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10 Most Amazing Destinations in Western Germany

By Carl Austin · Last updated on February 5, 2024

The west part of Germany is a region of contrasts, from heavy industry to romantic river cruises where vineyards and medieval castles reign. Yes, western Germany is definitely worth a visit. Many of the towns owe their beginnings to the Romans, and some ruins can be found today.

Several cities saw heavy destruction during World War II, but, thankfully, many important buildings and landmarks remained standing. To really get a feel for the region, you need to spend a few days in key towns. Plus, take time to explore the landscapes in between. You won’t regret it.

10. Dusseldorf [SEE MAP]

Dusseldorf is an international trade and business center, hosting numerous trade fairs throughout the year. It’s also known for its tech and fashion industries. Christmas is a good time to visit Dusseldorf, since it puts on one of the biggest Christmas markets in the country.

If merrymaking, not shopping, is your thing, don’t miss the Rhenish Festival that takes place in the New Year; it’s one big carnival. Dusseldorf also is a city of culture, with museums devoted to the fine arts, ceramics and film. Check out the stunning views of the city from the Rheinturm, a telecommunications tower with an observation deck.

9. Aachen [SEE MAP]

Aachen is a spa and tech city now, but centuries ago, it served as the imperial palace for Charlemagne, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Charlemagne ordered the building of the Aachen Cathedral in 796, and is buried there. The huge cathedral served as the coronation site for 30 kings and 12 queens of Germany.

The cathedral’s treasury, started by Charlemagne, is filled with religious objects, crowns and art work donated by various European rulers over the centuries. Other key sights in Aachen, located close to the border with Belgium and the Netherlands , include the 13th century city hall, which contains frescoes showing the life of Charlemagne.

8. Koblenz [SEE MAP]

Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz is considered one of the most beautiful towns in West Germany. One of the best places to take in all this beauty is from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress above the Rhine. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers with mountains in the background, could it e otherwise. Because of its unique position, Koblenz makes a good place to start cruises on the rivers.

If you choose not to cruise, there’s plenty to keep you busy on land. The list includes the Deutsches Eck, a statue at the confluence, and the 13th century Lahneck Castle that inspired Goethe to write a poem.

7. Trier [SEE MAP]

Founded by the Celts in the 4th century BC, Trier is believed to be the oldest city in Germany. Known as Treves in English, Trier is located on the banks of the Moselle River smack dab in wine country. Be sure to try the Riesling, the region’s top wine.

Vineyards aside, Trier doesn’t lack in historical landmarks, including well-preserved Roman ruins such as the Porta Nigra Gate and the 4th century palatial Constantine Basilica, built for the emperor; it is a Protestant church today. The Trier Cathedral is home to a robe that Jesus is said to have worn when he died. There’s also a museum dedicated to native son Karl Marx.

6. Mainz [SEE MAP]

Located west from Frankfurt , Mainz certainly has an impressive history. It was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Some 1,500 years later, it was the place where Guttenberg invented the movable type printing press, making books as we know them today possible.

About 80 percent of the city center was destroyed during World War II, so you won’t find an Old Town. But you will find a modern city with museums filled with artifacts from the past. This Rhine River city has Roman ruins, a seafaring museum with five Roman boats; the 1,000-year-old Mainz Cathedral of St. Martin, and the Church of St. Stephen with windows by Marc Chagall.

5. Frankfurt [SEE MAP]

At one time, Frankfurt was an important city in the Holy Roman Empire. Today, Germany’s fifth largest city is known as the business and financial center of Germany; you’ll find the German Stock Exchange as well as the European Central Bank here. One of the top sights is the Roner, or city hall, that is composed of nine picturesque houses with peaked roofs. Your next stop might be the Gothic Frankfurt Cathedral, with its tower extending into the sky.

Kings of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned beginning in 1356. A third option might be the Archaeological Garden with a Roman settlement, other old buildings and a royal palace. Allstadt district has some notable old buildings, including the only half-timbered house to survive World War II.

4. Munster [SEE MAP]

Munster is a good place in Western Germany to burn up those calories from eating rich German food: just bicycle your way around town. A survey a few years ago found more inhabitants rode bikes than drove cars.

This Westphalian town has plenty of attractions you can bike between. Among them the restored 13th century St. Paul’s Cathedral with its 1540 astronomical clock with hand-painted zodiac; Prinzipalmarkt, an historic shopping street, and the 14th century St. Lambert’s Church with three cages that displayed corpses of revolutionaries in 1535. A pretty sight is the botanic garden founded in 1803; equestrians may want to check out the Westphalian Horse Museum.

3. Marburg [SEE MAP]

Marburg, on the River Lahn, developed as the result of being on two medieval trade routes – from the North Sea to Italy and from Cologne to Prague. Located here is the oldest Protestant university in the world, founded in 1527 during the Reformation.

The Marburg Schloss or castle dominates the city from a nearby hill. Equally famous is St. Elizabeth’s Church, named from a Hungarian princess who moved her to work with the sick. She died in 1231 at age 24 and later became a saint. Other top sights are the city hall and the botanical garden.

2. Cologne [SEE MAP]

If you like cologne, you can thank Cologne for this. It was invented here in 1709. While cologne may have put this Rhine-Ruhr city on the map, Germany’s fourth largest city is known for much more than that. Located near the border with the Netherlands and Belgium, Cologne is famous for its Gothic cathedral, attracting 200,000 visitors a day, making it Germany’s most visited site.

It’s also known for its university, one of the largest and oldest in Europe. Also check out the 12th century city hall, the oldest in Germany still in use today, and Hohe Strasse shopping street near the cathedral.

1. Romantic Rhine [SEE MAP]

What could be more romantic than a cruise on the Rhine River! Maybe walking it, perhaps? The section between Koblenz and Rüdesheim is known as the Romantic Rhine. As you gaze on the medieval castles built on forested hillsides with lush vineyards below, you may think you’re the star of a fairy tale romance.

But romance didn’t build this magical scene; knights and princes did by extracting tolls from river users to pay for all this splendor, considered one of Germany’s best landscapes. Major castles include Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which overlooks Koblenz; Marksburg Castle on the gorge, and the 13th century Maus Castle.

Map of Western Germany

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February 27, 2018 at 7:44 am

Been to some of these places — Cologne, Frankfurt, Mainz — and had a wonderful experience. Would like to visit the rest. Germany is worth much more than a hurried tour.

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• The Best Cities And Towns...

The 10 Best Cities and Towns to Visit in Western Germany

Western Germany has something for everyone – big, busy urban centers, fairy-tale towns, ancient cities, and picturesque hamlets. It promises some of the best architecture in the country, along with excellent wines, delectable cuisine, and generous doses of culture. Also, much of the landscape of western Germany is shaped by the two mighty rivers Moselle and Rhine, ensuring beautiful river views practically everywhere you go. Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting destinations in this part of the country.

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10 Best Cities & Places to Visit in Western Germany

We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences, which is documented through our travel photography and writing only about places we have personally visited. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. This has no influence on our recommendations. For more information, please read about our approach to travel publishing. Learn more ›

Written by Lisa Merten

Guten Tag! Are you ready to experience culture amidst the charming and historical beauty of Germany? Located in central Europe and sandwiched between nine countries, Germany is a hotspot for beer lovers, history buffs, hiking enthusiasts, and soccer fans. The land features picturesque sights like rolling hills, towering churches and cathedrals, enchanting forests, and majestic medieval castles .

I grew up with German culture and am very proud of my heritage. Growing up, I visited the east side of the country quite often. I love spending summers in Europe surrounded by culture, architectural masterpieces, and charming towns. Don’t even get me started on the food! I’m pretty sure I’ve spent my life savings in German bakeries and cafes .

For optimal weather, visit Germany from May to September. Extending your stay into the fall will let you partake in the iconic Oktoberfest . If you visit during the holidays, it’ll be frigid and snowy, but you’ll experience authentic German Christmas markets .

While the east side of Germany is just as spectacular, let’s explore some of the best West German cities to visit. Ignore any silly stereotypes about Germans being unfriendly; just don’t forget to say “Danke,” and let’s get to it!

Best Cities & Places to Visit in Western Germany

1. frankfurt.

Money talks in Frankfurt as it’s the financial center of Germany and home to the European Central Bank. Frankfurt is quite the tycoon and has the largest stock exchange in Germany and the largest airport in the country, Frankfurt International Airport .

If you’re traveling into Germany by plane, you’ll likely be flying into this enormous airport. There’s excellent access to the city with the superb public transportation system, but you can always rent a car if you intend to explore more of Frankfurt solo. Pro tip: Get yourself a Frankfurt Card to see Frankfurt’s most iconic attractions and top museums for cheap!

When you visit this bustling city in West Germany, journey down to the Main Tower , home to a Michelin Star Restaurant. Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge doubles as an observation deck. Enjoy panoramic city views while indulging in a fancy meal or cocktail, or catch it on a city tour .

Are you planning to stay in Frankfurt ? Have a comfortable and affordable stay at the Park Inn by Radisson Frankfurt Airport .

See Related: Best Frankfurt Boat Tours: Take a Frankfurt am Main Cruise

2. Cologne Cathedral

Address: Cathedral Square 4, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia 50667, Germany

Cologne is the oldest city along the Rhine River and is filled with historical sites, galleries, museums , and a chocolate factory! Kölner Dom (or Cologne Cathedral) stands tall with its stunning Gothic architecture. It’s also one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and in 1996, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s one of many famous sights in West Germany and a top-priority attraction. The sky-high twin towers stand approximately 157 meters tall and overlook the city’s old town.

Cologne Cathedral was hit fourteen times with bombs during World War II but didn’t collapse. Now that’s impressive.

If you can’t get enough of the cathedral’s unique, shrapnel-scarred architecture, stay overnight at the  Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom  for a room with a view. The train station is a short walk from the hotel for more adventures in western Germany.

The Cologne historic town hall is a picture-worthy stop. Before heading home, try their local brew, Kölsch . If you want to explore more epic cathedrals, check out the Aachen Cathedral , only an hour’s drive away.

See Related: 17 Things to Do in Aachen, Germany

Contrary to popular belief, hamburgers are not made by people from Hamburg. Located in Northwest Germany, Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city after the capital of Berlin . Many consider Hamburg to be Germany’s “Gateway to the World” since it connects Germany to the North Sea.

Being the largest port city in Germany, a visit to the International Maritime Museum should be on your list of things to do. Since 2008, the museum has held a spectacular collection of nautical artifacts and exhibits.

You can also spend the day at Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model train exhibit. It’s the perfect spot to let your inner child out. Adults and children of all ages will thoroughly enjoy the impressive and realistic displays.

This lively metropolis will give you endless activities, but it’s also a great base to enjoy more of the region . Why not kick off your West Germany itinerary with the famous Rick Steves’ 13-Day Tour through Germany ? Experience historic Bavaria , the romantic Rhine region, and even see what inspired the Brothers Grimm fairytales.

Have a luxurious stay at The Westin Hamburg , or check out some of our favorite Hamburg hotels here .

See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Hamburg, Germany

4. Heidelberg

Located on the Rhine River, the charming old town of Heidelberg is one of the few major German towns that wasn’t completely annihilated during World War II. This was mostly thanks to its primarily residential nature and limited strategic value. This is just as well because this southwestern German town will make it feel like you’re stepping back in time with its abundance of charming medieval architecture.

Spend the day venturing to many historical sights open to the public. Take photos of the magnificent Schloss Heidelberg or stop by the Bridge Gate, which still guards the city today.

Walk along the cobblestone paths as you check out the shops and cafes in the old town. If you’re looking for something different, check out the German Apothecary Museum for a unique experience. Dive into the history of pharmaceuticals from ancient times to the present day.

Enjoy a unique and scenic stay at the City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof , located in Heidelberg Old Town.

5. Wacken Open Air

Address: Norderstraße., Wacken 25596, Germany

Since 1989, the small village of Wacken has been bringing together metalheads from across the globe. This annual music festival in northwest Germany is hosted in Schleswig-Holstein near Denmark. Musical acts feature many subgenres flowing from hard rock to heavy metal.

Not only is the festival one of the largest in the world , but it’s also one of the largest open-air festivals in Germany . While the music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s still one unique and epic experience you can add to your list. Who knows, it might even open your mind to a whole new genre of music. Rock on!

See Related: Best Resorts in Germany

6. Neuschwanstein Castle

Address: Neuschwanstein Straße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

While Germany’s famous for homing many castles, this one is a definite must-see when you visit West Germany. Located at the foothills of the Alps, the surrounding region also has plenty of picture-worthy hiking opportunities.

Jump into a fairytale as you admire the world’s most photographed castle. If there’s a majestic building featured on a calendar or desktop wallpaper, it’s more than likely an epic photo of Neuschwanstein Castle .

The castle originally served as a private residence for the king, but it opened to the public shortly after his passing. Be sure to plan, as this attraction is extremely popular and will get crowded.

Step back in time and explore Trier , Germany’s oldest city. Located on the banks of the Moselle River, Trier is a hotspot for archaeological ruins and artifacts. The region sports many ancient Roman ruins , including the Porta Nigra, The Imperial Baths of Trier, and The Roman Bridge over the Moselle River.

Prefer to be on the water? Coast along the rivers with a cruise or boat excursion. Afterward, you can check out the Karl Marx Haus or shop through the Hauptmarkt.

Trier is near Luxembourg if you’d like to see more of Europe. Visit by bus, tram, train, or car to leave western Germany and check out the other side. If you’re tired after that giant adventure, enjoy a comfortable stay at the  Best Western Germany  in Trier.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in Southern Germany

8. Rhine Valley

Germany and beer go hand in hand, but did you know the Rhine Valley region in western Germany is a hotspot for wine towns? Enjoy a glass of world-famous Riesling while partaking in a tasting or wine tour.

Embrace your love life with a romantic stay in the Rhine region. Enjoy romantic river cruises while coasting down the Rhine River . These iconic river cruises are world-famous and adored by many.

Venture through Europe on the open waters as you visit many German cities, such as Koblenz and Heidelberg . Depending on the length of your Rhine cruise, major cities, such as Cologne and even the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, may be a part of the trip.

9. Düsseldorf Altstadt

Düsseldorf is the capital city of North Rhine-Westphalia , and the Altstadt (or Old Town) is referred to as the longest bar in the world. This historic city in West Germany is known for its energetic nightlife.

Eat, drink, and dance the night away as you walk around 300 bars and discos in one square kilometer! Relax in the cozy atmosphere at Bar Alexander, try the Altbier at Brauerei Ferdinand Schumacher, or take a tour of some local breweries.

Don’t forget to check out Königsallee to shop until you drop. This famous shopping street in West Germany is lined with luxury fashion boutiques. Shop until you drop or until your credit card is maxed. Purchase stunning pieces and accessories from Prada, Gucci, Chanel, or Miu Miu.

Thinking of staying in Düsseldorf ? Have a cozy night at the Barcelona Bed and Breakfast , a family-run hotel that offers a buffet breakfast each morning.

10. Wurzburg

If you want to see the Rococo and Baroque architecture, head to Würzburg. It’s renowned for its picture-perfect churches, wines, and cuisine. You can participate in a wine rally in Wurzburg  and do a wine tasting.

If you visit the city during the festive season, do not forget to visit the Christmas market near the Marienkapelle church. Würzburg Residence Palace is a prominent architectural landmark in the city. The palace was constructed in the 18th century for the local prince and bishops.

The Martin von Wagner Museum is another point of interest in the city. Founded in 1832, the museum showcases the University of Wurzburg art collection. It also has some rare antiquities and a collection of graphic art.

Marienberg Fortress, Würzburg Cathedral, New Munster Collegiate Church, and The Old Main Bridge are other prominent attractions in the city . You can  stay in the Maritim Hotel  to see eye-appealing views of the Marienberg Fortress. 

Map of Cities to Visit in Western Germany

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The 52 Places Traveler: A Road (and River) Trip Through Western Germany

A four-day loop through the German states of Baden-Württemberg, Rheinland-Pfalz and Hessen was made all the better by unexpected company.

By Jada Yuan and John Eligon

Our columnist, Jada Yuan, is visiting each destination on our 52 Places to Go in 2018 list . This dispatch brings her to West Germany, which took the No. 23 spot on the list; it is the 31st stop on Jada’s itinerary.

“Google Maps, where have you taken us?” I screamed at my phone for maybe the fifth time in an hour. I was blindly following a disembodied GPS voice off the autobahn and onto a series of hairpin turns down a mountainside in southwestern Germany’s Black Forest. My travel companion, John Eligon , a national correspondent covering race for the Times who happened to be in Germany on a journalism fellowship, just laughed and laughed. Soon, though, we were both speechless.

The thick trees had opened up to a view of an endless river valley and mountains covered in evergreens so dense they indeed looked black. We felt powerless to do anything but pull over and take pictures that will never do it justice. If this is what happens when robots take over the world, I might be O.K. with it.

And that was just the start of our four-day loop through the German states of Baden-Württemberg, Rheinland-Pfalz and Hessen. It marked the third proper road trip of my 52 Places trip ( Chilean Patagonia and Iceland were the other two). And it was made all the better by having unexpected company, who spoke German and knew the country well from having studied abroad here and visited many times. Here is a look at our trip from each of our perspectives.

JADA: We seemed to have similar road-trip styles: Head to a signpost destination and do a lot of meandering along the way. Once I drove from Frankfurt to meet you in Stuttgart, I didn’t care where we went, as we eventually got to the ice age caves in the Swabian Jura, or Swabian Alps, which was a reason this area was on the 52 Places list.

JOHN : I think you picked a perfect route to give you a diverse look at Germany.

Frankfurt is really a cosmopolitan city. More than half of its inhabitants or their parents were born in another country. It is a city of finance, beautiful riverbanks and Germany’s main airport. Locals tell me that people there are pretty open-minded and inviting.

At the same time, Baden-Württemberg, the southwestern German state that was on the itinerary, is known to be more conservative and maybe more traditionally German as foreigners might envision the country.

JADA: Frankfurt felt really alive to me. A friend’s husband took me around before you and I met up, and explained that Germans see it as ugly and functional. The city was flattened during World War II, so it’s now a hodgepodge of Modernist architecture mixed with reconstructed medieval buildings.

