely check out – the Kunsthalle (one of the largest art museums in the country), the International Maritime Museum, and Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland , the perfect attraction for anyone interested in trains or air travel. The Chocoversum , Hamburg’s Chocolate Museum, is where you can sample some of Germany’s finest chocolate and even customize your own chocolate bar. 
• Another area to explore are the Inner Alster (Binnenalster) and Outer Alster (Aussenalster), two artificial lakes around which you’ll find a tree-lined park with lots of space for walking, jogging, or sitting at a café.

Where to Stay in Hamburg

Altstadt, the historic center of the city, is definitely the best area to stay in Hamburg for tourists because it’s near everything you’ll want to see, or a quick walk or train ride.

Our recommended hotels are:

• Park Hyatt Hamburg
• Grand Elysee Hamburg
• Steigenberger Hotel Hamburg

Where to Eat in Hamburg

Hamburg’s signature dishes are Franzbrötchen (a French roll), Currywurst, Labskaus (a beetroot seafarer’s stew), and Rote Grütze (a red-berry dessert).

Some restaurants we like going to in Hamburg are:

• Kartoffel Keller  for great German food
• Otto’s Burger – best burgers in town, so good!
• Haerlin – two Michelin star restaurant for fine dining
• Alt Helgoländer Fischerstube – high-quality fish restaurant right on the waterfront

Tours to Try:

• Hamburg Reeperbahn Small-Group Walking Tour
• Guided Hamburg City Bike Tour
• Hamburg Small-Group Sunset Sailing Cruise on Lake Alster

Day 2: Berlin

You’ll be spending your second day in Germany in the capital city of Berlin. There is, of course, plenty to see and do in this city, so you’ll want to get an early start from Hamburg. With so much to see you may want to come back and visit again. This 3-day Berlin itinerary will help you out.

One of my favorite ways to see many of the top sights in Berlin is on a walking tour. This half-day walking tour is only $20 and takes you around to all the main sights included in the list below. You won’t go into anything, but you’ll get an idea of where and what they are so you can go back.

• Berlin in obviously well-known for its checkered past, which can’t be ignored while visiting. We recommend learning about all aspects of German history, starting with the Holocaust Memorial and the Topography of Terror museum.
• Next to that is the Berlin Wall , which is both a painful reminder of the Cold War and, since 1990, a poignant open-air art gallery.
• Brandenburg Gate is the only historical city gate remaining in Berlin, and it has come to symbolize the reunification of Germany.
• Museum Island is home to five great museums: Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie , and Bode Museum.
• Climb the Berlin TV Tower and dine at the revolving restaurant sphere or the Reichstag Dome , which also has a rooftop restaurant that’s perfect for lunch. 

Where to Stay in Berlin

The best locations for tourists in Berlin is right in the center of the city, called Mitte. From here, you’ll be in easy walking distance of all the top sights and you won’t need to take public transportation unless you want to head further outside the main areas.

We enjoyed staying at the COSMO Hotel (newly opened Design Hotel) to the southeast. The Radisson Blu to the northeast and the Grand Hyatt to the southwest are also good choices.

• Hilton Berlin ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• The Grand Hyatt ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• COSMO ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Radisson Blu read reviews on Trip Advisor | Book a stay

Where to Eat in Berlin

You might be expecting the typical German foods in Berlin, but schnitzel isn’t the only thing on the menu in this melting pot of a city. There is a great international food influence in Berlin that leads to a lot of fusion.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Berlin on a Thursday, be sure to check out all the street-food vendors at Markthalle Neun . It opens at 5pm and features dozens of food options.

Even before I spent any time in Berlin, I knew about the Currywurst . It’s Bratwurst served with curry powder and ketchup, plus generally a side of fries. It’s one of the most popular street food dishes in Berlin. You’ll find some of the best Currywurst at Curry Mitte (in the middle of Mitte – very convenient), or at Curry 36.

• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin
• Berlin Icebar Experience Including 3 Drinks
• Classic Bites and Culinary Trends Neighborhood Food Tour in Berlin

Day 3: Dresden

Dresden is between 2 and 3 hours away from Berlin by train or car. This city is the perfect follow-up to your historical journey through Berlin. Dresden has three major landmarks – the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper opera house, and the Church of Our Lady – all of which are must-sees.

• The first thing you should do when you arrive in Dresden is visit the Frauenkirche Church , also known as the Church of Our Lady. This Baroque-style building has a rich history that begins in the 11th century when the originally Romanesque structure was built, through the 18th century when it was destroyed and rebuilt.
• The Zwinger Palace was built in the baroque style. It’s a palatial estate with gardens that houses internationally renowned museums and is the stage for many festivals, parades, and dramas.
• Semperoper is where you’ll find world-class opera, ballet and concert performances in one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Check out their calendar to see what’s on during your visit.
• We also recommend spending a few hours at the Green Vault . This is the site of the royal treasury, but it’s also a great spot for recreation.
• This Renaissance palace was the residence for the Electors and then the Kings of Saxony from the 16th to the 19th century.
• The Dresdener Residenzschloss was a residential palace from the 16-19 centuries, but is now a collection of museums for the various state collections.

Where to Stay in Dresden

The best place to stay in Dresden for tourists is the Altstadt, where you’ll really be able to enjoy and experience the rich past of the city and feel like you’re immersed in the history of the place. There are many great hotels in this area and they are walking distance to most things you’ll want to see.

• Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection
• Hilton Dresden
• NH Collection Altmarkt

Where to Eat in Dresden

The top Saxony dishes you should try in Dresden are mostly consisting of meat and potatoes. These are all definitely worth a try if you find them on the menu:

• Rinderroulade – This is a thin-sliced round steak, rolled up with a coat of mustard with diced bacon and pickles.
• Dresdner Sauerbraten mit Rotkraut – A slow roasted and spiced leg of beef that is sliced and served with red cabbage and bread dumplings.
• Sachsische Kartoffelsuppe – A hearty potato soup with speck or sausage.

Pulverturm , located right downtown, is a great place to try Saxony dishes in a unique underground vault restaurant complete with original stone walls.

You’ll also find many of the dishes above on the menu at AltMarktkeller , a beer cellar restaurant that serves local traditional dishes.

We especially love Paulaner’s im Taschenbergpalais which serves excellent Central European cuisine alongside a great variety of beer.

A popular beer garden where you can eat and drink outside is Augustus Garten – definitely go here if it’s a nice day out and you want to just enjoy the atmosphere and the nice weather.

• City Walk – Dresden in One Day

Day 4-5: Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fair train journey from Dresden (about 7 hours), so you might need to leave it off your itinerary if you’re using the train – or plan to add an extra day for the journey. If you’re driving, it will take about 4 hours 30 minutes. For that reason, we have given 2 days for this cute town, so you can enjoy the drive along the Romantic Road, or get there by train and still have time to see everything.

Romantic Road is one of the most well-traveled paths in Germany. It takes you through several quaint and picturesque towns like Ausburg and Wurzburg as well as beautiful forests before reaching the famously colorful town of Rothenburg. 

Rothenburg’s streets are lined with timbered houses, painted in every color of the rainbow. Complete with cobbled streets and warm-looking red roofs, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (which translates in English to ‘red fortress above Tauber River’) dates back to the Medieval ages and feels like a trip back in time. 

If you choose to visit Germany in December, you will love the abundance of Christmas markets that set up along the streets. Be sure to grab a mug of hot Glühwein as well. Last time I visited, you got a different souvenir mug to keep from each Gluhwein stand.

Here are the things you’ll want to do in the city:

Take a walk along the walls. The old quarter has 42 towers, most of which you’ll find along the 4 kilometer Tower Trail, which is open around the clock for you to walk on, with plaques along the way giving information.

Walk around town. You’ll see the beautiful Town Hall (Rathaus) with the clocktower that animates every hour with cute little figurines. Also be sure to see the most picturesque spot in town (pictured below), the Plönlein, which translates as “little square”. So cute!

Rothenburg Castle makes for a relaxing afternoon strolling through the castle garden or the park, learning some more history on the way. 

In the evening, if you’re in the mood for an eerie and exciting experience, you should book a spot on the Night Watchman Tour to hear some German legends and see Rothenburg at night.

Where to Stay in Rothenburg

The town is very small so there are only a few choices for hotels, all of which are well located and easy walking distance. My recommended hotels are:

• Hotel BurgGartenpalais
• Hotel Eisenhut

What to Eat in Rothenburg

What I love about this town is how everywhere you go is just as cute as the next place. There are some really cool places to eat here.

There are also a number of local foods you should try. One of my favorites is the Schneeball, which you will see in the store windows of many bakeries. Stop and give one a try. This is also a good opportunity to try Wiener schnitzel (pounded breaded veal) and Schweinsbraten (roast pork).

Zur Höll – Translates as “To Hell”, this is a super cool medieval cellar restaurant with a cozy atmosphere inside one of the oldest homes in Rothenburg. Some of the tables are in carved out caves.

The Bell Restaurant – If you’re a wine lover , you have to visit this restaurant and winery located on the Plönlein Corner. You can even take a tour of the vineyard and cellar.

Day 6: Neuschwanstein Castle

On day 6, you will be exploring Neuschwanstein Castle , which is about 2 hours outside Munich in the village of Hohenschwangau. It takes about 2 hours 20 minutes to get there by car from Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Another option is to go directly to Munich and take a guided tour to Neuschwanstein, which will take away some of the stress of planning. I recommend this full-day tour from Munich , which includes round trip train and a guided tour.

The castle itself feels like something out of a fairytale, and you can learn all about its 19th-century history on a tour. Neuschwanstein Castle is a popular tourist attraction, so you must book your tickets in advance for a timed slot. The tour is 30 minutes long, but you have to also get up to the castle, which takes about 30 minutes as well.

You can buy tickets at the entrance, but you likely either won’t get the time you prefer or you won’t get a ticket at all if they sell out, especially because they go on sale at 8am and you likely won’t arrive by then.

You can also take a tour of the Hohenschwangau castle on the opposite mountain, but you will need almost the whole day to complete these two, so you’ll have to decide how much time you have.

Where to Stay

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Neischwanstein and really get the most out of your time there, you’ll want to book at the Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet . It’s fantastic and located right in the historic center of Schwangau.

Where to Eat Near Neuschwanstein Castle

If you want to sit down for a meal while you’re visiting the castle, I would recommend the Neuschwanstein Restaurant that is located up on the hill as you come down. It is a touristy area, so no matter where you eat it will be a tourist restaurant, so why not try the one with the most atmosphere.

Order a kase spaetzle and a schweineschnitzel and enjoy the scenery.

At the bottom of the hill, after you’ve descended into town, our recommendation is Schlossbrauhaus Schwangau , which is a rustic microbrewery serving authentic Bavarian cuisine.

Instead of staying in the area, I recommend taking the train back to Munich for the night. There are more choices and you’ll be ready to go for day 7.

• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Small-Group Premium All-Inc Tour from Munich
• Neuschwanstein Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Munich

Day 7: Munich City Center

Spend your final day in Germany in one of the most vibrant and fun-filled cities in the country: Munich.

Munich Old Town is a must-see if you’re interested in medieval architecture. The Glockenspiel is probably the main tourist attraction in the area. It’s the chimes of the clock tower that plays a scene with dancing figures on the hour. You’ll find this at the New City Hall (Rathaus) tower at Marienplatz. Plan to be there on the hour, then take a walk along the Marienplatz to take in all the sights and do a little shopping.

One of the best ways to learn about Munich and get acquainted with the city in a short time is on a walking tour. I recommend this 2-hour tour that takes you to historic landmarks like the Old Town Hall, Frauenkirche and St Peter’s Church, past the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall, into the lively Viktualienmarkt food market, Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz.

We also recommend taking a walk around Englischer Garten, which is a park dating back to the 18th century. This is the perfect place to enjoy lunch with a cold beer and a satisfying view because there are plenty of beer gardens, including our personal favorite, Hirschau .

You can take your pick from the various museums open to the public in Munich. The State Museum of Egyptian Art is particularly fascinating, as is the Deutsches Museum . To see some incredible antique sculptures from the Greek and Roman eras, be sure to visit the Glyptothek .

Want to spend more time in Munich? Check out this Munich Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Munich .

Where to Stay in Munich

I like to stay within walking distance of the Marianplatz because most everything you’ll be doing is near there. However, if you are planning your trip to coincide with Oktoberfest, you might want to stay nearer to the fest grounds called the Theresienwiese , so I have two recommendations.

• Platzl Hotel – 4 star hotel, 5 minutes walk to the Marianplatz
• Marc Munchen – Adults only 4-star hotel within close proximity to the Theresienwiese and the train station. We’ve stayed here numerous times and always love it.

Where to Eat in Munich

Bavarian food is much like what you’ve come to expect in Germany with a lot of sausage, schnitzel and potato dumplings. There are a few extra dishes that are served in Bavaria that are unique to here.

• Weisswurst – a white sausage made with veal and pork and served in a bowl of broth, often served with a pretzel and beer on the side.
• Münchner Schnitzel – Like other variations of schnitzel, this one is special to Munich and is spread with horseradish or mustard before being breaded and fried.

You can toast the amazing experiences you’ve had and order a final Bavarian meal at Hofbrauhaus , which is one of the most famous taverns in the world. It’s huge and super fun. Another way to enjoy it is on a Beer & Food Evening Tour, on which you’ll visit Hofbrauhaus and a few others, plus the beer museum.

Another place we really like to eat is Weinhaus Schneider , a cozy and eclectic fondue restaurant near the Rathaus. The Ratskeller Restaurant is another fun 19th-century cellar restaurant right next to the Rathaus.

Attending Oktoberfest

If you’re planning your trip to coincide with Oktoberfest , which takes place from mid-September to early October most years, you will definitely want to plan ahead. Hotels fill up fast, so book your stay at least 4-6 months ahead.

You don’t need tickets to attend Oktoberfest and the best time to go is during lunch on the weekdays, so you can get a seat at a table and see various tents without needing a table reservation. Table reservations for the evening session are VERY hard to come by. Try this small-group Oktoberfest tour that includes a reserved tent table.

Read our full guide on Oktoberfest to plan your trip.

Tours To Try:

• Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train

What To Do If You Have More Time

Day 8+: lake constance and the black forest.

A lot of our itinerary so far has been based in some of Germany’s famous cities, but if you have extra time to spend, we recommend getting away from the city and exploring the Black Forest and Lake Constance. 

