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It's easy to travel from the UK to Germany by train. Take Eurostar from London to Brussels in 2 hours and switch to a high-speed ICE train to Cologne taking 1h57, then take another luxurious ICE train to Munich, Berlin, Hamburg or anywhere in Germany. London to Brussels starts at £52 one-way or £78 return, Brussels to Cologne at €18.90 each way, Brussels to Berlin or Munich at €27.90, city centre to city centre, no airports, no flights. Children under 4 go free, there's free WiFi and you can bring your own bottle of wine if you like. This page explains the best routes, times, & how to buy tickets.

Choose your destination: London to: Augsburg Berlin Bielefeld Bochum Bonn Bremen Colditz Cologne (Koln) Dortmund Dresden Duisburg Dusseldorf Essen Frankfurt Hamburg Hannover Heidelberg Koblenz Leipzig Mainz Mannheim (via Brussels) Mannheim (via Paris) Munich Neuschwanstein Castle Nuremberg Osnabruck Regensburg Saarbrucken Stuttgart Ulm Train times, fares & tickets

Train travel within Germany

International trains to & from germany, station guides, other useful information, interactive map : click a destination or route, useful country information, london to hannover & berlin, which route to choose.

Which option is cheapest? You have to go online and see, because each option involves several tickets and the price of each ticket varies like an air fare. However, at short notice, the ferry options are usually cheaper than Eurostar.

Can you go out one way, back another? Yes! Almost all European train fares are priced as one-way, so you can book one-way out on one route and one-way back on another. Eurostar is the exception where a return fare is cheaper than two one-ways, so book London-Paris or London-Brussels as a round trip if you can.

Can you stop off? Of course! Simply book trains either side of the stopover on whatever dates you want. Each part of these journeys is ticketed separately in any case (for example, the Eurostar and the sleeper train), so it's no problem to stop off on the way at any of the main interchange points.

What if you're not starting from London? See this advice about starting your journey from elsewhere in the UK .

Option 1, London to Berlin by daytime trains

This is the fastest & most direct option. Take a morning Eurostar to Brussels, a high-speed ICE3 train to Cologne, then a luxurious ICE2 train to Berlin, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Treat yourself to lunch with a beer or glass of wine in the restaurant, I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier and DB's choice of German red wine. An overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne can make for a time-effective journey as shown by the shaded journeys in the timetable below.

Timetable outward 2024

Timetable inward 2024, notes for the timetables.

Always check these train times using int.bahn.de , as they can vary. About the 20-minute connection in Brussels .

t = Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , not ICE

How much does it cost?

London to Brussels by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £140 return standard premier (1st class).

How to buy tickets

Buy tickets from London to Berlin or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Anyone from any country can use www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , in plain English, in €, £ or $, international credit cards accepted. There's a small booking fee.

You print your own ticket, or you can load the Eurostar ticket into the Eurostar app and show the DB ticket on your laptop or phone.

When does booking open?

Booking for Eurostar opens up to 6 months ahead, sometimes up to 11 months. Onward trains to Germany open up to 6 months ahead, less when the mid-December timetable change intervenes. Journeys involving a Brussels-Cologne Eurostar (formerly Thalys) open 4 months ahead. I recommend waiting until all trains are open before committing to a non-refundable Eurostar ticket. More about when booking opens .

Booking tips

It helps to specify Brussels as a via station if you want to see journeys with an easy same-station change in Brussels, rather than also seeing journeys via Paris. Using www.raileurope.com , click More options and enter Brussels (any station).

Is it a through ticket?

There are no through tickets from London to Germany, DB's Sparpreis London fares were discontinued in March 2020 . But www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com will seamlessly sell you a Eurostar ticket from London to Brussels plus an onward ticket from Brussels to anywhere in Germany. The connection between tickets in Brussels is protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT .

One-way or round trip?

On most European trains, a return fare is simply two one-ways, but on Eurostar , return fares are cheaper than two one-ways so always book round trips involving Eurostar as a return. For more control over the booking, book London-Brussels as a return journey, add to basket, book Brussels to Berlin one way, add to basket, then Berlin to Brussels one-way, add to basket & check out.

Seat reservations

About that 20-minute connection at Brussels Midi

The slick 20-minute connection in Brussels between Eurostar and an ICE to Germany, sometimes 18 or 19 minutes, is a recognised connection. It's not usually a problem, especially if you use the Brussels Midi short cut between platforms , if it's open.

You are protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT , so if the Eurostar is delayed you can travel on later onwards trains at no extra charge.

The system knows whether a connection is acceptable or too tight. If you plan to book your Eurostar & ICE tickets separately, first run a London-Cologne enquiry at int.bahn.de to check that the system recognises that Eurostar as connecting with that ICE, on that specific date.

Travelling from the UK regions: See the advice here .

Another way to buy tickets

This is a little more work, but there's no booking fee and int.bahn.de lets you select your seat from a seat map on German ICE & IC trains.

First check that your outward Eurostar & ICE are a recognised connection by running a London to Cologne enquiry at int.bahn.de and confirming that your chosen Eurostar & ICE appear together as one journey. See the bit about 20-minute connections in the previous section.

Step 1, book the Eurostar from London to Brussels (and back, if returning) at www.eurostar.com .

Eurostar return fares are significantly less than two one-ways, so if you're coming back, always book Eurostar as a round trip.

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, sometimes more. You print your own ticket or can load it into the Eurostar app on your phone.

After booking you can use the Eurostar Manage Booking system to select an exact seat on Eurostar .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Berlin at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

A round trip is ticketed as two one-ways, so you can book one way at a time if that's easier.

You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

How to buy tickets by phone

Using an interrail pass.

Pass or point to point?

Let's be clear, a pass will not save money over the cheapest point-to-point advance-purchase fares you might see if you book a few months ahead. But when point-to-point fares are expensive (for example, at short notice) OR you want flexibility, for example the ability to change your mind, re-route or reschedule as necessary, a pass might be what you need.

If flexibility is what you want, buy the pass. If it's about saving money, you'll have to check point-to-point prices and do the maths.

It's worth doing the maths if you are under 28, if you have kids (kids get a free pass when accompanying an adult but still need to pay reservation fees) or if you live a long way from London (as a pass covers you from your home station to London). Passes are available in 1st & 2nd class.

How to use a pass for a trip to Germany

Step 1, buy a 4-days in 1-month Interrail pass from www.raileurope.com (click Rail passes and select Europe ) or www.interrail.eu for €283 adult, €212 youth or €255 senior. You load the pass into the Railplanner app on your phone. See pass prices on the Interrail page .

A 4-day pass is enough to get from almost anywhere in mainland Britain to anywhere in Germany & back again.

A 4-day pass gives you unlimited train travel on any 4 dates you choose in an overall 1 month period. The first travel day can be any date you select in the 11 months after buying the pass, the overall 1 month period starts from that date. Learn about how Interrail passes work here .

Step 2, make a Eurostar passholder reservation from London to Brussels & back, €30 each way. See prices & how to make Eurostar passholder reservations online . Tip: Eurostar passholder availability is limited, so check availability before buying a pass .

Step 3, reservations between Brussels and Berlin are usually optional , but recommended. You can make seat reservations for around €5 each way at int.bahn.de by entering Brussels to Berlin and clicking the Book seat only link under the red search button.

By all means go out one way, back another, with an Interrail pass you can use almost any of the trains & routes to/from Germany shown on this page, find out how to reserve the relevant trains using the Interrail reservations guide .