And then, as soon as we went 30 minutes south on the autobahn, it was like stepping into a Grimm’s fairy tale. I really wanted to see the Black Forest Open Air Museum Vogtsbauernhof , where we got to wander through farmhouses from the 1600s, and the world’s largest cuckoo clock in Triberg-Schonach (which wasn’t cuckooing when we got there). But it wasn’t necessary to go out of our way to get a sense of German traditionalism. Pretty much every village in that part of the country felt frozen in time, in a beautiful way.

Unexpected Encounters

JOHN: After leaving the cuckoo clock, we snaked through the countryside; I did a double-take when we were driving through this speck of a village, Flözlingen, and I saw a black man sitting outside of a garage. Being a black man myself, I am always interested in hearing the stories of black people I meet in Germany — a small but growing part of German society.

Patrick Koffi Agbavon-Wolf, with blue overalls and a cigarette, was winding down after a day of factory work. He’s 52 and originally from Togo but has been in Germany for more than two decades, settling here after several visits to Europe.

What struck me was that he said he did not really have to confront the far-right, xenophobic populism that is growing in Germany (and all over Europe, for that matter). Not that he was naïve to the challenges presented by that rise; but I think that Mr. Agbavon-Wolf represented how immigrants can sometimes integrate into quiet corners of the country, even as debate rages over their place in German society.

JADA: I talked a lot more to Mr. Agbavon-Wolf’s co-worker, Milan Skoric, 48, a Croatian immigrant. He trains Rottweilers — the town of Rottweil was only 14 minutes from Flözlingen — and spoke great English after living in the United States for four years. What struck me most, though, was the way he talked about America as a place he loved but would never get to see again because of what he believes is a hostility toward newcomers. It’s been disheartening during my travels to see that America has earned this reputation.

JOHN: I was happy to experience their hospitality; they wouldn’t let us leave without giving us beers from the local brewery, Hirschbrauerei Flözlingen .

Unfortunately, all that talking set us back on our journey to Lichtenstein (a municipality, not to be confused with the nearby principality of Liechtenstein). We arrived around midnight and almost didn’t get to check in to our hotel because there was no nighttime front-desk service.

JADA: The one boon of all our bad timing is we often got to see Germany’s fiery sunsets over fields of hay or sunflowers. Two travel lessons learned: call small hotels and warn them if you’re coming in after 8 p.m., and plan for dinner or you’ll end up eating sad schnitzel in a gas station. Lichtenstein was way more remote than we’d anticipated, but at least it was stunning in the daylight.

JOHN: I certainly saw that the next morning when I went for a run into the woods and ended up taking a hike. I struggled up the mountainside, beneath a beautiful canopy of trees and rugged track.

It ended up being totally worth it, though. At the top of the incline, I reached Lichtenstein Castle. I did not have the 2 euro entry fee with me — I don’t typically run with cash — but one of the groundskeepers was nice enough to let me in for a quick peek. It was built in 1842 at the edge of a cliff for a rich art collector who wanted to live in a castle.

That collector had an amazing view. You can see the entire Echaz valley: lush greenery surrounding charming houses with pitched roofs.

Ice Age Art

JADA: The whole trip had been building up to Archäopark Vogelherd , a newly named Unesco World Heritage site that contains some of the six caves in the Swabian Jura where archaeologists have found ice age art, among the oldest examples of figurative art in the world.

The park felt more like a children’s museum, with activities like racing the clock while dragging a sled of hides and throwing spears into foam mammoth targets. There is also a delicate 40,000-year-old figurine of a mammoth carved from a mammoth tusk — art that apparently grew out of inspired boredom, since hunting and gathering only took up a few hours of the day. But I think we were both most intrigued by the Euro-centric way the exhibits described how Neanderthals migrated to Germany from Africa, followed by homo sapiens.

JOHN: Yes, the story was definitely framed from a white European perspective. I was happy to see a sign explaining that Africa was the cradle of mankind.

What the park may have lacked in excitement was totally made up at Charlotte’s Cave in Giengen-Hürben, a 15-minute drive up the road. It was very cold inside the three-million-year-old cave (they provided jackets), which formed after an earthquake allowed water to seep into the mountainside and wipe out much of the limestone.

JADA: It was a ton of fun squeezing through all the tiny entryways. I loved the story the guide told, about how the cave’s namesake, Queen Charlotte of Württemberg, visited in 1893, but she didn’t get to see the whole thing because the passages got too narrow for her hoop skirts.

Highlights, Food and Booze Edition

JOHN: Though we didn’t get to climb the 530-foot-tall steeple of the minster in Ulm because it was inexplicably closed, we found a silver lining: an outdoor wine festival right next to it.

JADA: Germany is famous for its beer, of course, but this part of the country is really known for its dry white wines. Rieslings get a bum-rap in the states for being too sweet, but after trying these, I’m convinced we’re just importing the wrong stuff.

JOHN: I prefer dry reds. And apparently there are some good pinot noirs in Germany as well.

JADA: The food recommendation you gave me that I liked the most was maultasche, at a beer garden on the Neckar in Tübingen. It’s a Swabian specialty, a dumpling filled with minced meat (there’s a veggie version, too). I had mine in a soup with a tasty broth.

JOHN: That quick stop we made in Tübingen was a highlight for me. One-third of the city’s 85,000 residents are university students. Culturally, it’s an interesting mix of young and vibrant and classically traditional: the old brick city wall that bordered a main thoroughfare stood right across from a crowd of millennials gathered at sidewalk tables, enjoying libations.

JADA: Of all the meals I had, my favorite was my first one in Frankfurt with Ed, my friend’s husband. We went to the Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache market on a Saturday and ate fresh slaws and Frankfurt’s famous grüne sosse, a green sauce that’s creamy and herby, and drank apfelwein (apple wine), which is kind of a cross between cider and vinegar and really refreshing if you add soda water to make a spritz.

And, as you know, I have a bit of an ice cream addiction. At the market, I was able to sate myself with yogurt ice topped with fruit preserves.

JOHN: It would be hard not to have an ice cream addiction in Germany. It’s sold at shops on every corner! Last year, Germany produced more ice cream — 517 million liters — than any other European country, according to Germany’s Federal Statistics Office .

King of the Castles?

JADA: I knew Germany had a lot of castles — estimates put it at 25,000 , but there’s no official count — but I didn’t realize just how accessible they would be. I loved that these structures built for royalty have now basically turned into public parks.

On the way to meet you, I stopped by Frankenstein Castle , overlooking the town of Darmstadt. It actually once housed a mad scientist who experimented with human body parts and is said to have inspired Mary Shelley’s novel. They were having a medieval festival with sword-fighting demos; I got to shoot a bow and arrow.

And then a couple hours later I was at the spectacular Heidelberg Castle , the crown jewel of a picturesque university town on the Neckar river and filled with tourists. But I really liked how after the castle shut down, Heidelberg residents showed up to wander its vast parks and take in the view with, say, a bottle of wine they’d brought from home.

JOHN: Heidelberg may have been the most spectacular, but I think we’d probably both agree that the Rheingau is the place to go for castles. Just a short drive from Frankfurt, this picturesque region is marked by the Rhine River, which winds through it. On our boat ride along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, which is another Unesco World Heritage site , it seemed like we saw a different castle with every turn of the head.

We only did part of the route, getting off at the St. Goar castle, but if you did the entire trip from Rüdesheim am Rhein to Koblenz, you can see about 40 hilltop castles in a 40-mile stretch. And, of course, the region has wineries galore. Interestingly enough, though, unlike many other wine regions in the world, you don’t taste wine at the vineyards here. Instead, there are wine shops in towns where there are tastings.

JADA: It’s the part of our trip I would repeat without hesitation. Ed had given me the blueprint on how to do it. We drove to Rüdesheim am Rhein and, with help from the tourist office, hopped on one of many commuter boats heading downriver toward Koblenz. If you get an early boat, you can make at least two pit stops to explore towns or grab some wine, and then keep going downriver on the next scheduled boat.

The way back is slower because it’s upriver, so we took the speedy train that runs along the Rhine and cut our travel time by two hours. Pretty much every second, you’re looking at cute villages or hills covered in vineyards. It made me regret the two decades of my life I had spent riding New York City subways to work.

JOHN: It was a fortunate circumstance that we sat next to a man named Clemens on the boat. He lives in Munich but was on his way to Koblenz for work. He’s a lawyer and had court the next day. The 65-year-old could have just taken a train all the way, but he realized that he had never taken this beautiful boat ride that was right in his backyard.

JADA: The heavy downpour that started right after we boarded was a bummer, but in a magical moment, the rain cleared up just around the time we reached the famous Lorelei rock, which juts out of the water just before the tiny town of St. Goarshausen. Clemens told me it was named after a young siren who used to sit on the rocks, singing, distracting men in passing boats so they crashed to their deaths. As we floated by, a group of women started singing a song of Lorelei they said they had all learned in school, and then others on the boat joined in. It was wonderful.

Jada’s Practical Tips

Transit I showed up at the train station car rental center in Frankfurt with an online reservation at Europcar, only to be told there were no cars and I should have booked 24 hours in advance for my reservation to be “guaranteed.” Expedia let me book at three other rental counters; none had cars. Renting at the airport, a short train ride away, though, was fast and easy.

Tech Download apps like Moovit or RMV for directions to get around Frankfurt. The U-Bahn subway system doesn’t show up in Google Maps.

Dining German summers are all outdoor socializing, but you’d be wise to take up the local practice of covering your drink after every sip. There are bees buzzing everywhere.

John Eligon, a national correspondent covering race, is currently in Germany on a reporting fellowship. Follow him on Twitter at @jeligon and on Instagram at johneligon .

Jada Yuan is traveling to every place on this year’s 52 Places to Go list. For more coverage, or to send Jada tips and suggestions, please follow her on Twitter at @jadabird and on Instagram at alphajada .

Previous dispatches:

1: New Orleans

2: Chattanooga, Tenn.

3. Montgomery, Ala.

4. Disney Springs, Fla.

5. Trinidad and St. Lucia and San Juan, P.R.

6. Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

7. Kuélap, Peru

8. Bogotá, Colombia

9. La Paz, Bolivia

10. Los Cabos, Mexico

11. Chile’s Route of Parks

12: Denver, Colo.

13: Rogue River, Ore.

14: Seattle

15: Branson, Mo.

16: Cincinnati, Ohio

17: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

18: Buffalo, N.Y.

19: Baltimore

20: Iceland

21: Oslo, Norway

22 and 23: Bristol, England, and Glasgow, Scotland

24 and 25: Tallinn, Estonia, and Vilnius, Lithuania

26 and 27: Arles and Megève, France

27 and 28: Seville and Ribera del Duero, Spain

29: Tangier, Morocco

Next dispatch: Ypres, Belgium

Jada Yuan is the 52 Places Traveler . She spent over a decade at New York Magazine and its websites as a contributing editor and culture features writer. Her cover stories and features have appeared in Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Elle, Glamour and Bloomberg Businessweek. More about Jada Yuan

John Eligon is a Kansas City-based national correspondent covering race. He previously worked as a reporter in Sports and Metro, and his work has taken him to Nelson Mandela's funeral in South Africa and the Winter Olympics in Turin. More about John Eligon

• Visit 100 Countries
• Visit 500 UNESCO Sites
• Landmarks of the World

From big, busy urban centres, to romantic river cruises, to picturesque little hamlets – a visit to Western Germany offers all this and much more.

Much of the landscape of the region has been shaped by the Moselle and Rhine rivers, which also ensures you’re bound to have beautiful river views almost everywhere you go. In addition to those views, vineyards producing up to 80% of Germany’s exported wines, and medieval castles abound. It won’t be hard to keep your camera busy!

Many of the towns in this region owe their origins to the Romans and some ruins can still be found today to explore. The region is also now an area of contrasts. Some towns were once known for their coal mining, and are now home to steel mills or chemical works, but even those towns have their charms and can be worth a visit like their ‘prettier’ neighbours.

Want to save this for later? Click the Pinterest button on the left for a pinnable image!

Cologne, in western Germany, spans the Rhine River. The 2,000-year-old city oozes culture, design, great food and gothic architecture. Cologne Cathedral or Kölner Dom is the focal point of the city overlooking the old town.

Contrasting the old with the new is the Rheinauhafen area where the architecture of the modern Crane buildings reflects the city’s industrial heritage.  For art lovers, the Museum Ludwig showcases a host of masterpieces and the city has one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe. Then there are coffee shops, great restaurants, beer houses and chocolate shops. Let’s explore…

MUST DO IN COLOGNE:

• Cologne Cathedral : Magnificent Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited single landmark in Germany.  Known as Kölner Dom (Köln is Cologne in German) the views from the south tower across the city and over the Rhine are stunning and well worth climbing the 533 steps to the top. Just try not to pass through the bell tower at noon…
• Have a Beer at Früh am Dom : It’s a tradition in Germany to visit a Brauhaus (beerhouse) on a Saturday afternoon. Früh am Dom is probably the most famous and lively beer house in Cologne and is the perfect spot to try Cologne’s Kölsch beer. The Kölsch is carried to your table in a special tray which holds around a dozen glasses. Every time your glass is refilled the tally will be recorded on your beer mat. When you’ve had your fill of Kölsch cover your glass with your beer mat and your waiter will sort your bill.
• KölnTriangle : To do this you’ll also get to cross Hohenzollern Bridge (the love lock bridge) and a stunning Cathedral view. On the other side of the bridge is KölnTriangle which has 360° panoramic views over the Rhine and the city. For €3 take the lift to the top and watch as the sun sets and Cologne’s famous landmarks light up and reflect on the river.

Read about more  things to do in Cologne  on Suzanne’s blog The Travelbunny

Read Reviews for these Sights:    Cologne Cathedral   |    Früh am Dom   |    Town Mill  

FREUDENBERG

What makes Freudenberg special is the old town part which has almost identical half-timbered houses all over town, all in black and white colour.

MUST DO IN FREUDENBERG:

• Walk up the stairs to the viewpoint : The stairs are located just outside the old town centre and lead up to a lush park on a hill. From here you get a panoramic view of the town where you see even clearer how well designed and coordinated Freudenberg is.
• Eat local food from the region : Visit Verity the 20-metre high statue that guards the harbour. You’ll love or hate the divisive statue and will appreciate the true Damien Hirst style when you see Verity up close.
• Walk around the old town centre : This is the highlight of any visit to Freudenberg. Stroll around the old half-timbered houses that ooze of history. Admire the beautiful and unique architecture.

Recommended by Alex of Swedish Nomad

If you are looking for a smaller German city with a significant history, look no further than Aachen. Located in the west, Aachen actually holds the title of Germany’s westernmost city! This makes Aachen great for visiting neighbouring countries like the Netherlands and Belgium.

The city is famous for being a spa city – meaning there are a number of natural thermal springs in the area. The spas are actually one of the reasons why Emperor Charlemagne made Aachen his official place of residence!

These days, Aachen has a beautiful old town (like many German cities). Here, you can wander the cobblestone streets and pass by shops, cafes, and a handful of great Aachen attractions . Be sure to also visit in the winter months when Aachen puts on its Christmas Market – it’s absolutely magical!

MUST DO IN AACHEN:

• Visit the Aachener Dom : Located right in the heart of the old town, the Aachen Cathedral is a must-see. Construction on the original building began back around the year 800! You can wander inside to check out the incredible stained glass and stonework of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Check Out the Rathaus : Also known as the Town Hall, the Rathaus is a Gothic structure located in the old town. Originally constructed in the 1300s, it sits on the same land as a previous building. The building barely survived World War II bombings and today you can do a tour of the various rooms with lavish decors and history.
• Eat Printen : Aachen is known for a specific kind of Christmas cookie when the holidays roll around – Printen! This gingerbread-like cookie is absolutely delicious and can be found at a bakery called Nobis , among others. Don’t worry, but you can enjoy Printen year round!

Recommended by Eric and Lisa of Penguin and Pia

R ead Reviews for these Sights:    Aachener Dom   |    Rathaus   |  Nobis

READ MORE: Looking for more great places to visit in Germany? Check them out here!

Marburg is a stunning isolated city in the middle of the charming Hesse region of Germany. It is famous thanks to its fairytale appeal since the legendary Grimm Brothers lived here and concocted their magical array of fables and stories within the poky streets of Marburg. Imagine coming across Cinderella’s slipper, Snow White and the 7 dwarfs and all kinds of mysterious items on the streets as you weave your way up from the low lying River Lahn up to the magnificent Schloss (castle) with its tremendous views over the city.

MUST DO IN MARBURG:

• Climb up to the Schloss : Marburg’s Schloss (Castle) offers sensational views over the city. It’s a steep but rewarding climb up and on the way, you will be sure to pass by a few churches and a lot of references to the Grimm Brothers. Scale the castle walls, visit the museum or dine out at one of the cafes or restaurants at the top.
• Explore the Fairytale of the Grimm Brothers : The local council have designed an easy to navigate path through the city as part of the Grimm Brothers pilgrimage. You can mark off each spot as you visit these interesting landmarks. There are 15 points to check out, from a wall of flying horses to cinderella’s missing slipper to a mirror on the wall straight out of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. You can also visit the Grimm Brothers House where all this magic began.
• Pub Crawl by Night : At night, Marburg really comes alive with its vast array of diverse drinking dens. Head down the staircase into the basement of the famous Hinkelstein Pub and try the peach-infused beer, sip wine and indulge in the delightful food at Weinladele before retiring to Delirium on a special pub crawl. Once a year, Marburg also plays host to the famous 3 Day Marburg Festival and this is the perfect time to check out the lively atmosphere in the city’s many bars. A   Marburg Pub Crawl   is easy to organise and will be sure to have full of surprises.

Recommended by Jonny of Don’t Stop Living

Read Reviews for these Sights:    Landgrafenschloss   |    Hinkelstein   |    Weinladele   |    Delirium

Frankfurt is the fifth-largest city in Germany and is home to the European Central Bank, making it one of the largest financial centres in the world. Frankfurt is often referred to as   Mainhattan , which is a combination of the River Main that flows through the city and Manhattan, another city with impressive skylines. Like many cities in Germany, many areas of Frankfurt were destroyed during World War II, and the city has since been re-built. 

Frankfurt is the busiest airport in Germany and the fourth busiest in all of Europe primarily due to it being a main hub for Lufthansa, Condor and AeroLogic airlines. As a result, travellers to Europe may begin or end their trip in this German city and should plan to spend at least   24 hours in Frankfurt . 