Lake Constance is a World Heritage Site, located about 3 hours away from Rottenburg, and it’s one of the best places to go if you want to see the Alps in all their glory. 

The Black Forest is about 2 hours away from Lake Constance. If you’re driving, you could stop at Constanzer Wirtshaus for lunch on the way. This is a traditional German Pub with a beautiful view of the river.

Wine Tasting in Germany

The Black Forest is also known for being home to some of Germany’s best vineyards and wineries. If you’re in the mood for a glass of wine after your forest excursion, you should definitely visit Nagelsforst for a wine tasting.

The wine area of The Black Forest is the 3rd largest and southern-most wine region in Germany

Tips For Visiting Germany 

If this will be your first time visiting Germany, bear these tips in mind to ensure you get the most out of your week: 

• Remember that Germany is amongst the most populous European countries, and since it’s known for being very tourist-friendly, it’s also a popular vacation destination. This means that you’re likely to encounter a lot of crowds, especially in major cities like Berlin and Munich. Therefore, it’s best to book restaurant tables, tours, and other activities ahead of time. 
• Germany is a beautiful country, but it’s important to remember that many aspects of German history are very sensitive and sobering subjects. Therefore, it is imperative to be respectful at all times, but particularly when visiting memorials and historical sites. 
• A week in Germany is enough to see the major cities and have a diverse range of experiences. However, if you want to spend more time in cities like Berlin or try to see some of Germany’s lesser-known hidden gems , we recommend extending your stay to 10 days or 2 weeks. 
• Restaurants and Bars – You do not get water for free, you have to pay for it. If you order water you will get carbonated water. In most restaurants, you can request tap water and they may or may not charge you but it is most likely straight from the sink.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days in germany is enough.

For a more comprehensive tour of Germany, including major cities, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty, 10-14 days or more would be ideal. If you plan to visit one major city like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, a minimum of 3-4 days is a good starting point to get a taste of the city’s highlights. If you want to explore a specific region, like the Romantic Road or the Bavarian Alps, you might need around 5-7 days to see the main sights and immerse yourself in the local culture.

What to do in Germany for a week?

Start in Hamburg, where you can enjoy the funfair rides and cultural delights during Hamburg Dom. Explore the Speicherstadt and HafenCity, along with museums and beautiful lakes. Day 2 takes you to Berlin, where you’ll visit historical sites like the Holocaust Memorial and Berlin Wall. Marvel at the Brandenburg Gate and explore Museum Island. Day 3 continues to Dresden, known for its Baroque landmarks, including Zwinger Palace and Semperoper opera house. Day 4-5 brings you to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque town along the Romantic Road. Day 6 leads you to the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, offering a glimpse of 19th-century history. End your journey in vibrant Munich, exploring its Old Town, the Glockenspiel, Englischer Garten, and fascinating museums. This itinerary promises a memorable and diverse exploration of Germany’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

How much money do you need for a week in Germany?

Overall, a rough estimate for a budget traveler in Germany might be around €800-1200 for a week, excluding international flights. Mid-range travelers could plan for €1200-2000, while luxury travelers might budget upwards of €2500 or more.

Remember that these are general estimates, and your expenses depend on travel choices and spending habits.

Final Thoughts On This 7-Day Germany Itinerary

We hope that you’ll thoroughly enjoy your week in Germany with the help of our 7-day itinerary! 

Remember to leave yourself enough time to travel by car or train between your destinations each day to ensure you get to see everything.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

4 thoughts on “ The Perfect 7-Day Germany Itinerary ”

Do you actually put together trips for Oktoberfest or do I need to go through a travel agent?

We don’t put together the trips ourselves. We just offer advice.

Can you give me a roundabout of how much the 7 day might cost if we rent a car and stay in moderately priced hotels? Without airfare, of course.

Hi Kim, It’s very hard to estimate because every traveler is different in their spending, but the average price of a 7-day trip to Germany is $2,200 for a couple and $2,600 for a family of 4.

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Germany Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Germany. The country is synonymous with beer, sausages, incredible hiking, majestic castles, serious people, and wild techno parties. It’s huge, diverse, and utterly amazing.

There’s a vibrant art and music scene in Berlin , beautiful forests in the west, majestic cathedrals and castles throughout the country, picturesque “Sound of Music” cities in the south, and overlooked historic cities and beaches in the north.

The more I visit Germany, the more I fall in love with it. Whether you are backpacking, traveling on a mid-range budget, or looking to splash out, traveling around Germany is wonderful.

That said, Germany is a huge country so don’t rush your visit. There’s more to the country than just Berin and those cross-country train rides are longer than you think.

This travel guide to Germany will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Germany

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Top 5 things to see and do in germany.

1. Get lost in Berlin

Germany’s hip capital has world-class museums, history, funky neighborhoods, and some of the best nightlife in Europe. From the museums to the art and music scene to the great bars and cheap food, Berlin is electric (and one of the cheapest European capitals). It’s a really amazing city that has grown on me with every visit.

2. See Munich

Berlin’s quiet, upscale cousin, Munich is a city steeped in history, lively beer halls, incredible food, lush parks, and a royal palace. It’s a beautiful destination and there are a lot of Bavarian towns nearby that make for scenic day trips.

3. Party at Oktoberfest

Held annually in September and October, the world’s largest beer festival is filled with huge steins and giant pretzels. I went there for 5 days and had the time of my life. Buy some lederhosen, raise a glass, and sing some German beer songs. Just make sure to plan your trip well in advance as things sell out fast!

4. Explore the Romantic Road

A string of historic cities in Bavaria, the “Romantic Road” is the name for the route through majestic Bavarian towns and their surrounding snow-capped mountains. The area can get quite touristy but it’s a beautiful area and a great choice for road trips and romantic getaways. There are a ton of tour options for the area that are worth checking out. For some of the more further afield attractions, the tours are a must as they are hard to visit without a car.

5. Hike the Black Forest

The Black Forest is so named because of the dark green pine trees that grow here. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles), there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails worth exploring and you can spend some time stopping in towns that are famous for their cuckoo clocks and hearty German fare. If you want to go on a guided hike or adventure activity, you can find a lot here.

Other Things to See and Do in Germany

1. explore lake constance.

Lying along the country’s southwestern border with Switzerland and Austria , Lake Constance (known as Bodensee in German) is Germany’s largest freshwater lake and the third-largest in Central Europe. One of the lake’s main attractions is the island of Mainau, also known as Flower Island, which is home to many specialty gardens, a baroque palace, and one of the largest butterfly houses in Germany. Tickets to visit the island are 10.50 EUR. Be sure to visit the many picturesque medieval villages and castles nearby, enjoy water sports, and go hiking and biking along the 272-kilometer (170-mile) Lake Constance Trail.

2. Visit Hanover

This city was one of the hardest hit during World War II, leaving it with only a few historical landmarks. But what I loved about Hanover were its large green areas of forests and big parks, the River Leine winding through the city, and the Sprengel Museum. Not many people visit, but I think it is one of Germany’s most underrated destinations .

3. Hike Berchtesgaden National Park

This national park, located in the south of Germany along the Austrian border, is an alpine heaven of lush forests, steep rock faces, crystal clear lakes, sleepy villages, and rolling meadows. It’s just you, the chirping birds, and cows ringing their brass bells. Well-marked trails wind through the spectacular scenery, which brims with opportunities for hiking and cycling. While nature is the main attraction, the beautiful red-domed Church of St. Bartholomew (dating to 1697) is a worthwhile stop as well.

4. Check out Trier

Nestled in the Moselle River valley, picturesque Trier is the oldest town in the country. With a 2,000-year-old history, Trier was home to six Roman emperors and contains numerous UNESCO Roman ruins. The most outstanding example is the Black Gate, a monumental structure that was once part of the city walls. Other Roman sites worth visiting include the incredibly well-preserved basilica, the huge amphitheater, the bridge, and the baths. Trier is also home to several important Gothic and Baroque churches, a beautiful main square, and great wine due to its location in the Moselle wine region.

5. Visit Dresden

Dresden, the capital of the German state Saxony, is a vibrant city located along the majestic Elbe River near the Czech and Polish borders. During World War II, the city was subject to one of the most devastating bombings of the war. Tens of thousands of civilians died, and over 90% of the city was razed at the hands of British-American forces. After the war, the city was completely rebuilt. The famous Frauenkirche church, the Neumarkt historic district, the Zwinger Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Semper Opera House have all been restored to their former glory. Other must-see attractions include the Fürstenzug, a unique 102-meter-long (334-foot) porcelain mural dating to the 1870s; and the baroque Grosser Garten, the largest green space in the city.

6. Spend a day in Cologne

Cologne is a cool place to stop in West Germany on your way to or from the Netherlands . The cathedral is the most popular landmark in the city (and one of the most popular in the country), but there’s also a vibrant art scene, incredible international restaurants, and lots of riverside cafes and pubs. It’s an underrated stop worth exploring for a couple of days.

7. See Neuschwanstein Castle

This 19th-century Neo-Romantic palace is the model for the Disney castle and a must for any Germany itinerary. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Europe, with over 1.5 million visitors each year. Perched on a rugged hill in Bavaria near the town of Füssen, the palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner. Visitors can walk around outside and admire the stunning exterior for free, but the interior is only accessible by guided tour at specific times, which must be booked in advance. While the palace is 6,000 square meters (65,000 square feet) in size, only 14 of those rooms were ever finished. The finished rooms were fitted with very modern technology for the time, such as central heating, hot and cold running water, automatic flush toilets, and telephones. Admission is 15 EUR and guided tours are available . I think the guided tours add a lot of context and would really recommend taking one.

8. See Frankfurt

Often considered just a stopover city (there is a huge airport here), Frankfurt is home to a gigantic exhibition hall (one of the largest in the world so tons of events and conferences are held here), an excellent science museum, and a towering 14th-century cathedral. It’s less expensive compared to other cities in Germany and worth spending a day or two visiting.

9. Visit Olympia Park

Located in Munich, this massive complex was originally constructed for the 1972 Olympic Games. It is topped by the largest roof in the world, which spans over 700,000 feet. There is a really good restaurant here too. Tickets to the stadium cost 3.50 EUR while a ticket to the Olympic Tower costs 11 EUR. You can also skate in the ice arena, swim in the Olympic swimming pool, and reserve court time on the tennis courts. The BMW Museum is also nearby and worth a visit.

10. Tour to Schloss Colditz

Originally built to be a Renaissance palace, this interesting structure has a long, bizarre history. Located between Leipzig and Dresden in the region of Saxony, it’s been a hunting lodge, a poorhouse, and even a mental hospital. It is most famous for being a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. There is a museum within the palace, with tickets costing 4 EUR. A two-hour guided tour through the castle (and escape tunnels built by prisoners) is 10 EUR. There is even a hostel within the castle (30.50 EUR per night).

11. Visit Hamburg

Located in northern Germany, Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. This port city, home to the second-busiest port in Europe, is famous for its parks and canals. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city’s central boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town) and is home to landmarks like 18th-century St. Michael’s Church.

12. See Tierpark Hagenbeck

Located in Hamburg, this zoo and aquarium spans over 60 acres and is home to more than 2,500 animals including polar bears, penguins, and walruses. In addition to the classic attractions, there is a petting zoo, a miniature railway, pony rides, a playground for kids, and a serene Japanese garden. Combination tickets for the zoo and aquarium are 40 EUR.

13. Take a break in Bremen

Located in the north (near Hamburg), Bremen is a smaller city worth exploring. The charming medieval Schnoor district makes for a great stroll, and there is a beautiful cathedral and opulent city hall in the historic market square. The medieval harbor has been converted into the Schlachte, a large pedestrian promenade along the banks of the Weser River lined with countless restaurants, beer gardens, and riverboats. Bremen is also home to several fascinating museums, including the Universum Bremen, an interactive science museum in a modern whale-shaped building. The museum also offers a Dining in the Dark three-hour dinner experience, where you learn to experience food with just four out of your five senses.

14. Explore the Rhine Valley

The longest river in Germany, the Rhine holds incredible importance both historically and culturally. The most popular area to visit is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 67-kilometer (41-mile) stretch is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with countless castles, ruins, villages, and vineyards. An extensive network of walking and cycling paths, as well as excellent public transportation, means you don’t even need to rent a car when visiting.

15. Step back in time in Bamberg

Located less than an hour from Nuremberg, Bamberg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, home to Europe’s largest intact historic city wall. Founded in the 9th century, the town was important in both the 12th-century Holy Roman Empire and the 18th-century German Enlightenment. It’s an incredibly picturesque town so spend the day wandering around, seeing the old homes, visiting the 13th-century cathedral, the 17th-century palace, the 18th-century city hall, and the seven churches that sit atop each of the seven hills surrounding the village.

16. Take a river cruise

Many of Germany’s major cities lie along large rivers, making river cruises a popular way to see the country. While there are expensive multi-day cruises going from city to city, you can also take a day cruise for a more budget-friendly option . Generally, these are around 15-25 EUR for a 1-2 hour trip. They are super fun.

17. Ascend Germany’s tallest mountain

Located in the Alps along the German-Austrian border, the Zugspitze mountain measures 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) and is a popular destination for winter sports. Even if you’re not into skiing, you can still enjoy the trip up the mountain via one of three different cable cars and a 90-year-old rack railway line. At the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views and several restaurants with traditional Alpine food. Round-trip cable car tickets cost 24-63 EUR depending on the season and which cable car you take. If you don’t want to go solo, day trips are available from Munich and are the best way to get there and around without transportation.

  For more information on specific cities in Germany, check out these guides:

• Berlin Travel Guide
• Cologne Travel Guide
• Frankfurt Travel Guide
• Munich Travel Guide

Germany Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Germany is quite affordable compared to other Eurozone countries. Hostels are plentiful and range from 17-25 EUR per night for a dorm room with 6-8 beds. For a private room, expect to pay 40-60 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices begin around 45-65 EUR for a small double room with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available everywhere with private rooms going for as little as 30-45 EUR per night and entire apartments or homes starting at 50-75 EUR. Book early though or prices will double (or triple).

While wild camping is illegal, there are a ton of campsites around the country. Expect to pay 5-20 EUR per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Food – Food in Germany is very cheap (and hearty). Meat is a staple of most meals, especially sausages; there are over 1,500 different kinds of sausages in Germany (sausages here are known as “wurst”). Stews are also a popular traditional choice, as are potato dumplings and sauerkraut. Breakfast is usually composed of bread, cold cuts, cheese, and boiled eggs.

