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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
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

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What to Wear & What to Pack for Germany: Ultimate Germany Travel Packing List

This post contains links which earn me a small commission at no cost to you.

Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident What to Pack

Are you wondering what to pack for Germany ? I’ve lived in Berlin since 2015, and in Germany (Freiburg before Berlin) since 2011, so I know what kind of weather to expect, what to wear in Germany, and what to pack for a trip to Germany . This Germany packing list will help make sure you pack everything you need.

I’ve created this packing list for Germany to help you plan your trip to Germany in various parts of the country. You’ll find tips for what to wear in Germany during different seasons, packing advice for women and men, luggage suggestions, and tons more tips for what to pack when traveling to Germany .

And keep in mind there might be some variation depending on exactly what you’re doing and where you’re going. What you do in Berlin is different from what you do in the Black Forest, so what to pack when traveling to Germany also changes a bit depending on locations and activities.

What you'll find here

My top recommendations for your Germany packing list

Here are a few things that should definitely be on your Germany packing list.

• Solid shampoo and solid conditioner : These solid versions will save you space in your liquids bag, and I love them so much I use them even when I’m not traveling.
• Solid toothpaste tabs : Reduce your liquids even more with these solid toothpaste tabs.
• Collapsible water bottle : The tap water in Germany is safe, so save money by bringing a water bottle to refill each day.
• Plug adapter : Germany uses a different plug style than the US and UK, so make sure you can plug in your electronics with a plug adapter.
• European SIM card : Get a SIM card or eSIM so you’ll have data from the moment you land in Germany, or wherever your first stop in the EU is.

Packing for Germany: What luggage should you bring?

I’m a backpack traveler for many reasons: It’s easier to manage up and down stairs, my hands are free, and I don’t have to worry about wheels getting stuck in cobblestone streets all over Europe.

Even in modern cities like Berlin and Munich , you’ll still encounter lots of cobblestone streets, which aren’t very suitcase friendly.

However, backpacks aren’t for everyone. If you’re more comfortable traveling with a suitcase, or you have back problems or other physical issues that makes suitcase travel more ideal, I have some suitcase recommendations as well.

Backpack recommendations for your trip to Germany

Over the years, I’ve tried many different travel backpacks. Here are the ones I’ve really liked that I’d recommend to you.

REI Trail 40L backpack

I’ve been able to take this backpack as carry on without any problems for several years on several different airlines.

Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40L backpack

My husband, Andy, has the Osprey Farpoint 40L backpack, and it has held up well through many trips over the years. Different compartments help him organize his things, and the straps are comfortable even when carrying the bag for a long time.

Osprey has the Farpoint for men and the Fairview for women .

Suitcase recommendations for your trip to Germany

Briggs & Riley and Travelpro are two quality luggage brands I would recommend if you’re buying a suitcase for your trip. They each make several different types of suitcases, and it all depends on your preferences for things like hard case vs soft case, two wheels vs four wheels.

Before buying a suitcase, there are some things you should consider and look at closely.

Many manufacturers label suitcases as “carry on” but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s accurate. Airlines measure the suitcase including the wheels and handle, while the manufacturer usually lists the size of the case itself without wheels and handle.

An extra inch or two could put your suitcase over the airline’s carry on limit, so be sure to look for the full measurements including wheels and handle.

Suitcases tend to be heavier than backpacks when empty. Since many airlines have a weight limit for carry on luggage, this digs into your allowance.

Search for Briggs & Riley suitcases here and Travelpro suitcases here .

Packing for Germany: Day Packs

You’re going to spend lots of time wandering around various cities taking in the sights and soaking up the atmosphere. I recommend including a day pack on your Germany travel packing list for holding all the things you want to have with you throughout a day of sightseeing.

I love using a stuff bag for a daypack because it folds up into itself, so it takes up almost no room in my luggage.

It means I can pack it in my main bag so I have something to use for day trips or wandering around the city, but I don’t have to lug an extra bag around with me all the time.

Stuff bags are a great option for shopping in Germany since one-time use plastic bags are almost nonexistent, and reusable shopping bags come with a cost.

We own this one from REI and this one from Osprey , and they’re both great. The REI stuff bag is made from thicker material, but the Osprey one folds up smaller.

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Join the Facebook group here to chat with Ali (she runs this site) and other people who have been to Berlin for tips.

What’s the weather like in Germany?

What you pack for Germany will depend on where you’re going and the time of year you visit because the weather changes greatly from one season to the next. Germany has everything from mountains to low elevation areas, coastal regions to cities.

Remember we’re in the northern part of Europe here, so summers are usually mild, though they can be quite hot at times.

And winters can be rather harsh with cold, gloomy days as the norm. Berlin’s latitude is 52.5N, which falls roughly halfway between Edmonton and Calgary, so it’s a lot farther north than many people realize.

Hamburg is even farther north at 53.5N. Freiburg, in the Black Forest , is at 48N, which is just a smidge north of Seattle.

What to pack for Germany in September will be different from what to pack for December . Always check the weather forecast a few days before your trip, because reality can vary greatly from the averages.

And traveling to mountainous regions will be colder because of the elevation. Visiting seaside areas near the North Sea or Baltic Sea can often be colder because of the wind.

I can’t give temperatures for every city in Germany. But since I live in Berlin, I have a better view of what the weather is like here than anywhere else.

I’m listing Berlin temperatures below for simplicity. Keep in mind that we’re tackling a whole country here, so there will be some amount of variation.

Here’s an overview of what kind of weather you can expect in Germany in winter, summer, spring, and autumn.

Germany weather in winter

Winter in Berlin can be long, cold, and gloomy. I always feel like winter starts in November, a solid month or so before the calendar says so.

Temperatures drop, days become shorter, and the sky is more than likely covered in a layer of clouds that seems to stick around for several months.

Despite the averages listed below, there always seems to be at least a week or two when the high is around 20F.

Average high and low temperatures in Berlin: December: 39F/31F January: 37F/29F February: 40F/29F

Other parts of Germany get more snow than Berlin does, like the Black Forest and Bavaria, especially as you get into the mountains. But in general, winter in Germany is cold and can start in November and last through March. Come prepared.

Germany weather in summer

Summer in Germany is gorgeous. Temperatures range from mild to hot, days are long, and the sun is out almost every day. Locals know this is the short window to enjoy the fantastic weather.

Air conditioning is rare here (though you might have decent luck finding it in a hotel) so sometimes everything seems hotter than it is.

Even though the average highs are in the 70s, there’s almost always a few weeks when the high is anywhere from 85F to 95F.

Northern Germany will have milder summers than southern Germany. And locations close to the sea will usually benefit from that sea breeze and have fewer really hot days.

Last summer we took a weekend trip from Berlin to Rügen on the Baltic Sea in June, and I still needed a light jacket early in the morning and in the evening. But the middle of the day was quite warm.

Average high and low temperatures in Berlin: June: 72F/54F July: 76F/58F August: 75F/58F

>>Check out the best things to do in summer in Berlin .

Germany weather in spring

The calendar might say spring starts in March, but sometimes Germany doesn’t agree. Germany in March can often still feel like winter, so if this is when you’re visiting, you still need warm clothing.

But when spring does finally hit, whether that’s in March or May, the weather is usually mild and pleasant with a decent number of sunny days.

Average high and low temperatures in Berlin: March: 48F/34F April: 57F/40F May: 67F/49F

>>Read: Spectacular Things to do in Berlin in Spring and Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Berlin .

Germany weather in fall

September is often still warm, sunny, and a great time to visit Germany. October can go either way, but by November, it’s almost guaranteed to start feeling cold.

Your Germany travel packing list for fall or spring should really have enough options for clothing that you can layer depending on what the weather actually happens during your trip.

Average high and low temperatures in Berlin: September: 67F/51F October: 57F/44F November: 46F/37F

>>Check out these famous landmarks in Germany .

What to wear in Germany

Germany isn’t one of your fancier countries. Lots of packing advice out there will tell you to dress up to travel to Europe, and while that’s sound advice for places like Milan or Paris, packing for Germany doesn’t require high fashion.

You can dress more casual here, especially in Berlin. If you want to walk around in pajamas in Berlin, no one will bat an eye, except other tourists.

In fact, there are parts of the Berlin where you might really stick out of you’re too dressed up. Certain Berlin clubs are ruthless about who they let in based on clothing, and if you’re dressed for a NYC club, you won’t get in.

The rest of Germany isn’t quite as quirky as Berlin, but you really can wear jeans in most cases and you will be fine. If you like wearing nicer clothes, that’s fine too, and you’ll fit in more in cities like Frankfurt, Munich, or Hamburg.

Are you doing a lot of outdoor activities like hiking? Dress appropriately in hiking shoes/boots and comfortable clothing.

Will you be going to a show at an opera house or philharmonic? Then a dressier outfit is certainly appropriate.

>>Check out our list of the best World War II and Cold War sites in Berlin .

What not to wear in Germany

For the most part, I recommend dressing like you would at home. Don’t wear weird touristy-looking clothing or sweatpants or anything too trashy.

I also don’t recommend wearing high heels or other uncomfortable shoes. You’re likely to be doing a lot of walking and there are lots of cobbled streets where high heels are impractical and even dangerous.

>>Here’s our suggestions for what to eat in Germany .

What to pack for Germany

The things you pack for a trip to Germany will vary by season. While many items are the same no matter when you travel, like toiletries and electronics (recommendations following the clothing section), here’s a look at what kind of clothing you should include on your Germany packing list for different times of the year.

• What to Wear in Berlin in Summer: A Packing List for Summer in Berlin
• What to Wear in Berlin in Winter: A Packing List for Winter in Berlin

What to Wear in Berlin in Spring: Berlin Packing List March, April, May

What to wear in berlin in autumn: berlin packing list september, october, november, clothing: what to pack for germany in summer.

Summers in Germany run from mild to hot, though it’s usually only truly hot for 2 or 3 weeks total. Usually. Summer 2022 was very hot for several weeks at a time, so always check the forecast shortly before your trip.

Here are my recommendations for your packing list for Germany in summer.

Short sleeved shirts: Pack one for each day of your trip, plus or minus, depending on how open you are to re-wearing a shirt occasionally.

Long sleeved shirt: One should be enough. Since it does occasionally dip below acceptable summer temperatures, it’s good to have one long sleeved option to throw on over your short sleeved shirt.

Pants: Pack a couple of pairs of jeans, leggings, or other casual light weight pants. Summer is *usually* mild enough to not need shorts.

Shorts: That said, it’s worth packing a pair of shorts, or even two pairs, if those high temperatures hit while you’re here.

Skirts/dresses: If you’re a skirt or dress person, pack a few casual ones to wear instead of a pair of pants. But chances are, you won’t need anything fancy for a trip to Germany.

Light jacket: I find that a light jacket or a sweatshirt is good for any trip, any season, in case of a few cooler days or on an air conditioned train or bus.

Underwear: Pack one pair of underwear for each day of your trip, plus an extra. One pair of socks per day should also be fine. Ladies, pack 2 or 3 bras for a one week trip. I love ExOfficio because they’re quick dry, which is great for travel.

Sleepwear: Pajamas, t-shirt and shorts, leggings…you know what you’re comfortable sleeping in.

Bathing suit: Optional – this depends on what you plan on doing in Germany. There are lots of lakes in various parts of Germany, or if you’re planning a trip to one of the beaches in northern Germany, pack a bathing suit.

Shoes: Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes plus one other pair of shoes depending on your itinerary. Flip flops or sandals for travelling or other casual shoes will work. Leave the high heels at home.

Outdoor clothing & shoes: If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking, cycling, or other outdoor activities, pack sturdy shoes or boots and comfortable outdoor clothing.

Clothing: What to pack for Germany in winter

Winters in Germany are cold, and depending on where you’re going, it might be snowy, so pack accordingly. What to wear for a city trip is different from what to wear skiing in the Alps.

Short sleeved shirts: Pack a few short sleeved shirts that work for layering.

Long sleeved shirts: Long sleeved shirts that can be layered over short sleeved shirts will help keep you warm.

Sweaters: Especially if you don’t deal well with cold, windy weather, sweaters will keep the chill off. Try to avoid bulky ones that take up too much space in your bag though.

Pants: Pack a couple of pairs of jeans, or other casual pants.

Skirts/dresses: If you’re a skirt or dress person, pack a few casual ones to wear instead of a pair of pants. Layer with leggings to keep yourself a little warmer. Especially in the winter, you won’t need anything fancy for a trip to Germany.

Winter coat: A good winter coat is essential for protecting yourself from the cold air in Germany.

Hat , gloves , scarf : You’re probably going to spend a decent amount of time outside walking from one sight to another, so cover up with a good set of gloves plus a hat and scarf. These are essential for your winter Germany packing list.

Thermals: You probably don’t need these for normal sightseeing days, but if you go to Germany in December for Christmas markets, you could spend several hours outside. Layering thermals or leggings under your jeans will help keep you warm.

Shoes: Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes plus one other pair of shoes depending on your itinerary. Boots could be a good choice for winter weather, just make sure they’re comfortable for walking and already broken in before your trip.

Outdoor clothing & shoes: If you’re going to be skiing or doing other winter outdoor activities, pack sturdy shoes or boots and comfortable outdoor clothing, plus any gear you don’t want to rent.

What should be on your packing list for Germany all year long

Many things you’ll need to pack for Germany will be the same no matter what time of year you visit.

Hotels will often have shampoo, shower gel, and a few other things, but I much prefer to travel with my own toiletries.

Toiletry bag: Make sure any liquids you pack in your carry on luggage comply with liquids rules. Pack them up in a sturdy toiletry bag like this one instead of a disposable one that can easily rip.

Shampoo and conditioner: Stay under the liquids limit by putting some of your own shampoo and conditioner into these GoToob refillable bottles . Or try solid alternatives. Check out my favorite solid shampoo and solid conditioner on Amazon.

Shower gel or bar soap: Bar soap won’t add to your liquids limit.

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss: Keep those teeth clean! Did you know you can get solid toothpaste tabs to save even more space in your liquids bag?