MUST DO IN FRANKFURT:

• Main Tower Observation Deck : The best views of the city and the River Main can be found at the Main Tower Observation Deck. The Main Tower is located in the Financial District and the observation is open daily to visitors. Adult tickets (as of August 2019) are €7,50 and ages 6-12 are €5,00. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
• Sightseeing Cruise : A great way to see the city of Frankfurt is by taking a sightseeing cruise along the River Main. There are two companies that offer relaxing, one-to-two hour sightseeing cruises:   KD   and   Primus Linie .  Adult tickets (as of August 2019) through both companies are approximately  €10,00, with discounted pricing for children.
• Roemerberg : The old town square of Frankfurt was destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt according to original plans following the war. The medieval-style square is popular to visit along with the shopping and restaurants near-by.

Recommended by Andrea of One Savvy Wanderer

Paderborn is a small city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. It gains much of its identity from its river, the Pader, which at 4km is the shortest river in Germany. The Pader rises from underground springs in the city centre at a rate of 5,000 litres per second and joins the River Lippe on the outskirts of the city at Schloß Neuhaus. 

Paderborn first appeared on the map in the 8th Century when Charlemagne had a castle built next to the Pader springs. Since then the city has played host to popes, emperors and royalty. Following World War II, Paderborn transformed itself into a centre for industry and technology, as well as a becoming a University town.

MUST DO IN PADERBORN:

• Schloß Neuhaus : With its stunning renaissance architecture, gardens and acres of water meadows Schloß Neuhaus is a fabulous day out. The moated Schloß can trace its history back to 1370, but it has been added to, damaged and repaired repeatedly in that time. The castle is situated at the confluence of the Rivers Pader, Lippe and Alme, creating the perfect space for a public park complete with playgrounds, wildlife areas and walks.
• Find the Souce of the Pader : There are over 200 spings in the city centre that combine to form the River Pader. Around the springs are a series of city parks which are fun to explore accompanied by the constant sound of fast-flowing water.
• The Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (HNF) : This fascinating museum charts the history of computing from its birth to modern-day. The hands-on exhibits make the subject come to life, even for non-techy people.

Recommended by Liona of   Travels with Ted

Read Reviews for these Sights:    Schloss Neuhaus   |  Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum

READ MORE:   Looking for more great places to visit in Germany? Check them out here!

Düsseldorf can be found in the West of Germany and is easily one of the best cities to visit in the region. Best seen in the European shoulder seasons (i.e. spring or autumn) when the cherry blossoms are in bloom or the fall tones turn the city pretty shades of umber, you can’t go wrong by dedicating a long weekend (or more if you have time) to exploring the city.

MUST DO IN DUSSELDORF:

• Drink beer at the “longest bar in the world” : In an area otherwise known locally as Düsseldorfer Altstadt, you’ll soon discover a particularly high concentration of micro-breweries, pubs, and inns, all selling delicious beers. If you so desire, you can even go on a pub crawl of sorts through this area of the city!
• Discover the glittering and modern Media Harbour (the Medienhafen) : So-called thanks to the fact that it’s home to an abundance of media company headquarters, as well as its fair share of startups, the Media Harbour is home to some pretty unusual and quirky architecture, making it the perfect place for photography lovers to explore.
• Explore the historic district of Kaiserswerth : For those who are looking for a historical experience while in Düsseldorf, a trip to the district of Kaiserswerth is an absolute must. Once a town in its own right, though it has since been incorporated into the fabric of Düsseldorf, Kaiserswerth boasts a castle which dates all the way back to the 12th-century and a hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked.”

Click here for more great things to do in Dusseldorf .

Recommended by Sophie of Solo Sophie

Read Reviews for these Sights:    Altstadt   |    Medienhafen   |    Kaiserswerth

Koblenz is one of my favourite places to visit in Germany. It may not be on the radar of many travellers but that makes it a particularly authentic experience and suitable for those who want to avoid large crowds. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle river, the medium-sized town boasts a particularly quaint setting. On top, its Ehrenbreitstein, one of the largest fortresses in Germany, creates a particularly quaint setting. 

MUST DO IN KOBLENZ:

• Visit the old city centre and “German Corner” : The city centre is characterized by its cobblestoned streets and half-timbered houses. There are plenty of shops waiting for you to be discovered. Make sure to head to the “German Corner”, the most famous spot in Koblenz where the Moselle meets the Rhine river.
• Ride a cable car : A cable car ride is a must in Koblenz. It takes you from the Rhine river bank up to the majestic Ehrenbreitstein fortress. From here you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Rhine and Moselle river.
• Do a Rhine River Day Cruise : Koblenz is the departure point of many river cruises which will take you to the most beautiful castles and Rhine villages such as Bacharach, Oberwesel or the Lorelei Rock. In one day you can easily visit several villages in case you are based in Koblenz.

Recommended by Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Read Reviews for these Sights:    German Corner   |  Cable Car   |    Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO GERMANY

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

These are a few tours we would recommend for your trip to Western Germany.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

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The Best Places to Visit in Western Germany

When planning your next trip to Germany, don’t miss out on the best places to visit in western Germany. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes, western Germany offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to explore and enjoy in this beautiful part of the country.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the top 10 must-visit destinations in western Germany. From the charming city of Cologne to the fairy tale route, we’ll explore the best of what western Germany has to offer. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with culture, history, and natural beauty.

If you’re looking for a city that perfectly combines history, culture, and modernity, look no further than Cologne. Located on the Rhine River , this vibrant city is the fourth largest in Germany and is known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and bustling nightlife.

One of the top attractions in Cologne is the iconic Cologne Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece that took over 600 years to build. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the 533 steps to the top of the cathedral’s tower for breathtaking views of the city. Another must-visit attraction is the Museum Ludwig, which boasts one of the largest collections of modern art in Europe. And if you’re a foodie, be sure to check out the local cuisine, including the famous Cologne beer and traditional dishes like Himmel un Äd (potatoes and apple puree with black pudding).

2. Heidelberg

If you’re looking for a charming city with rich history, Heidelberg is a must-visit destination in Western Germany. This picturesque city is known for its stunning castle, which offers breathtaking views of the Neckar River and the old town. But the castle is not the only attraction Heidelberg has to offer.

The city is also home to the oldest university in Germany, which was founded in 1386. The university’s beautiful baroque-style buildings are spread throughout the city, and a visit to the university library is a must for book lovers. And of course, no visit to Heidelberg would be complete without strolling through the charming cobblestone streets of the old town and trying some of the local cuisine.

3. The Romantic Road

The Romantic Road in Western Germany is a breathtaking journey through picturesque villages and medieval towns. As you travel along the road, you’ll be transported back in time, experiencing the magic of Germany’s historic past. The route stretches from Würzburg to Füssen and is one of the most scenic drives in the country.

One of the highlights of the Romantic Road is the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This well-preserved medieval town is like something straight out of a fairytale, with its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and charming market square. Be sure to also visit the castle of Neuschwanstein , which inspired the iconic Disney castle , and take in the stunning views of the Bavarian countryside.

4. The Moselle Valley

The Moselle Valley, located in the western part of Germany, is a picturesque region that is perfect for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Moselle River flows through the valley, which is surrounded by vineyards, medieval castles, and charming towns.

One of the best ways to explore the Moselle Valley is by taking a leisurely bike ride along the river. You can stop at various wineries along the way to sample some of the local wines, including the famous Riesling. Another popular activity is hiking along the many trails in the area, which offer breathtaking views of the valley.

The town of Cochem, located in the heart of the Moselle Valley, is a must-visit. It is home to the impressive Reichsburg Castle, which offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside. You can also stroll through the charming old town and visit the local shops and restaurants.

The Moselle Valley is a hidden gem in western Germany that is definitely worth a visit. With its natural beauty, rich history, and delicious wines, it offers something for everyone.

5. The Black Forest

Looking for a place that combines natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage? Look no further than the Black Forest, one of the most popular destinations in Western Germany.

The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald in German, is a large, mountainous forest region located in the southwest corner of the country. It is known for its stunning scenery, which includes lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic hiking trails.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Black Forest is also home to several charming towns and villages that offer a glimpse into traditional German culture. Among the must-see destinations in the region are the towns of Triberg and Freiburg, as well as the picturesque village of Baden-Baden.

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or cultural exploration, the Black Forest has something to offer everyone. So why not add it to your list of must-see destinations in Western Germany?

6. The Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley is one of the most breathtaking regions in Western Germany. The valley stretches from the city of Mainz to Bonn and is famous for its picturesque landscapes and vineyards. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors every year. The Rhine river is also an important transportation route, and it’s not uncommon to see large cargo ships sailing through the valley.

What to Do in the Rhine Valley

There are plenty of activities to do in the Rhine Valley. You can take a relaxing boat ride down the river, visit the many castles and fortresses that dot the valley, or explore the charming towns and villages along the way. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Lorelei rock, a 132-meter high slate cliff that has inspired many legends and myths.

When to Visit the Rhine Valley

The best time to visit the Rhine Valley is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the busiest time of year , so be prepared for crowds. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or fall, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

Where to Stay in the Rhine Valley

There are plenty of accommodation options in the Rhine Valley, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. If you want to stay in a picturesque town, consider booking a room in Rüdesheim or Bacharach. Alternatively, you can stay in larger cities like Mainz or Koblenz, which offer a wider range of amenities.

The Rhine Valley is a must-visit destination in Western Germany. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and charming towns, it’s no wonder that the area attracts millions of visitors every year. Whether you’re interested in exploring castles, enjoying a boat ride down the river, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, the Rhine Valley has something for everyone.

7. Frankfurt

If you’re planning a trip to Germany, make sure to add Frankfurt to your itinerary! Located in the heart of Germany, Frankfurt is known for its stunning skyline, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Frankfurt is considered one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

One of the must-visit spots in Frankfurt is the Römerberg, a historic square located in the city center. Here, you can admire the beautiful buildings and architecture, including the famous Römer town hall. Another popular attraction is the Frankfurt Cathedral, an impressive Gothic church that dates back to the 14th century.

For those interested in art and culture, Frankfurt has plenty of museums to explore. The Städel Museum, for example, is home to an impressive collection of European art, while the German Film Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of cinema. Other notable museums include the Museum of Modern Art and the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Foodies won’t want to miss a visit to the Kleinmarkthalle, a bustling indoor market that offers a wide variety of local specialties, including sausages, cheeses, and pastries. And if you’re in the mood for some shopping, head to the Zeil, Frankfurt’s main shopping street, where you’ll find everything from designer boutiques to department stores.

Overall, Frankfurt is a city that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, art, or food, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you entertained during your stay.

If you are planning a trip to Western Germany, Munich should definitely be on your list of places to visit. This city is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and of course, its famous Oktoberfest celebration.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Munich is the Neuschwanstein Castle, which is located just outside the city. This stunning castle was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland, and it is truly a sight to behold.

In addition to the castle, Munich is also home to many world-class museums, including the Deutsches Museum, the Bavarian National Museum, and the Pinakothek der Moderne. These museums showcase everything from science and technology to art and design.

Of course, no trip to Munich would be complete without experiencing the city’s famous beer gardens. Some of the most popular beer gardens include the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, Augustiner-Keller, and the Chinesischer Turm.

Overall, Munich is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Western Germany. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or just want to experience some of the best beer in the world, this city has something for everyone.

9. The Bavarian Alps

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, the Bavarian Alps are the perfect destination. With its stunning natural beauty, the region is a paradise for hikers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in southern Germany, the Bavarian Alps offer breathtaking scenery, from snow-capped peaks to sparkling lakes and lush valleys.

One of the most popular destinations in the Bavarian Alps is Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. Visitors can take a cable car to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The region is also home to several charming towns, including Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a picturesque village known for its Bavarian architecture and outdoor sports.

The Bavarian Alps are also famous for their castles, including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle . Built in the 19th century, the castle is a masterpiece of romantic architecture and is said to have inspired the Disney castle. Visitors can tour the castle’s interior and learn about its history.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or a glimpse into German history and culture, the Bavarian Alps have something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover the natural beauty of southern Germany.

10. The Fairy Tale Route

If you’re looking for a magical and enchanting journey through Western Germany, look no further than the Fairy Tale Route. This charming route will take you through the heart of Germany, passing through picturesque villages and towns that inspired some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales. From the Brothers Grimm’s Snow White and Sleeping Beauty to Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, this route is a must-see for any fairy tale enthusiast.

The route begins in Hanau, the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, and travels through several towns and cities including Marburg, Kassel, and Bremen. Along the way, you’ll see stunning castles, charming half-timbered houses, and quaint marketplaces that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Be sure to visit the famous Kassel Palace, the charming town of Hamelin, and the stunning Sababurg Castle.

But the Fairy Tale Route isn’t just about castles and charming architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stories and legends that have made this region famous. Attend a performance of the famous Fairy Tale Festival in Hanau, or visit the Brothers Grimm Museum in Kassel to learn more about their lives and works.

Whether you’re a fairy tale enthusiast or just looking for a unique travel experience, the Fairy Tale Route is sure to captivate and delight you. So pack your bags, and get ready for a journey through one of Germany’s most enchanting regions.

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The Most Beautiful Places in Germany, From Fairytale Castles to Alpine Lakes

The most beautiful places in Germany are at once charming, bewitching, and staggeringly pretty. Not only does the country contain alpine peaks and mysterious forests, but its major cities and charming small towns are testaments to man-made beauty: think white Rococo churches, streets lined with timbered houses, and castles that seem almost too majestic to be real.

From the fairytale castles along the Romantic Road to vineyard-covered hills along the Rhine River—and everywhere in between—here are 24 impossibly lovely places to visit on your next trip to Germany.

This article was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with new information.

Eibsee, Bavaria

Germany has no shortage of beautiful alpine lakes, but few are quite as stunning as Eibsee, located at the base of Germany’s highest mountain (Zugspitze). The glistening lake features crystal-clear water, a scattering of islands, and a hiking trail with plenty of overlooks to capture the perfect photo.

Görlitz, Saxony

Back in 2017 , this small city won the “European Location Award”—an annual prize given by the European Film Commission Network to recognize outstanding TV and movie filming locations. Görlitz is perhaps most famous for appearing in The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), but film buffs will recognize parts of town that appeared in The Reader (2008) and Inglourious Basterds (2009), as well.

Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein

This skinny island seven miles out into the North Sea is like nowhere else in the country, with rolling heathered dunes, thatched roof cottages, beach saunas, and the surrounding Wadden Sea. In other words, it’s like Germany’s version of the Hamptons .

Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Saxony

Hidden in Kromlau’s Rhododendron Park, Rakotzbrücke is a 19th-century bridge that creates a perfect stone circle when reflected in the waters below it. Rakotzbrücke is often referred to as “Devil's Bridge,” since the structure seems so impossible that it must have been built by, well, the devil.

Zwinger, Dresden

Once the festival arena of the Dresden Court, the Zwinger palace complex is a stunning example of Baroque architecture . Today, the palace serves as a museum and houses an Old Masters gallery, the Dresden porcelain collection, and the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments.

Saxon Switzerland, Saxony

If you think you’ve seen all of the most beautiful places in Germany, rest assured that there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path sites left to explore. Case in point: Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland), a slice of rugged and rocky countryside just south of Dresden. Roughly one-third of Saxon Switzerland was designated a national park in 1990, and the area contains surprising attractions like the Bastei Bridge—an arched structure sitting more than 600 feet above the Elbe River.

Pilgrimage Church of Wies, Bavaria

With its bright colors and exuberant frescoes, the UNESCO-listed Church of Wies is a masterpiece of Rococo architecture—with the added bonus of a scenic Alpine setting.

Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria

Located near the Austrian border, the only national park in the German Alps is equal parts picturesque and biodiverse. The site is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, which means you won’t find any developed towns or settlements here. Instead, you’ll find untouched natural wonders like Königssee, an alpine lake with crystal-clear water and fjord-like surroundings.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, well-known for its preserved medieval old town, draws millions of tourists each year with its made-for-Instagram multicolored facades. Try to visit in December to experience the Reiterlesmarkt, one of the best Christmas markets in the entire country.

Zugspitze, Bavaria

Sitting at an altitude of over 9,700 feet, Zugspitze (part of the Wetterstein Mountains) is the highest peak in Germany. Cable cars will take you to the summit, where you can enjoy restaurants, a beer garden, and some of the best views of the Alps.

Geierlay Suspension Bridge, Rhineland-Palatinate

With a length of 1,180 feet and height of 330 feet, the Geierlay Suspension Bridge (Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay) is not exactly for the faint of heart. But its stunning setting in the Hunsrück Mountains might just inspire you to face your fears.

Cologne Cathedral, North Rhine-Westphalia

Germany’s largest Gothic church took more than seven centuries to construct, and it’s hard to argue the remarkable behemoth wasn’t worth the time and effort. The cathedral’s major attractions are its dual spires, stained glass murals, and Shrine of the Three Kings, which is said to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men.

Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Württemberg

Set atop a 768-foot bluff in the foothills of the Swabian Alps, this picturesque castle is more than just nice to look at: With its many towers and fortifications, it's considered a relic of 19th-century military architecture. It's perhaps most impressive on overcast days when it peeks out above the fog—a literal castle on a cloud.

Rügen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Germany’s largest island has Baltic beaches, chalk-white cliffs, and a number of luxurious seaside resorts. Rügen is actually accessible by train, meaning you can leave Berlin in the morning and arrive at the island by lunchtime.

Harz National Park, Lower Saxony

Harz National Park is located within Germany’s most northern mountain range, and it’s one of the country’s most popular areas for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.

Museum Island, Berlin

An ensemble of five museums, Museum Island is actually on another island (Spree) in the Mitte district. Built between 1824 and 1930, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Mosel, Rhineland-Palatinate

Mosel is one of Germany’s most prestigious wine regions , with terraced vineyards covering the valleys of several rivers (Mosel, Saar, etc.) near the Luxembourg border. Aside from its famous Riesling grapes, Mosel’s attractions include medieval villages, traditional German taverns, and plenty of riverside views.

Tüchersfeld, Bavaria

This Bavarian village in the Püttlach Valley is postcard-perfect—so much so that it has been featured on German postage stamps. But no matter how many photos you’ve seen of the town, you really must see the timber-framed houses and sky-high rock formations in person.