You can get sausages and bratwurst from outdoor vendors for around 3-5 EUR. Meals at many of the beer halls around the country cost 9-15 EUR. Pre-made sandwiches cost around 5 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8.50 EUR for a combo meal.

If you eat in the beer halls, a traditional German meal costs around 14-18 EUR. Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Asian food can be found for as little as 5 EUR, while a nicer meal at a sit-down restaurant costs around 25 EUR.

Beer costs around 4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 3 EUR. Bottled water is around 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking for yourself, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-50 EUR. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat. While they don’t always offer the most variety, the cheapest places are Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto. Bring your own bag if possible.

Backpacking Germany Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Germany, my suggested budget is 55 EUR per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, using local transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like hiking and taking free walking tours. If you plan on drinking, add another 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 135 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat a few meals out, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a few drinks, take the bus between cities, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and castles.

On a “luxury” budget of 245 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, travel between cities via train, eat out at restaurants for all of your meals, drink more, take taxis to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Germany Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Overall, Germany is not an expensive country to visit. Yes, river cruises are expensive. Yes, there’s plenty of high-end cuisine throughout the country. Visiting Frankfurt, the capital of finance, costs a pretty penny. But those are exceptions to the rule. Overall, Germany is quite affordable for a Eurozone country, with plenty of bargains throughout the country. Here are my best tips for saving money in Germany:

• Eat cheap – Throughout Germany, cheap outdoor sausage vendors offer quick eats for only a couple of euros. Additionally, some of the best and cheapest food in Germany is Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. You can get meals for 5-8 EUR that are delicious and filling. It’s what I mainly eat while in Germany whenever I want to eat out.
• Drink cheap – In Germany, buying beer and walking around — known as a ‘Weg bier’ — is totally acceptable. Take advantage of good weather by sitting outside in Germany’s lovely plazas and lush parks and buy your own drinks from the Späti shops, street kiosks, and supermarkets to save money. Also, find the student areas by the universities as you’ll find the discounted places.
• Take the free tours – The bigger cities in Germany have free walking tours. They’re a good way to see the city, learn about the history, and get your bearings without spending money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Book your train early – Trains in Germany are expensive but you can get a saver ticket that is around 40-50% off the standard fare if you book at least a week in advance. These tickets have limited availability, so be flexible with your travel plans. Also, if you are more flexible with times, try Flixtrain instead, which has fewer routes between bigger cities sometimes at inconvenient times but is way cheaper than Deutsche Bahn.
• Take the bus instead of the train – While not as comfy or romantic, Flixbus or Postbus are two bus companies with super cheap prices. Download the app and you can get tickets last-minute but be aware that prices vary by time and availability so if you need to be somewhere by a certain time or day book in advance.
• Use rideshares – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). You save money and get to spend time with locals. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible). While the bus might be cheaper, this is usually faster (and more interesting). Just make sure to check where the pickup and drop-offs are as sometimes they are not exactly central places or main station.
• Stay with a local – While accommodation in Germany is pretty cheap, if you want to get some local insight into the country, you should Couchsurf. Not only will you save money on accommodation but you’ll meet locals who can help get you off the tourist trail and show you around! Plus, they have occasional meet-ups depending on the city so you can meet other travelers and locals
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Look out for free museum days – Most museums in Germany offer free admission on certain days or evenings. Check their website or ask the local tourism office to find out about discounts.
• Get transportation day passes – If you’re going to be using public transportation a lot in a city, get a day pass. Paying for single rides adds up quickly.
• Get city tourism cards – Most of the major cities in Germany offer city tourism cards. These include free admission to major museums and attractions, discounts on restaurants, and usually unlimited public transportation. If you plan on seeing a lot, these cards can save you money.

Where to Stay in Germany

There are lots of fun and social hostels in Germany. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• St. Christopher’s (Berlin)
• Circus Hostel (Berlin)
• Wombats (Munich)
• Jaeger’s Hostel (Munich)
• Five Elements Hostel (Frankfurt)
• Meininger (Hamburg)
• Generator Hostel (Hamburg)
• Station Hostel for Backpackers (Cologne)
• Black Sheep Hostel (Cologne)
• Lollis Homestay (Dresden)
• Hostel Mondpalast (Dresden)
• a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof (Nuremberg)
• Five Reasons Hostel (Nuremberg)

How to Get Around Germany

Public transportation – Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. All the cities and larger towns have public transportation that is reliable and efficient. In cities like Berlin and Munich, all the various networks are integrated: one ticket gives you access to buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (above ground train). Fares are determined by zone, but generally, a one-way fare starts from 2.90 EUR. A one-day unlimited pass is generally around 7-9 EUR while a three-day pass costs 17-20 EUR.

Train – Train travel is an incredibly efficient way to get around Germany, though it’s not cheap. Germany’s main rail system is Deutsche Bahn, which has both high-speed trains and regular trains. The high-speed trains are a quick way to get around but are usually much more expensive.

Take advantage of regional group tickets that start at around 22 EUR. These regional discounted tickets are available in Bavaria, Brandenburg-Berlin, Baden-Wüttermburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westfalia, Hesse, etc. For example, the Bavarian Bayern Ticket is 58 EUR for a group of 5 tickets for any train in Bavaria from 9am to 3am.

Last-minute tickets from Berlin to Hamburg can cost 50 EUR, but advance bookings start around 20 EUR. Frankfurt to Cologne is also around 20 EUR. It’s always best to book in advance when possible, otherwise, you’ll pay the price for last-minute bookings. You can track schedules and fares on the Deutsche Bahn website.

Another great site for trains around Germany (and into neighboring countries), is Trainline .

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money .

Bus – Aside from hitchhiking, buses are the cheapest way to get around Germany. They are punctual but slow, with comfortable seats, air-conditioning, rest stops, and usually free Wi-Fi.

I recommend Flixbus for the cheapest rates and most comfortable buses. You can get from Berlin to Dresden for as little as 10 EUR, or from Berlin to Munich for 20 EUR. Munich to Hamburg is around 22 EUR.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Ridesharing – Ridesharing in Germany is very common. Ridesharing means you travel as a passenger with someone in exchange for payment toward fuel costs. It’s usually not as cheap as the bus but it’s often faster and you’ll meet some interesting characters! BlaBlaCar and Mitfahren are the two most popular ride-sharing websites.

Car rental – German is a great country to explore by car. Car rentals start at 30 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Renters need to be at least 21 years old.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Germany

Germany is a year-round destination. Summer is the most popular time to visit as temperatures are hot and everyone’s outdoors enjoying the weather. People flock to beer gardens and to the lakes to swim. This is also the peak season, when prices are much higher than usual. During this time, average temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F) and can soar well into the 30s°C (high 80s°F). You’ll want to book accommodation and transportation early (especially in July and August).

Temperatures warm up fast in spring, and the season is marked by the arrival of cherry blossoms. By May it’s warm enough to walk around in t-shirts and shorts. May 1 (Der Erste Mai) is Germany’s Labor Day, and the country breaks out in full celebration. If you’re lucky enough to be here during this time, take to the streets with your fellow Germans and enjoy the live music, drinking, dancing, and general mayhem.

Thanks to the famous Oktoberfest, autumn is a very popular time to visit Germany (especially Munich). From the end of September to early October, millions of people flock here from all over the world to enjoy the most epic beer-drinking festival in the world. If you’re planning on attending Oktoberfest, book your accommodations in advance. Way, way in advance.

An autumn visit to Germany is overall a great idea, especially in Bavaria when the foliage in the hills and mountains makes for some amazing photography. Temperatures can sometimes be chilly, but with light layers, you’ll be fine.

Winter in Germany can be cold, with temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), but Germany is known for its Christmas spirit and the holiday markets all over the country are well worth your time, especially in Munich, Berlin, and Dresden. Pack some warm clothes and let the delicious glühwein (mulled wine) warm you up.

Winter in Bavaria is a skier and snowboarder’s dream only around one hour outside of Munich. While people might not think of Germany first in terms of skiing in Europe, these slopes are pristine, truly breathtaking, and way cheaper than neighboring Switzerland. Check out Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen, Kranzberg, Zugspitze, and Laber.

How to Stay Safe in Germany

Germany is an incredibly safe place to travel. However, due to a few high-profile terrorist attacks in the country, I often get asked if it’s safe to travel to Germany. I wrote a whole article about how Germany (and Europe) is safe to visit if that’s a concern of yours.

Generally, you just need to watch out for scams and petty crime as you would anywhere (especially in Berlin late at night). Keep an eye on your valuables when in large crowds and on public transportation. Violent crime is rare so as long as you keep your valuables secure you shouldn’t experience any issues.

Scams are rare but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should feel safe in Germany, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Germany Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Germany Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Germany and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Berlin

Where to Stay in Berlin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Survive Oktoberfest

The 18 Best Things To Do in Berlin

Munich is Better than Berlin

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Germany Guide: Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Top Cities to Visit
• Germany's Islands
• How to Get Around
• Driving in Germany
• Top Attractions
• Germany With Kids
• Best Festivals
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• Where to Go Hiking
• Best Beaches
• Ski Resorts
• Christmas Markets
• Food to Try
• Beer Regions

Planning a trip to Germany? Encompassing everything from beers, sausages, and underground clubs to world-class museums, medieval castles, and Baroque architecture, Germany offers a wealth of things to see and do. And whether you want a breath of fresh sea air in Hamburg or to indulge in typical Bavarian gemütlichkeit in Munich , you're bound to find a destination that meets your fancy.

Before you go, use our guide to Germany to find out the best things to do, food to eat, budget tips, and places to stay.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : If you're traveling to see the sites, the months of May and September usually offer less crowds and better weather. However, events like Oktoberfest and Germany's ever-popular Christmas markets draw tourists every year.
• Language: German
• Currency: Euro
• Getting Around : Every corner of Germany is well-connected by car or train, with renowned scenic routes, like the Wine Road , Castle Road, Fairy Tale Road , and German Clock Road. The country has several major international airport options, including Frankfurt Airport and Berlin-Tegel Airport .
• Travel Tip: High travel times are during Easter, summer break (July to August), Oktoberfest in Bavaria, and December, when the Christmas markets pop up.

Things to Do in Germany

Thinking of Germany brings forth images of the majestic Alps, lederhosen-wearing festival-goers, and avant-garde cultural events in the city's capital.

In the north, the capital of Berlin is the center of multiculti (international) Germany, with never-ending events, restaurant openings, and world-famous clubs. Don't neglect the wild coastline of beaches, Hamburg (Germany's second-biggest city) or city-state Bremen . Or go east for some ostalgie (German Democratic Republic nostalgia) in Dresden and Leipzig.

In the southwest, step into the Black Forest —home of the Grimm Brothers—and visit the fairytale-like town of Freiburg. Get to party-capital Cologne for Karneval, or explore the surrounding cities of Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, and Mainz .

With stunning natural attractions and charming cities like Munich, Bavaria has a big personality. Its festive atmosphere comes complete with hearty German meals, traditional beer halls , biergartens , and—of course—Oktoberfest. Don't forget to explore the smaller towns that surround picturesque Lake Konstanz , or medieval villages like  Rothenburg ob der Tauber . Need help narrowing down ideas? Here are the top three cities you should check out:

• Berlin is the largest city in Germany and the cultural center of the country. Here, you'll find world-class museums, UNESCO-worthy attractions , and a buzzing nightlife .
• Surrounded by lush greenery, grand medieval castles, and historic streets showcasing Baroque architecture, Munich exemplifies what foreigners think of when picturing a trip to Germany. The biggest event in the country and Munich's Oktoberfest is a two-week festivity that takes place every fall.
• Come late winter, the entire city of Cologne turns into one big, weeklong party for Karneval . Expect costumes, parades, balls, and political commentary. While you're there, be sure to check out the magnificent cathedral and Kölsch bier .

Explore more things to do with our stories on Germany's top cities , the 10 top attractions in Germany , and guide to family travel in Germany .

What to Eat and Drink in Germany

While wurst (sausage) might be the unofficial dish of Germany , German food can appeal to almost any palate. There are dumplings, spätzle (noodles), and loads of potatoes, schnitzel, and schweinshaxe (pork knuckle). International cuisine has also fused with German culture to produce street food favorites like döner kebab and currywurst . And not everything is meat! Vegetarian and vegan food is increasingly popular and even offered in tiny dorfs (villages) around the country.

But you can't talk about German cuisine without bringing up beer. Beer in Germany is not just a drink, it is an institution associated with some of the country's most important locations and festivals. With the oldest continuously-operating brewery in the world, Weihenstephaner , Bavaria has especially embraced the latest in the craft beer movement .

There is also an established wine scene in Germany , with vines dating back to Roman times, particularly around the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. For those that abstain from alcohol, you can find coffee, tea and juices like apfelschorle, along with many other offerings.

To happily eat and drink your way through Germany, read our guides to the best restaurants in Berlin , what to eat at Oktoberfest , and the top 10 foods to eat in Germany .

Where to Stay in Germany

From castle hotels to eclectic hostels, there are a wide array of accommodation options in Germany. Discount hotel options can usually be found around a town's Hauptbahnhof (main train station), with other options like well-established chains and boutique hotels in the city center. There are also luxury spa destinations such as the opulent town of Baden-Baden .

While reserving beforehand is always recommended—especially in the summer high season or Munich around Oktoberfest —you can find accommodations by looking for signs advertising Zimmer Frei (free room) or Pension (B&B).

Discover some of the best places to stay during your visit, including Germany's most unique hotels and top hostels .

Getting There

Many travelers arrive at Germany's biggest airport in Frankfurt , although there are additional airports in Berlin , Munich, and other German cities. The country's biggest cities—including Berlin , Frankfurt , and Munich—offer a comprehensive public transportation system.

Visitors can choose to rent a car and fly down the Autobahn, or take a scenic drive through the country. Don't feel like driving? You can enjoy a relaxing, high-speed train ride on the national train network, Deutsche Bahn , or hop on a bus; there are several services offering low-priced transport to cities around the country and beyond.

Culture & Customs in Germany

Visitors to Germany may be surprised by how easy it is to navigate. Despite German being the official language, many people—particularly in service industries—speak some English and can help you navigate the country (especially if you try using some key German phrases ).

