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Beliebte Reiseziele

Lissabon, die historische und zugleich moderne Hauptstadt Portugals, ist ein Muss für jeden Urlauber. Brausen Sie mit der Straßenbahn durch die Altstadt, besichtigen Sie die Stadtviertel Alfama und Belem, oder machen Sie einen Ausflug nach Sintra oder Cascais.

Athen, Wiege der Demokratie und Metropole Griechenlands, erwartet Sie mit vielen antiken Sehenswürdigkeiten wie der Akropolis. Schlendern Sie über die Plaka mit Ihren engen Gassen, besichtigen Sie die unzähligen Museen oder machen Sie einen Ausflug zur Halbinsel Piräus.

Willkommen in der „Ewigen Stadt“! Eine Stadtbesichtigung Roms ist eine Zeitreise durch Altertum, Mittelalter, Renaissance, Barock und Neuzeit. Besichtigen Sie das Kolosseum, den Petersdom oder die Vatikanischen Museen mit der Sixtinischen Kapelle.

Neapel, am Fuße des Vulkans Vesuv gelegen, sprüht voller Lebensfreude und bietet die weltbeste Pizza. Besuchen Sie die Altstadt, die als Weltkulturerbe gilt, das Unterirdische Neapel, die Galleria Umberto, oder machen Sie einen Ausflug nach Pompeji und zum Vesuv.

In Barcelona, der Stadt Gaudis, treffen historischen Bauwerke auf modern-futuristische Gebäude aufeinander. Besuchen Sie die Sagrada Familia und den Park Güell, das Museu Picasso oder das Gotische Viertel. Oder machen Sie einfach eine Shopping Tour und entspannen am Strand.

Willkommen in Granada, der ehemals maurischen Hauptstadt in Andalusien. Besuchen Sie die Alhambra und Generalife, das arabische Viertel Albaicín, und genießen Sie die landestypischen Tapas. Oder machen Sie einen Ausflug in das Nahegelegene Malaga oder zur Sierra Nevada.

Die britische Hauptstadt London ist quirlig und modern mit unzähligen Sehenswürdigkeiten wie dem Big Ben, der Tower Bridge und dem London Eye. Besuchen Sie auch die vielen Pubs und Musicals, oder machen einen Spaziergang an der Themse.

Dublin ist eine Stadt der Musiker und Dichter und steckt voller Traditionen und Geschichte. Besuchen Sie die Grafton Steet, das Guiness Storehouse, die National Gallery, oder machen Sie einen Ausflug zu den nahegelegenen Cliffs of Moher.

Beliebte Guides

New Orleans Walking Tours auf Deutsch und Englisch

Private Touren in Andalusien

Stadtführungen in Sevilla und Ausflüge in die nähere Umgebung

Personalisierte Führungen in Mailand, Como, Bergamo, Monza.

Beliebte Touren

Mailand, Hauptstadt der italienischen Mode

Garden District Walking Tour - Englisch oder Deutsch

New Orleans French Quarter Walking Tour

Spaziergang durch das Herz von Budapest

Germany Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Plan a trip to germany with local tour guides, and munich, berlin, trier and more..

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Popular Germany Tour Destinations

Popular Germany Tour Guides

I am a guide, tour operator for more than 25 years. 25 years I worked in that field in Israel. Since 2020 I am guiding in and around Munich and Bavaria. I speak German (mother tongue), Englisch and Hebrew on mother tongue level. I am available all week long, depending on bookings.                                                                                                                                  

Hi, I'm Juan from the sunny island of Majorca, I first visited Berlin on a sunny Easter in 1999, when only ten years after the wall came down, so the traces of the division were even more visible than now. Someone recommended me, before you decide to live in Berlin, you should spend a winter first, and so I did. It was only going to be a couple of years and here I am, after 25 and having seen the changes the city has undergone in the new millennium. Berlin is unique in the world because has an amazing history mostly in the last 100 years. After being 80 % destroyed in the 2WW many people thought the city will not make it and would be placed somewhere else. But like Phoenix from the ashes it become again the city that it was before but that was not that easy . Now you have a collage of historical buildings, modern architecture (some nice & many not that nice), dozens of small cities called neighbourhoods & the tracks of the destruction and division. Nowadays is the city where everything is possible and the feeling of freedom and tolerance is stronger than never before. One of my favorite pastimes is exploring the Berlin landscape, always on the lookout for the latest exhibitions, cultural events and hidden green spaces. As a Berlin aficionado, I've delved into the city's rich history, from its classical roots to its modern transformations. Whether it's iconic landmarks or little-known gems, I love sharing my knowledge with curious explorers. And when it comes to neighborhoods, I know them like the back of my hand. So if you want to immerse yourself in Berlin's culture, history and hidden treasures, I'm here to make your experience unforgettable. Let's explore this dynamic city together! I offer tours in English and Spanish.                                                                                                                                  

Gabriele S.

I have been a tour guide in and around Frankfurt since 1975 and have seen and shown all the changes in these decades! It has always been my pleasure to show my area to visitors from all over the world.                                                                                                                                  

Hi, I am not a native „Hamburger“, but a real Hamburg-Lover! I became guide in 2010. As a kind of „allrounder“ I can provide a large variety of tours in Hamburg and its districts. For first time visitors, I propose special guided tours through all the major sights of one of the most beautiful towns in Germany and its surroundings such as : The port area, St. Michel’s Church, the warehouse district (Speicherstadt) and of course the city centre with it’s beautiful city hall. Our philharmonic hall (Elbphilharmonie) is one of the most visited sights at present. Visits and sightseeing tours / pedestrians / by car or luxury limousine and chauffeur / by sight seeing bus /by harbour boat) for groups and individuals / transfers as well as full day(s) and evenings. Apart from German I speak English, French and Spanish and love to guide tourists to the most interesting places in Hamburg, Lübeck or Lüneburg. I am looking forward to meet the guests of GoWithGuide!                                                                                                                                  

New germany tour guides.

Dear travellers, I'm Janna, a professional, "senior" Berlin tour guide since 1994, so I can truly say I have a lot of expertise, experience and qualification for an in-depth view of Berlin. German history is challenging and my job, as I perceive it, is to be open about our complicated and partly truly dark history. However, we can also just have a fun day with your family or enjoy the museums. My topics are wide-spread, and we can work out a customized tour with your ideas and interests. We can also just meet, I get a feel for you and devise a tour on the spot. I'm happy with supporting you to organize any bookings of show or museum tickets, or restaurants, plus van or bus transportation, airport transfers. I also like tour guiding in Germany and Europe. If I'm not guiding, I love creating art, dancing and enjoying the rich cultural life of Berlin, and the quiet countryside around Berlin. Looking forward to meet visitors from all over the world! See you in Berlin!                                                                                                                                  

I am a social scientist, speaker, tour guide, sex educator, and freelance writer born in Luxembourg-City, Luxembourg and living in Berlin, Germany. I studied sociology and gender studies (B.A.) in Trier and Göttingen (Germany). I focussed my studies mainly on human sexualities, queer studies, and human-animal relations. In Berlin, I finished a training to become a certified sex educator in 2023. I have more than ten years of experience as a freelance writer and public speaker. I have been speaking publicly and writing for magazines such as SIEGESSÄULE (Berlin’s highest-circulating city magazine, as well as Europe’s most-read LGBTIQ magazine) or the Lëtzebuerger Journal, as well as for non-profits such as the German AIDS Service Organization (Deutsche Aidshilfe). I have been volunteering and working for several NGOs, including the German AIDS Service Organization (Deutsche Aidshilfe), Luxembourg’s HIV-Berodung and Stop AIDS Now / ACCESS. Since 2018, I have been successfully hosting my critically acclaimed guided tour Berlin’s History of Sex, supported by the Federal Foundation Magnus Hirschfeld. I have been working with educational institutions like Northwestern University (Illinois, USA) or the Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. I am also currently studying gender studies (M.A.) at the Humboldt University in Berlin, focussing my studies on human sexualities.                                                                                                                                  

I'm a tour guide in 4 cities around Europe. My tour style is informative yet untraditional and alternative. I like to believe that the tours are a walking comedy show, but you'll have to join us and confirm this! As fellow traveler myself, I created the experience I would enjoy when visiting a new city - a fun, uncensored look at history!                                                                                                                                  

Since 2000 i offer guided tours through Berlin - a city with many faces - once a divided town with a wall arround Westberlin -an "island" in the former GDR in the "cold war time" - a unique situation in germans history. I like to show the tourists the exiting developement of Berlin, the history and the modern one - period of Germany as a kingdom, to the Nazi period, the divided city after the 2nd world war, the reunification until the nowadays attraction for people from all over the world                                                                                                                                  

Popular germany private tours.

1900 years of Frankfurt in three hours!

Enjoy a 3-hour-walking tour of the city including a coffee break at a popular roast house. After having learnt about Frankfurt's rich history, busy present and promising future we'll end with a breathtaking view of the skyline (the only one in Germany) from an observation deck (200 m high- weather permitting). I am looking forward to being your guide!

Roman Heritage Trier

Visit of some of the 8 world heritage sites in trier: porta nigra, cathedral & lady's church, amphitheatre, constantine´s basilica, imperial bath, viehmarkt-baths, barbara baths, roman bridge; igel monument (9 km outside town) and/or archaeological museum. we suggest the most popular combination: amphitheatre - imperial bath - constantine's basilica. the tour can be taylor-made for you, you chose the sites. another option is to extend the tour by 1 or 2 hours, esp. the museums requires time..

Hamburg - a bit of everything in 3 hours

We will visit the most important places and monuments of hamburg. get a unique view of the city and the 3rd largest port in europe. explore the town center, the warehouse district, the new city planning project hafencity with the concert hall elbphilharmonie and the port area. another highlight is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in the northern part of germany: st. michel's church or the more than 100 years old elbtunnel underneath the river elbe..