Holidays & breaks

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can arrange a tour or short break by train as a package, with rail travel, hotels & transfers. On their website you'll find suggested tours & holidays which can be customised to your own requirements. One of their most popular trips is a short break by train from the UK to Cologne & Berlin , customisable to add extra nights. Another top seller is their holiday to Berlin & Prague , also with travel to & from London by train. Finally, have a look at their Ultimate Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest - this is by train on the outward leg from the UK, but can easily be customised to include train travel from Budapest back to London.

Tailor Made Rail can also organise a trip to Berlin & Germany by train, with hotels and transfers. Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking. From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461. Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday. Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/germany .

Escorted tours: If you'd like to travel with a convivial group of travellers escorted by a professional tour guide, the operators to check are Great Rail Journeys ( www.greatrail.com , in the UK call 01904 527 120) and Rail Discoveries , www.raildiscoveries.com , 01904 730 727. Both have various escorted tours from the UK to Germany by train, with departures on a variety of dates.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00). There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Brussels Midi) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train. More about Eurostar & check-in procedure . St Pancras station guide . Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels .

2. Brussels to Cologne by ICE3

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat. 50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava. As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station. More about ICE3 . Brussels Midi station guide . Cologne Hbf station guide .

3. Cologne to Berlin by ICE2

ICE2 trains have a restaurant car, bar car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat. Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf , the train crosses the Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine. It passes through the industrial Ruhr via Wuppertal & Hamm. After leaving Hannover, the train passes non-stop through Wolfsburg - look out for the original Volkswagen factory on the left, built in 1938. The train then travels at up to 280 km/h (174 mph) on the high-speed line to Berlin Hbf , where it arrives at the low-level platforms. More about ICE2 . Cologne Hbf station guide . Berlin Hbf station guide .

Option 2, London to Berlin by Eurostar & European Sleeper

This is shown on the European Sleeper page .

Option 3 , London to Berlin by Eurostar & Nightjet sleeper

From 10 December 2023 there are not one but TWO different sleeper trains from Brussels to Berlin, both running 3 times a week on different days, the existing European Sleeper ( see the European Sleeper page ) and a new Austrian Nightjet sleeper train , shown below. The Nightjet is expected to become daily from autumn 2024. So on 6 days a week you can hop on a lunchtime Eurostar to Brussels, have an early dinner, then sleep your way to Berlin.

London ► Berlin Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Standard Premier & Business Premier fares include lunch with wine.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

There's no restaurant car, but in sleepers or couchettes you can order drinks, snacks and hot dishes from a room service menu, served in your compartment. The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee, served in your compartment.

Berlin ► London Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

Fares vary like air fares, book early for the cheapest prices. Return fares are twice the one-way fare.

On the sleeper train, berths are sold individually, so one ticket means one bed, the other beds in your compartment will be sold to other passengers. For sole occupancy, simply book 1 ticket in a 1-berth sleeper or 2 tickets in a 2-berth sleeper or 4 tickets in a 4-berth couchette and so on.

Using www.thetrainline.com allows you to book all your tickets in one place, in €, £ or $, international cards no problem, small booking fee. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, less than this when the mid-December timetable change intervenes . Child under 6? See here .

Tip: After booking you can use the Manage booking facility at www.eurostar.com to choose an exact seat from a seating plan, see tips on choosing a seat on Eurostar .

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00). There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train. More about Eurostar & check-in procedure . St Pancras station guide . Brussels Midi station guide . In Brussels, I recommend using the Pullman Hotel bar as your VIP waiting room .

2. Brussels to Berlin by Nightjet

Option 4, London to Berlin with overnight stop in Amsterdam

This is a long way round so much slower than option 1, but there's only one change of train, it can be cheaper and what's not to like about some time in Amsterdam? It also allows an after-work departure from London so is time-effective. Take Eurostar from London to Amsterdam Centraal in around 4h, often with keener pricing than between London & Brussels, stay overnight, then take a German Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf next day in 5h52.

London ► Berlin

Day 1, travel from London to Amsterdam by Eurostar , leaving London St Pancras at 18:04 daily except Saturdays, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 23:11.

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the London to Amsterdam by Eurostar page .

Stay overnight in Amsterdam . The Park Plaza Victoria Hotel is directly opposite the station and gets very good reviews. The Ibis Styles Amsterdam Centraal is also opposite the station for a relatively inexpensive for overnight stop, or try the Hotel Luxer .

Day 2, travel from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf by Intercity train on any departure you like.

The 05:59 from Amsterdam arrives Berlin 11:51, or there's an 07:59, 09:59, 11:59 and so on, see the Amsterdam-Berlin timetable .

All have power sockets at all seats & a refreshment trolley. More about Amsterdam to Berlin trains .

Berlin ► London

Day 2, travel from Berlin Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal by Intercity train leaving Berlin Hbf at 16:06 & arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 22:00.

Or book an earlier train if you like, trains leave Berlin Hbf at 06:06, 08:06, 10:06, 12:06, 14:06, see the Berlin-Amsterdam timetable .

Day 1, travel from Amsterdam to London by Eurostar , leaving Amsterdam Centraal 07:47 Monday-Saturday, arriving London St Pancras 10:43.

Or on Monday-Fridays & Sundays you can leave Amsterdam Centraal at 13:47, arriving London St Pancras at 16:57.

Or spend a day in Amsterdam & take the afternoon Eurostar leaving Amsterdam Centraal at 16:47 daily except Saturdays, arriving London St Pancras 19:43, see the London to Amsterdam timetable here .

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

London to Amsterdam by Eurostar starts at £51 one-way or £98 return in standard class, £97 one-way or £168 return in standard premier (1st class).

Children under go 4 free, children under 12 pay a reduced fare.

Amsterdam to Berlin starts at €37.90 in 2nd class, €69.90 in 1st class.

Children under 6 go free, children under 15 also go free when accompanied by an adult.

Fares are dynamic, like air fares, so book ahead and avoid busy days such as Friday afternoons for the cheapest fares.

Step 1, buy a Eurostar ticket between London & Amsterdam at www.eurostar.com . You print your own ticket or can load it into the Eurostar app.

Step 2, buy tickets between Amsterdam & Berlin at the German Railways website int.bahn.de . You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

London to Cologne , Düsseldorf, Dortmund

Cologne, or Köln in German from its Roman name, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, was once the largest city in Germany. Its magnificent cathedral stands right next to Cologne's main station - the cathedral was consecrated in 1322, but its distinctive 512 feet high towers were only completed in 1880. You can climb them for a magnificent view over the city and the River Rhine. There are two good options for travel between the UK and Cologne or Düsseldorf.

Option 1, London to Cologne & Dusseldorf by high-speed train

Getting to Cologne from London is easy by train: Hop on a high-speed Eurostar train from London to Brussels in just 2 hours, then travel from Brussels to Cologne by high-speed ICE train in just 1h57 with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Frequent regional trains then link Cologne with Düsseldorf, Essen, Bochum & Dortmund. ICEs are run by Deutsche Bahn (German Railways).

Notes for the timetable

Buy tickets from London to Cologne, Düsseldorf or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

It can help to specify Brussels as a via station if you want to see journeys with an easy same-station change in Brussels, rather than also seeing journeys via Paris. At www.raileurope.com , click More options and enter Brussels (any station).

Step 2, book from Brussels to Cologne or Düsseldorf at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour or short break by train as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers. Their website has a range of suggested tours & holidays which can be customised to your requirements. One of their most popular trips is a short break by train from the UK to Cologne & Berlin , customisable to add extra nights, with train travel throughout.