Contact solution and case: If you wear contacts, I also recommend bringing glasses as a backup.

Lotion: The water in Berlin is hard and can dry your skin. Other parts of Germany have softer water, but it’s always good to have some lotion.

Deodorant: Everyone appreciates it when you don’t stink. Why not try this 100% natural deodorant ?

Razor: If you have shaving needs, add a razor to your packing list for Germany.

Nail clippers and nail file: Leave the nail scissors at home since some security agents might confiscate them.

Brush and hair elastics: I usually prefer to have my hair up when I’m walking around all day.

Makeup: Pack your must-have makeup items and other travel accessories for women , but don’t bring too much.

Sunscreen: Important if you’re spending lots of time outside in the summer, probably less important in the winter, unless you’re spending lots of time in the mountains. Did you know they make solid sunscreen? I love this one .

>>Check out these fantastic places to visit in Germany .

First aid items

Germany has everything you need, but it’s always good to have a few first aid items on hand in case you need them.

Headache/Pain meds: Bring some of your Tylenol or Advil from home. You can find their equivalents (Paracetamol is Tylenol, Ibuprofen is Advil) at any pharmacy, but you’ll get a lot fewer of them, and they’re more expensive per pill than in the US.

Bandaids: Again, you can get these at any pharmacy or drug store, but if you need one, it’s better to have it already.

Wound cream : Also good to have on hand for immediate use if you actually need it.

Immodium: Hopefully you won’t need this, but sometimes travel can lead to an upset digestive system.

Allergy meds: In my experience, the allergy medicine I’ve been able to get here isn’t as good as what you can get in the US. If you suffer from allergies, especially seasonal allergies, make sure you bring your favorite allergy medicine from home.

Prescription medications: If you have any prescriptions you take regularly, bring more than you need for your trip. It’s also good to have proof of your prescriptions. At a minimum this means your name is on the bottle, but for certain medications, a letter from your doctor is better.

Tiger balm : If you’ve never tried Tiger Balm, I highly recommend it. It’s great for headaches, itchy bug bites, and all sorts of other things you’d never imagine one balm could cure.

Bug repellent: In the summer months, you could easily encounter mosquitoes. Check out this solid bug repellent I’ve started using.

Forgot something at home? The word for pharmacy in German is Apotheke, and they can sell you over the counter things like Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Immodium, wound cream, bandaids, etc. Common drug stores are DM and Rossman, and they have toiletries, makeup, razors, condoms, bandaids, contact solution, etc.

Electronics

Camera and accessories: If you really love photography and prefer a camera to a smart phone, make sure you pack your camera. If it’s a DSLR, bring whichever lenses you want to use on your trip to Berlin. I love my Canon Rebel DSLR .

Kindle : Great for bringing as many books as you want to read on the plane and on long train rides.

Smart phone: This works well for photos if you don’t want to bring a camera. Get a local sim card, and you can do lots of things digitally, like transport tickets.

European SIM card : Rather than deal with the hassles of trying to buy a local sim card when you arrive, get one ahead of time. Orange is a French company, but because of how the EU works, their SIM cards work throughout the region. Choose between a normal SIM or an eSIM.

Laptop and/or tablet: I often travel with my laptop because I work from the road, but for a vacation to Berlin, you might not need it. Consider leaving it at home or packing an iPad or other tablet to use instead. Or skip altogether because you can do a lot on your phone.

Chargers, cords, batteries: Make sure you pack any chargers, cords, and batteries you need for your electronics.

Plug adapters : Most of mainland Europe, including Germany, uses a two pronged electrical outlet. You’ll need a plug adapter to make your devices fit.

You do NOT need a voltage converter unless you’re traveling with a hair dryer, curling iron, or hair straightener. Even then, consider buying a dual voltage hair appliance before your trip because it’ll work better.

>>Read more about getting a plug adapter for Germany .

Passport: You won’t get far without your passport. US citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit Germany, but if you carry a passport from somewhere else, please check the embassy website for requirements.

Note: No official date has been released, but at some point in the future, US citizens (as well as those from many other countries) will be required to obtain a visa waiver in order to enter any country in the Schengen Zone, which includes Germany. I will update when there is more info.

Scan a copy of your passport and email it to yourself and email it to your emergency contact at home. It’s also good to print out a few copies to have with you: one in your luggage, and one you keep with you at all times.

Hopefully you’ll never need these backups, but you’ll be grateful to have them if your passport gets lots or stolen.

It’s also good to get a passport holder to protect your passport. It’s an important document, and it’s best to keep it safe from bending, water damage, etc.

Credit and debit cards: While plastic isn’t as universally accepted as it is in the US, it’s still good to travel with these. Make sure you have the phone numbers of your credit card companies and banks, that way if your cards get lost or stolen, you call them to have your cards canceled and replaced.

Driver’s license: There is no reason to rent a car in Berlin, but if you plan on traveling outside the city, a car rental might be a good idea, depending on what your plans are. As a tourist, your US driver’s license will work here.

Confirmation info: Almost everything is digital these days, but sometimes hard copies are still useful. At the very least, have the name and address of your hotel printed out in case you’re unable to access your email. A screenshot on your phone works too.

It’s often good to have print outs of tour bookings as well, but many tour operators now accept digital versions.

>>Read: 1 Week in Germany Itinerary: Berlin and East Germany

Other essential items to add to your Germany packing list

Umbrella: Any time of year can bring rain to Germany, so packing a light weight travel umbrella is a good idea. A rain jacket is also useful, sometimes more useful than an umbrella since often the rain is just a drizzle.

City map : Google Maps works great, but if you’re better with physical maps, this laminated map that folds up to pocket size can be really helpful for navigating. This one is Berlin, but look for maps for whichever cities you’re visiting in Germany.

Sunglasses: You can leave these at home if you’re coming to Berlin in the winter, but summers are sunny and you’ll be happy to have your sunglasses.

Water bottle: In the vast majority of places, tap water in Germany is safe to drink , so refilling your own water bottle will save you a little money each day. And it’s better for the environment. These are collapsible , so they’ll take up less space in your bag.

Tissues: It’s always good to have a travel pack of tissues on hand.

Sleep mask and ear plugs : If you’re a light sleeper or you’re staying in hostels, a sleep mask and ear plus will come in handy. Even if you’re staying in a hotel, if it’s summer, beware that the sun comes up really early, so a sleep mask might help you avoid waking up at 4:30am with the sun.

Helpful apps for a trip to Germany

>>Check out my itinerary for 1 week in Germany from Berlin to Munich .

Google Maps: Great for not getting lost while exploring cities in Germany.

Google Translate: If you don’t speak German, this is helpful for signs and menus you don’t understand.

Public transport apps: Public transport is pretty good in most places in Germany, and these apps will help you plan your routes. Most have options for buying tickets in the app, but you have to load in your bank or PayPal info. Look for BVG for Berlin, MVV for Munich, VAG for Freiburg, HVV for Hamburg.

Deutsche Bahn : For getting around in Germany , Deutsche Bahn is excellent. The train network is extensive, and you can get almost anywhere. Buy your tickets in the app, too. The app works in English, making things even easier for visitors.

FlixBus : If you plan on using FlixBus (or FlixTrain) to save money on your trip to Germany, or all over Europe, the FlixBus app is a handy one to have.

Airline app: This will make it easier to check in for your flights and show your boarding pass.

WhatsApp: Makes it easy to keep in touch and message people while you’re here without getting charged international texting fees.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin has lots of great neighborhoods for you to stay in and explore. If you’re visiting Berlin for the first time, it might be best for you stay somewhere central.

Many of the attractions are in Mitte or easily connected to Mitte by Berlin’s public transport , so you should stay somewhere in that region. Here are a few hotels we recommend.

BUDGET: Circus Hostel Popular hostel with a bar/brewery downstairs

MIDRANGE: Circus Hotel Centrally located near restaurants & transport

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Centrally located, can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

UPSCALE: Westin Grand Luxury hotel where you can chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall

APARTMENT: Adina Apartment Hotel Kitchenette; near grocery stores, shopping, Museum Island

For a more detailed look at the different neighborhoods and our hotel recommendations, check out our guide to where to stay in Berlin .

Or read my full review of the 25Hours Hotel in Charlottenburg with fantastic views of the Zoo and Tiergarten.

Book a tour for your trip to Berlin

• Third Reich Berlin Walking Tour – Hitler and WWII
• Berlin TV Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this Germany packing list and guide for what to wear in Germany is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world. Use code BERLINTRAVEL to get $25 off your first photo shoot.

Related Posts

What to Pack

Do You Need a Plug Adapter for Germany?

Unbelievably helpful, Ali. Your advice about the foldable waterproof stuff bag and collapsible water bottle is indeed invaluable.

Keep up the good work! Appreciated Deon

Thank you! Glad to help!

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17 Hilariously True Must-Knows Before You Travel to Germany

Last Updated: August 12, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

While I love exploring new places, there’s something special about travel in Germany that just gets me.

There’s mindblowing nature next to fairytale towns, big vibrant cities next to mounds of potato and meat 😉 By my accounts, it’s a near-perfect place.

… and that’s why I love it here!

There are certain quirks  however that I wish was aware of before I decided to travel in Germany (and um, you know, eventually move there).

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Despite being so similar to North America in many ways, there are radical differences to home that disorient even the most seasoned travellers.

Having learned most of these things the hard way, I’ve decided to valiantly compile my best tips for you – the important things you must keep in mind when you travel to Germany!

PS: I know, I know – Germany is a massive country, and it’s bad to generalize.

Much of my experience has been in Bavaria , where I live, and no, not all these tips will apply  everywhere,  but I have travelled a fair bit around the country as well and have found that much of this holds true.

Anyways, enough yapping – grab a beer and notepad – it’s time to travel Germany through these 17 important tips!

TIP: If you are still doing research for your trip to Germany, here are some recommendations. I always use Omio to compare/book transport options in Europe. It’s a free site that compares planes, trains and buses all at once and sorts them by price, convenience, etc. Also  HotelsCombined offers a similar price check for hotels if you’re still needing a place to stay 🙂

17 Important Must-Knows Before You Travel in Germany

1. it’s all about that cash money, yo.

You might expect Germany, producer of supercars and epic technology to be on board with the whole credit card trend, but this simply isn’t the case.

I know it’s weird, but you’ll find that many places in Germany  don’t actually   take credit card, even shops in major transit hubs like central train stations.

So, if you plan to frolic/travel Germany for a while, make sure you have plenty of cash on you.

BONUS TIP: Coins are good to have as well. Carry at least some change with you at all times, especially if you have a weak bladder because…

2. Good luck if you wanna pee for free

The chance to travel in Germany is really like a fairytale come true… but sadly one where   happily ever after involves paying to urinate.

Free public restrooms are quite rare, which means you’ll usually have to cough up 50 cents or more to pee at train stations, bus stations, shopping malls and even McDonalds (yeah, for real!)

NOTE: Often these places with paid washrooms will give you a little coupon to use on a future purchase, so if you need to go, head to the washroom first before buying your McNuggets.

Even restaurants and clubs aren’t immune to this, so that’s why I say you should bring change with you  at all times. 

Often washrooms in busy restaurants/clubs/events will have an attendant there who keeps it clean. In these cases, a tip isn’t mandatory, but heavily expected, sooo unless you enjoy getting vicious side-eye, bring some change with you.

3. On Sundays, may the odds be ever in your favour

So I’m not saying that Germany becomes the Hunger Games on Sundays…. but Germany kinda  becomes the Hunger Games on Sundays.

In many parts of Germany, Sundays are a day of rest, which means that most shops (supermarkets, retail stores, malls, etc.) will be closed. Many restaurants will still be open, but if you’re hoping to run any errands or do any shopping, plan around the Sunday closures……. or you know, starve. It’s cool.

4. German punctuality is not a joke

Germans are crazy punctual. And for the most part, so is their public transport (at least in Munich, anyway!)

This means you should always get to your bus, tram and train and few minutes early, otherwise it will mercilessly leave without you.

Likewise, when making plans with a German person, don’t expect to get the whole 30 minutes buffer time you get in North America, where you both message “on my way! sorry! traffic is bad!” back and forth until one of you dies. No, a German will be on time. Maybe even ten minutes early.

Do not disappoint the German.

5. I hope you like staring contests

In my experience, Germans seem to  really like staring.

Sometimes I like to pretend it’s because I’m a radiant goddess, but then the sensible part of me realizes it’s just a cultural thing.

If you think you’re being judged by that grumpy grandma sneering at you from two seats away, let’s be honest: you probably are.

We even have a special word for the older judgey people – the Oma and Opa-Polizei, (aka the grandma/grandpa police) who are sure to cast shade at you for even the most minuscule of offenses.

One time, an old woman stopped a friend of mine and yelled at him because she didn’t like his lederhosen. It’s just a way of life. Learn to laugh at it and move on. On that note…

6. Keep your voice down, lest you be judged

Germans don’t tend to speak very loudly (unless they’re shrieking folk songs after a few beers).

In fact, public transit is often eerily quiet, and if you don’t keep it down, your English voice will surely pierce through the calm and tear through the entire fabric of German social propriety.

Refer to #6 – people will stare at you, and you will feel awkward.

7. You might see some naked people

Ironically, for people who hate small talk and being loud on public transit, Germans are weirdly down with being nude.

Like, you wanna go to the park in the summer time? You will likely see a naked human being.

I mean maybe this is an odd Bavarian thing, but I learned it the hard way.

Once upon a time, I tried to have a peaceful picnic by the river in Munich’s English Garden (one of the world’s largest city parks). Eating my pretzel was difficult as an elderly man ran naked, wild and free across the river from me, periodically bathing himself and flaunting his body like he was Ryan Gosling on steroids.

Anyway, nudity can be common – just prepare yourself.

PS: In many saunas, wellness spas, etc., nudity is not only expected, but mandatory. This is another lesson I learned the hard way. *cringe*

8. When you travel in Germany, look for group discounts on travel/train tickets

If you decide to travel Germany by train, make sure you take advantage of all the amazing discounts!