Munich - Jewish heritage, Third Reich

Jewish history and life before 1933 and during the years 1933-1945 are the focus of this tour with places and memorial plates for former synagogues, the killing spot of Kurt Eisner, the first Jewish President of Bavaria, Fieldmarschalls' hall, where the Hitler putsch ended, Hofbräuhaus, where the Nazi party was founded, the new Ohel Jakob synagogue, the NS documentation center, Kings square, Hitlers former office from the outside, Shalom Ben Horin's birth house (from the outside)

New Germany Private Tours

Berlin Highlights in 4 Hours Tour

From the brandenburg gate, a berlin icon and a stunning piece of architecture, to the east side gallery, a fascinating collection of artworks, to the city’s turbulent history, this tour takes you on a journey through the most important monuments of this vibrant city in just four hours. wear comfortable shoes and get ready to enjoy every minute of this experience. it is a walking tour, with some public transportation in between..

World History in Berlin

Visit berlin's city center with a three-hour walking tour. you'll be surprised just how much world history was written in this city world wars, cold war, berlin wall - the traces are all over..

Munich - the essential in der Altstadt

Bei diesem rundgang werden die historischen, politischen und gesellschaftlichen entwicklungen und legenden münchens lebendig. widersprüche treten zu tage: märchenhaft schöne beispiele spätbarocker architektur und kunst vice versa der sogenannten "stadt der bewegung" mit stätten von hitlers nationalsozialistischer partei und diktatorischer macht. konservatismus, deutsche ordnung , wirtschaftlichern erfolg vis-à-vis unbeschwertes leben mit brauereien, biergärten, festen wie dem oktoberfest..

München - jüdische Spuren, 3. Reich

Die jüdische geschichte und das leben vor 1933 und in den jahren 1933-1945 stehen im mittelpunkt dieses rundgangs mit plätzen und gedenktafeln für ehemalige synagogen, der tötungsstätte von kurt eisner, der feldmarschallhalle, an der hitlerputsch endete, dem hofbräuhaus, an dem die ns-partei gegründet wurde, der neuen ohel-jakob-synagoge, dem ns-dokumentationszentrum, dem königsplatz, hitlers ehemaligem amtssitz von außen, dem geburtshaus von schalom ben horin (von außen), popular germany private cars.

Big Berlin Starter Tour

The big berlin starter tour is perfect to get to know berlin with van and driver, we'll cover a lot of this expanded city, both former east and west berlin. with all the highlights included, this is perfect to inspire you for future explorations of this dynamic and ever-changing city. all tours are customizable to walking tours, or shorter tours..

Berlin's Jewish history

Jewish and national socialist history is my main focus as a berlin guide. before hitler, a third of german jews lived in berlin, and their traces are all over the town. we will follow them from the 17th century to the devastating 20th century and contemporary jewish life in berlin. on our way, we'll see a lot of famous berlin monuments. it's easy to fill two days with jewish history, just ask me we can also change to a walking tour., germany tour reviews.

“ Gabriele is the best ”

Gabrielle was the best tour guide I have had in a long time her knowledge of the Frankfurt area and the German was spectacular. I will definitely use her again for our next tour if available. Just let me know how to get in contact with her. Thank you for a wonderful tour, Gabriele

Dear Weston, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was such a pleasure meeting and guiding you! I hope you had a wonderful stay over here! Have a great 2024! Best wishes Gabriele

“ Knowledgeable guide with meaningful insights ”

Michael provided thoughtful historic perspectives that truly enriched our experience. He was patient with our family’s circumstances and attentive to our needs. We highly recommend touring with Michael.

Thank you. Have a good and sound way home. It was a pleasure to be your guide. Happy new year.

Virtual Tour - Highlights of Munich's Old Town

“ Wolfgang is outstanding! ”

We were so pleased with this tour! Wolfgang did an incredible job of touring us through Munich, in his virtual tour. It was a special experience and we would book with him again without question.

Germany Private Tour Guide

Germany’s wonders await! Book your personalized private tour today with an experienced tour guide by your side, unveiling the country’s beauty first-hand.

Encounter seamless comfort with a skilled guide by crafting a custom-made itinerary that highlights local gems beyond the typical tourist spots. From treasures like the Rhineland Palatinate, or the Obersee Lake, Germany’s hidden masterpieces become your daily discoveries.

With a local expert, language barriers are a thing of the past. Our tour guides ensure a remarkable journey filled with authentic local encounters, no restrictions included.

Germany Frequently Asked Questions

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Hiring A Guide In Germany: Pros & Cons

So you’ve finally made it to germany. a nice, cold brewed beer is in your left hand and your bucket list in your right. you take a huge sip (it tastes....

Tourism In Munich Statistics 2023: The Ultimate Guide

Munich, Germany

What do you think is more challenging, strapping on Lederhosen for the first time or planning your trip to Munich? If you are already comfortable in y...

Germany Tourism Statistics 2023: The Ultimate Guide

Did you know that germany has more than 25,000 castles to visit if that excites you, it's only a matter of time before you're planning a trip to this..., the best tours and activities.

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Welcome to the bvgd – german national tourist guide association.

The German National Tourist Guide Association (BVGD) is the umbrella organization of local and regional tourist guides’ associations in Germany. Founded in 1994 in Cologne, it represents around 234 cities and regions with about 7,500 guides.

The BVGD represents the professional interests of tourist guides with policy makers at both the German and European levels. It is a member of all organizations relevant to the profession.

BVGD guides conduct professional tours in German, English, and many other languages. They provide you with interesting and accurate information on the many historic and natural sights in Germany. All have received basic training, many od them hold a BVGD-training certificate or a certificate in accordance with the European Quality Standard for tour guides (DIN EN 15556).

Important note: As an association, we don´t arrange tours.  Visitors can find professional tourist guides in German cities and regions by clicking left on “Find Tourist Guide”. There are links to all local guides’ associations and their special offers. The following list of individual guides with BVGD certificates offers direct e-mail contact to our  specially qualified tourist guides.

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Tourism.de – Awesome travel destinations in Germany

Tourism.de - Your Germany travel guide (non-official)

Berlin – The Green Capital

Hamburg: A Port City with a Difference

Munich – The Heart of Bavaria

Cologne – cathedral city on the rhine.

Frankfurt – The city for everyone

Düsseldorf – The vibrant Altbier City

Nuremberg – a beauty in franconia.

An Insider’s Guide to Drinks in Germany

Radler beer: the perfect summer refreshment, warm up with a german classic: glühwein, cream lovers bremen – the best sweets and so much more, bean filled pillow – the 16 best products compared, bean filled neck pillow – the 16 best products compared, bean cushions – the 16 best products compared, travel germany - plan your visit to germany now.

Germany is a hidden gem when it comes to awesome travel destinations. Whatever suits you best – you can have it all:

• amazing city trips
• wonderful nature
• stunning mountain views
• beautiful islands
• great regional food

Tourism.de is your Germany travel guide.

Enjoy your vacation!

How to Plan the Perfect Rhine River Cruise

Things to do in Hannover, the green city

Hohenfels Germany – An Underestimated Place to Be!

Friedrichshafen Germany: A Guide to the City of Zeppelins

Exploring Meissen, Germany: A Guide to Rich Cultural Heritage

Explore Memmingen Germany: A Hidden Gem of Bavaria

Explore the Enchanting Charm of Ingolstadt in Germany

Discover the Enchanting Charm of Coburg in Germany

Frankfurt Boat Tour: Discover the beauty of the city from the water

Airport Express Berlin: Everything you need to know about the fast airport transfer!

Berlin’s Art Museums: A Cultural Journey Through Time

Discovering the charm of bad tölz: a guide to this bavarian gem, unveiling hidden gems: your ultimate guide to stuttgart’s attractions, bayreuth germany, southern germany – a region worth exploring, exploring trier: one of germany’s oldest cities, ravensberg, germany: a town steeped in history, amberg: a hidden gem in northern bavaria, experience erlangen, ramstein germany – a city rich in history, saxony: a land of culture and natural beauty, 3 places you have to visit in nuremberg, kochel am see: scenic nature just outside of munich, munich central station: a transportation hub at the heart of bavaria, splash tour lübeck, let your wanderlust take you to regensburg.

Quedlinburg – A Medieval Gem

Laser tag bremen: an exciting indoor experience, dresden and its countryside: the beauty of baroque and nature.

Dresden – A city with many facettes

Tourist attractions in hamburg, tourist attractions in munich – find your next adventure, stuttgart – a lively and modern city, the beauty of the german landscape, tourist info bamberg, visit bamberg: impressive architecture and bavarian charm.

Baden-Baden – The Spa and Casino City

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Mainau – Island of Flowers

Koblenz – wine city at deutsches eck.

Trier – Roman Heritage and German Wine

Heidelberg – Gorgeous College Town on the River Neckar

Oberwiesenthal – The highest Town in Germany

Ulm – Lovely City on the River Danube

Mainz – the carnival city.

Augsburg – The Lovely Capital of Swabia

Heilbronn – rich history, fine wines and live music.

Kempten – Lovely City in the Allgäu

Ansbach – The Hidden Rococo Gem

Görlitz – Gorgeous City in the Upper Lusatia

Füssen – nature, history, and hospitality.

Konstanz – A Lovely City at Lake Constance

Oberstdorf – a paradise for hiking and skiing.

Rostock – A Baltic Paradise

Stuttgart – enjoyable city at the neckar river, münster – cultural centre of westphalia.

