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5-14 Day Germany Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Germany Trip

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Plan Your Perfect Germany Itinerary with These Detailed Templates!

If you’re looking to plan the perfect trip around Germany, you are in luck! We’re passionate about exploring Germany because it’s a great country – and because Lisa is German!

Jokes aside, we’ve been lucky enough (and have made it a point) to see lots of different parts of the country – from the sea in the north to the mountains in the south. That said, Germany can be a tough country to plan a route or road trip through because there is just so much to see and do!

So, whether you’re looking for the best week in Germany or a Germany itinerary that covers 5 days or 14 days – here’s our master guide with 7 detailed Germany itineraries by train and/or by car! We’ve got cities, attractions, hotels and accommodations, directions, and distances to help you plan the best Germany travel route for you!

We’ve got other great posts to help you plan a visit to Germany:

• Must-Knows + Tips for Travelling to Germany for the First Time
• Helpful German Phrases to Get You By
• Discover 30 Beautiful Places in Germany
• Our Top Hostels in Germany (Stayed at all of them)

Table of Contents

Things to Consider When Travelling in Germany

Before you plan your trip to Germany, there are some things that you should know and keep in mind to make planning easier and to have a successful trip. While you probably know that the currency used in Germany is the Euro, here are some other topics that you should consider as well.

Best Time of Year to Visit Germany

Germany is actually a destination that you can visit year round – but it is important to plan accordingly and go in with the right expectations. If you’re planning a trip during the spring – let’s say from March to May – you could absolutely have beautiful weather… but it may also just rain a lot.

Unfortunately, the weather can be quite difficult to predict. However, as long as you prepare for different possibilities, you can have a great time no matter the weather! Generally you can say that Germany has a moderate climate with cool and rainy winters (more snowy the farther south you get) and warm – but not overly hot – summers.

July and August are usually the warmest months with an average temperature around 20°C. However, there can be days where you have 30°C. Of course, this can vary depending on the exact location you’re travelling to. Often, it is colder by the north coast than it is farther south. 

We would honestly recommend that you avoid visiting the country in July if you dislike crowds since this is when the majority of kids are on their summer break from school. As a result, some cities can get quite busy.

Typically, we would recommend travelling in May or June and then from the end of August until the end of September (or even the middle of October). However, there is also a great reason to plan a Germany trip during the winter because of the many beautiful Christmas markets that you could visit at that time of year!

Public Transportation in Germany

Public transportation in Germany is quite good, especially when compared to North America. Yes, sometimes us Germans like to complain about the “Deutsche Bahn” – the German train company – but at the same time we are also super glad that it exists and works well. 

If you’re wondering: Yes, all the itineraries mentioned below can absolutely be done if you want to take the train (minus the odd day trip to a castle here and there). If you want to check a train connection and/or buy tickets in advance you can do so on the DB Website . Alternatively, you can also download the DB app to your phone. We both have it and use it regularly. 

As an alternative to the train, you can sometimes also use the bus to get from one city/town to another. Since 2013 (before this date it wasn’t allowed), long distance buses have established their presence in more and more cities and are now a popular way to get around for people who are more conscious of their money.

Unfortunately long distance train tickets can sometimes get quite expensive if you don’t book in advance – so the bus can be a good alternative in some cases.

The most popular long distance bus company in Germany is probably Flixbus. We have also used them multiple times to get between cities. If you want to look at the schedule and/or book a ticket, you can do so on their website .

In addition to the trains and long distance buses, the public transport within the cities is also usually pretty good – especially in bigger centres. Many of the cities – or transport associations – have their own transport apps. So, if you know where you are going and plan on using the local buses, trams, metros, etc. then downloading the local transport app would be a great idea!

Car Rental in Germany

If you want to rent a car and plan a Germany road trip, then that is certainly an option as well. Driving in Germany is generally pretty safe and people are not usually as reckless as in some countries in the south of Europe. However, it can get a little crazy in bigger cities like Berlin or Munich – especially if you are not used to driving in bigger centres. 

In Germany, you drive on the right side as it is done in the United States, Canada, and many other countries as well. You have probably heard of the “Autobahn” – that’s simply the German name for our highway system. If you follow any of these itineraries, you’ll drive on many different highways. 

While it is true that there is no speed limit in some parts of the Autobahn, there are lots of sections where there are actually speed limits in place. You can usually find limits imposed at/around construction zones along the way – so don’t think you can just speed all the time.

And PLEASE don’t drive on the Autobahn like you would on a highway in the United States or Canada – pass on the left and then get back over . If you’re going slower than other cars, there’s no need for you to be in the left (or even in the middle) lane. You can probably tell that this is something that Lisa complains about in Canada frequently, haha. 

Since Germany is such a popular destination, there are lots of different rental car agencies to choose from. You can compare prices from different agencies for the duration of your trip with this handy rental car comparison tool . Please make sure to read the fine print so you know whether you need extra insurance, etc.

Also please be aware that many people in Germany drive cars with a stick shift. Rental cars with automatic transmissions exist, but the numbers available are usually lower and these cars might be slightly more expensive.

We’d also recommend that you reserve an automatic car well in advance if you need one – just so you can make sure that one is available for you. It probably wouldn’t be fun learning how to drive a stick shift while on a road trip in a foreign country. 

Travel Insurance for Germany

If you’re planning a trip to Germany and you’re not from another EU country, then you should make sure to get travel insurance for the duration of your trip!

While you’ll probably be fine, accidents do happen and it could get really expensive if you’re not covered. That’s why we always travel with insurance.

If you live in another EU country and have health insurance there, you can get the blue health insurance card with which you are covered in other EU countries in emergency cases, as well.

If you don’t have that option – or are from outside of Europe – we recommend that you get private travel insurance.

Germany Itinerary 5 Days

If you only have a few days to travel through Germany, then have a look below at the two 5-day itineraries we have created. For these itineraries, we have assumed that you are not already in the country so they all start and end in bigger cities.

This should help make it easier for you to fly in/out of an airport with good connections if you are coming from overseas.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a trip through the northern part of Germany or a trip through the south of the country (mainly Bavaria). If you are interested in bigger cities and/or harbours, then we’d recommend the northern route.

In case you prefer half-timbered houses and beautiful old towns, then you should have a look at the southern route instead. Of course, you can always modify any itinerary to better suit your interests!

Germany Itinerary 5 Days – North

This 5-day Germany itinerary through the northern part of the country can certainly be considered a “sampler-type” of itinerary since you get to see the two biggest cities in the country – but not much more than that.

That’s completely fine though – you can only see so much in five days anyway. If you are interested in bigger cities and don’t have more than a few days, then this itinerary would be great for you!

The total driving time for this itinerary would be about 5 hours 30 minutes with a total distance of approx. 520 km. Of course, this can change depending on the route you are taking and the time of day you are travelling. Commuter traffic could add quite a bit of travel time to your journey.

Day 1+2: Berlin Day 3: Bremen Day 4+5: Hamburg

Day 1+2: Berlin

Berlin is a great place to start your adventure since it is the German capital, has multiple airports close by, and has really good train connections.

Since Berlin is such a popular tourist and business city, the car rental industry is well established and there are many different rental agencies to choose from.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Berlin here

However, since you are only visiting bigger cities on this relatively short itinerary, we believe that a rental car is probably not necessary. Instead, for this trip, it might make more sense to take the train.

Since Berlin is such a big city with lots of things to do, it is worth it to spend (at least) two days in the city. So, remember to book your accommodation in Berlin for two nights .

Accommodation in Berlin : Berlin is a massive sprawling city with loads of different areas to stay and different accommodation options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

If you are travelling to Berlin with a car, you’ll need a place to park. Check out Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte for a stay right in the middle of the city close to Museum Island and other top attractions. It also has a tasty breakfast. Park Plaza has free parking on the street near the hotel (if available) or else it’s for a fee (but a reasonable price considering you’re in the middle).

If you are arriving into Berlin by train, you can check out NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie . Located in the city centre right near the top sight “Checkpoint Charlie”, this popular hotel is in the heart of the action/attractions and is easy to get to via modes of public transit (metro – called the “U” for U-bahn).

If you are searching for a hostel/hotel, check out PLUS Berlin . Located over near the East Side Gallery (the piece of the Berlin wall with the artwork on it), Eric stayed here and really liked it! It’s also very easy to get to using public transit and is close to other areas to go out, etc.

Must-see Attractions in Berlin:

• Brandenburg Gate
• East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall)

We have also written a whole article about classic tourist attractions in Berlin in case you’d like some more inspiration. If you’re looking for some tips on how you could spend a day in Berlin, have a look at our One Day in Berlin Guide .

Day 3: Bremen

On the third day of your 5 days in Germany, you’ll head for Bremen. We’d recommend that you do the drive/train ride in the morning so you have enough time to explore the city once you get there.

Bremen is a hanseatic city with a nice old town – the market square with the town hall and the cathedral is especially popular. In German-speaking countries, the city is also known for a tale called the “Town Musicians of Bremen” by the Brothers Grimm. You’ll come across the animals of the tale (donkey, dog, cat, and rooster) many times as you stroll through the city.

The drive from Berlin to Bremen will take you approximately 4 hrs 10 min by car , but only around 3 hrs by train . If you take the train, try to book in advance if you can as this will usually save you some money.

Accommodation in Bremen: Bremen is a popular city to explore and it’s also on the larger side so you’ll find plenty of accommodations to suit your needs. There are hotels in the city centre/old town which put you within walking distance of the river and top attractions. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bremen .

For a popular choice in the historic middle, you should check out the very popular Radisson Blu Hotel Bremen . Funny story – we know there’s underground parking because we parked there when we visited Bremen by car.

If you want to stay closer to the train station just outside the historic centre (but still very central), check out the Dorint City-Hotel Bremen . This lovely and also very popular hotel is close to the pretty Windmill and flower gardens and has water views just outside the old city walls.

Must-see Attractions in Bremen:

• Marktplatz with Town Hall and Cathedral
• Böttcherstraße
• Schnoorviertel

If you want some more tips for Bremen, have a look at our detailed Things to do in Bremen Guide .

Day 4+5: Hamburg

Hamburg is the second-biggest German city and the last stop on this short itinerary. We have been to Hamburg numerous times now and it is actually one of our favourite bigger German cities. You’ll find that the atmosphere of the city is very different than in Berlin. Not necessarily better or worse – just different.

Interesting (and slightly irrelevant) fact: The cities you visit on this itinerary are the three city states that exist in Germany in addition to the 13 area states such as Bavaria, Nordrhine-Westphalia etc.

The drive from Bremen to Hamburg is actually pretty simple and should only take around 1 hour 30 minutes by car and just around 1 hour if you take an ICE (fast train) . The train connection between these two cities is great with trains running pretty frequently. That should make it quite easy to find a train connection that works for your schedule.

Accommodation in Hamburg : Hamburg is popular city with loads of different accommodations and areas to stay in. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

If you are travelling to Hamburg with a car, you might want to check out the Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg . Located in an old water tower, this unique hotel has a number of cool features with stunning views and parking onsite. It’s very popular – and also close to public transit for getting around!

If you are travelling to Hamburg by train, ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg is a great hotel option for you to check out. Located in the cool area of St. Georg, you can easily walk to the hotel from the train station. It’s also walkable to other parts of the city centre and other attractions.

If you are looking for a hostel in Hamburg, you might want to check out Generator Hamburg as a reliable and popular hostel stay close to central station and the heart of the city.

If you want more details about accommodations in the city, we have a more detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Must-see Attractions in Hamburg:

• Speicherstadt
• Elbphilharmonie
• St. Pauli Piers

As one of our first ever articles on Penguin and Pia, we actually wrote a short Hamburg Guide . Have a look if you want some more Hamburg inspiration. Unfortunately it’s not nearly as detailed as our newer article – looks like it’s time for an update!

Germany Itinerary 5 Days – South

If you would like to explore the southern part of Germany instead of the north, then we would recommend the following 5 days Southern Germany itinerary. Compared to the northern itinerary, this trip includes stops in some smaller towns and cities. So, if you are interested in seeing some places of various sizes, beautiful old towns, and maybe a castle, then this might be a good itinerary for you.

The driving distance of this trip is just around 680 kilometres with a total driving time of approx. 7 hours . Depending on your mode of transportation, this can – of course – vary slightly.

Day 1: Munich Day 2: Regensburg Day 3: Nuremberg Day 4: Stuttgart Day 5: Munich

Day 1: Munich

We are starting (and ending) this itinerary in Munich since it is an easy airport to fly in and out of from other parts of the world. If you are coming from another part of Europe by train, the connections to Munich are also usually pretty good.

Munich is the third-biggest German city and a very popular tourist destination. International travellers often mainly know the city because of the Oktoberfest which happens every year from the middle of September until October.

However, there is so much more to do and see in Munich than just the “Wiesn” (as the Oktoberfest is sometimes called as well). We are always happy to return to Munich because there is just so much to explore.

If you are thinking about renting a car for this itinerary, then you’ll be happy to know that it is quite easy to get a rental car in Munich. You can either pick it up directly at the airport after you land (if you arrive by plane) or in the city centre before you head to the next stop on this journey.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Munich here

Accommodation in Munich: Munich is very large and popular city so finding a place to stay is no problem. The issue becomes that there are too many places to choose from! That said, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich .

Specifically, we stayed at the very popular H2 Hotel München Olympiapark and we would highly recommend it for the value for money. The hotel has nice, cozy rooms, a super great breakfast buffet, and has a metro station steps from the front entrance to take you to the city centre.

There’s also onsite parking which makes this hotel perfect if you are travelling to Munich by car. The famous Olympic Park and BMW Museum are close by, too!

If you want to stay a little more in the city centre, then check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This trendy hotel is in the heart of the Old Town just steps from top attractions like Marienplatz and the famous Hofbräuhaus. It’s also easy to get to the central train station either walking or on the metro.

If you are looking for more details on accommodations in this massive city, we wrote a detailed guide on where to stay in Munich .

Must-see Attractions in Munich:

• Marienplatz with New Town Hall
• Olympic Park
• Victuals Market
• English Garden

We also have a great little guide on how to spend one day in Munich if you want more details.

Day 2: Regensburg

On day two of your trip you’ll be on your way to Regensburg, a small city in Bavaria on the Danube river. Due to its location by the river, Regensburg is a popular stop for people on a river cruise. So don’t be surprised if you see many different tour groups in the Old Town.

We recently spent a couple of days in Regensburg to get to know the city better and enjoyed our time there. One of the highlights is the Old Stone Bridge in the city centre which was built in the 12th century. We actually filmed a small YouTube video in Regensburg – which you can watch here if you are curious about what the city looks like.

The journey from Munich to Regensburg takes approximately 1 hr 20 minutes by car and around 1 hr 30 minutes by train . If you decide to travel by train – and especially if you are travelling with other people – we would recommend that travel with a “Bayernticket” (Bavaria Ticket). This ticket for train travel within the state of Bavaria usually allows you to save some money compared to regular prices.

Accommodation in Regensburg:  If you are staying a night in Regensburg, you’ll have a number of great accommodations to choose from. To get started, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Regensburg .

When we visited the city, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express – Regensburg and really liked it. It’s a newer hotel and it really shows. The breakfast was excellent and there is even an onsite parking garage if you are travelling with a car. It’s not in the Old Town or near the river – but we did walk there one day and it only took about 15 minutes.

If you are travelling by train and you are on-foot, then check out the Altstadthotel Am Pach . This simple hotel is located right in the heart of the old town so you’re close to everything there is to see and do in Regensburg – including the beautiful Danube River. They also have breakfast included.

Must-see Attractions in Regensburg:

• Old Stone Bridge
• St Peter Cathedral

We are currently still working on our Regensburg Guide – but we’ll link it here once it is published.

Day 3: Nuremberg

On the third day of this 5 day Southern Germany itinerary you’ll drive – or take the train – from Regensburg to Nuremberg. Nuremberg is a medium sized city in a part of Bavaria called Franconia. If you pay attention, you might notice that the dialect spoken here is quite different from that spoken in Munich and other places farther south.

Lisa actually grew up in this part of Germany so she has been to Nuremberg many, many times. Last year we also went to explore the city together and had a great time. Travellers from abroad mainly know the city for the Nuremberg Trials which took place there after World War II. You can certainly learn alot of history in this German city!

Since Nuremberg is quite close to Regensburg the drive won’t be long – giving you slightly more time to explore the city.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car and between 1-2 hours by train depending on which train you take (some stop more often than others). Once again, a regional ticket – such as the Bavaria Ticket – will probably save you some money if you travel with more people.

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Since Nuremberg is a very popular city to visit in Germany, there are many, many places to stay scattered throughout the city centre and around it. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

When we visited, we stayed at Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we really liked it. Located just inside the medieval city walls, we were really close to the train station and yet also steps from top attractions like the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. The place was bright and great value for the price which we liked a lot.

Close to Five Reasons, we had friends stay at the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg and they loved it. We actually saw it with our own eyes – it had a pool with views of the city among other perks. There’s also a parking lot right across from the hotel if you’re coming to Nuremberg by car. It’s walking distance to the old centre and the central train station so best of all worlds!

Must-see Attractions in Nuremberg:

• Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg)
• Documentation Center + Nazi Party Rally Grounds
• Albrecht Dürer’s House

As is the case with Regensburg, we are also still working on our article for Nuremberg. Once it’s live, we’ll link it here.

Day 4: Stuttgart

Stuttgart is the capital of the German state called Baden-Württemberg and the only place on this itinerary that is not located in Bavaria. The city is mainly known for being a “car hub” since both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have their headquarters there. There are also museums dedicated to both car brands.

Stuttgart is a bit smaller than Munich but there is still a lot to see. In fact, one day won’t be enough to see the whole city – but it’ll allow you to get a good first impression. Next to the car museums, you could visit some of the many green spaces and/or old buildings that the city has to offer.

Driving from Nuremberg to Stuttgart by car will take you approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. If you have the time, you could even take a small detour and stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its picturesque Old Town.

By train , the journey from Nuremberg to Stuttgart will take between 2 hrs 10 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes – depending on the type of train you are taking. Try to book your ticket in advance if possible as this can save you some money.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: There are many places to stay in Stuttgart – especially in the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

If you’re travelling to Stuttgart with a car, check out the Abalon Hotel ideal . Located very much in the city centre, this popular hotel has an underground parking garage and offers a good breakfast selection.

If you’re travelling to Stuttgart by train, you can check out the Pension am Heusteig . This guesthouse-style accommodation doesn’t have parking but offers a great breakfast and is a doable walk or metro ride from the train station. Funny enough, these two accommodations are very close to one another!

Must-see Attractions in Stuttgart:

• Schlossplatz
• Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Staatsgalerie Stuttgart

Day 5: Munich

On the last day of your trip you’ll make your way back to Munich since it is usually easier to leave Germany through the Munich airport than smaller airports in the surrounding area.

However, if you don’t have to get to an airport – and/or are taking the train home – you could also stay an extra night in Stuttgart if you wanted. Both cities are worth spending an extra few hours in – so you really just have to see what works best for you.

If you decide to get back to Munich, then the journey from Stuttgart to Munich will take approximately 2 hours 20 minutes by car and just slightly less (2 hrs 15 minutes) by train .

Accommodation in Munich : We already went over accommodations in Munich in Day 1 of this itinerary. So, you can head back up for the full details – but we would highly, highly recommend the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark as great value for money with great breakfast, parking, and a metro stop outside the front door.

Don’t forget we also have our detailed guide on where to stay in Munich if you want to have a deeper look at accommodations in the city.

We also have a post on spending one day in Munich if you want more details about the city!

Germany Itinerary 7 Days

If you have slightly more time to explore Germany, we have also created two 7 day Germany itineraries for you. Similar to the 5 day itineraries, we made two different itineraries since it’s pretty much impossible to see the whole country in just a week.

Instead of a northern and southern itinerary, this time we have focused on the western and eastern parts of the country. But please don’t read too much into that description – we use the terms quite loosely. As always, you’re welcome to modify any part of the itinerary to make it better fit your schedule/interests.

Germany Travel Itinerary 7 Days – West

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be around 14 – 15 hours and the distance would be slightly over 1100 km . For these calculations, we included the day trip to Monschau (and back to Cologne) as well as the day trip to Freiburg im Breisgau (and back to Stuttgart), which would be a longer day trip anyway.

So, depending on which day trips you decide to add on to (or remove from) this itinerary, your driving time and distance could be noticeably different than the estimates given above!

Day 1: Cologne Day 2: Day Trip to Monschau/Aachen Day 3: Koblenz Day 4: Frankfurt Day 5: Heidelberg Day 6: Stuttgart Day 7: Stuttgart / Day Trip to Freiburg im Breisgau

Day 1: Cologne

As we have already explained above, we like to start these itineraries in bigger cities to make it easier for people from overseas to get to Germany and start their adventure without hassle. Cologne is Germany’s fourth-biggest city (by population) and has two pretty good airports (Airport “Köln Bonn” and Airport “Düsseldorf”) close by for those coming from far away.

If you want to rent a car for this itinerary, it should be pretty easy to get one in Cologne since it’s quite an international city with lots of visitors.

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Cologne here

Cologne is a pretty spread-out city so you won’t be able to see the whole city in a day or two. However, the highlight of the city is certainly the Cologne Cathedral which is located right next to the central station and the Rhine River.

Make sure to plan some time to visit this impressive building – we always spend much longer in there than we originally plan. It’s free to enter so it can get very crowded depending on the day and time you’re visiting.

Accommodation in Cologne : Cologne is a very big city with multiple areas to stay in. As such, there are lots of accommodation options across the city. Wherever you book, remember to book your accommodation for two nights since you will go on a day trip and then return to Cologne on the second day. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Cologne .

We have stayed in the Lindner Hotel City Plaza and loved it. The floors all have themes (we got Cologne Zoo with animals), the breakfast buffet is absolutely fantastic, and it’s a short walk to the Cathedral along one main street. There’s also parking available at/near the hotel for those with a car.

If you want to stay more in the heart of the city centre, check out something like the CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom . It’s popular, centrally located with shops and restaurants around, and only a short walk to the train station.

If you are looking for a hostel in Cologne, Eric once stayed at Cologne Downtown Hostel and it was honestly excellent. There’s a grocery store right below it and it’s located in the city centre. It also has a large balcony to enjoy the sunshine from!

Must-see Attractions in Cologne:

• Cologne Cathedral
• Cologne Chocolate Museum

Day 2: Day Trip to Monschau/Aachen

On the second day of this Germany itinerary, you have a few different option: you can either spend another day in Cologne if you feel like you haven’t seen enough of the city yet or take a day trip to Monschau or Aachen. Both of these are two places not too far from Cologne.

Monschau is a popular day trip in the area mainly because of its picturesque buildings in the old town. In fact, you probably have already seen photos of it on social media. To get to Monschau from Cologne, you can either drive or take a combination of trains and buses.

Getting to Monschau takes around 1 hr 40 minutes by car and approx. 2 hours by public transport . To visit Monschau by public transport, you can take the regional train from Cologne to Aachen-Rothe Erde and then take Bus #66 from there to Monschau.

Must-see Attractions in Monschau:

• Monschau Castle

If you want to go on a day trip but don’t want to venture that far, then Aachen would be another great option. This city is actually Germany’s most western city very close to the borders of The Netherlands and Belgium.

We’ve lived close to Aachen for a while and have written a whole guide full of things to do in Aachen that you should read if you want more information. In our opinion, one day is the perfect amount of time to explore the city since it doesn’t have that many attractions and the old town in the city centre is quite compact (but still very pretty).

Getting from Cologne to Aachen is also very easy. It takes approx. 1 hr 20 minutes by car and just around 50 minutes by regional train . You should look into getting a “Schönes Tag Ticket NRW” for the day if you’re travelling with more people as this can save you some money.

Must-see Attractions in Aachen:

• Aachen Cathedral
• Elisenbrunnen

Day 3: Koblenz

From Cologne, your journey continues to Koblenz – another city on the Rhine River. Koblenz is a smaller German city with a population of slightly over 110,000 inhabitants.

There are quite a few castles and nice hikes in the area which are easy to reach from Koblenz – just in case you decide that you don’t want to spend the day in the city. Depending on the time of year, you could also look into booking a boat tour on the Rhine river. This way, you get a unique perspective of the beautiful region.

Getting from Cologne to Koblenz is pretty easy and will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car and between 50 minutes and 1 hr 10 minutes by train . We really like this train journey since the tracks follow the river for a majority of the trip. As a result, you get some really nice views – and might even spot some of the beautiful castles in the area!

Accommodation in Koblenz: Koblenz is certainly not a huge city – but you’ll still find a good number of places to stay for a night or two. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Koblenz .

For a hotel right in the city centre, check out the Sander Hotel . This lovely hotel is super popular and close to shops and the rivers. If you are arriving to Koblenz by car, there is onsite parking at the hotel. However, since the city is smaller you can also easily reach the hotel by walking from the central train station.

Must-see Attractions in Koblenz:

• Deutsches Eck
• Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
• Koblenz Cable Car

Day 4: Frankfurt

The next stop on your itinerary is Frankfurt, arguably one of the country’s most popular transport hubs due to the busy Frankfurt airport. Frankfurt is an interesting city that divided people: some people really enjoy it while other people don’t like it at all. To be fair, we haven’t spent enough time in the city to really solidify our opinion.

Either way, we do believe that Frankfurt is a stop that you shouldn’t miss if you are trying to get to know different areas of Germany. Known as the financial hub of Germany, this city with its many skyscrapers can feel quite a bit more modern than other German cities. However, the city also has a beautiful, historical market square that you should visit.

The journey from Koblenz to Frankfurt is another easy one – and if you are taking the train (we would recommend that!), you’ll once again follow the Rhine River for big parts of the journey and be rewarded with some great views.

The train ride will probably be between 1 hr 25 minutes and 2 hrs 12 minutes long – depending on the connection you choose. By car , the trip will take around 1 hr 30 minutes . Of course, this can vary depending on traffic.

Accommodation in Frankfurt : There are loads of places to stay in Frankfurt given its popularity and size. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

A great option in Frankfurt is the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . Located very much in the heart of the city centre close to the old town and river, this cool hotel has underground parking if you are arriving to Frankfurt by/with a car. It also serves up a great breakfast!

If you are arriving by train to Frankfurt, you should check out Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . Located literally right beside the central station (which is in the city centre), this upscale hotel is very popular because it’s very affordable and also has a great breakfast.

Must-see Attractions in Frankfurt:

• Palmengarten

Day 5: Heidelberg

After your day in Frankfurt, you’re heading to Heidelberg which is actually one of our favourite German cities. The highlight of the city is certainly the castle on top of the hill which is visible from many different parts of the city.

Heidelberg is smaller than Frankfurt so you can see quite a bit in just 24 hours. The Old Town is beautiful and lots of attractions are located there. Our highlight was probably the tower climb of the Church of the Holy Spirit. From up there, you get a beautiful view of the Old Town. A very close second was the cable car ride up to the Königstuhl which was lots of fun – even in the rain.

Getting from Frankfurt to Heidelberg won’t take too long. The journey will be approximately one hour by car and between 45 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by train – depending on which type of train you are taking.

Accommodation in Heidelberg: If you’re heading for Heidelberg (good choice), there are lots of great places to stay. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Heidelberg .

We stayed a little outside the old town – but close to the train station – at NinetyNine Heidelberg City . This hotel was really, really great. The beds were comfy and the decor has animals everywhere – you have to see it to understand!

There’s onsite parking (paid) and street parking (free, but not guaranteed) if you are travelling with a car. There’s also a tram stop right outside the hotel to get directly into the city centre in minutes.

If you are looking to stay in the historic old town, then check out colourful hotels like  Hotel Holländer Hof  which overlooks the river or Hotel Zum Ritter St.Georg which is literally overlooking the main Marktplatz.

Must-see Attractions in Heidelberg:

• Heidelberg Palace
• Church of the Holy Spirit (mainly tower climb)

If you want to learn some more about Heidelberg and what there is to do, you can read our detailed Heidelberg Guide here .

Day 6: Stuttgart

The next day you will drive to Stuttgart, a city that we’ve already mentioned in one of our Germany itineraries for 5 days. As we have already mentioned, you’ll probably really enjoy Stuttgart if you are interested in cars.

Even if you aren’t, there is still lots for you to explore. Did you know that wine also plays a huge role in Stuttgart and the surrounding region? If this is something that interests you and you’re there in the summer (specifically around the end of August), then you should stop by the “Stuttgarter Weindorf” (“wine village”) – but obviously, please don’t drink and drive.

As for getting from Heidelberg to Stuttgart, the journey will take you approximately 1 hr 20 minutes by car and between 40 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by train . As mentioned before, the time differs depending on the type of train you are choosing.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: Stuttgart has many places to stay so you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

Be sure to see the Abalon Hotel ideal if you have a car. This hotel has underground parking available and a tasty breakfast. It’s also in the city centre which makes sightseeing easy.

Those coming to Stuttgart by train should look at the Pension am Heusteig . It’s a guesthouse that is located not too far from the first hotel here and it’s a doable walk or metro ride from the central station.

Day 7: Stuttgart / Day Trip to Freiburg im Breisgau

For this itinerary, you can decide how you would like to spend your last day. You could either spend another day to explore more of Stuttgart (and maybe relax for a bit) or you could head farther south and spend a day in Freiburg im Breisgau. We really enjoyed spending time in this small city in the south of Germany during our visit.

We are currently still in the process of writing our Freiburg guide, but we’ll link it here once it’s done. However, a good way to start your exploration of the city is by wandering the old town.

In Freiburg, you’ll find that many of the cobblestoney streets have small water-filled runnels – called Bächle – running alongside it. Sometimes they even have small yellow ducks in them!

The journey from Stuttgart to Freiburg im Breisgau is slightly longer than most other parts of this itinerary. It takes approximately 2 hrs 30 minutes by car and around 2 hours by train . Since this train journey will probably include at least one ICE (the fast train), we’d recommend that you book your train tickets early if you can to save some money.

Must-see Attractions in Freiburg:

• Freiburger Münster (Cathedral)
• Schlossberg + Tower
• New + Old Town Hall

Germany Travel Itinerary 7 Days – East

If the other week-long Germany itinerary doesn’t interest you and/or you really want to visit the German capital Berlin, then you might prefer this eastern route instead.

The driving time would be just slightly over 10 hours and would be approximately 900 km driving distance – including the day trip to Potsdam (which would honestly be easier with public transport, though)!

Day 1: Berlin Day 2: Berlin / Day Trip to Potsdam Day 3: Dresden Day 4: Erfurt Day 5: Bamberg Day 6+7: Munich

Day 1: Berlin

Once again, this itinerary begins in Berlin since it is one of the big cities that is easier to get to for people coming from overseas. Similar to the five day itinerary that started in Berlin, you’ll stay two nights in the German capital. There is just too much to see to spend only one day – and even in two days you wouldn’t be able to explore everything.

In case you’ve already been to Berlin on a different trip and/or aren’t a huge fan of big cities, we also give you the option of a day trip to Potsdam (a city close by) on the second day. More on that below.

Accommodation in Berlin : Finding a place to stay in Berlin can be tough because there are just so many options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

If you have a car, check out Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte . Located right in the middle of the city close to Museum Island, this hotel has a great breakfast and free parking on the street behind the hotel. Otherwise, parking is paid but for a decent price for the city centre.

Those without a car travelling by train should see the NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie . If you want a hotel close to a top attraction that is easy to get to with public transport, this is definitely one of them!

Across the city, PLUS Berlin is a really good hostel/hotel that Eric stayed at a few years ago. It’s a big place but it was a great stay over by the East Side Gallery (part of the Berlin Wall with the graffiti on it).

As already mentioned above, if you want to read some more about Berlin, check out our articles on Things to do in Berlin and How to spend one day in Berlin .

Day 2: Berlin / Day Trip to Potsdam

On your second day, you can choose between spending another day in Berlin to see more of the German capital or going on a day trip to Potsdam – which is a smaller city not far from Berlin.

Potsdam is actually the capital city of the German state called Brandenburg. It’s most popular attraction is probably Sanssouci Palace with the beautiful Sanssouci Park surrounding it.

During our visit, we also enjoyed walking through the Dutch Quarter with its small shops and cafes. Since the city isn’t too big, one day gives you a chance to get a good impression and check out some of the more popular sights.

It is also very easy to get to Potsdam from Berlin. If you decide to drive , it’ll take you approx. 40 minutes , but it could be longer – traffic depending. We would honestly recommend that you do this day trip by taking public transport. This way, you don’t have to worry about traffic and/or finding a parking spot.

For trains, you can take the S-Train #7 (S7) from Berlin Central Station (as well as other train stations) straight to Potsdam Central Station. The journey will take around 35 minutes with trains running very frequently throughout the day.

Must-see Attractions in Potsdam:

• Sanssouci Palace
• Dutch Quarter
• Cecilienhof

Day 3: Dresden

The third day of this Germany itinerary will take you from Berlin to Dresden which is a German city close to the Czech border. To be honest, we haven’t spend that much time in Dresden yet – and it’s certainly on our list of places to visit this year.

One of the city’s main attractions – the Zwinger – is known across the country and a sight that you shouldn’t miss during your visit. It’s a beautiful palace built in a baroque style.

Fun fact: When Lisa was a kid, she didn’t actually know that the “Zwinger” was a palace. Since that word can also mean “dog kennel” in German, she was always confused as to why people would want to visit it during their time in Dresden!

As for getting from Berlin to Dresden, the drive will take you around 2 hrs 10 minutes by car  and  around 2 – 3 hours by train.  Once again, this depends on which connection you choose.

Accommodation in Dresden:  There are a number of accommodations in the compact “Innere Altstadt” close to the River Elbe for you to choose from. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Dresden .

For a great hotel option right in the old town, look no further than the Star Inn Hotel Premium Dresden im Haus Altmarkt . You’re a short walk to the train station, the river, and all the best old sights in Dresden if you stay here and arrive by train. If you come to Dresden by car, the hotel has discounted underground parking available.

Another option right in the old town (and even closer to the river) is Aparthotel am Schloss . Since this is an apartment-style hotel, it’s a great option if you are looking for more of a base to relax in a “home away from home”. It’s a very popular choice, too – and also has onsite parking.

Must-see Attractions in Dresden:

• Frauenkirche

Day 4: Erfurt

Erfurt is a popular city to visit in the middle of Germany – and it’s also the capital city of the German state Thuringia. We’ve spent some time in Erfurt a few months ago and instantly fell in love with the city. Its size is perfect (in our opinion) – giving you enough things to do without feeling overwhelming.