Video guide: London to Cologne

Since I made this video, Eurostar has introduced new e320 trains, and the signage at Brussels Midi has been renewed. But the video still gives a good idea of the journey, and how to use the short cut from Eurostar platforms 1 & 2 to ICE platforms 3-6.

London to Bonn, Koblenz, Mainz

High-speed Eurostar trains link London with Brussels in just 2 hours. From Brussels, high-speed Eurostar (formerly Thalys) and ICE trains take 1h57 to reach Cologne - watch the London to Cologne video . Regular trains link Cologne with Bonn, Koblenz and Mainz.

How to check train times

Simply use the London-Cologne timetable above to find train times from London to Cologne, then use int.bahn.de to find connecting train times from Cologne to Bonn, Koblenz and Mainz.

Buy tickets from London to Bonn, Koblenz, Mainz or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Bonn, Koblenz or Mainz at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

London to Frankfurt

Option 1, by Eurostar to Brussels : This is the fastest and easiest option. Take a Eurostar to Brussels Midi in 2 hours, make a simple same-station change onto a high-speed high-speed ICE to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in 3h15. Both Eurostar & ICE have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. You arrive at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in the heart of the city.

Option 2, by Eurostar to Paris : Take a Eurostar to Paris Nord in 2h20, it's then an easy 7-minute walk to Paris Est for a high-speed ICE to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf taking around 3h50. Apart from the 7-minute walk in Paris this is almost as easy as option 1, it takes only a little longer depending how the connections work. How about lunch in Paris ?

Option 3, by Stena Line overnight ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland : The ferry alternative! Leave London Liverpool Street by train at 18:45 or Cambridge at 19:47, sleep in a cosy private cabin on the Stena Line superferry from 21:00 to 08:00 with shower, toilet & satellite TV. Next day, take the metro to Rotterdam and onward trains to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf arriving at 14:31. This is a great option if Eurostar is expensive (for example, at short notice), if you live in East Anglia, or if you prefer a ferry to the Tunnel.

Option 5, by Eurostar to Brussels & the scenic Rhine Valley route . Similar to option 1, taking Eurostar to Brussels and an ICE onwards, but instead of staying aboard the ICE all the way from Brussels to Frankfurt, you change in Cologne onto a slower train running along the Rhine Valley to Frankfurt, past cliffs and castles and the fabled Lorelei Rock. It takes an hour longer, but it's worth it! If you want this option, use www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , entering 'Koblenz' as a via station. To enter a via station at www.raileurope.com , click More options . See the Rails Down the Rhine page .

Option 1, London to Frankfurt via Brussels

Check these train times at int.bahn.de . About the 20-minute connection in Brussels

Brussels Midi station guide . London St Pancras station guide . Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station

Buy tickets from London to Frankfurt or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Frankfurt at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

2. Brussels to Frankfurt by ICE3

Germany's superb ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat. The train calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf , where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station. Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf , the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt. More about ICE3 . Brussels Midi station guide . Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide .

Video guide: London to Frankfurt

Since I made this video, Eurostar has introduced ]new e320 trains, and signing at Brussels Midi has been renewed. But the video still gives a good idea of the journey, and how to use the short cut from Eurostar platforms 1 & 2 to ICE platforms 3-6.

Option 2, London to Frankfurt via Paris

Note for the timetable.

London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £168 return standard premier (1st class).

How to buy tickets: Raileurope.com

The easiest way to buy London-Frankfurt train tickets is at www.raileurope.com .

Booking for the Paris-Frankfurt trains opens up to 6 months ahead, up to 6 months ahead for Eurostar & German domestic trains.

www.raileurope.com can book journeys to Frankfurt via both Brussels or Paris. If you want the Paris route, click More options and enter Paris Nord as a via station. It connects to both the French & German railways ticketing systems. There's a small booking fee.

Or buy using bahn.de & eurostar.com

It's also worth checking prices for the Paris-Frankfurt train on int.bahn.de , as this is the German reservation system so prices can vary from those on the French system. Furthermore there's no booking fee and child age limits are more generous: When booked through int.bahn.de , children under 6 go free and children under 15 can also go free if accompanied by an adult. Booking this way involves two websites, so do a dry run first on both sites to check prices and availability before booking for real.

Buy tickets by phone

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00). There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45 minutes minimum at Paris Nord) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train. More about Eurostar & check-in procedure . St Pancras station guide . Paris Gare du Nord station guide .

2. Paris to Frankfurt by ICE3

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the ICE to Frankfurt. The superb German ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat. More about ICE3 . Paris Gare de l'Est station guide . Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide .

Video guide : Paris-Frankfurt by ICE

London to nuremberg.

High-speed Eurostar trains link London with Brussels in just 2 hours. From Brussels, ICE high-speed trains run to Frankfurt in around 3h05, watch the video guide . Change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf for Nuremberg ( Nürnberg in German), taking just 2h05. Eurostar has a cafe-bar, ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, and both Eurostar & ICE come with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Always check times for your date using int.bahn.de . About the 20-minute connection in Brussels

London St Pancras station guide . Brussels Midi guide . Cologne Hbf station guide . Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide . Munich Hbf station guide

Buy tickets from London to Nuremberg at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Nuremberg at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

Nuremberg rail museum & rally grounds

London to osnabrück & hamburg, option 1, london to osnabrück, bremen, hamburg by train.

You can easily travel by train from London to Osnabrück, Bremen or Hamburg in a day, using Eurostar, a high-speed Eurostar (formerly Thalys) or ICE train to Cologne, then a comfortable German InterCity train from Cologne to Osnabrück, Bremen or Hamburg. For more information, read on.

You can check these train times at int.bahn.de . About the 20-minute connection in Brussels .

London St Pancras station guide Brussels Midi station guide & advice on changing trains Cologne Hbf station guide . Hamburg Hbf station guide

Buy tickets from London to Osnabruck, Hamburg or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Osnabruck, Bremen or Hamburg at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

Step 3, reservations between Brussels and Hamburg are usually optional , but recommended. You can make seat reservations for around €5 each way at int.bahn.de by entering Brussels to Berlin and clicking the Book seat only link under the red search button.

Railbookers : For holidays or short breaks to Germany by train call rail specialists Railbookers. They offer custom-made holidays & tours to Germany with trains, transfers & hotels sorted for you in one place. As they're selling you a package they'll look after you if anything happens such as a strike or major delay. The trips you see online are examples which can be customised to include train travel to & from the UK with no flying necessary, or to add extra nights, just call them.

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat. More about ICE3 . Brussels Midi station guide . Cologne Hbf station guide .

London to Stuttgart & Munich

There are several good options for travel between the UK and Stuttgart or Munich:

Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV via Paris : Take Eurostar to Paris, it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est, then take a direct 320 km/h double-deck TGV Duplex from Paris to Stuttgart or Munich. This is the fastest option.

Option 2, by Eurostar & ICE via Brussels : Take Eurostar to Brussels, a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) or ICE high-speed train to Cologne, then a high-speed ICE train from Cologne to Munich. This is the most frequent option with a range of services every day. It involves two easy same-station changes of train.

Option 3, by Eurostar & Nightjet sleeper train . A time-effective option, using either the Paris-Munich or Brussels-Munich sleepers.