Cochem – Idyll along the Moselle

Bad Salzungen – The Spa Town

Leipzig – The Heart of Saxony

Lübeck: Queen of the Hanseatic

Potsdam – the city of parks, passau – city of three rivers.

Erfurt – Beauty in the East

Winterberg: fun in the snow.

Weimar – Centre of culture

Weil am Rhein – The city of chairs

Regensburg: gorgeous world heritage.

Freiburg im Breisgau: The sunny city

Bamberg: The franconian Rome

Beautiful Würzburg

Hiking In the Black Forest – Your Guide to Your Magical Adventure

Discovering the Black Forest Weather

A guide to chiemsee: germany’s lake paradise, discover the beauty of the bavarian alps.

Ammersee Bavaria: A Charming Escape in Southern Germany

Herrenhausen gardens – one of the great gardens of the world, mittenwald: a hidden gem in the bavarian alps, the green heart of munich: the english garden.

The Travel Guide to the Harz Mountains

Königssee – an alpine jewel, ammergau alps – a paradise for walkers.

Franconian Switzerland: A Mountainous Wilderness

Zugspitze – Germany’s Highest Mountain

Garmisch-partenkirchen – a lovely mountain resort town, oberammergau: passion and beauty in the ammergau alps.

Lenggries – Picturesque Place in the Alps

Bad Reichenhall – A Wonderful Alpine Town

Bad Aibling – Relaxing in a gorgeous Spa Town

The Eifel – A fiery, natural Paradise

Meersburg – city of museums, wernigerode – the colorful town in the harz foothills.

Teutoburg Forest

Thuringian forest.

Eisenach – Home of Wartburg Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle

Mecklenburg lake plateau, lake constance.

Bavarian Forest

Spreewald – Picturesque Woodlands

The Ore Mountains

Berchtesgadener land.

Black Forest

Braunlage: beauty in the harz mountains.

Gorgeous Harz Mountains

Touring Tegernsee, Germany

Islands and coast, german north sea coast, fischland-darss-zingst.

Sylt – The Largest Island in North Frisia

Poel Island – A Beauty in the Baltic Sea

Kühlungsborn – the charming sea side town.

Grömitz: The Baltic’s Peaceful Coastline

Cuxhaven – The Small Shining Pearl of Northern Germany

Heiligendamm – The White Town by the Sea

Bad Doberan – Relaxing near the Baltic Sea

Timmendorfer Strand – Enjoying the Beach Life

Norderney – Stunning Coastal Vistas

Hiddensee – The Feel-Good Island

Rügen Island – The Jewel of Germany’s Baltic Coast

Heringsdorf – The Imperial Spa and Seaside Resort Town

Büsum – Home of the North Sea Shrimps

Scharbeutz – Sun, Sand and Stew

Heiligenhafen – Gorgeous place at the Coast

Stralsund – A Gothic Seaside Town

Juist – Cozy island in the North Sea

Binz – A georgeous seaside resort

Usedom – the sunny island, borkum – a lovely seaside health resort.

Amrum – Pearl of the North Sea

Wismar – City with outstanding architecture

Sankt Peter-Ording

Warnemunde – Peaceful Seaside Resort Town

Heligoland – The Unique Island

Langeoog: The Island for life

Travemunde – lovely town at the baltic sea, föhr – the green island, by the river.

LEGOLAND Munich – Visit the Brick Kingdom

Discover the Enchantment of Bavarian Castles

The Untold Chronicles of Buchenwald Concentration Camp

Caves in Germany – here’s what you cannot miss!

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Prepare for a roller-coaster ride of feasts, treats and temptations experiencing Germany's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic palaces and half-timbered towns.

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Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

Museumsinsel

Museumsinsel & Alexanderplatz

Walk through ancient Babylon, meet an Egyptian queen, clamber up a Greek altar or be mesmerized by Monet's ethereal landscapes. Welcome to Museumsinsel …

Neues Museum

For over 60 years, not a soul was able to visit Berlin’s Neues Museum – in fact, it sat in ruins. But today it’s one of the city’s most celebrated…

Pergamonmuseum

The Pergamonmuseum is one of Berlin’s most visited historical gems and perhaps also its most controversial. This museum offers an archaeological time-warp…

East Side Gallery

Friedrichshain

The East Side Gallery is the embodiment of Berlin’s grit and guts.

Fernsehturm

Germany's tallest structure, the TV Tower is a Berlin icon.

Topographie des Terrors

Historic Mitte

This compelling exhibit tells stories of terror and persecution in Nazi Germany.

Cologne’s geographical and spiritual heart – and its single-biggest tourist draw – is the magnificent Kölner Dom. With its soaring twin spires, this is…

Gedenkstätte Buchenwald

Between 1937 and 1945, hidden from Weimarers and surrounding villagers, 250,000 men, women and children were incarcerated here, some 56,500 of whom were…

Top picks from our travel experts

17 of the best things to do in germany.

Zeche Zollverein

The Ruhrgebiet

A key site along the Ruhr area's Industrial Heritage Trail, the former Zollverein coal mine was a marvel of efficiency while in operation from 1932 until…

Tempelhofer Feld

The airfield of Tempelhof Airport, which so gloriously handled the Berlin airlift of 1948–49, has been repurposed as one of the largest urban parks in the…

Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

Prenzlauer Berg

For an insightful primer on the Berlin Wall, visit this outdoor memorial, which extends for 1.4km along Bernauer Strasse and integrates an original…

Biergarten Muffatwerk

Think of this one as a progressive beer garden with reggae instead of oompah, civilised imbibing instead of brainless guzzling, organic meats, fish and…

Schloss Neuschwanstein

Appearing through the mountaintops like a mirage, Schloss Neuschwanstein was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. King Ludwig II planned this…

Situated on the shores of the English Garden's Kleinhesseloher See, the Seehaus has a family-friendly beer garden with an attached almost-upmarket…

A collaboration between the architect Matthäus Pöppelmann and the sculptor Balthasar Permoser, the Zwinger was built between 1710 and 1728 on the orders…

Frauenkirche

The domed Frauenkirche – Dresden’s most beloved symbol – has literally risen from the city's ashes. The original church graced the skyline for two…

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

On good days, views from Germany’s rooftop extend into four countries. The return trip starts in Garmisch aboard a cogwheel train (Zahnradbahn) that chugs…

Memorium Nuremberg Trials

Göring, Hess, Speer and 21 other Nazi leaders were tried for crimes against peace and humanity by the Allies in Schwurgerichtssaal 600 (Court Room 600) of…

Englischer Garten

The sprawling English Garden is among Europe's biggest city parks – it even rivals London's Hyde Park and New York's Central Park for size – and is a…

Elbphilharmonie

Welcome to one of the most Europe's most exciting recent architectural creations. A squat brown-brick former warehouse at the far west of HafenCity was…

KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau

Officially called the KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau, this was the Nazis’ first concentration camp, built by Heinrich Himmler in March 1933 to house political…

Planning Tools

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Best Things to Do

From cities to countryside and up the highest mountain, experience the best of Germany with these top things to do.

Things to Know

From paying with cash to not crossing against a red light, here are the things you need to know before going to Germany.

Transportation

Germany's public transportation network is one of the best in the world. Here's what you need to know to get exploring.

Visa Requirements

Do you know if you need a visa to visit Germany? We can help you work it out.

Money and Costs

From Deutsche Bahn rail passes to hiking and camping in the summer months there's plenty of ways to save money in Germany.

Traveling with Kids

With lots of family-friendly activities and a well-developed infrastructure, Germany is an ideal destination for families traveling with kids of all ages.

Best Road Trips

Hit the road with these six touring routes and visit historic towns, castles and palaces, plus epic mountains and remote beaches.

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Tips & Advice

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The powerhouse of central Europe, Germany is a country of frothy beer, Bavarian lederhosen, Berliner charm, grand opera houses, magnificent castles, glorious cathedrals and more– all best explored with a local Germany Tour Guide from tourHQ.

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Germany Tour Guides

I was born in Istanbul and came later to Germany, where my parents started to work in the ...

Catheryna Zazhyvilova

Hi guys!My name is Catheryna, I’m an enthusiastic guide from sunny Odessa. After 22 years in ...

Heidi Paizs

Hello and welcome to my tours! I am a professional tour  with a long reaching experience ...

Siegfried Huber

Hello to all Berlin visitors!Everything is possible. Choose whatever you like. Do you want to ...

Anshita Koul

An engineer by qualification but a storyteller by birth, I am a people’s person and a team ...

Teresa Beck

Siavash Sartipi

I help travellers booking a guided tour using my network of guides

Valery Alarcon

Karen Pastofski

I have 12 years of experience leading city tours and museum tours, working in adult education and ...

Susanne Romoth

As a tour guide in Europe, interpreter in 3 languages and local guide, I specialise in ...

Sabine Alexander

Hi, my name is Sabine and I am a personal Tourist Guide/ Driver Guide with special service ...

I am an official and licensed Chauffeur-Guide for more than 15 years with my company being registed ...

Beatrice Johanna

Hello dear traveller!I am a Saxony native who is experienced in working in an international ...

Juho Lukkari

I am Finnish mountain guide situated in the city of Konstanz in Germany. I did my international ...

Alice Frontzek

Mother of four lived in the USA for a year, studied Economics and English, worked for FedEx as ...

Berlinon Yaroslav

I am a very friendly and flexible person. My interests are movies, music, and sport. My tours are ...

