Germany travel guide

A good starting point is to just simply remember the composers that came out of Germany, and you’ll realise it’s worth opening that door. Bach’s romantic, baroque beauties evoke images of castles and palaces that are omnipresent. Robert Schumann’s song cycles, who came from the stunning Thuringian Forest region in Saxony, are famously inspired by nature. And Richard Strauss’ dramatic, romantic yet independent streak must have been inspired by his Bavarian background.



Germany is...
Germany isn't...
Our Germany Vacations
Bavaria vacations, self catering apartments
Luxury village apartments by Bavarian Forest National Park
Danube cycling vacation, Germany and Austria
Follow the winding route of the Danube
Germany and Austria hiking vacation, self guided
Circular trek around Mount Hochkönig and Königssee
Germany and Austria self guided walking tours
Circumnavigate Germany's highest mountain!
European rail tour, 29 days
Tour Europe's best cities on this 29-day adventure!
Holland to Denmark cycling vacation
11 day cycling vacation from the Netherlands to Denmark.
Eastern europe by train, the Iron Curtain tour
Whizz around Europe's lesser-visited cities by rail!
Two tall ship sailing festivals, Delfzijl to Kiel
Delf Sail festival and Kiel’s Week 2021
Berlin to Venice small group vacation
Adventure-filled Central Europe tour from Germany to Italy.
Cycling vacation in the Netherlands, Germany & Austria
European cycling at its best
Central Europe rail tour, 15 days
An exciting trip around the continent's fairytale cities
Scandinavia small group tour
Soak up a little Scandinavian minimalism
Germany walking vacation
Walk the Rhine Trail and discover Germany on foot
Berlin to Oslo small group vacation
Discover stylish Scandinavia and bohemian Germany
Christmas markets vacation, Central Europe
Indulge the senses by exploring the best of the festive market scene
Eastern Europe tour by rail
Cities, scenery & coasts: Travel from Berlin to the Balkans!
The Baltic experience tour
Experience the diverse delights of the Baltic states
Eifel hiking and culinary tour in Germany
Combine hiking and delicious regional dishes in the Eifel
Prague to Meissen cycling vacation
Cycle along attractive riverside paths
Walking vactation in the German Alps
Enjoy sparkling winter walking in the German Alps
London to St Petersburg sailing tour
Classic sailing from London to St Petersburg via Gdansk
Danube cycling vacation, self guided
Discove the compelling history of the Danube
What we rate & what we don't
The Coast
National parks
Barrier free tourism
Family travel
Waymarked ways
Bavarian Alps
Lake Constance
Winter
Stereotypes
Narrow view of history
Beer over wine
Flying & driving
Our top Germany Vacation
Bavaria vacations, self catering apartments
Luxury village apartments by Bavarian Forest National Park
Food, shopping & people
Eating & drinking in Germay
In the Black Forest, don’t just have your cake and eat it. Smoked ham, trout and mushrooms are also local specialities.Saarland is dairy central and, therefore, one big wine and cheese party.
Franconia not only pumps out plenty of artisan beer, but also superb local sausages.
In the northern coastal areas of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein area, smoked eel, pickled herring and Schiller-Locken (a smoked fish fillet) are menu favourites.


People & culture
Hallo – Hello (Grüss Gott in Bavaria)
Danke schön – Thank you
Bitte schön – You're welcome
Bitte – Please
Tschüss (pronounced chooss) – Bye
Gifts & shopping
Glass has been handblown in Bavaria since the 15th century. Bodenmais is its heart of glass.Hohner has been making accordions and harmonicas since the 1850's. Still classics.
Wooden, handmade toys are very traditional in Germany. Check they are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
There are mineral and thermal springs all over the country. Many have their own range of products, from body creams to bath salts.
There's always room in a checked in bag for a bottle of Riesling, Weissburgunder or Gewürztraminer.


How much does it cost?
Fresh fish roll on Rügen Island: £2.20
Hiring a bike: £8/day Electric bikes: £20/day
Half litre of local beer: £1.50-2.50
Konus travel Card in Black Forest: Free
Train Frankfurt to Berlin: From £15 one way
A brief history of Germany

Responsible Travel would like to thank the German National Tourist Board for their sponsorship of this guide.