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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.
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.
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
Lifestyle is a priority in Munich. It might be down to the clear blue skies or simply the city's beauty, but one thing's for certain: The people of Munich always like to show their best side, whether they're in a beer garden, on one of the exclusive shopping streets, or in Bayern Munich's stadium.
A city with a big heart, as suave as it is easygoing, buzzing and yet tranquil. Munich is Germany's lifestyle capital. And on top of all this, it boasts one of the country's most beautiful squares: Marienplatz, at the heart of the city and home to the Old and New Town Halls. The famous town hall glockenspiel is as much a part of the city's identity as the Hofbräuhaus beer hall or the iconic Church of Our Lady with its green dome-crested towers. Browsing the stalls of the Viktualienmarkt is a feast for the senses, while the luxury shopping boulevards such as Ludwigstrasse or Maximilianstrasse are designed for those with an appreciation of the finer things in life. For a far more affordable, not to mention more relaxed, shopping experience, head to Munich's trendy Glockenbachviertel district and Gärtnerplatz square.
Important Oktoberfest decisions you need to make
There’s much more to Oktoberfest than just beer and pretzels. Make the wrong decision and you’ll miss the best bits…
Late September begins Germany's famous Oktoberfest, the world's most well-known drinking festival. Although many people associate it with beer, many age-old traditions add depth and meaning to the celebrations.
One of the traditions is the Parade of Tent Hosts into Theresienwiese on the first day of Oktoberfest, followed by the mayor tapping the first keg of beer.
During this time, you'll have to make a decision. Do you want to watch the Parade of Tent Hosts with their brewery horses and beautifully decorated wagons, or do you want to secure a good seat for tapping the first keg? Unfortunately, you can't do both.
The Parade of Tent Hosts
The Parade of Tent Hosts and Breweries is well worth a visit. A huge and varied assortment of horse-drawn carts weaves through the cheering crowd on the way to their tents, accompanied by brass and woodwind musicians.
History of the Parade
Since 1887, the march has been a staple part of the Oktoberfest tradition. The first parade happened a few years earlier, in 1879, when the Styrian Hansa (master butcher, proprietor of an inn on Tegernseer Landstraβe in Munich, and ‘Bavarian Hercules’) drove to Theresienwiese with many guests, two coaches and lots of fuss. However, he was stopped by guards and forced to pay an exorbitant fine of 150 Deutsch Marks – but that didn’t stop him from getting a permit for it during next year’s Oktoberfest, and with that, started a lovely tradition.
If you plan to get a good spot for the beer
You should wake up early. The best seats are highly sought-after, and you should research the events in each tent. If you want to see the mayor tap the first keg, you have to go to the Schottenhamel tent. It’s very hard to find a seat in here since so many people want to see how many strikes with a big hammer it takes the master of ceremonies to tap the 200-litre beer keg (which has a lifespan of about 11 minutes at Oktoberfest!). So set that alarm extra early!
Tip: Follow the Sidewalk Signs to Reach the Wiesn!
Whether you got turned around while trying to walk to the Wiesn or are too tipsy to remember how to get back to the trains, the city of Munich has got you covered!
From the central station (Hauptbahnhof) all the way to Wiesn, there are very obvious markers on the sidewalk that lead you to Oktoberfest. They say “Oktoberfest München” and have an arrow — it doesn’t get simpler than that!
Oktoberfest 2024 Dates, Location & Opening Hours
Dates: September 21 – October 6, 2024
Location: Theresienwiese in Munich
How to get there: It’s a 15-minute walk to the Wiesen from the central train station, or you can ride the U-Bahn (lines U4 or U5) 1 stop to the station “Theresienwiese.”
Beer service hours: 10 am – 10:30 pm (tents open at 9 am on weekends and on October 3rd)
Stall opening hours: Mo – Th 10 am – 11:30 pm; Fr 10am-midnight; Sa 9am-midnight; Su 9 am – 11:30 pm
Oktoberfest Foods & Drinks
The food and drinks at Oktoberfest are delicious, although a bit expensive
Here are just some of the foods and drinks you need to try at Oktoberfest:
Beer
— The star attraction! The beer is brewed exclusively for Oktoberfest by Munich’s Big Six breweries. It’s a true heritage product that supports the local breweries.
Pretzels (Brezeln)
— The ones sold in the tents are bigger than your head and are actually so good! Bavaria is where pretzels originated, and they’re always perfectly fluffy and not too dry.
Pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe)
— The most succulent cut of pork you’ll ever eat! The ultra-crispy skin coating of the pork is to die for. You’d be hard-pressed to eat an entire pork knuckle on your own, so order some meat shaved off the bone and made into a sandwich or split a whole one with a friend.
Bratwurst
— Grilled sausages are easy to find all over the Wiesn and are one of the more affordable food items. Get yours topped with sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) for the full Oktoberfest experience.