Germans LOVE rewarding you for having friends, so group tickets will often save you ludicrous amounts of money.

As an example, in Munich a one-way bus ticket is 2.80, whereas a 3 day group ticket for unlimited travel for up to 5 people is less than 30! That’s only 6 euros a person, for 3 days of  unlimited joy rides. It’s insane.

Likewise, look into special regional tickets for trains which get cheaper the more friends you bring. In Bavaria, we call this a “Bayern ticket”, but I know other states have them too. For us, you pay 25 euros for the first person, then 7 euros additional for every extra human you get on there, which means huge savings if you get up to 5 (the maximum) on the same ticket. It’s also valid for unlimited train travel within that region, which means  Godzilla-sized  savings. For more info, you can click here for my full Bayern ticket guide.

9. Water will cost you, and it’ll probably be fizzy

One of the biggest shocks for North Americans who travel to Germany is that in restaurants, a) water isn’t free and b) fizzy, carbonated water is usually what you get by default.

This thrills me because I would literally carbonate everything if I could, but I know a lot of folks hate fizzy water (ugh, weirdos ).

So, be sure to clarify whether you want still or sparkling. Sadly, there’s not much you can do about paying for it though (unless you have your own sneaky bottle of water with you).

PS: Buying bottled water at the shop will become the most confusing thing in the world (and a significant source of anxiety).

Every brand has their own colour code/name for which water has gas or not.

Some consider “natural” to be with gas, some without, some use blue for fizzy water, others use green…. They even categorize by  how  fizzy it is (e.g. Medium), and I just about lost it when once, I saw a teal bottle that said “EXTRA STILL” on it. What even is extra still water? How could still water possibly get any still-er? Turns out, it’s a cryptic German code for mildly fizzy water. Nothing is safe, folks. Enjoy your Russian roulette of hydration. [Sorry for the rant, I am just weirdly passionate about this topic]

10. Most people speak English, except (weirdly) where it counts

I always joke with friends that I could stop anyone on the street here in Germany and they would probably speak fluent English, yet as soon as I step into any bureaucratic environment (e.g. to get my visa sorted, to open a bank account, etc.), I’m left flailing in broken German.

Fair enough though – after all, remember that you’re in a foreign country so you shouldn’t expect people to automatically speak  your  language. That’s why it’s helpful to brush up on some basic German phrases, although you shouldn’t worry too much because there usually at least some fluent English speakers lurking around, especially in big cities like Munich and Berlin.

Craving more fuel for your wanderlust? Connect with me on Instagram for real-time updates, photos and stories!

11. Avoid the bike lane or risk certain death

Biking culture is pretty big here, especially in Munich where I live. Trust me when I say that you have not gotten a real taste of travel in Germany until you’ve stared death in the face while accidentally prancing down a bike lane.

There’s not often a clear division between the path for bikes/for people, and they tend to exist side by side to really  shake things up  and get you that sweet adrenaline rush. Here’s your best survival tip: check whether or not you’re in the bike lane!

12. Oh yeah, jaywalking is worse than murder

So sure, maybe I’m exaggerating but I have literally never met a group of humans so collectively and vocally against jaywalking.

I once saw a guy in the suburbs who still waited dutifully for the light to change before crossing, despite not a single car or witness in sight (besides me, always a’lurkin).

Especially when there are kids around, parents get super angry at you for setting a bad example (which is fair enough), so it’s better safe than sorry.

There are few things more terrifying than being yelled at by an old German woman from across the street. Well, apart from trying to select the right water at the grocery store that is. Sorry – still not over it. 

13. Travelling to Germany is a lot of Pfand

This is a very lame pun that won’t make sense unless you speak German, but Germans are really into recycling and the term “Pfand” essentially refers to a refundable deposit that you pay on things like cans, bottles and even glasses/mugs at beer gardens and Christmas markets.

It functions as an incentive for you to return those items to get your money back. So, in the case of cans/bottles, it encourages recycling and in the case of glasses/mugs, it prevents you from pocketing them as fun souvenirs (though many still do).

This is a really important word to know, because often items will be more expensive than the listed price at the store  because  of the pfand. So that 1 euro can of Coke might become 1.25 at checkout. Similarly, let’s say you’re at a German Christmas Market for the first time and want to get yourself a nice mulled wine for 3 euros. You might end up paying 5 euros at first, because of the 2 euro pfand on the mug. Extra picky places will even give you a token to return alongside your glassware to get your refund back.

Soooo remember: if your cashier slides you a plastic coin at the beer garden, it’s not some kind of sketch business dealing, it’s just something you must return to get your moola back.

14. Small talk and pleasantries are not a thing

As a Canadian, it’s in my DNA to fill any voids of silence with meaningless chit chat. “It’s a windy day out, eh?” I’ll often murmur, yearning for that sweet human connection as I do.

Germans hate this.

Germans literally do not understand the point of small talk. Often, if you try it, they will be confused at why you are wasting their time and getting all up in their personal space. On that note…

15. Expect customer service to be frostier than a snowman on skis

There are of course exceptions to this, but generally speaking, customer service is not very friendly or warm in Germany. This goes for restaurants, retail shops and yes, official places like banks.

But hey, if you play your cards right and smile sweetly, you might get a vague acknowledgement of your presence in return 😉

Yay, little wins.

So, the next time your waiter ghosts you and doesn’t return for like, 10 years, don’t take it personally – it’s not you!

On that note, tipping  is  still expected – but not to the crazy extent that we take it to in North America. Generally, rounding up is enough.

16. Good luck at the Grocery Store AKA the freaking Olympic Games

Never in my life did I think I’d need to do warm-up exercises before visiting the grocery store.

… Then I moved to Germany.

I swear the cashiers in Germany are all training for the Olympic Games.

They scan items so absurdly quickly that it’s like a duel every single time. Like, dude – I just wanted some bananas, why are you rushing like your wife has gone into labour?

So, be prepared if you choose to visit the grocery store (which you should, because it helps you save loads of money!!).

Another important thing is to bring your own bag – most people do. There are bags you can buy at the checkout, but remember to pick one up and put it at the front of your item haul, otherwise you’ll be left with a million items from the Usain Bolt of groceries and nowhere to put them.

17. Be ready to giggle at fun words like “fahrt”

German is a different language than English. Duh, yes, hi – Captain Obvious reporting for duty.

BUT, there are some German words that sound just like words we have in English, usually with very different meanings.

Fahrt is one such word.

To complicate matters, it is SO common. You will literally see it everywhere – road signs, transit hubs, everywhere . And while I wish the Germans were simply big fans of flatulence, the truth is the word “fahrt” means a lot of things like trip, drive, way, outing, etc. Feel free to giggle about it though – you’re an adult who can do whatever you want.

Full disclosure: even after 2 years here, I still giggle when the little ticket machine tells me “Gute Fahrt!” after I’ve purchased a ticket. They really are trying to say “Have a good trip!”

PS: “Rathaus” (aka Rat House) means town hall and “schmuck” is actually jewellery. Heh. German is such a fun language.

  A post shared by Christina 🇨🇦 happytowander.com (@happytowander) on Oct 17, 2017 at 10:09am PDT

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of must-knows for those who plan to travel in Germany! As always, if you have any more travel in Germany tips, let me know in the comments!

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88 thoughts on “17 Hilariously True Must-Knows Before You Travel to Germany”

You crack me up Christina!!! I actually met a German trauma surgeon working here I. Seattle for a year and I am laughing out loud cuz I witnesssed some of these very things ha! ( no not the nudity )

I am actually thinking of going there to teach .. I am 3/4 German but have so many questions lol … maybe sometime I can email you and ask ?

Thx for sharing this ! Xo Valerie

Sure! I’d be happy to answer any questions you have, but I don’t have a load of experience with regular work visas (I’ve been here on student and youth mobility visas). Happy to chat about the experience of moving here though! And hehe so glad you liked the article!

I loved when shops were closed on a Sunday, they used to be like that in the Netherlands too until a few years ago. I see many similarities to the Netherlands really, great read.

It’s not so bad once you learn how to plan around it, and I totally get why it’s a thing, but I do miss the convenience of shops being open almost all the time hehe. I bet the Netherlands are super similar! Really happy you enjoyed the read 😀 Thanks for stopping by!

Haha, as a European I relate to many things, but I do think it’s funny 🙂 no. 16 is sooo true, but super weird i know 😀

Hahah so glad you could relate 😉 thanks for reading!

I love Germany SO much and loved this post! You captured so many of the great German idiosyncrasies. One other thing my husband and I can’t get enough of in Germany is how everyone always has to get the last word – or “Chuss!” in when we leave a store or a restaurant. If we say “Chuss” back they’ll end it with an “Abend!” It could go on forever! Love it 🙂

Oh my goodness you are SO write! I never realized that. I’m gonna be on a quest to always get the last word now hahah. Thanks for reading!

One of the few blogs that actually makes me laugh out loud! I really love your writing! (Yay you!! :-D) Great blog post and defo a few things I’ll keep in mind when I visit Germany.

oh my gosh you are too sweet! Thank you for appreciating my lame jokes hahah. You rock!

I have been to Germany once. Your tips just added to my knowledge. You’re a good writer, and if you lived my next door I would love to have you over for coffee. PS don’t get nervous your likely the age of my kids. GOOd JOB

Couldn’t agree more with everything! I live in Germany, in fact even Regensburg and I was surprised to see a picture of my beautiful adopted home town!

I LOOVE Regensburg! Naturally I needed a way to fit a photo in hehe. So happy you relate to this! Thanks for reading 🙂

I am a Canadian living in Germany for four years. Been here for two and a half – and agree with every single thing you said! Loved the article!

Hahaha hello from a fellow Canadian living in Germany!!! <3 Thanks for reading and laughing along.

This was very interesting, I had no idea about many of these, except for the naked people thing… I have a friend, he`s German and he loves being naked (he took his clothes off at a wedding party!!!) I had to send him this article… Like “Ahhhh, now I get why you do it!”

Hahaha that’s too funny, and I kinda want to know the story behind that wedding nudity….. 😉 but yes, I find that Europeans as a whole just find nudity a lot less taboo than we do in North America. It’s kinda nice actually – after the initial shock wears off!

I’m a German who’s living in Lima, Peru. When visiting Germany, I simply don’t have the patience anymore to wait for the green light, I’m too used to crossing the street when it’s somehow possible. On the other hand, I still remember my first grocery shopping in Lima. Oh great, just two people in front of me. Well, it would have been faster in Germany with 20 people in front of me ;-). As far as water is concerned, just drink tap water, cheaper and good quality. Punctuality is my most German habit and constantly giving me trouble in South America. I mean, I warn people beforehand that I am punctual and if I’m lucky, they’re just 10 minutes late :-).

Hahaha it’s so cool to hear your perspective! It must be so interesting bouncing between such different cultures. I had a Spanish friend I went to school with here in Munich and his lack of punctuality really drove our instructors insane lol.

I found this post so informative and helpful.

thanks for reading!!

Hahaha! I was laughing all along! The water bit, the jaywalking… it was all just spot on! Amazing article!

hahah yesssss! so happy you liked it 🙂 thanks for reading!

I’m glad Germany takes cash instead, haha, since I like to carry cash with me when I travel! When I went to London I felt like a dinosaur being the only one not paying with a debit card lol! 😛 – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

Sometimes I prefer cash too – helps me keep track of my spending haha

I think the naked thing is just much a stereotype as Lederhosen but I guess it does stick out to people that it is legal to go topless to the beach and that we do have coed saunas where everyone is naked. I remember it used to freak my American friends out.

I will send your post to the Deutsche Bahn because when it comes to punctuality they definitely have to catch up (pun fully intended).

Interesting about the stares – I never notices this as compared to countries like India. But as I said on FB I think it might also be a north south divide 🙂

Yeah it’s exactly those things! In North America we can be very prudish when it comes to nudity (being topless at the beach/naked saunas are definitely not a thing), so even those pretty “normal” things stand out to us a lot. And also re: the staring, it could very well be too that you blend in seamlessly whereas we expats/tourists have our ways of sticking out (being loud, speaking English, etc.) Just yesterday, my backpack accidentally grazed the tram ticket machine, which made a tiny sound and then this angry man looked up from his book and stared me down for a solid 5 seconds. It was awkward hahah

Hahahaha – this is so true!! The water thing – not being able to get tap water ANYWHERE drove me up the wall. And one of my colleagues (English) got done by the police for jay walking – now we just check for police before doing it! Oh and I ran into a nude man in my hotel… in the hallway…. gotta love the Germans

No way! I’ve never witnessed anyone actually getting ticketed for jay walking. I bet it wasn’t cheap either! I’ll definitely be more careful now. And LOL I feel like I need more context behind this nude encounter…….

Nicely done! I enjoy your witty writing and especially love the pictures.

Aw thanks so much, Mary!

So I learned some things about myself today. 1. As much as I hate the cold, I will definitely be visiting Germany in the winter so as to avoid the frolicking old naked men. 2. That Christmas mug is adorable and I will definitely steal it.

PS- your photography is so ridiculously gorgeous.

Hahahaa to be fair, it’s not like they’re *everywhere*. You’ll be more likely to see topless women around the parks than wrinkly old men. Maybe I just got lucky 😉 Also YES all the markets have different mugs too and it’s just the best thing. I highly recommend a separate suitcase just for them haha

You made me laugh so hard, Christina! I love this! I lived in Germany for 2 years and I can testify, everything is true!! I love this post.

Your comment makes me so happy!!! Thanks for reading, girl <3

I‘m German. I visited 18 differnt countries for job reasons, from US to Japan. And yes, you are totally right. It really tooks a smile on my face reading your 17 tips. They are so true. Brilliant. We are really a funny kind of peoples here. But wait, someone can easily write 17 funny facts for visiting the US

I would LOVE if somebody wrote that post. Even as a Canadian, there are certain funny things about the US I could write about haha

This is a fun idea for a post. I live in Germany, and what you listed is normal to me by now (still getting used to the staring, though). But I might try one about my passport country, or rather the Midwest. Something to ponder over the holidays… I only recently stumbled across your blog, and I’ll be back to read more.

