Germany travel advice
Cultural tips
”Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions or even suggestions about what to do. Most Germans are pretty clued up, friendly, and will – more often than not – speak English. They’re generally polite and very well-behaved, and tradition is still something which plays a part in everyday life. They are also often quite proud of their village/town/country and will most likely know where the best points of interest are.”
Heather Godbert also from our supplier Headwater Vacations:
“Germans by reputation are thought to be quite cold but I have found the reverse to be true, with the locals keen for you to experience the best in German hospitality. That’s not to say that they aren’t direct: German is a very direct language. ‘Would you mind passing me the salt please’ in English would always be ‘Pass the salt’ when directly translated from the German! If you chat to them, you may even be surprised to find that many have quite an ironic sense of humour.”
Martin Holborow and Margaret Leach from our supplier Bavarian Forest Vacations:
“For cultural events, I recommend Dragon Fest in Furth in Wald, the mediaeval event in Regen which also has a town wide music festival. “
Our Germany Vacations
Bavaria vacations, self catering apartments
Luxury village apartments by Bavarian Forest National Park
Germany and Austria self guided walking tours
Circumnavigate Germany's highest mountain!
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
Berlin to Venice small group vacation
Adventure-filled Central Europe tour from Germany to Italy.
Holland to Denmark cycling vacation
11 day cycling vacation from the Netherlands to Denmark.
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!
Cycling vacation in the Netherlands, Germany & Austria
European cycling at its best
Walking vactation in the German Alps
Enjoy sparkling winter walking in the German Alps
Scandinavia small group tour
Soak up a little Scandinavian minimalism
Eifel hiking and culinary tour in Germany
Combine hiking and delicious regional dishes in the Eifel
Central Europe rail tour, 15 days
An exciting trip around the continent's fairytale cities
Eastern europe by train, the Iron Curtain tour
Whizz around Europe's lesser-visited cities by rail!
Germany walking vacation
Walk the Rhine Trail and discover Germany on foot
London to St Petersburg sailing tour
Classic sailing from London to St Petersburg via Gdansk
Two tall ship sailing festivals, Delfzijl to Kiel
Delf Sail festival and Kiel’s Week 2021
Danube cycling vacation, self guided
Discove the compelling history of the Danube
European rail tour, 29 days
Tour Europe's best cities on this 29-day adventure!
Prague to Meissen cycling vacation
Cycle along attractive riverside paths
The Baltic experience tour
Experience the diverse delights of the Baltic states
Food tips
“If you find yourself in a beerhalle (the traditional German beer hall to be found at most breweries) or festival, go for the schweinshaxe. It’s a piece of slow roasted pork that would make any Teutonic knight proud; vegetarians need not apply!”
“Try a recommended local restaurant early in your stay as you may not then wish to cook for the rest of the trip.”
Weather tips
“Be wary of biking in the snow. And also for spectacular thunderstorms some evenings in the mountains – stay indoors but watch the light shows.”
Itinerary tips
“As a hiking enthusiast, Bavaria ticks all the boxes for me – it’s home to masses of hiking trails to suit all abilities – and they are all waymarked so it’s impossible to get lost.”
Adam Jarvis also from Headwater Vacations:
“Favourite activities of my own would have to be either walking or cycling. In the North, along the coast (as well as on some of the larger southern lakes like the Bodensee, Starnberger See or Chiemsee), kayaking and other water sports are great activities to engage in, and in the Central and South you’ll find a number of natural hot-springs to relax in. If the town has Bad in the title that’s normally a hint, for example: Bad Dürrheim, Bad Bevensen and Bad Elster. Just be aware that most saunas operate a “no clothes, no problem” policy and there are certain things you can’t un-see!”
Our top Germany Vacation
Bavaria vacations, self catering apartments
Luxury village apartments by Bavarian Forest National Park
Health & safety
HEALTH
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Responsible Travel would like to thank the German National Tourist Board for their sponsorship of this guide.