Be prepared for people to be direct to the point of rude, although most people are helpful. Germany is generally very safe , with the main concern being petty crime and theft.

While dining out, you should ask for the bill when you are ready to pay ("Die Rechnung, bitte"). Pay up—with a tip of around 10 percent —when they arrive at your table.

Money Saving Tips in Germany

• Peak travel times are during Christmas, Easter, summer, and Oktoberfest in Munich. Attractions will be at their most crowded and accommodations will be at a premium.
• In Germany, it pays to plan ahead. The further in advance you can book flights, train tickets, rental cars, bus tickets, and accommodations, the cheaper they will be.
• Deutsche Bahn offers many discounted tickets and deals, such as their Länder-Tickets; these allow up to five travelers to move within a state to different destinations at a very low price.
• Many of the cities also offer their own discount cards. Inquire at the tourist office if you plan on visiting multiple city attractions.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to enjoy the country with our best budget travel tips for Germany.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Germany Travel Guide: Everything you need to plan your trip

Planning a trip to Germany? Great! This Germany Travel Guide will help you with just that.

Germany is situated in Central Europe, is the 7th largest country on the continent and is a member state of the EU and NATO. It’s the most populous nation wholly in mainland Europe, with a population of over 80 million people.

It attracts a similar number of tourists annually, making it one of the most popular destinations in the world. It shares borders with Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Russia is the only country in Europe that shares borders with more countries.

Why visit Germany? The country is especially known for its world-class museums, fairytale castles, forests and festivals, which include Christmas markets and beer festivals just to name a few. The capital city Berlin attracts thousands of tourists year-round, while Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration for the famous Disneyland Castle.

I found you on Pinterest when I decided to travel outside of the United States for the first time (I’m 54). My husband and I decided to go to Germany, so I read pretty much everything you wrote on that as well as what to pack and how to make it on the long plane ride. I’m still reading your posts and planning on another trip. Thank you for all the good advice!” – Reader Colleen.

Germany travel guide: Quick facts

2. bayern (bavaria), 3. niedersachsen (lower saxony), 4. baden – württemberg, 5. rheinland – pfalz (rhineland – palatinate), 6. sachsen (saxony), 7. thüringen (thuringia), 9. nordrhein-westfalen (north rhine – westphalia), 10. sachsen – anhalt (saxony – anhalt), 11. brandenburg, 12. mecklenburg – vorpommern, 13. hamburg, 14. schleswig – holstein, 15. saarland, entry requirements, travel to germany by train, fly to germany, independent travel around germany, what to pack for germany in summer, what to pack for germany in winter, what to pack for germany in fall and spring, the best time to visit germany, what to eat in germany, famous events in germany, public holidays in germany, things to know when traveling to germany, where to stay in germany, don't forget travel insurance, basic phrases and their pronunciation, is germany safe, the use of cash and cards in germany, calling abroad, wifi and data use in germany, tipping in germany, a brief history of germany, more travel tips for germany germany.

Size: 357,168 km² or 137,847 sq mi

People living there: more than 80,716,000

Capital: Berlin

Governmental structure: Democratic, federal parliamentary republic.

National day: October 3

Time zone: Central European Time (CET) / UTC+1 / GMT+1

Currency: euro (EUR)

Power voltage and socket type(s): 230V, plug types F and C. If these plug types don't match your devices, make sure to pack a universal adapter .

Official religion(s)/Freedom of religion: Freedom of religion. 60% of the population is Christian with the two largest denominations being Roman Catholic and Protestant Evangelical Luthern, followed by non-religious citizens, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus.

Official language(s) and general knowledge of English: German is the official language. English is semi-widely spoken.

Drives on this side: right

International driver's licence accepted? yes

Phone code: +49

Vaccinations needed? None mandatory.

Can you drink the tap water? yes.

More interested in quirky and fun facts? Check out this post with interesting facts about Germany .

States of Germany

Germany is a huge country to explore with different sites and places of interest across the country. Here's a breakdown of the main places to consider when planning your German vacation.

There is a plethora of exciting things to see in Berlin, including the Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, and the Reichstag building. On top of that, there are fantastic museums, restaurants, and parks meaning that the city offers something for everyone.

• Spotting street art at Hackescher Markt in Berlin
• Is the Berlin Welcome Card worth it?

It’s known for lederhosen (leather trousers), sausages, and beer, but there’s a lot more to the region than that, with beautiful old towns, a stunning countryside, and the Berchtesgaden National Park. Neuschwanstein Castle, located in the state, is one of Germany’s most magical experiences.

It’s the most popular travel destination in the country, attracting over 8 million tourists every year. The capital of the region is Munich, where the famous Oktoberfest is held and it’s also the home of Germany’s most successful football team, Bayern Munich.

If you're looking for a lesser-known city, there are plenty of things to do in Nuremberg as well.  

The state capital, Hanover, is where you’ll find the Herrenhausen Gardens, home to an English landscape garden and the Baroque Great Garden. Other important cities are Goslar, home to the Rammelsberg mines, Bremerhaven and its Maritime Museum, and Lüneburg, which boasts the German salt museum. Braunschweig should also be mentioned, due to its huge collection of European art in the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum.  

The capital of this state is Stuttgart, home to the headquarters of both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, two of Germany’s most famous car manufacturers. Travelers in the region should expect to find hilltop castles, diverse scenery, and tasty cuisine. After Stuttgart, Baden-Baden and Heidelberg are two of the most important towns here.

• Learning about traditional German crafts in the Black Forest
• 4 cities in Baden-Württemberg you need to visit
• Visiting Burg Hohenzollern, the castle that was never a royal residence

The capital of the state is Mainz, where you’ll find Jewish synagogues and cemeteries, as well as a beautiful Romanesque cathedral. The Moselle Valley is another popular spot for tourists, with its quaint riverside towns of Bernkastel-Kues and Piesport. The Rhine also flows through this state, which borders Belgium, France, and Luxembourg.

• How to spend 3 days in the Volcanic Eifel

Away from the capital, there’s Leipzig, home to one of the greatest musical composers, JS Bach. There are tributes to him in the city’s world-famous classical music and fine art museums. There are some smaller historical towns in the state, like Meissen and Görlitz, while the highest fortress in Europe gives spectacular panoramic views across the green countryside.  

The capital of Thuringia is Erfurt, which escaped any major damage in World War II and is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the country. Other places worth a visit are Weimar, the home of the writer Goethe, Jena, where you’ll find the world’s oldest planetarium in operation, and the UNESCO listed Canopy Walk in Hainich National Park.  

However, the best-known city in Hessen is undoubtedly Frankfurt am Main, which is the country’s financial center and the largest city in the federal state. It’s home to one of the largest airports in Europe, offering intercontinental flights, so it’s a great destination to fly in or out of. There’s some interesting stuff in the city too, such as the Städel Art Museum and Goethe House.  

Outside of the cities, one of the top tourist attractions in the area is the 18th century Schloss Benrath, a palace with a museum and a garden. Other important cities in the state are Germany’s former capital, Bonn, and Aachen.

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The capital of the region is Magdeburg, where Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor is buried in the Gothic cathedral. You’ll also find Martin Luther’s home in the town of Wittenburg, the home of the German reformation.

The capital of the state is Potsdam, known for its picturesque Dutch Quarter, a smaller reconstruction of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, and the Sanssouci Palace. Away from the urban centers, the Spreewald forest is a romantic getaway opportunity, and the Babelsberg Park offers a slice of England on the Havel River.  

Although not well known outside of the country, Schwerin is one of Germany’s most jaw-dropping cities and is home to a castle perched on its own island in the middle of a lake. Other major cities in the region are the port of Rostock, the medieval spa town of Waren, historic Stralsund, and several ancient towns dotted around the federal state.  

However, it’s also an exciting tourist destination thanks to colorful markets, boat cruises, and unique museums. Architecture buffs will love it too – there are several converted warehouses here, with Spiecherstadt being a highlight – where warehouses rub shoulders with neogothic buildings. It’s one of 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the city.

Many people visit Hamburg for the nightlife – Reeperbahn, located in the St. Pauli district, is one of the city’s two nightlife centers. It’s actually a red-light district, and it also holds one of the world’s largest techno and nightclub festivals.

• Attending the sparkling Vögelball festival

The capital of this region, situated on the north coast, is the port of Kiel, where you can enter or travel onwards to Scandinavia and Lithuania. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the opportunity to dive into a former German submarine. Another city worth visiting is the pretty Lübeck.  

Some of the region’s must see attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage listed Völklingen Ironworks, especially when lit up with neon lights at night, the treetop walk near Mettlach which gives outstanding views of the Saarschleife, and the red sandstone Schlossberg Caves.  

A city steeped in history with a wide variety of architectural styles, Bremen is a beautiful and interesting place to stay. With Hanseatic buildings in the market square, a Gothic town hall with a Renaissance façade, and medieval crypts and twin spires in the city’s cathedral. Bremen is said to have one of the best Christmas Markets in the whole of Germany.  

How to travel to Germany

Travelers from North America and the rest of the world can enter Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after their stay.  

How to get to Germany

Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB (from Austria) also offer a number of overnight trains to major European cities. You can even take the Eurostar between Germany and the UK if you change to a high-speed train in Paris or Brussels.

Look here for train routes and prices from within Europe.  

Return tickets are often cheaper than one way, and it’s a good idea to book well in advance if you’re traveling with your own car.

Check here for ferry routes and prices to Germany.  

Frankfurt is one of the biggest airports in Europe and offers several transcontinental flights. Munich and Düsseldorf also have large airports. Berlin’s Brandenburg airport is due to open in 2020, but for now, flights to the capital arrive to the smaller airports of Schönefeld and Tegel.

Check here for the best flight options to Germany.  

How to travel around Germany

Germany has an excellent road, rail, and bus system so it’s extremely easy to travel around independently with public transport. Trains are the fastest way to get from city to city if you don’t have your own private transport, but buses are often cheaper. The national rail system is run by Deutsche Bahn – you can buy national and international train tickets via their website.

Germany is also great for those who want to rent a car and explore at their own pace. You’ll just need to carry your driving license and have proof of at least third-party insurance with you.  

What to pack for Germany

• light hiking trousers
• a reusable water bottle
• good walking sandals
• light clothing
• a rain jacket
• a warm wind and waterproof coat
• comfortable and warm shoes
• a merino woolen baselayer
• merino woolen socks
• a warm scarf

If you're going to Germany in fall or spring, it's mostly important to pack layers. Early fall can still feel like summer while early spring can still be winter cold. You probably won't need a thick winter coat in these seasons but a warm lightweight jacket is recommended.  

Summer is a great time to travel Germany, especially if you are outdoorsy, but beware this time of year sees price hikes in accommodation and transport.

Most German towns have magical Christmas markets, and the best time to visit these is in November and December. The famous Oktoberfest is another major tourist draw, so if getting on your lederhösen and enjoying a few steins is your idea of fun, head to Germany in October.  

If you truly want to explore Germany, you need to explore its cuisine as well. Get started with the dishes below.

• Bratwurst – A traditional sausage usually served in a bun that you’ll find at every German BBQ.
• Currywurst – Germany’s most loved street food consists of pork sausage, curry powder, and ketchup.
• Spätzle – Handmade noodles that are fried and served with several traditional dishes.
• Sauerkraut – A side dish which consists of fermented sour cabbage. Often served with meat.
• Kartoffelkloesse – Traditional potato dumplings served as a side with meat or as a dish on their own.
• Hasenpfeffer – A rabbit stew braised with onion and wine, with the marinade and sauce thickened with rabbit’s blood.
• Rinderroulade (Beef roll) – Dish from Saxony that consists of beef rolled with onions, pickles, bacon, and mustard before being roasted in red wine.
• Pretzels – A thick, doughy snack often covered in salt or sesame seeds. Eat them on their own or dipped in mustard.
• Lebküchen – Gingerbread cookies sometimes coated in nuts, chocolate, or icing sugar. Popular at Christmas markets.
• Beer – Pilsner, a pale lager is Germany’s most popular beer, but there are many other varieties, including wheat beer and altbier.

Want to know more about German cuisine? Check out this list of German foods .  

• Berlin International Film Festival (February) – the 2nd biggest international film festival in the world, after Cannes.
• Leipzig Book Fair (March) – the largest literary festival in Europe where you can meet your favorite authors and learn about all that’s going on in the world of books.
• Karneval (40 days before Easter) – A German take on the famous Venetian celebration. Cologne’s karneval is the best known in Germany.
• Walpurgisnacht (April) – This festival in Heidelberg takes place in one of the only remaining relics of Nazi architecture, a huge amphitheatre. Thousands of torchbearers climb the mountain and pile inside.
• Hafengeburtstag (May) – Over one million people turn up to this festival in Hamburg which celebrates the city’s birthday with boat shows, concerts, fireworks, and an open-air fair.
• Wurstmarkt (September) – In Bad Dürkheim you’ll find the world’s largest wine festival, with over 600,000 people attending every year.
• Unity Day (October) – The largest national holiday which celebrates the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of East and West Germany.
• Oktoberfest (October) – Traditional Bavarian foods, lederhösen, and of course beer at this huge festival held every October in Munich.
• Onionfest (October) – In the market town of Weimar, all things onion are celebrated and “Queen of the Onion” is crowned. Over 300,000 people attend annually.
• Christmas markets/Weihnachtsmarkts (November/December) – Held across Germany, quaint stalls that sell Christmas gifts, food, and gluhwein. The best are in Nuremberg, Cologne, and Hamburg.

• New Year’s Day
• January 6th – Three King’s Day
• March 4th – Fasching
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• May 1st – Labour Day
• Ascension Day
• Whit Monday
• June 20th – Corpus Christi Day
• October 3rd – German Unity Day
• October 31st – Day of reformation
• November 1st – All Saints Day
• December 25th – Christmas Day
• December 26th – St Stephen’s Day

Use sie (the formal version of you) when speaking to strangers, and only use the informal du and first names if you are invited to do so. The greetings that involve you in the basic phrases section below are all the formal version.

When eating, sat ‘guten appetit’ before starting a meal.  

I always look on Booking.com for hotels and guesthouses. This has a bunch of filtering options so I can easily get a list of only the hotels that meet my criteria. If you're looking for accommodation in Germany, I highly recommend you check there .