Maybe you’ve seen photos of one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Krämerbrücke. This bridge is not only pretty to look at and photograph, it’s also unique in the sense that there are buildings on the bridge and when you’re walking on it, you can’t actually see the water running below.

Visiting the bridge and climbing the tower of the Ägidienkirche, a church at one end of the bridge, is something we’d certainly recommend during your time in the city. We actually filmed a short video of our time exploring Erfurt. If you are interested in seeing what parts of the city look like, then you can find our video here .

Getting to Erfurt from Dresden won’t take you too long. It will take approx. 2 hours 20 minutes by car  and between 2 and slightly over 3 hours by train .

Accommodation in Erfurt:  Since Erfurt isn’t a huge city, there aren’t a ton of accommodations – but certainly more than enough to find one that works for your style and budget. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Erfurt .

We stayed at  Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße  and really liked our stay. It’s located in a quiet neighbourhood just north of the city centre – a short walk to the Krämerbrücke. The host was lovely, the room was cozy, and there was secure onsite parking for those driving to Erfurt.

If you want to stay RIGHT in the city centre then you should check out  Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt which is right beside the famous bridge. This might be a good place to stay if you are travelling to Erfurt by train and you’re on-foot.

Must-see Attractions in Erfurt:

• Krämerbrücke
• Erfurt Cathedral
• Citadel Petersberg

For more details, have a look at our Things to do in Erfurt article .

Day 5: Bamberg

Bamberg is a small city – or larger town – in the German state called Bavaria. It’s actually located in a region called Franconia, which is noticeably different from the Bavaria that you might know in the area surrounding Munich, etc.

We’ve been to Bamberg multiple times over the years (it’s also close to the part of Germany where Lisa grew up) and are always happy to come back. Bamberg is known for its cute, historic old town which is actually a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most popular buildings the city has to offer is the Old Town Hall (shown above) which is built on an artificial island. The story behind it is quite interesting.

The drive from Erfurt to Bamberg is doable and will take approx. 2 hrs by car and around 3 hrs by train . On the way, you’ll drive through quite a few tunnels since you’ll drive through an area known as “Thuringian Forest”.

Accommodation in Bamberg: Bamberg is a small place to visit so there aren’t a ton of options but still enough to find what you’re looking for. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bamberg .

Anywhere you stay is basically in or close to the old town/city centre. For a place to stay with parking (for those arriving by car), check out Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg . It’s located right on the river.

You might also want to see Palais Schrottenberg  to stay right in the middle of the Old Town! For reference, the train station is a short walk to the north of the river – not far from these places in the centre.

Must-see Attractions in Bamberg:

• Bamberg Cathedral
• Old Town Hall
• Alte Hofhaltung

If you want some more information about Bamberg, please read our detailed Bamberg, Germany Guide .

Day 6+7: Munich

From Bamberg, your journey will continue to Munich which will be the last stop on this 7 day eastern itinerary. Not only is this the third biggest city of the country, it is also one of the most internationally known destinations in Germany.

Whenever we come back to Munich, we always enjoy our time there. For some reason, the atmosphere always feels more laid back than in other big German cities and the people are usually quite friendly. We might also be a little bit biased, though, since Lisa grew up in this part of the country and is more used to the mentality, dialect etc. than in other parts of Germany.

For this itinerary, you’ll spend two days in Munich since there is quite a lot to see. Next to the obvious attractions like the Marienplatz with the New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche close by, there are also lots of museums and other things that you can explore.

If you’ve already been to Munich before and/or decide that one day in the city is enough for you, you could also opt for a day trip on one of these days. We’ve just recently written a whole Day Trips from Munich Guide , which you can browse through to get some inspiration!

Driving from Bamberg to Munich will take about 2 hrs 20 minutes by car and between 2 and 3 hrs by train . If you decide to only take regional trains instead of the ICE (fast train), you should look into getting the Bayernticket. This can save you some money, especially when you’re travelling with more people.

Accommodation in Munich:  Since Munich is so large and popular to visit, there is definitely no shortage of places to stay! You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich .

That said, we loved our stay at H2 Hotel München Olympiapark . Located up by the famous Olympic Park, we’d highly recommend it since it was amazing value for money. The breakfast was huge and delicious and there’s a metro station outside the lobby door that takes you into the heart of the old town in minutes. There’s also parking if you are arriving by car.

For a hotel that is a little more central, you should see the Platzl Hotel Superior this hotel is really popular – and for good reason. It’s located around the corner from attractions like Marienplatz and the famous beer hall, Hofbräuhaus.

For more help looking into accommodations and neighbourhoods in Munich, check out our where to stay in Munich guide .

(Check out our guide to one day in Munich if you want more details on things to do and see.)

Germany Itinerary 10 Days

Although we have tried to create short itineraries that allow you to see more than just the standard cities, it is no doubt easier to see more of Germany if you are able to travel for longer than one week. To give you a couple different options that you could look at (and then potentially modify), we have created two 10-day Germany itineraries.

Once again, we believe that ten days would not be enough time to see the whole country – and even if you managed to do that it would be too stressful (in our opinion). Both of the following itineraries give you a good mix of bigger and smaller cities as well as a few interesting day trips. So, have a look and see which one you like better!

Germany Itinerary 10 Days – North

If you’re interested in seeing more of the northern part of Germany and experiencing the mentality and way of life of people in the flatter part of the country, closer to the sea, then have a look at the following 10-day itinerary!

The total driving time would be slightly less than 17 hours with a distance of approx. 1470 kilometres. For these calculations, we have included the day trips to Schloss Drachenburg, Lübeck, and Flensburg. So, if you decide to skip any of these, your driving time and distance would obviously be slightly lower.

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Bonn Day 3: Day Trip to Schloss Drachenburg / Cologne Day 4: Münster Day 5: Hanover Day 6: Hamburg Day 7: Day Trip to Lübeck Day 8: Day Trip to Flensburg Day 9+10: Berlin

Day 1: Frankfurt

Similar to some of the other itineraries mentioned in this article, we start this 10-day itinerary in Frankfurt. By now you should probably already know why – Frankfurt has the biggest airport of the country which should make it easier for people coming from overseas to get to Germany and start their adventure.

Furthermore, Frankfurt is quite centrally located so it is easy to get to many different cities from here. So even if you decide against following our itineraries step-by-step, Frankfurt would be a good starting point!

— Compare prices from rental car companies in Frankfurt here

Accommodation in Frankfurt : You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Frankfurt. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

One really popular hotel in Frankfurt is the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . This Motel One is near the river and walking distance to lots of things in the city centre. If you are coming to Frankfurt with a car, Motel One has underground parking which can make life easy! They also have a nice breakfast.

A hotel option closer to the train station is Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This hotel is just to the north of the main station which makes it a great option if you are arriving by train and have no car. It’s popular because it has a great breakfast and is good value for money.

Day 2: Bonn

On the second day, you’ll head from Frankfurt to Bonn. As you might know, Bonn used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany during the time that Germany was split into two countries. Later, the capital was relocated from Bonn to Berlin.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of Germany during your time in the country, then Bonn would be a good city to do that in. For example, you could visit the so-called “Haus der Geschichte” which is a museum about the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.

It won’t be difficult to get from Frankfurt to Bonn since the two cities are not too far apart. The journey will take approximately 1 hr 50 minutes by car and between 1 hr 20 minutes and 2 hrs if you take the train . Once again, we’d recommend that you book your train ticket in advance if possible.

Accommodation in Bonn: There are a number of accommodation options in Bonn which you can choose from – many are right in the city centre/old town. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Bonn .

Keep in mind to book your accommodation for two nights for this itinerary. (You could also spend the following night in Cologne if you day tripped to there, though).

For a great hotel in the heart of the old town, check out BrauHotel Bonn . You can easily walk here from the central train station but they also have a and parking garage close by if you arrive by car. There’s also a craft beer bar on the ground floor!

Another option is the Hilton Bonn . This hotel offers you amazing views of the Rhine River. It’s a bit north of the city centre but still very much close to it. There is parking but it can be expensive so keep that in mind when you book.

Must-see Attractions in Bonn:

• Bonn Minster
• House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany (Haus der Geschichte)

Day 3: Day Trip to Schloss Drachenburg / Cologne

On day three of this itinerary, you can choose to stay in Bonn, or go on one of two day trips: to Schloss Drachenburg (a castle not far from Bonn) or to Cologne which is also close by.

Schloss Drachenburg is actually a private villa/mansion that was built to look like a castle in the 19th century. Today, it is a popular attraction in the area.

From Bonn, you can either drive to Königswinter by car (and then leave your car at the car park) or take public transport to the Königswinter/Clemens-August-Straße station. You can find more information about that and opening hours etc. on the offical website .

If you are not a huge fan of castles, then you might opt for a day trip to Cologne instead. In this case, you might even decide to change your base and spend the night in Cologne instead of returning to Bonn at the end of the day. That is definitely an option that you can choose since there are lots of accommodation options in Cologne as well.

Getting to Cologne from Bonn will take you around 40 minutes by car (this can obviously depend on traffic) and only approx. 25 minutes by train . Just a quick warning: Trains can get very full if you are travelling during rush hour traffic – so try to avoid that if you don’t like being surrounded by lots of people in a small space.

Day 4: Münster

The next day you’ll head from Bonn – or Cologne – to Münster. Since Bonn and Cologne are so close, the journey wouldn’t really differ much from either city.

Münster is a smaller German city that we really enjoy. To be honest, it sometimes reminds Lisa of Copenhagen – mainly because of the many bikes that you can see all around the city. The University of Münster plays a big role in the city and the vibe – depending on which part of the city you are in – is noticeably younger.

One of the highlights of the city – for locals and visitors alike – is the lake Aasee which is located quite centrally. When the weather is nice, there are always people sitting on the grass enjoying the sun and maybe even out on the water (depending on the time of year). You can rent a small paddle boat to explore the lake from a unique perspective.

The journey from Bonn to Münster should take you slightly less than 2 hrs by car and between 2 hrs and slightly more than 3 hrs by train . If you want to save some money and are travelling with other people, then you should look into getting an “NRW Schönes Tag Ticket”. With this ticket, you wouldn’t be allowed to travel on ICE’s (the fast train), but the connections using only regional trains wouldn’t be much longer.

Accommodation in Münster: Münster might feel small but it’s actually pretty spread out and offers accommodations for all styles and budgets. You can  check here for accommodations and hotels in Münster .

If you want a popular hotel option right in the centre, the  H4 Hotel Münster  is a short walk to the heart of the historic centre. It also has onsite parking for those travelling to Münster by car – but you can easily walk there from the train station in the south of the city centre.

Must-see Attractions in Münster:

• Münster Prinzipalmarkt
• Historic Town Hall
• Münster Cathedral

For a more detailed guide, have a look at our Things to do in Münster, Germany article .

Day 5: Hanover

The following day you are travelling from Münster to Hanover. In German “Hannover” is actually written with two “n”, so don’t be surprised if you see it being written slightly differently.

Hanover is the biggest city and the capital of the German state called Lower Saxony. Compared to some other cities on this itinerary it is a less popular tourist destination. To be fair, even we haven’t spent that much time in Hanover yet. Hopefully we’ll be able to change that soon. However, that’s not to say that Hanover is not worth a visit.

Not only can you explore some beautiful gardens and interesting museums in the city, but it is also located pretty much halfway between Münster and Hamburg. That makes it a great stop to break up the journey and spent another day in a city that allows you to explore without too many other (international) tourists around.

By car , the journey from Münster to Hanover will take you around 2 hrs . If you choose to travel by train instead, it will take you approximately the same amount of time .

Accommodation in Hanover: Hanover is a larger city but the accommodation are still relatively packed together in and around the historic city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hanover .

For a stay right in the city centre, check out the Hotel Loccumer Hof . This popular hotel is a very short walk from the central station which is perfect if you are arriving to Hanover by train. That said, they also have parking onsite so this hotel works well if you arrive by car!

For another hotel option, check out the Arthotel ANA Prestige am neuen Rathaus . This boutique hotel is directly across from the beautiful New Town Hall in the south end of the city centre by the greenspace and water! They also have a really nice breakfast and parking available.

Must-see Attractions in Hanover:

• New Town Hall
• Marktkirche
• Herrenhausen Gardens

Day 6: Hamburg

On day six of this 10-day itinerary you’re on your way to Hamburg. If you’ve read the details of any of the shorter itineraries in this article, you’ll know that we really like Hamburg.

The city offers modern areas, such as “HafenCity”, mixed with historic (e.g. “Speicherstadt”) and alternative areas (“Sternschanze”) . This makes exploring the city all the more interesting – there is truly something for everyone. During your time in the city, we’d also recommend that you climb the tower of the St. Michael’s Church. From up there, you get a beautiful view of most parts of the city.

The journey from Hanover to Hamburg won’t be long. Depending on the route you are taking (Highway A7 or A1), it’ll take between 1 hr 30 minutes and 2 hrs by car . If you opt for the train , you can expect the journey to take between 1 hr 15 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes . This depends on the connection you choose.

Accommodation in Hamburg : Hamburg has many, many places to stay. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

The Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg might be a good option if you have a car while you travel around Germany. This cool hotel is inside an old water tower which gives guests stunning views of the city around. There’s also parking onsite and it’s close to a transit stop for getting around the city.

Located not too far from the central train station, ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg makes for a good hotel option if you don’t have a car. It’s located in St. Georg which is a lively area within walking distance of the city centre.

Those that need hostel for their stay in Hamburg might be happy with Generator Hamburg . It’s a popular hostel in the city and is close to the train station for easy getting around. If you’re unsure about where to stay, you can always check out our detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Once again, if you’d like to read our (very) short Hamburg guide, you can find our Things to do in Hamburg article here .

Day 7: Day Trip to Lübeck

For the next couple of days, we decided to include some day trips from Hamburg. This allows you to stay in one accommodation for longer than just one night and gives you the option to see some more of Hamburg as well. If you don’t want to visit any other cities and want to spend more time in Hamburg instead, then feel free to skip one or both of the day trips mentioned.

Lübeck is the closer one of the two day trips mentioned from Hamburg. Within Germany the city is mainly known for its delicious “Lübecker Marzipan” (Lübeck Marzipan) – but of course there is much more to the city than just that. One of the highlights is the Holsentor, a red-brick city gate dating back to the 15th century.

The journey from Hamburg to Lübeck will take you slightly over 1 hr by car and just around 45 minutes by train . In our opinion, that’s great for a day trip since it gives you lots of time to actually see the city instead of spending a lot of time in the car/on the train.

Must-see Attractions in Lübeck:

• Marienkirche
• Heilig-Geist-Hospital

Day 8: Day Trip to Flensburg

For the following day, we have another day trip option for you. The journey to Flensburg is slightly longer than to Lübeck – but it would be worth it. Flensburg is a smaller German city in the north of Germany, very close to the Danish border.

Since it is located close to the water, shipping plays an important role in the city to this day. If you’re interested in learning more about that, then the Maritime Museum would be a good place for you to visit.

Another thing we would recommend is a walk along the Rote Straße. Here you’ll find different “Hinterhöfe” (similar to backyards) with cute cafes and small shops.

Getting to Flensburg from Hamburg should take slightly less than 2 hrs by car and the same amount of time by train . As already mentioned, it would be a longer journey than to Lübeck, but if you want to experience a smaller, maritime city, the trip would be worth it!

Must-see Attractions in Flensburg:

• Historischer Hafen (Historic Harbour)
• Flensburger Schifffahrtmuseum (Maritime museum)
• Museumsberg Flensburg

Day 9+10: Berlin

On the second to last day of this itinerary, you’ll head from Hamburg to Berlin where your journey ends. This allows you to spend two days in the German capital. Since there is so much to do in Berlin, we’d recommend that you do some research beforehand to narrow down which attractions you’d like to visit.

If you’ve never been to Berlin before classics like the Brandeburg Gate and the Reichstag would be a good place to start. We’ve written a few different articles about Berlin – one about classic attractions (link below). Maybe these will be a good starting point to gather some more information!

The drive from Hamburg to Berlin will be one of the longest mentioned as part of this itinerary – so you should keep that in mind. It’ll take approximately 3 hrs 20 minutes by car (with traffic it could be longer), but just 1 hr 50 minutes by train .

It’s a popular train route since it connects the two biggest German cities so trains run frequently throughout the day. Once again, we’d recommend to book your train ticket in advance to get one of the discount tickets and save some money.

Accommodation in Berlin : As the capital city, there are lots of accommodation options for Berlin. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

Those travelling to Berlin with a car should look into the Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte for a hotel in the city centre with free street parking available. There’s always paid parking for a reasonable fee if those are full and you’ll be close to top attractions.

The NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie is a popular hotel option for those coming to Berlin by train since it’s close to attractions in the city centre and you can get there very easily with the metro.

Finally, if you need a hostel/hotel, check out PLUS Berlin . This is where Eric stayed a few years back and really enjoyed it. You’ll be close to the East Side Gallery – the part of the Berlin wall with the artwork on it. It’s also easy to get in and out of the city centre from here.

Also feel free to have a look at our guide on Berlin Attractions and tips for a day in Berlin .

Germany Itinerary 10 Days – South

This 10 day Germany itinerary begins and ends in Frankfurt – so it’s pretty much a small loop through the southern part of the country. If you want to be closer to the mountains (for part of the trip at least) instead of the sea, then this itinerary might be better suited for you than the other 10 day version.

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be slightly over 17 hours with a total distance of approx. 1330 kilometres. This includes the day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Tübingen. So depending on if/how you modify the itinerary, these estimates could differ.

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Würzburg Day 3: Nuremberg Day 4: Munich Day 5: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle Day 6: Day Trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Day 7: Ulm Day 8: Stuttgart Day 9: Day Trip to Tübingen Day 10: Frankfurt

Similar to the northern version of this itinerary for 10 days, you begin your adventure in Frankfurt. During your day in the city, you shouldn’t forget to visit the Römerberg with the beautiful half-timbered houses. If you want to get a nice few of the city from above, then you should look into visiting the Main Tower as well.

Frankfurt is also a great place to pick up your rental car – if you decide to complete this itinerary by car instead of using public transport. You can either pick up a car at the airport or at different spots in the city centre. This obviously also depends on the rental company you choose.

Accommodation in Frankfurt: Frankfurt is full of accommodation options – from the city centre to the airport. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

For a hotel in the heart of the city, check out the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer . Complete with underground parking, good breakfast, and a top location in the centre and close to the river, this hotel is a decent option if you are travelling around with a car.

For those not travelling with a car (and taking the trains around Germany), check out Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This nice looking hotel is really popular for its breakfast, price, and the fact that it’s steps from the central train station.

Day 2: Würzburg

On day two of this itinerary, you’ll be on your way to Würzburg, a small German city that we’re always happy to return to. Similar to Stuttgart, Würzburg is located in a region that is known for its wine.

As such, it comes as no surprise that a highlight in Würzburg is to drink a glass of (white) wine on the Old Bridge across the Main river. We’ve done that multiple times and would especially recommend it during the evening when it gets dark.

Another thing you shouldn’t miss in Würzburg is the short walk up the hill to Marienberg Fortress. Up there you can not only explore the old fortress, but you also get a beautiful view of the old town and other parts of the city.

We actually wrote a whole guide about Würzburg (link below) where we not only talk about things to do but also mention some great cafes and restaurants!

The drive from Frankfurt to Würzburg will be a short one. It should only take you around 1 h 20 minutes by car and between 1 h 07 minutes and 1 hr 50 minutes by train depending on the type of train you’re taking (ICE vs. regional train).

Accommodation in Würzburg: Würzburg isn’t a huge city so you’ll find a number of places to stay packed together in the city centre and a number of other hotels and guesthouses around. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Würzburg .

On a recent trip, we stayed at the  Best Western Hotel Würzburg-Süd . It’s a little south of the city centre but the tram stop is right outside the hotel so you’re into the historic city centre in minutes. There is also an onsite parking lot if you’re arriving to Würzburg by car. We booked this one last minute but we would stay again.

If you want to stay a little more central, then you can check out Hotel Strauss . With a location close to the river, the train station, and the city centre – it’s a great option fo those arriving by train.

We also once stayed at  Hostel Babelfish for a budget accommodation and it was honestly not too bad, either. It’s right across from the train station for easy access in and out of the city.

Must-see Attractions in Würzburg:

• Marienberg Fortress
• Würzburg Residence

If you want more tips for visiting Würzburg, have a look at our detailed Things to do in Würzburg Guide (+ insider tips) .

The next day you’ll be on your way to Nuremberg, which is another city in Bavaria that we really like. In German, Nuremberg is actually written/called “Nürnberg” – just an FYI, so you’re not confused when you see this written somewhere.

As we have already mentioned in the description of one of the shorter itineraries, there is a lot of history to be found in the city. Not only can you explore an old castle in the middle of the city, you can also learn a lot about Germany’s dark history if you’re interested.

Getting from Würzburg to Nuremberg will take approx. 1 hr 20 minutes by car and between 53 minutes (ICE) and 1 hr 13 minutes (regional) by train . If you’re travelling with more people and decide to just take a regional train, look into getting a “Bayernticket” as that could save you some money.

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Nuremberg is a larger and well-travelled city in Germany so you will have no problem finding a place to stay! You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

We ended up staying in the very popular Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we enjoyed our stay. The room was bright with new furnishings. It’s also located just inside the old city walls so we were close to the metro, a short walk to central train station, and also close to the heart of the old town!

Very nearby was the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg – we had friends stay there. They really liked this hotel which had a swimming pool with city views and other great perks. If you are arriving to Nuremberg by car, there’s a parking lot across the street from the hotel as well as street parking around. The train station is very close as well so it’s a great location overall.

• Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Day 4: Munich

On day four of this Germany trip, you’ll be on your way to Munich. As you might know Munich is the capital of the German state called Bavaria and there are lots of things to do in this city.

That’s why you’ll spend three nights in Munich. This way you can explore the city in more detail if you want or go on a couple of day trips from Munich to see other popular attractions as well. It’s really up to you.

The journey from Nuremberg to Munich won’t be overly long and it’s a route Lisa has driven many times. It’ll take you around 2 hrs by car (of course traffic depending) and between 1-3 hrs by train.

Since this is a popular train route, there are lots of different connections of varying length – some are quick and others are slower trains with more stops. Since that’s the case, we’d recommend that you plan in advance and try to catch a better connection to avoid an unnecessarily long train ride!

Accommodation in Munich: Since Munich is such a popular and large city, there are plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich . Just remember to book your accommodation for three nights if you are following this itinerary!

We stayed at the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark which is a very popular hotel because of the price and the value. It was a prefect stay. The breakfast was amazing, they had parking, and the location was great – only a quick metro to the heart of the city centre. You also have the Olympic Park and BMW Museum as top attractions nearby!

If you’re itching to stay right in the heart of the action in Munich, check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This is a hotel around the corner from Marienplatz in the old town with the famous beer hall Hofbräuhaus just steps away. The central train station is also walkable from here.

Of course, you can learn all about the best areas to stay in more detail with our Munich accommodation and neighbourhood guide .

Learn more about Munich with our one day in Munich post!

Day 5: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle probably doesn’t need a lot of introduction – it is arguably one of the most popular day trips from Munich. If you want to see this fairy-tale castle with your own eyes, then this day trip might be for you.

However, it is such a popular attraction that depending on the time of year it can get incredibly crowded. So if you are planning this itinerary for the middle of summer, we’d honestly recommend that you think twice about whether you really want to do this day trip. A second day in Munich wouldn’t be so bad either, would it?

If you are set on visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, then have a look at our Day Trips from Munich Guide . In that article – under the Neuschwanstein Castle section – we talk about all the different ways you can get to the castle.

In case you don’t want to stress too much about logistics and are not travelling with a rental car, you could always look into a day tour that brings you to Neuschwanstein Castle and then back to Munich. Here are some examples:

• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace  – A very popular tour to check out two castles in one day!
• Just Neuschwanstein Castle  – Grab your live guide and check out the classic castle you came to see!
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen   – Explore the surrounding area on this day trip + see that great castle!

Day 6: Day Trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Another popular day trip from Munich – and the one we would recommend for Day 6 of this itinerary – is a trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the south of Bavaria, close to the Austrian border.

We have been to Garmisch-Partenkirchen recently and really enjoyed our day there. However, that was during the shoulder season, so we can’t really say much about how busy it gets in the summer or during the ski-season.

There are a few good reasons for visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The obvious one is that the town is super close to the mountains and it is very easy to reach the “Zugspitze” (Germany’s highest mountain) from here.

Of course, you don’t have to go that high up – there are also lots of other mountains and great hiking trails in the area if you’re looking for a day in nature.

Other reasons why people come to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is to visit the Partnach Gorge which is quite beautiful and/or the old town where you can admire the decorative paintings found on many houses.

It’s actually quite easy to get from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. By car , it should take you around 1 hr 10 minutes and by train the journey would be approx. 1 hr 22 minutes . It’s actually a nice drive/train ride since you’ll get some great views of the mountains as you get closer to your destination.

Must-see Attractions in/close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

• Partnach Gorge

The following day you’ll travel from Munich to Ulm, a small city in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is actually located right by the border with Bavaria – “Neu Ulm” in fact is a city on the Bavarian side. When you’re there, it sometimes feels like it is just one bigger city. For you as a visitor, this doesn’t really matter – just an interesting side note.

Ulm is mainly known for having the church with the tallest steeple in the world – so that is something you shouldn’t miss during your visit. Other than that, we’d also recommend that you check out the Fishermen’s Quarter where you can find some beautiful, half-timbered houses.

Getting from Munich to Ulm won’t take you long. The journey will take approx. 1 hr 40 minutes by car and between 1 hr 19 minutes and 2 hrs by train. Once again, this depends on which type of train connection you choose (ICE vs. regional trains).

Accommodation in Ulm: It’s best to stay in the centre of Ulm since it’s not huge and the attractions can mostly be found there. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Ulm .

For a boutique hotel option right in the city centre, check out Boutique 005 Ulm City . This hotel is super walkable to the train station if you are arriving by train but also offers an option for parking. It’s location makes it really close to all the top attractions in the city.

For a stay closer to the river, you can check out the Hotel am Rathaus – Hotel Reblaus . With onsite parking available and a really good breakfast, this more “authentic” hotel is an experience not to be missed in Ulm.

Must-see Attractions in Ulm:

• Ulmer Münster
• Fishermen’s Quarter

Day 8: Stuttgart

From Ulm, you’ll head to Stuttgart on the next day. Stuttgart is a city that we have mentioned a few times in this article already. If you’ve read some of the other itineraries, you’ll know that Stuttgart is known for both cars and wine.

Of course, there’s more to see in the city than that. If you’re interested in architecture, you might enjoy visiting the New Palace at the “Schlossplatz” and if you’re into art, the Staatsgalerie (an art museum) might be for you.

Getting to Stuttgart from Ulm will only take slightly over 1 hr by car and approx. the same amount of time by train . There are slower trains – called RB instead of RE which stands for “Regional Express” – that take longer than that. However, if you plan ahead, you shouldn’t have a problem catching an RE or ICE Train since they run frequently throughout the day.

Accommodation in Stuttgart: Since there are a number of places to stay in, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

Those with a car can check out the Abalon Hotel ideal because it has an underground parking garage while those travelling to Stuttgart by train can check out the Pension am Heusteig since it’s easy to get to walking or with the metro.

Day 9: Day Trip to Tübingen

On day 9 of this itinerary, you have the choice between either spending a second day in Stuttgart or taking a day trip to Tübingen, a university town not far away.

Tübingen is a popular day trip from Stuttgart and is mainly known across the country for its old university. In fact, some of Lisa’s friends have studied there. When in town, you shouldn’t forget to visit the market square with its 15th century town hall. Another popular attractions is the Hohentübingen Castle on the hill which nowadays is home to a museum.

It won’t take you long at all to get to Tübingen from Stuttgart. That makes it great for a (half-)day trip. The journey should only take around 42 minutes by car and between 43 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes by public transport – depending on the connection you choose.

Must-see Attractions in Tübingen:

• Hohentübingen Castle
• Market Square with Town Hall
• Hölderlinturm

Day 10: Frankfurt

On the last day, you’ll make your way back to Frankfurt. This is where your itinerary ends since it will hopefully be easy for you to get back home from here.

The journey from Stuttgart back to Frankfurt will probably be the longest one for this trip – but it’s still easily doable. It should take you approx. 2 hrs 25 minutes by car and between 1 hr 17 minutes and 3 hrs 30 minutes by train. Once again, this is dependent on the connection you choose (ICE vs. regional trains).

Accommodation in Frankfurt: Since you’re back in Frankfurt, we already went over accommodations in Day 1 of this same itinerary. That said, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt and specifically check out the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer for a central hotel with parking.

Germany Itinerary 14 Days

This Germany itinerary is the longest one that we have for you – for now. If anyone is interested in a 21 day version, please let us know!

The distance you’d cover with this 14 day itinerary would be around 1960 kilometres . The driving time would be approx. 22.5 hours – but of course, this varies depending on traffic and the exact route you decide to take.

As you’ll see below, sometimes the driving time between two cities is longer than 3 hours. So, while this itinerary is totally doable in two weeks – if you wanted to slow down the pace a bit, you could just as easily spend more time in some of the cities and complete the itinerary in more days.

Since you have probably already read about most of these places in some of the itineraries above, we’ll try to keep the descriptions short and not get too repetitive.

Our version here is written as an “incomplete route” from Frankfurt to Munich. However, as with most of our itineraries, you are welcome to reverse the direction if that works better for you and/or start and end in the same city. So, to see a big part of the country, your 14 day Germany itinerary could look something like this:

Day 1: Frankfurt Day 2: Koblenz / Eltz Castle Day 3: Cologne Day 4: Hanover or Celle Day 5+6: Hamburg Day 7+8: Berlin Day 9: Erfurt or Weimar Day 10: Nuremberg Day 11: Stuttgart Day 12: Augsburg Day 13+14: Munich

Once again we begin this itinerary in Frankfurt since it is an easy city to get to. As we have mentioned before, there are a few things to see in the city so you can start exploring on day one!

Frankfurt is also a great city to pick up a rental car. Since many international (business) travellers fly into Frankfurt, there should be many cars available with automatic transmissions. In smaller German towns you’ll find that this is not always the case.

Accommodation in Frankfurt:  If you are making a stop in Frankfurt, you can check here for accommodations and hotels in Frankfurt .

As for accommodation options, the Motel One Frankfurt-Römer has parking available and is located in the city centre close to the Main River. That’s important if you have a car with you but it’s also walkable to the train station, so you know.

Another great hotel option that is even closer to the train station is Fleming’s Express Hotel Frankfurt . This hotel is known for its prime location to the north of the station, its tasty breakfast, nice decor, and fair price. This is definitely a popular place you should at least look into if you are travelling by train around Germany.

Day 2: Koblenz / Eltz Castle

On day two of this itinerary, you’ll be on your way to Koblenz, a small German city on the Rhine river. You can either explore the city or use it as a base to visit one of the many castles close by.

Our suggestion would be a visit to Eltz Castle which is a beautiful medieval castle surrounded by a forest. Please keep in mind that the castle is not open year round. You can check opening hours here .

You could also visit Eltz Castle as a day trip from Frankfurt but then you’d have to return to Frankfurt at the end of the day. This wouldn’t make much sense unless you want to spend some more time in Frankfurt anyway, as Cologne (your next destination) is closer to Koblenz and Eltz Castle than Frankfurt.

The drive from Frankfurt to Koblenz should take around 1 hr 30 minutes by car . If you want to take the train , the journey would take between 1 hr 30 minutes and 2 hrs 15 minutes . From Koblenz, it is only about a 30 minute drive to Eltz Castle.

Accommodation in Koblenz: Since Koblenz isn’t that large, you should have no problem finding and choosing an accommodation that works for you. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Koblenz .

If you want a popular option right in the heart of the city centre, you should see the Sander Hotel . This hotel is located within walking distance to the rivers as well as restaurants and shops in the centre. If you travel by car to Koblenz, they have onsite parking which is handy. That said, you can also easily walk from the hotel to the train station in minutes.

Day 3: Cologne

The next stop on your 14 day Germany itinerary is Cologne, a city we have mentioned already in some of the previous itineraries. As you might know, the highlight of the city is the Cologne cathedral which is quite an impressive sight. As the city is located on the Rhine river, a boat tour might also be a great activity depending on the time of year you are visiting.

Getting to Cologne from Koblenz takes around 1 hr 15 minutes by car  and between 50 minutes and 1 hr 15 minutes by train . The train tracks follow the Rhine river for part of the journey which allows for some beautiful views!

Accommodation in Cologne : There are lots of great places to stay in Cologne. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Cologne .

We recently stayed at the Lindner Hotel City Plaza which was great value for money. The breakfast buffet is incredible and it’s an easy, short walk into the city centre near the Cathedral. It also has parking available for those with a car.

If you want to stay a little closer to the river and the Old Town, check out the CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom . With many things around to keep you busy – like attractions, food, and/or drinks – you’re just a short walk to the central train station if you stay here.

For those looking for a hostel, Cologne Downtown Hostel was a great stay for Eric a number of years ago. It’s really popular, in a great location, and has a nice rooftop balcony to enjoy.

Day 4: Hanover or Celle

Day 4 of this itinerary will take you to either Hanover or Celle depending on your preference. Celle is a noticeably smaller city/town than Hanover and the two places are only a few minutes apart.

Getting from Cologne to Hanover will take approximately  3 hrs 10 minutes by car  and between  2 hrs 40 minutes and 3 hrs 5 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Hanover: Since Hanover is a well-travelled city for people moving around Germany, there are a number of accommodation options in and around the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hanover .

To stay very close to the central train station in the city centre, you should see the Hotel Loccumer Hof . The location makes it great if you are travelling by train and on foot. They also have onsite parking if you are arriving to Hanover with a car!

To the south of this hotel, the Arthotel ANA Prestige am neuen Rathaus is an option right across from the New Town Hall. This hotel has a beautiful, light style and is also close to the water/parks. Complete with breakfast and onsite parking, you can’t go wrong here!

If you want to spend a night in a smaller German city instead, then Celle is a good option as it is not far from Hanover. That will make it easy to reach the next stop on your itinerary without too much of a detour. The journey from Cologne to Celle would be slightly longer and take around 3 hrs 30 minutes by car and 3 hrs 19 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Celle: Celle isn’t that big at all – so there are only a handful of places to stay. That said, there are still some great options. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Celle .

Of note, check out Hotel Borchers . This hotel – one of only a handful located in the heart of “city centre” is a top pick with a tasty breakfast and an underground car park. You can also walk there from the Celle train station which is located not too far across town.