From the wild North Sea islands and the rugged Baltic coast, to the soaring, snow-tipped Bavarian Alps and the rolling hills, ridges, meandering river ways and steep verdant valleys of North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany is a land of misty forests, shimmering lakes, windswept sand dunes and Dracula-esque chateaux castles, all punctuated by modern metropolises and energetic business centres. It’s easy to see why it was once the cradle of the great Romantic Movement—sprouting the likes of Wagner and Kant, Goethe and Beethoven—and also why it’s now one of the towering economic, cultural and most cutting-edge pillars of the European Union. By summer, travellers come to tour the wealth of enchanting, fairy-tale hill towns that pepper the rolling regions at Germany’s heart, to wander the Alpine meadows, sip frothy beers in Oktoberfest and tick off all the ‘must sees’ of big cities like Berlin and Hamburg—from the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the elegant Renaissance Rathaus. By winter, locals and travellers alike cruise down the autobahn to the snowy peaks and ski fields of the south, or lose themselves between the pumping techno bars and hearty Germanic beer halls of the urban centres, plates of steaming bratwurst and schnitzel in hand. Ask any Germany tourist guide, and they will tell you: the possibilities here are endless!

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Germany Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Germany tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Germany and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 147816 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Germany travel companies & tour operators with 147816 reviews

• Excellent - 1,892 reviews for Germany tours

Well organized and well executed tour.

Amazing trip and fantastic tour!

• Excellent - 19,645 reviews for Germany tours

Not really my type of holiday travel! The stops are short and mainly at freeway truck and rest stops. The hotels were way too far from any real sites and some were small and cramped. I expected this tour to be hectic, given the countries visited and the days involved, . but IMO it could have been organized a lot better. The Tour Director and Driver were excellent but working with hands tied behind her back.The driven tours by coach just went too fast apart from road blocks or traffic jams. I appreciate that the TD kept mentioning that there are other tours by Cosmos, Globes that are lconcentrated on longer stays, however if they are at the hotels that we stayed at, then seeing the good sights are going to be a massive struggle. IMHO, even if the costs are higher for better hotels and safer areas, most would rather pay than skimp. Most of the stops overnight did not even have any decent restaurants where one could experience a decent meal of the region. Yes there were a couple of organized option dinners that involved costs, but these had to be reached via the coach. The three included meals are at the hotels which really did not have kitchens other than ones that could prepare breakfasts and the meals were simple and buffet style with one fixed item being served. As I started it may be OK for some, but definitely not my cup for tea!

I enjoyed the tours and the ample downtime. We were able to explore the city centers.

• Good - 12 reviews for Germany tours

Wir waren mit Eurohike v. Garmisch nach Meran unterwegs.Die angegeben Tageskilometer stimmen oft nicht mit den tatsächlichen Km überein. Für eine Übernachtung gab es keine richtige Wegbeschreibung zum Hotel. Ganz daneben fanden wir jedoch den Rücktransfer. Das Hotel war außerhalb von Meran, so dass wir ein Taxi benötigen um an den von Eurohike genannten Sammelpunkt zu kommen,. da es hierfür keine öffentliche Verkehrsmittel gab. Weiterfahrti in Bozen mit 1 1/2 Std. Wartezeit abseits am Busterminal. Leider ist Eurohike häufig ungenau was zu Mehrkosten, Wartezeiten und Verdruss führt. Fazit: Die Qualität der Organisation u der angegeben Daten stehen in keinem Verhältnis zum Reisepreis. M. Wagner

Overall the trip was okay. At the beginning I was told the wrong time for the briefing, I messaged tour radar for help and noone ever got back to me. I ended up just winging it and got through the trip okay.

Indus Travels

• Excellent - 252 reviews for Germany tours

Tour was OK. Sites great, organization seriously lacking. Indus communication was horrible. Can't get a prompt response from any questions by phone or email but I get daily marketing emails from them instead.

Marvelous Germany chose some excellent sites in both Germany and France. The hotels were good overall, especially the historic hotel in Füssen. Unfortunately, communication from Indus was extremely poor. Instead of sending us complete itinerary information well in advance, it came the same week of departure (after multiple requests by phone and email that were never followed up by Indus) and that required us to create an account and log into their website to retrieve it ourselves. Buried in the fine print was the name of our German tour guide from a different company ... and Indus got his name incorrect. We were not even given a specific time to meet the guide. Shuttles to and from connecting airports were nonexistent, we relied on public transportation. There was a mix-up with hotel rooms on the first day, apparently Indus was unclear about who was in which room and who reserved single bed versus double bed accommodations. On the first evening, the German guide did nothing but check off names and hand out hotel room keys. He didn't provide any information or guided tour of Frankfurt at all. Our guide was knowlegable but not very communicative. Two older women on the tour with hearing aids couldn't hear most of what he mumbled. The problem wasn't the language, it was as though he didn't have any material prepared to tell us and did not attempt to read his audience to ensure everyone got the message. We all had to ask questions constantly to get anything out of him. During the farm visit & cheese tasting, our guide attempted to translate what the farmer explained in German. It was very clear that the farmer was explaining everything is significantly more detail than our guide gave us. More than once he got it wrong and the _farmer_ corrected our guide's translation. Our guide's navigation, driving skill, and narration were all very below average. We were not on a large motor coach, this was a full size van similar in size to typical bloated American vehicles. On multiple occasions he stopped in the middle of intersections, cut off other vehicles, drove around in circles, missed the correct turn, used turn signals inconsistently, and nearly took out a biker. This appeared to be not due to aggressive driving behavior but rather due to indecision. It looked like our guide had no pre-prepared route plan or parking plan. At many destinations instead of parking at the obvious convenient parking garage and leading a walking tour with a proper discussion, he'd drop the whole group off and let us explore on our own for only a very short time. Why he couldn't park the van and walk with us was a mystery. While the group itself was able to manage, this WAS NOT advertised as a self-guided tour. At Neuschweinstein, our guide made us pay for a public bus -- why was that not included in the tour???? Thank goodness our group had enough local currency on hand to buy tickets. It's simply cheap of the tour company to not pay for convenient local parking and transportation throughout. Meals also felt unplanned. While the tour advertised that several meals were included, it turned out that these were all hotel breakfasts, which were all quite good. We soon learned it was best to have a very hearty breakfast because we never knew where and when lunch might occur. Many days while the guide was "parking" and leaving us to fend for ourselves, we had to find our own restaurant and attempt to eat quickly (not an easy feat in Germany where meals are normally taken at a very casual pace). This subtracted substantially from the time we would have liked to tour the towns. Our guide generally did drop the group off at or near the pedestrian centre of a town where there were options but he clearly did not have specific recommendations, nor did he seem to read the audience to know our dining preferences. In general, he did not express any interest in joining the group for dinners so that too was for us to figure out on our own. On the last day, it felt as though the guide couldn't wait to drop us off as soon as possible at our last hotel and disappear. Biggest complaint of all: we did not feel comfortable that the tour guide lost/broke his mobile phone in the middle of the tour and left us no way to contact him. We asked him several times, and he had many opportunities to buy a replacement. He simply didn't. If any serious incident happened when he was AWOL, we would not know who to contact or how. In summary, Germany is a beautiful place with many interesting historical and cultural things to discover. The big cities were less relaxing with traffic and construction and higher prices but that was to be expected. The small towns, castles, beautiful river valleys and Schwartzwald made up for that. If we would change anything in the itinerary, it would be more coordination and efficient guide to have time to enjoy the small towns. We had a great time with our new friends in the group and would travel with them again anytime. Unfortunately, both Indus and their outsourced local guide company were very underwhelming. With better professionalism and attention to detail, the trip would have been great.

• Excellent - 169 reviews for Germany tours

My tour was great, nothing to do with utracks. Utracks was very poor getting information from. Unreturned e mails, never received notice for my final installment till I called a few weeks before my trip when I was inquiring about some info. They then stuck me with a 260 euro fee for high season ? September 12/19 was never told or saw that before. Never returned e mail questioning that charge.

Everybody on board were working very very hard. The boat was grossly understaffed. Just about all staff new on the boat. ALL Tried their hardest. No special food for persons with severe food allergies. No internet. Food was ok. Cabins roomy and clean. The trip director, Juergen, was excellent, 5 stars. E-Bikes were new and Excellent. Very top of the line bikes

• Excellent - 74,885 reviews for Germany tours

The included tour was good and hotels were good with buffet breakfast but I do not recommend all the optional tours too pricey and not worthed, just do it yourself ,explore on your own free time.Danube dinner cruise was awful ,there was a kerosene gas leak during the entire cruise I got headache and breathing problems and food was cold and not tasty. Careful of your belongings, Someone opened my bag ,robbed me in Prague and got all my $500 cash,credit /debit cards and important IDs. I did not get any help from Globus bec I did not pay travel insurance. I recommend travel insurance this time. Wake up call at NH Prague messed up ,They woke me at 2 am. I did not sleep after that. The included farewell dinners were not good. I am still waiting for my refund on the Danube cruise dinner.

Everything was top notch.

• Excellent - 14 reviews for Germany tours

Setting up the tour, and the tour itself were wonderful. We had a few glitches in our plans and Paula was a great help in getting them worked out. Hotels were very good and clean, food at the hotels, excellent! That said, the bikes were NOT. Even though they were brand new, and the gearing great for what they were. However, we did this tour under our own power, no electric bikes, and were told that hybrid bikes were not available for this tour, also told we weren’t allowed to use clip-in pedals. The bikes were heavy, and we found ourselves walking and pushing them up many hills, some rocky and gravel roads, which, if we would have had a decent bike for this tour, a hybrid bike, we would most likely had an easier time of it. Not happy about the bikes! Also, the opening page of the tour says 1-99 as in years old of people that could do this tour, definitely false advertising, there is no way, even with the electric bikes, that some people could not navigate the roads on this tour. We are 2 women in our 70’s and did it, I am proud to say, we have a lot of experience, it was not easy. It could have been much more enjoyable with a different bike. Over all, a fantastic trip. Thank you.

