As Germany is the seventh largest country in Europe, exploring the best parts of Germany is not an easy task, but with careful planning, visitors will have plenty of time to immerse themselves in cities that fuse a storied past with a modern, cosmopolitan sensibility. . . Discover the best time to go, routes and activities to experience German hospitality.
Time and weather
Germany’s climate is mainly temperate. Berlin’s temperature, for example, is more moderate than you might expect, the lowest average minimum occurs in January at 26 degrees F. The highest maximum occurs in July and August at 73 degrees F. There is measurable rainfall (humid days ) more than half the days of the year.
Germany is a good place to go in the summer, when Italy, France, and Spain are suffocating, but the best time to go to southern Germany is in the fall, when the wine is harvested and there are festivals that celebrate the season.
Transport
Germany has a highly efficient train network, with the German National Railway, called the Deutsche Bahn, providing easy transportation to all major cities with stops in smaller cities along the way. While the high-speed train will get you to the next destination faster, regional trains provide a slower pace to enjoy the scenery and at a lower price. For travelers looking to save an overnight accommodation fee, an overnight train offers sleeping options ranging from basic seating to luxury suites with private bathrooms.
There are often special offers on tickets, especially on weekends, which should be consulted when purchasing a ticket at the station window.
The country is home to multiple bus companies, such as Berlin Linien Bus and Flixbusbut, but they are not much cheaper than the train. The bus lines offer comfortable and modern buses (some with free internet service) and cover all major cities, however, unlike train travel, the routes offer the option of visiting smaller cities that do not host a depot. of trains.
Germany is justifiably proud of its motorway, a high-speed road network. The suggested speed limit in most cleared areas is 130 km / h, or about 80 mph, and smaller roads are generally in good repair.
accommodation
As with all countries in Europe, Germany offers a wide range of overnight options, from low-budget to luxury accommodation. Within a few blocks around the German train stations, there are usually a number of reasonably priced hotels, such as well-established chains like IBIS, Holiday Inn, and Radisson Inn, that offer a clean and comfortable room.
While many backpackers skip the Eurail pass in favor of budget airlines for travel, hostels are still the accommodation option and can be found across the country in major cities. It is recommended to book online in advance.
When budget isn’t an issue, opulent five-star luxury resorts like the Kempinski Hotel Atlantic in Hamburg, and country boutique hotels like the Alle Hotel near Bavaria, cater to guests for hundreds of euros a night. For visitors looking for more unusual accommodation options beyond hotels, Germany offers a variety of unique stays, from sleeping in a lighthouse, sleeping in an igloo, or taking refuge in a medieval castle.
Most popular cities
For first-time travelers, the two most visited German cities are Berlin and Munich, but there are plenty of hidden gems around the country. Berlin is a vibrant city of art, full of energy and loaded with interesting museums, and it is still a bargain for European travelers. Munich is in the heart of Bavaria; It is a city centered in a beautiful rural area, full of tradition. Munich is an example of what foreigners might think of when imagining a trip to Germany, surrounded by lush greenery, grand medieval castles, and historic streets displaying classic Baroque architecture.
Regional Germany
While Bavaria is probably the best known of the states or ‘regions’ of Germany, Baden-Württemberg, in the southwestern corner, has gained popularity as it is home to Lake Constance as well as Karlsruhe, the’ gateway to the Black Forest ». »The path to the castle passes directly, and there are many wine towns such as Freiburg. Everyone’s favorite medieval town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, is just outside the Baden-Württemberg border, in a corner of Bavaria.
Activities
Many of Europe’s best cars are designed and built in Germany, so car lovers will find multiple museums to explore history and the latest innovations in the industry. You can also head to a unique race track that doubles as a highway to put your driving skills behind the wheel to the test. Germany is crossed by numerous cycling routes and it is easy to get around by bike in the main cities. There’s even a bike Autobahn that will eventually stretch 62 miles and connect 10 different cities in Germany.
If you visit the country in the fall, put on your best Lederhosen or Dirndl and make a stop in Munich for the annual Octoberfest.
Food and drink
Sausage or bratwurst is Germany’s unofficial dish, but the meal offerings will appeal to just about any palate with meatballs, spätzle, pasta, and potatoes as the standard option in just about every traditional restaurant. For those who abstain from alcohol, tea and juices are a menu staple, but expect their server to always provide them with a tall pitcher of locally produced beer.
While service is included in the bill, in general, servers generally receive a 5 to 10 percent tip for good service.