Option 1: London to Stuttgart & Munich via Paris

London St Pancras station guide Paris Gare du Nord station guide Paris Gare de l'Est station guide Munich Hbf station guide

Buy tickets at Raileurope.com

The easiest way to buy London-Munich or London-Stuttgart train tickets for journeys via Paris is at www.raileurope.com .

www.raileurope.com can book journeys to Stuttgart or Munich via both Brussels or Paris. If you specifically want the Paris route, simply click More options and enter Paris Nord as a via station. There's a small booking fee.

Booking for Eurostar opens up to 6 months ahead, sometimes longer, booking for Paris-Munich TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead, but I'd wait until all your trains are open for booking. More about when booking opens .

Other ways to buy tickets

It's worth checking prices for the Paris-Munich train on int.bahn.de , as this is the German reservation system so prices vary from those on the French system used by www.raileurope.com . In addition, there's no booking fee and child age limits are more generous: Using bahn.de, children under 6 go free, and children under 15 also go free if accompanying a fare-paying adult.

Booking this way involves two websites, so do a dry run first on both sites to check prices and availability before booking for real. Booking for Eurostar opens up to 6 months ahead, sometimes longer, booking for Paris-Munich TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead, but I'd wait until all your trains are open for booking. More about when booking opens .

The results will show cheap Sparpreis fares (if available). You pay by credit card and simply print out your own ticket. Easy!

Tip: In the westbound Munich to Paris direction, I recommend changing Transfer time from Normal to at least 30 minutes before running the enquiry. That will avoid tight 7-minute connections into a Stuttgart-Paris train that only runs every 2-3 hours.

How to buy tickets by phone

See the Interrail pass section below

2. Paris to Munich by TGV Duplex

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the TGV to Germany. Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views. The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes. The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods & farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region. An hour or two later, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg. On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower. Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany, before heading on to Stuttgart & Munich. Paris Gare de l'Est station guide . Munich Hbf station guide . More about TGV Duplex . See TGV video guide .

Option 2: London to Stuttgart & Munich via Brussels

It's easy to travel by train from London to Munich in a day, using a morning Eurostar to Brussels, a high-speed ICE3 train to Frankfurt, then another luxurious high-speed ICE to Munich, all with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Treat yourself to lunch with a beer or some wine in the ICE restaurant car. Alternatively, an overnight stop in Brussels can make it more time-effective, as shown by the shaded journeys in the timetable below.

Stuttgart, Ulm, Augsburg : You can travel to Stuttgart, Ulm or Augsburg on the same departures from London, with a different connection from Frankfurt. For simplicity, I only show the Munich times in the timetable below, but a journey to Stuttgart, Ulm or Augsburg is booked in exactly the same way as to Munich.

Buy tickets from London to Munich or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Stuttgart or Munich at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

Step 2, make a Eurostar passholder reservation from London to Paris or Brussels & back, €30 each way. See prices & how to make Eurostar passholder reservations online . Tip: Eurostar passholder availability is limited, so check availability before buying a pass .

Step 3 if going via Brussels: Reservations between Brussels and Munich are optional, but recommended. You can make seat reservations for around €5 each way at int.bahn.de by entering Brussels to Munich and clicking the Book seat only link under the red search button.

Step 3 if going via Paris: Reservations on Paris-Germany trains are compulsory, seat reservations cost around €18 each way and can be made using the official Interrail reservation service .

Railbookers : Rail specialists Railbookers offer custom-made holiday & tour packages to Germany by train, with rail travel, transfers & hotels sorted for you. The trips you see on their website can be customised to your requirements, just give them a call.

Escorted tours: If you'd like to travel with a convivial group of travellers escorted by a professional tour guide, check Great Rail Journeys ( www.greatrail.com , call 01904 527 120) and Rail Discoveries , www.raildiscoveries.com , 01904 730 727. Both have various escorted tours from the UK to Germany by train, with departures on a variety of dates.

2. Brussels to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Munich by ICE

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat. The Brussels to Frankfurt train calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf , where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station. Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf , the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt. More about ICE3 trains . Brussels Midi station guide . Cologne Hbf station guide . Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide . Munich Hbf station guide .

Option 3, London to Munich by sleeper

ÖBB (Austrian Railways) run an excellent Nightjet sleeper train from Brussels to Munich 3 times a week, final destination Vienna, and another from Paris to Munich Ost on the same days of the week, also en route to Vienna (the Brussels-Vienna & Paris-Vienna trains are combined into one train between Mannheim and Vienna). ÖBB expect to make these trains daily from autumn 2024. It's a comfortable and time-effective option if you don't mind the early arrival.

London ► Munich (via Brussels)

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

London ► Munich (via Paris)

Munich ► london (via brussels), munich ► london (via paris).

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Tip: If you have a ticket for a sleeper, you can use the ÖBB lounge at Vienna Hbf with complimentary tea, coffee, snacks & WiFi.

How to buy a connecting ticket from other UK towns & cities: See the advice on special add-on tickets here .

1. London to Paris or Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00). There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train. More about Eurostar & check-in procedure . St Pancras station guide . Brussels Midi station guide . Paris Gare du Nord station guide .

2 . Brussels or Paris to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train

London to Leipzig & Dresden

There are several good options for travel from the UK to Leipzig or Dresden:

Option 1 , London to Leipzig or Dresden by daytime trains

This is the cheapest option, London to Leipzig or Dresden in a single day. Or break up the journey with an overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne if you like.

London ► Leipzig, Dresden

Option 1, leave London St Pancras by Eurostar at 07:04 on Mondays-Fridays, change at Brussels Midi & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and arrive Leipzig Hbf 17:10 & Dresden Hbf 19:38.

Option 2, leave London St Pancras by Eurostar at 09:01 every day, change at Brussels Midi & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and arrive Leipzig Hbf 19:10 & Dresden Hbf 21:38.

Option 3, leave London St Pancras by Eurostar at 11:04, change at Brussels Midi & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and arrive Leipzig Hbf 21:10 or (change again at Leipzig) Dresden Hbf 23:38.

Option 4, with overnight stop in Brussels

Day 1, travel from London to Brussels on any afternoon or evening Eurostar you like. The last one leaves London St Pancras at 19:34, arriving Brussels Midi at 22:38, but by all means book an earlier one for more of an evening in Brussels.

Stay overnight in Brussels . I recommend the excellent Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is an integral part of Brussels Midi station itself, or the inexpensive Ibis Brussels Midi just across the road.

Day 2, travel from Brussels to Leipzig in around 6h58, or to Dresden in 8h11. Find times that suit you at int.bahn.de .

Option 5, with overnight stop in Cologne

Day 1, travel from London to Cologne on any of the services shown in the London to Cologne section . You can leave London St Pancras at 15:04 daily, change at Brussels Midi and arrive Cologne Hbf at 20:15.

Stay overnight in Cologne . The good & inexpensive Ibis Hotel Köln-am-Dom is ideal as it's part of Cologne Hbf itself, with an entrance to the left of the main station entrance - many of its rooms have a cathedral view.

Day 2, travel from Cologne Hbf to Leipzig in as little as 4h23, or to Dresden in 5h42. Find times that suit you at int.bahn.de .

Dresden, Leipzig ► London

Option 1, leave Dresden at 06:10 daily or Leipzig at 07:33, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Brussels Midi arriving London St Pancras at 18:57.

Option 2, leave Dresden at 10:10 or Leipzig at 11:33 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Brussels Midi arriving London St Pancras at 21:57.

Option 3, with overnight stop in Brussels

Day 1, travel from Dresden or Leipzig to Brussels, check times at int.bahn.de . For example, you can leave Dresden at 12:10 or Leipzig at 13:33, arriving Brussels Midi at 21:35.