We were delighted with holiday and with the communication beforehand and the arrangements made on our behalf. Our only disappointment was that the second last day was only 40km (we were expecting to do approximately 60km each day) and the last day's distance was only 20km. We also discovered that our bags would not arrive at the final destination until 3pm that day which made it hard for us to use the day to move on elsewhere. Our solution was the do the 20km on the second last day as well as the 40km as scheduled, and then to drive back to the hotel that had been booked for us. This worked fine and suited our timings better. Otherwise no complaints at all, and we hope to use Tour Radar again.

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 631 reviews for Germany tours

There was the largest December snow in 90 years just before we a. It made getting there a little difficult but well worth it! Our carriage ride was magical. Greg made it even more special. He was so attentive to everyone’s needs and abilities. Never rushing anyone. Not to mention his surprises every time we got back on the bus. Starting each day with “Louie Armstrongs it’s a wonderful world. We all would sing along. We became friends instantly and felt like family within just a few days together. I highly recommend Greg as a tour guide he really added to the experience. The atmosphere he created by showing us all how much he truly cared for each of us. He is an exceptional person and I for one feel that the trip would have not been the same without him!!!!!

Great variety of markets. Well organised and Greg was very helpful when I had a bit of a mobility issue.

Hurtigruten

• Good - 3 reviews for Germany tours
• This operator has no Germany reviews

EUROLATINO Tour Operators

• Average - 18 reviews for Germany tours

Really enjoyed this tour. It was exactly what we were looking for, the independence to do what we wanted on some days and some tours organised for us on other days. Communication from Tour radar was great through What’s App. The only thing we would change would be to upgrade the two 3 star motels to 4 star motels.

I paid for a daily excursion and the tour guide did not show up. The rest of the tour was ok.

Europamundo

• Good - 2,998 reviews for Germany tours

We saw a lot! Eva is an amazing, very patient guide!! Hotels were comfortable.

I was on the Central European Ring , starting and ending in Prague. It was fantastic! Exciting and educational. Good itinerary. Good guides, good hotels and nice bus.

Agate Travel

• Excellent - 280 reviews for Germany tours

Terranova Touristik

• Excellent - 243 reviews for Germany tours

The tour was amazing—so much to see along the Mainz and Rhine. My ebike was perfect. We especially loved the stop at Oberwesel. Such a lovely unique hotel.

The individual bike tour through the Palatinate offers the perfect opportunity to explore the region at your leisure. The route is varied and leads through charming villages and along the Rhine. A real highlight for all cyclists!

• Excellent - 20 reviews for Germany tours

The itinerary was well planned and spelled all the details of yhe tour from the time we arrived until we finished. Information on getting to locations was clear and understandable. Vouchers for hotel and transportation were provided as well as information regarding how to redeem them. We had opportunities to visit the recommended as well as places we had read about or were suggested by friends and coworkers who had either visited areas or knew our interests.

The itinerary was very informative and thorough. It related what to expect from hotel room side to explaining transportation and how to arrive ahead of time for tours.

Exodus Travels

• Excellent - 13,240 reviews for Germany tours

Poor communication from the agents. Too many layers of agents. Go direct I say. Once travelling it was fine. A few long rides (70 and 60 kms) that could have been shorter. The ride into Linz was tough but doable - they are upgrading the bike track. Hotel choices were great.

We really enjoyed the hikes that Bob took us on. Bob, made it very enjoyable and he picked the hikes that would be perfect for the group.

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15 Best Germany Travel Guides

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Looking for the best Germany travel guide to take on your trip? Here are 15 of the most useful options for travelers planning trips to Germany!

Germany is a world class tourist destination in the heart of Europe.

Every year, millions of people travel there to taste its many famous beers and traditional German cuisine , visit enchanting fairy tale castles , national parks, and beautiful sights, learn about its rich history and culture, and much more.

No matter whether you plan to visit busting big cities or Germany’s many thriving smaller cities, you’ll find tons of attractions and points of interest. But they can be difficult to explore effectively without a guide to help you along the way. 

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This article shows you the best Germany travel guides out in the market today (both in hard copy and Kindle) and how you can choose the best one for your trip.

Whether you plan to spend time in Berlin, the Rhine, Bavaria (or elsewhere!), want to travel by cruise, train or take a road trip, or are traveling solo, with a partner or your entire family, there’s a guide for every kind of itinerary and traveler!

• 1 Quick Guidebook Recommendations
• 2 Why Use A Travel Guide?
• 3 Germany Travel Guides Comparison Chart
• 4 How To Choose The Best Travel Guide For You
• 5 15 Best Germany Travel Guides
• 6 What To See And Do In Germany?
• 7 When Is The Best Time To Go To Germany?

Quick Guidebook Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite guide books if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

• For Insider Tips On Hidden Gems : Fodor’s Essential Germany
• For Kindle Unlimited Users : The Rough Guide to Germany
• For First-Time Travelers to Germany: Rick Steves Germany
• For multiple formats and off-line maps: Lonely Planet Germany
• For DIY Berlin Walking Tours: National Geographic: Walking Berlin
• For Visiting Munich, Bavaria & The Black Forest: Lonely Planet: Munich, Bavaria, and the Black Forest
• For Visiting Rothenburg & the Rhine: Rick Steves’ Rothenburg & the Rhine
• For Road Trips & Day Trips in Germany, Austria & Switzerland : Lonely Planet’s Guide to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
• Best City Pocket Guide s: Lonely Planet’s Pocket Guide Berlin, Hamburg, Munich
• For Roadtrips in Germany: DK Eyewitness Road Trips
• For Rail Travel in Germany: Europe by Rail
• For River Cruises: Lonely Planet Cruise Ports European Rivers
• Best Guide for Kids: Kids Travel Guide Germany
• For Quickly Learning About German Culture: Culture Smart Germany
• For Learning German Language: 1,000 German Phrases

Why Use A Travel Guide?

Germany travel guides are a great resource for planning specific aspects of your trip, especially when combined with the info we provide on this website.

You can never have too much trip planning information, and a good travel guide provides essential travel information without the need for wifi.

Travel guides are especially useful for people who don’t have a lot of experience traveling abroad or who don’t speak the language of their destination country.

The guides we highlight below can help you find good restaurants, learn about regional customs and traditions, and avoid scams in specific locations.

If you’re looking for something more specific than general travel advice, there are many specialty travel guidebooks available that cover everything from hiking trails to famous literary locations around the world!

Germany Travel Guides Comparison Chart

Here’s an overview of the best guidebooks for Germany travel. Scroll down for a more detailed review of each book!

• Perfect for insider tips
• Full-size street maps
• Sample itineraries

• Free with Kindle Unlimited (as of now)
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Full-color maps

• Perfect first timers
• Strategic advice for making the most out of your budget
• Tips on how to plan a multi-week trip to different cities in Germany

• Honest reviews of restaurants
• Free on Kindle Unlimited too
• Add notes to personalize your digital guidebook

• 15 walking tours
• Step-by-step itineraries
• Detailed maps

• Up-to-date research on travel information and what businesses are still open after light of Covid-19
• “What’s new” sections featuring cultural trends
• New, up-and-coming areas to visit

• Insider travel tips 
• How to avoid tourist traps
• Rothenburg & Rhine focused

• Germany, Austria & Switzerland
• 33 trip ideas
• Fastest travel routes & scenic detours

Small & handy

Books for Berlin, Hamburg & Munich

Expert advice on top tourist destinations & neighborhoods

• 24 well-researched driving routes.
• Discover stunning views and hidden gems off the beaten track
• Practical tips for driving in Germany

50 key routes

Tips on the best ticket deals

Fun sights to see along the routes

• Advice for first-timers
• Covers Germany & other European cruise routes

• Fun facts about Germany
• Language learning
• Coloring pages, quizzes, puzzles & journal pages

• German history
• Cultural values, traditions & etiquette
• Regional cultural differences

• 1,000 basic words, phrases, and sentences in German
• Small talk, asking for directions, finding a bank, ordering at restaurants
• Phonetic pronunciation guide!

How To Choose The Best Travel Guide For You

There are a lot of travel guides on the market, making it pretty overwhelming to find the right one. When choosing the best travel guide for your trip, there are a couple of things you should take into consideration.

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What are your travel plans?

If you’re going on a multi-week trip across Germany, visiting several cities and regions, then the best travel guide for you will be a comprehensive general country guide on Germany.

These kinds of guides usually have multiple chapters dedicated to all the big cities and regions, making it easy to flip through whichever destination you’re going to along your trip.

On the other hand, if you’re mostly staying in a specific region or a couple of cities, then it’s better to find a regional guide that really narrows in the area you’re visiting. This way you won’t be bogged down with city information that may not be applicable to your trip. 

What’s your travel style?

If you’re going on road trips, you’ll find guidebooks with specific information and helpful tips on driving in Germany, the best scenic routes, and more. Likewise, if you’re going on a river cruise, find a guide that covers that specific type of travel. There are also guides that are geared towards kids.  

What’s your preferred writing style?

Do you prefer matter-of-fact, objective, no-frills writing? Or do you gain more value from reading personal guides filled with the author’s own anecdotes and experience of the city?

There are also guides that focus heavily on history, others on beautiful travel photography. Make sure to read reviews to get a gist of the style and content of the guide!

Fodor’s Essential Germany is the perfect guide for those who want insider tips on how to experience Germany like a local.

Fodor’s Travel Guides are all written and researched by local experts, who can offer you unique insights you might not find in other guides. 

In this guide you’ll find fully updated information on all of Germany’s main attractions and hidden gems, which includes restaurants, hotels, and even outdoor activities.