Aw Beth – thanks so much! really glad you enjoyed it 🙂 One about the Midwest would be great! Let me know if you end up writing it!

Being of German descent and having visited Germany before this article rings so true and made me laugh out loud. I am taking my partner to Germany next year and this article is perfect for him as he is like the quintessential opposite of a German. One point made me want to share a story with you…. My friend and I weren’t aware of the jaywalking law and crossed on the red Ampel Man on a Sunday afternoon in Berlin, there was literally no one around and next thing we know we hear the revs and then screech of a police car mounting the kerb within a foot of our (now soiled) pants! The officer got out screaming at us, all the German I knew flew out the window. Let’s just say he thought it Germanly amusing when we finally muttered “Australien”! I still laugh about this to this day.

Hahaha wow – what a story! Thanks for sharing, Lear <3

I legit laughed out loud! Your righting is fan-freakin-tastic. I am an American who grew up around German culture here and have visited Germany many times so I can totally relate! I did not know about #8 – good to know! And #17… omg driving and you the AUSFARHT signs… I die every time! Thanks so much for sharing. Can’t wait to spend the rest of my day procrastinating real work and reading your blog!

Hey, I’m german and yes, you are so damn right about all those things! Really made me laugh! About speaking english in public offices (town hall, Bürgerbüro…) : Most of these guys there speak english, but they are not allowed to by law…

So glad you enjoyed it, Andrea! That’s really interesting – I had no idea there was a legal reason behind it. I’d love to learn more about why! Do you have a link or anything about the law in question?

I’m an American who’s been living in Munich for 5.5 years and I can say these are ALL true….hilarious. I’d also add to the supermarket olympics section to mind your spot in line so no one cuts in front of you!

Hahaha that’s a good one… some of those omas can be ruthless in getting ahead! Thanks for reading – so happy you liked it!

Great Article. I’m sure my husband will fail at #14 as he talks to everyone when we travel about anything! As for me, I’m just plain loud, so #6 is going to get me lots of stares, LOL As my husband is half German, your list also provided me with insight to his personality, ie #1 he likes paying cash for everything, #4 he has never been late a minute in his life, #7 he loves being naked (but what guy doesn’t). As for #2 we are in trouble…..he pees as if he were in his last month of pregnancy! LOVE your humor….and the article.

Hillarious read, quite entertaining. I loved it. Filled with useful information. I plan to visit Germany in the near future, I’ve been doing research and found your site. Gracias!

Thanks so much for the kind words, Ana! Glad you enjoyed it <3 <3 I hope you have an amazing time in Germany!

Always carry change! My 2 sister in laws and myself were chased out of a bathroom by “Broomhilde” the bathroom attendant. We figured out we only had 1 coin and all needed to pee . We didn’t let the door close and when she realized what we were up to chased us down the street shaking her fist and lecturing. It’s still our best story after 21 years!

I have a great jaywalking-story, as well. When I once crossed the street 3 seconds too early (the traffic lights for cars already switched to red), a police officer drove up to the christmas market I was heading to, jumped out of his car yelling and asked me if I planned to give my parents a dead daughter for christmas – then I had to pay 5 Euros. Haha he was crazy! However, here in NRW, the western part of Germany, people are generally much more friendly open-minded than in e.g. Bavaria!

What a fun read! I am a German, living in Texas with my family for 8 years. My 14 y old daughter often tells me “Don’t stare at the people!” while I am not aware of starring. I am just curious and interested … is that starring? The punctuality is really a thing. People who let us wait are rude because they are wasting our precious time (keeping us from being efficient). When we had our first big party here (Oktoberfest – what else – and I had cooked authentic food from scratch for three days) nobody showed up at the given time. We were totally irritated, double checking the (written!) invitations for time and date, calling some guests if they thought it would be in Oktober (since Oktoberfest is always in September!) etc. . The first guests showed up about 40 minutes late, some came more than an hour late and the most shocking thing: Some left after an hour, telling us that they also have to go to another party … this is like a total no-go in Germany. Well, we learned and adapted … to a certain point. But we are still always on time!

The credit card thing explained: The bank in Germany takes a high fee for credit card transactions. If you buy something for a small amount, it often would cost the store owner more to pay for the transaction than the item you bought. Germans have some sort of debit card which usually comes at a lower fee for the shop owner. But cash is still highly appreciated.

All 100% true, and not only for Munich. I grew up in the North of Germany and it is the same story. Then of course this stuff was normal for me until I moved abroad 😀 hilariously written!

Are the Christmas markets also closed on Sundays? Thank you!

Nope! Of course it depends on the actual market, but most will be open and very, very crowded haha 🙂

Hi Christina You just made my day I read your post and I as laughing sooo many times loud out . I am from Germany live now in the US ( east coast ) since 20+ years and same as you I LOVE TO TRAVEL and see the world. Mostly Asia You are mostly SO RIGHT in your description about Germany.Lucky me I am not from Bavaria but from the NORTH but most of your tips is true for all of Germany Again LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR POST

Some are really hilarious .Nice Tips for travelers who are planing for germany trip.

Hi Christina, Germany is one of my favourite countries to visit and for many of the reasons above, especially the silence on public transport. And yes, the towns are pretty. My blogging never does them enough justice!

Hillarious read, enjoyed it. Was planning to visit Germany, found your site during my research, learnt quite a lot. Cheers!

Hallo Christina,

I love your post. I am German (from Oldenburg in Loxer Saxony) and have been looking for something exactly like this as I’ll be welcoming a Texan friend in summer time. How cool. I didn’t wanna bore her with my “preparation list” (I wouldn’t even have known how to start it!) and then I found your blog. How cool. Thanks for your brillant descriptions of literally everything a foreigner needs to know about Germany and Germans. 🙂

We Germans are so weird but of course pretty friendly and funny, too. 😉

Have a great time and be safe.

Susanne :-).

thanks for the information

Just moved to Bavaria from the states – reading up on some tips after being here nearly a month. This is super helpful but mostly a hilarious read! I loved reading your take on things! Well written. Thanks for the tips for my German adventures!

I love Germany and have travelled there three times and hopefully will visit again. I feel that the whole Ampelmann thing is peculiar as an American, but also, charming. I saw stores with Ampelmann merchandise in Berlin and in Munich. I also scratch my head over getting assorted wursts…in the U.S., long rolls are used to accommodate the shape… but I’ve only seen round rolls used, especially what we here call Kaiser rolls.

Bravo for the wonderful write up Christina. very helpful. anyone looking for further information about Germany or needs travel documents to Germany can contact this email [email protected]

Christina, my son was stationed in Germany and loved it. He’s been back home in USA for some time longing to go back. He just got notice he has job in Germany and will be moving there with his family soon. My sister and I will go visit him and travel around Europe for first and probably last time (we are 70 +) and your tips are great! I live in Louisiana and it is a very funny state.

ha ha, loved this. So much of it I remember from my German holidays

Love your article! I met my German husband in Austria, and have had 39 happy years! Our grandchildren call us Oma and Opa. You nailed it with the punctuality for sure! Germany is a wonderful country with friendly people. Love Munich, Rothenburg, Berchtesgaden, ….. Enjoy your stay!

Germany is a beautiful country with a Rich cultural heritage and the people here are honest and straight forward, thanks for sharing the travel tips which are of great help to travellers and save them from getting into awkward situations. October is the best time to visit Germany as Oktoberfest the best folk festival is held in this month.

Hi Christina, My husband and I are planning a trip to Munich, then Vienna, Italy and Switzerland in September 2020. I came across your article on “17 Hilariously True Must-Knows Before You Travel to Germany”…loved it. I would also enjoy advise on what to wear on our trip. We’re from Florida, where shorts and t-shirts are the norm. Thank you.

Your Travel Blog is really nice. I love german and culture. maybe I will do to visit one day. I would like to do a marathon run if someone invites me.

I don’t ever comment on blogs but I have quite a bit of experience in Germany and Munich is one of my favorites. Your post made me laugh out loud a couple times. I’m forwarding the link to my husband so he can enjoy it too. Thanks!

I agree with whatever you have mentioned here. I am here in germany for study and I have to change a lot of habits that is mentioned above. Speak in small voice, urinating, puncuality, taking care of cycle lane. Even some older people scold you, this is the most wierd thing. I thing the yonger genration is much better the older are sucking. But you will find good old people who speaks in english and help you. You cracked all the things i n your article. Thanks.

Next year I plan to visit Germany. This will be my first trip. Thanks for the exchange and your advices.

I love these tips! There is just so much to see in Germany! I went last year during the holidays and am dying to go back. There are too many cute towns to see!

Thanks for travelling tips to visit Germany. I will be visiting their very soon and I will probably use your tips and travel recommendation. Much grateful for the information though.

You made me laugh so much! Ah these are so true. Thank you for writing about them in such a hilarious way. It’s been four years since I moved home from Germany and escaped a few of these – and have missed some others. 🙂

Aw thanks for reading and for the kind words, Ava!! Hope you can make it back to Germany again sometime soon to visit haha 🙂

I LOVED this article! I have been living in Munich for about 18 months and all of these were spot on! I definitely laughed out loud when I read the one about the grocery stores. I still get soo stressed trying to bag my stuff! You just never get used to it!

Hey Christina, this very good written! I am actually german and do also live in Munich. I find it very interesting to see the german way of living from another perspektive from time to time 😛 Anyhow i wanted to add something about the jaywalking…(i think that is walking across the street with a red traffic light?) If you are unlucky and the police sees you while doing that it can be very expensive. I got caught once running over the strees a few seconds after the light changed and i had to pay 80€ So i do highly recommend to cross the street far far away from a traffic light (ofc after you made sure that there are no cars that could run you over) or just wait until the light turns green, because sometimes policemen also wait in plain clothes behind the traficlight for someone to cross it while its red… And there is someting else that i wamted to add to your list. I think that almost every household in Germany is a shoes off household. So if you get invited to someones house or appartement, take your shoes off or ask if you should/can leave them on. This could keep you from leaving a rude expression 🙂

Hi Lisa, thanks so much for reading and thanks for sharing your experiences/extra tips! I grew up in a shoes-off household too so it never crossed my mind that this was a cultural difference haha. Definitely a good tip for those who aren’t used to it!

The part about Still water killed me , i literally LOL! every time im in europe i break my head trying to find still water..

Doing research for my book where they visit Germany and this article was so HILARIOUS and helpful, thank you so much for taking the time to make it! <333

A very informative article about the German travel.I really appreciate your research. Thanks for sharing. Hope to read more articles on your blog…!!! Keep it up.

Christina I was laughing the entire time I read your blog thank you for the laughs and information I’m sure I’ll have a great time in Germany!

I AM a German living in Canada since a couple of years now. And what should I say: You are perfectly right with your accurate analysis. I laughed my ass of reading your blog. Thank you.

Great post, I want to thank You for sharing this as it contains a lot of details and it has been very useful.

It is great to know about places, I find such blogs which tell about a country like living, food, places to visit. Like I found a lot in this blog and I enjoyed reading it. I hope you will share such good blogs.

Thank you for sharing your valuable insights and tips on traveling in Germany. Your article is well-written, informative, and packed with useful information that will undoubtedly help anyone planning to visit Germany.

I appreciate the practical tips you’ve provided on topics such as transportation, accommodation, food, and culture. Your personal experiences and anecdotes add a relatable and authentic touch to the article, and I found your advice on interacting with locals and adapting to the local culture particularly helpful.

Your suggestions for off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems in Germany were also a great addition to the article, and I appreciated the detailed descriptions and recommendations for each place.

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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Germany specific risk of coronavirus (covid-19), 30 oct 2020.

 This country reports a substantial increase in case numbers; highest incidence is reported in Bavaria, Berlin, Bremen, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland. This is being closely monitored by UK public health bodies:

• Please check the fitfortravel Germany page regularly for updates on any changes to the risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Advice for Travellers

There is a moderate risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country:

• You are advised to consider avoiding non-essential travel to this country if you are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19  

To determine if you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19, check the following websites:

• Scotland: NHS inform website
• England, Wales and Northern Ireland: see NHS.uk website  

For further information, see Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel pages.

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• 30 Oct 2020 - Country Specific Risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Update 28)

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Ultimate Minimalist Packing List For Travel to Germany & Europe (2-Week Packing List)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

Wondering if carry-on only packing is for you? Not sure how much is too much to take on your trip to Germany? Here are some tips and tricks on how to pack light for your next trip.

As you’re planning your first or next vacation to Germany or different countries around Europe, you’ve probably already thought: what should I pack? How much luggage should I bring? Carry-on or checked luggage? Suitcase or backpack?

It’s easy to get carried away and list aaaaaaall of the clothes you just have to bring or all the “just in case” back-up items you’re convinced you’ll need, whether on a 10-day vacation or during long-term travel of weeks or even months.

But how much do you really need to bring?

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The short answer? Much less than you think!

We’re here to present an alternative travel style with tons of benefits in the long run: minimalist packing.

After completely overpacking (and quickly regretting it) when I was first traveling around Germany and Europe in my teens, I quickly converted to being a minimalist packer.

Aaron is too, and so in the 25+ years that he and I have been traveling together, we nearly always travel carry-on only. On some trips we’ve added a small carry-on sized suitcase so we can check liquids or bring specific items home in but we even try to avoid that, if possible! You might already be familiar with the minimalist packing approach with the rise in popularity of digital nomads traveling the world who often travel with just a backpack or a carry-on sized suitcase, but it’s something that any type of traveler or vacationer can achieve – and benefit from.

The first step in becoming a minimalist traveler is all about learning and understanding the mindset behind the approach — and all the advantages. We’ll get to that in just a bit.

Then comes the fun part of deciding what bag to bring, what items go on your packing list, and to leave behind.

While it seems like a lot of preparation goes into minimalist packing, it pays off 10-fold once your trip starts. And if you think of it like a puzzle, it’s actually a fun process!