Stay overnight in Brussels. I recommend the Ibis Brussels Midi , just across the road from Brussels Midi station, or the Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is part of the station itself.

Day 2, travel from Brussels to London on any Eurostar you like.

The first one leaves Brussels Midi at 07:56 Mondays-Saturdays, arriving London St Pancras 08:59 or at 08:52 Sundays arriving 09:57.

Buy tickets from London to Leipzig, Dresden or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Leipzig or Dresden at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

Step 3, reservations between Brussels and Leipzig or Dresden are usually optional , but recommended. You can make seat reservations for around €5 each way at int.bahn.de , by setting up an enquiry and clicking the Book seat only link under the red search button.

Escape to Colditz?

Colditz has become part of WW2 folklore and it's well worth a visit. A train leaves Leipzig every hour for Grossbothen (or on some departures, Grimma) where a bus connects for Colditz. Journey from Leipzig about 1 hour 7 minutes. You can check train and bus times at int.bahn.de . In 1992, I made the whole journey from Leipzig to Colditz by train, as did many of the PoWs. See the Escape to Colditz page for more information .

2. Brussels to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Leipzig or Dresden by ICE

Germany's superb ICE (InterCity Express) high-speed trains have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat. The ICE3 train from Cologne to Frankfurt calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf , where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station. Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf , the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt. The train from Frankfurt to Leipzig & Dresden will be an ICE-T . More about ICE trains . Brussels Midi station guide . Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide .

Option 2, London to Dresden by European Sleeper

Option 3 , london to dresden by czech sleeper.

This is the most time-effective way from the UK to Dresden. From the timetable change on 11 December 2022, a new overnight service with sleeping-car & couchettes links Zurich with Prague, routed via Karlsruhe & Dresden. From London you can pick this new sleeper up in Karlsruhe. It's a comfortable option, some sleepers have an en suite toilet & shower, breakfast included.

London ► Dresden

The sleeper train has a Czech air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet. There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in regular sleepers. There are also 4 & 6-berth couchettes. A light breakfast with tea or coffee is included in the sleeper fare.

Dresden ► London

This 320 km/h double-deck high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

Alternatively, if you don't fancy the 5am arrival at Karlsruhe and don't mind a later arrival in London .

You can book the sleeper from Dresden to Basel instead, it arrives at Basel SBB at the much more agreeable hour of 07:20. The 10:34 TGV-Lyria from Basel SBB reaches Paris Gare de Lyon at 13:40, cross Paris by metro and take the 17:03 Eurostar from Paris Nord to London.

How to much does it cost?

Step 1, book London to Karlsruhe at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. Using one of these sites means you can book everything easily in one place. About Raileurope . About Thetrainline .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead for each of these trains, see more about when bookings open . I recommend waiting until all trains have opened for booking and times are confirmed before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.

Tip: You can book from London to Karlsruhe all in one go if you like, but for more control over the connection in Paris, I'd book London-Paris first, add to basket, then book Paris-Karlsruhe and add to basket, ensuring at least an hour between trains. That way you can allow a more robust connection than the system would give you, and you can see if earlier Eurostars have cheaper prices.

Tip: If you are making a round trip, London-Paris return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways so it's cheaper to book this as a return. All other trains are one-way ticketed so it makes no difference how you book, and it can be easier to book one way at a time.

Alternatively, you can book the Eurostar at www.eurostar.com , then book the Paris-Karlsruhe TGV at int.bahn.de . This is more work and prices should be the same, but there's no booking fee.

Step 2, book the Karlsruhe-Dresden sleeper at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz . Booking opens 2 or 3 months ahead .

Leave 2nd class selected. Do not select 1st class even if you want a deluxe sleeper, if you do the sleeper train won't show up.

The train will appear in the search results twice , both marked No transfers . The first appearance is the seats carriages marked EC (EuroCity), ignore this. Click the buy button against the second appearance of this train, with a sleeper & couchette symbol marked EN for EuroNight, and continue. Use the modify & edit features to adjust the type of couchette & sleeper. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. You can also try booking at the Austrian Railways site www.oebb.at .

What is the sleeper train like?

It has one modern Czech sleeping-car with 9 standard compartments with washbasin and 3 deluxe compartments with a compact en suite toilet & shower. Each compartment can be sold with 1, 2 or all 3 beds in use, as single , double and T3 . There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor, and each compartment converts from beds to a private sitting room for the daytime parts of the journey. There is a power socket for laptops and mobiles. All necessary bedding and towels are provided. The doors have card-key locks like hotels. A very safe, civilised and comfortable way to travel! Do not obsess about getting a deluxe - In the standard compartments the beds and the decor are exactly the same as the deluxe ones, the only difference is that the compartment floor space is a fraction smaller (though not so you'd notice) and there's a washbasin instead of an en suite toilet & shower. You can of course use the shower at the end of the corridor - you access it using the same card key that opens your compartment door. This train also has couchettes, basic bunks with rug & pillow, you can book a bunk in either a 6-berth or less crowded 4-berth compartment.

London to other destinations in Germany

You can get to just about anywhere in Germany by train from London. If your destination is a small place close to one of the big cities shown on this page such as Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, use the train times on this page to that city then use the German Railways website int.bahn.de to find train times onwards from that city to your final destination. The German Railways website will also give fares and sell tickets for journeys within Germany.

London to anywhere in Germany

If your destination isn't listed here , for example, London to Heidelberg, Regensburg or Konstanz to name just three, use this booking process to search for journeys:

Buy tickets from London to anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Anyone from any country can use www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , in plain English, international credit cards accepted and fares shown in multiple currencies. There's a small booking fee.

You print your own ticket, or you can load the Eurostar ticket into the Eurostar app, and show the DB ticket on your laptop or phone.

Tip: It can help to specify Brussels as a via station if you want to see journeys with an easy same-station change in Brussels, rather than also seeing journeys via Paris. At www.raileurope.com , click More options and enter Brussels (any station).

About those 20-minute connections at Brussels Midi

The slick 20-minute connection in Brussels between Eurostar and an onward ICE , sometimes less than this, is usually a recognised connection which lots of people make. It's not usually a problem, especially if you use the Brussels Midi short cut between platforms .

Even though the system sells you separate tickets either side of Brussels, you are protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT so if there's a delay and you miss the connection you will be allowed to travel on later onwards trains at no extra charge.

The system is programmed to know which connections are recognised/acceptable and which are too tight - if you intend booking your Eurostar and ICE tickets separately (which I often do to check prices for Eurostar and onwards trains separately, and to retain more control over the booking) it's wise to run a London-Cologne enquiry first just to check that the system does indeed recognise that specific Eurostar as connecting with that specific onward ICE, on that specific date.

How to buy a connecting ticket from other UK towns & cities : See the advice on special add-on tickets here .

Neuschwanstein : Bavaria's fairytale castle

See the Neuschwanstein page for a guide to reaching Bavaria's fairytale castle, including how to make an inexpensive DIY day trip from Munich by train, with photos of a visit to the castle.

By Harz steam railway to the Brocken

See the Harz railway page .

Escape to Colditz

See the Escape to Colditz page . Now part of WW2 folklore and well worth a visit! Colditz is easy to reach from Leipzig, or you can do it as a day trip from Berlin or Dresden.