Must-see Attractions in Celle:

• Celle Castle
• Bomann Museum
• French Garden

Day 5+6: Hamburg

An itinerary across a large part of the country wouldn’t really feel complete without including Hamburg. Since there is quite a bit to see in this hanseatic city, you’ll spend two nights in the city to give you more time to explore.

Getting from Hanover to Hamburg will take you approx. 1 hr 45 minutes by car and between 1 hr 15 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes by train . As mentioned before, this varies depending on the type of train connection you choose.

The journey from Celle to Hamburg will be approximately 15 minutes shorter at 1 hr 30 minutes by car . If you opt for the train, you can expect travel times between 1 hr 10 minutes and 2 hrs .

Accommodation in Hamburg : Since Hamburg is a well-travelled city, it makes sense that there are loads of places and areas to stay in. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Hamburg .

The Mövenpick Hotel Hamburg might work for those with a car since they have onsite parking. This old water tower is a different hotel than you might be used to but it’s a great experience overall.

Something closer to the central station to get to on foot would be the ARCOTEL Rubin Hamburg which is located in St. Georg. This is an area with shops and restaurants and is very much part of the city centre.

Those looking for a budget accommodation can check out Generator Hamburg which is a popular hostel close to the train station. If you’re ever unsure or want more advice, we have a detailed guide on where to stay in Hamburg .

Day 7+8: Berlin

Of course, we couldn’t forget to include a stop in the capital of the country when planning a longer trip through Germany. Since there is so much to do and see in Berlin you will spend two nights there.

This will also give you some more time to recover from all the driving you have done so far on this journey. Getting from Hamburg to Berlin takes approximately 3 hrs 20 minutes by car (obviously traffic depending) and just about 1 hr 50 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Berlin : There are lots of hotel options in Berlin. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Berlin .

The Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte is a good option in the city centre for those coming to Berlin with a car while the NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie is located right at the attraction “Checkpoint Charlie” in the city centre.

A great option for a hostel/hotel where Eric stayed a few years back is PLUS Berlin . You can find it near the famous East Side Gallery which is a very popular attraction to check out.

As mentioned a few times now, we also have more articles on t hings to see in Berlin and a one day Berlin itinerary .

Day 9: Erfurt or Weimar

For the following day you have the choice between Erfurt or Weimar as your next destination. Both are small cities in the state of Thuringia with Weimar being smaller than Erfurt. If you know anything about Martin Luther, an important figure in the Protestant reformation, then you might have heard of one or both of these places before.

If you’re looking for a place with a beautiful old town and some nice churches as well as buildings for you to explore, then we’d really recommend Erfurt. We had a great time during the days we spent there. The city also has some really nice, cozy cafes if that is something that you care about.

Getting to Erfurt from Berlin will take a while – but it is a great stop on the way to the south of Germany. You can expect the journey to take approx. 3 hrs 40 minutes by car and just around 1 hr 50 minutes by ICE (fast train) .

Accommodation in Erfurt:  With Erfurt being a smaller city with a smaller central area to explore, finding a place to stay isn’t too difficult. You can check here for hotels and accommodations in Erfurt .

When we visited Erfurt, we booked the Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße . This was a simple guesthouse with a nice host and cozy rooms located just a short walk north of the Krämerbrücke. There’s also a small parking lot onsite if you’re coming to Erfurt with a car.

For a stay that is more central, check out Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt . It’s located basically right beside the Krämerbrücke making it a great option if you are travelling by train and you’re on foot.

Once again, if you want to learn some more about Erfurt before you visit the city, check out our detailed Erfurt Guide here .

If you instead preferred to learn some more about the well-known German writers Goethe and Schiller – or about Germany’s dark past – then you should plan to visit Weimar instead.

Two of the highlights there are Goethe’s and Schiller’s House – now turned into museums. Close to Weimar there’s also the Buchenwald Memorial which was a former Nazi concentration camp. This was the first KZ-Memorial Lisa ever visited. It was a somber experience, but also an important one in regards to understanding more about Germany’s past.

The journey from Berlin to Weimar will be slightly shorter than to Erfurt – at least by car. It’ll take approx. 3 hrs 15 minutes by car and around 2 hrs 20 minutes by train .

Accommodation in Weimar : There are a handful of places to stay in Weimar since it’s a smaller city – but you still have good options. You can check here for accommodations in Weimar .

In particular, check out Amalienhof Hotel und Apartment . This classic and very popular hotel is just south of the heart of the city centre. It features parking onsite and an excellent breakfast. It’s also not too far to walk to the train station if you are arriving on foot.

Must-see Attractions in/close to Weimar:

• Buchenwald Memorial
• Goethe’s House
• Schiller’s House

Day 10: Nuremberg

On day 10 of your itinerary, you’ll drive – or take the train – from Erfurt/Weimar to Nuremberg. This Franconian city has also been mentioned in some of the shorter itineraries.

The journey from Erfurt to Nuremberg will take approx. 2 hrs 40 minutes by car in a southern direction. The drive from Weimar to Nuremberg will just be a couple minutes longer.

If you decide to take the train, the journey would take between 1.5 hrs and 2 hrs from Weimar and between 1 hr 10 minutes and 1 hr 30 minutes from Erfurt .

Accommodation in Nuremberg : Nuremberg is a city with loads of history and attractions so it’s very popular. As such, you will find hotels and accommodations all over the city – from the old town to the surrounding areas. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Nuremberg .

We booked a stay at Five Reasons Hotel and Hostel and we would recommend it. You can find the place inside the massive old city walls so the location was great – walkable to the central train station and also to go find top attractions.

On the same trip, friends of our stayed at the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg . It was close to where we stayed and they really enjoyed it. There’s this great pool on an upper floor with city views as well as a parking lot across the street if you travel to Nuremberg by car. The train station is close as is the old town by walking so it’s great option overall, too.

Day 11: Stuttgart

The following day you will be on your way from Nuremberg to Stuttgart – once again, a city we have mentioned multiple times now during this article. From Nuremberg, it’ll take you around 2 hrs 15 minutes by car  and  between 2 hrs 10 minutes and 2 hrs 30 minutes by train to get to Stuttgart.

As we’ve mentioned before, if you are driving and have the time, you could take a small detour and stop in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a stroll through its beautiful old town. We’ll leave that up to you!

Accommodation in Stuttgart: You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Stuttgart .

The Abalon Hotel ideal has parking for those with a car while the Pension am Heusteig is a guesthouse close by but is easy to get to by the metro system if you arrive by train to central station and you are walking.

Day 12: Augsburg

On day 12 you’ll be on your way from Stuttgart to Augsburg, a small city in Bavaria and one of Germany’s oldest cities. Around Germany, most people have heard of Augsburg because of its “Fuggerei” – a historic social housing complex where rent has increased very slowly over the centuries. It’s certainly worth a visit!

It’ll take you around  2 hrs by car to get from Stuttgart to Augsburg. If you opt for the train , then you can expect the journey to take approx. 1 hr 40 minutes .

Accommodation in Augsburg: In Augsburg, you will find a number of places to stay around the city centre. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Augsburg .

For a reliable stay, check out Hotel Augusta . This popular hotel – located right in the city centre – features breakfast and has parking available if you are travelling to Augsburg by car.

The nice thing about Augsburg is that because it’s a smaller city, you can easily walk to the hotel from the train station if you are arriving by train.

You might also check out City Hotel Ost am Kö which is another hotel in the heart of the centre walkable to the station. It also has breakfast and parking garage right nearby.

Must-see Attractions in Augsburg:

• Augsburg Cathedral
• Perlach Tower

Day 13+14: Munich

On your second to last day of this itinerary you will drive from Augsburg to Munich. That’s the last stop on your two week Germany adventure. In Munich, there is more than enough to see to spend two days in the city.

Munich also has an airport with good international connections in case you’re coming from overseas and need to take a plane to get back home. If that’s not the case, we’d encourage you to see whether the train would be an alternative to get you back home as well.

The journey from Augsburg to Munich should take just less than  1 hr by car  and  between 30 and 48 minutes by train.  So it’s certainly one of the shortest transitions mentioned in this article.

Accommodation in Munich:  If you’re exploring Munich while in Germany, there is no shortage of places to stay and areas to check out. You can check here for accommodations and hotels in Munich . For this itinerary, remember to book your Munich accommodation for two nights.

We really liked our stay at the H2 Hotel München Olympiapark . From the really good breakfast, nice rooms, and excellent location with metro access nearby – you cannot beat the price for Munich. There’s also parking available if you’re travelling with a car to Munich.

For a spot right in the heart of Munich’s charming old town, check out the Platzl Hotel Superior . This is a trendy hotel that puts you super close to all the action at busy Marienplatz and is steps from Hofbräuhaus, the beer hall made famous decades ago. You can also catch the metro or walk to the central train station from here.

If you are looking for more details on accommodations in this city, we wrote a detailed guide on where to stay in Munich .

To learn more about the city – as we have mentioned before – check out our post on Munich in a day if you want more details about the city!

And there you have it – one massive Germany guide with more than one Germany itinerary to suit your travel needs! Whether you’re looking for a short 5 day or a wild 14 day itinerary – we’re sure you’ll have a great time exploring Germany. We’re actually really happy to have created this post – Lisa especially. It’s always fun to help others explore your home country!

As always, Happy Germany Itinerary Waddlin’, – L&E

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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

How to Make Schnitzel & Spaetzle

Essential Travel Guide to Berlin, Germany [Updated 2024]

How to Plan a Trip to Europe (2-Week Europe Itinerary)

How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

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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Germany is impressive. Picture this: Natural and architectural wonders, distinctive dishes and beers, and a fascinating history. The country is a feast for the eyes, mouth, and mind. Our Germany itinerary takes you on an adventure through five major cities. From skyscrapers to historical landmarks, museums to parties, and a constant cool factor - we've got all interests covered.

We offer one-country passes to Germany at our dedicated German Rail Passes site.

Itinerary highlights

Cities visited on this trip:.

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner

Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt is the financial capital of Europe - for proof, just look at its modern skyscrapers and the giant Euro Sculpture in front of the European Central Bank. Go to Main Tower and take an elevator to its viewing platform. On a clear day you’ll be able to see above the entire city, the river Main, and their surrounding areas. Another architectural delight is the My Zeil shopping center, located on Frankfurt’s bustling shopping street Zeil. The building’s remarkable curved glass roof and vortex-shaped facade has to be seen to be believed. Afterwards, step back into nature at the City Forest (Stadtwald), Germany’s biggest inner-city forest.

From Frankfurt to Cologne

Travel time:

Reservation needed:

Frankfurt am Main Hbf

Reservation optional

Cologne, Germany

Cologne (köln), germany.

The magnificent Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) welcomes you when you arrive in Cologne – it lies on the doorstep of the main train station. Reach the top of the South Tower’s spiral staircase and be rewarded with a sweeping view over the river Rhine. The nearby Hohenzollern Bridge is covered with love padlocks. Cultural buffs have a smorgasbord of museums and galleries to discover. Modern art fans should go to Museum Ludwig . If you like big celebrations, time your visit for the crazy Carnival in February, or Christopher Street Day and the Cologne Lights Festival (Kölner Lichter) in July.

From Cologne to Berlin

Berlin, germany.

Berlin. The capital of cool. It has an exciting mix of history, culture, and nightlife, with discoveries at every corner. Make sure you add the East Side Gallery to your Berlin itinerary – it’s the world’s largest open-air gallery with murals painted across almost a mile (1.3 kilometers) of the former Berlin Wall. One of the most iconic symbols of the city is the 18 th century Brandenburg Gate . Minutes away lies the Holocaust Memorial . Its thought-provoking design and underlying museum leave a somber reminder worth reflecting on – definitely a must for your Germany itinerary.

From Berlin to Dresden

Reservation required

Dresden, Germany

Dresden Hbf

Dresden is a cultural and architectural gem. It was called the “Jewel Box” thanks to its former role as the royal residence of the kings of Saxony. Most of Dresden’s historical center was destroyed by bombings in 1945, but much has been restored to its former glory. The city's inner old town holds several treasures, including Dresden's signature landmark the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche). Its ruins were left untouched for over 40 years after the bombings. Reopened in 2005, it now symbolizes hope and reconciliation. Semper Opera is another architectural masterpiece. It's an opera house, concert hall, and ballet stage, all in one grand setting.

From Dresden to Munich

Munich, germany.

München Hbf

Munich (München), Germany

Munich, Germany: home of proud Bavarians; kingdom of world-class beer. The main square Marienplatz is a great starting point for exploring the Old Town. Minutes away is the Hofbräuhaus , a definite must-see on your Munich itinerary. The world’s most famous beer hall has been around since 1589. Still up for more beer? Take a daytrip to Andechs Monastery , where Benedictine monks have been brewing beer since 1455. To gain an insight into the sad events of the Holocaust, visit the Dachau Concentration Camp . It provides a chilling account of the first National Socialist concentration camp. Tours are free.

For this itinerary we recommend:

• The German Rail Pass
• Travel days:  4 days within 1 month

For ICE trains in Germany it's not mandatory to have a reservation. However, we recommend you to buy a reservation for these trains, especially if you're traveling in a group. If you travel without a reservation, you might get asked to leave your seat because someone else reserved it. 

These reservations are not included in your Eurail Pass. Make sure to book your seats in advance, there are limited seats available for Eurail Pass holders. It's also possible to avoid reservations all together, simply by taking regional trains . 

What are my Pass options?

German Rail Pass The ultimate Pass for train travel in Germany.

Eurail Global Pass Lets you travel in 33 countries, including Germany.

Related Pages

1 week in the netherlands.

France Itinerary

Switzerland Itinerary

Austria itinerary

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How to Plan a Trip to Germany (Your Step by Step Germany Trip Planner for Traveling to Germany for the First Time!)

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

You’ve decided to visit Germany. Hooray! Whether you’re looking for bustling cities, sandy beaches, alpine hiking, intriguing history, fairytale castles, delicious food, fun festivals or friendly people, Germany is the perfect European vacation destination.

Not only is there a tremendous amount to do, see, eat, and experience in Germany, you can easily combine a visit to Germany with other European destinations. Germany is easy to get around in by train, bus, car or bike, and many people speak English.

You’re probably wondering…where do I even begin with planning my dream-come-true vacation to beautiful Deutschland? 

Where should I go? Is it better to take the train or rent a car? What are the must-see cities and attractions? Which ones should I skip? Where’s the best place to stay? What should I eat and drink?

Join our FREE Germany Trip Planning Facebook Group!

Don’t worry! We’re here to help you narrow down your travel options, plan your itinerary , and book your trip with ease. It’s actually quite easy to plan a trip to Germany by yourself with the information in this article, on this site and with some help of some online booking engines.

To reduce overwhelm and help you plan your ideal vacation, we cover everything you need to know to get started planning your trip to Germany . And if you have any questions, you’re welcome to ask us in our free Germany travel Facebook community or send us  an email . 

Ok, let’s begin!

• 1 Meet Your Germany Travel Guides
• 2 Overview of Regions
• 3 Where to Go in Germany: Itineraries and Planning
• 4 Want more itinerary ideas? Are you a big city person? Check out… 
• 5 Prefer smaller historic, picturesque cities? Check out…
• 6 What about cute little villages with “Fachwerk” (half-timber) architecture? There are so many! Here are a few ideas…
• 7 Looking forward to visiting fairytale castles?
• 8 Like islands and water? Take a look at…
• 9 What about nature, hiking, and national parks? Consider…
• 10 Passports & Visas
• 11 What’s the Best Time to Go to Germany?
• 12 Germany Booking Timeline
• 13 What’s the Weather in Germany Like?
• 14 What Time is it in Germany Right Now?
• 15 What’s the Best Way to Get to Germany?
• 16 Where to Stay in Germany
• 17 Getting Around Germany
• 18 What to Wear in Germany
• 19 My Absolute Favorite Travel Clothing Items
• 20 What to Eat in Germany

Meet Your Germany Travel Guides

Hi, we’re Cate and Aaron, and we love helping people plan amazing trips to Germany. While Aaron has visited Germany several times (and is our chief rental car driver!), I lived there for 4+ years, have spent nearly 30 years of my life going back and forth between the US and Germany, and have traveled to all corners of the country.

I also taught German for several years and have a PhD in German Applied Linguistics, which means I’ve gotten to know Germany from several different angles. We’re so excited to help you plan your dream trip to Deutschland! 

Overview of Regions

Northern Germany  – Hamburg is the largest city in this region but there are other must-visit smaller cities like Lübeck , Stade, Bremen, and Lüneburg. Northern Germany also has the beautiful beaches of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, the Wadden Sea national park, and the islands of Sylt, Flör, and Heligoland. Northern Germany is flat and great for biking. It looks so different from Bavaria! Combine a trip to Denmark with a visit to northern Germany.

Eastern Germany  –  Berlin is of course the feature city in this region, but Dresden, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Quedlinburg, Bautzen, Erfurt, and Weimar are smaller must-see cities. There’s also the Harz mountains, Swiss Saxony national park , Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes in Thuringia, Wernigerode castle, the Schwerin Palace, and Sansouci in Potsdam. Combine a trip to eastern Germany with a visit to Poland or the Czech Republic.

Central Germany  – This region offers bustling cities like Cologne , Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt , smaller cities like Aachen, Wiesbaden, Koblenz, and plenty of cute villages. There’s also the Rhine and Mosel river areas, vineyards, the Eifel national park, castles , and beautiful rolling hills. Combine a visit to central Germany with a trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, or France.

Black Forest/Baden-Württemberg  –  Stuttgart is the largest city in this region, and smaller cities like Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Freiburg , Tübingen, and Ulm also warrant a visit. Vineyards and wineries, spa towns, castles (such as Hohenzollern or Lichtenstein ), waterfalls, Lake Constance, cute villages, and hiking are also features of the Black Forest /Baden-Württemberg region. Combine a trip to France or Switzerland with a visit to southwestern Germany.

Bavaria/Alps  – Munich is the feature city of Bavaria ( Oktoberfest! ), along with smaller cities like Regensburg, Nuremberg, Würtzburg, Bamberg, and Passau. There’s also the famous Zugspitze, Eagle’s Nest, Neuschwanstein castle , and Chiemsee lake, as well as lovely alpine towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Berchtesgaden . Combine a trip to Bavaria with a visit to Austria, Czech Republic or Switzerland.

Click here for what to do in Munich!

Where to Go in Germany: Itineraries and Planning

There’s so much to see and do in Germany! Here’s some info to get you started on your itinerary (you can also check out this article with 10-14 day itinerary ideas ). 

If you have just a few days,  I recommend focusing on one city and a day trip (e.g., Hamburg with a day trip to Lübeck or Munich with a day trip to Neuschwanstein ).

If you have a week,  you could visit 2 cities (plus 2 day trips) in different parts of Germany and allot one day for travel between cities (e.g., a few days in Munich with a day trip to Chiemsee, travel day to Berlin, then a few days in Berlin with a day trip to Potsdam). Or you could spend a week touring one region of Germany (e.g. the Black Forest or the Rhine and Mosel areas).

If you have two weeks,  you can see a lot of Germany! You could, for example, start in Berlin, then visit Hamburg, take a day trip to Lübeck , then visit the Rhein river area, stop in the Black Forest , and end your trip in Munich. You could easily do this trip via train or car. Take a look at a couple 10-14 day itineraries we’ve outlined to give you a sense of how much you can do in that amount of time.

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

How long does it take to travel around Germany by train? 

It’s quick and easy to travel around Germany by train. Here are some sample travel times to give you an idea: 

• Berlin to Hamburg – 1 hour 45 minutes 
• Berlin to Munich – 4 – 4 1/2 hours
• Hamburg to Lübeck – 1 hour 
• Hamburg to Cologne – 4 hours 
• Hamburg to Munich – 5 hours 40 minutes 
• Frankfurt to Nuremberg – 2 hours 
• Stuttgart to Munich – 2 1/4 hours 
• Munich to Berchtesgaden – 2 hours 

I use and recommend the official German rail system website to check travel times and book train tickets (point-to-point, saver tickets, and discounted regional tickets). I book all of our train tickets here!

Want more itinerary ideas? Are you a big city person? Check out… 

• Cologne / Düsseldorf

Prefer smaller historic, picturesque cities? Check out…

• Lübeck
• Würtzburg
• Tübingen

What about cute little villages with “Fachwerk” (half-timber) architecture? There are so many! Here are a few ideas…

• Wernigerode
• Quedlinburg
• Dinkelsbühl
• Rothenburg Ob der Tauber
• Berchtesgaden

Looking forward to visiting fairytale castles?

• Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau (the “Disney castle”)
• Castles near Frankfurt
• Castles near Cologne
• 16 castles to visit in Germany

Like islands and water? Take a look at…

• Husum (North Sea)
• Timmendorferstrand (Baltic Sea)
• Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Titisee 

What about nature, hiking, and national parks? Consider…

• Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park
• Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park 
• Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park
• Jasmund National Park
• Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park
• Müritz National Park
• Lower Oder Valley National Park
• Harz National Park
• Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
• Hainich National Park
• Eifel National Park
• Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park
• Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Bavarian Forest National Park
• Berchtesgaden National Park
• Black Forest National Park

How about a road trip? Why not drive the…

• German Timber-frame Road (northern to southern Germany)
• Romantic Road (Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, north/south)
• Castle Road (Bavaria to Baden-Württemberg, east/west)
• Wine Road (Palatinate wine region, north/south)
• Fairytale Route (from Hanau to Bremen, south/north)
• Black Forest High Road (Baden-Württemberg, north/south)
• Alpine Route (Baden-Württemberg to Bavaria, east/west)
• Volcanic Route (Rhein River and Eifel mountains, north/south)

Passports & Visas

If you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, you do not need a visa to enter Germany (at the time of publishing this article). You do, however, need a valid passport with at least 3 months validity AFTER your planned departure date.

Play it safe and have MORE than 6 months validity on entrance to Germany! You also need at least 2 blank passport pages at the time of your arrival. Check your passport NOW so you have plenty of time to renew it if needed. Do not wait until the last minute to do this (been there, done that – it’s expensive and stressful)!

Germany is part of the Schengen zone, which means you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. If you visit other countries in the Schengen zone before or after Germany, that counts towards your 90 days and reduces the amount of time you can spend in Germany. While on the automatic 90-day tourist visa you may not work but you can engage in business.

What’s the Best Time to Go to Germany?

The best time to visit Germany is whenever you can get there! No, seriously! There’s no best time of year for your  Deutschland   tour because there’s no bad time of year to visit. I’ve traveled all over Germany in spring, summer, fall, and winter and enjoyed every single season (Cate here, writing this article, by the way).

When should  you  travel to Germany? Well, it just depends on what you’re looking for…

Summer  is when you’re most likely to have warm (even hot) sunny weather. But it’s not guaranteed. I’ve had hot steamy summers in Germany (like last summer when we traveled during a heat wave), cold rainy summers, and everything in-between.

Fortunately, even if you encounter rain in the summer it likely won’t last more than a few hours or at most a couple days before you’ll see the sun again. The benefit of summer travel is that you’ll have nice long days for sight-seeing because the sun doesn’t fully set until about 10pm. If you’re interested in beaches or mountains, summer is a great time of year to visit.

Note, however, that not all hotels, cars, and restaurants use A/C. If you really hate hot weather, play it safe and avoid Germany in the middle of the summer. (Although, to be honest, in all of the summers I’ve spent in Germany, there have only been a few days in the summer that I’ve found truly unbearable without A/C.) If you  must  have A/C, be sure to confirm that your room or rental car has it.

Summer can also be a more crowded time to travel, since so many families make use of summer break. Book accommodation early for the most options and best prices!

Winter  travel in Germany can be cold but beautiful. One of my favorite times of year to travel in Germany is during the four weeks of advent at Christmas.

Yes, it gets dark early (by 5pm or a bit earlier) but the lights, decorations, and Christmas markets more than make up for it. Plus, you can go skiing and enjoy other winter activities.

I was just in Germany for a couple weeks in December and the weather was perfectly fine 90% of the time. There was only one day where the weather was truly miserable and even on that day there were enough breaks in the weather to enjoy my day trip exploring a new town and a new Christmas market. 

Germans don’t let winter keep them from enjoying outdoor activities, hiking to strolling through a Christmas market or enjoying a coffee at an outdoor cafe. Don’t let it stop you, either! Just bundle up, grab a mug of Glühwein, and you’ll be fine!

Fall and spring  are also great times to visit Germany. In the fall you’ll enjoy crisp mornings and cool evenings and seeing the leaves change color.

In the spring you’ll experience the joy everyone feels when they can once again sit outside at cafes and restaurants. The weather can vary quite a bit day to day but if you travel late in the fall or early in the spring you can score great deals and will find smaller crowds.

Germany Booking Timeline

I’ve booked flights, accommodations , and tours and tickets a few weeks before my arrival, and I’ve booked them several months in advance. Book early if you:

• Are traveling during peak summer, Christmas market or ski season
• Have very specific travel dates or lodging, transportation, sight-seeing needs
• Are visiting big cities
• Are on a tight budget
• Are visiting during a special event, such as Oktoberfest 

I usually start looking at my options as early as possible so I can figure out what a good deal looks like for my travel dates. I then set up flight alerts and start earmarking AirBnB’s and hotels. I begin booking whenever I find something that meets my needs and fits my budget. 

Here’s a general booking timeline to get you started:

6-12 months in advance:

• Research and book your international flights
• Research travel insurance
• Plan your travel itinerary and dates
• Research and book flights within Germany or Europe
• Research travel options within Germany (rental car, train bus, etc)
• Research accommodation options (book if you find great deals or if availability is limited)
• Make sure your passport is up-to-date (you need at least 6 months left on it when you enter Germany) and apply for a new one if it isn’t

3 – 6 months in advance:

• Book accommodation
• Book trains or busses (usually 90 before your travel dates is the earliest you can book but always check if you can book earlier – the best deals go fast)
• Book rental car
• Book tours, events, and tickets
• Book travel insurance 
• Review your travel wardrobe and gear and purchase the items you need  

1 month in advance:

• Book any remaining attractions and tours
• Book airport transfers or plan how you will get to your lodging
• Purchase a sim card for phone or check how you can use your current phone service in Germany (e.g., I can use my Verizon phone service for a $10/ a day fee)

1 week in advance: 

• Print out or ensure that you can easily access all bookings, tickets, and travel info on your phone (make sure you can access everything without data or wifi!)

1 day in advance:

What’s the Weather in Germany Like?

What will the weather be like when you visit Germany? Well, it depends on the time of year and where you are. Weather in Germany can be somewhat unpredictable no matter the time of year.

I recommend being prepared by wearing layers, packing an umbrella or rain jacket, and remembering that the weather will likely change soon. And, as I said earlier, don’t let any kind of weather stop you from enjoying Germany! 

Summer.  Germany comes alive in the summer with everyone and their dog (literally, there are dogs everywhere) outside enjoying the nice weather. Average high in the summer is 80F.  

Be warned…it can rain in the summer but it doesn’t usually last that long. It can also be super hot in the summer…but again, scorching temperatures doesn’t usually last that long.

Fall.  Such a beautiful time of year in Germany with the leaves changing colors and cool, crips mornings and evenings and warm days. One of my favorite times of year in Germany! In September, the average high is 67F and by November it’s around 47F.

Winter.  Bring your scarf, hat, and mittens because German winters can get cold! Average temps hover around freezing with warmer days in the 40s/50sF. While it can snow anywhere in Germany, you’ll find the most snow in southern Germany. Winter weather doesn’t mean everyone hides inside, though. On the contrary! Do what the Germans do – bundle up and enjoy the outdoors.

Spring.  I love being in Germany on the first spring day because  everyone  heads outside to enjoy the sun and everyone is in such a good mood! Early spring will see a high around 47F but by late spring it’s more like 67F.

What Time is it in Germany Right Now?

Germany is in the Central European Time zone (CET) or UTC+2. It’s 6 hours ahead of the US EST, 7 hours ahead of CST, 8 hours ahead of MST, and 9 hours ahead of PST.

Daylight savings in Germany in 2020: time “falls back” on October 25 and “springs forward” on March 29. Write these dates in your calendar so you don’t accidentally miss any flights or trains (been there, done that)!

What’s the Best Way to Get to Germany?

It depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going.  When flying from outside Europe, many people fly into Frankfurt (FRA), the largest airport in Germany and one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe.

The benefit of flying into Frankfurt is that it has a ton of direct flights, and once you reach Germany you can easily take a commuter flight, train, bus or rental car to your final destination.

The downside? The airport is huge, busy, and I’ve noticed prices into Frankfurt have been higher than regional airports in Germany.

I used to  always  fly into Frankfurt , and then take a train, bus or rental car to my final destination. But recently? I’ve found that it’s easier (and sometimes cheaper) to bypass FRA and fly into other German cities, such as Munich , Hamburg , Berlin , Düsseldorf ( Cologne ) or Stuttgart .

You might even be able to find a direct flight from the US (I’ve flown direct Atlanta – Stuttgart and Washington DC – Munich, for example). Otherwise, you’ll change planes somewhere in Europe and take an easy 1-3 hour flight to Germany. We’ve changed planes in London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Paris, and Vienna, for example. You could also fly into another European city and then take a train, bus or rental car into Germany.  

A Few Notes About Flying Into FRA (Frankfurt Airport) and Traveling Onwards

If you take a commuter flight from Frankfurt  (FRA) to your final destination in Germany, you’ll go through passport control in FRA and then to your connecting gate. Super easy. Most flights from FRA to elsewhere in Germany are an hour or less in duration.

If you’re traveling onward by train from Frankfurt,  you can transfer to the train right at the airport below Terminal 1. If your train leaves from the main station in Frankfurt, you can either take the S-bahn or a regional train from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof (main station) in about 10-15 minutes.  

Important:  you’ll find cheap “savings fare” train ticket prices if you book your ticket online well ahead of your arrival. Be sure to book your ticket for  at least  a few hours after your flight’s arrival time into FRA.

Be warned: getting through passport control, customs, picking up your checked luggage, and making your way to the train station can take longer than you think. And if your plane from the US (or elsewhere) is delayed…well, it’s easy to miss your train and have to buy a new, much more expensive ticket on the spot. Personally, I would book a saver fare train ticket for a train that leaves 3-5 hours after my international flight’s arrival time – at the minimum. And that’s still cutting it close if there’s any kind of delay!

Tip: If you want maximum flexibility and peace of mind, buy a “flex ticket.” You’ll pay more but these tickets aren’t tied to a specific train. So if your flight is five hours late, you can take a train later in the day without changing your ticket or losing money.

These tickets also you to stop somewhere en route to your final destination for a couple hours, and then get back on a different train (e.g., stop in Stuttgart for a couple hours on your way to Munich). So if you arrive on time, you can work in a short excursion on the way to your final destination (store your luggage at a locker in the train station). If your flight is late, just go directly to your destination. These tickets are also refundable before the first day of travel.

For ultimate flexibility and peace of mind, spend the night in or around Frankfurt and book a saver fare train for early the next morning. 

You can also easily pick up a rental car at FRA  and drive to your final destination. Aaron and I have done this a few times and never had any problems.

The one problem we do have? Staying awake long enough to drive to our destination! We usually keep the driving distance to an hour or two on the day of our arrival and drink a lot of coffee. Sometimes we pull over at rest area and take a nap. 

If you want to rent a car at the airport and are concerned about driving while jet lagged, consider picking up the car and then spending the night in nearby town, such as Wiesbaden (I spent an enjoyable few days there before catching my flight home a few years ago). 

If you’re catching a bus  from the city center to travel onwards, S-bahn 8 or 9 will zip you into town quickly and cheaply in about 10-15 minutes. Buy tickets at any of the ticket machines before you board the S-bahn.  

You can also catch busses  into Frankfurt and elsewhere in front of Terminal 1 (arrivals level) and Terminal 2 (level 2).

You’ll find taxis  in the same general area. It takes about 20 minutes to get into downtown Frankfurt by taxi.

Flying to Germany from Elsewhere in Europe

These days it’s super easy and generally inexpensive to fly to Germany from all over Europe. Here are a couple tips:

When booking your international flight, you might be able to include a stop-over in the city where you’ll transfer to your Germany flight. I used to do stopovers in London, and a couple years ago I did an awesome stopover in Iceland. TAP also offers free stopovers in Lisbon or Porto.   

I highly recommend looking into both flying and taking a train (or bus) into Germany, especially if you’re arriving from a neighboring country and not on a stopover. Of course, if you’re flying from cities like London, Barcelona, Rome or Oslo, flying is the best option. But if you’re traveling from Paris, Vienna, Copenhagen or Prague, for example, a train might be the better way to go.

Even if the actual flight is only an hour, you have to factor in the time it takes to travel to the airport, go through security, potential flight delays, and then traveling to your lodging once you land. A 5- or 6-hour train ride might actually take less time than a 1-hour flight when you total it all up!

Traveling to Germany By Train, Bus or Car

Traveling to Germany from other European countries by train, bus or car is easy. Train travel is generally simple, comfortable, and quick. Most train stations in Germany are located in the city center, so it’s easy to get to your lodging via taxi or public transportation. 

If renting a car in another country, just double check that you’re authorized to take the car out of the rental country. If you are, you’ll have no problems crossing the boarder and driving around Germany. 

Busses tend to cost less than trains, and you can find some amazing deals, but to be honest, I still prefer taking trains over busses. Trains are more comfortable, you can get up and walk around, and they’re almost always faster than busses. Plus, they don’t get stuck in traffic.

Tips for Booking the Best Flights with Cash or Miles: 

• Start looking for flights early,  especially if you’re traveling during peak season. I booked our mid-June flights in late January. While we found low mileage flights for very specific weekend travel dates, we could have found better flight times had we booked even earlier. 
• Track flights  through google or look at options in Hopper so you’ll know a good deal when you see one.  
• Look for last-minute deals.  When I decided to go to Germany in December I didn’t start looking for flights until early November (the trip was a last-minute decision). Because I was flexible on travel dates and went early in the month, I found excellent tickets using miles. This doesn’t always happen, but it never hurts to look for deals, even if your travel dates are right around the corner. 
• Fly in or out of smaller regional airports  (e.g., Berlin , Hamburg , Stuttgart , Munich , Düsseldorf). When I booked our flights for mid-June I couldn’t find anything into Frankfurt using miles. But I did find flights into Berlin and out of Stuttgart, and that actually worked even better for that trip ! For my recent December trip , I found that flying in and out of Stuttgart used the lowest amount of miles and had the best schedule. I’ve also flown into Hamburg and Munich airports.