As well as full-size street maps and beautiful photographs, you’ll also have access to multiple sample itineraries to help you make the most out of your travel time.

The Rough Guide to Germany is one of the best options   for those who want a guidebook on their Kindle – it’s free with Kindle Unlimited (as of now)!

You’ll have rundowns of must-see landmarks, carefully planned itineraries, and full-color maps to navigate the streets of Berlin or Munich without the need to go online.

This guide covers a vast majority of areas in Germany, not just the major cities . If you’re spending more time in a certain region, then the detailed regional coverage will be very useful. 

Rick Steves is one of the most well known travel writers from the United States. His mission is to empower Americans to go on fun and culturally enriching trips to Europe and his guidebook to Germany reflects that.

People who are traveling to Germany for the first time will find this guide very useful. It has strategic advice on how to make the most out of your budget and time with tips on how to plan a multi-week trip to different cities in Germany.

Other handy features include self-guided walking tours, a packing checklist, and a German phrasebook. This edition also has up to date detailed information reflecting the changes brought about Covid-19.

Lonely Planet has some of the best guidebooks in the market and the Lonely Planet’s Germany is no exception - it's currently the #1 best seller on Amazon.

They provide comprehensive and trustworthy information on everything you need to know about Germany, from the most visited tourist areas to less well known historic cities.

This guide makes sure to provide itineraries and honest reviews of restaurants, shops, landmarks that cater to every kind of travel style and budget.

The book is available in both digital (it’s free on Kindle Unlimited too!) and paperback versions. The digital version comes with downloadable PDF and offline maps that are great for preventing extra roaming charges, embedded links to recommendations with websites.

You can even add notes to personalize your guidebook. The paperback version is small and sleek, making it easy to bring around while traveling.

If you’re staying in Berlin for some time, then you’ll probably be spending a good amount of time walking (alongside using their excellent public transport).

And there’s no better way of getting to know a city than by walking! National Geographic Walking Berlin is the best guidebook for this.

This book contains 15 walking tours with step-by-step itineraries and detailed maps that will have you roaming and exploring Berlin like a true local in no time.

Lonely Planet just came out with their newest guide on Munich, Bavaria, and the Black Forest.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect spa town to relax along the Black Forest or celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, this guidebook will have you covered.

Since it was just recently published, you’ll be able to find up-to-date research on travel information and what businesses are still open after light of Covid-19.

Aside from all the essential reading, there are also “what’s new” sections that feature cultural trends and new, up-and-coming areas to visit. 

From wandering around quaint villages, going back in time exploring ancient castles ruins, or dining in good restaurants by scenic vineyards, the Rhine Valley is a must-visit.

It’s particularly known as a romantic destination, but every kind of traveler can enjoy it. Rick Steves’ guide to the Rhine is a great place to start planning your trip.

It includes insider travel tips on how to beat crowds and avoid tourist traps. The selective coverage also includes information on Rothenburg, a picturesque well-restored medieval city. 

Lonely Planet’s Guide to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is perfect for those whose travel plans always include day trips or road trips.

Especially if you’ve planned your itinerary with the goal of visiting neighboring countries like Austria or Switzerland, then this guide is for you.

This guide covers everything from the Romantic Road, Lake Bodensee, the Swiss Alps, Zurich, Lake Geneva, Vienna, Salzburg, and more! It features over 33 trips to take with useful advice on breaks to stretch your legs along the way, the fastest travel routes, and scenic detours.

The Lonely Planet’s Pocket Guide series are perfect for those taking shorter trips over a weekend or maybe those who have limited leisure time during business trips.

These guides are small and handy, getting down to the basics of each German city. It’s easy to use and concise, with expert advice on the top tourist destinations, neighborhood chapters, and day planners.

Click here for more information on Pocket Berlin, Pocket Hamburg , and Pocket Munich

DK Eyewitness Road Trips is ideal for those who want to explore Germany through road trips.

This guide contains 24 well-researched, easy to follow driving routes. Each lasts from 1 to 5 days, so you can choose any depending on your time and preference.

You’ll get to learn about stunning views and hidden gems off the beaten track that you can only discover on the road. It’s full of practical tips like road conditions, detours, parking info, and navigation details for GPS use.

Plus, each tour includes ideas for activities and sights along the way.

Europe by Rail is the definitive guide for planning your European trail travel journey using Interrail or Eurail.

This guide includes 50 key routes that you can follow or incorporate into your Germany itinerary.

It also contains tips on the best ticket deals, where to stay, and fun sights to see along the routes. It covers popular routes such as Glacier Express, the Rhine Valley, French Riviera, and the Scottish Highlands with information on new routes to Slovakia, Greece, and more.

River cruises have been gaining popularity, with many tourists loving the different perspective you get as you travel by water through scenic riverfront views.

Riverboats are usually much smaller than Mediterranean cruises, making for a more social experience and more frequent stops and onshore activities. 

This Lonely Planet guide is perfect for those going on a European cruise through a number of different countries but who do not want to buy a guide book for each country.

It covers the following routes: Northern Rhine, Southern Rhine (France, Germany, Switzerland), Western Danube (Austria and Germany), Eastern Danube (Hungary and Serbia), the Seine (France), and the Elbe (Czech Republic and Germany).

Traveling with children to Germany for the first time can be intimidating. Kids Travel Guide Germany is here to help ease your worries!

This guide is a fun gift to give your kids as a way to cultivate their interest in traveling from a young age. Leonardo, the cute cartoon tour guide, will teach your kids fun facts about Germany and even basic German words.

It also comes with an activity book full of coloring pages, quizzes, puzzles, and journal pages to document their trip.

Nothing enriches travel experiences like immersing yourself in the country’s local culture. Culture Smart Germany shows you everything you need to know about German culture and way of life.

You’ll find chapters discussing history, values, cultural differences between regions, cultural traditions, and common etiquette to follow.

It’s great for navigating day to day life while you travel and even for more formal business trips.

This German phrase book is the ideal companion for your trip to Germany.

With more than 1,000 basic words, phrases, and sentences in German it covers every travel situation you could think of from small talk, asking for directions, finding a bank, and ordering at restaurants.

Easy to use and straight to the point, this guide will help you familiarize yourself with the German language and navigate social situations with locals. It also comes with a phonetic pronunciation guide!

What To See And Do In Germany?

If you’re not sure which guidebook will work best for you, consider where you most want to spend your time.

Germany is filled with tons of historic places to learn from, beautiful landscapes to admire, and fun cultural activities to experience. To get a gist of what awaits you in your Germany trip, let’s break it down to some of the main travel destinations in the country.

Berlin, the capital of Germany (and the largest city), is where you’ll find some of the most iconic landmarks of German history. You won’t run out of things to see from the Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, the Holocaust Memorial, the German Parliament Building (Reichstag), and many more.

For more information on the top historic places to visit in Berlin, read our guide to planning the ultimate Berlin itinerary.

This dynamic city has also undergone a lot of changes in the past decades, growing into one of the most interesting cities to visit in central Europe. Many people are drawn to the vibrant Berlin arts scene and music scene.

After all, the capital city is home to world-class museums (including some that give you a glimpse into what life was like in East Germany) and some of the best nightlife in Europe. 

Plus, it’s the gateway to rugged Rügen island to the north on the Baltic Sea, historic Dresden to the south, as well as “Swiss Saxon” national park area.

Hamburg, located on the Elbe river in northern Germany, is one of the most unique German cities. Famous for its ports, lakes, canals, and rivers running throughout the city, Hamburg shows you a different side of Germany.

Whether you canoe through the canals (super fun!) or try delicious fresh seafood after a harbor cruise, you won’t run out of fun activities to do in Hamburg. It’s one of my favorite cities in Germany!

The Black Forest is a region worth visiting for its spectacular scenery, small towns, and close proximity to France and Switzerland. It’s one of the best places to visit for those who love outdoor activities. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore and lakes and waterfalls to admire.

In-between immersing yourself in nature, you can explore picturesque smaller towns like Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, or Freiburg, and villages like Titisee-Neustadt, Triberg, and Gengenbach. You can also spend an afternoon seeing how people used to live at the Black Forest Open Air Museum.

Making your way to southern Germany, you’ll find the Bavarian Alps. For a scenic drive that makes the most out of your experience, we recommend driving south down the Romantic Road.

This route connects storybook castles , medieval towns, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s also one of the best ways to get to Neuschwanstein, the fairy tale castle that’s undoubtedly one of Germany’s most popular attractions.

A staple in all Germany itineraries is, of course Munich, the biggest city in Bavaria. It’s a popular destination for good reason – it’s a beautiful city rich with history far beyond the famous Oktoberfest. Munich (and Bavaria in general) is what most people envision when they think of Germany.

From Munich’s beer gardens, lush urban parks, and historic plazas, you won’t run out of things to see! Check out our guide on how to plan the perfect Munich weekend itinerary here.

Before leaving southern Germany, make sure to stop by Lake Constance (Bodensee in German). Found along the country’s border of Austria and Switzerland, this region with its lakeside small towns is a great place for sunny summer holidays. 

In Central Germany, you’ll find the Rhine Valley which holds great historical and cultural importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a popular romantic destination where you can do activities like wine tasting in hillside vineyards and going on a cruise on the Rhine river. We recommend exploring the area on a boat tour to bring you to quaint villages and ancient castles.

Cologne is a great gateway city to the Rhine Valley. The city’s old town is home to the famous Cologne Cathedral and it’s a great walkable area with lots to see.

Another nearby major city is Frankfurt. Though you may only know Frankfurt as Germany’s financial capital or home to one of the world’s busiest airports, the city is fun to explore for its modern architecture, the contrasting historic old town, and interesting museums. Read our guide to spending a day in Frankfurt here or how to day trip to the many castles in the area.