(For inspiration, check out our Germany packing guide , where I show you in more detail the gear and specific items we take on our trips around the world (we don’t always take everything on that list on every trip). And we include a packing list in our Germany Trip Planner that you can use. )

From what kind of bag will suit you most to putting together your ultimate minimalist travel packing list, this article will show you everything you need to know about minimalist packing!

• 1 What is Minimalist Packing for Travel?
• 2 Why Take a Minimalist Approach For Vacation Travel?
• 3 Minimalist Packing: Suitcase or a Backpack?
• 4 What to Pack In Your Main Bag For 2 Weeks
• 5 Winter & Summer Packing
• 6 What About Toiletries?
• 7 What Kind of Day Bag to Use
• 8 What to Pack In Your Day Bag
• 9 What to Leave at Home
• 10 Minimalist Packing Tips

What is Minimalist Packing for Travel?

Minimalism has taken the world by storm over the past few years. Many people are seeing the value of owning less and realizing how excessive consumption can actually bring unnecessary stress into your life. Trends like extreme decluttering and even moving to tiny homes have been adopted by all sorts of people looking for a lifestyle change.

Minimalism has made its way to travel too. When it comes to traveling, the minimalist approach is all about packing thoughtfully and efficiently.

Just to be clear we’re not talking about ultralight travel and bringing less stuff just to leave a lot of space in your suitcase. Minimalist packing is more about being intentional with the things you pack. It’s about making sure that every item you bring has purpose and brings value to your trip.

And YOU are the one who decides what minimalist packing looks like for you.

Minimalist packing has the end goal of making travel less stressful. If you learn how to pack light you can spend less time worrying about baggage fees, lugging heavy suitcases over cobblestone streets, dragging heavy bags up and down stairs, and worrying about losing your items — which makes it easier to actually enjoy your vacation!

Why Take a Minimalist Approach For Vacation Travel?

There are so many reasons to adopt the habits of a minimalist packer.

To start off, when checking in for your flight, going through airport security, and then boarding your flight, you won’t have to worry about exceeding the baggage weight or size limit. We all know how those extra luggage fees can add up, especially if you’re traveling with multiple suitcases or multiple family members.

Years ago we used to be able to check a bag a little (or a lot) over the weight limit with minimal concern but things have gotten much stricter and much more expensive if you do go over. And having big, heavy bags can also mean having a hard time finding overhead space on the plane, adding unnecessary stress to your long flights.

If you pack minimally and go carry-on only, going through check-in and TSA is a breeze since you’re less likely to experience any delays or long lines waiting to check your bags.

The same will be true while moving around cities after arriving in Germany. You’ll be able to walk longer distances with more ease and less discomfort (like from the train station to your hotel) and hop on any type of public transportation without scrambling for all of your belongings or mowing people down when you board a bus.

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Being able to maneuver easily with your luggage is one of the best things you can do as a traveler, especially in touristy destinations. Moving around with bulky bags can make it harder for you to keep track of all your items and it’s uncomfortable for you and annoying for locals. It can also draw unwanted attention to pickpockets and thieves who target unaware tourists.

Keep in mind that if you’re visiting multiple cities in Germany or are traveling elsewhere in Europe, you’ll likely take a lot of public transportation. And it’s you who will be carrying your luggage everywhere you go, not anyone else!

Even if you rent a car and only need to carry your luggage from the car to your hotel and back, if you bring too much luggage, you might not be able to fit it all in the rental car!

Picture yourself boarding trains, getting on a bus, climbing up stairs or escalators at a metro station, making your way through cobblestone streets, and then up a couple flights of stairs to your hotel or AirBnB. Do you want to be doing all of that with a heavy backpack or multiple big suitcases? I’m sure the answer is no!

Besides the benefit of ease of movement, packing light ensures that you bring only what you actually need and will wear. You won’t wasted valuable time each day digging around your backpack or suitcase full of clothes (many of which you never end up wearing) just to find that one thing you swore you packed.

By taking a more minimal approach, you’ll have a clear inventory of everything you’ve brought so you can dress quickly each morning, stay organized, and avoid misplacing and losing things along your trip.

Doesn’t this all sound great? Well, then keep reading to get started on the minimalist approach to packing for travel to Germany!

Minimalist Packing: Suitcase or a Backpack?

One of the first things to consider is what kind of travel bag will be a good fit for your personal preferences and travel destinations. There are many kinds of carry-on bags to choose from but we recommend considering a carry-on size suitcase or a travel backpack.

Suitcase : Pros & Cons

Most people immediately assume they’ll bring a suitcase. If that’s you, we highly recommend a carry-on sized spinner type 4-wheeled suitcase. You can’t really go wrong with this classic choice, especially if you’ll be staying in hotels with elevators or just a few flights of stairs.

A spinner suitcase is a good option if you won’t need to do a huge amount of walking with your suitcase outside of the airport. If you plan to take mostly taxis to and from the airport or between the train station and your hotel, a rolling suitcase can be a great choice.

The downside to suitcases is that they can be difficult to maneuver over cobblestoned streets and up and down stairs in metro stations and hotels. They also require that one hand be occupied at all times and the bigger and heavier they are, the more uncomfortable (or even painful) they can be to drag behind you.

We have a carry-on spinner suitcase (see photos above) — and we love it! I use it more than Aaron does, most often in the US when I’m just pulling it through the airport to a car. That said, I have used it on 2 recent trips to Germany — one where we rented a car and one where I spent 2 weeks in just 2 cities and only took 1 train with the suitcase. So I didn’t need to pull it over blocks of cobblestoned streets or carry it up and down many flights of stairs or on and off a bunch of trains.

Travel Backpacks : Pros & Cons

We also each have a carry-on size travel backpack that we use frequently on trips abroad. Backpacks are ideal if you like to have your hands free and just like being more nimble. They’re also great for any trips in nature, where sidewalks or paved roads may not be as ubiquitous since it’ll be hard to lug a wheeled suitcase around in that situation.

Even if you’re traveling around cities, backpacks are great because they give you more ease of movement. One of the best travel backpacks I’ve ever had is from the brand Eagle Creek. They are highly-praised for their comfort and quality. I STILL use my nearly 15-year old Eagle Creek backpack! Osprey also makes excellent travel backpacks.

When I get a new travel backpack I’ll most likely get an Osprey because I like how well they integrate the removable day pack using a zipper and compression straps. We’ve been looking at them a lot lately and I’ve heard so many excellent reviews from friends about their packs.

While I love using my travel backpack, there are a few downsides to consider. One is that you always have to carry it, and if you end up standing for long periods of time (like waiting to go through airport security or for a train or bus) it can be uncomfortable wearing a pack the whole time.

Likewise, when it’s hot outside, wearing a backpack will make your back very sweaty and uncomfortable. And, if you don’t pack it well, it can be uncomfortable to wear. For us, however, the benefits outweigh the downsides (most of the time).

What to Pack In Your Main Bag For 2 Weeks

Before you get carried away and pack clothes for each day of your trip, we suggest putting together a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is essentially a small collection of pieces of clothing that you can mix and match with one another to create lots of different outfits. 

There isn’t really a set number or style of clothing items that should be part of your capsule wardrobe. But remember the point of having a minimalist travel wardrobe is that you’ll only bring clothing that you love wearing and that are versatile enough for different occasions. 

In general, think 4-6 casual t-shirts, 1-2 formal shirts or blouses, 2-4 pairs of pants, skirts or dresses that can be easily dressed up or down, and outerwear depending on your destination’s climate.

Don’t forget the essentials like a set of pajamas, 6-7 pairs of underwear, and 6-7 pairs of socks (or 2-3 if not for everyday wear). You can pack more or less depending on how much time you’ll be traveling and how often you’ll be able to (or want to) do laundry – but don’t overpack! We typically pack the same amount of clothing for a 1 week trip as for a 6+ weeks.

For footwear, stick to bringing 2 pairs of shoes at most. One pair should be for walking and everyday wear, like comfortable sneakers. The other can be something dressier like flats, loafers or sandals.  

Winter & Summer Packing

If you’re going to Germany during the winter, then your capsule wardrobe might look different. For example, a high-quality jacket or coat and boots are a must. Other accessories like tights or a pair of leggings, scarf, gloves, and beanies are also something you’ll probably want to add.

On the other hand if you’re traveling during summer, then lighter clothes like tank tops, shorts, a pair of flip flops, a sun hat, and a bathing suit are must-haves. 

As you can see, you can customize your capsule wardrobe as much as you want. To help you put together a list, keep in mind different factors like your personal style, your favorite colors to wear, the climate at your destination, the activities you’ll be doing on your trip, what packs, wears and washes well, and what can be layered and easily mixed and matched.

What About Toiletries?

For toiletries, we recommend limiting them to only essential items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, a hairbrush, basic make-up, etc. As much as possible, bring miniatures or travel sized toiletries that can fit in one TSA-approved pouch for easy organization. Remember, if you need more, you can always buy what you need in Germany.

What Kind of Day Bag to Use

In addition to your main bag, we recommend also having a small bag as your personal item for the plane and that you can use as a day bag while in Germany. This could be a small backpack, a cross-body bag, or travel purse .

Aaron typically uses a small backpack and I use either a small backpack, a cross-body bag or purse. Whatever you choose, try it out before you leave so you’re sure it’s comfortable to carry with you all day!

What to Pack In Your Day Bag

Whether you use a backpack, cross-body bag or purse, it’s crucial that you find one that’s the perfect size for your needs and that you love wearing. After all, you’ll be carrying this with you everywhere you go every day of your trip! If you’re in search for the perfect travel purse, check out my article here reviewing some of the best ones in the market.

After finding your day bag comes the question of what to pack. Your day bag is for travel essentials that you need to keep secure while having easy access to while out and about. Keeping in line with minimalist packing, we recommend sticking with a smaller bag to avoid overpacking and carting around items you never actually end up using (been there, done that).

Here’s a list of some travel essentials you should keep in your day bag:

• Passport and other travel documents
• Small wallet with credit card/debit card 
• Spare cash in local currency
• Phone (with local sim card if not using your home cell service)  
• Power bank and/or chargers
• Other optional electronics (earphones, electronic reader, tablet, camera, etc.)
• Medications and other health-related items
• Water bottle
• Seasonal accessories (sunglasses, sweater, hat, gloves, etc.)
• Small pouch with make-up or toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, etc.)
• Pocket journal and pen 

Since you’ll be carrying your day bag at all times, it’ll give you more of a reason to pack light! There’s nothing more annoying than carrying a bulky purse or having it constantly slide down your shoulders as you’re out and about exploring the city. Pro tip: pack your day bag a few weeks before you leave and wear it while you run errands.

What to Leave at Home

Now that we’ve covered what to bring, let’s talk about what to leave at home. 

We’re all a little bit guilty of overthinking while packing. We start imagining all kinds of unlikely scenarios and end up bringing unnecessary items that we might need “just in case” — but never end up using.

For example, if you know you won’t really have time to exercise, then skip the workout gear. The same goes for unrealistic plans. As much as you might want to go hiking, if it’s not 100% part of your itinerary, don’t bring hiking boots. Always remember that if you change your mind, you can probably borrow gear for any spontaneous activities.

Another thing to limit yourself on is toiletries. Save yourself space and time at security checks by leaving excessive products like creams, gels, or perfumes at home. Stick to your essentials and take advantage of the free items you can get at your hotel or buy what you need once in Germany. 

If you’re used to a long and complicated hair or skin care routine at home, consider a month or two before you leave how you can pare it down for travel.

The same goes for makeup. Don’t take your entire makeup bag with you. Instead, bring only products you use on a daily basis like powder, concealer, and one or two lip colors. You can also look into travel-size palettes that have multi-use products.

When it comes to electronics, leave behind hair styling tools like a curling iron, straightener, or hair dryer if at all possible. Not only do they take up so much space in your luggage, but you also have to make sure they’re compatible with the local outlets and voltage. If not, you have to then bring an adaptor and sometimes even a converter. Also, most hotel rooms already come with a hair dryer or even other styling tools upon request.

Minimalist Packing Tips

Here are some more minimalist packing tips:

1. Pack Less & Do Laundry

If you’re traveling for more than a week, built a couple hours once a week or so into your itinerary to do laundry so you’ll have clean clothes. You can use your hotel’s laundry services or do it yourself if you’re staying in accommodations with a washing machine.

In Germany, it’ll also be fairly easy to find a laundromat. Setting aside a couple of hours to do your laundry can even be a good way to have some downtime in between all the sightseeing. Us that time to edit your photos, write in your travel journal or just relax.

When all else fails, you can always buy a tube of “REI in der Tube” at the local grocery store in Germany and do laundry by hand in your sink.

2. Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the ultimate minimalist travel gear. They let you organize your clothing in the most efficient way since you can separate items in different packings cube. This way you can easily see and everything you have. It also makes packing and unpacking faster, and staying organized so much easier.

3. Wear Layers

The weather is important factor to keep in mind when choosing what clothes to bring. Layers are a must. Having an assortment of short and long sleeved shirts, light jackets, cardigans, fleece or sweaters, and leggings and skirts in your capsule wardrobe will give you tons of possibilities for layering depending on the weather.

It’s also a good idea to look into buying tops made of merino wool. Merino wool is great for traveling because of how versatile it is –the fabric will keep you warm on cold days and cool on warm days and it doesn’t absorb odors!  

4. Wear Neutral Colors

Another tip for when you’re putting together your capsule wardrobe: stick to mostly neutral colors! Colors like black, white, gray, navy blue, brown, and beige are colors that go with everything and are great for all seasons. 

Having a capsule wardrobe full of neutrals with one or two other colors or patterns makes it easier to mix and match pieces. It ensures that all your tops will coordinate with all of your bottoms, since the colors go together and won’t clash with one another. 

Stick to solid colors and simple patterns like stripes, instead of loud, busy patterns or statement pieces. While there’s nothing wrong with having one or two statement pieces, make sure to consider if you’ll be able to wear it more than once.

5. Pack Multi-purpose Products

As we mentioned, the goal of minimalist packing is to ensure that every item in your suitcase serves a purpose. But it’s even better if they serve multiple purposes at once! 