Stuttgart City Library, Baden-Württemberg

Situated in a concrete cube in the heart of southern Germany, this isn't your average library. The main attraction (a five-story reading room shaped like an upside-down pyramid) looks more like an M.C. Escher drawing than a typical library—until you notice the hundreds of thousands of neatly stacked books, that is. Cozy? Not really. Beautiful? You bet.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Built in 1886, Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular castles in all of Europe—and not just because it served as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. The majestic structure has a clifftop location and ornate rooms that attract 1.4 million visitors every year.

Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg

Stretching across southwest Germany is the Black Forest , a wooded mountain range known for its dense 100-mile stretch of pine trees, picturesque villages, natural thermal spas, and, believe it or not, the invention of the cuckoo clock. The area doesn’t just look like a scene out of a storybook, though—legend says the Brothers Grimm drew inspiration from the forested area in their native country for fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel .

Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein

Located on the Baltic coast, Lübeck is a striking, colorful town that dates back to the 12th century. The UNESCO-protected city was one of northern Europe’s major trading hubs through the centuries; as such, it transformed into today’s multicultural port defined by its red-brick city gates and gothic churches.

Marburg, Hesse

If you want to get the full German fairytale experience , you can’t do much better than the Hessian town of Marburg—also known as the university town where the Brothers Grimm studied and gathered inspiration for some of their stories. Renowned for its cascading cobblestone streets and medieval churches, the town also features playful sculptures of the Grimms’ most famous characters, from the Frog King reading a book on the side of a building to Cinderella’s slipper sitting beneath the towering Marburger Schloss castle.

Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Modeled off the chateaux of France’s Loire Valley, Schwerin Castle offers a delicious taste of French Renaissance architecture in northeast Germany. The residential palace is surrounded by water (who doesn’t love a castle on a lake?) and boasts a 60-acre garden, statues of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, and a whopping 653 rooms adorned in lush fabrics and oil paintings.

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North Rhine-Westphalia Travel Guide

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With its population of around eighteen million actually exceeding that of the neighbouring Netherlands, North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen) is by far Germany’s most populous Land, though it’s by no means the biggest geographically. As the name suggests, it’s an artificial construction, cobbled together by the occupying British after World War II from the Prussian provinces of the Rhineland and Westphalia. Perhaps that explains why, for all its size and economic clout, it lacks the sort of breast-beating regional patriotism found in Bavaria. Instead, loyalties tend to be more local: to the city – particularly in the Land’s great metropolis, Cologne – or to the region, as in the Ruhrgebiet, which straddles the historic boundary between Rhineland and Westphalia.

On the trail of the Ruhr’s Industrial Heritage

The lower rhine, the sauerland, the siebengebirge.

Occupied at various times by the French and British and with Charlemagne’s capital, Aachen , at its western tip, North Rhine-Westphalia is an outward-looking, European-minded place. Several of its cities have played a decisive role in European history: in the north, the handsome cathedral city of Münster was the scene for the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia which ended the Thirty Years’ War, while in the south the university city of Bonn – birthplace of Beethoven – strutted the world stage more recently as capital of West Germany during the Cold War. Though it lacks the alpine drama of Germany’s south, North Rhine-Westphalia has its share of scenic beauty, along the mighty Rhine, in the charming Siebengebirge and in the wooded, peaceful Sauerland .

Urban attractions are nevertheless to the fore, particularly in thriving, multicultural Cologne and chi-chi Düsseldorf , its near-neighbour, rival and the Land’s capital. The increasingly postindustrial cities of the Ruhr conurbation – such as Duisburg , Essen and Dortmund – also have their charms, not least in their inventive reworking of their rich industrial heritage. Further afield, the ham-and-pumpernickel wholesomeness of the smaller Westphalian towns like Soest , Paderborn , Detmold and Lemgo couldn’t be less like the Ruhr, while along the Lower Rhine – around Kalkar and Xanten – the proximity of the Netherlands makes itself felt in place names, architecture and landscape.

Getting into and around the region is easy. Three major airports – at Cologne-Bonn, Düsseldorf and Dortmund – are well-connected internationally, while there’s a dense web of public transport links, with the core of the region well-served by rail, U-Bahn and bus. This is also one of the easiest parts of Germany to explore by bicycle, with well-equipped Radstations at many train stations and well-signposted cycle paths along which to explore the countryside.

Travel ideas for Germany

Created by local experts

A self drive exploration of UNESCO Sites in Southern Germany

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across different German states. This self drive trip allows you to design your own days with recommendations stated for each day.

Explore Berlin and Potsdam in depth

The German capital Berlin has plenty to offer: from historical sites to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife. Enjoy this private tour to explore a wide range of activities in Berlin and Potsdam, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore Northern Germany on Your Own

From Bremen to Stralsund - Northern Germany offers plenty of gems to explore. With well-developed public transportation links, this itinerary is suited for everyone wanting to explore on their own - getting lost on the cobble-stoned streets of many UNESCO World Heritage Highlights.

Capitals of Europe - Berlin, Prague, Vienna and more

This trip is ideal for all city & culture lovers: the Reichstag in Berlin, the castle in Prague, historical Cesky Krumlov, St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, the fortress above Salzburg and Schloss Neuschwanstein near Munich - these are just some of the highlights of this incredible roundup trip.

Castles across Austria and Czechia

Austria and Czechia are home to some of the world's most beautiful architecture and culture gems, such as Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna, Prague castle, the fortress above Salzburg and many more. Finish your tour with a visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein before flying out of Munich.

Best of Germany

Germany has a lot to offer to visitors: history buffs will enjoy guided tours in Berlin and Dresden, children (and those at heart) will marvel at Schloss Neuschwanstein, scenery lovers will appreciate Rothenburg and the Black Forest. This trip truly has something for everybody!

Few places can claim such proudly European credentials as AACHEN (known as Aix-la-Chapelle in French, Aken to the Dutch). Its hot thermal springs were known to the Celts and Romans, but it wasn’t until Charlemagne took up residence in 768 AD that the city briefly took centre stage as the capital of his vast Frankish empire. At its height, this encompassed much of what would form – more than a millennium later – the original core of the European Union. But it didn’t long survive his death, and nor did Aachen’s political importance, though for six centuries afterwards the city remained the place where German emperors were crowned. Charlemagne’s chief legacy is the magnificent domed court chapel – now the city’s cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – that is still the most splendid thing in the city.

During World War II, Aachen was the first German city in the west to fall to Allied invasion, after a six-week battle in the autumn of 1944 that laid waste to much of it. However, the cathedral escaped destruction and the heart of the city, at least, retains a pleasing sense of history. These days, Germany’s most westerly city is a lively, medium-sized place, its municipal boundary forming the international frontier at the point where Belgium and the Netherlands meet, creating an easy-going and cosmopolitan feel, with the student population supporting a vibrant nightlife scene and the spa bringing in a steady stream of more genteel visitors.

Though its slightly eccentric exterior hints at the building’s unique riches, the dark, Byzantine interior of Aachen’s Dom nevertheless comes as a surprise. As you enter the cathedral through the massive, twelve-hundred-year-old bronze doors you’re immediately presented with its great glory, the octagonal palace chapel built for Charlemagne and inspired by the churches of San Vitale in Ravenna and Little Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. It was the first domed church north of the Alps and though it was the work of Otto von Metz, Charlemagne himself contributed his own ideas to the design. If you can, take the guided tour as much of the interior is off limits for casual visitors and you’ll only gain the most superficial impressions without it. In particular, it’s only on the tour that you’ll see the modest marble Imperial Throne in the upper gallery which was used for coronations for six centuries, from Otto I in 936 to Ferdinand I in 1531. At the time of writing, ongoing restoration work meant parts of the octagon were obscured from view.

The vast twelfth-century gilded Barbarossa chandelier , which hangs low in the centre of the octagon, catches the eye, along with the nineteenth-century mosaics inside the dome high above; but the octagon’s marble pillars are altogether more ancient, having been brought to Aachen from Rome and Ravenna with the permission of Pope Hadrian I. So prized are they that French troops hauled 28 of them off to Paris in 1815, where four can still be seen in the Louvre. As the burial place of Charlemagne and a place of pilgrimage, the cathedral was embellished over the centuries with various chapels, and in the fourteenth century a soaring, light-filled Gothic choir – the so-called “Glass House of Aachen” – was added to ease the crush of visiting pilgrims. It houses the gilded thirteenth-century shrine that contains Charlemagne’s remains. The choir’s original stained glass was destroyed by hail in 1729; the present windows are post-1945, and replaced glass destroyed during World War II.

The placid university town of BONN was “provisional” capital of West Germany for fifty years, from 1949 until the Bundestag and many government departments began relocating to Berlin in 1999. Bonn was dubbed “Federal Capital Village” for the sheer improbability of its choice as capital; likelier candidates included Frankfurt, which even built a parliament building to fulfil its anticipated role. But Bonn prevailed, and it was changed by the experience, so that by the time the federal government moved to Berlin it was no longer quite the “small town in Germany” of John Le Carré’s Cold War spy story. The two houses of the German parliament may no longer reside here, but several ministries do, along with the United Nations and the headquarters of Deutsche Telekom, T Mobile and Deutsche Post.

Bonn’s pleasant, traffic-free Altstadt benefits from its associations with Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born here, while the setting – at the beginning of a particularly scenic stretch of the Rhine – is a delight, and easily explored on foot, but the modern city stretches far along the Rhine. Sandwiched between the city proper and its spa-town suburb of Bad Godesberg is the old government quarter, the Bundesviertel , and its strip of modern museums along the so-called Museumsmeile , planned before the Berlin Wall fell but which, in the event, proved to be a generous goodbye present to the city. Facing Bonn across the Rhine are the inviting, wooded hills of the Siebengebirge – a hugely popular destination for walkers and day-trippers alike, right on Bonn’s doorstep.

The Museumsmeile

From the Hofgarten, a boulevard named for three of Germany’s political giants leads south through the Bundesviertel or former government district. It begins as Adenauer Allee, continues as Willy-Brandt-Allee and then becomes Friedrich-Ebert-Allee, named after the Weimar-era socialist who was Germany’s first democratic president.

The western side of this avenue constitutes the Museumsmeile , an impressive strip of museums that ensures Bonn’s heavy-hitter status among Germany’s cultural centres.

Museum Koenig

The first museum on Museumsmeille is the Museum Koenig , a stately sandstone pile that was the venue for the first elected postwar national assembly on September 1, 1948. The museum’s zoological exhibits have been given a child-friendly makeover, though the lack of English labelling limits its rainy-day appeal slightly – pick up the English-language leaflet at the entrance. Displays are grouped by habitat and include African savanna, rainforest and the Arctic; the Vivarium in the basement has live lizards, snakes and fish, as well as the Zwergmaus – a particularly tiny rodent.

Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

A little way to the south of Museum Koenig, the Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland charts the history of the Federal Republic of Germany in a lively and entertaining way; as you leave the U-Bahn the first thing you see is the luxurious railway carriage used by chancellors Konrad Adenauer and Ludwig Erhard but originally built for Nazi bigwig, Hermann Göring. Rubble marks the start of the story in 1945, with grim footage of concentration camps and of destroyed German cities; it continues through the beginnings of democratic politics and of artistic rebirth to the 1950s Wirtschaftswunder – the “economic miracle” – the Cold War and division of Germany, and moves finally to the period post-1989.

A recent revamp to the exhibition has put the years of division in stronger focus, with an examination of the way both halves of Germany were bound into opposing ideological camps. Along with the political developments post-1989, recent German history is also examined in the light of globalization, the life of migrant groups and the increasing deployment of German forces overseas. It’s not all dry politics by any means: along the way, fun exhibits like the 1950s-style ice -cream parlour lighten the mood. Labelling is now in English as well as German.

Kunstmuseum Bonn

The most architecturally refined of the area’s museums is the Kunstmuseum Bonn , whose starkly beautiful modernist interior provides a fitting home for its collection of works by August Macke and the Rhine Expressionists. Macke, who was born in 1887 and killed in action in France in 1914, grew up in Bonn but was no mere “regional” artist, as his gorgeous, colour-filled canvases demonstrate: poignantly, the most confident are the 1914 Tightrope Walker and Turkish Café . The museum has a substantial collection of post-1945 German art, with works by heavyweights including Gerhard Richter, Georg Baselitz and Joseph Beuys; a recent re-hang has given stronger emphasis to photography, video installation and film.

Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland

The Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland next door to the Kunstmuseum provides a venue for large-scale touring art exhibitions and is big enough to host several simultaneously. Don’t miss the striking roof garden, dominated by three ceramic-clad light spires.

Deutsches Museum Bonn

The Deutsches Museum Bonn is a resolutely contemporary museum of science and technology whose themed displays allow you to find out how a car airbag works, learn about medical research and see various Nobel Prize-winning discoveries. There’s also a Transrapid hoverrail train.

The industrial southern fringes of Cologne seem an unlikely setting for an outburst of fantasy, frivolity and surrealism, yet all are on display in copious quantities in the otherwise unassuming commuter-belt town of BRÜHL , home to one of Germany’s most magnificent palaces and one of Europe’s best theme-parks, as well as a museum devoted to the Dadaist artist, Max Ernst.

Schloss Augustusburg

It was in 1725 that the elector and archbishop of Cologne, Clemens August, first commissioned a new palace on the ruins of a medieval moated palace, but the results – by Westphalian builder Johann Conrad Schlaun – were judged insufficiently fabulous for a member of the Wittelsbach dynasty, and so the Bavarian court architect François de Cuvilliés was commissioned to vamp things up. The result is Schloss Augustusburg , a Rococo Xanadu of extraordinary panache that is one of Germany’s most magnificent palaces and, since 1984, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Treppenhaus

The moment you see the breathtakingly lavish, ceremonial Treppenhaus (staircase) by Balthasar Neumann with its frothy rocailles and vivid stucco marble effects, you’ll understand why this was Clemens August’s favourite residence, for as you ascend the staircase the sheer exuberance of the design becomes apparent, even as you try to decide precisely how far over the top it all is. Napoleon, who visited in 1804, is said to have remarked that it was a pity the Schloss wasn’t on wheels so he could take it with him. The dizzying reception rooms at the top of the staircase continue in a similar vein.

The gardens and Jagdschloss Falkenlust

The gardens , with their parterres and fountains, offer an outdoor equivalent to the indoor excess. An avenue leads across the park to the little lodge of Jagdschloss Falkenlust (same hours as Schloss) which, though smaller in scale, is similar in spirit, and for which you don’t have to join a tour. Clemens August used it for entertaining and for trysts with his mistresses.

High above DETMOLD on the forested ridge of the Teutoburger Wald 35km north of Paderborn stands a remarkable monument to one of the founding legends of the German nation-state, the Hermannsdenkmal – a solitary, wing-helmeted warrior raising his sword high over the canopy of trees.

The Hermannsdenkmal

The Hermannsdenkmal was the vision of one dogged obsessive, the sculptor Joseph Ernst von Bandel, a bust of whom stands outside the hut he occupied while struggling to complete the 53.46-metre-high monument, begun in 1838 and finally completed with financial support from the Prussian state in 1875. The copper-green warrior commemorates Arminius (or “Hermann”), chieftain of the Cherusci, who united local tribes in 9 AD to annihilate three Roman legions at the battle of Teutoburger Wald and thus struck an early blow for German unity. Though the impetus for Hermann’s construction was blatantly nationalistic, these days he cuts a romantic figure, and there’s no denying the beauty of the views from the platform at his feet.

Perched at the Ruhr’s eastern extremity, DORTMUND is a former free imperial city and Hanseatic League member that grew rich in the Middle Ages from its position on the Hellweg, a major trading route, before declining after the Thirty Years’ War. In the nineteenth century it re-emerged from provincial obscurity thanks to coal, steel and beer: at one point only Milwaukee brewed more. All three industries declined in the late twentieth century and there’s now just one major brewer, the Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei. Information and biotechnology are the economic motors of the “new” Dortmund, which seems to have mastered the transition from heavy industry relatively well; the old Union brewery with its giant illuminated “U” still looms over the city, but nowadays it houses art, not beer, and shares the skyline with a scattering of funky modern office towers. Nevertheless, the surviving medieval street pattern and a scattering of worthwhile sights ensure that Dortmund preserves a sense of its long history.

Straddling the Rhine at the point where the Ruhr empties into it, DUISBURG is the Ruhrgebiet’s westernmost city and, with a population of half a million, its third largest. Surviving medieval defences point to a long history, but it was the Ruhr’s nineteenth-century industrialization that transformed it into a major city, the largest inland port in Europe and a centre for steel, coal and engineering. From the mid-1960s onwards the heavy industries declined, but Duisburg has faced its challenges with imagination, hiring British architect Norman Foster to oversee its physical transformation, and though it’s no great beauty the city’s engrossing galleries, reworked industrial landscapes and funky, revitalized docks ensure it’s worth at least a brief stopover.

The Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord

In the north of the city is Duisburg’s most original attraction, the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord , until 1985 a giant steelworks belonging to the Thyssen group. Since its decommissioning, nature has reclaimed large parts of the two-square-kilometre site, with rose gardens planted in former ore hoppers and trees growing up and through rusty blast furnaces, one of which can be climbed for a vertigo-inducing – though perfectly safe – closer look. The atmosphere is eerie, almost post-apocalyptic, yet it works, both as a park and as an awe-inspiring piece of industrial archeology. It’s also a clubbing venue and activity centre, with alpine climbing gardens and Europe’s largest artificial diving centre housed in a flooded gasometer. At weekends a stunning light installation turns it into pure science-fiction after dark.

The reinvention of the Ruhr

A tough working-class cop with a complex personal history and a fondness for drink sounds like an unlikely rescuer for a depressed industrial region. Yet when Duisburg Kriminalhauptkommissar Horst Schimanski burst into German homes in the television series Tatort in 1981, initial outrage at his unorthodox methods quickly turned not just into adulation, but also to a resurgence of interest in the Ruhr’s history and identity. Played by Götz George as a soft-centred macho with a combat jacket and huge moustache, Schimi’s rise to cult status was greatly aided by the show’s use of gritty Ruhr locations, and is credited with having rallied the region’s morale, badly battered by the decline of its coal and steel industries from the 1960s onwards. Gradually the idea arose that the Ruhrgebiet – or Ruhrpott as it’s affectionately known by its inhabitants – could be cool too.