We hope this gives you a good idea of all the exciting things to see and do in Germany. We know there’s a lot to take into consideration. That’s why we also prepared a step-by-step guide on how to plan the perfect Germany vacation that answers everything from where to stay, what cities to visit, and how to get around!

When Is The Best Time To Go To Germany?

We get this question a lot! The best time to go to Germany totally depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. There’s really no bad time to visit because each season has something great and unique to offer!

During summer, you’ll get to enjoy warm and sunny weather. The long days are perfect for sightseeing since the sun sets as late as 10:00-10:30 pm. Be aware that you won’t always be guaranteed clear, blue skies, though. Some days can be rainy or windy but that kind of weather usually doesn’t last longer than a couple of days.

On the flip-side, it can also get really hot during heat waves, and you won’t find A/C in all restaurants and hotels.

Another downside is that since it’s peak season, streets and tourist attractions can be much more crowded with families from all over the world traveling during summer break. Prices for tickets and accommodations are also at their highest so we recommend booking reservations as early as possible.  

Winter can also be a beautiful time to visit, but you’ll obviously have a very different experience. Snow, cold weather, and short days with the sun setting as early as 5 pm are just some of the things that you can expect.

Luckily, you’ll have the festive bright lights and cozy atmosphere of Christmas markets to make up for it. It’s also an ideal time to visit if you love winter activities like skiing or sledding.

Fall can be a good time to visit, especially if you want to participate in Oktoberfest festivities which take place late September to early October. The autumn weather means it’s still pleasantly enough for strolls, though you’ll have colder nights as you approach winter. 

Weather during spring can be a bit of a toss-up. Some days can bring light breezes and warmth but other days can be gloomy and rainy. But you’ll get to see cities come alive and locals spend more time in parks or beer gardens as flowers bloom and outdoor activities kick into gear.

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

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The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

While most commonly associated with beers, bratwursts and tight leather pants, Germany is a country full of delightful finds that extend far beyond the stereotypes.

From dreamy castles and fairytale towns to awe-inspiring nature and sprawling cities, Deutschland has a little something for every kind of traveler… although I’ll admit the leather pants are also great.

I first visited Germany on a 6 week backpacking trip across Europe, and as I sipped my comically large beer under the toasty Berlin sun, I felt a strange sense of calm and belonging.

Spurred by this hunch, I moved to Munich. One study abroad, and 5 years later, I’m still here, with so much giddy enthusiasm for this country that I’ve become a thoroughly insufferable dinner guest.

But my social life’s loss is your gain, my friend… because today, I’ve decided to channel all my Deutschland fangirl tendencies into this concise Germany travel guide filled with all my top tips, itineraries, and recommendations.

Save this Germany travel guide for later!

I promise it’ll come in handy!

I hope you find it helpful, and of course, feel free to ask any more questions in the comments section or on Instagram here.

Traveling to Germany Basics

Currency: Euro

Language: German, although accents and dialects vary wildly! In larger cities and tourist hotspots, most Germans also speak excellent English.

Getting Around: Trains, buses and flights are plentiful and affordable in Germany – my best tip is to use Omio to compare options easily. Having a car is ideal for visiting smaller towns, more remote locations and numerous destinations in a short amount of time, but is otherwise not needed for big cities.

Germany Highlights (By the Season)

• Winter: Christmas markets, skiing & alpine sports, Karneval and Fasching season (Carnival), Starkbier (Strong beer) season
• Spring: Cherry blossoms in Bonn , Frühlingsfest (Springfest) in Munich
• Summer: Hiking, Beer Garden season, summer festivals/celebrations
• Fall: Oktoberfest and other Volksfests, the world’s biggest pumpkin festival in Ludwigsburg, the Wurstmarkt (world’s largest wine festival)

My Favourite Places in Germany

Let’s get my mega-biased opinion out of the way first – Munich is the city I now call home, and I couldn’t recommend it more… especially if you’re obsessed with beer like I am. This is the birthplace of Oktoberfest after all!

There are lots of fun things to do in Munich , like hopping around the city’s sprawling museum district (many only cost 1 euro on Sundays!), eating up the best Bavarian food that Munich has to offer or soaking in the wealth of historical sites scatered around the city.

It’s also an ideal base for many epic day trips. Going from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle (AKA the real life Sleeping Beauty castle) takes only 2.5 hours. Or, if you want to visit glorious Salzburg from Munich (AKA the birthplace of Mozart and setting of Sound of Music), that’s only 1 hour by train.

Why visit Munich when you travel Germany:

• Amazing beer & beer festivals
• The English Garden – one of the largest city parks in the world
• Beautiful palaces and museums
• Easy base for amazing day trips to the Alps

Berchtesgaden National Park

If it’s natural beauty you’re after, Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park (near the border to Austria) is a must-visit.

Everything here is breathtaking – from the shimmering turquoise lakes and snow-flecked mountains to the adorable Berchtesgaden town center.

And, if you’re up for it, this is the ideal place to enjoy a typically Bavarian wellness weekend.

Why visit Berchtesgaden National Park when you travel Germany:

• Stunning hikes and scenery
• The glorious boat ride on Königssee to see the equally stunning Obersee
• Historic sights like Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest

Hands down one of my favourite places to visit time and time again is Berlin.

This endlessly fascinating city is home to incredible museums, delicious food, and a unique culture that makes it distinct from the rest of the country, despite its status as capital!

Whether you’re a history nerd, an avid partyer, or a famished foodie, Berlin has plenty to offer.

Why visit Berlin when you travel Germany:

• Fascinating history
• World-class museums and attractions
• A thriving nightlife and food scene

Franconia is a glorious region in northern Bavaria that is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Franconia.

To me, it’s one of the most underrated regions in Germany for international visitors, with an abundance of fairytale half-timbered houses, amazing beer, and unique natural landscapes.

Here are some places in Franconia that are absolutely worth visiting:

• Franconian Switzerland
• Würzburg (still haven’t been yet!)

Perhaps the most idyllic entry of this list is Monschau, a sleepy but gorgeous village found near the border to Belgium.

I was lucky enough to come here for Christmas markets a few years ago, and I loved it so much, I skipped the train I’d pre-booked just so I could spend a few more hours there. 

Picturesque half-timbered houses clustered around a roaring central river… oh, and a castle on a hill. Because of course they have one.

Why visit Monschau when you travel Germany:

• Super friendly locals
• Picture-perfect scenes at every turn
• Christina might cry if you don’t

Hamburg is an amazing city I’ve had the chance to visit a few times now. It’s a lifestyle city that reminds me a lot of my hometown, Vancouver.

Home to a mix of classic and modern architecture (including the coolest opera house in the world!), as well as Germany’s #1 attraction – the adorable Miniatur Wonderland, Hamburg has a lot to offer tourists, but perhaps the best way to enjoy it is with a nice beer and sunset along the Elbe.

Why visit Hamburg when you travel Germany :

• Amazing architecture like the Elbphilharmonie
• Fresh and tasty seafood (and a booming foodie scene!)
• A fun, vibrant vibe

Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, and its beauty is all the more astounding when we consider that much of the city was destroyed completely in WWII.

After decades of reconstruction however, Dresden once again shines with its former glory, establishing itself as one of the most important cultural hotspots in Germany.

… and all only a stone’s throw from Saxon Switzerland, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country!

Why visit Dresden when you travel Germany :

• Stunning architecture and sights
• World-class museums and culture scene
• Its jawdropping Christmas market (the oldest one in the country!)

Stuttgart (and its Surrounding Area)

Stuttgart is the biggest city (and capital) of the German state Baden-Württemburg. 

It’s perhaps best known as the ‘cradle of the automobile industry’, which explains why it’s home to not just one, but two car-centric museums: one belonging to Mercedes-Benz, and one to Porsche.

Besides cars though, the area around Stuttgart offers up some of the cutest small towns you can find in Germany, all easily reachable by public transport, meaning you get the best of all worlds during a visit here.

Why visit Stuttgart and the surrounding area when you travel Germany:

• Fairytale towns like Esslingen, Ludwigsburg, and Tübingen
• Stuttgart’s Stadtbibliothek, one of the most unique and beautiful libraries in the world
• Lots of fun events like Stuttgart’s Christmas Market and the Cannstatter Volksfest 

Thuringia is a state often overlooked by international tourists, but if you’re looking for a truly charming German escape, its capital Erfurt makes an excellent choice.

This beautiful city is famed for its unique Krämerbrücke, which is a gorgeous medieval bridge lined with residential buildings.

But that’s not all – there’s also an impressive cathedral, an imposing fortress, and surprises waiting on every corner… quite literally, because Erfurt is the HQ of the German children’s channel KiKA, and there’s plenty of fun statues of famous characters scattered around town.

Why visit Erfurt when you travel Germany:

• Krämerbrücke, the longest inhabited bridge in Europe
• Quirky and fun children’s channel sculptures all over the city

Cologne, to me, is a city synonymous with fun and celebration. While at first glance, it might not rank among the “prettiest” places to visit in Germany (much of it was destroyed in the war), it still boasts several impressive landmarks and sights, like the epic Cologne Cathedral.

Where Cologne really shines though is during special events – the Christmas markets here are some of the best I’ve been to in my entire life, and the Karneval celebrations… well, those are truly epic!

Why visit Cologne when you travel Germany:

• Bucket list events like the Cologne Christmas Market and Kölner Karneval
• The iconic Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), one of the most famous churches in the world 
• Fun-loving locals who are among the friendliest I’ve ever encountered in Germany

Last but not least, we have Hannover, a city which (in my opinion) is one of the most underrated cities in Germany where tourism is concerned.