Where to Stay in Germany

Germany has so many options for lodging:

• Vacation rentals (e.g., VBRO, AirBnB)
• Hip boutique hotels
• Quirky hostels
• More traditional HI hostels
• Large hotel chains
• American-styles hotels (Hilton, Marriott, etc)
• Family-run Pensionen (bed and breakfast)
• Camping (RV and tent)

When we’re in Germany we typically opt for AirBnB (I like having a kitchen to make breakfast) or a smaller family-run Pension or boutique hotel. We used to stay in hostels when we was younger (they’re pretty nice in Germany) but even then I found Pensionen to be very affordable – sometimes  more  affordable than hostels – especially when traveling with one or two other people. If we’re spending the night near an airport or train station and want convenience and ease we’ll stay at a larger chain hotel .

Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget accommodations, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Germany! To help you get started, check out our Germany hotel guides.

Breakfast  is often included with lodging in Germany (but not always). Sometimes breakfast will feature fresh bread or Brötchen (delicious German rolls), cold cuts and cheese, butter and jam, and tea and coffee. Other times there will be an extensive breakfast buffet that includes things like yogurt, museli, a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, and even hard-boiled eggs. You’re unlikely to find things like omelets, bacon, pancakes, waffles, and hot oatmeal.

If you’re looking to save money on lodging,  book rooms with a shared bathroom. (This is typically only an option in smaller or older hotels and not an option I come across as often anymore.) Sometimes that will mean sharing a full bathroom with other guests on your floor, and other times you’ll have a sink and/or shower in your room and will share a toilet located in the hallway. Shared bathrooms are more common in smaller Pensionen than in hotels.

These days I prefer the convenience of having a full bathroom in my room but I’m not averse to sharing a hall bathroom when needed (takes me back to my younger backpacking days – ha!). I’ve never had to wait to use a shared bathroom or had any trouble with them. Sometimes there are two or more bathrooms per floor. If you do opt for a shared bathroom, bring flip-flops!

Hostels can be a great option for families,  as many offer family rooms. Hostels typically offer a simple breakfast and sometimes dinner. While accommodations are simple, some hostels can be in spectacular locations. The hostel in Bacharach, for example, is in an old castle on a hill and offers a gorgeous view of the town below and the Rhine river!  

Getting Around Germany

One of the benefits of traveling in Germany is that it’s super easy to get around the entire country. You have so many transportation options.

You can rent a car and drive from place to place. Or you can stick to trains and busses. Or ride a bike – there are tons of bike paths throughout Germany.   

If I’m primarily visiting big cities I prefer taking the train or a bus to get from one city to another. When I spend more time in smaller cities or want to take day trips to harder to reach places, I prefer having a car.

For our recent summer trip to Germany, we rented a car at the Berlin airport and returned it to the Stuttgart airport. We didn’t take trains or busses at all. We got a car so we could go to places that aren’t as easily (or quickly) accessible by train. We didn’t use the car every day, though. We walked and used public transportation when exploring cities.    

Speaking of public transportation, Germany’s is one of the best! It’s super easy to get everywhere you want to go via the S-bahn (above ground metro), U-bahn (underground metro), Strassenbahn (street car), and city bus. Taxis (and Uber/Lyft, where available) are also convenient options, though more expensive than public transport.

There are also car-share programs that you can look into. I haven’t used any of them and don’t know how convenient they are for travelers but it doesn’t hurt to check them out.

German cities are very walkable, so it’s easy to get around by foot. And, if you’d like to bike around like a local, there are lots of places to rent bikes (or scooters!) around town or maybe even at your hotel or AirBnB. If you’re more interested in just one afternoon of biking, try a city bike tour!

A few transportation tips:

• For the best train ticket prices book your ticket via the official German rail system website in well in advance. I book all of our tickets there. Note: if you pre-purchase your ticket at the lowest price you have to take the specific train you booked. If you miss that train, you have to buy another ticket. 
• If you don’t mind taking slower regional trains you can get some really cheap tickets and regional day tickets. You may not want to use these tickets to go from Munich to Hamburg, but they’re great for day trips, whether traveling solo or with others.
• Busses are often less expensive than the train (though not quite as comfortable and often slower).
• There are Eurail options for Germany, and they’re a great choice if you value flexibility and ease or if you want to make stops while traveling (eg., stop in Cologne for a couple hours while traveling from Hamburg to Munich).
• If you plan to rely on public transportation in the cities you visit, buy a day pass (or perhaps a multi-day or week pass) rather than individual tickets. Also check to see if there are group day tickets or if young kids can ride free. Note: there’s often a small additional fee to bring a bike or a large amount of luggage on public transportation. There are often less expensive day passes for travel starting after 9am. 

What to Wear in Germany

Check out my packing list for Germany!

Layer, layer, layer!  The weather in Germany is often unpredictable so your best bet is to bring layers so you can customize your wardrobe on the fly. Since rain is a possibility any time of year, you may want to bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella.

Bring comfortable shoes.  You’ll no doubt walk all day long (often on cobblestone), so bring your most comfortable, supportive shoes. Be sure to break in your shoes  before  you travel. There’s nothing worse than realizing a day into your trip that your shoes pinch your toes or give you huge blisters. (Bring along moleskin, just in case. I always have  this kind  in my day bag!) I typically bring a good pair of walking shoes appropriate for the season (e.g., boots in the winter) and a nicer pair of flats (sandals in the summer).

You can wear jeans.  Some people say  never travel with jeans  but I’m not one of those people. I love traveling with jeans! They’re comfortable, I can wear them a few times without having to wash them, and I feel less like a tourist wearing them because everyone wears them. If you like jeans, wear jeans.

Scarf, hat, gloves.  If you’re traveling in the winter or even late fall or early spring, definitely bring a warm scarf, hat, and gloves or mittens. Or buy them in Germany and take them home as a souvenir! Almost all of my winter accessories are from Germany. Even if you’re not traveling in colder weather, I recommend a  travel scarf with a hidden pocket  for ease and security.

You can wear shorts in the summer.  Shorts are more popular in Germany than they used to be, so if you like them and are comfortable in them, wear them. That said, do also bring summer dresses or skirts and or lightweight pants to wear when shorts are too informal.

Bring a comfortable day bag or purse.  When you’re out and about all day you want a comfortable bag or purse to hold your travel essentials – wallet, phone, camera, ipad/kindle/book, umbrella, journal, etc. For peace of mind, you may even want one with special security features.  Click here to read my guide for buying the best travel purse.

My Absolute Favorite Travel Clothing Items

Merino wool camisole/tank  – These camisoles are the BEST for travel! They’re soft, comfortable, easy to hand wash, and they never stink. This might be TMI but a few years ago, when I was traveling solo around Europe, I wore the same merino wool tank each day for 14 days in warm spring weather. It never smelled bad! Since that experiment I don’t typically go that long without washing my tanks, but I like knowing that I could!  Click here to read more reviews and buy a merino wool camisole/tank.

Foldable flats  – I splurged on a pair of foldable leather flats a few years ago, and after I broke them in I started really liking them. I wouldn’t recommend them for a full day of walking (especially on cobblestones) but I like to bring my foldable flats along for a change of pace or when I want the option of wearing a cute pair of shoes but don’t want them to take up much space in my suitcase.

Merino wool shoes  – I bought a pair of dark grey merino wool walking/tennis shoes a couple years ago and I LOVE them! I can wear them barefoot in the summer, and not only do my feet stay relatively cool, my shoes don’t stink when I take them off at the end of the day. I can throw them in the wash if they get dirty (though mine still look great 2 years later), they pack flat and don’t take up much space in my suitcase or travel backpack, and the heel is thick and cushioned. You can also buy replacement merino wool insoles without having to buy a new pair of shoes.

What I don’t like: the pair I have doesn’t have enough arch support for me and there’s not enough padding under the ball of my foot. The first few times I wore them they were uncomfortable after walking all day and I was super disappointed! But after adding an arch support and a gel insert under the ball of my foot (I like  this one ) I loved them and now wear them all the time while traveling and at home. Many people love them from the start!  Click here to to read reviews and check out merino wool shoes.   

What to Eat in Germany

You’ll never go hungry while traveling in Germany! While you can always find traditional items like Schnitzel, Spätzle, Rouladen, and Bratwurst, there are plenty of healthier options, including those that are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.

Many restaurants now cater to special diets and accommodate allergies, as do some specialty grocery stores. Aaron has a meat allergy and frequently eats gluten-free and has never had a problem finding delicious food in Germany.

These days Germany has a wide variety of restaurants to ft all budgets featuring cuisine from all over the world (except Mexican…I’ve yet to find good tacos in Germany). So you won’t be stuck eating Schnitzel every day – unless you want to!

We usually eat breakfast at our AirBnB or hotel, enjoy a nice lunch at a restaurant we’ve stumbled upon, and then grab a Döner, salad or pizza for dinner. We also often picnic using ingredients from the bakery and grocery store or farmer’s market.

Traditional German dishes to try:   Schnitzel, Spätzle, Rouladen, Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Schweinehaxen, Maultaschen, Currywurst, Leberkäse, Flammkuchen, Sauerkruat, Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), Quark, all kinds of German breads.

Quick lunches and snacks on the go:  Döner, Falafel, Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Bratwurst, Currywurst, salads, Brötchen filled with meat and/or cheese, fresh pretzels, pastries, cakes. Click here to see the best German street food!

Desserts & sweet treats:  Schwarzwälderkirchtorte (Black Forest Cake), Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake), cheesecake, Stollen, Frankfurter Kranz, cake, Donauwellen cake, Berliner, Lebkuchen, Pflaumenkuchen (plum cake), all kinds of pastries and chocolate – just to name a few! Click here to see the 10 must-try German desserts and sweets.

Beer:  every kind you could ever imagine! I usually just ask for the local beer unless there’s a specific one I know I want to try.

Christmas: This is the best time of year to be in Germany, partly because of the many delicious holiday treats like Lebkuchen, Stollen, Glühwein, and so much more. Click here to read more about what to eat in Germany during the Christmas season.

Want to try German food now? Click here to see where to buy delicious German food online!

Got a question about traveling in Germany? Join our free Germany trip planning community or  send us an email!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

69 Comments

I enjoyed reading this information. My husband and I would like to stay in Germany for 2 to 3 months in 2022. I am interested in staying in the area of Bamberg with the plan of visiting other regions in Germany via a rental car. Either at the end or beginning of our stay we would like to visit France (especially Paris). I have so many questions. But our hope is to have basically our last trip on our own and experience more of the everyday lifestyle. Up to this point we have only traveled via being guest of Viking River Cruise and tours.

Hi Donna! 2-3 months in Germany sounds awesome! Since you’ll be there so long, you might want to consider spending 1 month in 3 different regions or 1.5 months in 2 regions. Otherwise you’ll be doing a lot of overnight or multi-night trips if you want to see other regions. Are you thinking about renting an AirBnB? If you want to experience the everyday lifestyle, I highly recommend it. Feel free to email me if you have questions as you start planning. 🙂

Hi! Thank you for this awesome post. It’s very useful. I wanted to ask you a question. I’m planning to travel to Germany as soon as the pandemic starts to be less dangerous. I want to go to Germany for 2 months, how many cities do you think is possible to visit? And also how much money do you think is possible to use everyday for food if my budget is small? Thank you very much!

Hello! Two months is a good amount of time to visit Germany, and you should be able to see and do quite a lot! Just how many cities depends on how quickly you like to travel and what you want to do in each place (e.g., just see the highlights or live like a local). If you want to stick to big cities you could spend 1-3 weeks in each and take lots of day trips to see the surrounding area.

If that’s the case, you could rent an Airbnb (or similar), which would not only save you money on lodging (they’ll often give discounts for stays of 1 week or longer) but also make it easier to make some inexpensive meals at the Airbnb (and it’s easy to make German dishes “at home”!) and maybe even do laundry for free.

If you want to be on the go the whole time, moving from city to city (big, medium, and small), it will be more expensive unless you stay at hostels (or super cheap hotels). And remember to factor in the constant packing and unpacking, time getting to/from the train station (or airport)…that gets tiring when traveling for a couple months!

I recommend coming up with a budget, then looking at what kind of lodging fits that budget (hotels, hostels, longer Airbnb stays, Couchsurfing, etc). Then think about what you most want to do in Germany (live like a local, just spontaneously explore, see specific sights, have specific experiences, etc) and what you want your daily experience to be like (e.g., do you want to feel relaxed each day and get to know fewer places or be on the go, packing and unpacking, moving from place to place). Neither is better than the other, it’s just important to get clear on what kind of experience you want!

A few ways to reduce your budget: – Eat in fewer sit-down restaurants. Eat breakfast at “home”, buy snacks and drinks at the grocery store and bring them with you each day, cook some meals each week at “home”, pick up lunch from a grocery store or bakery and eat in a park, etc. Make eating dinner in a sit-down restaurant a special occasion. Doing these things will save you money and you’ll eat healthier!

– Take busses or slower trains to travel around Germany. There are regional train passes you can purchase that allow travel in a specific area very inexpensively. Travel will be slower and there are some restrictions on when you travel (often not during rush hour) but you’ll save money and often you’ll see some out of the way sights. You can also get good deals on flights but once you factor in travel to the airport (time and cost), time to check in, waiting to board, potential delays, and then getting from the airport to your final destination, it’s often just easier to take the train.

– Buy standard train tickets in advance. You can get nice discounts on faster train tickets if you book far enough in advance.

This might be more info than you wanted but I hope that helps you start planning your trip! Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂

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Great post full of detailed information on all aspects of travel in Germany. When travel reopens in Europe we’re planning on a 2 week trip in Germany with our adult son. He’s an avid soccer fan so we’ll need to plan the trip around the soccer schedule so he can see as many games as possible. We are considering Eastern Germany with a short trip into Poland or Northern Germany with a few days in Denmark. We’d really appreciate your expertise and suggestions. Although we’ve traveled extensively in many western and eastern European countries, we have not spent a great deal of time in Germany. Thanks. J.

Hello! I’m back working on this site now and am happy to help. I’ve got more articles and resources coming but let me know if you have any specific questions!

Hi Both The Ueckermann family 9-10 adults and 2 little once to experience Germany in Oct 2023. Central G and Netherlands will be awesome. We need to do all planning and funds estimates please assist. We live in South Africa and hopefully COVID 19 not a factor any more. Plan 2-3 weeks depending on the funds regards Engela

Hi Engela! Let me know if you have any specific questions about planning your trip to Germany. Happy to help!

HI, I was having trouble with your email 🙂 so sorry I am just replying here. I was hoping you could help us and I wasn’t sure if you offer buying tickets and guidance of our specific places we would like to visit. Anxiously wanting to hear back from you, Anne

Hi Anne! I just sent you an email. 🙂

Hello Cate! Such a well written article with great info! My husband and myself would like to travel to Germany in Oct. of 2022, possibly with my then 16 year old son as well. We want to go in October so we can also experience Octoberfest. I cant have beer because I have celiac’s. IS THERE OTHER ALCOHOL DURING OCTOBERFEST OTHER THAN BEER? WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN OCTOBER AND DOES OCTOBERFEST RUN THE FULL MONTH? IS THERE A CERTAIN AREA WE SHOULD STAY TO REALLY EXPERIENCE OCTOBERFEST AND ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES TO AVOID DURING OCTOBERFEST? We are overwhelmed with planning our trip because we don’t even travel within the US and I feel like there’s so much we want to experience in such a short period. We would like to go for 2 weeks. We want to go because both our families are from Germany. My family comes from Nuremburg (sp) and my husbands family Bavaria but we are unsure which part. This trip is important for us to try to learn about our family roots. DO YOU KNOW WHERE WE COULD GO IN GERMANY TO LEARN ABOUT OUR GENEOLOGY? We would like a more of a laid back approach to experiencing Germany. I dont want to necessarily feel rushed every single day but I do understand that some events and places we would want to visit would need to be scheduled and we are ok with that. I would like to do the Air bnb but know nothing about them. I would like less stress worrying about transportation such as missing busses. We are interested in castles, picturesque views, experiencing floating on the Rhine River perhaps. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON AIR BNB’S THAT PROVIDE BREAKFAST AND ANY IDEAS ON AREA’S TO VISIT BASED ON EVERYTHING I’VE PROVIDED? P.S……our last name literally translates to “the German”. We have had so many Europeans tell us that when they hear our name…LOL

CORRECTION: This is Lisa Nemec. My hubands family is Bohemian. We believe his family crossed over from Czech.

Hi Lisa! There are plenty of other drinks at Oktoberfest, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something. The weather at that time of year can vary but in late September to early October it’ll likely be warm during the day and cooler in the evening. Oktoberfest is mostly held in late September but I believe it goes until Oct 2 in 2022. There are a lot of hotels and AirBnB’s within walking distance of Oktoberfest (also walking distance to downtown) but book early because they fill up quickly! You’ll also pay a premium at that time of year. Some people prefer not to stay near the main train station but other people don’t mind it.

As to where you could go in Germany to find out about your genealogy, I’d start by searching the genealogy sites online and get as much specific info as you can. You can then try a site like http://www.genealogienetz.de/index_en.html (I haven’t used it, just found it).

If you have 2 weeks, you could fly in and out of Munich and focus on Bavaria. While in Munich you could take a couple day trips to Salzburg, Berchtesgaden, Neuschwanstein, the Alps, etc. You could see a lot at a laid-back pace in 2 weeks!

AirBnB’s are great if you’re going to be somewhere for at least a few days, want a little extra space, a kitchen, etc. Even just being able to make breakfast, coffee/tea, and keep drinks cold for when you come home in the evening is so nice. But you don’t typically get hotel-like services like a prepared breakfast, new towels each day or linen changes. If you want to be walking distance to lots of things in Munich, a hotel near downtown could be a great option. If you’re ok with being in a neighborhood, an AirBnB could be a good choice. There are so many great neighborhoods in Munich so you really just need to look at price, amenities, and distance to the things you want to see. I’ve stayed at hotels near Marienplatz and in an AirBnB further away (maybe a 10-15 minute walk + U-bahn ride to Marienplazt) and I enjoyed both.

I hope that helps!

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HELP……I have been put in charge of coming up with an itinerary for my hubby and 4 of our friends for travel in July 2022. I truly have no idea what I am doing. What we are looking for are castles, beautiful scenery and history (although I have been told that they do not want to go to concentration camps). The following is the tentative itinerary I have come up with. We are looking also, for moderate priced Inns/quaint hotels and castle stays centrally located. Any changes/suggestions/comments would be GREATLY appreciated. We will be renting 2 cars. 1 night Munich drive to Nuremburg 3 nights Nuremburg – drive to Fussen 1 night Fussen – drive to Ettal 3 nights Ettal – drive to Unterwossen 1 night Unterwossen – drive to Salzburg Austria 3 nights Salzburg Austria drive to Munich 1 night Munich – fly home

Hi Linda! Your itinerary looks good for a 2-week trip. Here are few suggestions:

-If you’re flying into Munich, you could drive right to Nuremburg on the first day, since it’s only a couple hours drive from Munich airport. If you pick up your car, drive into Munich, settle into a hotel, and then drive to Nuremburg the next day, you’re using a lot of time for driving/checking in/unpacking/packing and you won’t get to see much of Munich. If you go right to Nuremburg on arrival day and stay for 3 nights, you could add a night to the end of your trip so you have 2 nights in Munich or add a day to Salzburg and keep Munich at 1 night.

-Fussen and Ettal are pretty close to each other so you could stay 3-4 nights in one and then take a day trip to the other. I like to reduce the number of one night stays as much as I can during 1 and 2 week trips for the reasons I mentioned above. You could also stay in Ettal and make day trips to both Fussen and Unterwossen and cut out 2 1-night stays.

-If you don’t want to see Munich, I’d keep that at 1 night and stay near the airport at the end of your trip. If you do want to see Munich, I’d give that 2 nights minimum.

I hope that helps! I think you’ll really enjoy your itinerary!

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Thankyou for all the wonderful suggestions! I’m visiting Germany closer to Christmas for two weeks.

That’s my favorite time to be in Germany! Everything is so beautiful and festive. You might be interested in my Stuttgart Christmas Market article – even if you won’t be near Stuttgart, it will give you an idea of what you can do, see, and eat at any Christmas market. I also talk about 6 other nearby Christmas markets that are super fun to visit. 🙂 Enjoy your trip!!

I had all but given up on our delayed 25 yr Wedding Anniversary(07/28/2020 delayed to Sept 2021, due to covid) trip to Germany. Then I found your website! It reinvigorated our desire to NOT CANCEL our plans! We have a son in Kaiserslautern(rhein main air force base) , and want to split a 2 week trip between seeing 7-8 days traveling in Germany( Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart) and Paris. And then 6 to 7 day visiting our son. We had all but given up, until I read your article. Thanks! I wish that there were some way to have everything planned for us in advance! But, your post at least has assured us that we can make this happen on our own. Thank you very much!!

Definitely don’t cancel your plans, even if you have to postpone! (We had to postpone our anniversary trip, too – such a bummer!) You can definitely make your trip to Germany happen. Here are a few ideas for you…

You could fly into Paris, then travel to Kaiserslautern to see your son and do a day trip to Stuttgart (visit the Christmas market if you’re there in December or nearby Esslingen any time of year) and then either visit Munich and the area around there (fly out of Munich) or travel up to Cologne and over to Berlin (fly out of Berlin).

It’ll be a lot to try to see Paris, spend several days in Kaiserslautern, and also see Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, and Berlin but if you can combine things – like if your son can go with you to visit Stuttgart and Munich or Cologne and Berlin, you could see a lot of the places you’re interested in. Flying into one city and out of another will help a lot, too.

You could also fly into Munich, then go to Kaiserslautern via Stuttgart, take a short trip to Paris, then go to Berlin via Cologne and fly out of Berlin. Or do the same but start in Berlin and fly out of Munich.

You’ll have a great time no matter your itinerary! 🙂

Your website is a such a great resource! I have a ton of questions about planning a trip, I’m just going to send you an email.

Thank you Komal

Got it and replied 🙂

What is a good budget for 2 adults in Germany for two weeks?

It’s nearly impossible to give a guideline because it depends on so many things – your travel style, what kind of transportation you want to use, your accommodation & restaurant preferences, etc. I know that’s not very helpful in the short-term but it would be less helpful for me to give you a specific budget not knowing any specifics about you or your trip plans. Plus, most travelers like to splurge in one area and cut back in another but that’s so different for each traveler.

What I recommend is this: start looking at flights, transportation, and accommodations well before you want to book them in order to get an idea of what each costs for your travel dates. Add everything up for 2 weeks and then decide if you’re ok with that amount so far, keeping in mind you’ll still need to add on food, souvenirs, tickets/tours, insurance, and anything you need to get before you leave (clothes, luggage, passport, etc). I like to do this research before I book flights/transport/accommodations. That way I get an idea of what will be my splurge and where I will need to reduce costs to keep within the budget that’s right for me. Everyone’s ideal budget is so different!

hi i am planning to travail to Germany in December 2021 with my family , any idea

My big tip for Germany in December: visit the Christmas markets (if they’re open this year)! You’ll find one in nearly every German city, town and even small villages. They’re outdoors so dress warmly and enjoy the food, drink, and stalls. They’re a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts, too.

Days are short in December, and some touristy sites do shut down in winter, so keep that in mind. But you’ll still find plenty to do after dark, especially if you’re in bigger cities. As long as you take these two things into consideration, you’ll have a great visit no matter where you go!

Hi, my partner and I are wanting to visit Germany in January 2022. I have previously stayed in Wurzburg for 3 weeks and dream of taking my partner there.Seeing as I went with school a few years ago we didn’t really have a chance to look around other parts of local Germany. Where would you recommend us to go whilst in that area? We like architecture (but not too much…) we’re in our 20’s so we also want to have fun 🙂 we’ll either be driving (we live in France) or we’ll be going by train. Will the Christmas markets still be on? I doubt it but you never know… Thanks

Also, we are wanting to go with our dog. Would that be possible or too complicated?

You could easily go to Munich and spend a few days there – lots to see and lots of places to have fun. (I had a great time there in my 20s!) There are also a lot of day trip options – Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, Neuschwanstein, Passau, Regensburg, etc. You could also stop in Nuremberg on your way to Munich. All of that is easy by car or by train – and if you go by train, you could probably do those day trips using a regional train pass. Or you could do guided day trips and not have to plan anything! I’ve got some listed in my Munich guide – https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/munich-travel-guide/

It looks like the Christmas markets are on for 2021 but they could always get canceled in the coming weeks. Most have their last day on Dec. 24 so unfortunately, you won’t get to see them if you visit in January. That just means planning another trip to Germany for December 2022! 🙂

Germany is pretty dog-friendly so it’s probably do-able. But there are likely museums and other sites that might not allow dogs inside. If you mostly want to spend time outdoors, and your dog is ok with possibly very cold/wet/windy weather, or if you can leave the dog at your lodging for part of the day, it might work ok.

Hope that helps!

Hi Cate, you have put together a terrific planning guide. Thanks. Our 4 children just gave us a trip back to Germany in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. We lived in Erlangen from Aug 1972 – 1973. We are excited to go back but we are debating between a Rhine river cruise or going on our own. We’ll probably go sometime in May/June or Sept/Oct 2022.

How exciting!! It’s so fun to go back and revisit where you used to live in Germany. Aaron and I did that in 2019 and had such a good time seeing what had/had not changed. I’m excited for you!

I’ve heard people say great things about Rhine river cruises. If you don’t have time to or don’t want to do much trip planning, that’s a great option. The downside is that you’re more limited to what you can do and see. If you have time and interest in planning your own trip, you can definitely do it. And since travel is coming back, I’ll be focusing on this site a lot more in the coming months and helping people plan their trips, so I’ll be here to help you, too. 🙂

Hi Cate, We have wanted to visit Germany (from the US) for a few years now and have finally decided to make it happen, but had no idea where or how to start. Your article is full of valuable information. Thank you. At least we now have a starting point. Our trip isn’t for another year, but it will go quickly. So excited and thank you for all the information.

You’re welcome! I’m so excited for you already. 🙂 The next year will fly by and you’ll be on a plane bound for Germany before you know it. Now that travel is coming back, I’ll be focusing on this site a lot more so be sure to come back when you’re ready to plan your trip. I’m working on lots of guides and helpful resources! 🙂

Hello. My grandfather expressed interest in going to Germany in 2022. More specifically, he wants to go to ‘The Battle of the Bulge’ where his older brother passed away in World War II. We would also like to go to the Holocaust Memorial. I have been trying to research/plan this trip but would be open to suggestions. We are from the US and could spend about a week out there. I am grateful that I stumbled across your blog as it is very informative and interesting! 🙂

Hello! That sounds like it will be a wonderful trip for your grandfather! If you’re talking about visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin (highly recommended), you could fly right into Berlin (their new airport!) and spend half of your time seeing the city, then head to Brussels and take a Battle of the Bulge day tour! I found one here that you can look at (aff link): https://www.getyourguide.com/bastogne-war-museum-l35043/bastogne-battle-of-the-bulge-tour-from-brussels-t169657/?partner_id_Y5UOFLS It looks like it also goes into Luxembourg so you could get 3 countries in one trip. 🙂 If you have enough time, you could take a day trip to Brugges or Ghent – both are 30-60 minutes from Brussels. You could then fly out of Brussels back to the US. To get from Berlin to Brussels you’d probably want to fly but it’s a short flight and you could probably get an early morning or a late afternoon flight so it wouldn’t take up your whole day. Hope that helps with your planning!

Hi, your site is wonderful and has some great information! I am traveling (solo) to Germany in late April and will be there for one month. I have been to Munich/Bavaria/Salzburg before so I’d planned on focusing my trip on the rest of Germany. I’m flying into Berlin and was planning on staying there 4-5 nights, then I’m not sure where to go. I was thinking of spending a week in an area and going on day trips; for example, the Black Forest, the middle Rhine area, maybe Harz Mountain. But I also want to see some cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Trier, and Hamburg. So maybe a bit of both cities and countryside? Do you have any thoughts? Thanks!

I definitely recommend choosing 3-4 locations where you can stay for a week or so and then take day trips. You could do longer stays in Berlin and Hamburg – there’s tons to do and see in each city, as well as lots of day trip options. You could also do Cologne or try a smaller town on the Rhein or Mosel and explore that area in more depth. For the Black Forest you could stay in the university town of Freiburg and day trip to towns/hiking in the Black Forest, as well as Basel and Colmar/Strassbourg). You could also choose 3 locations for longer stays (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg and Freiburg) and then do a couple of 2 or 3-night stays as you travel between cities, e.g., a short stay in Wernigerode or Quedlinburg (Harz mountains), Trier, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, or Tübingen on your way to Freiburg. Tip: if you want to do a lot of day trips, make sure you stay where it’s fairly quick and easy to get to the train/bus station! Since you’ll be there for a month you have lots of flexibility and plenty of time to do and see a lot of the areas you mentioned!

@Cate, Thank you so much! I’m really enjoying going through your site, too!

Looking for a good travel guide book for Germany any recommendations?

Rick Steve’s is always a good one! I’ve used his guidebooks a ton. You can get his Germany guidebook on Kindle or as a hard copy (aff link): https://amzn.to/33z7d59

@Cate, Thanks

So excited to find your site! My husband and I will travel from Texas to Bavaria for 7-10 days in September. I am in charge of all the planning. I’m thinking Munich & surrounding area and Salzburg. Do you have any suggestions? I’m also pondering some organized day tours..

Munich is a wonderful home base for seeing lots of great sites in Bavaria! You could easily spend 1-3 days in Munich (especially if you’re there during Oktoberfest) and then take day trips to places like Neuschwanstein, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Salzburg, Linderhof, Chiemsee, Berchtesgaden, Nuremberg…just to name a few! You can easily do all of that by train and mix it up with some organized day tours here and there. I’ve been working on a Munich guide that will have ideas for day trips and tours so keep an eye out for that!

Hello Cate, Your blog is very helpful. Like to seek your help and guidance. I am from Singapore and not familiar with Germany. Both me and my wife intend to fly to Amsterdam where my daughter is attending university and spend 18 days vacation with her in Europe during her break. Am planning 7 days touring Germany. Tentatively looking tourist site at hamburg, Berlin, Stuttgart and then off to another country eg. france, switzerland or Italy for another 7 days. then travel back to Amsterdam to fly home. Any advise how we can optimize the traveling as we are not familiar with these region? Appreciate your kind assistance. regards, Perry

It will be so much fun to travel with your daughter! It might be difficult to fit Hamburg, Berlin and Stuttgart into 7 days. On the train it takes about 6 hours from Amsterdam to Hamburg, 3 hours from Hamburg to Berlin, and over 8 hours from Berlin to Stuttgart. While all three of those cities are amazing, I recommend choosing either northern or southwestern Germany, rather than trying to hit all three (or make the Germany part of your trip 10 days).

You could, for example, travel from Amsterdam to Hamburg, then to Berlin, and fly from Berlin to France or Italy. That would give you plenty of time for travel, city exploring and day trips.

Or take the train from Amsterdam to Stuttgart and explore that area. Stuttgart is close to France, so you could spend several days seeing both southwestern Germany (Stuttgart, villages in the Black Forest, Freiburg, Baden-Baden, etc) and French cities like Strassbourg, Colmar and Mullouse. You could also very easily go to Basel in Switzerland! It’s a long train ride from Amsterdam to Stuttgart so I’d look into flights. Stuttgart is a great airport to fly into!

Hi, my family and I would like to visit Germany this summer. My husband and I have two teenagers (15 and 13), and one of them is reads a lot and it is very interested in history. We would like to visit german cities but also, some concentration camps. Our plans is to spend two weeks there. Any suggestions?

You’re going to have so much fun in Germany! Everywhere you go there’s so much history, so it just depends on what kind of history you’re looking for. For a 2-week stay you could easily visit 2 (maybe 3) different parts of Germany without feeling like you’re spending your whole vacation on the train or in the car. You could, for example, fly into Munich, visit the city and Dachau concentration camp, take a few day trips to Salzburg, the Alps, Neuschwanstein, Nuremburg, etc – there are so many options!…then visit the Black Forest area, the Rhein/Mosel area, the Hamburg area or the Berlin area and fly out of that second city (Stuttgart, Cologne/Düsseldorf, Hamburg or Berlin). If you want to focus on 2 main areas, say Munich and Berlin, you could do a 1-2 night stopover in a city in-between. Hope that helps you get started on your planning! 🙂

@Cate, We are from USA planning on attending next years NfL game if possible. We are a large group 10-15people who would also like to see the culture and history. Open to staying in Berlin, munich, or anywhere else as long as accessible to get to game. We want to fly out wed night from BOS be there Th F S Su (game in Frankfurt) leave M. Anything you would recommend?

Hi! I just now saw your question. If you’re flying into FRA and have Th, F, and S to do some sight-seeing, I’d stick to the Frankfurt area and do day trips. If you go to Berlin or Munich you’ll spend most of your time in transit and checking in/out of hotels. We’ve got a Frankfurt guide on our website and also a castles guide – so you could spend a day exploring FRA, then a day visiting a castle, and then 1 day visiting a nearby city like Heidelberg, Nürnberg or Rothernburg ob der Tauber. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. We’ve also got a Germany Trip Planner and one-on-one travel consults, too. And lots of info on this website. We’re happy to help!

I just found your great website! We have just drafted a 3 week trip plan to Germany and Austria and I would love your thoughts about it!. Is late May better than June? (I really can’t do heat without AC!)