Germany’s largest urban area, the Ruhrgebiet consists of a string of interlinked towns and cities stretching east of the Rhine along the often surprisingly green valley of the Ruhr. It straddles the historic boundary between Rhineland and Westphalia and the confessional divide – Dortmund was traditionally Protestant, Essen Catholic. The Ruhr’s cities nevertheless have a shared history of sleepy provincialism abruptly transformed by coal and steel in the nineteenth century. It is an important footballing region , with teams like Gelsenkirchen’s Schalke and Borussia Dortmund numbered among the nation’s most successful. In recent years the Ruhr has also burnished its cultural credentials. Rather than demolish and forget its redundant steelworks and mines, the Ruhr reinvented them as design centres, art galleries or museums, in the process creating some of the most strikingly original visitor attractions in Europe and providing a memorable setting for the region’s stint as European Capital of Culture in 2010.

The Ruhr’s image became a touch trendier still when it took over as the host for the Love Parade after Berlin tired of hosting the annual techno-fest in 2007; the following year in Dortmund, 1.6 million dance-music fans partied on the Bundesstrasse 1 highway, shattering all previous attendance records. Alas, disaster struck at the 2010 parade in Duisburg, when the crush of visitors at the entrance to the festival site resulted in 21 deaths and the end – after more than twenty years – of the Love Parade itself.

First-time visitors expecting vistas of belching chimneys are likely to be surprised by Essen , for the Ruhr’s “secret capital” is a modern, unashamedly commercial city with a modest forest of office towers and a vast central shopping zone. Though it contests with Dortmund the status of biggest city in the Ruhr, Essen is the one with the unmistakable big-city feel, and it’s this, as much as its central position in the region, that gives it an edge over its rival. It’s an enjoyable place to spend a day or two, with plenty of high culture, a smattering of interesting sights including one UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a lively nightlife scene.

Basic orientation is straightforward: the city centre is immediately north of the Hauptbahnhof, with the main cultural zone to the south; further south still is some of the most enticing eating, drinking and sightseeing, while the gritty north preserves reminders of the city’s industrial greatness.

From comedy to Krupp

For many Germans, Essen ’s best-known son is Heinz Rühmann (1902–94), Germany’s greatest screen comic, whose extraordinary film career spanned the Weimar Republic, Third Reich, Cold War and post-reunification eras and whose best-loved film – the school comedy Die Feuerzangenbowle – still enjoys Rocky Horror -style cult status more than sixty years after it was first shown. For the rest of the world, however, the city’s name is synonymous with that of the Krupp family, the powerful steel-to-armaments dynasty whose rise mirrored the city’s own ascent to industrial greatness during the nineteenth century, and whose commercial genius and questionable political judgement accurately reflect the experience of Germany in the first half of the twentieth century.

Museum Folkwang

The superb Museum Folkwang is reason enough for a visit to Essen. David Chipperfield’s coolly understated modernist extension – which opened in 2010 – has created a series of spacious galleries grouped around serene internal gardens; the new building seamlessly incorporates the old, with separate areas devoted to nineteenth-and twentieth-century art, contemporary art, graphic art and temporary exhibitions.

The collection’s undoubted highlight is the nineteenth- and twentieth-century section, kicking off with the Romantic period and works by Caspar David Friedrich and Karl Friedrich Schinkel before romping through a treasure-trove of French Impressionists and post-Impressionists: paintings include some wonderful late Van Goghs, Cézanne’s Le Carré de Bibémus and Signac’s pointilliste Le Pont des Arts . German Expressionist works include Schmidt-Rottluff’s spiky Leipziger Strasse with Electric Tram from 1914 and the near-abstract Forms at Play by Franz Marc, painted the same year. The roll call of modernist greats continues with works by Braque, Léger, Picasso, Beckmann and Kandinsky; post-1945 highlights include work by Mark Rothko, Yves Klein and Gerhard Richter.

LEMGO , 11km north of Detmold, preserves a beguiling small-town atmosphere that harks back to its Hanseatic League prime, its streets a photogenic blend of Weser Renaissance pomp and picturesque half-timbering. Not everything in the town’s history is as charming as its architecture, however. Converting to Protestantism after the Reformation, from 1583 to 1681 Lemgo was gripped by an anti-witchcraft frenzy that was cynically exploited by politicians – most notoriously by Hermann Cothmann (1629–83), the so-called Hexenbürgermeister or “witch mayor”, who presided over the last, bloodiest, wave of trials. The last woman prosecuted for witchcraft, Maria Rampendahl, survived, but 254 men and women were not so fortunate.

Bicycles rule in studenty MÜNSTER , which, with twice as many bikes as people, is Germany’s most cycle-friendly city. Its history is intertwined with that of its bishopric, the name Münster deriving from the monastery founded at Charlemagne’s behest in 793 AD, while in the twentieth century, Bishop Clemens August von Galen was one of the few prominent clerics to defy Nazi rule. In the Middle Ages Münster was a Hanseatic city; during the Reformation it experienced a brief, bloody tyranny under an extreme Anabaptist sect, but soon returned to the Catholic fold. In 1648, it was the venue for the signature of the Peace of Westphalia; later, during the Napoleonic wars, the city was briefly the capital of the French département of Lippe, before in 1816 becoming capital of Prussian Westphalia.

Built – or rather rebuilt – on a human scale, Münster is easy to explore on foot: defined by the continuous green Promenadenring along the line of the old defences, the Altstadt contains the main sights. Beyond it, you’ll find fresh air and space to picnic around the Aasee lake southwest of the centre, and cool bars and restaurants on the Stadthafen ’s waterside strip. Watch your step though, for those cyclists are not to be messed with.

The Ruhr has experienced the same structural difficulties faced by similar “rust belt” regions elsewhere, but it has risen to the challenge of re-using its redundant industrial sites in a very different way. Instead of bulldozing them, many have been preserved in acknowledgement of the historical significance and tourist potential of these so-called “cathedrals of industry”. Today, a 400km road route and a well-signposted 700km cycle trail form the Route der Industriekultur (Industrial Heritage Trail; route-industriekultur.de) link former steelworks, coal mines and slagheaps to offer a fascinating insight into the technology of heavy industry, with a healthy injection of contemporary culture. Some of the most significant attractions are dealt with in the individual city sections here, but others are listed here. You can rent bikes for €1 per hour from one of the 300 cycle stations scattered across the region – you just have to register free first (metropolradruhr.de).

Religion and power meet at PADERBORN , where Charlemagne discussed his coronation as emperor with Pope Leo III in 799 AD. Its bishopric blossomed in the Middle Ages into a prince-bishopric and in 1929 into an archbishopric. The compact cathedral city remains a strongly religious place, with a theology faculty that traces its roots back to the Jesuit university founded by Prince-Bishop Dietrich von Fürstenberg in 1614. Its religious monuments, combined with its unique geographical location at the source of Germany’s shortest river, make it an engrossing place for a short visit.

Nuns and beer

Paderborn’s cathedral is dedicated to St Liborius, an early Christian bishop from Le Mans whose remains were transferred to the town in 836 AD. The obscure Gallo-Roman cleric is the focal point of the annual nine-day Libori festival in late July, when the golden shrine containing his reliquary is paraded through the streets and the city centre becomes a riotous mix of nuns and beer, attracting a million visitors.

Set in rich farming country fifty minutes by train east of Dortmund, idyllic SOEST was another medieval Hanseatic League member on the Hellweg, with trade links reaching as far as Russia. Cologne’s archbishops founded a Pfalz or residence here around 960–965 AD, and were for centuries the town’s overlords; Soest’s fifteenth-century struggle to be rid of them triggered its decline and by 1500 its glory days were over, leaving an enchanting townscape of half-timbered houses and striking, sage-green sandstone churches whose charm even wartime bombs couldn’t erase. Most of what’s worth seeing is within the surviving medieval defences , a circuit of which makes a pleasant way to spend an hour or two.

North of Duisburg the Rhineland’s heavy industry gives way to a peaceful, agricultural region dotted with small towns, the place names and flat terrain reflecting the proximity of the Dutch border. Under the Holy Roman Empire the Duchy of Cleve counted for something – famously supplying the English king Henry VIII with one of his wives – but these days the region is mainly of interest as an excursion from the Ruhr, with hourly trains from Duisburg making historic Xanten a magnet for day-trippers. Beyond it, placid Kalkar preserves a more low-key charm.

Modest by Alpine standards, the swathe of unspoilt wooded hills known as the Sauerland nevertheless represents a precious taste of the great outdoors for the millions who live in North Rhine-Westphalia’s major cities, as well as attracting holiday-makers from further afield. The region, which strays across the Land boundary into western Hesse, is above all popular for activities, from hiking , mountain biking or Nordic walking in the summer to skiing in the winter, while its artificial lakes – the target of the famous RAF “Dambuster” air raids during World War II – offer a focus for all kinds of water-based activities, from canoeing and fishing to swimming, sailing and windsurfing. If that’s too energetic, you can take a sedate coffee-and-cake excursion aboard a comfortable cruise boat on the Möhnesee ( moehneseeschifffahrt.de ).

Five natural parks together comprise almost three-quarters of the region’s territory, crisscrossed by a number of themed hiking-trails such as the Sauerland-Höhenflug – a high-altitude route that takes in four 800m peaks – and the 240km Waldroute , which links the towns of Iserlohn, Arnsberg and Marsberg to provide a close-up view of the region’s forests and fauna. For mountain-bikers, the 1700km Bike Arena Sauerland is the draw, supported by cyclist-friendly hotels and guesthouses. With so much fresh air and wholesome exercise, it’s perhaps no surprise the Sauerland was the location for the first ever youth hostel – at Altena, southeast of Dortmund. Möhnesee is the closest of the Sauerland lakes to Soest; a bus service – the #R49 – takes around 25 minutes to connect Soest Bahnhof with the lakeside town of Körbecke . For more information, visit the helpful web portal sauerland.com, which is in English as well as German.

Facing Bonn and Bad Godesberg across the Rhine, the extinct volcanic domes of the Siebengebirge are perfect mountains in miniature. None rise higher than 500m, yet the hills are steep-sided and thickly wooded enough to create a plausible impression of alpine ruggedness. Much mythologized and immortalized in song, the Siebengebirge were rescued from destruction by quarrying in the nineteenth century and now comprise one of Germany’s oldest nature reserves. There are in fact many more hills – 42 in all – than the name (which means seven mountains) would suggest, and several are topped by ruined fortresses, which merely adds to their mystique. The entire range is crisscrossed by hiking trails, including the 320km Rheinsteig long-distance path which passes through on its way from Bonn to Wiesbaden. Given their picturesque charm and very close proximity to the Rhineland’s big cities, the Siebengebirge are, not surprisingly, highly popular. Of all the hills, the most visited is the 320m Drachenfels (or “dragon rock”), which rises above the riverfront resort of Königswinter.

Around 40km northeast of Cologne in the hilly Bergisches Land, WUPPERTAL is not so much a city as an amalgam of towns strung out along the narrow, wooded valley of the River Wupper; they united in 1929 and shortly afterwards adopted the name Wuppertal. Known internationally for its unique suspended-monorail system, the Schwebebahn , and for the Tanztheater Pina Bausch – one of the world’s most renowned modern dance troupes – it’s also the place where aspirin was invented, and was a major centre of the German textile industry. Despite some down-at-heel stretches Wuppertal is redeemed by its hilly, leafy site and by the survival of a large number of buildings from its nineteenth-century heyday, particularly in Elberfeld , which is the larger and more attractive of the two main centres, the other being Barmen , a little to the east.

Wuppertal’s swinging railway

The Schwebebahn system – suspended from massive girders above the course of the River Wupper – was an ingenious solution to the problem of providing a rapid-transit system in an extremely narrow valley where space was at a premium. The idea of Cologne engineer Eugen Langen, it was built in the 1890s. Kaiser Wilhelm II took the inaugural ride in 1900 and the system opened to the public a few months afterwards. It takes some getting used to, as the trains are noisy and sway from side to side in slightly disconcerting fashion, but the Schwebebahn has a good safety record, and on weekend afternoons you can take a “ Kaffeefahrt ” on one of the original 1900 trains, departing from Vohwinkel station.

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Home » Destinations » Europe » Germany » 5-14 Day Germany Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Germany Trip

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

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12 Best Small Towns in Germany, From Charming Medieval Villages to Idyllic Mountain Escapes

Come for the beer halls, stay for the beautifully preserved architecture.

Berlin and Munich may be Germany's most-visited cities , but taking advantage of the country's excellent rail system (or simply renting a car) and venturing outside the major metropolises is the best way to experience a quieter side of German culture. Enjoy the remarkable landscapes as you make your way through the countryside, then relish a dive into local history and tradition with a visit to any of these 12 small towns in Germany.

Flensburg sits just four miles from the Danish border, and the Scandinavian influence is palpable in both culture and design. Spend an afternoon sailing on the Flensburg Fjord, or admire the city's historic harbor — an essential element of this trading port — on foot. In either case, a stroll through the well-preserved old town while learning about Flensburg's rum-soaked history is a must.

Formally recognized as the Hanseatic City of Stralsund, this small northern city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its fine examples of Brick Gothic architecture. Visit the 13th-century city hall, admire the colorful gabled townhouses of medieval merchants, and have a drink in the cozy 16th-century cellar at Restaurant Hansekeller .

Germany's easternmost town quite literally straddles the Germany-Poland border — just cross the Neisse River by footbridge from Görlitz , and you'll find yourself in the Polish city of Zgorzelec. Filled with architectural examples throughout the epochs of its 950-year history, Görlitz is so remarkably scenic that more than 100 films have been produced here in " Görliwood ."

Heppenheim is one of those little German towns that elicits the use of tired descriptors like "charming," "picturesque," and "like a fairy tale" because despite the cliché, it is all of those things. If you're into half-timbered houses and history dating back to 755 , you'll love this cheerful city. Don't miss the views from Starkenburg Castle, which overlooks the Rhine Valley in all of its vineyard-laden glory.

Gößweinstein

Located in a region known as Franconian Switzerland, Gößweinstein (with a population of 4,084) is surrounded by rolling green hills and forested hiking trails. You'll find the best views from the town's castle , which was allegedly built more than 1,000 years ago . Fun fact: Franconian Switzerland has the highest density of breweries in Europe, so come thirsty!

Kelheim has many endearing qualities — including a hillside-perched neoclassical monument and a vibrant city center — but it's the journey by ferry along the Danube Gorge to Kloster Weltenburg that is perhaps the biggest draw. A 40-minute cruise through scenic river landscapes deposits you at the world's oldest monastery brewery where the beer is cold, the food is excellent, and the views are spectacular.

The Best Small Towns in Europe

Known as the " city of three rivers ," Passau sits near the Austrian border at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. Baroque architecture is as much a visual highlight of this small city as is its geographic setting, so book a riverfront room at Hotel Residenz to enjoy classic Bavarian ambiance within walking distance to the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Bad Reichenhall

Bad Reichenhall is a true alpine gem and arguably the most beautiful small town on this list. The flanking mountains suggest a winter sports haven, but the excellent hiking, rich cultural scene, and the restorative waters of Bad Reichenhall's own AlpenSole brine — a salty relic of the primeval sea — ensure that this is very much a year-round destination.

There's a studious, creative energy to this medieval university town, which dates back to 1078 . A wonderland for lovers of literature, Tübingen hosts an annual book festival and boasts Germany's highest number of bookstores per capita. If books aren't your thing, you can check out Hohentübingen Castle, walk along the Neckar River, and enjoy a plate of local fare — Maultaschen, a.k.a. filled dumplings, are a specialty of the region — at Mauganeschtle .

If rivers seem like a common theme among German cities, you won't be surprised to learn that Lingen overlooks the Ems River. This little town's long history (dating back to 975) is reflected in its collection of historic buildings, twice-weekly farmer's markets, and lingering traditions. For a unique experience, time your visit to Lingen during the triennially hosted Kivelingsfest — a celebration of medieval crafts and culture.

Lüneburg flourished for centuries thanks to the salt trade, and the city remains especially lovely today since it was spared from World War II damage. Beyond the colorful and intact medieval city center, there are thermal baths, lush gardens, and attractions like the German Salt Museum and the Lüneburg Brewery Museum begging to be explored.

Wolfenbüttel

Anyone up for a shot of Jägermeister? The popular herbal liqueur is one of Wolfenbüttel's claims to fame — along with its collection of more than 600 half-timbered buildings, a magnificent Baroque palace, and the Herzog August Library . Come to Wolfenbüttel for the atmospheric city center (and, sure, the 56-herb booze), stay for the thriving culinary and cultural scenes.

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Travel Advisory May 1, 2024

Germany - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to  terrorism .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations and transportation hubs. They also target markets/shopping malls and local government facilities. They target hotels, clubs, and restaurants. They also attack places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. They target schools, 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 .

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Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area.

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 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050 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) 2888-0 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) (69) 7535-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. 

U.S. Consulate General Hamburg   Kehrwieder 8 20457 Hamburg  Federal Republic of Germany  Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050 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) (30) 8305-0  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

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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. 

• In Europe's  Schengen area , your passport generally must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry. Although Germany only requires travelers to have three months of validity remaining beyond their intended departure date, airlines may still deny boarding for having less than six months validity, especially if transiting additional Schengen countries.
• If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.
• If traveling with prescription medication, review the information below regarding pharmaceuticals to avoid potential fines and confiscation.

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, and celebratory gatherings)
• 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.  

Crime:  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. 

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. 

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.    

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Strikes may interfere with travel plans. We strongly encourage travelers to check transportation schedule information prior to travel.    

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

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

Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money.
• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.
• If they ask for help, you should refer to them to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so we can work with local authorities to assist.
• If you believe you have been scammed, report the incident to local law enforcement right away and stop all communications with the scammer.

Common scams include:

• Romance/online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/relative targeting (kidnapping, arrested, medical emergency)
• Free Trip/luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobiles Devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and using virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S.-based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

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 United States  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation and support in Germany
• 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 General in Frankfurt or Munich for assistance. Call 110 if you are in immediate danger.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally well 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. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

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 United States, 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 General 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

International Volunteers:

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

See   our 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. 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 .

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.  

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Germany.

• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers, and Expatriates)
• General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates general do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid 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 will expect immediate payment in cash.