Berchtesgaden, Obersalzberg & Eagle's Nest

Another site from WW2 which can be visited, the site of Hitler's country house, the Berghof, can still be seen at Obersalzberg on the mountain above Berchtesgaden, where Göring, Bormann, Speer and others also had houses. The ruins of the Berghof were demolished in 1952, all that can be seen now is an overgrown site with a large retaining wall. Hitler's impressive mountain-top tea house, the Eagle's Nest, is still standing and can be visited in summer. First, travel to Munich as shown above .

Travel from Munich Hbf to Berchtesgaden by regional train, these leave every hour through the day with one simple change at Freilassing, total journey time 2h35. int.bahn.de will give train times an sell you a train ticket - look for all-train departures that don't involve a bus. The regular fare is around €43 each way, so it's cheaper to buy a Bayern Ticket for €29 for the first passenger + €10 for each additional passenger, this gives unlimited travel for the day on regional trains after 09:00 on weekdays, any time at weekends so will cover a same-day round trip.

Although you can buy on the day at the station, buying online at int.bahn.de saves time and the system automatically shows the Bayern Ticket for journeys where this is cheaper than the regular fare.

Roughly hourly buses then link Berchtesgaden with Obersalzberg, journey time only 12 minutes, from where tourist shuttle buses go up to the Eagle's Nest. The bus operator is www.rvo-bus.de . Or take a tour - Eagles Nest Historical Tours ( www.eagles-nest-historical-tours.com ) do an Obersalzberg tour and an Eagles Nest tour, leaving from the tourist information centre directly across the roundabout from the station.

London to Germany via Harwich - Hoek

The ferry alternative! If Eurostar is expensive, especially at short notice, the ferry can be cheaper. If you live in East Anglia, the ferry can be more convenient, there's even a direct train from Cambridge to Harwich which connects with the night boat. If you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel or if there are strikes in France, this is also the route for you. Or you may simply prefer a leisurely cruise across the North Sea in a cosy private cabin with toilet, shower & satellite TV, after an excellent dinner in the ship's restaurant. The route via Harwich & Hoek of Holland is one of those shown in dark blue on the route map above . There are two departures a day, the day boat and the night boat.

Using the night boat

A convenient evening departure from central London by train and a good night's sleep in a cosy private cabin with toilet, shower & satellite TV on board the rock-steady 63,000 ton Stena Line superferry. Next morning, take onward trains to anywhere in Germany.

London, Cambridge & Harwich ► Germany

At Harwich, the station is right next to the ferry terminal and you walk off the train into the terminal, check in at the Stena Line desk and walk straight onto Stena Line's luxurious overnight superferry Stena Hollandica to Hoek van Holland.

The ferry sails at 23:00 and arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 next morning, Dutch time.

All passengers travel in cosy private cabins with en suite toilet & shower & satellite TV. Deluxe Comfort class & Captains class cabins are also available, and there's free WiFi in the lounges, restaurants & bars on 9 deck. You can get on board the ferry around 9pm, have a late dinner in the restaurant and settle into your cabin.

German Intercity trains link Amsterdam Centraal with Osnabrück, Hanover & Berlin Hbf every 2 hours, change at Osnabrück for Hamburg.

For example, you can leave Amsterdam Centraal at 11:59 and arrive Berlin Hbf at 17:51, see the Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity train page .

Germany ► Harwich, Cambridge & London

Day 1, take a train from anywhere in Germany to Amsterdam or Utrecht.

You can check train times & buy tickets from any German station to Amsterdam or Utrecht at int.bahn.de .

Coming from Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Hannover or Osnabruck it's easiest to go via Amsterdam. For example, the 10:06 Intercity train from Berlin Hbf arrives Amsterdam Centraal at 16:00.

Coming from Munich, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Cologne or Düsseldorf it's quickest to go via Utrecht. The ICE train leaving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 13:29, Cologne Messe/Deutz 14:50 & Düsseldorf 15:12 arrives Utrecht Centraal at 16:59.

Day 1, travel from Amsterdam or Utrecht to London by Stena Line Rail & Sail .

Take the 18:35 train from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiedam Centrum or the 17:48 train from Utrecht Centraal to Rotterdam Alexander to connect with the frequent metro train to Hoek van Holland Haven. By all means take an earlier train/metro, there are departures every 15-30 minutes and the ferry starts boarding at 19:30.

At Hoek, the station is right next to the ferry terminal. Check in at the Stena Line desk and walk up the gangway onto the ferry and sail overnight in a snug private cabin to Harwich

The ferry sails from Hoek van Holland at 22:00 and arrives at Harwich International at 06:30 next morning (day 2), UK time.

All cabins have shower, toilet & satellite TV. At Harwich the station is integrated with the ferry terminal.

On day 2, Take a train from Harwich to London Liverpool Street arriving around 08:56, or from Harwich to Cambridge arriving 09:41 (10:39 on Sundays). See the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details .

Step 1, book from London or any Greater Anglia station to Hoek van Holland at www.stenaline.co.uk/rail-and-sail/to-holland .

This is a special Stena Line Rail & Sail ticket, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for more tips & information on how to buy one.

You buy the metro ticket from Hoek van Holland to Schiedam or Rotterdam at the metro station using the ticket machines or simply by touching in & out with any contactless bank card.

Step 2, now book trains from Schiedam Centrum or Rotterdam Alexander to anywhere in Germany at German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead . You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log in at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Step 1, London to Holland by train & ferry

A train takes you from London's Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich. You walk off the train, into the terminal, get your boarding card & cabin key at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the overnight ferry to Hoek van Holland. The superferry Stena Britannica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world. Have a late dinner in the restaurant, retire to bed in a private cabin with en suite toilet & shower and satellite TV. At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and straight onto the station for the frequent metro train to Schiedam & Rotterdam. Change at Schiedam Centrum for a Dutch Railways (NS) train to Amsterdam Centraal (if heading for Hannover or Berlin), or at Rotterdam Alexander for a Dutch Railways train to Utrecht (if heading to Düsseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt & southern Germany). The journey from London to Holland is explained in detail on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page . See the video .

The Stena Britannica at boarding at Harwich, a floating hotel with private cabins, restaurant, bar, lounges, shop & kennels.

Above left, a standard outside cabin. Larger photo . 360º photo . Above right, the Stena Plus lounge with complimentary red & white wine, tea, coffee & snacks.

Above left, the bar on 9 deck. Above right, a Captain's Class cabin with complimentary minibar, toilet & shower.

Step 2, Holland to Germany by ICE high-speed train or comfort InterCity (IC) train

You can pick up a German Railways ICE train to Dusseldorf, Cologne & Frankfurt either at Amsterdam Centraal (where they start) or at Utrecht Centraal (a bit quicker). More info about ICE trains . If you're heading for Hannover or Berlin, go to Amsterdam Centraal to catch an InterCity train there. More info about Amsterdam-Berlin InterCity trains .

Using the day boat

It's an early start from London, but Stena Line's Harwich to Hoek van Holland daytime crossing connects nicely with the 3-times-a-week European Sleeper from Rotterdam to Berlin, making this a good option for Berlin, Leipzig or Dresden if the days and times suit you.

London & Harwich ► Berlin, Dresden

Step 1, travel from London to Harwich by train.

You leave London Liverpool Street at 06:00 Mondays-Fridays, 06:36 Saturdays or 06:44 Sundays, check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk .

At Harwich, the station is right next to the ferry terminal. You walk off the train and into the terminal, check in at the Stena Line desk and walk onto Stena Line's luxurious superferry to Hoek van Holland.

Step 2, cruise from Harwich to Hoek van Holland with Stena Line.