When I want to book an apartment rather than a hotel, I use Airbnb .  

No matter how well you plan and research a trip, there are always things that happen beyond your control. Something might get canceled, you can get ill or hurt while traveling or one of your electronics might break or get stolen. When misfortune strikes, travel insurance has got you covered. I've had ongoing travel insurance ever since I started traveling to make sure I'm covered for every trip I go on. Don't have insurance yet? You can get a free quote here:

If you’re renting or bringing a bike, make sure you have a good, sturdy lock. Bike theft is also a common occurrence in big cities.  

You will, however, often need cash at small, independent retailers, cafés, restaurants, and markets.  

Those with a SIM card from an EU country don't have to pay roaming charges when calling, texting, or using data in Germany. The same goes for some global phone plans.

If you don't have a EU SIM but still want to have unlimited WiFi, check out Solis Wifi .

Skyroam offers both day passes and monthly subscriptions providing you with 4G throughout your trips. I've been using their daily passes not just when I travel outside the EU (no roaming charges for me in the EU) but also as a backup for when I think I'll go over my phone's data plan.

In Germany, service charges are usually included in the bill and tipping is more of a “thank you” gesture than an obligation. Still, people tend to tip waiters in restaurants and especially other tourism-related workers such as taxi drivers and porters. More on who to tip what in Germany here .

In the 10th century, the German state was known as the Holy Roman Empire. This lasted a long time, and the Catholic and Protestant parts of the empire clashed in the 30 years’ war from 1618 – 48. More than quarter of the population, and half of Germany’s men were killed in this war.

Until 1871, Germany was made up of several small states ruled by Kings and Dukes. A politician called Otto Von Bismarck unified the country using alliances and force.

Germany attempted to compete with other European countries by establishing an empire in Africa and Asia. However, tension from this led to World War 1, at the time the worst war the world had ever seen. The UK, France, and the USA defeated Germany and its allies.

In 1933 Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party came to power. The Nazi party invaded Poland in 1939 leading to World War II. Concentration camps were established across country where many Jews were sent to be murdered. The war ended in 1945, Germany lost, and Hitler committed suicide.

Germany was divided after the 2nd world war into West and East. West and East Germany were an important part of the Cold War and were at the centre of a standoff between the Soviet Union and the West.

Germany opened its borders in 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell.

Nowadays, Germany has one of the most powerful economies in the world and is an important member state of the EU. Angela Merkel is the Chancellor.  

And that's it! I hope this Germany travel guide will help you decide where to go in Germany and plan your own trip there. Safe travels!  

Planning to travel to Germany? Then check out all my Germany posts  

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Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

10 Days In Germany: How To Plan The Perfect German Itinerary?

Last Updated on June 23, 2022 by Soumya

Planning to spend 10 days in Germany and looking for the best things to do? Wondering what are the most beautiful places in Germany? Clueless how to travel between various German destinations? I get you.

And that’s why we have this epic 10-day German itinerary that will help you with everything you need to know . We will not only tell you what to see and do in Germany but also give you easy ways to get to your next destination & tell you what passes to use and when to use them – all based on our own experiences of traveling multiple times in Germany and after using their extensive rail network.

Germany is one of Europe’s largest countries. From the storied history of Munich to the liberal vibes of Berlin, the serenity of the Alps to the fairytale castles of Bavaria , the medieval towns of the Romantic Road to the Rococo palaces of Potsdam – there are a zillion different things to do in Germany.

Trying to see and do all with just 10 days in Germany can be overwhelming! However, with this easy-to-implement 10 day travel itinerary for Germany, planning becomes a breeze.

We begin in Munich, travel all the way through Germany’s Romantic Road, spend some time soaking in WW II history in Nuremberg, and end our Germany trip in the vibrant city of Berlin – all by train and public transport.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started with our ultimate train itinerary for 10 days in Germany.

Table of Contents

Best Germany itinerary for 10 days

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

Days 1-4 of 10 days in Germany: Munich + Day trips

Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest cities, is filled with history. From being home to the glamorous royal Wittelsbach family for 700 years to being the hotbed of Nazism, Munich has seen it all.

Munich grew, prospered, and suffered pandemics, fires, & wars. It was destroyed badly during the Second World War. Needless to say, Munich has seen and experienced more history than I can even wrap my mind around.

In Munich, you can walk through a historic Marienplatz , check out stunning Munich churches , gaze at the splendor of Bavarian palaces, and take a Third Reich t o ur .

Not to forget, the city plays host to the uber-famous Oktoberfest every year. And don’t even get me started on Munich’s fairytale Christmas markets!

Munich is a also great place to do some beautiful day trips. Be it the magical Neuschwanstein Castle or the clear alpine lake of Konigsee, you will find tons of amazing places to visit around Munich.

Arriving in Munich

If you are flying to Munich, the closest airport is Franz Josef Strauss International Airport or Flughafen Munchen. Click here to check for a list of airlines that fly to Munich Airport.

Once you arrive at the airport, there are 3 different ways to get to Munich City Center – train, bus, and private taxi.

Trains are pretty convenient. Just hop on to an S1 or S8 S-Bahn to get to your destination. You can plan your journey here . The only issue is you will need to type in German names of places – for example Flughafen for Airport. Alternately, you can plan your trip on OMIO here .

If you like buses, there is Lufthansa Express for you. In case you are looking for a reliable taxi, try this private airport transfer with great reviews .

Days 1-2: Munich

Two days in Munich is a decent way to get started with this historical city. I am sure you will tell me that you need more but 48 hours is a good start. Here are some of the most amazing places to visit in Munich when you are here.

Explore Marienplatz and Munich Residenz

The Old Town or Altstadt is where most of Munich’s history resides and Marienplatz is at the core of it. Here, you will find the Old and New Town Halls, St. Peter’s Church – oldest church of Munich, and the impressive Munich Cathedral.

You can catch a free show of Munich’s Glockenspiel right in front of the New Town Hall. Or stroll down the charming lanes of the historic Viktualienmarkt while sampling souvenirs.

Only 5 minutes away from Marienplatz is the stunning Munich Residenz, the official residence of the royal Wittelsbach family for more than 400 years. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the opulent Antiquarium. If you wish, you can spend the evening enjoying a classical concert at Residenz.

I suggest you also read our complete guide to Marienplatz and figure out all that what you do, see, and eat.

Spend some time at Englischer Garden

Englischer Garten is Munich’s largest urban park and one of the largest in the world too. Can you believe it is bigger than the Central Park in New York?

Apart from running, jogging, playing, and picnicking in this green oasis of Munich, you can check out interesting monuments such as the Chinese Tower and the Japanese Tea House. A beautiful 19-century temple called the Monopteros provides beautiful views of the park and beyond.

Visit a beer garden

Well well! Munich and Bavaria! Synonymous with sunny beer gardens, aren’t they?

You can find beer gardens literally every where in Munich. They provide the perfect place to relax, socialize, and simply enjoy the vibe. Of course, all with a mug of beer by your side.

There are 4 beer gardens right inside Englischer Garden and The Seehaus at Kleinhesseloher See is the most popular one. If you are visiting Marienplatz, do not forget to check out Hofbrauhaus Beer Hall which is just 5 minutes away. This brewery is more than 400 years old and satiates both the beer lover and history geek in you.

I am no beer sommelier, that’s why I have linked to this super-awesome guide on How to beer garden by Munich Travel . Perfect for first-timers! If you are a pro, don’t even bother.

Also read: 25 Most amazing things to do in Munich

Make a trip to Nymphenburg Palace

Looking to visit a Bavarian palace complete with parks, canals, and huge fountains? Make way to Nymphenburg Palace located on the western fringes of Munich city. It is easy to get to by U-Bahn/S-Bahn and makes for a great half-a-day trip from Munich.

Nymphenburg was the summer residence of the Royal Wittelsbach Family. Today, it is a wonderful deep dive into the lives of German royalty.

Be sure to check out the stunning Stone Hall – one of the grandest Rococo rooms in Bavaria and the Gallery of Beauties – a fantasy hall for King Ludwig decked with portraits of beautiful women.

Do not miss the Nymphenburg Park, walking through which will give you true regal feelings. It is huge and is home to several garden pavilions. A couple of my favorite ones are the Badenburg (a royal bathing house) and Amalienburg (a Rococo hunting lodge).

Have a look at our 2-days in Munich itinerary for details and lots more travel tips.

Explore Munich’s beautiful churches

Munich is filled with stunning churches, some dating back to as early as the 12th century. You can find them in all styles – Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Gothic. Many of them have long, tumultuous histories.

Exploring the churches of Munich is like taking a course in German history and architecture. Only this is better because you get to experience all the beauty firsthand.

My top picks for your Munich church run would be – Frauenkirche for the Devil’s Footstep, Asamkirche for beautiful frescoes, and Theatinekirche for its Mediterranean feel. Have a look at my article on 11 Beautiful churches of Munich for all details.

Tips for visiting Munich

• Stay in Old Town Munich or Altstadt if you wish to be close to attractions, shopping areas, restaurants, and of course the Hofbrauhaus. Some of the hotels that really caught my eye were BEYOND by Geisel (luxury), Hotel Torbrau , and Hotel Metropol by Maier Privathotels (budget).
• Plan all your commutes on the MVV Journey Planner and get a DAY ticket if you are want to do multiple trips within Munich on the same day . Turns out to be much cheaper.
• Looking for a city pass? Try Munich City Pass from Turbopass . Includes free public transport as well as discounts at several attractions.
• Get a pair of good walking shoes because there’s a lot to be seen on foot.
• If you are a history buff or wish to dig deeper into WW II history in particular, I would recommend taking this Third Reich Guided Walking Tour that takes you deep into the life of Adolf Hitler and the rise of Nazism in Munich.

Days 3-4: Day trips from Munich

Munich is not just a great destination in itself but also a good base for day trips in Bavaria. Some of the most popular day trip options are Neuschwanstein Castle, Eagles Nest and Lake Konigssee in Berchtesgaden , medieval town of Regensburg , and Dachau Concentration Camp.

It is super cheap and easy to do these Munich day trips if you have a Bayern Ticket. Read my detailed post on Bayern Ticket or Bavaria Ticket to find out more.

Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace

Plan a visit to the German fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. Built in the 19th century by the shy King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe today and of course the inspiration for many new dreamy castles including the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disney.

The location of Neuschwanstein is idyllic and the design is enchanting. Towers, turrets, and frescoes adorn this solitary castle in the Bavarian Alps.

Neuschwanstein Castle was meant to be a sanctuary for Ludwig II after he lost the war against Prussia in 1866. In other words, this was Ludwig II’s fantasy land where he could be a true king even after losing his sovereignty.

To get to Neuschwanstein, you need to first get to the nearby village of Hohenschwangau. From there, you can walk, ride a carriage, or take a shuttle bus.

Remember that a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is only possible with a guided tour. You can buy tickets to the castle on the Hohenschwangau website here . Or book yourself a highly-rated guided tour like this one . This highly-rated tour takes you on a wonderful tour of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles.

Add Linderhoff Palace to your day trip

You can add another fantasy palace of Ludwig II to your day – Linderhoff Palace in Ettal. By car or taxi, it takes less than an hour to get to Linderhoff from Neuschwanstein.

However, it is not very convenient to arrive here by public transport – the reason being the route crosses through Austria. The journey can take as long as 5 hours. I would not recommend Linderhoff if you do not have a car at your disposal.

Alternately, you can check out this extremely popular guided tour that covers both Neuschwanstein & Linderhoff .

Also read: 18 Most beautiful castles you need to see in Germany!

Berchtesgaden

Nestled peacefully in the Bavarian Alps of southeastern Germany, Berchtesgaden is a picturesque town filled with scenic natural wonders. It is home to the stunning alpine lake of Konigssee which also boasts of a quaint Roman Catholic Church (dedicated to St. Bartholomew) on its shores.

Not very far away is the Berchtesgaden National Park which provides numerous hiking opportunities through scenic lakeside trails.

Additionally, Berchtesgaden is home to Kehlsteinhaus or Eagle’s Nest , the famous or rather infamous mountain home of Adolf Hitler and a power symbol of Nazi regime . Eagle’s Nest is located atop a sheer rock wall and can be reached via one of the steepest roads in Europe. The views from here are breathtaking.

There isn’t much about Hitler on display at Eagle’s Nest now. Instead, the place has now been converted to a beer garden and restaurant where you can enjoy some stunning views of the Alps. There are few snippets of Third Reich life too though if you wish to dig deeper, you need to check in at the Documentation Center at Obersalzberg (name of the town in the foothills).

Also read: 12 Best things to do in magical Berchtesgaden

Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau was the first concentration camp of Nazis and went on to become the blueprint of hundreds of others. More than 200,000 Europeans were imprisoned here during the 12 years of its existence. Nearly 43,000 were murdered.

Now, there is a memorial site on the grounds of the concentration camp. It is open from 9am – 5pm daily (except 24th December) and entry is free. You can easily get to Dachau train station from Munich Hbf by S-Bahn. The journey takes only 20 minutes.

But remember, this day trip is not for the faint-hearted. If you are a family with small kids, I would recommend Konigssee/Regensburg over Dachau.

To the north of Munich (1.5 hours away) lies the medieval town of Regensburg . A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Regensburg’s historical center is one of the oldest and best preserved ones in Europe.

Regensburg was the northernmost bastion of the Holy Roman Empire and is located at the confluence of 3 rivers – Danube, Naab, and Regen. It was an active trading center in the middle ages and therefore, home to rich traders and craftsmen. An old town replete with heritage buildings, churches, and mansions stands testimony to the rich and prosperous world that Regensburg once was.

If you wish to take a break from history, consider visiting the BMW factory nearby for a guided tour . So much fun watching robots produce hundreds of cars in minutes – this place is heaven for automobile-lovers.

Also read: Amazing things to do in Regensburg

Tips to plan Munich day trips

• Buy a Bayern ticket – Bavaria’s regional day ticket that allows you unlimited trips within Bavaria on the same day. It is convenient and saves you so much money. Even better if you are a small family or group of up to 5 members. Kids under 6 travel for free. Find all details here .
• Be sure to check the weather before venturing out of Munich. Visiting Neuschwanstein on a rainy day isn’t a great experience. So, I would choose some other destination in case it is pouring.

Days 5-7 of 10 days in Germany: Nuremberg + Romantic Road + Dresden

If you are visiting Germany for 10 days, you can easily make some time to venture deeper into Germany’s picturesque south.

