Best time to travel to Germany
We love Christmas markets, but this year we combined them with skiing in Bavaria. It felt as if Santa had come early.![]()
Germany has four well defined seasons, with summers averaging 22-25°C. To work out the best time to go to Germany, bear in mind some surprises. You can enjoy an Alpine arcadia in Bavaria in winter, northern beaches and island escapes in summer, hike among the wildflowers of the Rennsteig in May and June, and head to the forests of Hesse for spectacular autumnal displays and the grape harvest. For ‘Weihnachten’, or Christmas, the traditional markets, be it Nürnberg, Dresden, Bremen or Heidelberg, are simply a treat.
Our Germany Vacations
Germany walking vacation
Walk the Rhine Trail and discover Germany on foot
From
US $1150 to US $1280
8 days
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Danube cycling vacation, Germany and Austria
Follow the winding route of the Danube
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US $1199
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Eifel hiking and culinary tour in Germany
Combine hiking and delicious regional dishes in the Eifel
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€359
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Eastern europe by train, the Iron Curtain tour
Whizz around Europe's lesser-visited cities by rail!
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£699
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Danube cycling vacation, self guided
Discove the compelling history of the Danube
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US $2390
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Berlin to Venice small group vacation
Adventure-filled Central Europe tour from Germany to Italy.
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US $2700 to US $2915
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Germany, month by month
Our top Germany Vacation
Germany walking vacation
Walk the Rhine Trail and discover Germany on foot
From
US $1150 to US $1280
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
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2023: 1 Apr, 2 Apr, 3 Apr, 4 Apr, 5 Apr, 6 Apr, 7 Apr, 8 Apr, 9 Apr, 10 Apr, 11 Apr, 12 Apr, 13 Apr, 14 Apr, 15 Apr, 16 Apr, 17 Apr, 18 Apr, 19 Apr, 20 Apr, 21 Apr, 22 Apr, 23 Apr, 24 Apr, 25 Apr, 26 Apr, 27 Apr, 28 Apr, 29 Apr, 30 Apr, 1 May, 2 May, 3 May, 4 May, 5 May, 6 May, 7 May, 8 May, 9 May, 10 May, 11 May, 12 May, 13 May, 14 May, 15 May, 16 May, 17 May, 18 May, 19 May, 20 May, 21 May, 22 May, 23 May, 24 May, 25 May, 26 May ...
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Germany or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
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What happens when in Germany
Adam Jarvis, from our supplier Headwater Vacations tells us his best times to go to Germany:
“It really depends on where you go. December for the Christmas markets, October for the beer festivals, and summers are surprisingly hot so make it a good summer vacation destination. I’m going to say the summer though as that’s when the beer gardens and parks really get going. The Germans are quite an outdoorsy, active bunch and they appreciate the fresh air and greenery. When the sun is out (which is a LOT more than many might think), the parks and other outdoor spaces can be a real joy and celebration of life. Who doesn’t enjoy a good picnic?”
“It really depends on where you go. December for the Christmas markets, October for the beer festivals, and summers are surprisingly hot so make it a good summer vacation destination. I’m going to say the summer though as that’s when the beer gardens and parks really get going. The Germans are quite an outdoorsy, active bunch and they appreciate the fresh air and greenery. When the sun is out (which is a LOT more than many might think), the parks and other outdoor spaces can be a real joy and celebration of life. Who doesn’t enjoy a good picnic?”
Festivals & events
Fastnacht
Fasching is the traditional word for pre-Lenten carnivals, or fiestas before the fast. Also known as Fastnacht, celebrations in the form of processions and parties can go on for weeks before Lent begins. One of its highlight days is Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday, before the traditional ‘shut down’ of all things fun and frolics on Ash Wednesday. So, if you haven’t thought of visiting Germany in January and February, think again.
Responsible Travel would like to thank the German National Tourist Board for their sponsorship of this guide.
More about Germany
To think that Germany is all lederhosen and beer fests, is like saying India is all curry and Bollywood.
Citybreaks are still very high up the tourist wish list when it comes to places to visit in Germany.
Germany is outdoors central - you can cycle or ski, or you can walk for days here, from inn to inn, castle to castle.
Winter in Füssen is like a scene from Frozen but, because it's cold, the summer crowds are long gone.
With Bavaria’s plethora of mountains, lakes and forest, you realise why the Germans coined the phrase ‘wanderlust’.
If you have every thought about family vacations in Germany and then dismissed it for yet another trip to the Dordogne – don’t.
The most important bit of Germany travel advice we can give is, if you like hiking and biking, fine food and wine, then why haven’t you been there yet?
Responsible tourism in Germany is pretty much exemplary. In fact, if any other countries want to look and learn, start here.
