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About Germany
From the capital city of Berlin to the Bavarian Alps, Germany is a blend of the new and old where traditional cultural practices intersect with modern architecture and a forward-thinking way of life. Bordering nine countries, the Baltic Sea, and the North Sea, Germany is in the heart of Europe and a must-visit for anyone interested in history and diverse natural landscapes. From sparkling lakes to ancient towns, spas, ski slopes and even a schloss (castle) or two, there is plenty of excitement that awaits you on your visit to Germany.
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Best Time To visit
As Germany experiences cold temperatures in the winter and has its high tourist season in the summer, the best time of the year to visit is late spring, like May, and early fall. September and October are great times to go, especially if you’re planning a trip to Munich for Oktoberfest.
What to expect
Whether you’re visiting the Rhineland to see the stunning Cologne cathedral, or going hiking in the Black Forest region, adventures are sure to unfold throughout Germany. What you do will largely depend on where you are headed – and there’s truly an option for every type of traveler.
If you’re looking to experience some of the world’s best contemporary art exhibitions, we recommend booking your flight to Berlin or Dusseldorf. For hiking and biking in fairytale-like forests and houses, the Black Forest doesn’t disappoint. Or, if you are looking for a relaxing spa vacation, visit any town with the word “Bad” (bath) in its title, like world-famous Baden-Baden for a truly serene experience.
While Germany is known for its beer, sausages, and hearty dishes, there has been a trend in recent years towards a more health-conscious lifestyle. You’ll of course find many restaurants with traditional German food, but in large cities like Berlin, you’ll also be able to dine at organic, vegan, and vegetarian restaurants.
Germany is at the forefront of sustainable practices in Europe and they are investing in numerous programs that will make them a more eco-friendly nation. For example, they are in the process of phasing out nuclear power in favor of gas turbines, renewable energy and conservation. They are very supportive of eco-conscious designs for consumer goods and have an excellent bike network that encourages people to reduce fossil fuels by biking to where they need to go.
Things to know
Before embarking on your trip to Germany, there are a few important things that you should know.
Language: German is the primary language spoken in Germany, but most people speak English in the main cities. However, if you travel to the countryside, it is likely that people won’t speak English.
Time Zone: Germany is on Central European Standard Time (GMT+1), which is 6 hours ahead of New York (EST) and 1 hour ahead of London (GMT).
Currency: The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in Germany.
Credit Cards: While many places throughout Germany accept Visa and Mastercard, credit cards are not accepted everywhere in Germany. It’s best to have cash on hand in case you run across shops and restaurants that are cash-only.
Plugs + Voltage: Germany uses the plug types C and F and the standard electrical voltage is 230V/50Hz.
Airports: There are many international airports throughout Germany including Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), Airport Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Munich Airport, Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) and Berlin-Tegel Airport (TXL).
Common Sayings:
- Guten Tag – Good Morning
- Hallo – Hello
- Danke – Thank you
- Wo ist die Toilette? – Where is the bathroom?
- Auf Wiedersehen – Goodbye
Organic Groceries: Organic groceries are becoming increasingly popular in Germany and are marked clearly as being organic. You can find organic produce and goods at farmer’s markets, specialty stores and many large grocery stores.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Berlin and Hamburg in particular have a lot of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, so you won’t go hungry if you are visiting these places. There are also vegan grocery stores like Veganz where you can stock up on essentials during your trip. If you’re in a restaurant without a vegan menu, it’s a safe bet that they will at least have a vegetable soup or salad available.
Safety: Germany is a very safe country to travel to, even solo. Still, it’s always good to be aware and to look out for pickpockets in major cities.
Opening hours: Large stores in Germany are typically open from 8am – 8pm, while small store hours are generally from 10am-8pm. In small villages, many stores will only open for a few hours per day so make sure you check ahead of time. Almost all stores are closed on Sundays.
Sites: Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, Black Forest, Cologne Cathedral, Reichstag, Berlin Wall Memorial
how to get around
If you’re planning to travel around Germany, you’ll need to look into the many forms of transportation and book ahead. Here are some of the most popular ways to get around.
Trains: Germany has one of the most efficient railway networks in the world. Deutsche Bahn, the main German train operator, connects most major cities with reliable service. The InterCity Express (ICE) trains are the fastest.
Buses: Many towns and cities have local bus networks, which are intended to supplement the rail lines. Tickets can be bought from the driver or at a kiosk and there are single journey, day and week passes available.
Car Rental: Renting a car offers a lot of flexibility on your trip through Germany. You’ll get to drive along the famous Autobahn, which is a network of German highways that has no speed limit. Keep in mind that heavy traffic can delay your travels.
Taxis: Metered taxis are widely available throughout Germany, especially in larger cities. They’re a good option if you need to get somewhere quickly.
Biking: Biking is very popular throughout Germany and most cities have bike-sharing programs and designated paths for cyclists.
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