On Mondays-Saturdays the ferry sails at 09:00 arriving 17:15. On Sundays she sails at 09:00 arriving at 18:00.

The ferry has a bar, self-service restaurant, lounges, a premium Stena Plus lounge, children's play area & free WiFi. A private cabin is optional (but half price) on the day crossing, all cabins come with toilet & shower & satellite TV.

Step 3, hop on the metro from Hoek van Holland to Rotterdam.

On arrival at Hoek van Holland, walk off the ferry into the terminal and go through passport control. Walk out of the terminal to the adjacent metro station and hop on the metro from Hoek van Holland Haven to Eendrachtsplein in downtown Rotterdam, the metro leaves every 20-30 minutes, journey time around 30 minutes, see metro network map . Buy a ticket using the ticket machines or simply touch in and out with any contactless bank card.

From Eendrachtsplein it's an 850m 11-minute stroll to Rotterdam Centraal , see walking map , or you can change at Beurs onto metro line D or E and go 2 stops to Rotterdam Centraal .

You've time for dinner in Rotterdam, try Kaapse Maria ( www.kaapsebrouwers.nl ) for craft beer and good pub food, half way between Eendrachtsplein & Rotterdam Centraal, see location map . Check opening hours, it's open Monday & Friday but closed Wednesdays. Alternatively, Le Nord ( lenord.nl ), La Cazuela & Dunya are all good bistros 5 minutes walk north of the station, see walking map .

Step 4, travel from Rotterdam to Berlin or Dresden by European Sleeper .

The European Sleeper leaves Rotterdam Centraal at 21:21 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, arriving Berlin Hbf 06:18 & (from 25 March 2024 onwards) Dresden Hbf 08:29.

The train has 4 & 6 berth couchettes & a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin . A light breakfast is included in sleepers, extra in couchettes. More about the European Sleeper .

For Leipzig, change in Berlin. I'd allow at least 1 hour between trains, check times at int.bahn.de .

Dresden, Berlin ► Harwich & London

Step 1, travel from Dresden or Berlin to Rotterdam by European Sleeper .

The European Sleeper leaves Dresden Hbf at 20:30 & Berlin Hbf at 22:56 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, arriving Rotterdam Centraal at 07:32 next morning. The train is extended to serve Dresden from 26 May 2024 onwards.

If you're coming from Leipzig, check times at int.bahn.de . I'd want at least 1 hour between trains in Berlin.

Step 2, hop on the metro from Rotterdam to Hoek van Holland.

Walk from Rotterdam Centraal to Eendrachtsplein metro station, 850m, 11 minutes, see walking map , or take metro line D or E 2 stops to Beurs. Then take metro line B from Beurs or Eendrachtsplein to Hoek van Holland Haven, it runs every 20-30 minutes, journey time 33-35 minutes, see metro network map .

Buy a ticket using the ticket machines or simply touch in and out with any contactless bank card. The ferry terminal is right next to Hoek van Holland Haven metro station. Walk into the terminal and check in at the Stena Line desk. You'll need to leave downtown Rotterdam around 12:00 Monday-Friday or 11:30 Sundays, allowing for travel time and ferry check-in.

Step 3, cruise from Hoek van Holland to Harwich with Stena Line.

The ferry sails at 14:15 Monday-Saturday or 13:45 on Sundays, arriving Harwich at 19:45.

Step 4, travel from Harwich to London by train.

Step 2, book the sleeper from Rotterdam to Berlin or Dresden at www.europeansleeper.eu .

1. London to Rotterdam by train & ferry

A train takes you from London Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich International. You walk off the train and into the terminal, get your boarding card at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the ferry to Hoek van Holland. The superferry Stena Hollandica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world. There's a self-service restaurant, bar, lounges, a premium Stena Plus lounge, children's play area & free WiFi. At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and out of the terminal to the adjacent metro station for the frequent metro train to Rotterdam. See the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details, photos & travel tips .

The Stena Hollandica at Hoek van Holland, a floating hotel with restaurant, bars, lounges, shop, cabins & kennels.

Above left, the bar on 9 deck. Above right, the Stena Plus lounge with complimentary red & white wine, tea, coffee, soft drinks & snacks.

Above left, a Captain's Class cabin with complimentary minibar, toilet & shower. Above right, fresh sea air aft on 9 deck.

2. Rotterdam to Berlin by European Sleeper

Launched by two sleeper-loving entrepreneurs in May 2023, the European Sleeper has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, couchette cars with 4 and 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers, available at extra cost in couchettes. Light snacks and drinks can be ordered from the attendant, but there's no restaurant car so bring a picnic and maybe a bottle of wine! More about European Sleeper . Berlin Hbf station guide .

Above, the European Sleeper calls at Amsterdam Centraal. This is a 5-berth couchette car, beyond it is the stainless steel sleeping-car.

The European Sleeper arrived at Berlin Hbf .

Scotland & the North to Germany

If you live in the North of England or Scotland, option 1 is to take a train up to London and travel from London to Germany as described above. This may well be the quickest & easiest option. Here's some advice on buying connecting train tickets to London . If you live in Scotland, the Caledonian Sleepers will get you up to London in time for a morning Eurostar & onwards trains to Germany.

But consider option 2, by-passing London by taking a luxurious overnight cruise ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam run by DFDS Seaways or a similar overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam run by P&O Ferries , then onward trains to Germany. There are direct trains from Holland to Osnabruck, Hannover, Berlin, Cologne & Frankfurt. So why not by-pass London by taking the overnight ferry to Holland, perhaps spend some time in Amsterdam, then hop on a train to Germany?

Scotland & North of England ► Germany

Day 1, take a train to either Hull or Newcastle, whichever is most convenient for where you live.

In Hull, transfer to P&O ferry terminal and sail overnight from Hull to Rotterdam by P&O cruise ferry, with bus/train connection to Amsterdam Centraal. The ferry has bars, restaurants & cosy en suite cabins.

For details of schedule, fares & tickets from Hull, see the Hull to Rotterdam page .

In Newcastle, transfer to the DFDS ferry terminal at North Shields and sail overnight from Newcastle to Amsterdam by DFDS Seaways cruise ferry. The ferry has bars, restaurants & cosy en suite cabins.

For details of schedule, fares & tickets from Newcastle, see the Newcastle to Amsterdam page .

Day 2, travel by train from Rotterdam Centraal or Amsterdam Centraal to anywhere in Germany.

Use the German Railways website int.bahn.de to check train times & fares from Amsterdam to anywhere in Germany and buy tickets online.

For example, the 13:59 Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal arrives Berlin Hbf at 19:51, or there are later trains.

A 12:38 ICE train from Amsterdam Centraal arrives Cologne Messe/Deutz at 15:09 & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 16:26, or there are later trains too. if you'd like to spend some time in Amsterdam.

Or you could spend the day in Rotterdam or Amsterdam, have dinner, then take the 3-times-a-week European Sleeper overnight to Berlin.

Germany ► Scotland & North of England

Day 1, take a train from Germany to Rotterdam Centraal (for P&O to Hull) or to Amsterdam Centraal (for DFDS to Newcastle).

You can check train times & fares from anywhere in Germany to Amsterdam & buy tickets online at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

For example, the 08:06 Intercity train from Berlin Hbf arrives at Amsterdam Centraal at 14:00.

The 09:29 ICE train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & 10:50 from Cologne Messe/Deutz arrives Amsterdam Centraal at 13:29, or there are other trains. By all means travel earlier and have more time in Amsterdam.

