Germany Travel Guide | How to Plan a Trip to Germany

Why go to Germany? This is the land of fairytale castles, charming towns, and cities packed with history. There is something here for everyone. For families there is Bavaria, with wonderful Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Neuschwanstein (Cinderella's castle), and adventures at the foot of the Alps. Couples can cruise the Rhine River and drive the Romantic Road. Those in search of adventure can climb Zugspitze or go hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Germany Stats

Official Language: German

Population: 83 million

Capital City: Berlin

Currency: Euro

Power Outlet: Type C, E and F

10 Day Bavaria Itinerary & Road Trip Guide

With the Alps to the south and idyllic towns dotting its hillsides, Bavaria is a beautiful and romantic destination. On this Bavaria itinerary, view the Alps from Germany’s highest peak at Zugspitze, tour King Ludwig II’s storybook castle Neuschwanstein, learn about WWII history in Munich and Berchtesgaden, and even take day trips into Austria.

How to Visit Neuschwanstein Without the Crowds

Neuschwanstein is one of Germany’s most visited sites. This fairytale palace, which was Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella’s castle, is…

A Quick Guide to Berchtesgaden, Germany

Berchtesgaden, Germany…a small corner in southern Germany, tucked away in the Alps, is surrounded on three sides by Austria. This…

A Visit to Dachau Concentration Camp in Munich, Germany

Dachau Concentration Camp was the first of the Nazi concentration camps. It is located near Munich, Germany. A visit here…

How to Visit Zugspitze from Germany and Austria

Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak (2962 meters), is located in southern Germany on its border with Austria. Visiting Zugspitze is a…

How We Spent One Week in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a wonderful small town located in Bavaria, Germany, was our home base for one solid week. From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we…

Berlin

Learn about the best things to do in Berlin and how to plan your time.

Teufelsberg: Is This the Weirdest Spot to Visit in Berlin?

If you are traveling to Berlin and want to see something weird, put Teufelsberg on your list. Teufelsberg is an…

Berlin Bucket List: 28 Best Things to Do in Berlin

Before traveling to Berlin, a fellow traveler told us that Berlin was the “least German city” in Germany. That had…

5 Day Berlin Itinerary: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

If you are planning a trip to Berlin, you should know that there is a lot more to see here…

Saxony

Explore this picturesque corner of Germany, with fairytale bridges and beautiful cities.

The Perfect Day Trip to the Bastei Bridge in Germany

The Bastei is one of Germany’s most unique landscapes. Giant pinnacles of sandstone rock tower over the Elbe River and…

Rakotzbrücke: A Fairytale Bridge in Saxony, Germany

Rakotzbrücke, also called the Devil’s Bridge, looks like something that belongs in a fairytale. This unique looking bridge is tucked…

Not Your Ordinary Berlin Day Trip: Rakotzbrücke, Görlitz, and Bastei Bridge

If you are visiting Berlin, there are numerous day trips you can take. Leipzig, Potsdam, and Dresden are all within…

17 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Görlitz, Germany

Germany is a country that appears on many travelers’ bucket lists. And why not? It has fairytale castles, beautiful Bavaria,…

Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info

30 Popular Tourist Attractions in Europe & How to Visit Them

From world class museums and ancient archaeological sites to stunning natural wonders, Europe boasts a diverse array of attractions that attract millions of visitors every year. Here are 30 of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe and how to visit them.

One Week in Europe: 25 Epic Itineraries

Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit fairytale towns and castles, island hop in Greece, or go on an unforgettable road trip in northern Europe?

In this article we list 25 ways to spend one week in Europe.

10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip

Europe is a joy to explore. With world-class cities, medieval towns, historical sites, the snowcapped Alps, gorgeous beaches, and some…

12 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe

Having a car provides a lot of freedom and convenience when traveling through Europe. You can travel at your own…

30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)

It is no secret that Europe is filled with beautiful places to visit. With its grand cities, fairytale-like towns, soaring…

7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe

If you are planning your first trip to Europe, it can be an overwhelming experience. Where should you go? How…

Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes

Europe is one of our favorite places to go hiking. There’s no better way to explore the dramatic and varied…

Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag

Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography…

Top Experiences

Berlin. Berlin is the capital of Germany and its largest city. Popular places to visit are the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag Building.

Bavaria. This is one of Germany's most popular places to visit, for good reason. Sitting at the base of the Alps, this is the place to go to tour charming towns, castles (the most famous being Neuschwanstein), and to get a view of the mighty Alps.

Munich. Munich is the capital city of Bavaria. It is a beautiful city with lots to do. Cycle through the Englischer Garden, drink beer at the Hofbrauhaus, visit Dachau Concentration Camp, or tour the BMW Museum.

Oktoberfest. This is the largest beer festival in the world. Oktoberfest takes place in Munich during the last two weeks of September. In 2019, Oktoberfest will be September 21 to October 6.

Romantic Road. The Romantic Road is a scenic drive through Bavaria. Starting in Fussen in the south, most people take several days to slowly drive north to Wurzburg, hopping from town to town along the way. Rothenburg is the most scenic and the most popular town on the route. For those with little time to spare, the entire Romantic Road can be driven in one day.

Cologne. Located on the Rhine River, many people travel here to see the Cologne Cathedral, Germany's most visited landmark.

Rhine River Cruise. Cruising on the Rhine River is a great way to tour the towns of Germany. Many people extend their journey by starting in Amsterdam or continuing on the Danube River to Budapest.

Zugspitze. This is Germany's highest mountain. Accessible by cable car, this is great for people of all ages. For those who love hiking and rock climbing, it is possible to take several days and climb to the peak of Zugspitze.

Black Forest. This southwestern area of Germany is covered with thick forests. The scenery is stunning but this area is also packed with natural hot springs. This is the place to come for healing waters and relaxation.

Berchtesgaden. Located in the southeastern corner of Germany, Berchtesgaden is surrounded on three sides by Austria. Visit Hitler's Eagles Nest, gaze upon gorgeous Lake Konigsee, and take a day trip to Salzburg, Austria.