This is especially true for clothing. For example, you can wear a plain white t-shirt or tank top  on its own while you’re out on tours. But then you can also use it as a layering piece under a dressier blouse or cardigan for nights out. A long-sleeved button down can be used for when it gets chilly at night but can also serve as a light cover-up during day time or at the beach.

There’s also a lot of toiletries and cosmetics that have multiple functions. Try to look for products like moisturizers that already come with SPF. This way you can protect yourself from UV rays while also keeping your skin hydrated. If you wear makeup, you can take it even further and buy tinted moisturizer with SPF, which provides light coverage to hide any blemishes.

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

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The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

21 Things to Know Before Traveling to Germany: Tips & Advice for First-Timers

Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 06:40 pm

Germany is a fabulous place to travel, but there are a few things you need to know before you arrive to make your trip as marvelous and smooth as possible.

Included are my best pieces of advice for traveling to Germany: tips to avoid getting yelled at by a teenager at three am when checking into your hostel, how to make sure your taxi driver doesn’t try to have you arrested, and how to save money by returning your recyclables when you go grocery shopping.

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Germany Travel Tips

Here we go!

Wifi & Internet

Internet in Germany is pretty good (although if you’re used to traveling Eastern Europe then you’ll be disappointed).

Like most of Western Europe, the internet speeds are decent but sometimes frustrating. I’d put the German internet I’ve used as better than Spain and France, way better than Greece, and far below the magical lightning speeds, you can achieve in Bulgaria and Serbia.

This is just based on my personal opinions from my experiences. Speedtest.net currently lists Germany mobile internet as #42 globally and their broadband as #25.

Free Wifi is available in many restaurants, cafes, and train stations. It’s not nearly universal, but I could generally find something when I needed it.

German Sim Cards

Getting a sim card in Germany was beyond frustrating. T-Mobile told me they only sell to people with EU passports.

Vodaphone charged fifteen euros to activate. Medimax charged ten euros but gave you the option to self-activate.

Which I tried to do, but the app to activate the sim card didn’t work and directed me to go to the post office to activate my sim card. At which point I gave up.

Bottom line, pay to have the sim activated or you literally won’t ever get it to work and it will be still sitting in your day bag by the time you get to Crete. Or maybe that’s just me. 

Taxis & Uber

Taxis in Germany are pricey compared to what I’m used to in Eastern Europe, but they’re on par with taxis in the rest of Western Europe.

I spent thirteen euros to get from the train to my hostel in Dresden, eleven euros to get to Dresden Neustadt, and fifteen euros in Berlin to get from the train to my friend’s apartment.

Essentially, public transportation is so good in Germany that I only took taxis in emergencies, to get to my accommodations if it was already dark out, and one time when I was having a particularly bad day.

If you need a taxi, know that you won’t need to negotiate with them since they are going to turn the meter on.

It’s good common sense to check that the meter is turned on and running normally no matter where you travel, but I think Germany is probably the country where you are the least likely to run into a scam taxi in the world.

If you want to use a taxi app, Uber is available in Berlin and Munich, but it only orders you a taxi. Otherwise, you can use the MyTaxi app to order a cab.

If you want to use a credit card in a taxi and you’re not using an app with the credit card information stored, make sure you arrange it ahead of time.

Not every German taxi driver has a pos in their taxi. I learned this the hard way when I asked my hostel to order me a taxi that takes credit cards.

This request was lost in translation, and it resulted in my taxi driver threatening to have me arrested and the worst Dresden tour experience of my entire trip.

Public Transportation 

Part of the reason that taxis in Germany are so expensive is that the public transportation options are so good that locals don’t use taxis very often.

Local trains and buses are plentiful and easy to use, especially in the larger cities.

Make sure you have the cash to buy your ticket. Some stations take credit cards, but not all do.

After you purchase your ticket, you’ll need to validate it by punching it into the machine. Otherwise, you risk a large fine if you get caught riding without a validated ticket.

Check which zone you’ll be traveling to. For example, in Berlin, everything I saw was in Zone A/B, but the airport was Zone C.

This is pretty common across the country, so double-check if your destination is in the outermost zone and thus costs more.

Otherwise, you also risk the dreaded fine. Plus being yelled at by German transit authorities is not the most pleasant way to spend your vacation time.

When buying your tickets, you can switch the machines to English. Just hit the little Union Jack/British flag.

Getting Between Cities

The great thing about traveling in Germany is how many different, cool cities you can explore that are within just a few hours of each other.

Even better, intercity transportation is easy to use and goes frequently, making Germany one of the friendliest day trip countries I’ve ever been to.

My personal preference for the trips I used was to travel by FlixBus, which was cheaper than the trains when traveling from Berlin to Dresden and Dresden to Berlin .

However, you can price bus companies, trains, and even check carpooling options on BlaBlaCar

Another option is to rent a car.

I rented a car in Dresden so that I could visit multiple cities in a single day. In this situation, the public transit was more economical, but it would have taken up simply too much time.

Packing for Germany

I have an entire Germany packing list , but here are five things you absolutely need to bring with you to Germany:

The   Lonely Planet Germany   guidebook for your trip. I’ve been looking for a hard copy here since I don’t like getting stuff delivered to me in Bulgaria, and I can’t find one. Definitely get your guidebook ahead of time.

Backup Charging Bank for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS system, and general travel genie.

A Camera  since Germany in fall is super photogenic. I used a mix of my  Nikon D810  and my   Samsung8  smartphone.

A Full Sized Travel Towel   for anyone taking advantage of Germany’s plethora of good hostels or shared accommodations. This is the  best travel towel in the world , and you’ll need it if you are staying in hostels or anywhere that requires you to bring your own towel.

Travel Insurance Policy  information, because things happen on the road. I pay for  World Nomads,  and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’re going to be doing any hiking, road tripping, or outdoor activities in Germany.

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for two years, and I happily recommend them.  

It’s especially important to get travel insurance when participating in outdoor activities.

Even in the big cities like Berlin, though, you’ll be happy when you’re able to replace your stuff if it’s lost or stolen.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip to Germany.

Food & Dietary Restrictions

If you’re going to be in larger cities, you’ll be able to easily eat within any dietary restrictions.

Berlin is packed with Vegan and Vegetarian restaurants and friendly menus. While allergies are marked on many menus (and many places have English menus), it’s always a good idea to have important allergies and restrictions written out on a card that can be taken to the kitchen in case of any misunderstandings.

I’ve traveled with friends who have life-threatening allergies, and the waitstaff visibly changes demeanor when presented with an official-looking card that explains the allergy and the seriousness of it.

Because I was staying in an apartment for almost a month on my last trip, I saved a ton of money on food by shopping at local Berlin grocery stores.

Grocery prices in Germany are very low compared to the overall cost of living.

Make sure to bring your own shopping bags or prepare to pay a small fee for bags.

Germany is recycling obsessed, to a level I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world. The country uses an incentive system, called the Pfandsystem, to help ensure bottles are returned to be recycled.

You can save money by bringing your own bottles back to the grocery store for a credit that you can use at the register.

I saved about fifteen euros by doing this with my plastic bottles throughout my time in Berlin.

If you aren’t going to return your bottles yourself, especially if you don’t think you’ll get enough glass bottles to turn in at once, then leave your bottles outside next to trash cans instead of putting them in the bins.

Locals in need of cash and with time to spare, like the homeless, students, and the retired, will come by and collect them to turn them in. This way your bottle still ends up getting recycled.

Driving in Germany

I love driving in foreign countries , and I found driving around Saxony to be delightful.

A few things to know before setting off though. First, watch out for speed traps in small towns. I got a speeding ticket that cost me about $35 when I transitioned into a small town and the speed limit dropped dramatically.

This was snapped on a camera rather than by a local policeman.

Second, don’t even think about drinking and driving.

The Blood Alcohol Limit here is .05, lower than the .08 and .1 many North Americans are used to. This is about two small beers for an averaged size man. Couple that with stronger drinks than back home, and it’s a recipe for a DUI for North Americans traveling here for the first time.

Third, I found that most of the places I wanted to visit, like parks and other tourist spots, had a parking fee of a couple of euros that could only be paid in cash.

Another thing to note: Germans drive on the righthand side of the road, like the rest of continental Europe and North America. The best thing about driving in Germany? No highway tolls!

If you do plan a Germany road trip, make sure you map out your route ahead of time so you can more easily navigate during your trip!

Renting a Car

The process of renting a car here was stress-free.

The deposit, which can vary dramatically from country to country, was about seven hundred euros.

They dropped this to six hundred euros for me as a favor (not sure what I did to deserve the favor, but it was appreciated).

The deposit was back on my card four business days after I returned the car. To rent the car, I only needed my credit card, the deposit, my passport, and my US driver’s license.

Get a rental car quote for your trip to Germany.

First-time travelers to Germany might have heard about violent incidents and wonder if Germany is safe to travel to.

While tourists almost always feel safer than locals, I have never felt like I was in any danger in Germany.

In fact, Germany is ranked as the sixteenth safest country in the world, ahead of Ireland, Sweden, and the UK. For reference, the USA is ranked fifty-seventh.

You should always exercise basic caution when you travel. Pickpockets operate in the cities, especially in busy places, transportation hubs, and tourist sites.

My Germany packing list includes an awesome day bag that has great anti-theft features to help ease my mind when I travel to big cities.

Solo Female Travel

Safearound.com lists the dangers for women traveling to Germany as low, and that’s true in my own experience as well.

I felt very safe walking around in Berlin and Dresden, even when I was alone at night.

Catcalling was non-existent, especially compared to when I’m traveling solo in Latin America and the US.

There are two areas to be aware of as a solo female traveler in Germany.

First, I drank more in Germany than I typically do. Between the pub crawls, beer tours, and general deliciousness of German beer, I found myself tipsy way more often than I generally am when I travel solo.

This is something to think about when you book your accommodations.

The closer you are to public transit, the less this will pose a problem.

You might also want to budget in the money for taking a taxi home if you need to avoid public transit if you have one too many.

The second issue is that I found that there were times when I was alone in smaller train stations at night, where only one or two other male passengers were waiting and no one else.

While I always felt safe, I stayed extra vigilant and positioned myself so I could exit the station if I needed to.

Just keep your wits about you.

Unfortunately, things happen to women everywhere.

The bottom line is that Germany is safer for solo female travelers than many countries, but the world still isn’t safe enough for us to let our guard down.

Using English

I studied German in high school for four years, but I speak like three words.

I don’t find this to be an issue most of the time; however, see the information about taxis above to know how annoying a misunderstanding can be while in Germany.

While English is spoken widely, especially by folks working in the tourism and service industries, you will still want to have Google Translate downloaded on your phone to avoid almost getting hauled off to a German jail over ten euros.

Germany uses Euros, and it can be a hard place to travel without some Euro bills and coins on you at all times.

The first couple weeks of my last trip to Germany I only had a credit card. This could have been a disaster since so many places only take cash.

To get around this, I booked my tours and accommodations online, and I avoided places that were cash-only.

You’ll need cash for many public transit options, bars, small shops, parking, and many tourist attractions. Credit cards are accepted in many places, but they definitely aren’t universal yet.

The cheapest way to get cash in Europe is to take money out at the ATM. You will get the best conversion rates this way.

Just make sure you have a bank that doesn’t charge ATM fees. I like Charles Schwab for this. You also want to make sure that your credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees, as those little 3% dings really add up!

Tipping in Germany is different than the US and some parts of Europe.

According to a recent study , Germans tip on average 5-10%, while servers generally expect to receive closer to 10%.

Check to make sure you haven’t been charged a service fee automatically. If not, then tip in this range.

You’ll need to leave the tip in cash, as it’s rarely an option to tip on your credit card.

Expect Everything You Want to Do to Be Closed on Sundays

Things shut down in Germany on Sundays.

While you can typically find a spaeti open in Berlin, you may have a hard time finding things you need in other cities.

Luckily for tourists, most museums operate under the globally approved “museums are to be closed on Monday’s rule,” meaning Sundays are a great day to hit up some of Germany’s world-class museums.

Find tours and other things to do in Germany on Sunday through GetYourGuide

Electrical Outlets

Germany uses type F plugs, the same as the rest of continental Europe. You can also typically use a type C and E plug when needed. The voltage is 230V.

If you are traveling from North America, your appliances like laptops, cell phone chargers, and camera chargers will typically handle 110V-220V.

This means you can plug them into a German socket with just an outlet converter. I like to travel with two  Universal Outlet Adapters  with USB Ports in Europe.

If you want to bring a smaller appliance like a hairdryer or a curling iron, you’ll need a voltage converter that actually changes the voltage to your appliance.

Otherwise, your appliance will fry. I don’t bother with voltage converters after one fried a hairdryer anyways.

I would personally not buy an expensive voltage converter. If you absolutely need a hairdryer or other small appliance and you don’t think your hotel will supply it, it’s cheaper to buy a European version once you’re here.

German pharmacies, Apotheke,  are where you need to go for any medical need since even something as minor as Tylenol won’t be available in a general grocery store. According to How To Germany :

There are thousands of Apotheken in Germany and German law requires that an Apotheke be owned and operated by a pharmacist.

An individual pharmacist is only allowed to own up to three locations.

Consequently, there are not any large drugstore chains that are found throughout countries like the USA. In fact, a “drug store” in Germany (Drogerie) sells toiletries and other consumer items, but not medicines.

Note that hours at pharmacies are pretty restricted. There’s no such thing as a twenty-four-hour chemist here.

They typically aren’t open on Sundays, holidays, during the evenings, or even on Saturday afternoons.

That’s why you should bring your medications with you and any OTC meds you regularly use, like pain pills or antacids.

I buy common essentials before my trips on Amazon

Contracts & Fine Print

The stereotype that Germany and Germans love rules is just that, a stereotype. It’s definitely not universal.

However, Germany is the only country where a teenager has yelled at me to read contracts better at 3 am when checking into a hostel because I refused to pay a fee that actually wasn’t in my contract.