Roast ox (Ochsenbraten)
— Super tender roast beef, typically sold inside the tents and not at the outdoor stalls. Head to the Ochsenbraterei tent to sample the best of the best.
Where to Stay in Munich for Oktoberfest
If your budget allows, I highly suggest staying within walking distance of the Theresienwiese. That way you won’t have to mess with public transportation or taxis. (Remember that you will NOT be able to drive to and from the Wiesn since you’ll be drinking alcohol!)
However, if you end up booking a hotel further away to save money, select one with easy access to the U3, U4, U5 or U6 subway — those will all take you straight to the Wiesn.
Top-rated Munich hotels that would be a good place to base your Oktoberfest adventures include:
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Lizz Hotel Munich — 10 minute walk
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Schwan Locke — 5 minute walk
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Relexa Hotel München — 10 minute walk
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Bold Hotel München Zentrum — 5 minute walk
Final Thoughts
For as long as this guide is, it still doesn’t cover all there is to know about visiting Oktoberfest for the first time. Leave me additional questions below, and if you visit Oktoberfest with the help of this guide please let me know!
Lifestyle is a priority in Munich. It might be down to the clear blue skies or simply the city's beauty, but one thing's for certain: The people of Munich always like to show their best side, whether they're in a beer garden, on one of the exclusive shopping streets, or in Bayern Munich's stadium.
A city with a big heart, as suave as it is easygoing, buzzing and yet tranquil. Munich is Germany's lifestyle capital. And on top of all this, it boasts one of the country's most beautiful squares: Marienplatz, at the heart of the city and home to the Old and New Town Halls. The famous town hall glockenspiel is as much a part of the city's identity as the Hofbräuhaus beer hall or the iconic Church of Our Lady with its green dome-crested towers. Browsing the stalls of the Viktualienmarkt is a feast for the senses, while the luxury shopping boulevards such as Ludwigstrasse or Maximilianstrasse are designed for those with an appreciation of the finer things in life. For a far more affordable, not to mention more relaxed, shopping experience, head to Munich's trendy Glockenbachviertel district and Gärtnerplatz square.
A trip to the English Garden, Munich's very own slice of paradise wedged in between the Isar River and the city centre, doesn't cost you a penny. From the art of lazing around to surfing the Eisbach River, anything goes here. Add to this two of Munich's most beautiful beer gardens, one at the Chinese Tower, the other at a picturesque lakeside spot, and you've got the perfect recipe for a relaxing afternoon. The people of Munich are also proud of the city's museums, many of which are of international standing, such as the German Museum, the world's biggest science and technology museum, the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek, the Pinakothek der Moderne, the Lenbachhaus Museum, the Brandhorst Museum and many more. The BMW Museum has the city's automotive heritage covered, while the football stars of Bayern Munich show teams visiting the Allianz Arena what it's really like to be on top. It's well worth trying to get a ticket to see them play, as the stadium atmosphere alone is world-class.
The Frauenkirche is the city's landmark par excellence
The Towers of the Frauenkirche Munich
Visible from far and wide, the two towers of the Frauenkirche (cathedral) jut out against the clouds, shaping Munich's skyline more than any other building in the city. And the inhabitants of Munich are keen on making sure it stays this way for a long time to come: In 2004, they voted in a city referendum to stop any new buildings in Munich exceeding the height of the Frauenkirche at 98.57 metres.
The Gothic cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Munich and is officially known as “Zu Unserer Lieben Frau“ (Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady). Erected by the Munich-based architect and master builder Jörg von Halsbach in the 15th century, the building was constructed using bricks to save money due to the lack of quarries in the region. Apart from the tops of the two towers, the building was completed in 1488 after just 20 years of construction work.
There's always something going on in this world-famous square – whether it's the Christmas market, the city's anniversary celebrations, the Glockenspiel, championship celebrations for FC Bayern or public gatherings for a variety of occasions. Here you can find out everything you need to know about Marienplatz.
Marienplatz (square) has been at the centre of the city since Munich was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158. It was the point at which all of the new city’s most important streets met and for centuries it was the centre of Munich's life. And even today, between the Isartor and Karlsplatz-Stachus, Odeonsplatz and Sendlinger Tor, Marienplatz is a popular meeting place, the start of the pedestrian zone and the place from which distances in the city are measured.
The New Town Hall is the home of politics in Munich and its balcony is also the place where FC Bayern greet their fans when they’ve won the championships.
With its ornate, Neo-Gothic facade, the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) at Marienplatz (square) looks slightly older than it actually is. As a matter of fact, initial construction took place between 1867 and 1905 after the neighbouring Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) became too small for Munich’s city council.
Glockenspiel
One of the most important attractions is the Glockenspiel in the hall's tower, whose daily performances at 11 am and 12 am (and 5 pm in the summer months) attract audiences from around the world.