– [ ] 2. Land in Vienna- 2 nights… – [ ] 3. Take tour or just Spend a day in the sprawling Schönbrunn Palace, – [x] 4. Rental car to Take KM 29 for about an hour to Burg Liechtenstein drive an hour to Melk Abbey Then Steyr From Melk, Steyr 1 night stay – [x] 5. Spend a little time, touring the Steyr Mannlicher! – [x] 6. Wake up early and bike 15 minutes to spend the morning exploring more of Halstatt before the day-trippers.. Sky Walk salt mine – [x] 7. After lunch, enjoy more the beauty of Salzkammergut area! on to Salzburg in time to return the rental car. we will stay in the old town (Salzburg 3 nights) – [ ] 8. See Salzburg – [ ] 9. Take guided tour to Eagles nest – [ ] 10: To Munich by 2 hour train.. taxi to hotel, Sleep Munich 2 nights … – [ ] 11. Guided tour all day— Dachau and Munich sites – [x] 12 Slow morning to rest, checkout, cab, 1.5 hour train to Oberarmagau for lunch and stroll. Rent car in Garmish and Drive another hour to Sleep in Hohenschwangau 2 nights Maybe take 30 minute Schloss Hornschwangau Castle tour before closing if time – [x] 13 Visit Neuschwanstein! (Hohenschwangau castle first if not last evening) then rent a bike and go a mile -7 minutes to Tegelberg luge ride – [x] 14 drive 2.5-4 hours but first stop for lunch and see Ulm Cathedral. Going Opposite the crowds arrive in afternoon to stay in nearby Rothenburg 3 nights. See stunning Rothenburg – [x] 15 After coffee and quiet streets, walk the medieval wall. If crowds arrive, leave and drive a short way and tour the Bad Weinsheim Frankonian Open Air Museum – [x] 16 Drive 30 min to Ansbach, park and Take 30 min train and10 min cab into Neuremburgfor day. – [x] 17. leave in early morning and drive 3-5 hours through To St Goar take B9 along the Rhine from Bingen arrive in time to tour Burg Eltz and then maybe return car in Emmelshausen this day or next. Take cab back down to nearby St Goar for 3 nights. – [ ] 18 See Burg Eltz castle if not seen yesterday and then see Marksburg castle – [ ] 19 REST maybe just board a boat for a relaxing Rhine River cruise from Sant Goar. We will disembark to visit small Bacharach and back again by train. – [ ] 20 Depart by 70minute train to Frankfurt airport Or would it be better to do the trip in reverse, starting with Germany first? Thank you!!

It’s not usually super hot in May but it can be hot in mid-late June. The last time we were there in June (2019) it was incredibly hot and there isn’t as much a/c there…but you never know, I’ve had cold and rainy June visits, too. If you want to be more sure of not-super-hot weather, I’d go in mid-late May or early to mid-June — as long as you’re ok with the possibility of some not-so-warm days. If you go in mid-late June and don’t love hot weather, book hotels with a/c, rent a car with a/c, and plan to buy a lot of cold drinks. No matter the weather, it’s always fun to travel around Germany! 🙂

You could easily do your itinerary either way so I’d just look at whether flights are better into Vienna/out of FRA or vice-versa. Check the hotels you want to stay in to make sure they have availability — I’ve actually reversed my itinerary before due to hotel availability!

You’re planning to cover a lot of ground in 3 weeks and be on the go go go, which some people find more tiring than expected…but if you know your travel style, then go for it! 🙂 3 nights in one place gives you 2 full days, which is a good amount of time for most places. 2 nights means 1 full day, which can be enough in some locations but if you do many in a row, it can feel like you’re constantly checking in/unpacking/packing/checking out, and can get super tiring if you’re doing a lot of day trips.

Be sure to plan in time for getting ready, eating breakfast, packing, checking out of the hotel, getting to the train station/car rental – it often takes up more time than you’d expect. Trains aren’t as punctual as they used to be, so keep that in mind for what you plan on arrival after a train trip.

An idea — instead of taking a train to Oberammergau, then to Garmisch to rent a car, then driving to Hohenschwangau, I’d rent a car in Munich and drive to each place. It will probably be less expensive to rent in Munich and easier than doing the train and car pick-up (especially with luggage!).

For the longer drives, plan on them taking longer than what’s estimated in google maps because there’s often traffic! If you miss the traffic and arrive early, it’ll be a nice bonus!

Your idea to add in some guided day tours is a good one – it’s a nice change from having to figure everything out yourself and can feel like a mini vacation from your vacation.

Overall, you’ve got a really fun trip planned!

Hi Cate! I love your clear way of describing and explaining. My husband and I are invited to a wedding outside of Berlin the last weekend in April. From there we would love to head to the spas in Baden-Baden .. what else would you suggest to see in the Baden-Baden area and without driving the best transportation option? We can stay up to about 10 days. Thank you!

Thank you for your nice comment! 🙂 I’d take the train from Berlin to Baden-Baden. It’s about 6 hours and you can relax and see the sights along the way. You could fly from Berlin to Stuttgart but by the time you travel to the airport in Berlin (the new one is further out than Tegel was), check in, wait to board, fly, and then take the train from Stuttgart to Baden-Baden, it’s at least as long as – if not longer – then taking the train.

When in Baden-Baden you could visit Gengenbach, the Black Forest, Triberg (cuckoo clocks & waterfalls), Tübingen, Stuttgart/Esslingen, Lichtenstein Castle, Hohenzollern Castle, Freiburg, Basel (Switzerland), Strassbourg (France), Colmar (France) — just to name a few! You should be able to reach all of these places via train/bus. The Black Forest Open Air Museum is also a lot of fun! I’m working on guides to several of these locations – and some are already on the site – so check back soon for new ones. 🙂

You should be able to get a free KONUS train pass, which enables you to travel throughout the Black Forest region for free. I don’t think it works for every place I listed but it will get you to several of them. Here’s more info about the KONUS card: https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/planen-buchen/konus-gaestekarte (you can switch to English if it’s in German).

You could fly out of Stuttgart airport or travel up to Frankfurt and fly out of there. Strassbourg or Basel might work, too.

@Cate, that really does! Thanks again,

You’re very welcome!

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I am planning a trip with my husband, 18 year old daughter, mother in law and myself. We will have 8 nights total flying Munich to Amsterdam or vice versa. Interested in the Christmas markets, of course, castles (would love if we could stay the night in a castle if that’s possible), and just getting an authentic German experience. My mother in law found family ancestry in Stuttgart, so she would like to stop there. The other areas that we have an interest in are Frankfurt, Cologne (wonder if there is such thing as a day cruise on the Rhine River), and maybe Hamburg (for the canals, but I’m not sure December is the best time of year for that). Although, I’m not sure we’ll be able to see all those cities in just 8 nights, as we would also like 1-2 nights in Amsterdam.

We plan to rent a car and I will be doing the driving. We live in Colorado so I’m familiar with winter driving, but wonder if I can use Google maps while traveling through Germany.

Would love your thoughts or suggestions on this.

Thank you, Lea Ann

Hi Lea Ann, you’ve got the makings of a magical winter trip! All of the places you mentioned will be beautiful in December because of the Christmas markets. Stuttgart, for example, has a huge, old Christmas market (plus there are 2 other really beautiful ones nearby) and there are 2 nearby castles you can visit. Hamburg and Cologne and also wonderful cities (Frankfurt too but I’d skip it on a short trip unless you have a specific reason to go there).Amsterdam is also a lot of fun and a great place to fly in or out of.

It’s a lot to fit into 8 nights so you’ll definitely need to hone in on just a few places, otherwise you’ll spend your entire trip packing/unpacking/driving. 🙂

You can use google maps in Germany and that’ll make getting from place to place easy. But unless you want to stop at specific sights between cities, you could easily take the train, since you’re going to big cities (you don’t need a car in any of the cities you want to visit). If you don’t mind parking the car at each hotel in the city, a car can give you more flexibility.

You can also stay in a castle in Germany! We’ve got a guide for that right here so you can see which one you like best.

It’s hard to get more specific about an itinerary here in the comments without taking to you and getting a better sense of your interests and needs but we’ve got lots of resources to help you — Christmas market guides (definitely take a look at the Stuttgart one!), city and hotel guides , and we’ve also got a Germany Travel Bundle with an interactive Germany Travel Map, City Cheatsheets, and other resources, and I do one-on-one trip planning consults .

And be sure to join our travel planning Facebook group !

@Cate, thank you for your quick response and feedback! I’ll check out the links you shared and I’ve joined your Facebook group.

You’re welcome! Glad you joined the group! 🙂

Hi Cate , I have visited Germany but only Düsseldorf for my sugery. I will like to take my wife and kids with me this time I have an appointment in December might use the opportunity to take them for Christmas holiday . I have 12’night in total . 5 night in Düsseldorf can you please advise which city we can visit for the rest days and we are not leaving Germany until 26th. So I want them To enjoy the Christmas but I don’t know which city to choose .I will you to please give me where the kids can enjoy the trip age 8 ,6 and 3 . Do we fly back from Düsseldorf or from Another city ? Thanks for your help.

If you’d like to fly out of the Düsseldorf airport, you could spend the second part of your trip in Cologne so you could visit the markets there, in Bonn, and surrounding area (e.g. a day trip to Aachen).

If you’re ok with flying out of a different airport, you could go to Stuttgart (good Christmas markets in the area and a couple castles), Munich (good markets and day trips) or Berlin (good markets and day trips) and fly out of any of those airports.

Most everything will be closed on Dec 25 and the latter half of Dec 24 so keep that in mind when doing your daily planning.

Hope that helps with your planning!

Hi, Thank you for the detail page. I and my family will be visiting to watch a NFL game in Frankfurt and had some travel ideas outside of the city that I have not found solutions for. First, are US citizens allowed to rent cars without a permit? We want to travel to Stuttgart and Munich for some museums and possibly Berlin, but I’ve yet to figure how time and distances for the trip as these do seem to be quite a distance from each other. Then, we would end the trip back in Frankfurt to travel back to the US, unless we find an airline in Berlin. Do you have suggestions? This would be a 7-14 day trip, depending on cost. Thank you

Hi Marco! Yes, you can rent a car with just your US driver’s license. While not required, an int’l driver’s license can be helpful if you get pulled over or in an accident (you can get on at AAA). You can check distance between those cities via google maps (it’ll show you both driving and trains). I always add 25% to the times they suggest because there’s a good chance you’ll encounter traffic somewhere. We use google maps for all of our road trips in Germany. You could definitely do Frankfurt – Stuttgart – Munich – Berlin – Frankfurt (stay near airport on the last night) in 14 days. If you don’t want to drive from Munich – Berlin – Frankfurt, you could return the car in Munich and then take the train to Berlin and back to Frankfurt. Hope that helps you get started on your trip planning!

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The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

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

While most commonly associated with beers, bratwursts and tight leather pants, Germany is a country full of delightful finds that extend far beyond the stereotypes.

From dreamy castles and fairytale towns to awe-inspiring nature and sprawling cities, Deutschland has a little something for every kind of traveler… although I’ll admit the leather pants are also great.

I first visited Germany on a 6 week backpacking trip across Europe, and as I sipped my comically large beer under the toasty Berlin sun, I felt a strange sense of calm and belonging.

Spurred by this hunch, I moved to Munich. One study abroad, and 5 years later, I’m still here, with so much giddy enthusiasm for this country that I’ve become a thoroughly insufferable dinner guest.

But my social life’s loss is your gain, my friend… because today, I’ve decided to channel all my Deutschland fangirl tendencies into this concise Germany travel guide filled with all my top tips, itineraries, and recommendations.

Save this Germany travel guide for later!

I promise it’ll come in handy!

I hope you find it helpful, and of course, feel free to ask any more questions in the comments section or on Instagram here.

Traveling to Germany Basics

Currency: Euro

Language: German, although accents and dialects vary wildly! In larger cities and tourist hotspots, most Germans also speak excellent English.

Getting Around: Trains, buses and flights are plentiful and affordable in Germany – my best tip is to use Omio to compare options easily. Having a car is ideal for visiting smaller towns, more remote locations and numerous destinations in a short amount of time, but is otherwise not needed for big cities.

Germany Highlights (By the Season)

• Winter: Christmas markets, skiing & alpine sports, Karneval and Fasching season (Carnival), Starkbier (Strong beer) season
• Spring: Cherry blossoms in Bonn , Frühlingsfest (Springfest) in Munich
• Summer: Hiking, Beer Garden season, summer festivals/celebrations
• Fall: Oktoberfest and other Volksfests, the world’s biggest pumpkin festival in Ludwigsburg, the Wurstmarkt (world’s largest wine festival)

My Favourite Places in Germany

Let’s get my mega-biased opinion out of the way first – Munich is the city I now call home, and I couldn’t recommend it more… especially if you’re obsessed with beer like I am. This is the birthplace of Oktoberfest after all!

There are lots of fun things to do in Munich , like hopping around the city’s sprawling museum district (many only cost 1 euro on Sundays!), eating up the best Bavarian food that Munich has to offer or soaking in the wealth of historical sites scatered around the city.

It’s also an ideal base for many epic day trips. Going from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle (AKA the real life Sleeping Beauty castle) takes only 2.5 hours. Or, if you want to visit glorious Salzburg from Munich (AKA the birthplace of Mozart and setting of Sound of Music), that’s only 1 hour by train.

Why visit Munich when you travel Germany:

• Amazing beer & beer festivals
• The English Garden – one of the largest city parks in the world
• Beautiful palaces and museums
• Easy base for amazing day trips to the Alps

Berchtesgaden National Park

If it’s natural beauty you’re after, Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park (near the border to Austria) is a must-visit.

Everything here is breathtaking – from the shimmering turquoise lakes and snow-flecked mountains to the adorable Berchtesgaden town center.

And, if you’re up for it, this is the ideal place to enjoy a typically Bavarian wellness weekend.

Why visit Berchtesgaden National Park when you travel Germany:

• Stunning hikes and scenery
• The glorious boat ride on Königssee to see the equally stunning Obersee
• Historic sights like Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest

Hands down one of my favourite places to visit time and time again is Berlin.

This endlessly fascinating city is home to incredible museums, delicious food, and a unique culture that makes it distinct from the rest of the country, despite its status as capital!

Whether you’re a history nerd, an avid partyer, or a famished foodie, Berlin has plenty to offer.

Why visit Berlin when you travel Germany:

• Fascinating history
• World-class museums and attractions
• A thriving nightlife and food scene

Franconia is a glorious region in northern Bavaria that is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Franconia.

To me, it’s one of the most underrated regions in Germany for international visitors, with an abundance of fairytale half-timbered houses, amazing beer, and unique natural landscapes.

Here are some places in Franconia that are absolutely worth visiting:

• Franconian Switzerland
• Würzburg (still haven’t been yet!)

Perhaps the most idyllic entry of this list is Monschau, a sleepy but gorgeous village found near the border to Belgium.

I was lucky enough to come here for Christmas markets a few years ago, and I loved it so much, I skipped the train I’d pre-booked just so I could spend a few more hours there. 

Picturesque half-timbered houses clustered around a roaring central river… oh, and a castle on a hill. Because of course they have one.

Why visit Monschau when you travel Germany:

• Super friendly locals
• Picture-perfect scenes at every turn
• Christina might cry if you don’t

Hamburg is an amazing city I’ve had the chance to visit a few times now. It’s a lifestyle city that reminds me a lot of my hometown, Vancouver.

Home to a mix of classic and modern architecture (including the coolest opera house in the world!), as well as Germany’s #1 attraction – the adorable Miniatur Wonderland, Hamburg has a lot to offer tourists, but perhaps the best way to enjoy it is with a nice beer and sunset along the Elbe.

Why visit Hamburg when you travel Germany :

• Amazing architecture like the Elbphilharmonie
• Fresh and tasty seafood (and a booming foodie scene!)
• A fun, vibrant vibe

Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, and its beauty is all the more astounding when we consider that much of the city was destroyed completely in WWII.

After decades of reconstruction however, Dresden once again shines with its former glory, establishing itself as one of the most important cultural hotspots in Germany.

… and all only a stone’s throw from Saxon Switzerland, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country!

Why visit Dresden when you travel Germany :

• Stunning architecture and sights
• World-class museums and culture scene
• Its jawdropping Christmas market (the oldest one in the country!)

Stuttgart (and its Surrounding Area)

Stuttgart is the biggest city (and capital) of the German state Baden-Württemburg. 

It’s perhaps best known as the ‘cradle of the automobile industry’, which explains why it’s home to not just one, but two car-centric museums: one belonging to Mercedes-Benz, and one to Porsche.

Besides cars though, the area around Stuttgart offers up some of the cutest small towns you can find in Germany, all easily reachable by public transport, meaning you get the best of all worlds during a visit here.

Why visit Stuttgart and the surrounding area when you travel Germany:

• Fairytale towns like Esslingen, Ludwigsburg, and Tübingen
• Stuttgart’s Stadtbibliothek, one of the most unique and beautiful libraries in the world
• Lots of fun events like Stuttgart’s Christmas Market and the Cannstatter Volksfest 

Thuringia is a state often overlooked by international tourists, but if you’re looking for a truly charming German escape, its capital Erfurt makes an excellent choice.

This beautiful city is famed for its unique Krämerbrücke, which is a gorgeous medieval bridge lined with residential buildings.

But that’s not all – there’s also an impressive cathedral, an imposing fortress, and surprises waiting on every corner… quite literally, because Erfurt is the HQ of the German children’s channel KiKA, and there’s plenty of fun statues of famous characters scattered around town.

Why visit Erfurt when you travel Germany:

• Krämerbrücke, the longest inhabited bridge in Europe
• Quirky and fun children’s channel sculptures all over the city

Cologne, to me, is a city synonymous with fun and celebration. While at first glance, it might not rank among the “prettiest” places to visit in Germany (much of it was destroyed in the war), it still boasts several impressive landmarks and sights, like the epic Cologne Cathedral.

Where Cologne really shines though is during special events – the Christmas markets here are some of the best I’ve been to in my entire life, and the Karneval celebrations… well, those are truly epic!

Why visit Cologne when you travel Germany:

• Bucket list events like the Cologne Christmas Market and Kölner Karneval
• The iconic Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), one of the most famous churches in the world 
• Fun-loving locals who are among the friendliest I’ve ever encountered in Germany

Last but not least, we have Hannover, a city which (in my opinion) is one of the most underrated cities in Germany where tourism is concerned.

Locally, people often joke that Hannover is one of the most boring cities in Germany, but I don’t think that’s true at all. One quick look and you’ll find a stunning palace within the city, an architecturally impressive Town Hall (with a unique elevator offering epic views), and a cool laidback vibe that many compare to what Berlin was like decades ago.

Here are some awesome things to do in Hannover.

Why visit Hannover when you travel Germany:

• Its gorgeous New Town Hall
• The stunning Herrenhausen Palace and its gardens
• A fun, laidback city vibe

Bucket List Experiences in Germany

Germany is full of incredible bucket list experiences. Here are a few of my favourites:

Christmas Markets

German Christmas markets are the stuff of bucket list dreams.

If you adore Christmas, a German Xmas market trip needs to make it on your bucket list, because nobody captures Christmas coziness and joy quite like the Germans do.

The best part (besides the droolworthy assortment of German Christmas Market foods ) is that you’ll find Christmas markets in just about every city, town, and even the smallest of villages, each with their own unique take on traditions.

Trust me, you could never get bored of visiting these.

Here are some full guides to the Christmas markets I’ve visited in Germany:

• Munich’s Christmas Markets
• Berlin’s Christmas Markets
• Cologne’s Christmas Markets
• Esslingen Christmas Market
• Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
• Karlsruhe Christmas Market
• Düsseldorf Christmas Market
• Nuremberg Christmas Market
• Essen Christmas Market

Oktoberfest

Trust me – Oktoberfest , AKA the world’s largest beer festival, is reason enough to make a trip to Germany.

Typically celebrated annually in Munich, this is one of the most incredible events in the world, with millions of people attending, millions of beer served, and a guaranteed recipe for making memories to last a lifetime.

… If you can remember anything after 5L of beer that is.

Read my full Oktoberfest guide for more details.

Visiting Fairytale Castles

If you love castles, I recommend avoiding Germany……. because you might just combust from sheer fangirl joy.

Seriously, Germany is every castle lover’s kryptonite, with elegant palaces and fairytale castles in the thousands. If you’re a Disney gal like me who grew up dreaming of happily ever afters, pack a ballgown and head to Germany ASAP.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Here are some castles that you must visit in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Nuremberg Castle

The Cherry Blossoms in Bonn

The cherry blossoms in Bonn (also the birthplace of Beethoven and gummy bear legend, Haribo) are absolutely spectacular, and 100% worth visiting in Spring time. In fact, I’d even say they’re one of the best things to see in Europe at Spring time.

Yes, you, too, can come frolic in these tunnels of pink! Here is my guide on where to find cherry blossoms in Bonn.

Karneval, Fasching, Etc.

Carnival Season is one of the best times to visit Germany if you’re looking for a party.

The grandest celebrations take place just before Lent, and are celebrated throughout the country, although the festivites in North-Rhine Westphalia are probably the best known.

My top recommendation? Go celebrate in Cologne, where the Kölner Karneval draws millions of visitors every year.

My Recommended Germany Itineraries

Germany is a huge country with a massive diversity in sights… so how can you organize your time efficiently and make the most of your trip? Here are some German trip itinerary ideas…

Germany itinerary ideas for a taste of everything:

• Southern Germany Classic: Munich, the Allgäu (for Castles!), Garmisch Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden National Park, Stuttgart & Area, Black Forest
• Eastern Germany Classic: Berlin, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland
• Western Germany Classic: Aachen, Monschau, Eifel National Park
• Northern Germany Classic: Hamburg, Bremen , Lübeck, Kiel, Sylt
• The Rhine River Classic: Mainz, Koblenz, Burg Eltz, Cochem, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Harz Mountains Experience: Harz Mountains, Goslar, Wernigerode, Quedlinburg

Germany itinerary ideas for city breakers and culture hunters:

• The Big City Tour: Berlin and Munich (a 4 hour express train connects them)
• The BaWu Special: Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Tübingen, Esslingen, Heidelberg
• The Bavaria Special: Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Bayreuth
• The Saxony Special: Leipzig, Görlitz, Dresden
• The Rhine City Hop: Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Romantic Villages Hop: Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Füssen

Germany itinerary ideas for nature lovers:

• Southern Germany Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Black Forest and Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Bavaria’s Best Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich’s Lake Region, Franconian Switzerland, Danube Gorge
• Eastern Germany Nature Itinerary: Dresden and Saxon Switzerland National Park

My Top Germany Travel Tips

• If you’re overwhelmed by transport options, Omio is a great resource for comparing trains, buses and flights in Germany at the same time.
• If travelling by train, look into group discount tickets like the Bayern Ticket which give you unlimited train travel for one day on regional trains. It can save you a TON of money.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries nearby (i.e. Switzerland), a Eurail pass might save you money.

Accommodation:

• Booking.com is a great place to search up hotels, and filtering by Free Cancellation allows you to book without paying upfront
• Airbnb can be a very affordable alternative for longer stays/bigger groups

Attractions and Tickets:

• GetYourGuide is a great site for finding tours and attraction tickets
• City passes like the Munich City Pass , Berlin Pass , and the Cologne Card can save you a LOT of money if you plan to visit many tourist attractions in a short time
• If you’re trying to find specific info about a place, try using Google Translate to search in German because German versions of sites always have more info

If you’re past the planning stage and heading to Germany soon, make sure you read this before you go:

• Hilarious must-knows before you visit Germany

More Germany Travel Reads

Feeling inspired to visit Germany after reading all that?

As you can (probably) tell, I’ve written extensively about Germany.

So, here are some more articles that might pique your interest:

• Unique Things to do in Germany (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else)
• The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
• Hilarious Must-Knows Before You Visit Germany

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

4 thoughts on “The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need”

i found myself reading almost every post in your website for days and days and i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and adore and thank you for spending so much time and effort to make it so helpful, informative and fun to read. you have helped me plan my trip to munich in december and i cant wait to visit just because of your enthusiasm 🙂

We would like to Thank you for sharing such a beautiful blog! Very informative.

This Germany Travel Guide truly captures the multifaceted beauty of Deutschland, a country that has something to offer to everyone, from culture enthusiasts to nature lovers. Your personal anecdotes from living in Munich make it come alive, making me yearn for a taste of that amazing beer you’ve mentioned, and a wander around the English Garden! The varied seasonal highlights emphasize how Germany is a year-round destination, offering uniquely charming experiences, from the festive winter Christmas markets to the lively summer festivals. It’s heartening to know that navigating around the country is convenient, making it possible to explore its picturesque small towns and vibrant cities. This guide is a treasure trove for anyone planning to travel to Germany – it gives a well-rounded view of the country, infused with personal insights, which makes it even more valuable. I’m particularly intrigued to visit Munich, the city you so passionately call home.

As a Berliner, I can’t agree more with this guide. Germany truly is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, natural beauty and urban charm, hearty cuisine and diverse cultures. Moving around in Germany is indeed quite convenient thanks to the well-organized public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. And yes, English is widely spoken in major cities, so communication shouldn’t be a problem for travelers. As for the varied dialects across regions, it just adds to the unique charm of exploring this beautiful country. Safe travels, fellow adventurers!

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Efficient 10 Day Germany Itinerary – By Train, From a Local + Map

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This is the mother of all Germany itineraries. Our Germany 10 day itinerary was crafted with German efficiency. The fast paced Germany train itinerary will bring you to 8 destinations in 10 days!

We love exploring our home country Germany by train. Last year, we finally visited our 16th and last Bundesland (Federal State) and thought it was high time that we shared our Germany by train itinerary.

Our Germany in 10 days itinerary is extremely efficient– after all, we’re Germans. We move around most days and use our moving days for stopovers.

This itinerary for Germany is perfect for your first time in Germany as it brings you to the highlights from north to south and from east to west like

As well as amazing hidden gems like

• Goslar and the Harz Mountains

Germany Itinerary by Train Map

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Hamburg is Germany's northernmost metropolis and the first stop on your Germany trip itinerary. Its flair is undoubtedly maritime. The Port of Hamburg is the largest in Germany and the third largest in Europe. Boats are a part of the public transport system. Fish is a staple in the cuisine – go ahead and try Labskaus when you’re there.

Like in every city, a guided walking tour is your best option to get an overview. Most tours cover the highlights

• St. Nikolai Church
• St. Michael's Church
• Elbphilharmonie
• Speicherstadt
• The harbour front

For a great free viewpoint head up the Elbphilharmonie .

Don’t miss out on exploring Hamburg from the water on a port tour .

If you’re feeling active, you can rent a paddle boat and check out the Alster River and its many channels.

Hamburg is notorious for its nightlife. The red light district is called the Reeperbahn and is absolutely worth a visit. After you’ve checked out the sex shops, strip clubs and prostitutes, you can head for a drink here or in the super alternative Schanzen Quarter .

On your way from Hamburg to Berlin, make a quick pit stop in Schwerin. Store your luggage at Schwerin Main Station and start exploring.

The main event in Schwerin is the castle . It’s located on an island and one of the nicest castles we’ve ever been to. You can check out the gardens (for free) and the inside (for a fee).

The historic town centre of Schwerin is super charming. Make sure to check out

• Schwerin Cathedral
• Market Square and the old town hall
• Mecklenburgstrasse with the old post office
• Buschstraße & the three narrow alleys
• Alter Garten with the Mecklenburg Theater & Museum

A boat ride , either on the Schweriner See or on the small Pfaffenteich is well worth your time as well.

Head to Berlin in the evening to have two full days in the capital of Germany.

How to Get from Hamburg to Schwerin by Train

You can either take a fast train (ICE) or a regional train to Schwerin. There’s not much of a time difference so I would make a decision based on the price which should be cheaper in the regional train. If you want to store your luggage, you need to exit Schwerin main station. If you take the regional train and don’t want to store your luggage, you can also exit Schwerin Mitte.

How to Get from Schwerin to Berlin by Train

Every two hours, there’s a direct regional train from Schwerin to Berlin.

Two days is the bare minimum you need in Berlin.

Start day 1 with a guided walking tour to make the most of your time.

Head to Alexanderplatz and climb the TV Tower to get an overview of the city.

Afterwards, head down Unter den Linden and make your way to the Regierungsviertel where you can find the Reichstag and the German Chancellery, the seats of German power.

In the afternoon, rest your feet doing a cruise on the River Spree . If you still have some energy left, check out Gendarmenmarkt and Checkpoint Charlie .

Today, head outside of the city centre to explore the posh Charlottenburg in the west and the hip Friedrichshain in the east.

Check out our Berlin itinerary for more details:

Local’s Berlin Itineraries for 1 to 7 Days in Berlin

Local recommendations for an itinerary for Berlin – including a map! Whether you’re looking for a fast paced Berlin one day itinerary or you’re in Berlin for a week, we’ve got you covered.

Goslar still flies under the radar for most international tourists. On your visit, you will see a typical (ok maybe on the more beautiful side of typical) German town.

The whole old town of Goslar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s lovely to stroll through all the half-timbered houses. There are English guided tours.

The Kaiserpfalz (Imperial Palace) is the highlight of the old town. Erected between 1040 and 1050, German and European history was written here at numerous Reichs- und Hoftage for more than 200 years.

Another World Heritage Site is the Rammelsberg Mine . Here, you can ride the mine train into the mountain, just like the miners did.

Its location in the Harz Mountains offers opportunities for winter sports. Bocksberg can be reached by bus. In summer, there’s a summer toboggan run and a zip line.

How to Get from Berlin to Goslar by Train

Using a regional train will take you around 4 hours. A fast train will take you around 3 hours.

Dresden might be a bit out of the way but its beauty makes it well worth a visit.

The city of Dresden is known for its stunning baroque architecture and palaces. There are English guided tours to give you an overview of the city.

You absolutely should not miss the

• Zwinger Palace with its amazing museums (we love the Old Masters Picture Gallery)
• Residenzschloss Palace
• Fürstenzug mural
• Semperoper (Semper Opera House)
• Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
• Brühl’s Terrace overlooking the Elbe River, also dubbed “The Balcony of Europe”.

For a more alternative side of Dresden, you can head across the Elbe River to the Neustadt or New Town.

How to Get from Goslar to Dresden by Train

Expect to travel around 4.5 hours. Taking a fast train will not save you much time here but a regional train might save you a lot of money. You definitely have to change trains in Halle and probably in Leipzig as well. We’ll explore Leipzig next 😉

There are two reasons to go to Leipzig: It breaks down the journey from Dresden to Bamberg and it’s well worth a visit on its own.

Check out the final sights in Dresden before you make the quick journey to Leipzig.

You can either use this day as a semi-rest day or do some Leipzig sightseeing. Like always, we recommend a guided walking tour.

Other things we personally like in Leipzig are

• The view from Panorama Tower
• The Haus der Geschichte - Zeitgeschichtliches Forum teaches you about the history of the GDR - completely for free!

If you don’t mind heading out of the city centre, the Völkerschlachtdenkmal is worth a visit as well.

End your day with local food and drinks at the Barfußgäßchen also called Drallewatsch (going out in the Saxonian dialect).

How to Get from Dresden to Leipzig by Train

You could take a fast train but direct regional trains leave roughly every hour and are much more affordable.

You know the drill by now. Take the fast train to Bamberg, store your luggage at the train station, and start exploring.

Bamberg completely blew us away. The whole town is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is super historical.

Currently, English walking tours only take place on Saturdays. The highlights of Bamberg include:

• Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
• Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court)
• Bamberg Cathedral
• Church of Our Lady
• New Residence
• The baroque St.Martin's Church

A bit further away from the city centre, the Altenburg offers amazing views.

Bamberg is also a town of beers. There’s a total of 11 breweries in Bamberg. Our favourite was Schlenkerla as they offer a super unique Rauchweizen (smoked wheat beer).

As the old town is absolutely stunning but rather small, head on to Munich in the evening to have a full day in the Bavarian metropolis.

How to Get from Leipzig to Bamberg by Train

High super fast ICE brings you from Leipzig to Bamberg in 1.5 hours. It’s your best option to don’t waste any time.

How to Get from Bamberg to Munich by Train

Take the fast train as it will get you from Bamberg to Munich in under 2 hours.

Internationally, Munich might be most famous for the Oktoberfest but there is much more to this Bavarian city. Only some of our highlights are:

• The beautiful historic city centre with Frauenkirche, Alter Peter, Marienplatz, and New City Hall.
• The Residenz Castle .
• Feast at Viktualienmarkt .
• Stroll through Englischer Garten and check out the surfers at Eisbachwelle.
• Shop till you drop at Kaufingerstraße und Neuhauser Straße (don’t miss the Stachus).
• Pinakotheken art museums.
• Check out the view from the tower of the New City Hall .

A bit further away from the centre, Nymphenburg Castle and the Olympiapark are worth a visit.

Of course, you should also have a beer at Hofbräuhaus .

A disclaimer: We have not personally visited Neuschwanstein Castle and it’s one of our biggest travel regrets.

It’s Germany’s very own Walt Disney Castle and is probably on top of your Germany bucketlist – as it should be! This day trip is the perfect last stop for your trip to Germany itinerary.

How to Get from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle by Train

You first have to take a direct regional train to Füssen. From Füssen, a bus leaves to Hohenschwangau where Neuschwanstein Castle is located.

It should take you around 3 hours per way.

In case you’re tired of German trains or generally just tired at this point, a tour is a much more convenient option:

• Both Hamburg and Munich have international airports. We have crafted our efficient 10 day Germany itinerary as a one-way trip starting in the north and ending in the south.
• When you plan a Trip to Germany, you can find the train schedules and prices here .
• You can (and should) book your tickets online and in advance . Especially if you decide to take the fast trains (ICE, Inter City Express), the prices skyrocket the closer you get to your travel date.
• You are not guaranteed a seat on German trains. You can pay for a seat on the fast trains.
• You need coins for the luggage lockers .
• Most train stations are within walking distance of the city centre.

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3 Weeks in Germany Itinerary

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Escape into a world of enchantment and discovery as you embark on a three-week vacation in Germany. This captivating country has it all – from historic cities to breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures to culinary delights.

As you explore the charming streets of Berlin, immerse yourself in a vibrant blend of art, history, and modernity. In Munich, dive into the heart of Bavaria, where the spirit of Oktoberfest lingers year-round and architectural wonders captivate at every turn.

And when you venture into the enchanting depths of the Black Forest, be prepared to lose yourself in a fairytale-like realm of dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages. From savouring traditional delicacies to embracing local customs, you’ll genuinely immerse yourself in the spirit of Germany.

This 3 weeks in Germany itinerary will give you an idea of where to go, how many days to spend in each city, where to stay, and what to do during your trip.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO GERMANY

If you have 3 weeks in Europe , where would you want to go? Germany is not the usual answer, but maybe those people are missing out on something.

Before heading to Germany, there are a few essential things to know. Below is a quick list of what you need to know and remember, including transportation, currency, budget, what to pack, visa and more.

When is the best time to go to Germany

The best time to visit Germany for a vacation largely depends on personal preferences and the experiences you seek. From June to August, summer offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and festivals nationwide.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) boast milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant foliage. If you’re a fan of Christmas markets and festive charm, consider planning your trip from late November to December during the magical Advent season.

Keep in mind that weather conditions and regional variations should be considered when choosing the best time to visit specific areas of Germany. I’ve been to Germany a few times and went in different seasons. I enjoy the autumn and spring seasons when it’s neither cold nor hot.

Although summer is a great way to enjoy the warm weather, you’ll notice that the locals are also spending time outside and in a much better mood. But remember, the summer and Christmas seasons are the busiest time in Germany, and tourism prices are much higher.