I won that fight, but only because I knew exactly what my agreement said ahead of time.

So read the fine print of any agreements before signing, especially for tours, accommodations, etc.

The companies will expect you to know the rules, regulations, and stipulations in anything you sign, and they will more than likely enforce anything considered enforceable.

I find booking through a third-party app like GetYourGuide is helpful because there’s a built in customer service mechanism that’s used to understanding foreign tourists.

There are federal smoki*g laws, but each of Germany’s sixteen states also has a say in the smoki*g laws enforced locally.

That’s why most places in Germany do not allow smoking in restaurants or bars, but you will occasionally find small restaurants with smoking sections and entire smoking bars.

It feels a little retrograde, but smoking is more popular in Germany is actually places third in Europe for smok*rs per capita.

More Germany Travel Resources

Here are my posts about traveling to Germany to help you plan your trip.

General Germany Travel Resources

What to Pack for Germany

10 Reasons to Travel to Germany in Autumn

The 50 Most Beautiful Castles in the World

11 Stunning Catholic Monasteries

Berlin Travel Resources

Exploring Wartime Berlin (Podcast Episode)

13 Perfect Berlin Souvenirs & Gifts Plus Berlin Shopping Tips

How to Get from Berlin to Dresden on the Cheap & Hassle-Free

How to Get from Dresden to Berlin

Dresden Travel Resources

27 Pictures of Dresden to Inspire Your German Wanderlust

13 Quirky & Enchanting Things to Do in Dresden Neustadt

The Best & Worst Dresden Tours

Dresden Street Art: 15 Famous Pieces and Offbeat Gems

Pin This Article for Your Trip to Germany

In this Article:

5 thoughts on “21 Things to Know Before Traveling to Germany: Tips & Advice for First-Timers”

Really amazing blog, very well written and interesting. Please keep on writing blogs like this.

Thanks! Will do!

Next year I plan to visit Germany. This will be my first trip. Thanks for the exchange and your advices.

Have a fantastic trip!

This summer I am going to visit Germany with my friends. And very much in time I came across your article. Now when traveling, we will follow your notes! Before leaving, you will definitely need to prepare a common essay format . I am closing the last session and can be free the whole summer. Oh, how many countries I still have to visit.

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•   Friday, April 26, 2024
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What to Pack for Germany- Traveling to Germany Checklist

In the old days traveling to Germany meant you could pack 5 bags and have clothes for every eventuality (invited to a Costume Ball? covered…. hiking in the Alps? covered…. A day at the spa? got it) . Today you are far more restricted by luggage allowance and increasing costs per bag. And honestly… who wants to schlepp all that luggage?? Worst of all, I found out the hard way that you can’t fit THAT many suitcases into the trunk of a small European car. Fortunately, I have a thing for lists. This includes making a fairly detailed traveling to Germany checklist every time I go. And I adjust it with each new experience so that when it comes time to haul out my suitcase,  I know exactly what to pack for Germany.

Now obviously, everyone will have different needs when they travel. If you are visiting family, you won’t need to worry so much about too many toiletries or multiple outfits ( presumably, you can borrow shampoo or wash clothing ). People on a tour need to ensure that everything needed is in their bag, because there may not be time to stop by the drugstore.

This Traveling to Germany checklist leans more toward what women need than men (sorry guys) but it’s general enough for everyone to check out.  One of the great things is that you don’t need more for a 2-3 week visit than you need for one. You can (hopefully) do some washing in between. To make things even more interesting, WHEN you go to Germany is important. You won’t need those tank tops unless it’s July. I’ve broken it down by type of thing,  and I also recommend whether you should carry it on or pack it into the suitcase.

What to Pack for Germany

Keep in mind, that this is just a guideline! Different types of visits have different needs. When I visited family for a wedding, I packed differently than when I went to Berlin for the week. Take a look at the list, and consider the other things that you may need that are specific to your trip.

And in the worst case, if you’ve forgotten something? They have shops…

Carry on vs. Checked Bag

Admittedly, I don’t mind checking bags. I’d rather not be laden down with too much stuff as I’m racing through the airport and security. And with rules and restrictions about what can go into the passenger cabin of the plane, it’s easier to check things. If you travel REALLY LIGHT, go ahead and carry it all on. If you check your suitcase, go ahead and add an Airtag or something similar for extra security. Make sure to separate out the important things you need take in your carry on luggage.

Most airlines will allow a carry on, and a personal item. Some airlines are particular about how large or heavy your carry on bag can be. Be sure to check with the airline BEFORE you leave for the airport.

In your Carry-On (And purse if you carry one)

Remember, security won’t let you take liquids above 3.4 oz. And they will take away nail scissors, pocket knives and sun lotion. Just pack things in your suitcase so you don’t lose them. (By the way, if you need pocket knives, check out–> Globo Surf

• Passport – make sure it expires at least 6 months after your return date. (also, keep a photocopy of the passport somewhere safe)
• Driver’s License – You can drive in Germany with an American license for up to 6 months.
• Airline Tickets – I know many of you keep them on your phone. I’m too paranoid for that. I also print out the paper.
• Accommodation Information – You may have to fill out forms saying where you are staying. Have that information handy. It’s also good for handing to taxi drivers.
• Student Identification Card – If you are a student, bring your ID card. It will get you discounts everywhere.
• List of Medications- If you travel with medications, make sure you have a list of them by name, just in case you lose them, or get asked about them at the border, or you have a medical emergency.
• Health Insurance Information – Make sure you have your insurance cardand also information about your travel insurance policy . Trust me when I say, it is always better to feel safe, especially when it comes to medical bills or any other similar health-related emergencies. Your travel insurance should be one of your best friends.   
• Something to entertain you … a book or magazine or e-reader
• Electronics – Camera, laptop, Tablet ***
• Neck Pillow- if you want one
• Medications – (And believe me, don’t put them all in one bottle thinking you will “remember” which is which and if you already took the ones for today… get one of those pill container thingies .)
• Scarf- I love a larger scarf that works as a bit of a blanket… airplanes get chilly.
• Jewelry – I just like to keep it close
• Slippers or slides – Wearing shoes on a Trans-Atlantic flight is uncomfortable, but you DO NOT want to go into the bathroom in socks. ( That’s not water on the floor )
• Brush, toothbrush, basic make up (to touch up before getting off the plane)
• Snacks – Because you NEVER KNOW when you might get hungry.
• Water Bottle – Note… you MAY NOT carry liquids through the security checkpoint, but you can carry an empty bottle. Fill it up at the fountain on the other side and keep hydrated on the plane!
• I like to keep a clean shirt and pair of undies in my carry on… just in case the suitcase is delayed.

**Packing Documents

If you are nervous about losing them, keep these things handy in a Passport Pouch around your neck.  I know they can be uncomfortable, but you don’t have to wear it there all the time. Once you arrive, you can secure passports and important documents in the hotel safe. I like a passport pouch that doubles as a wallet, and fits into my purse.

Also make sure that none of your documents must be translated. For example, you might need translation of medical insurance. If such a translation is needed, my advice is to order it beforehand, you can use websites offering online translation services .

The question of Euros

I am frequently asked whether to exchange dollars for Euros in the US,  and if American credit cards work in Germany (they do) . To make things simple, I usually tuck around 80-100€ into my wallet before I leave home. My bank will make the exchange for a low fee. All of the rest of the cash I need comes from the ATM machines in Germany. Honestly, there are ATMs in every town. The exchange rate is good (and free with some bank accounts), and you don’t have to worry about carrying hundreds or thousands in cash with you. Read more about that here–> ATMs in Germany.

***Traveling with Electronics

• Power Converters! – The plugs in Germany are a different shape than our American ones… and the power coming in from them is 220V not 110V. Rather than buy German appliances, or a bunch of little plug things, I bought myself a Bestek power converter . It’s lightweight, can support charging 3 plugged in things at once as well as 4 USB ports, and I don’t have to worry about my electronics.
• Smart Phone- If you like to stay in touch with people back home, or feel like you will need to make phone calls while in Germany (and you probably will) you will need a phone. BE CAREFUL. Roaming charges are crazy expensive!! Most phone providers have some sort of international plan. Here’s a great article on taking your phone without breaking the bank–> Rick Steve’s Phone tips
• Camera – Yes, you can use your phone, but for really good shots, you may want the best camera for pictures.  Don’t forget the batteries, cables and memory cards!
• Laptop – Is this a working trip? Pack along that Laptop, and don’t forget the Charger!
• Tablets/e- readers – Instead of packing a stack of books, you can download them all onto an e-reader. And tablets are useful for watching movies, getting information you need, or keeping up with family at home. Just be sure you are using WiFi.

How much Clothing do you Need?

I love Rick Steves, but he and I have some serious differences when it comes to clothing. I need more than 3 shirts. And I’m NOT washing out my undies every night. That said… I’ve also learned that you have to carry everything you pack, and there is no sense in stuffing a suitcase full of cute tops that you “might” wear if the right invitation comes up. Do check the weather before you go! If they are having an unseasonably warm summer, bring more light things… but I’ve been to Germany when it rained for 3 weeks straight in JULY. (Every photo of me is in a raincoat with umbrella).

Keep it simple, and stay with a color palate so you can mix and match items you are wearing. Don’t worry about wearing the same shirt twice, because if you are traveling around, no one will notice… and if you are staying with family, no one will care.

Avoid bulk! Hoodie sweatshirts will eat up half of your luggage space! A fine gauge sweater over a long sleeve t shirt is just as warm, and takes far less room.

One more thing…if you have a fitness routine at home, such as running, pack the things you need . They aren’t “extras”, they are essentials! Read more about the importance preparing for and maintaining your fitness routines while traveling HERE–> How to Stick to your Fitness Routines while Traveling.

Most Importantly! DO NOT TAKE BRAND NEW SHOES. And don’t bother with that pair that “only pinches a little”. You will be on your feet a lot. Take care of them with comfortable, slip-resistant shoes that you’ve worn in a bit. Those cobblestones are hard on your ankles!

Remember, this list is a guideline, it’s not in stone . Depending on what you are doing and where you are going, you may need to make some adjustments. Keep in mind, every time I threw 3 extra shirts into the suitcase “just in case”, they’ve come back unworn.

You can use the same list whether you are traveling one week or four weeks, you just need to find time to do a wash.

Packing for Spring/Summer

• 3-4 T-Shirts or Tops (don’t wear shirts with giant slogans, stick with plain and simple)
• 2-3  Blouses  (you can wear them alone or over the T-shirts)
• 1 Fine gauge Sweater or cardigan
• 1 lightweight Jacket
• 1 pairs Jeans (or pants that you like)
• 1-2 pair light pants
• 1 pair shorts or a skirt A dressy outfit …
• For women maybe a dress or nice slacks and blouse.
• For men, a nice shirt and tie
• Comfortable walking Shoes
• Shower shoes (like flip flops) are great for public pools (but not for touring churches)
• 5-7 pairs underwear (wash Travel Underwear in the sink, and it dries fast)
• 3-5 pairs socks
• Pajamas or Nightgown
• Bathing Suit

Packing for Fall/Winter

Remember, even though it’s COLD outside, it will probably be warm inside. You need a coat for the elements, but when you are in a restaurant or museum, you will overheat if you overdress. ( Most places have coat rooms, use them. I learned that security HATES when you walk around a museum with bags and coats .)

• 2-3 Long Sleeve T-Shirts or tops
• 2-3 Long Sleeve blouses
• 2-3 Fine gauge Sweaters (they take less room than bulky ones)
• 2 pairs Jeans
• 1-2 pairs Long Pants
• 1 pair nice slacks (for going out)
• 1 Heavy warm Jacket
• 5 pairs WARM SOCKS
• 5-7 pairs Underwear
• 1-2 pairs Tights or Leggings
• Undershirts (if you need them)
• Lounging Clothes- if you like wearing a track suit around the hotel room, perfect… otherwise Leggings and a long sleeve t-shirt.
• Boots for Winter (I found a great pair of boot that are warm, waterproof, and look a lot like shoes–> Ugg Waterproof Boots)
• Walking or Tennis shoes- for indoor touring days
• Travel Slippers for indoors
• 2-3 Scarves (because you will be wearing the same coat in every photo… might as well have a pretty scarf showing)
• Umbrella – compact and portable.

Packing for Oktoberfest

Pack a mix of the above stuff… and add Dirndl or Lederhosen. Keep in mind, you can wear one Dirndl and then mix and match different blouses and aprons. One pair of Lederhosen is generally enough, just get a few shirts, and you are good to go.

Where to buy-

You can buy them in Munich, but if time is limited, buy your Festival clothing ahead of time, and be ready to go right away!

• A Dirndl for Women
• Lederhosen for Men

Like to Pack Light? Or Just Going for a Quick Trip?

Toiletries-

I have a neat bag that opens up and hangs from a towel rack so it doesn’t take up space on the bathroom counter.

• Toothbrush , toothpaste, dental floss
• Shampoo and Conditioner – buy SMALL bottles, or fill small travel bottles with your products at home
• Brush/ Comb
• Hair Dryer- if you are staying in Hotels, they should supply them. CHECK
• Basic First Aid Stuff- Band Aids, Aspirin or Tylenol
• Nail file or Clippers – For the privacy of your bathroom in the hotel.
• Lotion or moisturizers
• Any Make-up you need

Other Things You May Need

• Notebook and Pen –  I like to keep a loose diary or journal of my travels. This way, when I get home it’s easier to remember what I saw on each day. Also, it’s great for notes and reminders, and for keeping score when we play games. You can also use it to write up your itinerary for the day. Of course, we already talked about how I am a list person…
• Cards or Dice Game – My family loves games! And small travel games are great for killing time in Airports or in the evening over a drink before bed.
• Guide Book – I like to take guide books, or photo copy pages of guide books, of the places I’m visiting.
• Extra Shopping Bag – I like taking along a packable nylon bag , so I can use it when I shop. Also, I often pack an extra empty medium sized bag into my suitcase, in case my shopping gets out of hand, and I need to check another bag to get home. (It also works as a nice beach bag)
• Detergent for hand washing . – I have a set that includes stopper.