Be sure to stop at some charming towns of Germany’s Romantic Road that starts from Fussen and ends in Wurzburg (or vice versa). Filled with timbered houses, rolling vineyards, and castle-studded valleys, this stretch is one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Make a stop at Nuremberg, a quaint Bavarian town filled with Gothic churches, cobbled lanes, and half-timbered homes, which works as the perfect springboard for day trips to Romantic Road towns.

Day 5: Nuremberg

Head to Nuremberg from Munich. Nuremberg is one of the largest cities in Bavaria and historically significant because of the Nuremberg trials. But there’s more to Nuremberg than just WW II as you will find out below.

Explore the majestic Nuremberg Castle

The Imperial Castle of Nuremberg was one of the most important palaces of the Holy Roman Empire. It was home to numerous Imperial Diets and was a favored visiting place for many Bavarian emperors.

Today, you can take a sneak peek at royal lives in the residential and state rooms of the castle. Highlights of the Nuremberg Castle include the double Imperial Chapel, the Deep Well, and a defensive tower called the Sinwell Tower . And of course, the beautiful castle garden. Find all practical details on the castle’s website here .

Stroll through the charming street of Weissgerbergasse

Once home to several tanners, Weissgerbergasse now has largest collection of wealthy, half-timbered artisan houses. Blessed with attractive facades and balconies overflowing with flowers, these historic homes make for an amazing Instagram backdrop . Also a great place to sip on some coffee and watch the world go by.

Visit the Documentation Center

Head to the Documentation Center at the Nazi party rally grounds for a walk through one of the darkest periods in German history – the National Socialist (NS) regime.

Housed in an old, unfinished Congress hall, this museum offers deep insight into the horrors and crimes committed by the Nazi party. You can also view an exhibition that displays the Nuremberg trials that were held here after WW II.

Want to see and learn more? Take a tour of Nazi party rally grounds with a knowledgeable tour guide and listen to unbelievable stories.

Get wowed by Nuremberg’s beautiful churches

Bavarian cities are filled with beautiful churches and same is the case with Nuremberg.

The city is home to St. Lorenz, a 14th-century Gothic church at Lorenzor Platz. Be sure to look out for the rose window above the arched doorway. Then, there is an impressive Roman Catholic Frauenkirche – another Gothic landmark at Nuremberg’s Hauptmarkt. And a Protestant St. Sebaldus Church that dates back to the 13th century. You will be spoiled for choices.

Tips for visiting Nuremberg

• You would want to stay in the charming neighborhood of Mitte to get feel of old town Nuremberg . Find the best hotels in Mitte here . Some nice ones that caught my eye are Hotel Prinzregent and Hotel Garni Keiml .
• Arriving by train from Munich is the most convenient. The journey may take anywhere between 1hr 15minutes to 2hrs depending on whether you are traveling by an ICE or RE. Click here to book your tickets on Deutsche Bahn (DB) website [add München Hbf in the space indicated by of and Nürnberg Hbf in the space indicated by to]. Or plan your trip on Omio .
• Alternately, you can get a Bayern Ticket for the day and be done.
• Nuremberg Central Station is less than a mile away from the Mitte neighborhood.
• Carry a good pair of walking shoes because you will need them while exploring the Old Town and the Imperial Castle.
• If you ever want to explore the city on public transport, check out your options here . Nuremberg has a good metro-tram-bus system that goes by the acronym VGN.
• If you love guided tours, you will enjoy this 2-hour private tour through Nuremberg’s historical old town .

Day 6: Day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Looking for an endearing Romantic Road town with medieval town walls, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses? Visit the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Easily done as a day trip from Nuremberg, Rothenburg is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe . It one of Germany’s best preserved walled towns and is home to colorful houses and lovely squares.

Walk the medieval wall

The historic center is still surrounded by a medieval fortress wall from the 14th-century. 40 towers and several town gates are still in place.

Begin your day with a fun, self-guided walk of the ramparts and get splendid views of the old town, Rothenburg’s timbered houses, and a beautiful countryside.

Click pictures of Little Square

I bet you have seen pictures of Rothenburg’s Little Square (pictured above) – the famous fork road postcard that plops up every time you search for Rothenburg or Romantic Road online.

Locally known as Plönlein, the Little Square is one of Rothenburg’s unmissable attractions. It is filled with wood-framed houses and has a medieval gate with a clock for the backdrop.

There are high chances that this place will be filled with people trying to click pictures and selfies. If possible , come here first thing in the morning to get some uninterrupted shots.

Check out the Medieval Crime Museum

Did you know that Rothenburg has a medieval crime museum? Only 2 minutes away from Plönlein, this historic museum has weird and horrific punishment devices on display. From humiliation masks to devices for physical torture, this museum chronicles a totally different side of dark German history.

Personally recommended by Rick Steves, the Medieval Crime Museum is one of its kind but definitely not for the fainthearted.

Visit Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village

Rothenburg has a fascinating Christmas village that is open throughout the year. Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village is where you will enjoy an authentic feel of German Christmas markets off-season.

Snow-covered houses, twinkling Christmas lights, and a giant white Christmas tree adorn the center of the village. This is a great place to buy traditional Christmas souvenirs such as glass ornaments, table linen, pyramids, and nutcrackers.

Tips for visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber

• Plan an early morning trip from Nuremberg to see the best that Rothenburg has to offer. Getting to the Little Square early also helps you get good pictures.
• Getting to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by train is convenient – usually involves a transfer at Ansbach. You can book your ticket on VGN’s official website .
• Alternately, and preferably, you can get yourself (or your group) a One DayTicket Plus/TagesTicket Plus for unlimited travel on the same day. Turns out much cheaper than getting separate tickets . Remember that Rothenburg odT is included in Price Level F.
• Since the city is best explored on foot, carry a good pair of walking shoes.
• If you decide to stay back, here are a few good hotels in Rothenburg odT – Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister & TOP Hotel Goldenes Fass .

Day 7: Dresden

On day 7 of your 10-day Germany itinerary, head to the historic city of Dresden, capital of Saxony. Located midway between Nuremberg and Berlin, it makes for the perfect pitstop between the two illustrious cities.

Dresden is chock full of famous museums, stunning Baroque & Rococo monuments, and magnificent palaces. Did you know the Dresden is often called as Florence on the Elbe (name of river that passed through the town)?

You are definitely going to need more than 1 day to explore the city in full. But we will try and make do with 24 hours in hand.

A good way to maximize your time and see the best of Dresden is to take a historic walking tour of Dresden or a Segway tour along the Elbe and Old Town .

Discover Dresden’s Old Town

A city of art and culture, Dresden Old Town has to lot to offer. Take a walk along the banks of Elbe River and discover impressive buildings in the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles.

One of Dresden’s most prominent landmarks is Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady), a stunning Baroque Church that dominates the city skyline. Can you believe that this awe-inspiring church was just a pile of rubble after the Second World War?

Be sure to notice the grand New Town Hall, Dresden Castle, and Semperoper, a 19th-century opera house. Here’s a highly-rated historical walking tour that shows you the best of Dresden Old Town .

Note that Dresden, owing to its location on the east German border, was bombed heavily during WW II. Yet, the city has managed to rebuild all its old buildings and restored them to their former glory.

Visit Zwinger Palace

Drop into the beautiful Zwinger Palace, often dubbed as paradise on earth, for a couple of hours to experience the riches of medieval times.

Not only is the palace a Baroque masterpiece dating back to 18th century, but is also home to some amazing museums and an elaborate armory. A couple of highlights are the Dresden Porcelain Collection, among the largest in the world, and the Semper Gallery which houses magnificent paintings from Renaissance times. Raphael’s enigmatic painting of The Sistine Madonna is an unmissable attraction here.

Drop into one of Dresden’s famous museums

Dresden is filled with museums of all kinds – modern & medieval art, military history, hygiene, transport – you name it.

The Green Vault is Europe’s largest treasure collection, Albertinum is Dresden’s collection of modern art, and Dresden Transport Museum displays all forms of transport. An interesting one is the German Hygiene Museum, a medical museum from the early 1900s.

Tips for visiting Dresden

• Plan your train journey from Nuremberg to Dresden on the DB website or OMIO .
• The train journey from Nuremberg to Dresden is longish – between 3.5hrs to 5hrs. If you wish to explore Dresden in detail, you will need to plan for one more day here. Or take a guided walking tour to see the best of Dresden in a short time .
• Find the best hotels in Dresden Old Town here . Here are a few that caught my eye – Maritim Hotel Dresden & Motel One Dresden am Zwinger .

Days 8-10 of 10 days in Germany: Berlin + Day trips

Days 8-9: berlin.

The last stop on our exciting 10 days in Germany itinerary is going to be Berlin, a city that was shaped by the horrors and destructions of World War II, yet is one of the liveliest and most vibrant cities in the world today.

From all my travels around Europe, I found Berlin to be extremely liberal and, maybe, the most welcoming too. Berlin is inspiring. If there is one place where you can break all your shackles and live the life you want, it is here, in Berlin.

Check out the impressive Brandenburg Gate

One of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks is the Branderburg Gate. Locally known as the Brandenburg Tor, this iconic gate became a symbol of division of Berlin during Cold War. It stood between East and West Berlin thus, dividing the country into two halves.

When Berlin Wall fell and Germany was reunited in 1990, Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of peace and unity. People from both sides came here to celebrate the reunification.

If there is any German landmark that has seen the rise and fall of Germany and its rise to power again, it is none other than Berlin’s Brandenburg Tor.

Spend some time at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

5 minutes to the south of Brandenburg gate lies the somber Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Opened very recently in 2005, the memorial is a poignant reminder of war and the monstrousness of man.

The memorial is nothing fancy – just 2711 concrete slabs placed along multiple rows. Yet, that is what gives it a sort of sad, eerie feeling.

Right next to the memorial is Fuhrerbunker, the underground bunker where it is believed Hitler committed suicide. You can check out Berlin’s underground tours here .

Visit the Berlin Wall

Nearby is a surviving section of Berlin Wall. Now known as the Berlin Wall Memorial, this site commemorates the division of Berlin and hundreds who died here.

Here, you will see the world’s largest open-air gallery in the world. Between Ostbahnhof and Oberbaumbrücke, lies 1.3km of history and art. This is called the East Side Gallery. More than 100 paintings adorn the wall. One of the most iconic ones is The Kiss by Dmitri Vrubel.

Explore Museum Island

Moving on to a more cheerful face of Berlin, I really loved Berlin’s Museum Island.

A recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island is an ensemble of 5 different museums located on the Spree Island in Berlin’s Mitte district . These include Old Museum, New Museum, Old National Gallery, Bode Museum, and the famous Pergamon Museum. Many of them were built under the Prussian rulers in the 19th century.

A little bit about the museums

Old Museum is, obviously, the oldest one in the complex. It is home to many treasures such as Etruscan architecture , painted vases, and the famous sculpture of a “Praying Boy”. New Museum has a lot of Egyptian artifacts including the well-known Bust of Nefertiti, the Great Royal Wife of an Egyptian pharaoh.

Old National Gallery looks like an ancient Greek temple and houses world-famous works of art such as The Monk by the Sea by Caspar David Friedrich. Bode Museum is located at the tip of the island and displays some really unique pieces of sculpture.

And last but not the least is Pergamon Museum which one of my favorite museums in the world. It is also Berlin’s most visited museum. Pergamon has some wonderful collections including Museum of the Ancient Near East (highlight – Babylonian Ishtar Gate), Collection of Classical Antiquities (Roman Pergamon Altar) and Museum of Islamic Art (Mshatta facade from Jordan).

You need, at least, one whole day to see all the museums of Spree Island. If you are short on time, I would highly recommend spending some time at Pergamon. My second choice is Old Museum but if you are into paintings, then Old National Gallery.

Be sure to get your skip-the-line tickets for the museums beforehand.

Relax at Tiergarten

Like Munich has Englischer Garten, Berlin has Tiergarten – the perfect green space in the city where you can relax and rejuvenate.

But like everything else in Berlin, Tiergarten has its fair share of history. From being the Prussian Duke’s favorite hunting ground to being a fighting zone during the Second World War, Tiergarten has seen it all.

Though I am so glad this park is full of life now. Whether you want to jog, spend some time with friends and family, or simply relax in the sun, Tiergarten is the place to be.

Discover Berlin’s crazy nightlife

I am no nightlife expert but when I was doing my research, I did find out that Berlin has one of the best club scenes in the world. With innumerable pubs, bars, and events happening all year round, it is a great place for people who are looking to have a good time on their Germany trip.

Tips for visiting Berlin

• Getting to Berlin from Dresden is simple. Hop on an ICE train and get to Berlin in 2hrs 15minutes. Plan your trip on OMIO . Or check out the prices on DB website .
• I would suggest staying in Berlin City Center, locally known as Berlin Mitte , for easy access to most attractions. A great place would be near Potsdamer Platz which is one of Berlin’s most happening places filled with shopping and eating opportunities. Here are two good hotels that caught my eye – Grand Hyatt Berlin and Motel One – Berlin Potsdamer Platz .
• Public transport in Berlin is called BVG . You can buy single or short trip tickets depending on your need. In my opinion, getting a 24-hour ticket (allows unlimited travel within Berlin) is the best use of money. Check out all BVG ticket types here and download the BVG Ticket-App to easily purchase your tickets.

Day 10: Day trip to Potsdam

The last thing that we have on our 10-day itinerary for Germany is a day trip to the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam . Even though I have listed it at the end, I suggest you do this on Day 9 so that you have adequate time to get to the airport on Day 10.

Potsdam, less than an hour away from Berlin, is the perfect day trip destination. It is filled with stunning Rococo palaces, huge parks, an old Dutch Quarter, and so much more.

Visit Schloss Sanssouci

The first thing that you should do while visiting Potsdam is check out Sanssouci Palace. It was King Frederick the Great’s summer residence and his favorite palace.

Find proof of it on the walls of Sanssouci in the art that adorns it. A new form of Rococo, a version that incorporated French, Prussian, and Dutch influences, took birth at Sanssouci. This was called Friedrichian Rococo after the King who had taken lots of time incorporating his own ideas into designing the palace.

Check out tickets for Sanssouci Palace here.

Walk through the resplendent Sanssouci Park

Schloss Sanssouci is located in the middle of a huge Sanssouci Park that is filled with its own temples and follies.

