Germany offers so much, from stunning cities to breathtaking countrysides – making it an excellent stop on any European tour.
Before your travels begin, take some time to familiarize yourself with German culture and language. Doing this will save time and trouble during your travels and ensure a hassle-free experience.
Dreaming of strolling through charming cobblestone streets, sampling delicious pretzels, and immersing yourself in centuries-old traditions? Germany might just be the perfect destination for your next vacation! But before you hop on that plane, let us share some insider travel tips that will make your trip even more extraordinary. From navigating public transportation like a pro to finding hidden gems off the beaten path, our advice is designed to enhance every aspect of your journey. And if you truly want to embrace the German culture, why not try learning the language? Learning German can greatly enhance your travel experience in Germany. While many Germans speak English, making an effort to learn some basic phrases and words can go a long way in terms of building connections and getting authentic experiences.
Sightseeing
Germany provides numerous sightseering opportunities, from medieval cities and castles to picturesque countryside villages and idyllic countryside settings. To enhance your travel experience, book a tour or venture out alone and discover its sights.
One of the best ways to explore our country is a Rhine River cruise. Along the river you’ll encounter picturesque castles and historic towns that are all easily accessible from your vessel’s deck.
Germany can be explored best through a tour that explores its cities such as Berlin and Munich, providing you with opportunities to witness various cultural attractions while learning about their past and present.
On your visit, you’ll also have an opportunity to see some of Germany’s iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building, and experience stunning views from atop Berlin TV Tower.
For art enthusiasts, a visit to Munich’s Pinakothek der Moderne should not be missed. With its collection of modern art by such luminaries as Picasso and Monet, this museum should not be missed!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is known for its charming half-timbered houses. Cobblestone streets in this medieval town feature medieval architecture while its city wall provides a picturesque walkway over it.
Germany’s Old Town should be on your must-see list when visiting Germany, so make a point of visiting its UNESCO-listed Medieval quarter full of historical treasures and soak up its charming atmosphere for at least some part of your visit.
Outdoor Activities
Germany offers an abundance of outdoor activities to keep visitors active during their visit – from mountain climbing and cycling, to swimming and diving! There’s sure to be something exciting waiting for everyone!
Germany is home to bustling metropolitan cities surrounded by vast natural areas, while its people are known for their welcoming yet reserved charm – all qualities which contribute to making adventure travel a popular option among holidaymakers in Germany.
Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy Germany’s vast outdoors, with numerous trails throughout the country ranging from Grunewald Forest in the southwest to Wuhletal-Wanderweg on Berlin-Brandenburg border, offering something suitable for every hiker.
Photographic imagery can provide another window into Germany’s scenic beauty, providing the chance to visit one of its numerous beautiful parks or gardens, like Berlin’s Tiergarten.
Photography of Germany’s natural beauty can also be captured at numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered around its cities and towns.
If you’re up for some extra adventure on the water, kayaking or canoeing on the Spree River might just be your ticket to fun. There are various tours to choose from and plenty of famous landmarks will surely come into view while paddling!
If you’re seeking something a bit more extreme, Hollschlucht Resort in Bavaria’s Pfronten region could be just what you need. Camping under the stars takes on new meaning at this extreme adventure resort and there are also countless other exciting experiences waiting to be discovered within its boundaries.
Food
Food is an integral part of German culture. Renowned for its delectable traditional cuisine and tasty street fare to refined restaurant dining, Germany is well known for its wide array of tasty culinary offerings.
German lunches typically consist of a meat (Fleisch) main course served with various vegetable side dishes and bread. Germany’s national dish, Sauerbraten is typically prepared by marinating beef, pork or venison cuts with vinegar, spices and wine before being roasted – typically served alongside salad and various sauces for accompaniment.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in Germany, while Schnitzel, a fried meat roll made of chicken, beef or veal is another favorite dish.
People on the go often opt for fast food lunch options such as Currywurst or Schnitzel with fries as a quick lunch option. Both options can usually be found in most restaurants and are extremely satisfying.
Germans tend to eat breakfast first thing in the morning, typically consisting of bread or rolls with spreads such as butter and jam, cold cuts, cheese, eggs, honey and fruit.
Germany is also famous for its second breakfast option known as Pausenbrot or Zweites Fruhstuck – often taking the form of a small sandwich and providing fuel between meals – especially popular among schools.
Drinks are an integral part of German culture. Germans enjoy sipping on coffee (Kaffee) and tea (Tee), beer, schnapps, brandy and wines throughout their days – as well as seasonal fruit juices! German beverages can be refreshing whether served hot or cold;
Culture
People often think of Germany when they think of culture, often picturing its traditional handicrafts and traditions such as woven baskets, wooden shoes, pretzels and many more items associated with German traditions and culture. Yet there’s much more than meets the eye!
One of the hallmarks of German culture is a belief in reason and logic as keys to comprehending life around us. This perspective can be found in philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and Jean-Paul Sartre’s Enlightenment philosophy which questioned traditional ways of thinking.
Family and community are essential parts of German culture. You will notice that many Germans place great value in the lives of their family members and those close to them, going the extra mile to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.
Additionally, they feel an inherent sense of duty to keep their communities safe and protected, and focus on using sustainable energy solutions and protecting the environment.
Germans are highly efficient people. They plan their travel itineraries months in advance, book hotels and plane tickets early, and seem prepared for anything that may arise.
Germans pride themselves on being efficient communicators – their language tends to be quick and concise in conversations; they don’t typically engage in small talk or ask personal questions unless they know someone very intimately.
Germans tend to be reserved at first, but are becoming more open and friendly as they come to terms with their country’s past. Germans recognize that its remnants form part of their identity, so they wish to begin recovering it once again.
Shopping
Germany provides ample opportunities for shoppers, whether looking for bargain fashion or something extra-special to treat themselves with. Even small towns and cities provide plenty of shops and restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest shoppers.
Big cities also provide some excellent shopping opportunities, from high-end department stores to local boutiques specializing in all the latest fashion and accessory trends. Berlin’s legendary Kurfurstendamm shopping street provides ample opportunity for such purchases; boasting 4km filled with high-end boutiques as well as people rushing about in search of what may be on trend and must-haves.
If you’re on a tight budget, German supermarkets and hyperstores can be an economical way to shop – from large chain supermarkets such as Aldi to smaller “discounter” shops like Lidl.
E-commerce shopping websites have become an increasingly popular way of conducting commerce online. Visitors can browse products, compare prices and make purchases all in one transaction – something especially valuable in Germany where 65% of consumers trust online reviews before making their purchasing decisions.
While credit cards may be accepted at certain stores (particularly grocery stores), cash may be needed.
As soon as you visit Germany for shopping, you must become acquainted with its various store types as well as language differences. While some stores may sound similar to their American counterparts, their products and items could differ significantly.
While it’s tempting to stock up on essentials during your trip, keep in mind that most supermarkets and retailers close during major holidays like Easter or Christmas – making shopping difficult in between these events; but this provides the perfect opportunity to try new things or buy souvenirs!