Mitbringsel

If you are staying with family or friends in Germany, you might want to pack along a host/hostess gift. I list some ideas here–> Gifts for a German Host Family

PHEW! That’s a Long List!

Remember, the list is a guideline. Most important is to not over pack! Take the time to put together a wardrobe that will mix and match. Lay out all the things you need BEFORE you start putting them in a suitcase.

And most of all… HAVE A GOOD TIME!!

Preplan some fun Tours and Activities in Germany!

3 thoughts on “ what to pack for germany- traveling to germany checklist ”.

Most of today’s electronic devices are dual voltage so all you need is an adapter to go along with your device. I took (OREI European Plug Adapter Schuko Type E/F) three plug adapters with me on my last trip and bought a power strip in Germany to fit them all into. I travel with cameras, computer, iPad, and phone. I tend to set aside funds to buy clothes where I’m going. I figure I’m going to buy souvenir shirts anyhow, so I Just skip a step and not take many clothes with me. I like to blend in with the natives a bit and not stick out so much as a tourist. German clothes tend to have zippers, a minor deterrent to pickpockets. I use a metal wallet to carry my credit cards and drivers license so they can’t be scanned while I’m walking around. I tend to carry a thumb drive with all my travel info on it in my passport pouch. I also have photos of me with all my electronic devices and serial numbers. Make arrangements with friends to accept any large souvenirs you may purchase. I always have those items shipped home because the place where I buy them from pays to ship, pays the insurance and packs them. Speaking of shipping or sending things. Before I leave I pack a majority of my clothes in a box and send it to my house. I’ve found I like having a light suitcase on the return trip. You get tired while traveling and pulling a heavy suitcase through the hotel and airport is not a lot of fun. My carry on is a bit heavy due to my electronic devices. I switched camera systems from a full frame to a 4/3 camera and the one I used fit into my jacket pocket. I wear soled house slippers to and from the airport they are easy to slip on and off going through customs and protect your feet on hard surfaces. I pack deodorant and a toothbrush, you can buy travel toothbrushes to clean your teeth on the plane if you want. I don’t pack any shower stuff in my suitcase. I go to the store and buy the travel size stuff there. I tend to stay a bit longer than most, I find three weeks a minimum. Traveling to Germany you lose a day going over and gain a day going back.

Oh! GOod to know! I’m notoriously bad at electronic stuff… I tend to drop or blow things up regularly. FOr me, it’s better safe!

If you want to save money on packing cubes, use ZipLock bags. They’re obtainable at any supermarket–and they’re cheap too.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Germany - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to  terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Germany.

If you decide to travel to Germany:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Germany.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area including transit (strictly enforced) .

Not required for stays under 90 days.

 10,000€ (euros or equivalent).

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. EMBASSY BERLIN  Clayallee 170 14191 Berlin Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Email: [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL FRANKFURT  Giessener Str. 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0 Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and Citizenship:  [email protected]  All other questions:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MUNICH   Koeniginstrasse 5 80539 Munich Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (89) 2888-575  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) 89-2888-0 Fax: If you need to send a fax, please email first to obtain a one-time use fax number.  Email:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL DUSSELDORF Willi-Becker-Allee 10 40227 Duesseldorf Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (211) 788-8927 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (211) 788 - 8938 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. 

U.S. Consulate General Hamburg Alsterufer 27/28 20354 Hamburg Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (40) 411-71-100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (40) 411-71-222 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

U.S. Consulate General Leipzig Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Str. 4 04107 Leipzig Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (341) 213-84-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (341) 213-84-75 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for information on U.S. - Germany relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Traveling Through Europe :  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.   

• Your passport should be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay  if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .     
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds  and a  return plane ticket .   
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.   
• For transit through Germany to another Schengen country, passports must be valid for three months beyond the length of your visit to Europe.

Credit cards are not as widely accepted in Germany as they are in the United States; however, ATMs are widely available throughout Germany. 

Carry identification with you at all times.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Germany.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.  

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:  

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)  
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists  
• Places of worship  
• Schools  
• Shopping malls and markets  
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.   

Demonstrations:

Demonstrations occur regularly in Germany.  Large, public demonstrations take place for a variety of political and economic issues.  Demonstrations tend to take place on politically significant holidays like German Labor Day (May 1) and during international summits hosted in Germany.  Demonstration organizers must obtain prior police approval, and police routinely oversee participants.     

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.   
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.   

International Financial Scams:

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Germany.  Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters.  Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include:    

• Romance/Online dating  
• Transit flight issues related to romance scams 
• Immigration, and Detention issues related to romance scams

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.  

Violent crime is rare in Germany, but can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk areas such as on large metropolitan subway systems and in train stations, primarily during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pickpocketing.  Theft and pickpocketing primarily take place at train stations, on public transportation, at tourist attractions, and at large public events.  Always pay close attention to your valuables! 

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. 

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when congregating in known expatriate hangouts. 

Hooligans, most often drunken “skinheads,” have harassed and attacked perceived foreigners or members of rival groups. Seemingly racially motivated assaults (because of a “foreign” appearance) against U.S. citizens have occurred. 

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States, and you could also be breaking local law. 

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police: in an emergency dial 112 for ambulance and 110 for the police and contact the U.S Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate (see contact details above) . 

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation  and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation and support in Germay
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

We also maintain information on our website on how to report  child abuse situations to the local authorities.

Domestic Violence: 

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates in Frankfurt or Munich for assistance.  Call 110 if you are in immediate danger.  

The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  

Germany sometimes experiences extreme weather conditions including floods, long periods of drought, and unusually harsh winters with vast amounts of snow even in urban areas. Numerous injuries and deaths occur every year in Germany’s Alpine and coastal regions. Most of the emergencies relate to the following sports:  skiing, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, sledding, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and swimming. Those engaging in Alpine sports are strongly encouraged to register with  German “Alpen Verein”  .

In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.   

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:  Germany has strict customs regulations concerning:

• Temporary importation or exportation of firearms
• Military artifacts (particularly those of World War II)
• Medications/pharmaceuticals
• Business equipment

Under German law it is also illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or paraphernalia that glorifies fascism, the Nazi past, or the “Third Reich.”

Contact the German Embassy in Washington or one of the German consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Faith-Based Travelers : See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers :  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Germany. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany. The LGBTI community is protected by federal anti-discrimination laws and LGBTI Pride events are officially encouraged by most large city governments, including those in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. 

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our   Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:

The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  Expect accessibility to be limited in some older public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure especially outside major cities, but common in most urban infrastructure. Some older buildings and public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities.

Check your hotel or destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Germany.

The German National Tourist Board maintains information about accessibility and disability-friendly travel .

All German airports and  Lufthansa  offer services for disabled travelers.

The German National Railway,  Deutsche Bahn , maintains a mobility resource webpage.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Vaccines:   The German government has authorized  several vaccines  , including the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax vaccines.  Visit the FDA's website to   learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Germany has generally high-quality medical care and facilities. Prescript ion and over-the-counter medicines are widely available although brands and drug names differ from those available in the United States.

For emergency services in Germany, dial 112.  

Ambulance services are widely available.  

Payment for medical services in Germany:

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.   Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  If you are not a resident of Germany, doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash. Credit card payment is not always available.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas or purchase travel insurance for this purpose.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.  Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.  We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates maintain lists of doctors and medical services in Germany .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.   
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Germany.  
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.   

Pharmaceuticals 

• If traveling with prescription medication, visit the  German customs website  to ensure the medication is legal in Germany. For medications that Germany classifies as narcotics, you may only carry a 30-day supply.  A comprehensive list of these medications can be found   here.   If your medication is on that list, there is an additional requirement for your doctor to complete a certification form .  You will see part E asks for the endorsement of an “issuing authority.”  As there is no such authority in the United States, travelers may have the doctor self-certify the form and enter the information of his or her practice in part E, ideally with a stamp or seal from their office. Due to Germany’s strict customs regulations, you are not allowed to receive prescription medication by mail without special permission.  Always, carry your prescription
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.   Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.   
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.    

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy   

If you are considering traveling overseas to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .  

• All surrogacy arrangements, as well as IVF procedures involving the use of donated eggs, are illegal in Germany.  For additional information, see this webpage of the German Foreign Ministry (German language only).

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) 

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States, but driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.  

If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license you can drive in  Germany for up to six months  without acquiring a German driver’s license.  Many German traffic laws and traffic signs differ significantly from those in the United States. For more information, please visit the U.S. embassy’s webpage on  driving in Germany .

Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas and when the road has many curves. While high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings pose significant hazards.  Speed limits are strictly enforced. Use of seat belts is mandatory in front and back seats. Do not park on bike paths or sidewalks. Your vehicle registration, insurance policy, a first-aid kit, a reflective vest and a reflective triangle must be in your vehicle at all times. In snowy or icy conditions, your vehicle must have snow tires or all-season tires (indicated by M+S marking) or you will be subject to a fine.

Bicycles: German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles have priority use of bike lanes over pedestrians and automobiles. Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets. If you are driving, check whether a bicyclist is approaching from either direction before attempting to enter side streets, even when the light is in your favor. You will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused if you turn into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane. If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes. 

Traffic Laws:  If you are involved in a traffic accident in Germany, even a minor fender-bender, you MUST stay with your vehicle and do not leave the scene until police arrive to take a report.  It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany. Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way. It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right. Germans strictly observe the ‘slower traffic keep right’ rule. It is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher. You may be fined and your driver’s license may be suspended for specified periods of time depending upon the gravity of each violation. 

Public Transportation:  Germany has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, trains, and subways. Metered taxis are also prevalent throughout Germany, although some taxis do not accept credit cards. Uber and other rideshare companies are available in most cities in Germany. Use common sense safety practices such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings on all public transportation. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Germany’s  Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMVI) , the national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Germany’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Germany should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Germany . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Germany set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Germany’s embassy or consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Passport validity requirements

If you plan to visit an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the German Embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

If you hold a valid residence permit, passport validity requirements are less strict. In this case, your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay (check the ‘expiry date’). Before applying to extend a German residence permit , you will need to renew an expired passport and present your new passport to the local Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde).

Passport stamping

At German border control, you may need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Germany as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

If you live in Germany, read our Living in Germany guide for passport stamping information.

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to Germany and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (for example, to work, study or for business), you must meet the German government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the German Embassy in the UK .

If you are travelling to Germany for work , read the guidance on visas and permits. The German Embassy has detailed information on employment regulations.

If you stay in Germany with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Proof of residence

If you live in Germany, read our Living in Germany guide for information on carrying proof of residence while travelling.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check what vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need in TravelHealthPro’s Germany guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Germany . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food needed for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money into Germany

British nationals have been arrested for having counterfeit currency. Only change money in banks or legitimate currency exchange offices.

You must declare any amount above 10,000 euros in cash or other payment types. You can find more information on the German Federal Foreign Office website.

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Travelling in Germany with reduced mobility

Visitors with reduced mobility will find a whole range of options at their disposal in Germany. From accessible accommodation to outstanding leisure options, all sorts of places offer step-free access and plenty of space and convenience.

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

Germany offers a wealth of cultural and natural experiences, even within a small area. Whether you’re into visiting museums, going shopping, hiking or cycling, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll soon notice that everything is set up for your needs in many places.

Lots of places try to ensure universal access. However, it’s often the case that historic buildings were not constructed with accessibility in mind, and cannot easily be converted due to heritage protection constraints. That’s why you’ll find that wheelchair users, for instance, often won’t be able to use the main entrance to a building; instead, there will be a side entrance without steps and doorway wide enough to pass through. There are all sorts of initiatives and options for visitors with reduced mobility, and not only in cities, but also in outdoor locations like national parks, nature parks and biosphere reserves. You are advised to find out about the set-up in advance.

Accessible accommodation options are constantly increasing in number. Care beds are provided as standard in care hotels or can be arranged on request. More and more accommodation providers are offering accessible sleeping options so that groups of people with reduced mobility can enjoy suitable accommodation.

Neustadt :Couple in a wheelchair in front of a kiosk ©DZT (Jens Wegener)

Holiday suggestions for visitors with reduced mobility

Visitors with reduced mobility can enjoy unique and outstanding experiences all over Germany.

Enjoy the sweeping forest views and landscape from one of the treetop paths, which are step-free and have a maximum 6 % gradient. You can also explore nature with ease on wooden plank pathways or in all-terrain vehicles.

Sail across lakes and rivers in a stepless tour boat or houseboat. Or head out in a beach wheelchair to enjoy the relaxing sound of the waves from an accessible beach chair.

In the cities, top-class cultural institutions and architectural highlights are just waiting to be explored. Enjoy the unique vibe when tradition and modernity meet.

You could also combined your trip with a visit to a trade fair. Large trade fairs focusing on rehabilitation/assistive technology often take place in Germany, such as REHACARE in Düsseldorf or REHAB in Karlsruhe.

Our partners in the cities and regions will also be happy to provide you with specific options for your perfect holiday. Read more at Accessible travel destinations.

Certified “Tourism for All” options for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users

“Tourism for All”, the information system for accessible tourism options in Germany, also gathers extensive information on every participating tourism option offering accessibility to visitors with reduced mobility and wheelchair users.

When searching, you can set specific filters for features in the Tourism for All database in order to find establishments that meet your needs exactly. You can also search for offerings in a specific federal state or city/region.

Browse through what’s on offer here: “Tourism for All”

Besides displaying all of the information about the facilities using filter options, “Tourism for All” pinpoints services that meet specific criteria for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users, with four different labels:

There are no notices currently in effect for Germany.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Germany. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Germany.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Germany is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found. 

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Germany, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Germany is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Germany include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Germany’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Germany, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Germany for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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With the Euro 2024 football tournament just a month and half away, the spotlight is going to be on host nation Germany in the early part of this summer. Whether you’ve enjoyed visiting the big cities with their bierkellers and clubs, the country’s Baltic coast and islands, half-timbered ancient villages, or its famous forests and mountains, we’d love to hear about your favourite experiences.

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