RELATED POST: Best destinations for a 3-week Spring trip

Are 3 weeks enough for Germany

Three weeks can provide an excellent vacation experience in Germany, allowing ample time to explore its diverse cities, picturesque landscapes, and immerse oneself in its rich culture. With this duration, you can visit iconic destinations like Berlin, Munich, and the Black Forest, as well as discover hidden gems and indulge in local experiences.

However, the specific itinerary and areas of interest should be considered to maximise your time. It’s best to play to see between 3-4 cities during your 20 days in Germany. Choosing the mode of transport will also affect how easy or challenging it would be to get from point A to B.

What to pack

A must-pack item for a 3-week trip to Germany is a reliable and comfortable pair of walking shoes. With so much to explore, from historic city centres to scenic trails, having comfortable footwear is essential.

In general, walking plays a big part in exploring a European city. Although there is reliable public transport, if you’re on a budget, it’s best to rely on your feet when exploring each city since trying to learn the metro can be time-consuming, and you really don’t want to get off the wrong station.

Opt for shoes that provide good support and cushioning to ensure you can comfortably navigate cobblestone streets, museums, and natural landscapes. Don’t let sore feet limit your adventures – pack those walking shoes and embark on a memorable journey through Germany.

Make sure to check our what to pack for a 3-week trip . But we also have a specific packing list for the spring , summer , and winter holidays .

How to get around

Thanks to its well-developed transportation network, getting around Germany is convenient and efficient. For affordable travel, consider utilizing the extensive train system operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB). With various ticket options, including regional passes, you can explore multiple cities at a reasonable cost.

Buses, particularly long-distance coaches like FlixBus, offer affordable alternatives, albeit with longer travel times. On the other hand, buses get to places where trains and planes are not an option.

If speed is a priority, domestic flights are the fastest option, connecting major cities with shorter travel durations. However, flights tend to be more expensive compared to trains or buses.

You can also rent a car at the beginning of your trip and drive throughout your time here. If Berlin is the start of your itinerary, you can arrange a car rental at the airport. Companies such as Avis, Europcar, Budgetcar, and other popular brands are available here.

Around €40-€70 per day is a reasonable budget depending on the size, style, and other additional features you wish to have. If you go with the most affordable choice and basic feature, around €800 for a 20-day car rental, and €1,400 for a higher-end option.

Ultimately, the best mode of transportation depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences, so plan accordingly to make the most of your German adventures.

Language and currency

For visitors to Germany, the official language spoken is German. While many Germans can communicate in English, especially in tourist areas, learning a few basic German phrases to navigate daily interactions is helpful.

The currency used is the Euro (€), and cash is widely accepted throughout the country. Credit and debit cards are also widely used, but carrying cash for smaller establishments and having flexibility in rural areas is advisable.

ATMs are easily accessible, and major credit cards are accepted in most places. It’s worth noting that some businesses may not accept foreign cards, so having some cash on hand is always handy.

Average travel cost for 3 weeks in Germany

For backpackers on a budget, it’s possible to keep costs low by staying in hostels or budget accommodations, cooking your meals or opting for inexpensive local eateries, and using public transportation. A rough estimate for a backpacker budget would be around €40-60 per day, totalling approximately €840-1260 for three weeks.

For mid-range travellers who seek a balance between comfort and cost, staying in mid-range hotels or guesthouses, enjoying a mix of affordable local dining and occasional restaurant meals, and using a combination of public transportation and occasional taxis, the average daily cost would range from €80-120. This would amount to around €1680-2520 for three weeks.

Luxury travellers can expect a higher budget for their trip. Staying in upscale hotels or luxury accommodations, dining at fine restaurants, and utilizing private transportation or chauffeur services will naturally increase expenses. A luxury trip in Germany could easily cost €200 or more per day, resulting in a total budget of approximately €4200 or more for three weeks.

Visa and COVID-19 protocol

Visa for Germany is relatively straightforward. Since it’s an EU member, the government has the same visa policy as the Schengen States. This means that visitors enjoying the visa-free program can stay and travel in Germany for up to 90 days.

If you need to apply for a visa (Schengen tourist visa), the amount of days you can stay in Germany depends on how many days the embassy grants.

Travellers carrying a passport from most countries in the Americas, including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and UAE, can enter and travel around Germany or Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day calendar.

EU nationals have a freedom of movement in Germany. If you’re applying for a Schengen tourist visa, you can submit your application no earlier than six months before your trip.

As of December 2022, Germans are still wearing masks in public transportation and spaces.

Other travel tips

Pinned map of must-see places in germany.

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN GERMANY ITINERARY

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Germany has something to offer everyone. So, get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, where each day unfolds a new chapter in your German adventure.

But if you want to see more places in Europe but not too far from Germany, check out our 3 weeks in Central Europe itinerary . We also have 3 weeks in Western Europe itinerary .

Berlin for 4 days

Start your trip on a captivating four-day vacation in Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital city. Begin your exploration with a visit to iconic landmarks such as the historic Brandenburg Gate and the stunning Reichstag building. Immerse yourself in history at the Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie, and gain insight into the city’s past.

Delve into Berlin’s rich art scene by exploring renowned museums adorned with captivating murals like the Pergamon Museum and the East Side Gallery. Indulge in the city’s culinary offerings at bustling food markets and traditional beer gardens.

This is a great place to start your 20 days in Germany because many flights land in this capital city. Plus, from here, you won’t have a hard time getting to other parts of the country, whether by train, plane, bus, or driving.

Things to do in Berlin

• Brandenburg Gate
• Discover Berlin – join a walking tour or a specific Third Reich WWII tour or a street art tour or get a hop-on, hop-off bus pass
• Reichstag Building
• Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery – check this tour
• Museum Island
• Holocaust Memorial
• Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp – book an affordable tour
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm) – get your skip-the-link ticket
• Charlottenburg Palace
• Explore the nightlife and culinary via a food tour and/or pub crawl

Accommodations in Berlin

• Affordable: a&o Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Ballhaus Berlin Hostel or New Hostel Berlin Mitte
• Mid-range: Living Hotel Großer Kurfürst or NH Collection Berline Mitte
• Luxury: Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt or Berlin Marriott Hotel

Nuremberg for 3 days

Soak up the city’s captivating history by exploring the medieval wonders of the Old Town. Admire the awe-inspiring Nuremberg Castle and soak in panoramic views of the city. Discover the poignant chapters of World War II at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds.

Try out the iconic Nuremberg sausages and indulge in traditional Franconian cuisine at cosy taverns. Wander through the charming streets, taking in the Gothic architecture and visiting notable landmarks like the Frauenkirche.

Enjoy the vibrant cultural scene by visiting renowned museums such as the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. Enjoy an evening of entertainment at lively music venues and beer gardens.

On your final day, visit the picturesque Nuremberg countryside and explore the scenic landscapes and charming villages.

Things to do in Nuremberg

• Nuremberg Castle
• Old Town (Altstadt) – join a 1.5-hour walking tour or sign up for a sightseeing train tour or get a hop-on, hop-off bus pass
• Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Ground
• You can also do a combo tour for Old Town and Nazi Rally Ground
• German National Railway Museum
• Nuremberg Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum)
• World War II in Nuremberg – Courtroom 600 and 3rd Reich Sites tour or
• St. Lorenz Church
• Albrecht Dürer House
• Nuremberg’s Medieval Dungeons – book a tour
• Nuremberg Trials Memorial (Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse)
• Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt) – if visiting in December, don’t miss one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets
• Go on an exciting pub crawl

Accommodations in Nuremberg

• Affordable: a&o Nurnberg Hauptbanhof
• Mid-range: B&B Hotel or Hotel-Gasthof Bub or Hotel Continental
• Luxury: Best Western Hotel or Hotel Elch or Melter Hotel & Apartments

Munich for 4 days

Munich, a vibrant city with rich history and culture, is a must-visit destination. It offers an array of world-class museums, beautiful architecture, and a unique blend of traditional and modern German life. The city’s heart, Marienplatz, boasts the stunning New Town Hall and its Glockenspiel, a major crowd-pleaser with its animated figures dancing to chimes.

The Munich Residenz, the former royal palace, offers insight into Bavarian history with its opulent interiors. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Alte Pinakothek, home to European masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.

For relaxation, the English Garden is one of the world’s largest urban parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Nymphenburg Palace’s grand baroque architecture and extensive gardens are a testament to the city’s royal past.

And for a taste of Bavarian tradition, visit the Hofbräuhaus, one of the city’s oldest beer halls, for some local brew and pretzels. Making a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhold is also highly recommended – it’s definitely one of my favourite places during my 3 weeks in Germany.

Things to do in Munich

• Marienplatz (Old Town)
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Explore Munich – sign up for the Third Reich WWII tour or join a ghost and spirit tour
• English Garden
• Munich Residenz
• Neues Rathaus
• Deutsches Museum
• Viktualienmarkt – join a food tour around the market or a Bavarian dinner and drinks
• Hofbräuhaus München
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace – book a full-day tour – take a day trip to this fairy-tale castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps, a masterpiece of the Romanticism Era
• The Olympic Park
• Cuvillies Theater
• TimeRide VR Time Travel – read the reviews
• Salzburg day trip tour from Munich
• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site – get there by train
• Allianz Arena
• Day trip to Rothenburg and Nordlinger Ries – beautiful medieval towns and houses, book a tour
• Day trip to Salzburg – birthplace of Mozart, join a tour and take the train

Accommodations in Munich

• Affordable: 1st Creatif Hotel Elephant or The 4YOU Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel Jedermann or Hotel Demas City
• Luxury: Hotel Torbrau or Eden Hotel Wolff or Hotel Mirabell

Stuttgart for 4 days

With 3 weeks in Germany, you could visit a less-popular city like Stuttgart. It is nestled in the heart of Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region and is a city where rich history intersects with vibrant modernity. It’s renowned as a hub of the German automotive industry, housing headquarters and museums of world-famous brands like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

Stuttgart’s architecture is a fascinating mix: Medieval castles and palaces contrast with contemporary buildings like the Stadtbibliothek (City Library) and the Staatsgalerie, an ultra-modern art museum. Don’t miss the Schlossplatz, the city’s largest square, surrounded by historical buildings and lush green parks.

Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy Swabian specialities, such as Maultaschen and Spätzle. Finally, Stuttgart is part of the largest wine-growing region in Germany, so wine tasting is highly recommended.

Things to do in Stuttgart

• Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Porsche Museum
• Schlossplatz
• Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden
• Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
• Stuttgart Television Tower (Fernsehturm
• Killesberg Park
• Old Castle (Altes Schloss)
• New Castle (Neues Schloss)

Accommodations in Stuttgart

• Affordable: a&o Stuttgart or Jugendherberge International
• Mid-range: Hotel Wartburg or Mirage City Hotel
• Luxury: Hampton by Hilton or Arcotel Camino or Le Meridien

Frankfurt or Dusseldorf for 5 days

I personally visited both. Since I rented a car in Frankfurt, it made it easy for me to travel to Dusseldorf as well. Cologne, Essen, and Dortmund are just around the corner as well, making my day trip quite fruitful.

But if you want to choose one city only, between Frankfurt and Dusseldorf, it depends on your interests. If you decide on Dusseldorf but can see that you can squeeze in Frankfurt, this one-day in Frankfurt guide will definitely come in handy.

Frankfurt, Germany’s financial hub, boasts a futuristic skyline and historic sites like the Romerberg area and St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral. The Palmengarten offers a botanical oasis, while the Stadel Museum hosts an impressive art collection.

Conversely, Dusseldorf is known for its fashion industry and art scene and offers a vibrant old town, ‘Altstadt’, hosting over 300 bars and restaurants. Stroll along the Rhine embankment promenade for riverside views, or visit the modern Media Harbour.

Art lovers will enjoy the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen and K20. If you go to Dusseldorf, this means that you can also visit Cologne, Essen, and Dortmund since these places are very near one another.

Both cities offer unique experiences, Frankfurt blending old and new and Dusseldorf thriving in fashion and arts, making either an excellent choice.

Things to do in Frankfurt

• Römer (Old Town)
• Frankfurt River – book a cruise
• St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
• Palmengarten
• Städel Museum
• Discover nightlife via a fun pub crawl
• Museum Embankment (Museumsufer)
• Kleinmarkthalle – try local food and produce at this indoor market in the city centre
• The River Main
• Scavenger Hunt – which is a fun self-guided city tour
• Museumsufer
• Goethe House and Museum
• Eiserner Steg
• Old Sachsenhausen
• Schirn Kunsthalle
• Half-day trip to Heidelberg – check the tour price
• Escheimer Turm
• Day trip to Rhine Valley – including a cruise
• Klassikstadt
• Day trip to Baden-Baden, Black Forest, and Strasbourg – check the schedule and price
• There’s a 7-day tour around Central Europe that leaves in Frankfurt – check the price and itinerary

Things to do in Dusseldorf

• Königsallee (King’s Avenue)
• Rhine Tower and Rhine River Cruise – book a boat tour
• Altstadt (Old Town)
• North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection (Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen)
• Media Harbour (MedienHafen)
• Benrath Palace (Schloss Benrath): Explore this Baroque-style mansion and its beautiful gardens.
• Carlsplatz Market – savor local flavours at this vibrant market, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and more.
• Day trip to Essen, Cologne, and Dortmund

Accommodations in Frankfurt

• Affordable: Hotel Scala or Hotel Miramar am Romer
• Mid-range: Motel One or Ruby Louise Hotel
• Luxury: Sofitel Opera or Hilton Hotel

Accommodations in Dusseldorf

• Affordable: a&o Dusseldorf or B&B Hotel
• Mid-range: Leonardo Hotel or Holiday Inn Express
• Luxury: The Niu Tab or Clayton Hotel or Carahotel

MUST-TRY GERMAN DISHES AND DRINKS

Don’t forget to visit a beer hall or two. It’s where you’ll find the best traditional German food and drinks. During your visit to Germany, make sure to indulge in these must-try German dishes to savour the country’s culinary delights:

• Bratwurst – traditional German sausages
• Sauerkraut – fermented cabbage
• Pretzels – iconic soft baked bread products with a twisted knot shape
• Schnitzel – breaded and fried meat cutlets, typically pork or veal
• Sauerbraten – classic pot roast made from marinated and braised beef
• Kartoffelpuffer – crispy potato pancakes
• Black Forest Cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) – decadent dessert featuring layers of chocolate sponge cake
• Maultaschen – Swabian-style pasta pockets
• Currywurst – popular street food dish consisting of sliced bratwurst topped with a tangy curry ketchup sauce
• Apfelstrudel – delectable apple strudel with a flaky pastry
• Glühwein -warm and spiced mulled wine
• Schanpps – various flavours to try
• Apfelschorle – refreshing combination of apple juice and sparkling water
• Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) – classic dessert consisting of thinly rolled dough filled with spiced apples, raisins, and nuts
• Stollen – traditional Christmas cake made with a yeasted dough

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN GERMANY ITINERARY

From the vibrant streets of Berlin to the enchanting beauty of the Black Forest and the cultural charm of Munich, this well-crafted 3 weeks in Germany itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history, indulge in delectable cuisine, and soak up the diverse landscapes.

Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, savouring traditional dishes, or simply wandering through picturesque towns, Germany offers a treasure trove of delights to discover. I hope that this itinerary helped you plan your own that suits your needs and style.

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A Travelers Trail

Europe , Germany , Road Trips , Travel Itinerary · November 1, 2022

The Ultimate Germany Itinerary

Planning a trip to Germany? This 3 week Germany itinerary will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery that Germany has to offer.

I was completely blown away by Germany, it’s one of the most beautiful countries that we have visited. Honestly it’s gorgeous.

This Germany Itinerary will take you through some of the most beautiful towns and landscapes. You will visit castles, wineries, enjoy delicious food and of course, sip on a pint of beer or two.

Our itinerary is best done with a rental car but can be done with public transportation.

I recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Germany but 3 would be ideal. There is so much to see in Germany and you are not going to want to leave, we sure didn’t.

This post is all about The Ultimate Germany itinerary.

There are several international airports in Germany. I recommend flying into which ever airport has a the best airline fare and adjust the itinerary as needed.

For the purpose of my itinerary we will be landing into Munich International Airport.

I recommend taking the S-Bahn train which will take you approximately 45 mins and cost €12.30, you can buy your ticket from the RED DB Ticket kiosks. A Taxi costs approximately €95.

We rented our car starting the morning of day 5 when we started our Romantic Road journey through Rentalcars.com , we spent $638 for 18 days.

Parking Fees will vary from €5 a night to €23 a night but most fees were around €10 per night.

Our phones have an E-SIM so we purchased a data plan with Airalo, cost was $30 for 15GB.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

Germany Itinerary

~ Munich aka München

Recommend Days : 4

What to do in Munich:

• BMW Welt and BWM Museum
• Englischer Garten (Munich’s Central Park) along Isar River
• Olympiaturm (broadcast tower) for a view over the whole city.
• Olympiaberg (hill next to the tower) for sunset.
• Deutsches Museum
• Dachau Concentration Camp

• Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus, Munich’s Iconic Town Hall ( Visit at 11,12 or 5 o’clock to see the famous chime with 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures reenacting various ancient stories for more than 10 minutes)
• Viktualienmarkt near Marienplatz
• Munich Residenz (the ancient city castle, Don’t forget to walk around the Residenz to see the court garden and enjoy a cool beer in its beer garden)
• St. Peters Church (Munich’s oldest church)
• Eisbachwelle-famous surfer spot

If you happen to be there in September/October make sure to add Octoberfest to your Germany Itinerary. It’s a must!

Foods Spots:

• Tattenbach Wirtshaus & Stüberl
• Schneider Bräuhaus München
• Mr. Pancake
• Café Frischhut

Where we Stayed: Hotel ADRIA Munchen

~ The Romantic Road

Pick up your rental car and head out to explore the romantic road.

We had plans to stop by Lake Eibsee and walk the 4.5 mile Eibsee Loop around the lake as well as Zugspitze Cable Car but we were all super hungover from Octoberfest and wanted to get to our hotel as quickly as possible. If you have time though I definitely recommend the additional 30 min drive time. I would add an additional night and overnight in Wuzburg instead of just a day visit if you plan to add this in.

Recommended Days: 3-4

~ Fussen (overnight)

Drive Time Munich to Fussen: 1hr 45mins

• Walk Through Fussen Old Town
• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Mary’s Bridge
• Visit Hohenschwangau Castle

Food Spots:

• Restaurant RIWA at Hotel Sonne for dinner and breakfast. Both times were so delicious.

Where we Stayed: Hotel Sonne

~ Augsburg (overnight)

Drive Time Fussen to Augsburg: 1hr 20mins but you will be making two stops in between which are the first two on the list Wieskirche and Landsberg am Lech.

• Vist Wieskirche
• Walk around Landsberg am Lech
• Walk down Maximilian Street 
• Fuggerei (The world’s oldest social housing project, the annual rent is €0.88)
• Climb Perlachturm
• Bricks Café & Bar Augsburg-the pancakes were delicious

Where we Stayed: Hotel Maximilian’s

~ Rothenburg ob Der Tauber (overnight)

Drive Time Augsburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2hrs but again today you will be making two stops, first visit Nördlingen followed by Dinkelsbühl.

• Visit Nördlingen and walk the entire city walls
• Wander through Dinkelsbühl
• Explore the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob Der Tauber
• Medieval Criminal Museum 
• Cafe Kasarm (Nördlingen) for Coffee and Pastries
• Food Point (Dinkelsbühl) try the pizza it’s actually so good but they specialize in Turkish
• Zur Hoell ( A Rothenburg Must) one of the best meals we had, the ribs were chefs kiss

Where we Stayed: Historik Hotel Goldener Hirsch Rothenburg (The name of this hotel is 100% accurate, this hotel is historic, very outdated, corky room layout and terrible breakfast but was in a great location with cheap parking.) Not a bad stay for one night.

The following day make your way to Wuzburg the final stop on the Romantic Road.

~ Wuzburg (day visit, overnight in Heidelberg)

Drive Time Rothenburg to Wuzburg: 45mins

• Würzburg Residence
• Marienburg Fortress
• Fürstengarten
• Alte Mainbrücke

Food Stops: I would literally go to Wuzburg just to eat at Istanbul Kebap again. Go, don’t miss this place!

~ Heidelberg

Drive Time Wuzburg to Heidelberg: 1hr 45mins

We stayed one night but wished we would’ve stayed two. If you can only stay one night that’s perfectly fine.

Recommend Days: 2

What to do Heidelberg:

• Walk around Altstadt (Old Town)
• Visit Heidelberg Castle
• Alte Brücke
• Deutsches Apotheken Museum
• Neckarwiese
• Philosophenweg
• Café NOMAD Heidelberg Neuenheim
• Weinstube Schnitzelbank
• Heid’s Grill & Restaurant

Where we Stayed: Hotel Panorama

Drive Time Heidelberg to Koblenz: 2hrs

Recommended Days: 2

What to do in Koblenz:

• River Cruise ( Visit the Tourist Center for departure times )
• Koblenz Cable Car
• Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
• Wine Tasting (Weingut Göhlen, Weingut Schwaab – Koblenzer Weinerlebnis, Weingut Spurzem, Weingut Kloster Ebernach) 
• Visit or Overnight at Schloss Arenfels. Purchase a bottle of wine and charcuterie board from the gift shop and enjoy an afternoon relaxing and enjoying the views of the city.
• Cowboys Burger Saloon
• Altstadt Café Koblenz

Where we Stayed: Sander Hotel & Schloss Arenfels ( The Castle, grounds and rooms are beautiful but management needs a lot of work. So much potential to be something so amazing but it’s not there yet. Skip breakfast it was terrible.)

Drive Time Koblenz to Cologne: 1hr 15mins

What to do in Cologne:

• Cologne Cathedral
• Cologne’s Old Town
• Church of Great St. Martin 
• add a lock Hohenzollern Bridge
• NS Documentation Museum
• Enjoy the Views from Koln Triangle
• Ludwig Museum
• The Fragrance Museum
• Rievkoochebud Reibekuchen
• Oma Janßen Colonialwarenhandel 

Where we Stayed: CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom

Drive Time Cologne to Hamburg: 4hrs 30mins

What to do in Hamburg:

• Speicherstadt- world’s largest warehouse district
• Harbor Tour
• Elbphilharmonie Building 
• Miniatur Wunderland
• Planten un Blomen Public Park
• International Maritime Museum
• See a concert at Elbphilharmonie
• Bike along River Elbe
• Stroll around the Picturesque Alster Lakes
• St Pauli for drinks
• Jungfernstieg- waterfront promenade 
• Walk the Elbe Tunnel
• Hamburg Rathaus
• Fischmarkt (Only on Sunday Mornings)

• Clockers Bar
• Erste Liebe Cafe
• Burger Heros
• Schifferbörse Restaurant

Where we Stayed: Fraser Suites Hamburg

Drive Time Hamburg to Berlin: 3hrs

Recommend Days: 3

What to do in Berlin:

• Visit Checkpoint Charlie 
• Visit a Part of the Berlin Wall
• Visit Berlin Bunker + Museum
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
• Visit Brandenburg Gate 
• Reichstag Building 
• Tiergarten Park
• Go to Gendarmenmarkt
• Climb the Dome at Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
• Visit the Pergamon Museum
• Cross Oberbaum Bridge
• East Side Gallery
• Walk to the Berliner Fernsehturm Tower & Alexanderplatz Sqaure full of shops
• Visit the DDR Museum
• Markthalle Neun Market 

• Kaffeehaus SowohlAlsAuch for hot chocolate and cake
• Burgermeister Schlesisches Tor
• Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap
• Cocolo Ramen
• ZEIT FÜR BROT for the best cinnamon rolls
• Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

Where we Stayed: Parlamento Rooms ( Nothing fancy, not an actual hotel but was extremely clean, amazing location and priced very well )

Drive Time Berlin to Dresden: 2 hrs

What to do in Dresden:

• Frauenkirche
• Zwinger Palace
• Dresdner Residenzschloss
• Fürstenzug Mural
• Brühl’s Terrace
• Dresden Cathedral
• Altstadt or Old Town of Dresden
• Kunsthofpassage, singing drain pipes
• Saxxon Switzerland National Park 
• Cafe Milchmädchen
• The Burtwurst Stand at Saxxon National Park

Where we Stayed: Residenz am Zwinger

Final stop on our Germany Itinerary before heading back to Munich is

~ Nuremberg

Drive Time Dresden to Nuremberg: 3hrs 15mins

What to do in Nuremberg:

• Browse at the Handwerkerhof Market
• Walk Weißgerbergasse
• Visit Lorenzkirche
• Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
• Nuremberg Trials Memorial
• Admire Weinstadel
• Walk the City Walls (Start at the west side of Old Town and make your way to Fürther Tor towards the south of the city)
• St. Sebaldus Church
• St. Lorenz Church
• Schöner Brunnen
• Nuremberg Toy Museum
• Nürnberger Felsengänge
• Osteria Del Centro
• Gin & Julep Bar

Where we Stayed: Karl August – a Neighborhood Hotel

~ Back to MUNIch

Drive Time Nuremberg to Munich: 1hr 45mins

• International Flight Home

Transportation in Munich:

• The U-Bahn (underground railway)-Is fast and efficient at avoiding traffic and congestion.
• Straßenbahn (tram)-This is an excellent mode of transportation in Munich with many stops.
• S-Bahn (aboveground railway)-Similar to the U-Bahn but it runs above ground.

Food to try in Germany:

• Kasespätzle- Pasta
• Schnitzel- Breaded meat dish
• Flammkuchen- German pizza
• Currywurst- Ketchup and curry powder served over grilled sausage best in Cologne & Berlin 
• Königsberger Klopse- meatballs in a creamy white sauce with capers best in Berlin 
• Maultaschen- A larger version of ravioli, maultaschen are typically palm-sized, square pockets of dough that vary in filling from sweet to savory and meaty to vegetarian
• Rouladen- blend of bacon, onions, mustard and pickles wrapped together in sliced beef or veal. Popular Rhine Region
• Kartoffelsalat- Thinly sliced potatoes mixed with bacon, chives, and vinegar
• Kartoffelpuffer- Fried potato pancakes
• Brezeln-Pretzel
• Obatzda- Bavarian cheese dip served cold.
• Kalbshaxe- Cooked veal knuckle
• Schweinshaxe- Pork Knuckle
• Spargel Soup- Creamy white asparagus soap 
• Gulaschsuppe- Hearty chili like soup
• Speckpfannkuchen- Glorified crêpe with strips of bacon in it
• Sauerbraten- German pot roast
• Döner Kebab- Popular in Berlin
• Kartoffelkloesse- Potato balls
• Strammer Max- Fried eggs and ham atop buttered toast

Drinks to try in Germany:

• Hefeweizen Beer
• Apfelschorle- apple juice and carbonated (sparkling) water
• Radler- Beer mixed with sparkling lemonade or soda
• Berliner Kindl Weisse- A dose of raspberry syrup mixed with a light beer is served in a bowl-shaped glass.
• Local Reisling Wines

Desserts to try in Germany:

• Spaghetti Eis- Vanilla ice cream pressed into a Spätzle machine, and oodles of thick ropy cream come out. Topped with strawberry sauce.
• Apfelstrudel- An apple pastry
• Krapfen-Berliner Donuts
• Bratapfel- A caramelized apple
• Black Forest Cake- Cherries, chocolate, whipped cream, and liquor sponge cake
• Kaiserschmarrn- Fried pancakes that are torn and dusted with sugar
• Schneeballen- Sugar covered fried dough
• Apfelkuchen- Cinnamon soaked apples baked into a butter crust
• Lebkuchen- Spiced cookies
• Pfeffernusse- Mini cookies made of molasses, honey, nutmeg, ginger, and other spices.

That wraps up this post The Ultimate Germany Itinerary.

Travel resources.

Here you can find all the travel site links that we personally use and recommend.

CAMPSITES/CAMPGROUNDS  We like to use a couple apps for last minute campsite bookings. Our favorites are  HipCamp ,  The Dyrt  and  Campendium . 

ACCOMMODATION:  We find the best deals with  BOOKING.COM .  The more you book the better the perks like free breakfast with your stay, room upgrades and even higher discounted room rates.

CAR RENTALS:  We have always used  RentalCars.com  and find them to have the best deals, customer service and selection of locations.

FLIGHTS:  Our go to for looking up flights is  SKYSCANNER , but we try to always book directly with the airline. 

TOURS/EXCURSIONS:  GET YOUR GUIDE  and  VIATOR  are two very reputable sites with easy and hassle free bookings.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:  It’s so important to travel with insurance and for this we use  SafetyWing . We are currently using them for our 1 year trip. 

TRANSPORTATION:  For all our bus, ferry and train transfer needs in Asia we use 12go.as ia . 

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14 Days in Germany The Perfect Itinerary (2023)

As you’ll learn on this epic road trip of 14 Days itinerary in Germany , that peels back the layers and exposes you to a smorgasbord of delicacies, treasures, and temptations, Germany is a wonderful country with interesting cities, soul-stirring landscape, historic landmarks, and spirit-lifting culture.

14 Days in Germany The Perfect Itinerary – Munich to Berlin – Top of the Top

Munich, germany.

Start your tour in Munich, which has some of the best art museums in the nation, a sizable city park, royal mansions loaded with artifacts, and, of course, the Hofbräuhaus, the most renowned beer hall in the entire world. Include time in your schedule for the lovely town hall carillon, the abundant traditional food market, and the adrenaline-pumping BMW Museum.

From Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirche you get in 1.5 hours by car via A95 & B2 or in 1.5 hours by train.

Garmisch-Partenkirche, Germany

In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, take in the clean mountain air before being taken aback on an exhilarating ride up the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, in a train and cable car combination that is an engineering marvel. In a bar filled with trinkets, return to earth while sharing a sumptuous roast pork supper and foaming cups of beer.

From Garmisch-Partenkirche to Füssen you get in 1 hour by car Via Austria or in 2 hours by bus.

Romantic Road in Germany

The name is self-explanatory, and the truth is even better. Be enchanted by this dazzlingly old-world ribbon of wealth that begins at the legendary Schloss Neuschwanstein and ends 350 kilometers later in Würzburg, a city renowned for its wine, bishops, and stately architecture. You’ll pass through lyrical landscapes, historic villages with ramparts around them like Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, lordly castles, and other stunning scenery on your journey.

From Füssen to Heidelberg you get in 1 hour by car Via Austria or in 2 hours by bus.

Heidelberg, Germany

The oldest university in Germany charms with a captivating fusion of nature, vibrant modern life, and history. It’s a magical location with a lively, international, and romantic ambiance. Don’t skip the magnificent and improbably romantic castle tour.

From Heidelberg to Mainz you get in 1.5 hour by car via A67 or in 2 hours by train.

RELATED: Best Places to Visit in Heidelberg Best Hotels in Heidelberg

Romantic Rhine, Germany

The Romantic Rhine is a captivating combination of steeply terraced vineyards, jagged cliffs topped by powerful medieval castles, and jumbled settlements. Start in Mainz, home of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the moveable type, and see the magnificent museum there. As you follow the river north, take your time taking in the scenery and the local wine, possibly stopping in picture-postcard Boppard and fantasy-like Bacharach. Don’t forget to greet the Loreley as well.

From Mainz to Cologne you get in 3.5 hours by car via L419, B9, A3 or in 2.45 hours by train or in 11.5 hours by ship.

Cologne, Germany

The imposing Kölner Dom, Cologne’s magnificent cathedral, personifies the city’s contagious energy. Climb to the peak for breathtaking vistas, then explore the Römisch-Germanisches Museum for Roman relics or the Museum Ludwig for stunning paintings. Finish in a beer hall with Rhenish cuisine and a refreshing Kölsch beer.

From Cologne to Hamburg you get in 4.5 hour by car via A1 or in 4 hours by train.

RELATED Best Places to Visit in Cologne 10 Days in Germany The Perfect Itinerary 5 Days in Germany The Perfect Itinerary

Hamburg, Germany

Spend a day or two studying the global Hamburg. It’s a city that, under the same self-assured umbrella, cradles an elegant center, the edgy new waterfront HafenCity neighborhood, the red-brick Speicherstadt warehouse area, and the Reeperbahn, a red-light district.

From Hamburg to Berlin you get in 3.5 hour by car via A24 or in 2 hours by train.

Berlin – Capital of Germany

A quarter of a century after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Berlin is a vibrant mix of glitz and grit, brimming with world-class art galleries and museums, huge operas, hot-stepping dance clubs, gourmet restaurants, and ethnic snack stands. You can satisfy your tastes in the German capital, whether they are posh or punk.

For your last location on your 14 days in Germany itinerary I have put together for you a walk through Berlin that runs from the main train station to Alexanderplatz and covers around 3.7 miles / 6 kilometers.  You can do it in one day or two or three days with or without visiting museums and in-depth sightseeing.

You leave the main train station on the south side, Washingtonplatz, and walk over the pedestrian bridge in the direction of the Reichstag, between the Chancellery and the Paul-Löbe-Haus , in whose huge glass facade the Chancellery is reflected.  Turn left behind the Paul-Löbe-Haus and walk to the Spree.

On the other side of the river you can see the Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus , with the parliamentary library, and the two bridges that connect the former West and East Berlin.  The wall followed the Spree for a while here, at this point there was only one wall on the other bank, the river formed the second barrier.  Crosses on the shore remind us of failed escape attempts.  Go back and pass in front of the Reichstag.

Follow the diagonal path through the Tiergarten towards the Brandenburg Gate .  The memorial to the murdered Sinti and Roma is hidden behind the wall on your left.

On the way to the gate you cross the recessed strip of cobblestones that marks the course of the wall.  Until 1989, the gate was in the middle of no man’s land between East and West, within the walls, and Pariser Platz lay in rubble and ashes.  Built between 1788 and 1791 by Carl Gotthard von Langhans, the gate served as a replacement for an old city gate in the customs wall on the road to Brandenburg.  The customs officers sat in the side wings.  Langhan’s model was based on the Acropolis in Athens.

The Quadriga from Schadow was taken to Paris in 1806 under Napoleon’s rule, but Blücher’s troops found it still packed in crates in 1814, loaded it up and brought it back.  After the Paris adventure, people simply called her the tit-for-tat.  From here you can see the victory column in the Tiergarten , from which you can also enjoy a great view once you have climbed it.  Up close you can see the angel that appears in Wim Wender’s “The Sky over Berlin”.

