Germany Travel Guide
Germany, a nation sharing borders with nine other countries, offers diverse experiences for travelers. From the Baltic Sea shores and medieval cities influenced by the Hanseatic League to the mesmerizing national parks in the south and enchanting Bavarian castles, Germany has a lot to offer. It can be overwhelming to decide where to start exploring.
Many people tend to overlook Germany's cities apart from Munich and Berlin. However, cities like Dresden, Bremen, Hamburg, and Cologne have their own unique charm and attractions, including captivating architecture and vibrant Christmas markets during the winter.
Germany's natural beauty is also a major draw, with scenic trails showcasing the Altmühl Valley and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Additionally, the country is dotted with historic spa towns perfect for weary cyclists and hikers. The great rivers of Europe, such as the Mosel and the Middle Rhine, also offer picturesque views and rich history.
Germany boasts a staggering number of castles, palaces, and mansions, with many converted into museums or accommodations. Notably, Sanssouci Palace, built by Friedrich II, showcases exquisite Rococo-style architecture.
In recent years, Germany has made efforts to repurpose its industrial relics from the 20th century, transforming them into nature spots and tourist attractions. This includes rejuvenating former heavy-industry towns and converting old mines into a stunning lake district in Lusatia. Germany continues to surprise and delight visitors with its rich history and diverse offerings.
When to go to Germany
​German weather is at its best in summer, when it’s hot but not uncomfortably so. But this is also the time when major attractions are at their busiest, roads get clogged up and accommodation prices are high. At least in scenic areas such as the Black Forest, there is enough space to stop you from feeling too claustrophobic.​
Winter can get bitingly cold, there are far fewer crowds. Germany is renowned for its Christmas markets and is pretty much-guaranteed snow every winter.
Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit – the weather is mild if sometimes unpredictable, and prices are lower than in peak season.
Most of Germany’s classical music festivals are held in June. Paradoxically, Munich’s world-famous Oktoberfest starts in mid-September. Germany’s renowned Christmas markets are held from mid-November until early January. Check your destination’s tourist board website for specific dates.
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International airports
Berlin-Brandenburg (BER), 20km; Frankfurt (FRA), 12km;
Cologne (CGN), 14km; Düsseldorf (DUS), 8km;
Hamburg (HAM), 9km; Munich (MUC), 28.5km; Stuttgart (STR) 14km.
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Getting around in Germany
Germany is a large country, and national airline Lufthansa has flights linking up many of the major cities, but you’ll also find one of the most extensive railway networks in the world, so there is little excuse to fly. Recently there have also been good deals on rail passes offered by national operator Deutsche Bahn (DB; www.bahn.de) to locals and travellers alike to encourage the use of its regional network, so look out for those. The InterCity (IC) and high-speed InterCity Express (ICE) trains link up big cities, with the fastest route between Berlin in the east and Cologne in the west taking around four hours.
Most major cities have an underground U-Bahn system, or trams in the centre and an S-Bahn network going out into the suburbs. For timetables and fares, see Deutsche Bahn’s website.
Buses efficiently fill the gap in the few rural areas not served by trains. It’s well worth buying travelcards for these. Germany’s roads are well-maintained. Fly-drive deals often work out cheaper than hiring cars through local agents. There are also several scenic drives, particularly in Bavaria, that are worth the hire cost alone, with the Baden Wine Route and German Alpine Road among the most captivating.
Cyclists are well-catered for: there are bike lanes throughout Germany and you can hire bikes from most of the main train stations and drop them off at any other participating station.
More coming soon
Destinations
Whether you love nature or history, mountains or the sea, Germany has something to offer for everyone. From majestic castles set amid picturesque landscapes to the lively streets of Berlin, there are countless hidden treasures to discover in the country. Here you will find valuable information about popular destinations, cultural highlights, local traditions and delicious dishes, and practical travel tips. Prepare for a journey through Germany to explore fascinating cities, breathtaking mountain landscapes and intriguing UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ahr Valley, Germany
Go for: fine wines, great nature, and a warm welcome back
In July 2021, large parts of the Ahr Valley in Rhineland-Palatinate were destroyed. The gently babbling Ahr turned into a raging river—with floods, flash floods, and tidal waves resulting in widespread tragedy. But now, visitors are welcome again, as demonstrated by the slogan “We AHR open”—even if the Ahr Valley is not yet fully rebuilt. The train that cut through the valley will run again at the end of 2025, connecting its villages with a 22-mile-long, picturesque red wine hiking trail. The trail leads through the most beautiful terraces and steep slopes of the wine-growing region and offers numerous places to stop for a Pinot Noir, which, together with Blanc de Noir, is the region’s speciality. Be sure to try it at the wineries of Jean Stodden, Meyer-Näkel, and the wine-growers cooperative, Mayschoss.
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Numerous wine growers, restaurateurs, and hoteliers have not only taken the reconstruction of the region into their own hands but also its further development. They have seen opportunities, invested, worked tirelessly, and developed new, modern concepts. The Sustainable Tourism Concept 2025 is the joint result of all those who have already felt the effects of climate change. Most of these projects will only be initiated in 2025—after which you can watch them develop—but some of the best examples are here already. Markus Bell, who runs the Bells Genusshof restaurant, serves local produce in a space that feels like a cool concept store. In Altenahr, Andreas Carnott has expanded his Hotel Ruland to include a spectacular wellness area with a view of the slate cliffs; he is also considered one of the best chefs in the region. At Restaurant Brogsitter, Benjamin Schöneich regained his Michelin star in the spring of 2024 after starting there in the fall of last year.
Around 80% of establishments were open again in the Ahr Valley by the summer of 2024, and the number of hotels on offer are on the rise too. New openings include the lovingly designed boutique hotel Burg Adenbach & Alter Weinbau in Ahrweiler, alongside reopenings like the grande dame of Ahr, the Steigenberger Hotel in Bad Neuenahr at the beginning of June 2024. Not only did its large indoor pool and spa reopen at the end of 2024, but concerts will take place in the event rooms again; and thermal baths will follow in 2025. —Lisa Riehl
How to plan it: The Ahr Valley is beautiful throughout the whole year, but the best time to visit is late summer and fall, when the grape harvesting is at its peak and there are several wine fests to enjoy (and imbibe at). Look out for delicious food stands set up by winegrowers and restaurateurs in the villages and all along the red wine hiking trail. The best way to get here is to fly to Cologne and then take the train—or rent a car—to the Ahr Valley. —Sarah James