Locally, people often joke that Hannover is one of the most boring cities in Germany, but I don’t think that’s true at all. One quick look and you’ll find a stunning palace within the city, an architecturally impressive Town Hall (with a unique elevator offering epic views), and a cool laidback vibe that many compare to what Berlin was like decades ago.

Here are some awesome things to do in Hannover.

Why visit Hannover when you travel Germany:

• Its gorgeous New Town Hall
• The stunning Herrenhausen Palace and its gardens
• A fun, laidback city vibe

Bucket List Experiences in Germany

Germany is full of incredible bucket list experiences. Here are a few of my favourites:

Christmas Markets

German Christmas markets are the stuff of bucket list dreams.

If you adore Christmas, a German Xmas market trip needs to make it on your bucket list, because nobody captures Christmas coziness and joy quite like the Germans do.

The best part (besides the droolworthy assortment of German Christmas Market foods ) is that you’ll find Christmas markets in just about every city, town, and even the smallest of villages, each with their own unique take on traditions.

Trust me, you could never get bored of visiting these.

Here are some full guides to the Christmas markets I’ve visited in Germany:

• Munich’s Christmas Markets
• Berlin’s Christmas Markets
• Cologne’s Christmas Markets
• Esslingen Christmas Market
• Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
• Karlsruhe Christmas Market
• Düsseldorf Christmas Market
• Nuremberg Christmas Market
• Essen Christmas Market

Oktoberfest

Trust me – Oktoberfest , AKA the world’s largest beer festival, is reason enough to make a trip to Germany.

Typically celebrated annually in Munich, this is one of the most incredible events in the world, with millions of people attending, millions of beer served, and a guaranteed recipe for making memories to last a lifetime.

… If you can remember anything after 5L of beer that is.

Read my full Oktoberfest guide for more details.

Visiting Fairytale Castles

If you love castles, I recommend avoiding Germany……. because you might just combust from sheer fangirl joy.

Seriously, Germany is every castle lover’s kryptonite, with elegant palaces and fairytale castles in the thousands. If you’re a Disney gal like me who grew up dreaming of happily ever afters, pack a ballgown and head to Germany ASAP.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Here are some castles that you must visit in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Nuremberg Castle

The Cherry Blossoms in Bonn

The cherry blossoms in Bonn (also the birthplace of Beethoven and gummy bear legend, Haribo) are absolutely spectacular, and 100% worth visiting in Spring time. In fact, I’d even say they’re one of the best things to see in Europe at Spring time.

Yes, you, too, can come frolic in these tunnels of pink! Here is my guide on where to find cherry blossoms in Bonn.

Karneval, Fasching, Etc.

Carnival Season is one of the best times to visit Germany if you’re looking for a party.

The grandest celebrations take place just before Lent, and are celebrated throughout the country, although the festivites in North-Rhine Westphalia are probably the best known.

My top recommendation? Go celebrate in Cologne, where the Kölner Karneval draws millions of visitors every year.

My Recommended Germany Itineraries

Germany is a huge country with a massive diversity in sights… so how can you organize your time efficiently and make the most of your trip? Here are some German trip itinerary ideas…

Germany itinerary ideas for a taste of everything:

• Southern Germany Classic: Munich, the Allgäu (for Castles!), Garmisch Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden National Park, Stuttgart & Area, Black Forest
• Eastern Germany Classic: Berlin, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland
• Western Germany Classic: Aachen, Monschau, Eifel National Park
• Northern Germany Classic: Hamburg, Bremen , Lübeck, Kiel, Sylt
• The Rhine River Classic: Mainz, Koblenz, Burg Eltz, Cochem, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Harz Mountains Experience: Harz Mountains, Goslar, Wernigerode, Quedlinburg

Germany itinerary ideas for city breakers and culture hunters:

• The Big City Tour: Berlin and Munich (a 4 hour express train connects them)
• The BaWu Special: Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Tübingen, Esslingen, Heidelberg
• The Bavaria Special: Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Bayreuth
• The Saxony Special: Leipzig, Görlitz, Dresden
• The Rhine City Hop: Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Romantic Villages Hop: Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Füssen

Germany itinerary ideas for nature lovers:

• Southern Germany Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Black Forest and Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Bavaria’s Best Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich’s Lake Region, Franconian Switzerland, Danube Gorge
• Eastern Germany Nature Itinerary: Dresden and Saxon Switzerland National Park

My Top Germany Travel Tips

• If you’re overwhelmed by transport options, Omio is a great resource for comparing trains, buses and flights in Germany at the same time.
• If travelling by train, look into group discount tickets like the Bayern Ticket which give you unlimited train travel for one day on regional trains. It can save you a TON of money.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries nearby (i.e. Switzerland), a Eurail pass might save you money.

Accommodation:

• Booking.com is a great place to search up hotels, and filtering by Free Cancellation allows you to book without paying upfront
• Airbnb can be a very affordable alternative for longer stays/bigger groups

Attractions and Tickets:

• GetYourGuide is a great site for finding tours and attraction tickets
• City passes like the Munich City Pass , Berlin Pass , and the Cologne Card can save you a LOT of money if you plan to visit many tourist attractions in a short time
• If you’re trying to find specific info about a place, try using Google Translate to search in German because German versions of sites always have more info

If you’re past the planning stage and heading to Germany soon, make sure you read this before you go:

• Hilarious must-knows before you visit Germany

More Germany Travel Reads

Feeling inspired to visit Germany after reading all that?

As you can (probably) tell, I’ve written extensively about Germany.

So, here are some more articles that might pique your interest:

• Unique Things to do in Germany (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else)
• The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
• Hilarious Must-Knows Before You Visit Germany

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

4 thoughts on “The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need”

i found myself reading almost every post in your website for days and days and i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and adore and thank you for spending so much time and effort to make it so helpful, informative and fun to read. you have helped me plan my trip to munich in december and i cant wait to visit just because of your enthusiasm 🙂

We would like to Thank you for sharing such a beautiful blog! Very informative.

This Germany Travel Guide truly captures the multifaceted beauty of Deutschland, a country that has something to offer to everyone, from culture enthusiasts to nature lovers. Your personal anecdotes from living in Munich make it come alive, making me yearn for a taste of that amazing beer you’ve mentioned, and a wander around the English Garden! The varied seasonal highlights emphasize how Germany is a year-round destination, offering uniquely charming experiences, from the festive winter Christmas markets to the lively summer festivals. It’s heartening to know that navigating around the country is convenient, making it possible to explore its picturesque small towns and vibrant cities. This guide is a treasure trove for anyone planning to travel to Germany – it gives a well-rounded view of the country, infused with personal insights, which makes it even more valuable. I’m particularly intrigued to visit Munich, the city you so passionately call home.

As a Berliner, I can’t agree more with this guide. Germany truly is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, natural beauty and urban charm, hearty cuisine and diverse cultures. Moving around in Germany is indeed quite convenient thanks to the well-organized public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. And yes, English is widely spoken in major cities, so communication shouldn’t be a problem for travelers. As for the varied dialects across regions, it just adds to the unique charm of exploring this beautiful country. Safe travels, fellow adventurers!

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German for Travelers: The Basic Travel Phrasebook

• History & Culture
• Pronunciation & Conversation

You hear it all the time. Don't worry, everybody in Germany (Austria/Switzerland) speaks English. You'll get along just fine without any German.

Well, since you're here at the German Language site, you know better. First of all, not everyone in German Europe does speak English. And even if they did, how rude of anyone going there not to bother learning at least the basics of the language.

If you're going to be in a German-speaking country for a long period of time, it's obvious you'll need to know some German. But often travelers or tourists going for a brief visit forget one of the most important elements in planning their trip:  Deutsch.  If you're going to Mexico, you want to know at least " un poquito de español ." If you're headed for Paris, " un peu de français " would be nice. Germany-bound travelers need "ein bisschen Deutsch" (a little German). So what's the minimum for a traveler bound for Austria, Germany, or German Switzerland?

Well, courtesy and politeness are a valuable asset in any language. The basics should include "please," "excuse me," " sorry ," "thank you," and "you're welcome." But that's not all. Below, we have prepared a short phrasebook with the most important basic German phrases for a traveler or tourist. They are listed in approximate order of importance, but that is somewhat subjective. You might think that "Wo ist die Toilette?" is more important than "Ich heisse..."

In parentheses (pah-REN-thuh-cees) you'll find a rudimentary pronunciation guide for each expression. 

Travel Deutsch: Basic German for Travelers

Mixing any of the above phrases-for example, "Haben Sie..." plus "ein Zimmer?" (Do you have a room?) may work, but requires a bit more grammar knowledge than a real beginner is likely to possess. For instance, if you wanted to say, "Do you have a rental car?" you would have to add an -en to "ein" ("Haben Sie einen Mietwagen?"). But leaving it off would not prevent you from being understood-assuming you are pronouncing the basic German correctly.

You won't find too many questions in our guide. Questions require answers. If you ask a question in fairly decent German, the next thing you're about to hear is a torrent of German in the answer. On the other hand, if the restroom is left, right, upstairs, or downstairs, you can usually figure that out-especially with a few hand signals.

Of course, it's a good idea to go beyond the bare minimum if you can. Several important areas of vocabulary are relatively easy to learn:  colors, days, months, numbers, time, food and drink, question words, and basic descriptive words  (narrow, tall, small, round, etc.). All of these topics are covered in our free  German for Beginners  course.

You'll need to set your own priorities, but don't forget to learn at least some essential German before your trip. You'll have "eine bessere Reise" (a better trip) if you do.  Gute Reise!  (Have a good trip!)

Related Pages

German Audio Lab Learn the sounds of German.

German for Beginners Our free online German course.

Travel Resources and Links A collection of information and links for travel to and in German Europe.

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