Pariser Platz was rebuilt except for parts of the old Academy of Arts, which were integrated into their new building.  It offers interesting architecture, a cafeteria, a book counter and changing exhibitions.  The house on the right is Frank Gehry’s DZ-Bank.  According to the principle of contrasts, expressionist architecture is hidden behind the sober façade.  When it is accessible (therefore no events or receptions are taking place), the statue of the whale can be seen in the courtyard, rising out of the water and carrying a small conference hall in its mouth.

Returning through the Brandenburg Gate, with the American Embassy on your left, you come to the Holocaust Memorial in memory of the murdered Jews of Europe.  Over 2700 steles stand on a wavy terrain.  At the end of the field of stelae is the documentation center, including a database.  The free visit is possible at any time of the day.

Opposite, on the right in the Tiergarten, there is a small memorial for the murdered gay people.

Keep walking towards the skyscrapers, you can’t miss Potsdamer Platz .  The street crossing lay in no man’s land for decades, but Potsdamer Platz used to be the busiest square in the city.

The “ Verkehrsturm “, the first traffic light in Germany (erected in 1924) was rebuilt.  Here a policeman watched the traffic from the window and directed it.  The tower and the various amusement venues on Potsdamer Platz are beautifully described in Franz Hessel’s newly published “Walking in Berlin” from 1929.

Along the street there are pieces of wall that mark the course of the wall.  Behind, in front of and in Helmut Jahn’s Sony Center you can see the walls of a suite from the Hotel Esplanade behind glass on the right. In the 1920s it was one of the most famous hotels in the city.  Largely destroyed, the ruins also served as a film set in “Himmel über Berlin”, in which you can also see the whole area around Potsdamer Platz as it looked in the mid-1980s, i.e. empty.

The Kaisersaal and some ceilings, chandeliers and railings that were integrated into the Sony Center also come from the Esplanade .

You can partially see them in the bars when you walk towards the pond in the middle under the sloping dome called Fujiyama .  The apartments above are suspended from a steel bridge between two high steel constructions.  A part of the outer facade of the old Esplanade became the outer wall of the Sony Center , also behind glass;  it is easy to see when you go through the exit on the right in front of you into Bellevuestrasse and walk back in the direction of Potsdamer Platz.

You continue at the Kollhoffhaus , which is reminiscent of Chicago in the winter of the 1930s.  Here you will find elevators to Panoramapunkt , where two surrounding terraces ensure a beautiful view.

Marlene-Dietrich-Platz is the center of the annual film festival in February, when film people, the press and visitors swarm everywhere.

Renzo Piano and, under his direction, architects from all over the world have immortalized themselves in this large area.  All buildings are clad in terracotta, which gives the different architecture a uniform touch and warm colors.

The walk continues in the direction of Stresemannstrasse, turn left into Niederkirchner Strasse with the Martin-Gropius-Bau on the right.  Behind is a piece of authentic wall, badly battered by wallpeckers and therefore fenced off.  On the grounds behind where the Gestapo had their headquarters is the free Topography of Terror exhibition .  Photos of the SS, Gestapo, persecution, extermination, the end of the war and the post-war period as well as many portraits are shown.

On the left is the Ministry of Finance , built in the 1930s as the Reich Ministry of Aviation.  Further straight ahead you will see the Trabis on the left, which you can drive yourself on a Trabi safari, and the world balloon, with which you can climb to a height of 150 meters when the weather is calm.

“Octopussy” with Roger Moore as James Bond and “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold” by John le Carré are set at Checkpoint Charlie , a former border crossing.  Everywhere you see photos on the subject of the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

A smorgasbord of getaway vehicles and many other photos can be found in the Wall Museum .  Continue up Friedrichstrasse to Mohrenstrasse, turn right and walk to Markgrafenstrasse, then Gendarmenmarkt , Berlin’s most beautiful square, is on the left.  In the middle is the concert hall between the German and the French cathedral, which bears witness to the immigration of the Huguenots.

Turn right on Französische Straße and then left again, and you will pass the rebuilt St. Hedwig’s Cathedral .  On Bebelplatz , a window set into the floor, through which an empty library can be seen, commemorates the book burning of 1933. In front is Unter den Linden boulevard, in the middle, on your left, Rauch’s equestrian statue of Old Fritz on his favorite horse Condé.

Opposite is the Humboldt University, where Johann Gottlieb Fichte taught and where Karl Marx, Otto von Bismarck and Albert Einstein studied.  Next to it, in the direction of Alexanderplatz, is a sculpture by Käthe Kollwitz in the Neue Wache.

This is followed by the armory and the German Historical Museum .  On the left, at its back, you can see the addition of I.M. Pei: the glass snail, with the rounded entrance hall with light and shadow games.  Walk behind the extension and continue over the bridge towards Museum Island .

Via the Lustgarten , past the television tower, you finish your 14 days in Germany itinerary in the marvelous Alexanderplatz .

About the Author: Elle Johnson, travel writer living in Germany, an avid explorer fueled by wanderlust, uncovers Germany's hidden treasures. From mountains to luxury hotels, spontaneous trips to meticulous planning, she embraces diverse experiences. Join her in unraveling Germany's wonders and creating lifelong memories.

Germany Itinerary - 10 Days

• December 18, 2020
• Updatesd on Decemeber 27, 2023

In recent years, Germany has slowly emerged as Europe’s top tourist destination. The incredible country is more than just stunning landscapes, quaint medieval towns, fairytale castles, and classic vineyards. Germany is also known for its enigmatic forests, modern history, vibrant nightlife, diverse culture, and buzzing cosmopolitan vibes. Overall, a trip to Germany is an unforgettable travel experience. The country is large, impressive, and beautiful, and it is impossible to see it all in one visit. The highlights are scattered throughout the country, making it difficult to plan an itinerary. This 10-day itinerary attempts to show you the best of Germany so that you can make the most of your time there.

Suggested 10-Day Itinerary for Germany

Germany itinerary, day 1–3: munich .

Our journey begins in Munich, Germany’s third-largest city. The city is well-connected, and flights to Munich are available from all over the world. Munich is famous for its Oktoberfest , which takes place every year from the middle of September to the end of October. But there is never a shortage of things to see and do in Munich. Begin by walking through the old city center, as most of the iconic sites are within easy reach. 

Climb St. Peter’s Church for breathtaking panoramic views, explore the world-class museums, enjoy a beer in one of the popular beer gardens, and immerse yourself in the vibrant street art and culture. If you like cars, you should go to the BMW Museum. The museum showcases automotive and motorcycle technological advancements. The bowl-shaped building houses a collection of vintage automobiles and motorcycles. Use Munich as a base to explore the Bavarian region on day trips.

Don’t miss the classic fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle perched on a rugged hill – a perfect blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Gothic architecture. The inside of Neuschwanstein Castle is not as spectacular, romantic, or fairytale-like as the exterior, which is simply magnificent. The Castle is extremely popular, so it is best to book a tour in advance. The drive from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle takes about two hours. If you use public transport, it will take you three hours. There are no direct train connections. You must take the train and bus, then ascend to the castle by foot, horse carriage, or shuttle bus.

Places to visit in Munich:

• St. Peter’s Church
• Rathaus – City Hall
• Frauenkirche – Cathedral Church of Our Lady
• Hofgarten – the Royal Garden
• Marienplatz Square – the Main Square
• Hofbrauhaus – the Beer Hall
• Deutsches Museum – Museum of science and technology
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Munich Residenz – Palace complex
• Dachau Concentration Camp (day trip) – Dachau was one of Nazi Germany’s first concentration camps.
• Neuschwanstein Castle  (day trip)
• Zugspitze (day trip) – Germany’s highest mountain 

Germany Itinerary,  Day 4-5: BLACK FOREST 

It will take you five hours by car or six hours by train to reach Black Forest from Munich. The Black Forest region, the birthplace of the Grimm Brothers’ Tales, is a massive spruce-covered mountain range steeped in fascinating myths. There are many charming villages and small towns to stay in the Black Forest, but Baden-Baden and Gengenbach serve as good bases for day trips and our onward journey to Heidelberg. The forests are beautiful, and there is plenty to do there, such as exploring the quaint villages, sampling the delectable Black Forest Cake, learning about cuckoo clock traditions, relaxing at a spa, and hiking in the enchanting lush forests.

Places to visit in the Black Forest:

• Triberg Waterfalls
• Lake Titisee
• House of 1000 Clocks, (Triberg) – largest selection of Black Forest cuckoo clocks in the area.
• Thermal Spas at Baden-Baden
• Lichtenstein Castle
• Freiburg– Historic Town
• Ravenna Gorge
• The Black Forest Open-Air Museum

Germany Itinerary,  Day 6: HEIDELBERG

Depending on your mode of transportation and where you are staying in the Black Forest, it will take you 1-2 hours to reach Heidelberg, a picturesque town known for its University. Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most popular cities, and most of its attractions can be reached on foot. You can climb or take the funicular to the castle at the top of the hill for a bird’s-eye view of the old town and the river.

Places to visit in Heidelberg :

• Church of the Holy Spirit
• Heidelberg Castle
• Hauptstrasse and the Altstadt – Old Town
• Karl Theodor – Old Bridge
• Heidelberg University

Germany Itinerary,  Day 7-8: MOSELLE VALLEY

Moselle Valley is about a two-hour drive from Heidelberg. Germany is traversed by the Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine. The Moselle Valley is the area surrounding the beautiful Moselle River. The valley is famous for its fine wine, sleepy medieval villages, crumbling fairytale castles, steep lush-terraced vineyards, and beautiful promenades. Koblenz is a perfect base for exploring the Moselle Valley region due to its central location. If you prefer larger cities, Bon and Cologne are also viable options.

Places to visit in Moselle Valley :

• Cochem Castle
• Trier – Germany’s oldest town
• Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
• Schloss Stozlenfels Castle
• Bernkastel-Kues – for wine tasting
• Traben-Trabach town
• Beilstein’s River Promenade
• Eltz Castle

Germany Itinerary,  Day 9-10: BERLIN

It takes about 6 hours (by train and car) to get from Moselle Valley (Koblenz) to Berlin, so start early because you have a full day in Berlin. Any trip to Germany would be incomplete without a stop in the bustling, hippest capital city. Berlin is cultural, political, and contemporary, with history at every turn. The city may not be visually appealing, but a visit to Berlin will provide vivid glimpses of the twentieth century’s tumultuous events, such as when Berlin was heavily bombarded during World War II. Berlin is too big to see in two days, but you can still make the most of it by seeing the main sights. The city’s most visible landmark is Berlin’s TV Tower, which rises 368 meters into the sky. You can enjoy staggering 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city – and beyond! Take a walk through Tiergarten Park, stroll along the tree-lined boulevards of Prenzlauer Berg, and enjoy the crazy nightlife. Don’t miss the world’s largest open art gallery, which adorns sections of the Berlin Wall with murals painted across a mile. Joining the free walking tour that begins at Brandenburg Gate is one of the best ways to understand the essence of Berlin. Underground tours in Berlin are another way to learn about the city’s complex history, as you can see war bunkers and escape tunnels in now-defunct metro stations.

Places to visit in Berlin:

• Brandenburg Gate
• Museum Island – a collection of five world-class museums
• Berlin Wall Memorial
• Prenzlauer Berg – Boulevard
• Reichstag – the German Parliament
• East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall)
• Holocaust Memorial – Memorial to murdered Jews of Europe
• Tiergarten Park
• Mauerpark – Flea Market

Germany Itinerary,  Day 11: DEPART FROM BERLIN

It is the end of our 10-day German itinerary and time to depart for your next destination from the Berlin airport. Try to take an evening flight, so that you can use the day to explore the remaining attractions of historical Berlin.

Best time to visit Germany?

Germany is a year-round destination and each season has its charms. June to September is the peak season with warm, sunny weather and long days. Perfect weather to enjoy the outdoor activities and the music festivals celebrated in different parts of the country. Winters can be cold, drab, and blustery but you can enjoy skiing opportunities, stunning landscapes, Christmas markets, and rock-bottom rates. Visiting Germany in May is a good option as it starts getting warmer, trees are in full bloom, the crowds have yet to arrive, and everything is affordable. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Munich in autumn when the iconic Oktoberfest is celebrated. Millions of people reach Munich from all over the world, the whole city is in a festive mood, and beer flows like water.

How to reach Germany?

Since Germany is located in the heart of Europe, it is easy and economical to travel there from anywhere in the world. Frankfurt Airport is one of the world’s busiest. Germany has a comprehensive airport network that spans the entire country, allowing you to choose your arrival/departure city at your convenience. Our trip begins in Munich and concludes in Berlin, both of which are well-connected. Germany is linked to all neighboring countries by extensive and frequent train services, most of which are operated by Deutsche Bahn. All of the major cities are also well-connected by bus routes, so getting to Germany is never an issue.

Getting around in Germany?

The two most popular ways to travel within Germany are by train and by car. Unless you have a car, rail is the most convenient way to reach most parts of the country, with frequent departures. They are super fast, dependable, and comfortable, but they are not always cost-effective. Book a German Eurail Pass to travel within Germany – it’s stress-free, inexpensive, and allows you to hop on and off whenever you want. Reservations are not required but are strongly advised during holidays and weekends. Flights connect most German cities, but when you add up the wait time at the airport and all the formalities, taking the train makes more sense.

Driving on Germany’s famous autobahn is an incredible experience if you are used to driving at high speeds. Airport car rentals are available, and one-way rentals are permitted without additional fees. If you don’t want to drive, coach travel between cities is inexpensive and reliable, though not as efficient or fast as trains. Hitchhiking and ride-sharing are also popular in Germany.

Getting around the city?

Germany, like the rest of Europe, has an excellent public transport system. In cities such as Berlin and Munich, a single ticket grants access to U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (above ground), trains, and trams. A multi-ticket strip or day pass will be less expensive than a single-ride ticket. Without a car or taxi, efficient public transport will get you everywhere. Taxis are expensive and can be avoided. Uber’s availability in Germany is quite limited. In cities and along popular cycling routes, Germany has dedicated bike lanes. You can rent a bike to get around

Things to Know Before Traveling to Germany

• Although German is the official language of Germany, English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country. If you visit smaller towns and villages, you may have difficulty communicating with the locals, but in large cities and popular tourist areas, language should not be a barrier to getting things done.
• The euro is the official currency of Germany since 2002. One Euro is around 1.11 dollars
• Don’t miss the traditional Christmas markets if you’re visiting during the holiday season. They offer a festive atmosphere, as well as local crafts and delectable seasonal treats.
• There are numerous museums and historical sites in Germany. If you intend to visit multiple attractions, consider purchasing a museum pass to save money on admission.
• German cuisine is diverse and delicious. Don’t miss out on trying traditional dishes such as schnitzel, sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut. Also, indulge in the variety of German beers.
• Tipping is common in restaurants and cafes. A tip of around 5-10% is customary.
• While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns or for smaller purchases.
• Germans place a high value on punctuality, so arrive on time for appointments and reservations.
• Tap water in Germany is safe to drink, so carrying a reusable water bottle is a smart idea.

This Post Has 4 Comments

I’d love to explore Germany at some point! I visited Berlin around 7 years ago and absolutely loved it. It’d be great to travel around the country and discover more though! Your 10 day itinerary is amazing 🙂

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing these pictures and information with me. This is where my heritage is from, and my husband’s Mom was born and raised in Germany. ~Michelle

Very helpful itinerary. Keep up the good work. 😀

Hahaha!! Thanks

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The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

10 Days In Germany: How To Plan The Perfect German Itinerary?

Last Updated on June 23, 2022 by Soumya

Planning to spend 10 days in Germany and looking for the best things to do? Wondering what are the most beautiful places in Germany? Clueless how to travel between various German destinations? I get you.

And that’s why we have this epic 10-day German itinerary that will help you with everything you need to know . We will not only tell you what to see and do in Germany but also give you easy ways to get to your next destination & tell you what passes to use and when to use them – all based on our own experiences of traveling multiple times in Germany and after using their extensive rail network.

Germany is one of Europe’s largest countries. From the storied history of Munich to the liberal vibes of Berlin, the serenity of the Alps to the fairytale castles of Bavaria , the medieval towns of the Romantic Road to the Rococo palaces of Potsdam – there are a zillion different things to do in Germany.

Trying to see and do all with just 10 days in Germany can be overwhelming! However, with this easy-to-implement 10 day travel itinerary for Germany, planning becomes a breeze.

We begin in Munich, travel all the way through Germany’s Romantic Road, spend some time soaking in WW II history in Nuremberg, and end our Germany trip in the vibrant city of Berlin – all by train and public transport.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started with our ultimate train itinerary for 10 days in Germany.

Table of Contents

Best Germany itinerary for 10 days

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

Days 1-4 of 10 days in Germany: Munich + Day trips

Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest cities, is filled with history. From being home to the glamorous royal Wittelsbach family for 700 years to being the hotbed of Nazism, Munich has seen it all.

Munich grew, prospered, and suffered pandemics, fires, & wars. It was destroyed badly during the Second World War. Needless to say, Munich has seen and experienced more history than I can even wrap my mind around.

In Munich, you can walk through a historic Marienplatz , check out stunning Munich churches , gaze at the splendor of Bavarian palaces, and take a Third Reich t o ur .

Not to forget, the city plays host to the uber-famous Oktoberfest every year. And don’t even get me started on Munich’s fairytale Christmas markets!

Munich is a also great place to do some beautiful day trips. Be it the magical Neuschwanstein Castle or the clear alpine lake of Konigsee, you will find tons of amazing places to visit around Munich.

Arriving in Munich

If you are flying to Munich, the closest airport is Franz Josef Strauss International Airport or Flughafen Munchen. Click here to check for a list of airlines that fly to Munich Airport.

Once you arrive at the airport, there are 3 different ways to get to Munich City Center – train, bus, and private taxi.

Trains are pretty convenient. Just hop on to an S1 or S8 S-Bahn to get to your destination. You can plan your journey here . The only issue is you will need to type in German names of places – for example Flughafen for Airport. Alternately, you can plan your trip on OMIO here .

If you like buses, there is Lufthansa Express for you. In case you are looking for a reliable taxi, try this private airport transfer with great reviews .

Days 1-2: Munich

Two days in Munich is a decent way to get started with this historical city. I am sure you will tell me that you need more but 48 hours is a good start. Here are some of the most amazing places to visit in Munich when you are here.

Explore Marienplatz and Munich Residenz

The Old Town or Altstadt is where most of Munich’s history resides and Marienplatz is at the core of it. Here, you will find the Old and New Town Halls, St. Peter’s Church – oldest church of Munich, and the impressive Munich Cathedral.

You can catch a free show of Munich’s Glockenspiel right in front of the New Town Hall. Or stroll down the charming lanes of the historic Viktualienmarkt while sampling souvenirs.

Only 5 minutes away from Marienplatz is the stunning Munich Residenz, the official residence of the royal Wittelsbach family for more than 400 years. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the opulent Antiquarium. If you wish, you can spend the evening enjoying a classical concert at Residenz.

I suggest you also read our complete guide to Marienplatz and figure out all that what you do, see, and eat.

Spend some time at Englischer Garden

Englischer Garten is Munich’s largest urban park and one of the largest in the world too. Can you believe it is bigger than the Central Park in New York?

Apart from running, jogging, playing, and picnicking in this green oasis of Munich, you can check out interesting monuments such as the Chinese Tower and the Japanese Tea House. A beautiful 19-century temple called the Monopteros provides beautiful views of the park and beyond.

Visit a beer garden

Well well! Munich and Bavaria! Synonymous with sunny beer gardens, aren’t they?

You can find beer gardens literally every where in Munich. They provide the perfect place to relax, socialize, and simply enjoy the vibe. Of course, all with a mug of beer by your side.

There are 4 beer gardens right inside Englischer Garden and The Seehaus at Kleinhesseloher See is the most popular one. If you are visiting Marienplatz, do not forget to check out Hofbrauhaus Beer Hall which is just 5 minutes away. This brewery is more than 400 years old and satiates both the beer lover and history geek in you.

I am no beer sommelier, that’s why I have linked to this super-awesome guide on How to beer garden by Munich Travel . Perfect for first-timers! If you are a pro, don’t even bother.

Also read: 25 Most amazing things to do in Munich

Make a trip to Nymphenburg Palace

Looking to visit a Bavarian palace complete with parks, canals, and huge fountains? Make way to Nymphenburg Palace located on the western fringes of Munich city. It is easy to get to by U-Bahn/S-Bahn and makes for a great half-a-day trip from Munich.

Nymphenburg was the summer residence of the Royal Wittelsbach Family. Today, it is a wonderful deep dive into the lives of German royalty.

Be sure to check out the stunning Stone Hall – one of the grandest Rococo rooms in Bavaria and the Gallery of Beauties – a fantasy hall for King Ludwig decked with portraits of beautiful women.

Do not miss the Nymphenburg Park, walking through which will give you true regal feelings. It is huge and is home to several garden pavilions. A couple of my favorite ones are the Badenburg (a royal bathing house) and Amalienburg (a Rococo hunting lodge).

Have a look at our 2-days in Munich itinerary for details and lots more travel tips.

Explore Munich’s beautiful churches

Munich is filled with stunning churches, some dating back to as early as the 12th century. You can find them in all styles – Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Gothic. Many of them have long, tumultuous histories.

Exploring the churches of Munich is like taking a course in German history and architecture. Only this is better because you get to experience all the beauty firsthand.

My top picks for your Munich church run would be – Frauenkirche for the Devil’s Footstep, Asamkirche for beautiful frescoes, and Theatinekirche for its Mediterranean feel. Have a look at my article on 11 Beautiful churches of Munich for all details.

Tips for visiting Munich

• Stay in Old Town Munich or Altstadt if you wish to be close to attractions, shopping areas, restaurants, and of course the Hofbrauhaus. Some of the hotels that really caught my eye were BEYOND by Geisel (luxury), Hotel Torbrau , and Hotel Metropol by Maier Privathotels (budget).
• Plan all your commutes on the MVV Journey Planner and get a DAY ticket if you are want to do multiple trips within Munich on the same day . Turns out to be much cheaper.
• Looking for a city pass? Try Munich City Pass from Turbopass . Includes free public transport as well as discounts at several attractions.
• Get a pair of good walking shoes because there’s a lot to be seen on foot.
• If you are a history buff or wish to dig deeper into WW II history in particular, I would recommend taking this Third Reich Guided Walking Tour that takes you deep into the life of Adolf Hitler and the rise of Nazism in Munich.

Days 3-4: Day trips from Munich

Munich is not just a great destination in itself but also a good base for day trips in Bavaria. Some of the most popular day trip options are Neuschwanstein Castle, Eagles Nest and Lake Konigssee in Berchtesgaden , medieval town of Regensburg , and Dachau Concentration Camp.

It is super cheap and easy to do these Munich day trips if you have a Bayern Ticket. Read my detailed post on Bayern Ticket or Bavaria Ticket to find out more.

Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace

Plan a visit to the German fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. Built in the 19th century by the shy King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe today and of course the inspiration for many new dreamy castles including the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disney.

The location of Neuschwanstein is idyllic and the design is enchanting. Towers, turrets, and frescoes adorn this solitary castle in the Bavarian Alps.

Neuschwanstein Castle was meant to be a sanctuary for Ludwig II after he lost the war against Prussia in 1866. In other words, this was Ludwig II’s fantasy land where he could be a true king even after losing his sovereignty.

To get to Neuschwanstein, you need to first get to the nearby village of Hohenschwangau. From there, you can walk, ride a carriage, or take a shuttle bus.

Remember that a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is only possible with a guided tour. You can buy tickets to the castle on the Hohenschwangau website here . Or book yourself a highly-rated guided tour like this one . This highly-rated tour takes you on a wonderful tour of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles.

Add Linderhoff Palace to your day trip

You can add another fantasy palace of Ludwig II to your day – Linderhoff Palace in Ettal. By car or taxi, it takes less than an hour to get to Linderhoff from Neuschwanstein.

However, it is not very convenient to arrive here by public transport – the reason being the route crosses through Austria. The journey can take as long as 5 hours. I would not recommend Linderhoff if you do not have a car at your disposal.

Alternately, you can check out this extremely popular guided tour that covers both Neuschwanstein & Linderhoff .

Also read: 18 Most beautiful castles you need to see in Germany!

Berchtesgaden

Nestled peacefully in the Bavarian Alps of southeastern Germany, Berchtesgaden is a picturesque town filled with scenic natural wonders. It is home to the stunning alpine lake of Konigssee which also boasts of a quaint Roman Catholic Church (dedicated to St. Bartholomew) on its shores.

Not very far away is the Berchtesgaden National Park which provides numerous hiking opportunities through scenic lakeside trails.

Additionally, Berchtesgaden is home to Kehlsteinhaus or Eagle’s Nest , the famous or rather infamous mountain home of Adolf Hitler and a power symbol of Nazi regime . Eagle’s Nest is located atop a sheer rock wall and can be reached via one of the steepest roads in Europe. The views from here are breathtaking.

There isn’t much about Hitler on display at Eagle’s Nest now. Instead, the place has now been converted to a beer garden and restaurant where you can enjoy some stunning views of the Alps. There are few snippets of Third Reich life too though if you wish to dig deeper, you need to check in at the Documentation Center at Obersalzberg (name of the town in the foothills).

Also read: 12 Best things to do in magical Berchtesgaden

Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau was the first concentration camp of Nazis and went on to become the blueprint of hundreds of others. More than 200,000 Europeans were imprisoned here during the 12 years of its existence. Nearly 43,000 were murdered.

Now, there is a memorial site on the grounds of the concentration camp. It is open from 9am – 5pm daily (except 24th December) and entry is free. You can easily get to Dachau train station from Munich Hbf by S-Bahn. The journey takes only 20 minutes.

But remember, this day trip is not for the faint-hearted. If you are a family with small kids, I would recommend Konigssee/Regensburg over Dachau.

To the north of Munich (1.5 hours away) lies the medieval town of Regensburg . A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Regensburg’s historical center is one of the oldest and best preserved ones in Europe.

Regensburg was the northernmost bastion of the Holy Roman Empire and is located at the confluence of 3 rivers – Danube, Naab, and Regen. It was an active trading center in the middle ages and therefore, home to rich traders and craftsmen. An old town replete with heritage buildings, churches, and mansions stands testimony to the rich and prosperous world that Regensburg once was.

If you wish to take a break from history, consider visiting the BMW factory nearby for a guided tour . So much fun watching robots produce hundreds of cars in minutes – this place is heaven for automobile-lovers.

Also read: Amazing things to do in Regensburg

Tips to plan Munich day trips

• Buy a Bayern ticket – Bavaria’s regional day ticket that allows you unlimited trips within Bavaria on the same day. It is convenient and saves you so much money. Even better if you are a small family or group of up to 5 members. Kids under 6 travel for free. Find all details here .
• Be sure to check the weather before venturing out of Munich. Visiting Neuschwanstein on a rainy day isn’t a great experience. So, I would choose some other destination in case it is pouring.

Days 5-7 of 10 days in Germany: Nuremberg + Romantic Road + Dresden

If you are visiting Germany for 10 days, you can easily make some time to venture deeper into Germany’s picturesque south.

Be sure to stop at some charming towns of Germany’s Romantic Road that starts from Fussen and ends in Wurzburg (or vice versa). Filled with timbered houses, rolling vineyards, and castle-studded valleys, this stretch is one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Make a stop at Nuremberg, a quaint Bavarian town filled with Gothic churches, cobbled lanes, and half-timbered homes, which works as the perfect springboard for day trips to Romantic Road towns.

Day 5: Nuremberg

Head to Nuremberg from Munich. Nuremberg is one of the largest cities in Bavaria and historically significant because of the Nuremberg trials. But there’s more to Nuremberg than just WW II as you will find out below.

Explore the majestic Nuremberg Castle

The Imperial Castle of Nuremberg was one of the most important palaces of the Holy Roman Empire. It was home to numerous Imperial Diets and was a favored visiting place for many Bavarian emperors.

Today, you can take a sneak peek at royal lives in the residential and state rooms of the castle. Highlights of the Nuremberg Castle include the double Imperial Chapel, the Deep Well, and a defensive tower called the Sinwell Tower . And of course, the beautiful castle garden. Find all practical details on the castle’s website here .

Stroll through the charming street of Weissgerbergasse

Once home to several tanners, Weissgerbergasse now has largest collection of wealthy, half-timbered artisan houses. Blessed with attractive facades and balconies overflowing with flowers, these historic homes make for an amazing Instagram backdrop . Also a great place to sip on some coffee and watch the world go by.

Visit the Documentation Center

Head to the Documentation Center at the Nazi party rally grounds for a walk through one of the darkest periods in German history – the National Socialist (NS) regime.

Housed in an old, unfinished Congress hall, this museum offers deep insight into the horrors and crimes committed by the Nazi party. You can also view an exhibition that displays the Nuremberg trials that were held here after WW II.

Want to see and learn more? Take a tour of Nazi party rally grounds with a knowledgeable tour guide and listen to unbelievable stories.

Get wowed by Nuremberg’s beautiful churches

Bavarian cities are filled with beautiful churches and same is the case with Nuremberg.

The city is home to St. Lorenz, a 14th-century Gothic church at Lorenzor Platz. Be sure to look out for the rose window above the arched doorway. Then, there is an impressive Roman Catholic Frauenkirche – another Gothic landmark at Nuremberg’s Hauptmarkt. And a Protestant St. Sebaldus Church that dates back to the 13th century. You will be spoiled for choices.

Tips for visiting Nuremberg

• You would want to stay in the charming neighborhood of Mitte to get feel of old town Nuremberg . Find the best hotels in Mitte here . Some nice ones that caught my eye are Hotel Prinzregent and Hotel Garni Keiml .
• Arriving by train from Munich is the most convenient. The journey may take anywhere between 1hr 15minutes to 2hrs depending on whether you are traveling by an ICE or RE. Click here to book your tickets on Deutsche Bahn (DB) website [add München Hbf in the space indicated by of and Nürnberg Hbf in the space indicated by to]. Or plan your trip on Omio .
• Alternately, you can get a Bayern Ticket for the day and be done.
• Nuremberg Central Station is less than a mile away from the Mitte neighborhood.
• Carry a good pair of walking shoes because you will need them while exploring the Old Town and the Imperial Castle.
• If you ever want to explore the city on public transport, check out your options here . Nuremberg has a good metro-tram-bus system that goes by the acronym VGN.
• If you love guided tours, you will enjoy this 2-hour private tour through Nuremberg’s historical old town .

Day 6: Day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Looking for an endearing Romantic Road town with medieval town walls, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses? Visit the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Easily done as a day trip from Nuremberg, Rothenburg is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe . It one of Germany’s best preserved walled towns and is home to colorful houses and lovely squares.

Walk the medieval wall

The historic center is still surrounded by a medieval fortress wall from the 14th-century. 40 towers and several town gates are still in place.

Begin your day with a fun, self-guided walk of the ramparts and get splendid views of the old town, Rothenburg’s timbered houses, and a beautiful countryside.

Click pictures of Little Square

I bet you have seen pictures of Rothenburg’s Little Square (pictured above) – the famous fork road postcard that plops up every time you search for Rothenburg or Romantic Road online.

Locally known as Plönlein, the Little Square is one of Rothenburg’s unmissable attractions. It is filled with wood-framed houses and has a medieval gate with a clock for the backdrop.

There are high chances that this place will be filled with people trying to click pictures and selfies. If possible , come here first thing in the morning to get some uninterrupted shots.

Check out the Medieval Crime Museum

Did you know that Rothenburg has a medieval crime museum? Only 2 minutes away from Plönlein, this historic museum has weird and horrific punishment devices on display. From humiliation masks to devices for physical torture, this museum chronicles a totally different side of dark German history.

Personally recommended by Rick Steves, the Medieval Crime Museum is one of its kind but definitely not for the fainthearted.

Visit Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village

Rothenburg has a fascinating Christmas village that is open throughout the year. Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village is where you will enjoy an authentic feel of German Christmas markets off-season.

Snow-covered houses, twinkling Christmas lights, and a giant white Christmas tree adorn the center of the village. This is a great place to buy traditional Christmas souvenirs such as glass ornaments, table linen, pyramids, and nutcrackers.

Tips for visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber

• Plan an early morning trip from Nuremberg to see the best that Rothenburg has to offer. Getting to the Little Square early also helps you get good pictures.
• Getting to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by train is convenient – usually involves a transfer at Ansbach. You can book your ticket on VGN’s official website .
• Alternately, and preferably, you can get yourself (or your group) a One DayTicket Plus/TagesTicket Plus for unlimited travel on the same day. Turns out much cheaper than getting separate tickets . Remember that Rothenburg odT is included in Price Level F.
• Since the city is best explored on foot, carry a good pair of walking shoes.
• If you decide to stay back, here are a few good hotels in Rothenburg odT – Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister & TOP Hotel Goldenes Fass .

Day 7: Dresden

On day 7 of your 10-day Germany itinerary, head to the historic city of Dresden, capital of Saxony. Located midway between Nuremberg and Berlin, it makes for the perfect pitstop between the two illustrious cities.

Dresden is chock full of famous museums, stunning Baroque & Rococo monuments, and magnificent palaces. Did you know the Dresden is often called as Florence on the Elbe (name of river that passed through the town)?

You are definitely going to need more than 1 day to explore the city in full. But we will try and make do with 24 hours in hand.

A good way to maximize your time and see the best of Dresden is to take a historic walking tour of Dresden or a Segway tour along the Elbe and Old Town .

Discover Dresden’s Old Town

A city of art and culture, Dresden Old Town has to lot to offer. Take a walk along the banks of Elbe River and discover impressive buildings in the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles.

One of Dresden’s most prominent landmarks is Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady), a stunning Baroque Church that dominates the city skyline. Can you believe that this awe-inspiring church was just a pile of rubble after the Second World War?

Be sure to notice the grand New Town Hall, Dresden Castle, and Semperoper, a 19th-century opera house. Here’s a highly-rated historical walking tour that shows you the best of Dresden Old Town .

Note that Dresden, owing to its location on the east German border, was bombed heavily during WW II. Yet, the city has managed to rebuild all its old buildings and restored them to their former glory.

Visit Zwinger Palace

Drop into the beautiful Zwinger Palace, often dubbed as paradise on earth, for a couple of hours to experience the riches of medieval times.

Not only is the palace a Baroque masterpiece dating back to 18th century, but is also home to some amazing museums and an elaborate armory. A couple of highlights are the Dresden Porcelain Collection, among the largest in the world, and the Semper Gallery which houses magnificent paintings from Renaissance times. Raphael’s enigmatic painting of The Sistine Madonna is an unmissable attraction here.

Drop into one of Dresden’s famous museums

Dresden is filled with museums of all kinds – modern & medieval art, military history, hygiene, transport – you name it.