It is a terraced garden that includes several flower gardens, hedges, trees, and vineyards as well as a kitchen garden. Plus, there are marble statues, a Temple of Friendship, the Chinese House, and the Great Fountain to be gaped at. No wonder they call Sanssouci the Versailles of Prussia.

The park is free to enter and walk through.

Explore the Dutch Quarter

Here is a collection of 134, red-brick houses that were built for Dutch immigrants in the early 18th century. I had no clue that this was one of the largest living establishments of the Dutch outside of Netherlands .

Today, you will find several boutique shops, art corners, cafes, and restaurants in and around Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter. You can be part of some exciting festivals depending on when you are visiting. April has the Tulip Festival, September has a Potter’s Market, and Nov-Dec have the Dutch Christmas Market.

Tips for visiting Potsdam

• The easiest way to get to Potsdam from Berlin is on the S-Bahn. Board S7 from Berlin Hbf and get down at Potsdam Hbf. The train ride takes 45minutes or so. If you take one of the regional trains, you can get to Potsdam in less than 30minutes.
• You can book your tickets on the BVG Ticket-App and at ticket vending machines. If you are looking for an English and more familiar interface, use OMIO .
• If you already have a Berlin WelcomeCard with ABC Zones , getting to Potsdam is free . Remember to select Berlin + Potsdam ABC Zones at check out.
• Alternately, you can purchase a 24-hour ticket for ABC tariff zone and do multiple trips within the same day. Groups of up to 5 people can do multiple trips on a small-group day ticket in tariff zone ABC.
• Reserve a guided tour of Potsdam for when you get there. This city and castles tour is extremely popular among visitors .
• Attractions in Potsdam are more spaced out than being clustered around a city center. Feel free to use your bike or rent one to see the place. I still regret not getting one when exploring Potsdam. While it is not difficult to walk between attractions, having a bike definitely saves time . You can also choose to ride the Hop-on Hop-off Bus and get off at your preferred stop.

Departing from Berlin

Berlin’s international airport is called Berlin Brandenburg Airport [BER] and is located in southeast Berlin. This is Berlin’s new airport which opened in 2020. If you have flown to Berlin earlier, you will remember flying in to Berlin Tegel Airport but that was closed in May 2021.

Here’s a list of airlines that fly in and out of BER.

BER has 3 operational terminals at the moment – T1, T2, and T5. All of them are serviced S-Bahn trains, S9 and S45. Express buses and regional trains also ply to the airport. I love how BER has every single public transport detail written down on their website. Check it out here .

If you are looking for a private transfer to the airport, you can book one here .

Departing Berlin by train

If you have plans to travel to other cities in Europe such as those in Poland, Austria, Switzerland, France, and more, you can opt for train travel from Berlin Hauptbanhof.

More than 10 days in Germany?

• Head to Hamburg (2hours by train from Berlin) and explore a miniature wonderland and the historic port of Hamburg.
• Plan a trip to Cologne and see the towering Cologne Cathedral – a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Experience the surreal natural beauty of Black Forest Region, soak in the spas of Baden-Baden, and enjoy the spectacular Black Forest Railway.
• Check out more beautiful places to visit in Bavaria .

Practical information for visiting Germany in 10 days

Best time to visit germany.

The best time to visit Germany is between May – September (late spring, summer, and early autumn) because weather is pleasant and rains are scarce. This is when flowers bloom, days are longer, and Bavaria’s white asparagus season kicks off.

July – September are the driest months with almost zero chances of rain. That’s why summer is the ideal time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle . However, this is also the time when the country is packed with tourists, airfare and accommodation are expensive, and long queues are a norm. If you wish to avoid all that, travel in the shoulder months of April – mid June or the second half of October.

Mid September – mid October is also Oktoberfest season which implies expensive everything. If you wish to attend Oktoberfest in Germany, plan for it at least 6 months in advance.

Christmas is a great time to visit Germany because of the pretty German Christmas markets that are set up all over the country. The ones in Bavaria are especially beautiful. Munich, itself, has scores of them.

Germany’s ski season in the Alps runs between December – March.

Getting around Germany

Germany has got a wonderful network of railways, metro, trams, and buses. It is simple and easy to plan your entire Germany itinerary by train without the hassle of renting cars.

Deutsche Bahn [DB] is Germany’s official railway company. You can plan all your journeys on their website . Be sure to check out their Regional Day Tickets that allow you to make multiple, inexpensive, trains trips within a federal state . For example, getting a Bayern Ticket is super helpful in Bavaria.

I always get a Bayern Ticket when traveling in Bavaria. It is a regional day ticket for unlimited travel within the state and is valid on all public transport. The best part is a Bayern Ticket costs EUR 25 for one passenger and only EUR 8 more for every additional passenger up to 5 people. It is a real money-saver if you are planning to travel between towns and if you have a big group. Click here to find out how you can save hundreds of dollars with your Bayern Ticket .

Almost every big city has its own (and very effective) network of public transport. They usually have attractive day tickets which can save you a ton of money when traveling within the city and suburbs . I have linked to all of them under the respective cities.

Germany travel essentials

• Germany has an efficient public transport system with Deutsche Bahn [DB] being the country’s official railway partner. Further, every city has a wide network of metro/trams/buses. Be sure to check out their special regional and day tickets before making your travel plans.
• Children under the age of 6 travel for free on public transport if accompanied by an adult.
• Business hours in Germany are typically 9am – 6pm [Mon – Fri] and 9am – 2pm [Sat]. Museums may be closed on Mondays. Please check individual websites before you go.
• Buy travel insurance before traveling to Germany. Insuring travel is more necessary than ever now and always a key component of planning any trip to Europe.

All information was correct at the time of publishing. However, things can and do change without notice. Please confirm directly with respective service providers.

Loved our 10 days in Germany itinerary? Pin it for later!

You may also like:

• A Memorable Train Journey Through Germany
• My Trip To Germany In Pictures: My German Photo Gallery
• DB Bayern Ticket: How To Travel Cheap Within Bavaria…

17 thoughts on “ 10 Days In Germany: How To Plan The Perfect German Itinerary? ”

Hello Soumya,

fantastic post, is insightful and very informative about travel tips for Germany

Thanks. Glad you liked this Germany travel itinerary.

this is First blog where i got complete information i read good. keep up to share knowledgeable blog

Thanks! Glad that you liked my blog and all the travel information in it.

This guide is absolutely superb. Such detailed and comprehensive guide, it feels I am almost travelling along. Stunning pictures.

Thank you so much. Glad you like this Germany travel itinerary.

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Ultimate GERMANY Travel Guide

Germany is a country located in western Europe .  Berlin is the capital and while the Bavarian south tends to be the most popular with travelers, it is well worth spending some time in the North too.

The whole country is gorgeous and we can’t say enough good things about how unique your visit to Germany can be.

Between the landscapes, colors, brew houses, beer and brat culture and history you could easily max out a 90 day EU visa in Germany alone- without even visiting another country in Europe on your trip.

Most travelers spend an average of 1 week in the country. One of the biggest highlights is renting a car upon arrival and heading off on a road trip  along the Romantic Road .

We’ve spent a total of two months in Germany across several visits to varying areas of the country. We like to dig a little deeper in the places we go, so there’s plenty left for us to see here, too.

Destinations

Germany travel: quick tips, don’t visit germany without:.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

GERMANY BUCKET LIST

Drive the romantic road.

Pick up your car in Munich and head south to Fussen, in the footsteps of the Alps, before turning north on a journey through the very best of Bavaria  along the Romantic Road . Ending in Wurzburg.

TRY GERMAN BEER

Delve into the heart and soul of German culture through an exploration of the many national beers. Find a beer hall, have a pretzel, and enjoy the music too! We personally love German Hefeweizen.

VISIT NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

You cannot miss a stop at the castle that fairytales were made from! The  stunning Neuschwanstein Castle  is located at the foot of the Alps and a must-visit on your Germany travels.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN GERMANY

There is no shortage of great things to do in Germany during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each city has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our city guides once you decide where your itinerary will take you.

LEARN ABOUT PIRATES IN HAMBURG:   Historically one of the most important seaports in all of Germany, Hamburg is rich in history and lore. At its height, Hamburg was the center of merchant trade in Germany, receiving large ships on a daily basis. This made it a prime target for pirates. Some of the most famous pirate names in history have graced the shores of the city with their presence, and there is no shortage of stories to go with their visits.

FOLLOW THE WWII HISTORY IN BERLIN:  From the remains of the Berlin Wall to Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin will take you on an emotional and enriching tour through the history of WWII in Germany.

GO TO ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER:  Hands down, the most quintessential Bavarian village you can come across in Germany. Located along the Romantic Road, a visit to Rothenberg is a journey back to the medieval period of Germany. Get lost in the streets, take it all in and do not miss the medieval torture museum.

VISIT THE PRUSSIAN PALACES IN POTSDAM:  Doable as a day trip from Berlin, but also worth more time if you have it, a visit to the Prussian Palaces in Potsdam will blow your mind. The architecture is not only opulent but rich in history and stories. This is where it all began for the royals in Germany.

SEE THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL IN NUREMBERG:  Germany plays hosts to the best Christmas markets in all of Europe and Nuremberg is at the epicenter of the tradition. They boast the oldest market and as a result, are the home to the fabled Christmas angel. She appears in the main square market at the beginning of December and makes random appearances until Christmas Day.

TAKE A CYCLE TRIP:  Cycling is a popular activity just about anywhere you go in Europe, but only Germany has the Elbe River Valley route. This cycle route is the most popular in Germany and follows the Elbe River from the German-Czech Republic border up to the North Sea coast. The route passes through the Saxon Switzerland National Park along the way.

GO HIKING IN THE BLACK FOREST:  Having a border along the Alps, Germany has some fantastic hiking options. However, one of the best options is the Westwego Trail. It takes you through woodlands and moor before descending into the River Murg Valley and then leading you directly into the heard of the Black Forest.

GO CASTLE HUNTING:  Germany has hundreds, if not thousands, of  epic castles  to check out across the country. Of course, there are many famous ones you shouldn’t miss, like Neuschwanstein, Burg Eltz and Heidelberg. But have some fun and seek out some of the lesser-known, but equally spectacular ones during your travel to Germany.

VISIT DRESDEN:  We found this city to be fascinating, mainly for the fact that it was completely destroyed during WWII. What was once a literal pile of rubble, the city has been completely restored to its former glory and is chock full of German history and culture.

TAKE A RIVER CRUISE:  Germany is an epi-center of sorts when it comes to river cruising in Europe. The popular Danube visits Bavaria, the Rhine travels through the western part of the country and the  Elbe River cuts through the north  offering some beautiful off the beaten path places along the way.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

BRATWURST:  German’s love their Bratwurst sausages, and it’s a must-try when you are in the country. Bratwurst can be served in buns, or as a main dish with sides such as potatoes.

CURRYWURST:  Another sausage based dish beloved by Germans, is Currywurst. It’s a simple, fast food dish, consisting of sausage, chips and curry-flavored ketchup sauce.

SCHNITZEL:  Take chicken, pork, or veal and deep fry the meat in a battered breadcrumb coating, to give you Schnitzel. It’s meaty and delicious.

GERMAN FESTIVALS

OKTOBERFEST:  By far Germany’s most famous event, Oktoberfest is the iconic beer drinking festival held at the end of September and early October. While you can find events celebrating Oktoberfest across the country, the best place to visit in Munich, and Bavaria in general, where the festival originated. You can expect several weeks of intense beer drinking and festivities, with German culture and food being celebrated. This is one of the busiest times of year to visit Germany, and particularly Munich, and you might find accommodation hard to come by, and prices through the roof, but it will be worth the costs!

CHRISTMAS MARKETS:  The festive period is a fantastic time of the year to visit Germany because every village, town and city across the country holds its own Christmas market. In the major cities, you’ll find entire Christmas villages set up to cater to the festive spirit, and you can enjoy excellent food and drink while you purchase unique souvenirs and presents. Germany hosts some of the biggest and the best  Christmas markets in Europe , and it’s the perfect place to visit in winter.

CARNIVAL:  Another fantastic German festival to attend, is Carnival. Generally held in February, this is a celebration where everyone in attendance lets loose before the onset of Lent and Easter in the proceeding weeks. Many cities hold their own Carnivals, and it’s unique in every different region, but the best places to visit are Cologne or Munich, where celebrations are all out.

PLAN AN EPIC ROAD TRIP THROUGH GERMANY!

Popular regions in germany.

The country’s largest state is found in the south, on the border with Austria, and it’s one of the best places to visit when you travel to Germany. This is where you will find the historic cities of Munich and Nuremberg . In the countryside, you can find fairytale castles, such as the dramatic Neuschwanstein Schloss, as well as dramatic alpine scenery and rural, historic villages. Travel to Germany and to Bavaria in September and October to experience Oktoberfest.

Cologne is found in the northwest and is one of the largest cities to visit when you travel to Germany. The city is known for its striking cathedral and many museums, as well as its beautiful location on the Rhine. Using cologne as a base, you can travel further into the Rhineland, and visit nearby cities such as Bonn – which was formerly the capital of West Germany. It is the birthplace of Beethoven – as well as the modern, contemporary cities of Dusseldorf and Dortmund which are both less than an hour away on public transport.

The capital is easily one of the most fascinating places to visit when you travel to Germany. Divided between East and West for decades after World War II, Berlin has evolved into a unique city since the wall was torn down. Known for its diverse culture and alternative art and music scenes, it’s often referred to as the hipster capital of Europe. As well as modern culture though, you can visit classic sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, or the former royal palaces in the surrounding area.

Frankfurt is a mixture of old and new, and you can find restored medieval townhouses standing in the shadow of modern skyscrapers. It’s a historic place, but it’s also known for its financial services and industry, making this a unique look at contemporary German life. Visit the city’s many museums, take a cruise along the river, and see where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born. Close to Frankfurt, you can visit the fascinating and beautiful medieval university town of Heidelberg, one of the best places in the country to explore when you travel to Germany.

When you travel to Germany you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Hamburg , the country’s second-largest city. This former industrial stronghold and port city in the north has long been an integral part of the country. Today, you can find a revitalized, and modern city, which makes use of old and historic buildings and docks to create a sense of both heritage and modernity.