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 the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices to ensure the medication is legal in Germany. Also read the information below regarding pharmaceuticals and the documentation required to enter Germany with prescription medication.

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)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General 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).

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. Although 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 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. 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. 

Strikes in Germany may disrupt public transportation and travel plans.  We strongly encourage travelers to check transportation schedule information prior to travel.

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 X (formerly known as "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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Germany Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 9, 2024

Germany. The country is synonymous with beer, sausages, incredible hiking, majestic castles, serious people, and wild techno parties. It’s huge, diverse, and utterly amazing.

There’s a vibrant art and music scene in Berlin , beautiful forests in the west, majestic cathedrals and castles throughout the country, picturesque “Sound of Music” cities in the south, and overlooked historic cities and beaches in the north.

The more I visit Germany, the more I fall in love with it. Whether you are backpacking, traveling on a mid-range budget, or looking to splash out, traveling around Germany is wonderful.

That said, Germany is a huge country so don’t rush your visit. There’s more to the country than just Berin and those cross-country train rides are longer than you think.

This travel guide to Germany will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Germany

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in germany.

1. Get lost in Berlin

Germany’s hip capital has world-class museums, history, funky neighborhoods, and some of the best nightlife in Europe. From the museums to the art and music scene to the great bars and cheap food, Berlin is electric (and one of the cheapest European capitals). It’s a really amazing city that has grown on me with every visit.

2. See Munich

Berlin’s quiet, upscale cousin, Munich is a city steeped in history, lively beer halls, incredible food, lush parks, and a royal palace. It’s a beautiful destination and there are a lot of Bavarian towns nearby that make for scenic day trips.

3. Party at Oktoberfest

Held annually in September and October, the world’s largest beer festival is filled with huge steins and giant pretzels. I went there for 5 days and had the time of my life. Buy some lederhosen, raise a glass, and sing some German beer songs. Just make sure to plan your trip well in advance as things sell out fast!

4. Explore the Romantic Road

A string of historic cities in Bavaria, the “Romantic Road” is the name for the route through majestic Bavarian towns and their surrounding snow-capped mountains. The area can get quite touristy but it’s a beautiful area and a great choice for road trips and romantic getaways. There are a ton of tour options for the area that are worth checking out. For some of the more further afield attractions, the tours are a must as they are hard to visit without a car.

5. Hike the Black Forest

The Black Forest is so named because of the dark green pine trees that grow here. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles), there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails worth exploring and you can spend some time stopping in towns that are famous for their cuckoo clocks and hearty German fare. If you want to go on a guided hike or adventure activity, you can find a lot here.

Other Things to See and Do in Germany

1. explore lake constance.

Lying along the country’s southwestern border with Switzerland and Austria , Lake Constance (known as Bodensee in German) is Germany’s largest freshwater lake and the third-largest in Central Europe. One of the lake’s main attractions is the island of Mainau, also known as Flower Island, which is home to many specialty gardens, a baroque palace, and one of the largest butterfly houses in Germany. Tickets to visit the island are 10.50 EUR. Be sure to visit the many picturesque medieval villages and castles nearby, enjoy water sports, and go hiking and biking along the 272-kilometer (170-mile) Lake Constance Trail.

2. Visit Hanover

This city was one of the hardest hit during World War II, leaving it with only a few historical landmarks. But what I loved about Hanover were its large green areas of forests and big parks, the River Leine winding through the city, and the Sprengel Museum. Not many people visit, but I think it is one of Germany’s most underrated destinations .

3. Hike Berchtesgaden National Park

This national park, located in the south of Germany along the Austrian border, is an alpine heaven of lush forests, steep rock faces, crystal clear lakes, sleepy villages, and rolling meadows. It’s just you, the chirping birds, and cows ringing their brass bells. Well-marked trails wind through the spectacular scenery, which brims with opportunities for hiking and cycling. While nature is the main attraction, the beautiful red-domed Church of St. Bartholomew (dating to 1697) is a worthwhile stop as well.

4. Check out Trier

Nestled in the Moselle River valley, picturesque Trier is the oldest town in the country. With a 2,000-year-old history, Trier was home to six Roman emperors and contains numerous UNESCO Roman ruins. The most outstanding example is the Black Gate, a monumental structure that was once part of the city walls. Other Roman sites worth visiting include the incredibly well-preserved basilica, the huge amphitheater, the bridge, and the baths. Trier is also home to several important Gothic and Baroque churches, a beautiful main square, and great wine due to its location in the Moselle wine region.

5. Visit Dresden

Dresden, the capital of the German state Saxony, is a vibrant city located along the majestic Elbe River near the Czech and Polish borders. During World War II, the city was subject to one of the most devastating bombings of the war. Tens of thousands of civilians died, and over 90% of the city was razed at the hands of British-American forces. After the war, the city was completely rebuilt. The famous Frauenkirche church, the Neumarkt historic district, the Zwinger Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Semper Opera House have all been restored to their former glory. Other must-see attractions include the Fürstenzug, a unique 102-meter-long (334-foot) porcelain mural dating to the 1870s; and the baroque Grosser Garten, the largest green space in the city.

6. Spend a day in Cologne

Cologne is a cool place to stop in West Germany on your way to or from the Netherlands . The cathedral is the most popular landmark in the city (and one of the most popular in the country), but there’s also a vibrant art scene, incredible international restaurants, and lots of riverside cafes and pubs. It’s an underrated stop worth exploring for a couple of days.

7. See Neuschwanstein Castle

This 19th-century Neo-Romantic palace is the model for the Disney castle and a must for any Germany itinerary. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Europe, with over 1.5 million visitors each year. Perched on a rugged hill in Bavaria near the town of Füssen, the palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner. Visitors can walk around outside and admire the stunning exterior for free, but the interior is only accessible by guided tour at specific times, which must be booked in advance. While the palace is 6,000 square meters (65,000 square feet) in size, only 14 of those rooms were ever finished. The finished rooms were fitted with very modern technology for the time, such as central heating, hot and cold running water, automatic flush toilets, and telephones. Admission is 15 EUR and guided tours are available . I think the guided tours add a lot of context and would really recommend taking one.

8. See Frankfurt

Often considered just a stopover city (there is a huge airport here), Frankfurt is home to a gigantic exhibition hall (one of the largest in the world so tons of events and conferences are held here), an excellent science museum, and a towering 14th-century cathedral. It’s less expensive compared to other cities in Germany and worth spending a day or two visiting.

9. Visit Olympia Park

Located in Munich, this massive complex was originally constructed for the 1972 Olympic Games. It is topped by the largest roof in the world, which spans over 700,000 feet. There is a really good restaurant here too. Tickets to the stadium cost 3.50 EUR while a ticket to the Olympic Tower costs 11 EUR. You can also skate in the ice arena, swim in the Olympic swimming pool, and reserve court time on the tennis courts. The BMW Museum is also nearby and worth a visit.

10. Tour to Schloss Colditz

Originally built to be a Renaissance palace, this interesting structure has a long, bizarre history. Located between Leipzig and Dresden in the region of Saxony, it’s been a hunting lodge, a poorhouse, and even a mental hospital. It is most famous for being a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. There is a museum within the palace, with tickets costing 4 EUR. A two-hour guided tour through the castle (and escape tunnels built by prisoners) is 10 EUR. There is even a hostel within the castle (30.50 EUR per night).

11. Visit Hamburg

Located in northern Germany, Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. This port city, home to the second-busiest port in Europe, is famous for its parks and canals. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city’s central boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town) and is home to landmarks like 18th-century St. Michael’s Church.

12. See Tierpark Hagenbeck

Located in Hamburg, this zoo and aquarium spans over 60 acres and is home to more than 2,500 animals including polar bears, penguins, and walruses. In addition to the classic attractions, there is a petting zoo, a miniature railway, pony rides, a playground for kids, and a serene Japanese garden. Combination tickets for the zoo and aquarium are 40 EUR.

13. Take a break in Bremen

Located in the north (near Hamburg), Bremen is a smaller city worth exploring. The charming medieval Schnoor district makes for a great stroll, and there is a beautiful cathedral and opulent city hall in the historic market square. The medieval harbor has been converted into the Schlachte, a large pedestrian promenade along the banks of the Weser River lined with countless restaurants, beer gardens, and riverboats. Bremen is also home to several fascinating museums, including the Universum Bremen, an interactive science museum in a modern whale-shaped building. The museum also offers a Dining in the Dark three-hour dinner experience, where you learn to experience food with just four out of your five senses.

14. Explore the Rhine Valley

The longest river in Germany, the Rhine holds incredible importance both historically and culturally. The most popular area to visit is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 67-kilometer (41-mile) stretch is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with countless castles, ruins, villages, and vineyards. An extensive network of walking and cycling paths, as well as excellent public transportation, means you don’t even need to rent a car when visiting.

15. Step back in time in Bamberg

Located less than an hour from Nuremberg, Bamberg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, home to Europe’s largest intact historic city wall. Founded in the 9th century, the town was important in both the 12th-century Holy Roman Empire and the 18th-century German Enlightenment. It’s an incredibly picturesque town so spend the day wandering around, seeing the old homes, visiting the 13th-century cathedral, the 17th-century palace, the 18th-century city hall, and the seven churches that sit atop each of the seven hills surrounding the village.

16. Take a river cruise

Many of Germany’s major cities lie along large rivers, making river cruises a popular way to see the country. While there are expensive multi-day cruises going from city to city, you can also take a day cruise for a more budget-friendly option . Generally, these are around 15-25 EUR for a 1-2 hour trip. They are super fun.

17. Ascend Germany’s tallest mountain

Located in the Alps along the German-Austrian border, the Zugspitze mountain measures 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) and is a popular destination for winter sports. Even if you’re not into skiing, you can still enjoy the trip up the mountain via one of three different cable cars and a 90-year-old rack railway line. At the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views and several restaurants with traditional Alpine food. Round-trip cable car tickets cost 24-63 EUR depending on the season and which cable car you take. If you don’t want to go solo, day trips are available from Munich and are the best way to get there and around without transportation.

For more information on specific cities in Germany, check out these guides:

• Berlin Travel Guide
• Cologne Travel Guide
• Frankfurt Travel Guide
• Munich Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Germany

Germany is an incredibly safe place to travel. However, due to a few high-profile terrorist attacks in the country, I often get asked if it’s safe to travel to Germany. I wrote a whole article about how Germany (and Europe) is safe to visit if that’s a concern of yours.

Generally, you just need to watch out for scams and petty crime as you would anywhere (especially in Berlin late at night). Keep an eye on your valuables when in large crowds and on public transportation. Violent crime is rare so as long as you keep your valuables secure you shouldn’t experience any issues.

Scams are rare but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should feel safe in Germany, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Germany

There are lots of fun and social hostels in Germany. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• Five Reasons Hostel (Nuremberg)
• St. Christopher’s (Berlin)
• Circus Hostel (Berlin)
• Wombats (Munich)
• Jaeger’s Hostel (Munich)
• Five Elements Hostel (Frankfurt)
• Meininger (Hamburg)
• Generator Hostel (Hamburg)
• Station Hostel for Backpackers (Cologne)
• Black Sheep Hostel (Cologne)
• Lollis Homestay (Dresden)
• Hostel Mondpalast (Dresden)
• a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof (Nuremberg)

Germany Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel dorms – 17-25 EUR per night
• Hostel private rooms – 40-60 EUR per night
• Budget hotels – 45-65 EUR per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 30-90 EUR per night
• Airbnb apartments – 50-150 EUR per night
• Campsite – 5-20 EUR per night (wild camping is illegal in Germany.)
• Street food – 3-5 EUR
• Pre-made sandwiches – 5 EUR
• Beer hall meals – 9-18 EUR
• Sit-down restaurants – 25 EUR
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 8.50 EUR
• Beer – 4 EUR
• Cappuccino/latte – 4 EUR
• Bottled water – 1 EUR
• Groceries for a week – 40-50 EUR

Germany Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 55 eur per day.

If you’re backpacking, this budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like hiking and taking free walking tours. If you plan on drinking, add another 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

Midrange – 135 EUR Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room. You’ll be able to eat a few meals out, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a few drinks, take the bus between cities, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and castles.

Upscale – 245 EUR Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, travel between cities via train, eat out for all of your meals, drink more, take taxis to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury, though.

Germany Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Overall, Germany is not an expensive country to visit. Yes, river cruises are expensive. Yes, there’s plenty of high-end cuisine throughout the country. Visiting Frankfurt, the capital of finance, costs a pretty penny. But those are exceptions to the rule. Overall, Germany is quite affordable for a Eurozone country, with plenty of bargains throughout the country. Here are my best tips for saving money in Germany:

Get city tourism cards – Most of the major cities in Germany offer city tourism cards. These include free admission to major museums and attractions, discounts on restaurants, and usually unlimited public transportation. If you plan on seeing a lot, these cards can save you money.

Eat cheap – Throughout Germany, cheap outdoor sausage vendors offer quick eats for only a couple of euros. Additionally, some of the best and cheapest food in Germany is Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. You can get meals for 5-8 EUR that are delicious and filling. It’s what I mainly eat while in Germany whenever I want to eat out.

Drink cheap – In Germany, buying beer and walking around — known as a ‘Weg bier’ — is totally acceptable. Take advantage of good weather by sitting outside in Germany’s lovely plazas and lush parks and buy your own drinks from the Späti shops, street kiosks, and supermarkets to save money. Also, find the student areas by the universities as you’ll find the discounted places.

Take the free tours – The bigger cities in Germany have free walking tours. They’re a good way to see the city, learn about the history, and get your bearings without spending money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!

Book your train early – Trains in Germany are expensive but you can get a saver ticket that is around 40-50% off the standard fare if you book at least a week in advance. These tickets have limited availability, so be flexible with your travel plans. Also, if you are more flexible with times, try Flixtrain instead, which has fewer routes between bigger cities sometimes at inconvenient times but is way cheaper than Deutsche Bahn.

Take the bus instead of the train – While not as comfy or romantic, Flixbus or Postbus are two bus companies with super cheap prices. Download the app and you can get tickets last-minute but be aware that prices vary by time and availability so if you need to be somewhere by a certain time or day book in advance.

Use rideshares – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). You save money and get to spend time with locals. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible). While the bus might be cheaper, this is usually faster (and more interesting). Just make sure to check where the pickup and drop-offs are as sometimes they are not exactly central places or main station.

Stay with a local – While accommodation in Germany is pretty cheap, if you want to get some local insight into the country, you should Couchsurf. Not only will you save money on accommodation but you’ll meet locals who can help get you off the tourist trail and show you around! Plus, they have occasional meet-ups depending on the city so you can meet other travelers and locals

Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Look out for free museum days – Most museums in Germany offer free admission on certain days or evenings. Check their website or ask the local tourism office to find out about discounts.

Get transportation day passes – If you’re going to be using public transportation a lot in a city, get a day pass. Paying for single rides adds up quickly.

How to Get Around in Germany

Public transportation – Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. All the cities and larger towns have public transportation that is reliable and efficient. In cities like Berlin and Munich, all the various networks are integrated: one ticket gives you access to buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (above ground train). Fares are determined by zone, but generally, a one-way fare starts from 2.90 EUR. A one-day unlimited pass is generally around 7-9 EUR while a three-day pass costs 17-20 EUR.

Train – Train travel is an incredibly efficient way to get around Germany, though it’s not cheap. Germany’s main rail system is Deutsche Bahn, which has both high-speed trains and regular trains. The high-speed trains are a quick way to get around but are usually much more expensive.

Take advantage of regional group tickets that start at around 22 EUR. These regional discounted tickets are available in Bavaria, Brandenburg-Berlin, Baden-Wüttermburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westfalia, Hesse, etc. For example, the Bavarian Bayern Ticket is 58 EUR for a group of 5 tickets for any train in Bavaria from 9am to 3am.

Last-minute tickets from Berlin to Hamburg can cost 50 EUR, but advance bookings start around 20 EUR. Frankfurt to Cologne is also around 20 EUR. It’s always best to book in advance when possible, otherwise, you’ll pay the price for last-minute bookings. You can track schedules and fares on the Deutsche Bahn website.

Another great site for trains around Germany (and into neighboring countries), is Trainline .

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money .

Bus – Aside from hitchhiking, buses are the cheapest way to get around Germany. They are punctual but slow, with comfortable seats, air-conditioning, rest stops, and usually free Wi-Fi.

I recommend Flixbus for the cheapest rates and most comfortable buses. You can get from Berlin to Dresden for as little as 10 EUR, or from Berlin to Munich for 20 EUR. Munich to Hamburg is around 22 EUR.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Ridesharing – Ridesharing in Germany is very common. Ridesharing means you travel as a passenger with someone in exchange for payment toward fuel costs. It’s usually not as cheap as the bus but it’s often faster and you’ll meet some interesting characters! BlaBlaCar and Mitfahren are the two most popular ride-sharing websites.

Car rental – German is a great country to explore by car. Car rentals start at 30 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Renters need to be at least 21 years old.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Germany is very safe, but it’s not very common. HitchWiki is the best website for additional hitchhiking information.

When to Go to Germany

Germany is a year-round destination. Summer is the most popular time to visit as temperatures are hot and everyone’s outdoors enjoying the weather. People flock to beer gardens and to the lakes to swim. This is also the peak season, when prices are much higher than usual. During this time, average temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F) and can soar well into the 30s°C (high 80s°F). You’ll want to book accommodation and transportation early (especially in July and August).

Temperatures warm up fast in spring, and the season is marked by the arrival of cherry blossoms. By May it’s warm enough to walk around in t-shirts and shorts. May 1 (Der Erste Mai) is Germany’s Labor Day, and the country breaks out in full celebration. If you’re lucky enough to be here during this time, take to the streets with your fellow Germans and enjoy the live music, drinking, dancing, and general mayhem.

Thanks to the famous Oktoberfest, autumn is a very popular time to visit Germany (especially Munich). From the end of September to early October, millions of people flock here from all over the world to enjoy the most epic beer-drinking festival in the world. If you’re planning on attending Oktoberfest, book your accommodations in advance. Way, way in advance.

An autumn visit to Germany is overall a great idea, especially in Bavaria when the foliage in the hills and mountains makes for some amazing photography. Temperatures can sometimes be chilly, but with light layers, you’ll be fine.