The Green Vault is Europe’s largest treasure collection, Albertinum is Dresden’s collection of modern art, and Dresden Transport Museum displays all forms of transport. An interesting one is the German Hygiene Museum, a medical museum from the early 1900s.

Tips for visiting Dresden

• Plan your train journey from Nuremberg to Dresden on the DB website or OMIO .
• The train journey from Nuremberg to Dresden is longish – between 3.5hrs to 5hrs. If you wish to explore Dresden in detail, you will need to plan for one more day here. Or take a guided walking tour to see the best of Dresden in a short time .
• Find the best hotels in Dresden Old Town here . Here are a few that caught my eye – Maritim Hotel Dresden & Motel One Dresden am Zwinger .

Days 8-10 of 10 days in Germany: Berlin + Day trips

Days 8-9: berlin.

The last stop on our exciting 10 days in Germany itinerary is going to be Berlin, a city that was shaped by the horrors and destructions of World War II, yet is one of the liveliest and most vibrant cities in the world today.

From all my travels around Europe, I found Berlin to be extremely liberal and, maybe, the most welcoming too. Berlin is inspiring. If there is one place where you can break all your shackles and live the life you want, it is here, in Berlin.

Check out the impressive Brandenburg Gate

One of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks is the Branderburg Gate. Locally known as the Brandenburg Tor, this iconic gate became a symbol of division of Berlin during Cold War. It stood between East and West Berlin thus, dividing the country into two halves.

When Berlin Wall fell and Germany was reunited in 1990, Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of peace and unity. People from both sides came here to celebrate the reunification.

If there is any German landmark that has seen the rise and fall of Germany and its rise to power again, it is none other than Berlin’s Brandenburg Tor.

Spend some time at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

5 minutes to the south of Brandenburg gate lies the somber Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Opened very recently in 2005, the memorial is a poignant reminder of war and the monstrousness of man.

The memorial is nothing fancy – just 2711 concrete slabs placed along multiple rows. Yet, that is what gives it a sort of sad, eerie feeling.

Right next to the memorial is Fuhrerbunker, the underground bunker where it is believed Hitler committed suicide. You can check out Berlin’s underground tours here .

Visit the Berlin Wall

Nearby is a surviving section of Berlin Wall. Now known as the Berlin Wall Memorial, this site commemorates the division of Berlin and hundreds who died here.

Here, you will see the world’s largest open-air gallery in the world. Between Ostbahnhof and Oberbaumbrücke, lies 1.3km of history and art. This is called the East Side Gallery. More than 100 paintings adorn the wall. One of the most iconic ones is The Kiss by Dmitri Vrubel.

Explore Museum Island

Moving on to a more cheerful face of Berlin, I really loved Berlin’s Museum Island.

A recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island is an ensemble of 5 different museums located on the Spree Island in Berlin’s Mitte district . These include Old Museum, New Museum, Old National Gallery, Bode Museum, and the famous Pergamon Museum. Many of them were built under the Prussian rulers in the 19th century.

A little bit about the museums

Old Museum is, obviously, the oldest one in the complex. It is home to many treasures such as Etruscan architecture , painted vases, and the famous sculpture of a “Praying Boy”. New Museum has a lot of Egyptian artifacts including the well-known Bust of Nefertiti, the Great Royal Wife of an Egyptian pharaoh.

Old National Gallery looks like an ancient Greek temple and houses world-famous works of art such as The Monk by the Sea by Caspar David Friedrich. Bode Museum is located at the tip of the island and displays some really unique pieces of sculpture.

And last but not the least is Pergamon Museum which one of my favorite museums in the world. It is also Berlin’s most visited museum. Pergamon has some wonderful collections including Museum of the Ancient Near East (highlight – Babylonian Ishtar Gate), Collection of Classical Antiquities (Roman Pergamon Altar) and Museum of Islamic Art (Mshatta facade from Jordan).

You need, at least, one whole day to see all the museums of Spree Island. If you are short on time, I would highly recommend spending some time at Pergamon. My second choice is Old Museum but if you are into paintings, then Old National Gallery.

Be sure to get your skip-the-line tickets for the museums beforehand.

Relax at Tiergarten

Like Munich has Englischer Garten, Berlin has Tiergarten – the perfect green space in the city where you can relax and rejuvenate.

But like everything else in Berlin, Tiergarten has its fair share of history. From being the Prussian Duke’s favorite hunting ground to being a fighting zone during the Second World War, Tiergarten has seen it all.

Though I am so glad this park is full of life now. Whether you want to jog, spend some time with friends and family, or simply relax in the sun, Tiergarten is the place to be.

Discover Berlin’s crazy nightlife

I am no nightlife expert but when I was doing my research, I did find out that Berlin has one of the best club scenes in the world. With innumerable pubs, bars, and events happening all year round, it is a great place for people who are looking to have a good time on their Germany trip.

Tips for visiting Berlin

• Getting to Berlin from Dresden is simple. Hop on an ICE train and get to Berlin in 2hrs 15minutes. Plan your trip on OMIO . Or check out the prices on DB website .
• I would suggest staying in Berlin City Center, locally known as Berlin Mitte , for easy access to most attractions. A great place would be near Potsdamer Platz which is one of Berlin’s most happening places filled with shopping and eating opportunities. Here are two good hotels that caught my eye – Grand Hyatt Berlin and Motel One – Berlin Potsdamer Platz .
• Public transport in Berlin is called BVG . You can buy single or short trip tickets depending on your need. In my opinion, getting a 24-hour ticket (allows unlimited travel within Berlin) is the best use of money. Check out all BVG ticket types here and download the BVG Ticket-App to easily purchase your tickets.

Day 10: Day trip to Potsdam

The last thing that we have on our 10-day itinerary for Germany is a day trip to the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam . Even though I have listed it at the end, I suggest you do this on Day 9 so that you have adequate time to get to the airport on Day 10.

Potsdam, less than an hour away from Berlin, is the perfect day trip destination. It is filled with stunning Rococo palaces, huge parks, an old Dutch Quarter, and so much more.

Visit Schloss Sanssouci

The first thing that you should do while visiting Potsdam is check out Sanssouci Palace. It was King Frederick the Great’s summer residence and his favorite palace.

Find proof of it on the walls of Sanssouci in the art that adorns it. A new form of Rococo, a version that incorporated French, Prussian, and Dutch influences, took birth at Sanssouci. This was called Friedrichian Rococo after the King who had taken lots of time incorporating his own ideas into designing the palace.

Check out tickets for Sanssouci Palace here.

Walk through the resplendent Sanssouci Park

Schloss Sanssouci is located in the middle of a huge Sanssouci Park that is filled with its own temples and follies.

It is a terraced garden that includes several flower gardens, hedges, trees, and vineyards as well as a kitchen garden. Plus, there are marble statues, a Temple of Friendship, the Chinese House, and the Great Fountain to be gaped at. No wonder they call Sanssouci the Versailles of Prussia.

The park is free to enter and walk through.

Explore the Dutch Quarter

Here is a collection of 134, red-brick houses that were built for Dutch immigrants in the early 18th century. I had no clue that this was one of the largest living establishments of the Dutch outside of Netherlands .

Today, you will find several boutique shops, art corners, cafes, and restaurants in and around Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter. You can be part of some exciting festivals depending on when you are visiting. April has the Tulip Festival, September has a Potter’s Market, and Nov-Dec have the Dutch Christmas Market.

Tips for visiting Potsdam

• The easiest way to get to Potsdam from Berlin is on the S-Bahn. Board S7 from Berlin Hbf and get down at Potsdam Hbf. The train ride takes 45minutes or so. If you take one of the regional trains, you can get to Potsdam in less than 30minutes.
• You can book your tickets on the BVG Ticket-App and at ticket vending machines. If you are looking for an English and more familiar interface, use OMIO .
• If you already have a Berlin WelcomeCard with ABC Zones , getting to Potsdam is free . Remember to select Berlin + Potsdam ABC Zones at check out.
• Alternately, you can purchase a 24-hour ticket for ABC tariff zone and do multiple trips within the same day. Groups of up to 5 people can do multiple trips on a small-group day ticket in tariff zone ABC.
• Reserve a guided tour of Potsdam for when you get there. This city and castles tour is extremely popular among visitors .
• Attractions in Potsdam are more spaced out than being clustered around a city center. Feel free to use your bike or rent one to see the place. I still regret not getting one when exploring Potsdam. While it is not difficult to walk between attractions, having a bike definitely saves time . You can also choose to ride the Hop-on Hop-off Bus and get off at your preferred stop.

Departing from Berlin

Berlin’s international airport is called Berlin Brandenburg Airport [BER] and is located in southeast Berlin. This is Berlin’s new airport which opened in 2020. If you have flown to Berlin earlier, you will remember flying in to Berlin Tegel Airport but that was closed in May 2021.

Here’s a list of airlines that fly in and out of BER.

BER has 3 operational terminals at the moment – T1, T2, and T5. All of them are serviced S-Bahn trains, S9 and S45. Express buses and regional trains also ply to the airport. I love how BER has every single public transport detail written down on their website. Check it out here .

If you are looking for a private transfer to the airport, you can book one here .

Departing Berlin by train

If you have plans to travel to other cities in Europe such as those in Poland, Austria, Switzerland, France, and more, you can opt for train travel from Berlin Hauptbanhof.

More than 10 days in Germany?

• Head to Hamburg (2hours by train from Berlin) and explore a miniature wonderland and the historic port of Hamburg.
• Plan a trip to Cologne and see the towering Cologne Cathedral – a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Experience the surreal natural beauty of Black Forest Region, soak in the spas of Baden-Baden, and enjoy the spectacular Black Forest Railway.
• Check out more beautiful places to visit in Bavaria .

Practical information for visiting Germany in 10 days

Best time to visit germany.

The best time to visit Germany is between May – September (late spring, summer, and early autumn) because weather is pleasant and rains are scarce. This is when flowers bloom, days are longer, and Bavaria’s white asparagus season kicks off.

July – September are the driest months with almost zero chances of rain. That’s why summer is the ideal time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle . However, this is also the time when the country is packed with tourists, airfare and accommodation are expensive, and long queues are a norm. If you wish to avoid all that, travel in the shoulder months of April – mid June or the second half of October.

Mid September – mid October is also Oktoberfest season which implies expensive everything. If you wish to attend Oktoberfest in Germany, plan for it at least 6 months in advance.

Christmas is a great time to visit Germany because of the pretty German Christmas markets that are set up all over the country. The ones in Bavaria are especially beautiful. Munich, itself, has scores of them.

Germany’s ski season in the Alps runs between December – March.

Getting around Germany

Germany has got a wonderful network of railways, metro, trams, and buses. It is simple and easy to plan your entire Germany itinerary by train without the hassle of renting cars.

Deutsche Bahn [DB] is Germany’s official railway company. You can plan all your journeys on their website . Be sure to check out their Regional Day Tickets that allow you to make multiple, inexpensive, trains trips within a federal state . For example, getting a Bayern Ticket is super helpful in Bavaria.

I always get a Bayern Ticket when traveling in Bavaria. It is a regional day ticket for unlimited travel within the state and is valid on all public transport. The best part is a Bayern Ticket costs EUR 25 for one passenger and only EUR 8 more for every additional passenger up to 5 people. It is a real money-saver if you are planning to travel between towns and if you have a big group. Click here to find out how you can save hundreds of dollars with your Bayern Ticket .

Almost every big city has its own (and very effective) network of public transport. They usually have attractive day tickets which can save you a ton of money when traveling within the city and suburbs . I have linked to all of them under the respective cities.

Germany travel essentials

• Germany has an efficient public transport system with Deutsche Bahn [DB] being the country’s official railway partner. Further, every city has a wide network of metro/trams/buses. Be sure to check out their special regional and day tickets before making your travel plans.
• Children under the age of 6 travel for free on public transport if accompanied by an adult.
• Business hours in Germany are typically 9am – 6pm [Mon – Fri] and 9am – 2pm [Sat]. Museums may be closed on Mondays. Please check individual websites before you go.
• Buy travel insurance before traveling to Germany. Insuring travel is more necessary than ever now and always a key component of planning any trip to Europe.

All information was correct at the time of publishing. However, things can and do change without notice. Please confirm directly with respective service providers.

Loved our 10 days in Germany itinerary? Pin it for later!

You may also like:

• A Memorable Train Journey Through Germany
• My Trip To Germany In Pictures: My German Photo Gallery
• DB Bayern Ticket: How To Travel Cheap Within Bavaria…

17 thoughts on “ 10 Days In Germany: How To Plan The Perfect German Itinerary? ”

Hello Soumya,

fantastic post, is insightful and very informative about travel tips for Germany

Thanks. Glad you liked this Germany travel itinerary.

this is First blog where i got complete information i read good. keep up to share knowledgeable blog

Thanks! Glad that you liked my blog and all the travel information in it.

This guide is absolutely superb. Such detailed and comprehensive guide, it feels I am almost travelling along. Stunning pictures.

Thank you so much. Glad you like this Germany travel itinerary.

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How To Plan a Trip To Germany: Step by Step Guide

P lanning a trip to Germany can feel overwhelming. Between narrowing down your bucket list of locations (never an easy task!) to staying within a certain budget (sometimes even harder!) to deciding the specifics like train vs car or which part of a city is the best place to look for hotels. Or shoot, how to even FIND the best hotel for YOU!

Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through EXACTLY how to break down you Germany trip planning process, step by step so that it feels easy, manageable, and has you excited, not stressed!

Step 1: Get Your Information From the Right Sources

I’m not here to bash anyone and I am definitely not here to proclaim that I am the end-all-be-all when it comes to wise Germany travel advice. However, be skeptical of where you get your “information” on traveling in Germany.

I LOVE using local blogs whenever I plan a trip, but it can sometimes be hard to discern who is using AI right now to create a bunch of their content (you’d be shocked at how good some bloggers are at this!) and who is even a true, authoritative source on the matter vs just a tourist who spent a bit of time somewhere and is now claiming to be an expert.

When planning your trip to Germany, look for local sources from bloggers who LIVE in Germany. We know the ins and outs of Germany WAY better than even the die-hard travel addicts who spend a few months in a place and swear they “know” the local insider info, culture, and off the beaten path locations. If you read a bio of someone who says something like, “ I’ve been exploring Germany for over “X” years an d just love sharing my insights with you!” – RUN. They may have traveled to Germany, but I guarantee that their content is either outdated since they don’t live here, is AI generated, or just plain false half the time.

Who can you trust? There are several great local bloggers who actually LIVE in Germany that I can attest to and know they are passionate, accurate, and updated with their info. Some of my favorites are:

• BerlinTravelTips: Ali lived in Freiburg for many years before moving to Berlin. Who better to get inside Berlin Travel Tips than from someone who lives there!
• DestinationTheWorld : Matthias is a German native. He and Kent lived in Berlin for years and are now living close to Munich again.
• CraveThePlanet : Living in a freaking castle in Landstuhl, Germany, Morgan lives and breathes adventure travel and knows outdoor Germany and hiking in Germany like no other!
• Jordan has been living in Germany for ages, is married to a German, and knows more about Northern Germany than most people!

I’m sure there are others out there that are fantastic, honest, and extremely helpful. But, all I’m saying is that just because a website is “dedicated” fully to “German Travel” and just because they have a cute picture of them when they VISITED Germany, does not make them an expert.

Step 2: Be Where the Experts Are

If you want up-to-date, real information, be sure you are in places and spaces that people, like the above, are helping and moderating in. Whenever I am planning a trip to a new location, especially when it is a foreign country, one of my first steps is to see if there are any active Facebook Group that help with trip planning in that destination. It’s a fantastic way to get inspired, hear questions you never even thought about, and have a space to ask your own, individual questions to a group of experts.

There are some fantastic Facebook Groups dedicated to real-time advice for traveling in Germany.

• Obviously, my Travel in Bavaria Facebook group is led by yours truly!
• The above mentioned Morgan, Ali, and myself all also help to admin the more broad Travel Germany Facebook group

Sign Up For Email Newsletters

In addition to being in the Facebook Groups, when I am planning a trip, when I find a trusted blogger, I almost ALWAYS sign up to their email newsletter. This is the place where bloggers are often a bit more “real” life and I’ve gotten amazing advice, tips, and insider information from newsletters like these that help me plan my own trips.

You can sign up for the WanderInGermany Newsletter here. You get a free packing list just for signing up + a week’s worth of “How to Plan Your Trip” emails. From there on out, I send out monthly newsletters letting you know what’s going on in Germany, telling about a hidden gem I might have found this week, or giving advice on cultural questions about traveling in Germany.

Step 3: Get Organized

Before you even begin, it’s best if you get a place to put all the information you are going to be collecting, working on, booking etc. For me, that’s Google Docs and Google Sheets. I create a Google Sheet that turns into my budget, itinerary, and all my booking confirmations/notes.

Coming Soon: Wander In Germany’s Complete Trip Planning Spreadsheet!

Step 4: Start With Figuring Out Your Budget

Personally, I think that before anything else, when you are planning a trip to Germay, you need to know what your budget is first and foremost. Your budget can determine many things such as:

• How many days you can afford to travel
• If you should rent a car or take a train (which will affect your final itinerary)
• What airport to fly into (some are typically more expensive than others)

Obviously, there is a whole range of prices, but for just a very general/ mid range budget, you can expect prices to be (give or take) around the following averages:

Flights : Varies by season/month. Off season can be as low as $500. High season can be as high as $2000!

Hotels : Mid range hotels are often around $100-150/night

Meals : Will vary, but for a “classic” German meal at a “typical” German restaurant, $10-15 per meal is pretty standard (plus drinks)

Transportation : Will vary.

-Car rental can be as low as $40/day (plus gas) but much more expensive if you need an automatic, a larger vehicle, etc.

-Trains: Depending on how often you use them/ how far you can go, train tickets will vary considerably. Check out my Train Travel in Germany Guide to help you figure out which tickets you might need.

Also Consider: Daily budgets for activities (will vary depending on what you want to do, shopping/ souvenirs, and other miscellaneous costs that might occur)

At this stage in planning, you don’t need an EXACT budget, but DO have a rough idea of what you can afford and are willing to spend.

Step 5: Determine How Long You Have?

For many travelers, they are locked into a certain amount of days they can travel. Maybe it’s determined by your kids’ school schedules or is just simply dictated by how many days off work you can take. Alternatively, maybe after determining your budget, you realized you can only do a certain amount of days to stay under budget.

Regardless, I often find that it is MUCH easier to map out an itinerary if I know exactly how many days I have total before even starting.

Alternatively, if you’ve got all the time in the world (and maybe even budget!) then you can probably skip this step and just have the time of your life!

Step 6: Start Making a Bucketlist

If you’ve got a completely open itinerary, then I love to just start with a daydreaming session! Pinterest is great for people who love visuals and Tik Tok has some really fun ideas, too. Just be careful to not get sucked into the “Filtered” version of traveling!

Then, start seeing what Dr. Google has to say. But, be specific in your searches. Some examples depending YOUR interests could be:

• “Best Historical Sights in Germany” or “What WWII Historical Sights are Worth Visiting”
• “Off the beaten path destinations in Germany”
• “Best Alpine Towns in Germany”
• “How many days for Berlin”

The part about this step isn’t to be realistic, it isn’t to even be mapping out an itinerary or set of plans yet! It’s simply to brainstorm some inspiration on places that look amazing to you, moments you want to experience, and sights that interest YOU. Don’t worry about logistics, just get inspired!!!!

Step 7: Decide On The Time Of Year to Visit

Figuring out the best time of year to visit Germany can be a tough one! I strongly believe that each season has it’s pros and cons. However, sometimes, based on the information you’ve already decided in steps 1-4 can actually determine when you should or even will need to go.

For example, if you wrote “ Visit Oktoberfest ” on your brainstorming list, then you are pretty locked in on needing to come in September (yes, I said SEPTEMBER, not October!). Same goes for something like seeing the Best German Christmas Markets . You’ll obviously need to come before, well…Christmas!

On the other hand, if budget was a serious concern, maybe looking into February may be your best bet because that is often one of the cheapest months to fly to Germany.

If you really want to go hiking in the Bavarian Alps, then June- September is a good time frame.

This is why having a “Bucketlist” of places, events, and destinations that would be amazing to experience is essential. By doing that first, it may help you figure out the PERFECT time for you to plan your trip accordingly!

Step 8: Map Out Your Bucketlist

Next, head over to Google Maps and start plotting out where all the places you listed on your bucketlist are. Don’t waste time looking up distances between anything yet, just simply get an overall view of everywhere that looked and sounded inticing to you.

A. Once Everything Is On the Map, Look For Clusters

After you put everything you could possibly want to do, see if any of destinations look particularly close together. Are there any destinations that are completely on their own and way out of the way from everything else you have mapped out? You can already start realizing what places on your list may need to be put into a “Next time” list.

B. Start Calculating Distances

I tell people to do this before actually deciding on a final itinerary because there may be times that as you get deeper into the planning you’ll realize you can add a day onto a city and just do an easy day trip from there to another destination on your list. Alternatively, you may realize that even though you thought two places were close together, the actual time to get from one to the other was more than you thought. Sometimes, there just isn’t a really good logistical route from one place to the next to justify the added destination.

C. Compare Trains vs Car Rental

Again, you may be thinking, “Gee, LeAnna, shouldn’t I have this decided and then that can determine my final itinerary?”

Sure! That’s one way to do it! Afterall, if you KNOW you won’t be renting a car and therefore will have to use trains/ public transportation to get from one place to the next, then yes, then can really help narrow down an itinerary simply based on the logistics of train travel! For example, if you know you have to take the trains, then going from Munich to Garmisch is much more reasonable than going from Munich to Berchtesgaden, so that can help determine your itinerary for you.

However, if you are still trying to decide on train vs car, then it’s worth looking into things like how long does the train ride from Point A to B take vs a car. Sometimes, it’s the same/shorter than driving, other times, it can be double the time! For people on tight schedules, train travel can make it harder to pack in as much as possible, whereas a car gives much more flexibility, which is going to determine your final itinerary.

D. Check Flight Prices

At this stage, unless you need to be locked into a certain airport for other reasons, take a moment to see general flight prices for the major airports closest to the places on your map. For example, maybe flying into Berlin isn’t even an option because you are only going to do South Germany on this trip.

Alternatively, maybe you realize that arriving into one airport but leaving out of another is way too expensive, which will impact your final itinerary.

You don’t need to make any decisions right now on flights. Just know which airport you most likely will choose based on your preferred locations, budget, etc and adjust accordingly to your needs.

Step 9: Put Together Steps 1-8

Now is the time to start filling in some actual days in your itineraries. Knowing how many days total you have, what places you REALLY want to experience and see, and where they are all located means that you can now start figuring out how to fit this all into your trip plan!

You might need to look up activities in each destination to know just how many days are needed in each place. For example, you could do just one day in Munich , but you could also do 3 days in Munich depending on your interests.

You also know how far each place is, so you can budget that into your itinerary. For example, if you are going from Munich to Berlin, then you need to plan on a good chunk of your day on transportation alone, which you will need to allot for when figuring out logistically just how much time you have.

Step 8: Slow Down!

I’m going to pause you right here in your itinerary planning.

More often than not, I see far too many tourists try to cram so much into their trip to Germany that they end up spending just as much time in a car or on a train than actual time enjoying and experiencing a particular destination! I get it, this is a once in a life time trip and you want to see and do as much as you possibly can! But, don’t do it at the expense of actually ENJOYING your time! Make sure you have scheduled the time it takes to get from one place to the next. Give yourself an extra hour in a location to sit at a corner cafe. Allow time in your day to just wander and soak up the vibes and feelings of a place rather than running through just to say “I’ve been there!” (but can barely remember it!)

So, do you need to go back to your rough itinerary and take anything out right now? Do you need to look at something more realistically and give yourself some extra time in a place, or plan on the actual time it takes to get somewhere, find the hotel, and get back to the major sights?

Adjust accordingly and before you know it, your itinerary is going to unfold in front of you!

Step 9: Set Flight Alerts and Book Flights

Now that we know exactly where we want to go, when we want to go, and our budget, it’s time to get serious about booking stuff! First up- flights!

I always start with Google Flights and just get a general idea on prices for when I want to fly. I often will set an alert as well to get notified of any major changes.

I usually book international flights about 5 months in advance. I find that gives me enough time to see a pattern but isn’t pushing it with last minute price gauges.

Once you find a flight that works for you, your budget, and your itinerary, then pull the trigger on booking it!

Step 10: Start Researching Accomodations

You already have your itinerary figured out, so you know exactly what days you want to stay where. While I have a few qualms about things like Booking.com, I will admit that I absolutely LOVE that I can filter just about any need/desire/ preference I have about what I want for a hotel, making it one of the best search tools for hotels out there.

You can set your own personal nightly budget, look at the map view if you have a specific area of town you want to focus on, only look for hotels that have AC (It’s true, many Hotels in Germany Do Not Have AC !), etc.

I usually narrow it down to about 3 hotels per destination and then dig into all the reviews and photos before deciding on a final accommodation. You can either book it right in Booking.com (which admittedly usually has good cancellation policies) or go straight to the hotel site itself, which often is a little cheaper when booked directly.

Step 11: Fill Out Your Spreadsheets

Hopefully, this whole time, you’ve stayed semi organized with a spreadsheeet or something similar that has helped you keep track of things. It’s at this stage that I double check my itinerary plan, make sure I’ve input which hotels where booked for which nights, added the confirmations to my list, and review any notes I’ve made throughout this entire process so far!

Step 12: Check Your Documents!

This list will vary for everyone depending on your nationality (ie: do you need a Tourist Visa ?), if you are going to be driving (international drivers permit), etc.

• Passport: Is it valid for 3 months from your trip?
• Trip Insurance
• Flight tickets
• Visa- if needed
• Hotel Reservations (confirmations)
• Valid Drivers License (if renting a car) + International Permit
• Credit cards/money
• and other documents you have for travel

Step 13: Pack It Up!

At this stage, all the logistics are done and taken care of! All you need to figure out now is exactly what to pack for Germany based on the season you are traveling in!

My Ultimate Packing Guide For Germany Winter in Germany Packing List Oktoberfest Packing Guide

Step Get Excited and Have Fun!

Now, it’s simply time to head to the airport and have one amazing trip to Germany!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Choose Your Accommodation and Book

The post How To Plan a Trip To Germany: Step by Step Guide appeared first on WanderInGermany .

12 episodes

Wander In Germany: Travel to Germany is a travel podcast full of practical tips and advice to help you plan your trip to Germany with ease. LeAnna Brown, Germany Travel Expert and US Expat living in Germany, helps you plan your trip to Germany with ease! While we’ll of course highlight the major destinations of travel in Germany, we also love to share off the beaten path secrets, as well as give you real, honest, genuine, and practical advice and tips for you to plan your own memorable trip. ~ From interviews with special guests to answering YOUR questions I’m here to make sure that you feel excited, confident, and prepared for your own trip to Germany. 🏰 Learn how to create an amazing itinerary that includes enchanting castles, fun beer halls, quaint towns, and plenty of delicious food! My goal with WanderInGemrany is to provide you with every single detail possible from my own experience of living in and exploring Germany for the past 10 years so that you can plan the perfect trip for YOUR travel style and needs. I hope that you fall in love with the beauty and culture of Germany the same way myself and my family has! 🥨Grab that Lederhosen, crank up the polka music, and pour yourself a beer. It’s time to Wander In Germany with LeAnna Brown! *And Don’t Forget to Subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode of insider tips and tricks for traveling to Germany.* 👉Find more at WanderInGermany.com

Wander In Germany Travel And Trip Planning LeAnna Brown

• Society & Culture
• 17 JUN 2024

Accomodation Booking Part 3

Planning a trip can be exciting, but booking accommodations can quickly become daunting, especially when faced with unfamiliar options and varying booking procedures.   Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to secure the perfect hotel accommodation for your German getaway?    I got you! In this episode, we're diving deep into foolproof strategies for effortlessly booking hotels in Germany, turning your travel planning from stressful to seamless.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: 👉 The importance of timing when booking hotels, particularly during high-demand periods like Oktoberfest and Christmas markets. 👉 Pro tips for navigating booking platforms like Booking.com to filter options based on your preferences, from budget to amenities. 👉 How to leverage reviews effectively to make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises. 👉 Insider insights for finding unique accommodations such as castle hotels or family-friendly lodgings, even beyond mainstream booking platforms.   Connect with LeAnna! Instagram TikTok Facebook  

• 10 JUN 2024

Accomodations in Germany (Part 2 Differences in US vs German Hotels)

Are you planning a trip to Germany? Prepare yourself for a different hotel experience than what you might be used to, especially if you're coming from the U.S. In today's episode of the Wander in Germany podcast, we're diving deep into setting realistic expectations for German hotels.   Many travelers are surprised by the differences in German hotels compared to those in the U.S. It's essential to understand these distinctions to avoid any unpleasant surprises during your stay.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: 👉 Why air conditioning isn't standard in most German hotels, and how to manage without it. 👉 The truth about elevator availability and how to navigate it. 👉 Dealing with noise levels and other potential disturbances. 👉 Understanding bed setups and sizing to ensure a comfortable night's sleep. 👉 What to expect from German hotel breakfasts and how to make the most of them.   Connect with LeAnna! Instagram TikTok Facebook  

Accomodations in Germany (Part 1: Different Kinds of Lodging)

Curious about why your hotel stays in Germany might not match up to your expectations from home?   If you're not aware of the diverse range of accommodations in Germany and the cultural nuances that come with them, you could end up feeling disappointed or frustrated during your travels.   In this episode of the Wander in Germany podcast, we delve into the various types of accommodations, from hotels to farm stays, and equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate through them seamlessly.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: 👉 The different types of accommodations in Germany, including hotels, pensions, and apartment stays. 👉 Unique lodging options such as farm stays, kinder hotels, and castle hotels, and how they cater to various preferences and budgets. 👉 Tips on finding the perfect accommodation for your trip, including insider strategies for booking and saving money.   Connect with LeAnna! Instagram TikTok Facebook  

• 27 MAY 2024

Itinerary Examples (Part 2)

Are you ready to explore Germany in a way you've never imagined?   Planning a trip to Germany can be overwhelming with so many options and itineraries available. It's easy to feel lost amidst the wealth of information out there.   In this episode, we've got you covered with curated itineraries that blend iconic sights with authentic experiences, ensuring you make the most of your time in Germany without feeling like just another tourist.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: 👉  How to balance iconic attractions with off-the-beaten-path experiences in Germany. 👉 Insider tips for exploring Bavaria like a local, from picturesque castles to charming villages. 👉 Why alternative routes like the "Under the Radar Route" offer a fresh perspective on classic German itineraries. 👉 Practical advice on transportation options and optimizing your time to make the most of your trip.   Looking For The Extremely Detailed Written Version of All the WanderInGermany Itineraries? Browse all my Germany itineraries and find the perfect one for YOU.   Connect with LeAnna! Instagram TikTok Facebook

• 20 MAY 2024

Germany Itinerary Planning (Part 1)

Feeling lost in the labyrinth of planning your German escapade?   Planning a trip to Germany can be daunting, especially with so many options and limited time. Rushing through it can lead to missing out on the true essence of the experience.   In today's episode, we're breaking down the process of turning your travel dreams into a seamless itinerary. From prioritizing destinations to optimizing your time, we've got you covered.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: 👉 How to prioritize destinations based on your interests and travel style. 👉 Tips for setting a realistic budget and timeframe for your trip. 👉 Strategies for balancing iconic landmarks with off-the-beaten-path experiences. 👉 Step-by-step guidance on crafting your personalized itinerary, ensuring a stress-free and memorable adventure.   Read the Full Step By Step Planning a Trip To Germany Guide Here on the WanderInGermany Blog   Connect with LeAnna! Instagram TikTok Facebook

• 13 MAY 2024

Train Travel in Germany

Are you ready to navigate the complexities of train travel in Germany like a pro?   If you're feeling overwhelmed or confused about booking train tickets in Germany, you're not alone. With various train types, ticket options, and booking platforms, it's easy to get lost in the process.    In today's episode, we dive deep into understanding train travel in Germany, from different train types to purchasing tickets and navigating the Deutsche Bahn app.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: 👉 The differences between long-distance and regional trains in Germany. 👉 Tips for purchasing train tickets directly through Deutsche Bahn. 👉 The importance of seat reservations and how to obtain them. 👉 Insider strategies for navigating the Deutsche Bahn app like a pro.   Need specifics and details on the different train tickets I recommend for traveling in Germany?  Understanding Train Travel in Germany (Start Here) Save Money With the Bayern Pass Is the 49 Euro Deutschland Ticket Worth It?   Connect with LeAnna! Instagram TikTok Facebook

• © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.

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Nearly 2,000 US flights canceled as Tropical Storm Debby looms; cruises changed

Flight cancellations mounted in the U.S. on Sunday as Tropical Storm Debby neared Florida. The storm is expected to make landfall as a hurricane on Monday.

Nearly 2,000 flights had been canceled and close to 6,300 were delayed as of 5 p.m. ET, according to flight tracking site FlightAware . American Airlines and JetBlue saw the highest cancellation numbers among major carriers, both scrapping 17% of their schedules.

The following airlines are issuing waivers related to the weather, allowing impacted travelers to change their flights without penalty:

• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Passengers are entitled to refunds if their flights are canceled, according to Department of Transportation rules.

Cruises adjust itineraries

Flights weren’t the only kind of travel impacted. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Elation rescheduled its return to Jacksonville for Sunday, rather than Monday as planned. The ship departed from the Florida city for a Bahamas cruise on Thursday, according to CruiseMapper .

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: Here's what to do next

“The safety of our guests and crew is our priority, and we are continuing to monitor forecasts and factor in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard and the local port authorities to provide timely updates to our guests as more information becomes available,” the cruise line said in an emailed statement.

Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas also skipped a planned stop at Port Canaveral on Sunday, spending the day at sea instead, parent company Royal Caribbean Group said. The ship is on a week-long Bahamas cruise that left from Bayonne, New Jersey, on Friday.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky ship changed course, as well, visiting Nassau in place of Great Stirrup Cay on Sunday. The vessel, which left from Miami on Friday, also skipped a planned stop in Key West on Saturday, remaining at sea instead.

"As always, the health and safety of our guests and crew remains a top priority," the cruise line said in an emailed statement.

Margaritaville at Sea's Islander ship , which was scheduled to depart on a cruise to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico, on Sunday, will now leave on Monday because of closed waterways at Port Tampa Bay. The vessel will skip the stop in Key West as a result.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].