GERMANY TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to Germany is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit jut about anywhere in Germany on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxury as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within Germany. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  Varies by type and rating. Generally, you can expect  camping  to be free to Euro 20 per night,  hostels  to average Euro 20 to 40 per night,  mid-range hotels  to average Euro 50 to 100 per night and  luxury hotels  to be Euro 100 and up per night.

ATTRACTIONS : Costs vary. Many museums and historical attractions will charge entrance fees, which may average to be around Euro 10 per person. Many natural attractions are free though.

TRANSPORTATION:  The most popular method of travel around Germany are by train, bus or rental car. The  Flix Bus Inter City Fare  averages Euro 20 and the  train  averages Euro 5.  Car rental  varies by length of time and generally average around Euro 20 per day for a compact. A  litre of petrol  will cost you around Euro 1.50.

FOOD:  Food will vary widely depending on your tastes and what restaurants you choose to visit on your trip. Generally, though, you can expect to find  street food  for around Euro 5, take a meal in a  mid-range restaurant  for Euro 20 per person and pay around Euro 3 for a  pint of beer .

40 EURO PER DAY

Staying in hostels, eating fast food or cooking own food, and entrance and transport to a few attractions.

100 EURO PER DAY

Private rooms. Restaurant meals. Lots of museums, attractions and a couple of day trips.

200 EURO + PER DAY

Upscale hotels. Private transport. Restaurant meals and bars. No limit on attractions or museums.

WHERE TO STAY IN GERMANY

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in Germany. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

For more in-depth information, be sure to check out the following articles if you plan to visit Munich or Berlin.

• Where to Stay in Munich: Best Districts & Hotels
• Where to Stay in Berlin: Best Districts & Hotels

HOW TO GET AROUND IN GERMANY

While Germany might be one of the largest countries in Europe, distances between each city are still not enormous, and with an excellent road network and an excellent public transport system, it’s easy to travel around and to get from one destination to the next quickly and efficiently.

FLIGHTS:  Germany has some of the busiest airports in Europe, and it’s easy to fly in and out of the country internationally. Given the short distances between cities though, domestic flights are not that necessary or cost-effective.

BUS:  There is a vast bus network connecting major and minor German cities domestically, while there are excellent connections internationally too, particularly to neighboring countries. The German company, Flixbus, are well known across Europe for their cheap fares, and you can use them to travel around both Germany and much of continental Europe. Booking fares in advance online will give you discounts.

CAR RENTAL:  Germany is home to the famous Autobahns, the highways that connect cities across the country and that have no speed limit. That makes car travel a very appealing option, while a road trip will also allow you to get off the beaten track and to explore the charms and sights of rural Germany easily. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

TRAIN:  Germany also has an extensive and efficient rail network, both intercity and suburban. Fares are good value and generally simple to figure out. Most major cities are connected with regular schedules, while wider Europe can be reached easily too. There are fast, intercity trains, and these can be the quickest way to get around. ‘ICE’ trains are fast and direct, and Munich to Berlin can take as little as 4 hours.

CYCLING:  Increasingly, long-distance cycling is becoming a popular way to see Germany. The country is well set up for cyclists, with cycle paths and lanes in cities and in the countryside.

RIVER CRUISING:  On the major rivers, such as the River Rhine or the River Danube, there are plenty of opportunities to travel by boat. Some companies even offer multi-day river cruises, particularly on the Danube, which can take you through Germany and Central Europe. If you’re considering a river cruise, check out  Viking River Cruises in Europe .

TOP GERMANY TOURS

Highlights of germany.

12 Days from Frankfurt See 13 cities including along the Rhine and Bavaria.

BEST OF GERMANY

9 Days from Cologne to Munich See 5 additional cities including the Black Forest and Bavaria.

GERMAN VISTA

8 Days from Berlin to Munich See 9 additional cities including Dresden & Neuschwanstein.

WHEN TO VISIT GERMANY

Germany experiences a predominantly continental climate, with comparatively hot summers and cold winters. It’s still a relatively mild climate though, with the four traditional seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter being experienced across the country.

That means that the weather is the best in  summer.  Generally between May and August when the sun is out, temperatures are high and there’s little chance of rain.  This is peak season, particularly if you want to enjoy music festivals or go hiking.

Germany can really be visited any time of the year though, as the country is very different depending on the season.

In  Fall , you will find the forests resplendent in shades of red and golden brown, while many famous festivals such as Oktoberfest are in full swing.

Spring  is a lovely time to travel to Germany as well when the cold of winter is being shrugged off and the sun is beginning to shine.

Winter , while cold and dark, can also be a fantastic time to visit. This time of year you’ll find fairytale castles covered in frost and snow. During the holiday period,  Germany plays host to the best Christmas markets  in Europe.

PACK LIKE A PRO FOR YOUR EUROPE TRIP!

Safety in germany.

Germany is an incredibly safe country to visit, and few visitors ever experience much difficulty traveling around.

That being said, like anywhere in the world, the large cities and touristy areas can have their share of pickpockets or petty criminals, so always be aware of your belongings and surroundings.

English is widely spoken, meaning that if you do get into trouble or fall ill while on holiday, it’s relatively easy to sort any issues out in Germany.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

GERMANY TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Germany travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Germany and start planning your dream trip.

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We’re Cate and Aaron, two passionate travelers who have been exploring Germany for almost 35 years. Our mission is to help you make the most of your time in beautiful Deutschland.

Cate used to live in Germany, has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics, and taught college German for several years. We spend time in Germany each year and love helping others plan unforgettable trips in Germany (and beyond). We’d love to help you, too!

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Germany Trip Planner

Top destinations in germany.

Top attractions in Germany

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

• Grossziethen
• Kleinmachnow
• Ahrensfelde
• Hennigsdorf
• Grossbeeren
• Gross Glienicke
• Hohen Neuendorf
• Blankenfelde
• Hoppegarten
• Birkenwerder
• Gross Kienitz
• Ludwigsfelde
• Altlandsberg
• Fredersdorf
• Woltersdorf

All related maps of Germany

• Map of Germany
• Map of Berlin
• Map of Grossziethen
• Map of Teltow
• Map of Kleinmachnow
• Map of Stahnsdorf
• Map of Ahrensfelde
• Map of Schonefeld
• Map of Mahlow
• Map of Muhlenbeck
• Map of Hennigsdorf
• Map of Grossbeeren
• Map of Gross Glienicke
• Map of Hohen Neuendorf
• Map of Falkensee
• Map of Blankenfelde
• Map of Hoppegarten
• Map of Birkenwerder
• Map of Gross Kienitz
• Map of Dallgow
• Map of Schoneiche
• Map of Neuenhagen
• Map of Velten
• Map of Ludwigsfelde
• Map of Bernau
• Map of Potsdam
• Map of Altlandsberg
• Map of Fredersdorf
• Map of Bornim
• Map of Leegebruch
• Map of Woltersdorf

Germany throughout the year

• Germany in January
• Germany in February
• Germany in March
• Germany in April
• Germany in May
• Germany in June
• Germany in July
• Germany in August
• Germany in September
• Germany in October
• Germany in November
• Germany in December

Q&A about Germany

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Travel Guide

• Things to Do
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Getting Around
• Regions in Brief
• Calendar of Events
• Tips on Accommodations
• Getting There
• Escorted & Package Tours
• Special-Interest Vacations
• Staying Safe
• Health & Insurance
• Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism
• Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers
• Tips for Senior Travelers
• Tips for Travelers with Disabilities
• Suggested Itineraries
• Traveler's Guide to Art & Architecture

Planning a Trip in Germany

Every country and every culture offers a unique opportunity—and sometimes a challenge—to enlarge one’s personal experience and understanding of the world. Germany is no exception. The more you know about German life and German culture, the more enjoyable and rewarding your trip to Germany will be. This section provides useful background information to help you plan your trip and understand the country. Check out the major festivals and events to find out what’s going on when. A rundown of German history arranges the country’s long and complicated past into a concise, easy-to-digest chronology. We cross-reference highlights of German art and architecture to specific cities and sites to help you place these works in context, and introduce the best of German food and drink . We also provide suggestions for books and movies that deal with all aspects of German life.

Germans are famously organized, and travelers will be wise to follow their example in doing a little advance planning for a trip to Germany, from how to get there and around to where to stay. This section covers everything you need to know to make trip planning a snap, from when to go to how to shop for the best airfare. Browse through it to get started and make sure you've touched all the bases.

If your passport and documents are in order, you can fly to Germany almost with the ease you might contemplate a trip to New York or Los Angeles.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Germany Tourism And Travel Guide

Germany, the land of rivers and mountains and forests and beaches, the country that was the perpetrator as well as the persecuted during the World Wars, a land that was destroyed and has been rebuilt in the last 50 years, and also the magical abode that gave the world its more memorable fairytales. This country is so diverse and so rich in its offerings that you will not tire of exploring. That is why tourism in Germany has been on the rise lately. You can do so much here, explore history, art, culture, automobiles, fairytales, forests, spas, modern cities and beaches too. What more does one want? Here’s a travel guide to help you navigate Germany easily

How to Reach

From India , the best way to reach Germany is by taking the plane. While from other parts of Europe , you always have the options of road and rail. 

Germany being a major business centre of Europe sees a lot of air traffic and hence many international airports. You can fly to Germany’s Berlin -Tegel, Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt International Airport from Mumbai , Delhi , Chennai , Bangalore etc. German airlines like Lufthansa and Indian ones like Jet Airways and Air India among others operate regular flights to and fro.

You can drive into Germany from any Schengen country and not require many checks. You can also drive into Germany from other EU nations without much hassle. Eurolines buses play between destinations like France , Belgium , Austria , Hungary , Czech Republic , Switzerland , Netherlands etc into Germany. 

Rail travel is the best option if you want to go cross-city in Germany. It is cheaper than flights and also a great way to explore the countryside. Deutsche Bahn/ DB/ German Railways operate most trains and you can also go across the country to places like Czech Republic, Denmark , Poland , France, Austria etc. ICE or high speed trains also ply.

Getting Around:

Locals in Germany prefer to cover short distances by foot or by bicycle, as do most Europeans. For longer city distances, mostly metros, buses and cars are available. If you want to travel between cities then trains are cheaper than most flights and you can also carry bikes/bicycles at no extra fare in the non-peak hours.

• How To Reach Germany

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The high season here is summer but we recommend spring and autumn season to plan a trip to Germany.

Spring (March to May):

Spring in Germany arrives later, almost by March end. By April the temperatures see a rise and blooms blossom over trees. May is the best spring month to visit and the crowds are still not too thick to enjoy open spaces. The average spring temperature in Germany is 19°C.

Summer (June to September):

Summer is not too hot, as it is a mild temperate climate that Germany sees. The air near the sea in the north is lighter and cooler though. July is the hottest month at average 23°C and is also the most crowded, most expensive time to visit. You will need to book in advance for all travel plans.

Autumn (October to November):

Autumn is another great time to visit Germany, if not for its crowd-free mild weather then for the great Oktoberfest. This beer festival draws massive crowds to Munich and even though there are around 10 rainy days in autumn, Germany shows you a good time.

Winter (December to February):

German winters are mild near the North Sea due to maritime influence but go so cold and bitter down the central and southern terrain. The temperature drops to -20°C in many places and everything beautiful is frozen. The only saving grace of a winter holiday, aside from skiing expeditions in the Bavarian region, is the Christmas time and February Carnivals in Cologne.

• Germany Weather And Best Time To Visit Germany

Things to Do

Visit the Berlin Wall:

The Berlin Wall was built to divide the city of Berlin between America and Soviet Union after World War II, and became a site of iron curtain between the eastern and western worlds, the capitalist and communist ideologies, until it was broken down in 1989 and reunification of Germany came about. More than 5000 citizens tried to cross the wall on either side and around a hundred and fifty died trying. Such is the tragic history of this place which must be visited at least once. 

Celebrate Oktoberfest:

Oktoberfest is a major German festival, in fact, Europe ’s most visited festival, that celebrates beer. German culture is on showcase through a month (October, of course), as everyone comes out in local traditional costumes, drinks beer, eats pretzels and makes merry. Oktoberfest is held in Wiesn, near Munich, every year in October and must be explored at length.

Visit the Mercedes Benz Museum:

The German automobile industry has always been its top asset, as is evident by numerous world-dominating brands like Volkswagen, Skoda, BMW etc. Mercedes is also a proud product of German engineering and you will get to explore the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart; seeing the different models from their very first one, to how models like E-Class Coupé and C-Class are made.

Explore Black Forest:

The Black Forest region of Germany is named so because of the thick deciduous vegetation here, tree canopy so thick that sometimes it is not even the sun that can reach the forest floor. Roman settlers more than 2 millennia ago discovered natural hot water springs here, which today make for spa resorts and towns that relax one and sundry. Visit the spa town of Baden-Baden, hike up to the hills, take the train from Offenburg to Konstan and enjoy the darkness of these forests.

Take the Fairy Tale Road Trip:

The Germany Fairy Tale Route is a famous road trip that is undertaken from the town of Grimm Brothers’ birth Hanau near Frankfurt to Bremen. You will see the various places on the way, like Snow White’s village, Red Riding Hood’s land, the Pied Piper’s town and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. There are old cobbled streets in medieval towns, timber houses and dark magical forests on the way. This is a road trip to re-live your childhood.

• Things To Do In Germany
• Tourist Places To Visit In Germany

What to Eat

German cuisine might not be as delicate as that of the French or the Italians but that doesn’t take away from the unique use of meats, different makes of breads and pickled vegetables that taste delicious in the right combination. Potatoes are a staple, as are meats and breads. Some common dishes will include potato curry, cured meat sausages (Wurst), fries (Pommes Frites) and Currywurst (sausage curry). Other delights are pretzels, cakes, beer and sauerkraut (pickled cabbage). You will find all types of cuisines in German cities, from Arabic to Chinese, Turkish to Thai, and Indian too. Vegan and Vegetarian options might be limited and not always present on menus, so make sure to ask for them.

What to Shop

The country of Germany is known for its pure honey, smoked meats and eels, cheeses and beer. Chocolates are another great asset of Germany and taken back in hordes by the tourists. Ritter Sport is a famous German chocolate brand, delicious and inexpensive to present as souvenirs. You can also shop for homeware (knives, pots, pans), ceramics and loads of fashion labels and high street clothes from Dusseldorf.

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