Winter in Germany can be cold, with temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), but Germany is known for its Christmas spirit and the holiday markets all over the country are well worth your time, especially in Munich, Berlin, and Dresden. Pack some warm clothes and let the delicious glühwein (mulled wine) warm you up.

Winter in Bavaria is a skier and snowboarder’s dream only around one hour outside of Munich. While people might not think of Germany first in terms of skiing in Europe, these slopes are pristine, truly breathtaking, and way cheaper than neighboring Switzerland. Check out Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen, Kranzberg, Zugspitze, and Laber.

Germany Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Germany Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Germany travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Berlin

Munich is Better than Berlin

Where to Stay in Berlin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Survive Oktoberfest

The 18 Best Things To Do in Berlin

The Best Walking Tours in Berlin

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The Perfect 7-Day Germany Itinerary

Germany is a country full of history, Medieval cities, amazing food and wine, and cultural traditions that you can join in, like Oktoberfest. Yet not many U.S. travelers spend a lot of time exploring this country – choosing to go to France or Italy instead. We want to change that and help you see how exciting Germany can be.

It can be difficult to decide where to start and where to go when visiting a country for the first time, so we’ve done the hard work for you and planned a full 7-day Germany itinerary, beginning in the thriving tourist hotspot of Hamburg and ending in the equally popular city of Munich. 

With just 7 days to explore this vast country, you will only be able to skim the surface, but you’ll be able to see and enjoy famous landmarks and amazing things that you probably didn’t even know were here. Like some of the places on this list of beautiful sights to see in Germany.

We’ve also listed some tips for your trip to Germany below the itinerary itself, so be sure to read until the end for some important advice. 

Planning your trip to Germany?

• Book a  transfer from the airport  to the city center with  Welcome Pickups .
• Rent a car  from the airport through  Discover Cars .

Best Tours and Experiences in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich – Embark on a day trip from Munich to witness Neuschwanstein and Linderhof’s magical fairy tale castles.
• Rhine Valley Trip from Frankfurt, including Rhine River Cruise – Embark on a romantic Rhine Valley tour from Frankfurt, where you’ll sail along the Rhine River on a traditional steamer, passing by vineyards, medieval towns, and castles.
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train – Explore the history of the Holocaust on a half-day tour from Munich to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.

Visiting other destinations in Germany? Check out our guide to traveling in Germany that includes information on many popular destinations like Berlin and Munich , plus Oktoberfest in Munich . Going outside of Germany? Here’s our Europe travel guide .

Table of Contents

Where to Start & What to See

Many tourist guides and travel blogs will recommend beginning your visit to Germany either in Hamburg Munich or Berlin, but in the interest of cutting travel time as short as possible during your trip, we suggest starting in Hamburg. 

Hamburg is located on the River Elbe and is one of Germany’s federated states. Since Hamburg is in the northern region of Germany, it’s easy to work your way down through the other central and southern locations in the itinerary from there, and it’s only just over 2 hours from Berlin by train.

Stops On the Itinerary

• Hamburg – Sitting on the River Elbe is the second largest city in Germany, Hamburg. It is the biggest harbor city in Germany. It’s also a beautiful city to tour because two-thirds of the land is covered with parks, trees and lakes.
• Berlin – As the Capitol of Germany, Berlin is rich in culture, architecture and nightlife. The city is covered with parks, rivers, greenery and bridges. Partake in a walking tour to get the full effect of this historic German city.
• Dresden – Dresden is the largest metropolitan area in Germany. The city thrives on manufacturing, transportation, and culture. The high tech items are what drive their economy and occupy their jobs. It is also a place of art and inspiration.
• Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber – You don’t want to miss this cute town in Bavaria that is just oozing with charm. It’s a Medieval walled city with beautiful colored wooden houses.
• Neuschwanstein – Everyone knows this amazing castle, but to see it in person is an experience you won’t forget.
• Munich – Munich is a southern city in Germany that is located near the Alps. Best known for hosting the annual Oktoberfest Beer Festival, Munich is also a city filled with cultural activities. This is a great cultural center in Germany with opera, theatre, ballet, museums, and galleries. In Munich, you will find also the factory of the sports car BMW.

How to Get Around

Driving is very easy in Germany, as is the train system. However, you can’t easily reach every place on our itinerary by train. In places, such as between Rothenburg and Neuschwanstein, the train requires a minimum of three changes and takes over four hours.

It’s best to rent a car so you can get around to each place without having to deal with train times and tickets.

If you prefer to use the train only, then I would modify the itinerary to stay in only the bigger cities, which would be Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, and Munich, with a side journey to Neuschwanstein from Munich .

• Hamburg to Berlin: 3:20 by car; 1:45 via train
• Berlin to Dresden: 2:10 by car; 2:15 via train
• Dresden to Rothenburg: 4 hours by car; 7:45 via train
• Rothenburg to Neuschwanstein: 2:30 by car; 6 hours with transfers

When to Visit Germany

There are reasons why you might want to visit Germany in each season. For instance, the popular Oktoberfest celebration is in September, as is the wine harvest, which is a great time to visit the wineries.

In the winter there are Christmas markets taking place in cute towns all over Germany, especially in Rothenburg. Spring is a great time to go for fewer crowds, better prices, and an abundance of spring flowers.

You might also be interested in planning a trip during the Hamburg Dom , which takes place three times per year. It’s Northern Germany’s biggest public festival. Expect it to be on in November, April, and August.

7 Days In Germany

Day 1: hamburg.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during Hamburg Dom, join in the classic funfair rides, sample traditional German food , and just take in the culture.

• Two fun areas to visit are the Speicherstadt (city of Warehouses), and the surrounding HafenCity, where you’ll find many of the city’s most-visited tourist attractions. Just walk around to see the changing shape of the waterfront and the now protected World Heritage Site.
• The newly opened Elbphilharmonie  is an interesting building to check out and to visit if you want to catch a performance by the Orchestra. It’s Hamburg’s tallest inhabited building.
• Museums – There are four museums you should definitely check out – the Kunsthalle (one of the largest art museums in the country), the International Maritime Museum, and Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland , the perfect attraction for anyone interested in trains or air travel. The Chocoversum , Hamburg’s Chocolate Museum, is where you can sample some of Germany’s finest chocolate and even customize your own chocolate bar. 
• Another area to explore are the Inner Alster (Binnenalster) and Outer Alster (Aussenalster), two artificial lakes around which you’ll find a tree-lined park with lots of space for walking, jogging, or sitting at a café.

Where to Stay in Hamburg

Altstadt, the historic center of the city, is definitely the best area to stay in Hamburg for tourists because it’s near everything you’ll want to see, or a quick walk or train ride.

Our recommended hotels are:

• Park Hyatt Hamburg
• Grand Elysee Hamburg
• Steigenberger Hotel Hamburg

Where to Eat in Hamburg

Hamburg’s signature dishes are Franzbrötchen (a French roll), Currywurst, Labskaus (a beetroot seafarer’s stew), and Rote Grütze (a red-berry dessert).

Some restaurants we like going to in Hamburg are:

• Kartoffel Keller  for great German food
• Otto’s Burger – best burgers in town, so good!
• Haerlin – two Michelin star restaurant for fine dining
• Alt Helgoländer Fischerstube – high-quality fish restaurant right on the waterfront

Tours to Try:

• Hamburg Reeperbahn Small-Group Walking Tour
• Guided Hamburg City Bike Tour
• Hamburg Small-Group Sunset Sailing Cruise on Lake Alster

Day 2: Berlin

You’ll be spending your second day in Germany in the capital city of Berlin. There is, of course, plenty to see and do in this city, so you’ll want to get an early start from Hamburg. With so much to see you may want to come back and visit again. This 3-day Berlin itinerary will help you out.

One of my favorite ways to see many of the top sights in Berlin is on a walking tour. This half-day walking tour is only $20 and takes you around to all the main sights included in the list below. You won’t go into anything, but you’ll get an idea of where and what they are so you can go back.

• Berlin in obviously well-known for its checkered past, which can’t be ignored while visiting. We recommend learning about all aspects of German history, starting with the Holocaust Memorial and the Topography of Terror museum.
• Next to that is the Berlin Wall , which is both a painful reminder of the Cold War and, since 1990, a poignant open-air art gallery.
• Brandenburg Gate is the only historical city gate remaining in Berlin, and it has come to symbolize the reunification of Germany.
• Museum Island is home to five great museums: Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie , and Bode Museum.
• Climb the Berlin TV Tower and dine at the revolving restaurant sphere or the Reichstag Dome , which also has a rooftop restaurant that’s perfect for lunch. 

Where to Stay in Berlin

The best locations for tourists in Berlin is right in the center of the city, called Mitte. From here, you’ll be in easy walking distance of all the top sights and you won’t need to take public transportation unless you want to head further outside the main areas.

We enjoyed staying at the COSMO Hotel (newly opened Design Hotel) to the southeast. The Radisson Blu to the northeast and the Grand Hyatt to the southwest are also good choices.

• Hilton Berlin ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• The Grand Hyatt ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• COSMO ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Radisson Blu read reviews on Trip Advisor | Book a stay

Where to Eat in Berlin

You might be expecting the typical German foods in Berlin, but schnitzel isn’t the only thing on the menu in this melting pot of a city. There is a great international food influence in Berlin that leads to a lot of fusion.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Berlin on a Thursday, be sure to check out all the street-food vendors at Markthalle Neun . It opens at 5pm and features dozens of food options.

Even before I spent any time in Berlin, I knew about the Currywurst . It’s Bratwurst served with curry powder and ketchup, plus generally a side of fries. It’s one of the most popular street food dishes in Berlin. You’ll find some of the best Currywurst at Curry Mitte (in the middle of Mitte – very convenient), or at Curry 36.

• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin
• Berlin Icebar Experience Including 3 Drinks
• Classic Bites and Culinary Trends Neighborhood Food Tour in Berlin

Day 3: Dresden

Dresden is between 2 and 3 hours away from Berlin by train or car. This city is the perfect follow-up to your historical journey through Berlin. Dresden has three major landmarks – the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper opera house, and the Church of Our Lady – all of which are must-sees.

• The first thing you should do when you arrive in Dresden is visit the Frauenkirche Church , also known as the Church of Our Lady. This Baroque-style building has a rich history that begins in the 11th century when the originally Romanesque structure was built, through the 18th century when it was destroyed and rebuilt.
• The Zwinger Palace was built in the baroque style. It’s a palatial estate with gardens that houses internationally renowned museums and is the stage for many festivals, parades, and dramas.
• Semperoper is where you’ll find world-class opera, ballet and concert performances in one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Check out their calendar to see what’s on during your visit.
• We also recommend spending a few hours at the Green Vault . This is the site of the royal treasury, but it’s also a great spot for recreation.
• This Renaissance palace was the residence for the Electors and then the Kings of Saxony from the 16th to the 19th century.
• The Dresdener Residenzschloss was a residential palace from the 16-19 centuries, but is now a collection of museums for the various state collections.

Where to Stay in Dresden

The best place to stay in Dresden for tourists is the Altstadt, where you’ll really be able to enjoy and experience the rich past of the city and feel like you’re immersed in the history of the place. There are many great hotels in this area and they are walking distance to most things you’ll want to see.

• Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection
• Hilton Dresden
• NH Collection Altmarkt

Where to Eat in Dresden

The top Saxony dishes you should try in Dresden are mostly consisting of meat and potatoes. These are all definitely worth a try if you find them on the menu:

• Rinderroulade – This is a thin-sliced round steak, rolled up with a coat of mustard with diced bacon and pickles.
• Dresdner Sauerbraten mit Rotkraut – A slow roasted and spiced leg of beef that is sliced and served with red cabbage and bread dumplings.
• Sachsische Kartoffelsuppe – A hearty potato soup with speck or sausage.

Pulverturm , located right downtown, is a great place to try Saxony dishes in a unique underground vault restaurant complete with original stone walls.

You’ll also find many of the dishes above on the menu at AltMarktkeller , a beer cellar restaurant that serves local traditional dishes.

We especially love Paulaner’s im Taschenbergpalais which serves excellent Central European cuisine alongside a great variety of beer.

A popular beer garden where you can eat and drink outside is Augustus Garten – definitely go here if it’s a nice day out and you want to just enjoy the atmosphere and the nice weather.

• City Walk – Dresden in One Day

Day 4-5: Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fair train journey from Dresden (about 7 hours), so you might need to leave it off your itinerary if you’re using the train – or plan to add an extra day for the journey. If you’re driving, it will take about 4 hours 30 minutes. For that reason, we have given 2 days for this cute town, so you can enjoy the drive along the Romantic Road, or get there by train and still have time to see everything.

Romantic Road is one of the most well-traveled paths in Germany. It takes you through several quaint and picturesque towns like Ausburg and Wurzburg as well as beautiful forests before reaching the famously colorful town of Rothenburg. 

Rothenburg’s streets are lined with timbered houses, painted in every color of the rainbow. Complete with cobbled streets and warm-looking red roofs, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (which translates in English to ‘red fortress above Tauber River’) dates back to the Medieval ages and feels like a trip back in time. 

If you choose to visit Germany in December, you will love the abundance of Christmas markets that set up along the streets. Be sure to grab a mug of hot Glühwein as well. Last time I visited, you got a different souvenir mug to keep from each Gluhwein stand.

Here are the things you’ll want to do in the city:

Take a walk along the walls. The old quarter has 42 towers, most of which you’ll find along the 4 kilometer Tower Trail, which is open around the clock for you to walk on, with plaques along the way giving information.

Walk around town. You’ll see the beautiful Town Hall (Rathaus) with the clocktower that animates every hour with cute little figurines. Also be sure to see the most picturesque spot in town (pictured below), the Plönlein, which translates as “little square”. So cute!

Rothenburg Castle makes for a relaxing afternoon strolling through the castle garden or the park, learning some more history on the way. 

In the evening, if you’re in the mood for an eerie and exciting experience, you should book a spot on the Night Watchman Tour to hear some German legends and see Rothenburg at night.

Where to Stay in Rothenburg

The town is very small so there are only a few choices for hotels, all of which are well located and easy walking distance. My recommended hotels are:

• Hotel BurgGartenpalais
• Hotel Eisenhut

What to Eat in Rothenburg

What I love about this town is how everywhere you go is just as cute as the next place. There are some really cool places to eat here.

There are also a number of local foods you should try. One of my favorites is the Schneeball, which you will see in the store windows of many bakeries. Stop and give one a try. This is also a good opportunity to try Wiener schnitzel (pounded breaded veal) and Schweinsbraten (roast pork).

Zur Höll – Translates as “To Hell”, this is a super cool medieval cellar restaurant with a cozy atmosphere inside one of the oldest homes in Rothenburg. Some of the tables are in carved out caves.

The Bell Restaurant – If you’re a wine lover , you have to visit this restaurant and winery located on the Plönlein Corner. You can even take a tour of the vineyard and cellar.

Day 6: Neuschwanstein Castle

On day 6, you will be exploring Neuschwanstein Castle , which is about 2 hours outside Munich in the village of Hohenschwangau. It takes about 2 hours 20 minutes to get there by car from Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Another option is to go directly to Munich and take a guided tour to Neuschwanstein, which will take away some of the stress of planning. I recommend this full-day tour from Munich , which includes round trip train and a guided tour.

The castle itself feels like something out of a fairytale, and you can learn all about its 19th-century history on a tour. Neuschwanstein Castle is a popular tourist attraction, so you must book your tickets in advance for a timed slot. The tour is 30 minutes long, but you have to also get up to the castle, which takes about 30 minutes as well.

You can buy tickets at the entrance, but you likely either won’t get the time you prefer or you won’t get a ticket at all if they sell out, especially because they go on sale at 8am and you likely won’t arrive by then.

You can also take a tour of the Hohenschwangau castle on the opposite mountain, but you will need almost the whole day to complete these two, so you’ll have to decide how much time you have.

Where to Stay

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Neischwanstein and really get the most out of your time there, you’ll want to book at the Villa Ludwig Suite Hotel & Chalet . It’s fantastic and located right in the historic center of Schwangau.

Where to Eat Near Neuschwanstein Castle

If you want to sit down for a meal while you’re visiting the castle, I would recommend the Neuschwanstein Restaurant that is located up on the hill as you come down. It is a touristy area, so no matter where you eat it will be a tourist restaurant, so why not try the one with the most atmosphere.

Order a kase spaetzle and a schweineschnitzel and enjoy the scenery.

At the bottom of the hill, after you’ve descended into town, our recommendation is Schlossbrauhaus Schwangau , which is a rustic microbrewery serving authentic Bavarian cuisine.

Instead of staying in the area, I recommend taking the train back to Munich for the night. There are more choices and you’ll be ready to go for day 7.

• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Small-Group Premium All-Inc Tour from Munich
• Neuschwanstein Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Munich

Day 7: Munich City Center

Spend your final day in Germany in one of the most vibrant and fun-filled cities in the country: Munich.

Munich Old Town is a must-see if you’re interested in medieval architecture. The Glockenspiel is probably the main tourist attraction in the area. It’s the chimes of the clock tower that plays a scene with dancing figures on the hour. You’ll find this at the New City Hall (Rathaus) tower at Marienplatz. Plan to be there on the hour, then take a walk along the Marienplatz to take in all the sights and do a little shopping.

One of the best ways to learn about Munich and get acquainted with the city in a short time is on a walking tour. I recommend this 2-hour tour that takes you to historic landmarks like the Old Town Hall, Frauenkirche and St Peter’s Church, past the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall, into the lively Viktualienmarkt food market, Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz.

We also recommend taking a walk around Englischer Garten, which is a park dating back to the 18th century. This is the perfect place to enjoy lunch with a cold beer and a satisfying view because there are plenty of beer gardens, including our personal favorite, Hirschau .

You can take your pick from the various museums open to the public in Munich. The State Museum of Egyptian Art is particularly fascinating, as is the Deutsches Museum . To see some incredible antique sculptures from the Greek and Roman eras, be sure to visit the Glyptothek .

Want to spend more time in Munich? Check out this Munich Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Munich .

Where to Stay in Munich

I like to stay within walking distance of the Marianplatz because most everything you’ll be doing is near there. However, if you are planning your trip to coincide with Oktoberfest, you might want to stay nearer to the fest grounds called the Theresienwiese , so I have two recommendations.

• Platzl Hotel – 4 star hotel, 5 minutes walk to the Marianplatz
• Marc Munchen – Adults only 4-star hotel within close proximity to the Theresienwiese and the train station. We’ve stayed here numerous times and always love it.

Where to Eat in Munich

Bavarian food is much like what you’ve come to expect in Germany with a lot of sausage, schnitzel and potato dumplings. There are a few extra dishes that are served in Bavaria that are unique to here.

• Weisswurst – a white sausage made with veal and pork and served in a bowl of broth, often served with a pretzel and beer on the side.
• Münchner Schnitzel – Like other variations of schnitzel, this one is special to Munich and is spread with horseradish or mustard before being breaded and fried.

You can toast the amazing experiences you’ve had and order a final Bavarian meal at Hofbrauhaus , which is one of the most famous taverns in the world. It’s huge and super fun. Another way to enjoy it is on a Beer & Food Evening Tour, on which you’ll visit Hofbrauhaus and a few others, plus the beer museum.

Another place we really like to eat is Weinhaus Schneider , a cozy and eclectic fondue restaurant near the Rathaus. The Ratskeller Restaurant is another fun 19th-century cellar restaurant right next to the Rathaus.

Attending Oktoberfest

If you’re planning your trip to coincide with Oktoberfest , which takes place from mid-September to early October most years, you will definitely want to plan ahead. Hotels fill up fast, so book your stay at least 4-6 months ahead.

You don’t need tickets to attend Oktoberfest and the best time to go is during lunch on the weekdays, so you can get a seat at a table and see various tents without needing a table reservation. Table reservations for the evening session are VERY hard to come by. Try this small-group Oktoberfest tour that includes a reserved tent table.

Read our full guide on Oktoberfest to plan your trip.

Tours To Try:

• Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train

What To Do If You Have More Time

Day 8+: lake constance and the black forest.

A lot of our itinerary so far has been based in some of Germany’s famous cities, but if you have extra time to spend, we recommend getting away from the city and exploring the Black Forest and Lake Constance. 

Lake Constance is a World Heritage Site, located about 3 hours away from Rottenburg, and it’s one of the best places to go if you want to see the Alps in all their glory. 

The Black Forest is about 2 hours away from Lake Constance. If you’re driving, you could stop at Constanzer Wirtshaus for lunch on the way. This is a traditional German Pub with a beautiful view of the river.

Wine Tasting in Germany

The Black Forest is also known for being home to some of Germany’s best vineyards and wineries. If you’re in the mood for a glass of wine after your forest excursion, you should definitely visit Nagelsforst for a wine tasting.

The wine area of The Black Forest is the 3rd largest and southern-most wine region in Germany

Tips For Visiting Germany 

If this will be your first time visiting Germany, bear these tips in mind to ensure you get the most out of your week: 

• Remember that Germany is amongst the most populous European countries, and since it’s known for being very tourist-friendly, it’s also a popular vacation destination. This means that you’re likely to encounter a lot of crowds, especially in major cities like Berlin and Munich. Therefore, it’s best to book restaurant tables, tours, and other activities ahead of time. 
• Germany is a beautiful country, but it’s important to remember that many aspects of German history are very sensitive and sobering subjects. Therefore, it is imperative to be respectful at all times, but particularly when visiting memorials and historical sites. 
• A week in Germany is enough to see the major cities and have a diverse range of experiences. However, if you want to spend more time in cities like Berlin or try to see some of Germany’s lesser-known hidden gems , we recommend extending your stay to 10 days or 2 weeks. 
• Restaurants and Bars – You do not get water for free, you have to pay for it. If you order water you will get carbonated water. In most restaurants, you can request tap water and they may or may not charge you but it is most likely straight from the sink.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days in germany is enough.

For a more comprehensive tour of Germany, including major cities, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty, 10-14 days or more would be ideal. If you plan to visit one major city like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, a minimum of 3-4 days is a good starting point to get a taste of the city’s highlights. If you want to explore a specific region, like the Romantic Road or the Bavarian Alps, you might need around 5-7 days to see the main sights and immerse yourself in the local culture.

What to do in Germany for a week?

Start in Hamburg, where you can enjoy the funfair rides and cultural delights during Hamburg Dom. Explore the Speicherstadt and HafenCity, along with museums and beautiful lakes. Day 2 takes you to Berlin, where you’ll visit historical sites like the Holocaust Memorial and Berlin Wall. Marvel at the Brandenburg Gate and explore Museum Island. Day 3 continues to Dresden, known for its Baroque landmarks, including Zwinger Palace and Semperoper opera house. Day 4-5 brings you to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque town along the Romantic Road. Day 6 leads you to the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, offering a glimpse of 19th-century history. End your journey in vibrant Munich, exploring its Old Town, the Glockenspiel, Englischer Garten, and fascinating museums. This itinerary promises a memorable and diverse exploration of Germany’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

How much money do you need for a week in Germany?

Overall, a rough estimate for a budget traveler in Germany might be around €800-1200 for a week, excluding international flights. Mid-range travelers could plan for €1200-2000, while luxury travelers might budget upwards of €2500 or more.

Remember that these are general estimates, and your expenses depend on travel choices and spending habits.

Final Thoughts On This 7-Day Germany Itinerary

We hope that you’ll thoroughly enjoy your week in Germany with the help of our 7-day itinerary! 

Remember to leave yourself enough time to travel by car or train between your destinations each day to ensure you get to see everything.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

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Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

4 thoughts on “ The Perfect 7-Day Germany Itinerary ”

Do you actually put together trips for Oktoberfest or do I need to go through a travel agent?

We don’t put together the trips ourselves. We just offer advice.

Can you give me a roundabout of how much the 7 day might cost if we rent a car and stay in moderately priced hotels? Without airfare, of course.

Hi Kim, It’s very hard to estimate because every traveler is different in their spending, but the average price of a 7-day trip to Germany is $2,200 for a couple and $2,600 for a family of 4.

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• Travel Resources

Germany Footsteps

10 Jaw-Dropping Places You MUST Visit In Northern Germany 😍

Northern Germany is packed with captivating spots, from historic sites to buzzy cities with a rich past. This article will guide you through 10 best places to visit in North Germany that promise to satisfy your travel cravings and provide stunning photos for your Instagram feed.

We created this lineup with advice from experienced travelers and local tips. It includes often-overlooked gems that deserve attention. You’ll discover quaint villages, wild islands and modern cities where history meets progress. Each spot offers something special to enchant and inspire visitors.

Exploring Northern Germany reveals more than just famous sights. Natural beauty blends with man-made wonders here. Cobblestone streets hold centuries of stories. You might be lured by the Baltic Sea’s calm or eager to discover ancient towns. Northern Germany offers a variety of memorable experiences.

Prepare for a trip featuring grand city entries, green parks, and striking shorelines. By the end, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for Northern Germany’s rich history and hidden gems. So let’s start this adventure and feed your inner explorer with all the best places to visit in Northern Germany.

Traveling to Germany?  Click here to download your free Germany Trip Planning checklist .  We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Don’t miss the best hotel savings in Germany here >>

Table of Contents

Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Northern Germany

1. the port city of hamburg.

One of the more obvious answers to what to see in Northern Germany, Hamburg grabs your attention with its striking blend of modern edge and maritime charm. You simply can’t miss the historical Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district, where gothic architecture meets canals, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Strolling along the bustling harbor, you’ll feel the pulse of the city’s long-standing connection to the sea. And for a slice of tranquility, Planten un Blomen offers stunning green spaces that offer a perfect urban escape.

We recommend relaxing in one of Hamburg’s numerous cafes after exploring its vibrant cultural scene, including theaters and museums. It’s a traveler’s haven for both its energetic spirit and the welcoming calm of its parks and waterways.

Click here to read our guide to visiting Hamburg.

2. Bremen’s Roland Statue and Town Musicians

Hamburg isn’t the only city worth stopping at. One of the best cities in Northern Germany to visit is Bremen. As you meander through the historical market square, the sight of the imposing Roland Statue and the whimsical sculpture of the Town Musicians will undoubtedly captivate you. Erected over 600 years ago, the Roland Statue stands as a symbol of freedom and market rights, a sentinel to the city’s enduring independence.

Just a stone’s throw away, you’re greeted by the charming bronze depiction of the Town Musicians from the Brothers Grimm’s famous tale. Rubbing the donkey’s legs is said to bring good luck, providing a whimsical interaction that connects you to fairy-tale nostalgia.

It’s a magical place where history and folklore intertwine, inviting you to delve into Bremen’s rich heritage. The combination of awe-inspiring medieval grandeur and enchanting stories makes it a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience.

Click here to read more about Bremen.

3. Lübeck’s Old Town

Nestled on the banks of the River Trave, Lübeck’s Old Town is a hidden gem you simply must discover on your North Germany road trip. Enveloped in gothic architecture, its cobbled streets tell tales of the Hanseatic League’s storied past. Wander through the enchanting alleys and you’ll find yourself at the Holstentor, an iconic gate that stands as a sentinel to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Brimming with rich history, every nook houses cozy cafes and unique boutiques offering a slice of local life. Indulge in the famous marzipan, said to surpass all others in flavor and craft. If you’re craving a genuine taste of northern Germany’s medieval charm and lively cultural tapestry, Lübeck’s Old Town awaits with open arms.

Click here to read more about Lübeck.

Sylt, the crown jewel of the North Frisian Islands, must be on your Northern Germany itinerary. Its stunning beaches stretch over the West coast, offering a serene escape that speaks directly to the soul. Imagine soft sand beneath your toes and the soothing sounds of the North Sea waves; it’s a slice of heaven for peace seekers.

But Sylt isn’t just about relaxation. Indulge in the island’s unique culinary delights, from fresh seafood to the famous Sylter Royal oyster. Engage with nature on a deeper level as you traverse the lush Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On your visit, we find a charming blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences that invigorate the spirit. Sylt isn’t just a place to see; it’s a destination to feel — it welcomes you with open arms into its tranquil embrace. Let’s explore this gem together. You’ll understand why it’s a place you can’t afford to miss.

5. Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle isn’t just a castle; it’s a fairy tale brought to life. Perched on an island in the middle of a serene lake, its spires and domes captivate at first glance. You’ll find yourself enchanted by the grandeur that whispers tales of dukes and duchesses who once roamed these halls.

Inside, the castle’s historic chambers are adorned with intricate artwork and luxurious furnishings, taking you back through centuries. Strolling through the lavish gardens is a must, as they offer a picturesque panorama that melds the elegance of human craftsmanship with the sublime beauty of nature.

For travelers seeking a touch of majesty, this is an unparalleled destination. The blend of fantastic architecture and the tranquil embrace of the surrounding waters makes Schwerin Castle a place you’ll remember long after you leave. It’s not just a stop; it’s a journey into the splendor of Northern Germany’s past.

6. Rügen Island’s Chalk Cliffs

Rügen Island’s Chalk Cliffs are a sight you simply can’t miss. Imagine towering, stark white cliffs plunging into the sapphire waters of the Baltic Sea — it’s nature’s artwork at its finest. You’ll find yourself on a breathtaking stretch of coastline, within the Jasmund National Park, where the Königsstuhl, the highest cliff, stands guard over the sea.

Take a hike through the beech forests, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and emerge to the awe-inspiring views that painters and poets have revered for centuries. It’s an invigorating experience that connects you with nature’s immense beauty.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just seeking a spectacular photo, the Chalk Cliffs of Rügen are a must-visit. Let’s just say, they’re sure to etch a lasting memory in your travel diary.

7. The Hanseatic City of Rostock and Warnemünde

The Hanseatic City of Rostock and its seaside resort, Warnemünde, are gems waiting to be discovered in Northern Germany. Imagine wandering through Rostock’s historic streets, where gabled houses and the towering St. Mary’s Church speak volumes of the city’s past maritime glory.

Step into Warnemünde, and you’ll be greeted by broad, sandy beaches and the charming lighthouse, offering breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood by the harbor or hopping on a boat tour, the maritime flair is simply irresistible.

For travelers, Rostock and Warnemünde offer a perfect blend of historical intrigue and seaside relaxation. It’s a place where we can connect with Germany’s rich Hanseatic history while unwinding to the soothing sounds of seagulls and waves.

8. The Lower Saxony Wadden Sea

When you set foot on the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea, you’re stepping into a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you in awe. Imagine vast tidal flats that transform with the rhythm of the sea, an experience both humbling and unique.

Here, you’ll find a sanctuary for birds and sea creatures, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The migrating birds are a sight to behold, decorating the sky like a moving tapestry. Travel here to disconnect from the rush of life and reconnect with nature’s simple wonders.

Why should you visit? It’s not every day you get to walk on the sea floor. As the tide recedes, the horizon stretches, and you can stroll amidst the watery wilderness. It’s a rare adventure that’s both grounding and thrilling.

Come and see it yourself; it’s a natural spectacle that truly encapsulates the magic of Northern Germany.

Celle is a hidden jewel in Northern Germany, waiting to charm you with its storybook streets. Stroll through the old town, and you’ll find yourself transfixed by the ornate half-timbered houses, a hallmark of German heritage. 

It’s a place that seamlessly melds the past with the present. Imagine stepping into the impressive Celle Castle, steeped in history, then unwinding at a quaint cafe, sipping on locally-brewed beer. This town isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a delight for the soul.

For the traveler in you, Celle offers that rare tranquility coupled with rich cultural experiences. It’s a place that stays with you and is likely to be a highlight of your time in Germany.

Click here to read more about Celle.

10. Autostadt Wolfsburg

Autostadt Wolfsburg is a must-visit for anyone touring Northern Germany, especially if you have a penchant for automobiles. This sprawling car museum and exhibition complex showcases the art of automotive engineering. Here, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the sleek displays of classic and modern cars, each with its own story.

Imagine stepping into a world where innovation meets history, with interactive exhibits that offer insights into the future of mobility. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just curious, you’ll appreciate the blend of design, technology, and tradition that Autostadt embodies.

As a traveler, you’ll also enjoy the meticulously landscaped grounds, dotted with impressive pavilions dedicated to different car brands. It’s not just about admiring cars; it’s an educational journey that fascinates and informs. The blend of aesthetics, science, and nature makes Autostadt Wolfsburg an unforgettable stop on your Northern Germany adventure.

Click here to read more about Autostadt Wolfsburg.

Want an 11th bonus place? Check out the most unique railway in the world here . You’ll find it in Northern Germany too.

There are so many amazing places in Northern Germany to explore from the amazing castles to the picturesque Old Towns to the modern Autostadt to the islands of the Baltic Sea. With this list, I hope you find your own best places to visit in Northern Germany.

You can also read about the best beach towns in Northern Germany here.

Want to learn more about visiting Northern Germany? Find all our detailed travel guides to Northern Germany here and our one week itinerary for Northern Germany here.

Make sure you don’t miss our list of where to go in southern Germany  here and eastern Germany here . You can also find our list of the most beautiful places in Germany here and the best hidden gems here.

Related Articles:

By Elsa Meyer

Elsa was born in Germany before moving to the US as a kid. She spent many summers exploring Germany and hanging out with her grandparents before moving back to Germany for university. Elsa has a degree in German history and language. She enjoys sharing her love of her native country with others who want to explore it too! She particularly loves exploring the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest.

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The Top Places to Visit in the South of Germany

Overview of the most popular cities and sights in the south of Germany; just click on the links and you'll find more information about the different travel destinations in Germany.

Munich  (München), the capital of Bavaria and the gateway to the German Alps, is one of Germany's most popular travel destinations , famous for its interesting mix of traditional Bavarian culture, modern living and high-tech industries. Contemporary architecture goes hand in hand with grand avenues, first-class museums, and baroque palaces, which are a salute to Munich's royal past. And, of course, Munich hosts the annual Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, which draws over 6 million visitors to the Bavarian capital every fall.​

Nuremberg  (Nürnberg) is the second largest city in Bavaria and alive with history - from the Imperial Castle, the traditional residence of Germany's emperors, and the Old Town filled with timber-framed houses, to the home of Albrecht Durer, and the Nazi Rally Party Grounds.

Located in the Franconian wine-growing region in Bavaria, ​Würzburg is set idyllically on both sides of the river Main. The city used to be home of Germany's powerful prince-bishops, and you can still find their legacy in Würzburg's baroque architecture. The highlight of the city is its Residence Palace (Residenz), one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe and part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Neuschwanstein

The world's most famous castle,  Neuschwanstein , is nestled in the Alps, and it seems to come straight out of a fairy tale; no wonder Walt Disney drew inspiration from it for his Sleeping Beauty castle. Built in 1869, Bavarian King Ludwig II constructed this fantastic castle not for defense but for pleasure -- it was his private summer retreat. And although the design of Neuschwanstein may look medieval, Ludwig made sure to build in modern technologies of the day, such as flush toilets and heating.

Stuttgart , the state capital of Baden-Wuerttemberg , is located in the southwest corner of Germany. In 1886 the automobile was invented here, and Stuttgart is still the home of Mercedes and Porsche (and their fascinating car museums). With its many parks and surrounding vineyards, Stuttgart is one of the greenest cities in Germany.

10 miles northeast of Munich you'll find the town of Dachau. The city became infamous for being the site of the first concentration camp built in Nazi Germany. The camp has been turned into a memorial site that features the original barracks, prisoner baths, and crematorium, as well as a historic exhibition. After visiting the concentration camp, head into Dachau's Old Town, which has a very picturesque historic city center, overlooked by a castle.

Romantic Road

One of Germany's most popular scenic drives, the  Romantic Road  leads you from the Franconia Wine Country all the way to the foothills of the German Alps; on your way, enjoy unspoiled nature, picturesque towns with city walls, towers and half-timbered houses, hidden monasteries, and enchanting hotels.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany, located along the Romantic Road. Walk atop the medieval wall that encircles the old city center, or go to the top of the historical Town Hall for a spectacular view of the region. The town is very popular for day-trippers and it gets very crowded in summer.

This thriving university town is located right across the border of France and Switzerland, in the southwestern corner of Germany. For many travelers, Freiburg is just the gateway to the Black Forest, but the city has plenty to offer itself: a spectacular Minster, historical merchant's houses, medieval squares, and many laid-back restaurants and wine bars.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is located 60 km northeast of Strasbourg, France in the Black Forest region of Germany; the city is famous for one of the oldest casinos in Germany and its many spas and thermal springs, which date back to the era of the Romans.

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