Or you could take the 3-times-a-week overnight European Sleeper from Berlin to Amsterdam (for Newcastle) or Rotterdam (for Hull), spend the day there, then take the overnight ferry home.

Day 1, if going to Hull: Transfer by P&O bus from Rotterdam Centraal to Rotterdam Europoort and sail overnight from Rotterdam to Hull with P&O Ferries ( www.poferries.com ), arriving next morning (day 2). In Hull, transfer from the ferry terminal to Hull station by taxi or shuttle bus.

For details of schedule, fares & tickets, see the Hull to Rotterdam page .

Day 1, if going to Newcastle: Transfer from Amsterdam Centraal to IJmuiden ferry terminal by DFDS transfer bus and sail overnight from IJmuiden to Newcastle with DFDS ( www.dfds.com ), arriving next morning (day 2). In Newcastle, transfer from ferry to station by bus or taxi.

For details of schedule, fares & tickets see the Newcastle to Amsterdam page

Day 2, take a train home from Hull or Newcastle.

Fares & how to buy tickets

Step 1, start with the ferry. Go to www.dfds.com for Newcastle-Amsterdam, www.poferries.com for Hull-Rotterdam.

Step 2, now for the train from Amsterdam to Germany.

Book from Amsterdam Centraal (if you're arriving from Newcastle by DFDS) or from Rotterdam Centraal (if you're arriving at Rotterdam Europoort with P&O) to anywhere in Germany using the German Railways website int.bahn.de . Allow plenty of time for the port-station transfer.

Step 2, then check train times and buy train tickets to Hull or Newcastle as shown on the UK page or using www.nationalrail.co.uk . Allow plenty of time for the transfer from station to port, and for the ferry check-in.

Step 1, Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS) or Hull to Rotterdam (P&O) by overnight cruise ferry, with private en suite cabins, restaurants, bars, cinema, a floating hotel. If travelling with DFDS from Newcastle, a transfer bus takes you from IJmuiden ferry terminal to Amsterdam Centraal station next morning. If travelling with P&O from Hull, a transfer bus takes you from Rotterdam Europoort ferry terminal to Rotterdam Centraal , from where frequent Dutch trains run to Utrecht or Amsterdam.

Step 2, take an ICE train from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany. More info about ICE trains .

Holidays & tours to Germany

Railbookers, railbookers.co.uk.

Railbookers can custom-make a flight-free holiday or short break to Germany for you, with train travel & hotels, for however long you like, leaving on any date you like. If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you. They get a lot of repeat business! For example:

Short breaks to Cologne with train travel & hotel, check their website for prices.

Short breaks to Berlin, with train travel both ways & 2 or more nights hotel.

7-night holiday to Berlin & Prague by train.

Christmas Markets - Railbookers are experts in Christmas Market breaks by train

Byway, byway.travel

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating . If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a holiday to Germany for you as a package, including train travel from the UK and hotels, starting from any British station you like.

They can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form . Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Rail Discoveries, raildiscoveries.com

Rail Discoveries offers several train-based escorted tours to Germany, with 3* hotels and travel by Eurostar and onwards high-speed train. For example, they offer a 5-day tour to the Rhine Valley, or a 6-day Rhine cruise. Check prices & departure dates at www.raildiscoveries.com , then book online or call 01904 730 727.

Great Rail Journeys, greatrail.com

Rhine valley cruises.

There are two ways to cruise the wonderful Rhine Valley - as an inexpensive day trip on a scheduled KD Lines cruise, or as a multi-day trip on a full-blown cruise ship which you use as a floating hotel, staying on board in en suite cabins.

A day cruise down the Rhine Valley, an inexpensive short break

Buy train tickets from London to Koblenz, as explained above .

Buy a ticket for around €35 for the daily scheduled cruise from Koblenz to Rüdesheim run by the Köln-Düsseldorfer Line, www.k-d.com . Their scheduled day cruises run between April and October, there's usually a sailing from Koblenz around 09:00 arriving Rüdesheim around 15:15. You may also find an afternoon departure, leaving Koblenz around 14:00 and arriving Rüdesheim around 20:15. The cruise will take you past the Hostile Brothers' castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. They have various other scheduled cruises starting as far north as Cologne and going as far south as Mainz, see www.k-d.com (select English top right then click ''KD Scheduled Cruises' top left).

Treat the timetable as a guide, and don't book any tight connections, the Rhine boats can run late!

Luxury Rhine cruises

River cruisers with private cabins, restaurants and bars cruise the Rhine on multi-day trips where you live on board and visit locations along the way.

Riviera Travel , www.rivieratravel.co.uk , offers 8-day Rhine cruises from Koblenz to Switzerland with train travel by Eurostar to and from London, from around £1,199 per person. The trips cover Koblenz, the Rhine Gorge and Lorelei Rock, Strasbourg, the Black Forest, Interlaken and Lucerne.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Traveller's Railway Map of Europe - buy online

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south. Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted. See an extract from the map . Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Make sure you take a good guidebook. For independent travel, the best guidebook is either the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide. Both guidebooks provide an excellent level of practical information and historical and cultural background. You won't regret buying one!

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

Or buy the Lonely Planets from the Lonely Planet website , with shipping worldwide. Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Recommended hotels

Here are my suggested hotels conveniently located for arrival by train in key German cities, all with good or great reviews. You are unlikely to be disappointed by any hotel scoring over 8.0 out of 10 on Booking.com .

In Frankfurt

If you walk out of Hamburg Hbf's main eastern exit, you'll find a row of good hotels lined up in front of you on the opposite side of the Kirchenallee. The pick of these is the excellent 4-star Hotel Reichshof Hamburg , across the road and to the left with art deco-based design and great reviews. It has its own restaurant for lunch or dinner, although I'd still be tempted to try the beer & traditional German food at Nagel's bar, 150m south along the Kircheallee, restaurant-kneipe-hamburg.de .

The Hotel Europaischer Hof is another good choice and directly in front of you across the road when you walk out of the station. Other hotels next to Hamburg Hbf with good reviews include the 5-star Hotel Continental Novum (to the right of the Europaischer), Hotel Furst Bismarck (to the right of the Continental Novum), and the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski .

If you'd prefer a hotel right in the city centre, the Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown is 5 minutes walk from the station on the city side, and gets really great reviews.

If you're on a budget, private rooms in the A&O Hotel start at around £33 for one person or £49 for two people booked at www.hostelworld.com . The A&O is an 11-minute 900m walk south of Hamburg Hbf, see walking map . Also try the innovative Cab20 capsule hotel , a 550m 6-minute walk from the station, see walking map .

Affordable hotels right next to Munich Hbf with good or great reviews include the reliable Eden Hotel Wolff or the NH Collection München , both directly across the road from the station's north side exit, ideal for an overnight stop between trains. I've used the Hotel Wolff myself.

Also consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian , Excelsior by Giesel or Mercure München City Center , all a stone's throw from the station with great reviews.

If you want to push the boat out, the luxurious 5-star Sofitel Munich Beyerpost is right outside the station's south side exit, located in the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building dating from 1896-1900. It comes complete with a spa with massage service and sauna.

If you're on a budget, the Wombat's Hostel Munich is close to the station's south side exit with private rooms & dorm beds, with good reviews.

Booking.com for hotels

I generally use Booking.com for hotels for 3 reasons:

(1) It keeps all my hotel bookings together in one place;

(2) I've come to trust Booking.com 's review scores;

(3) Booking.com usually offers a clearly-marked Free cancellation option.

Free cancellation means you can secure hotels risk-free even before trains open for booking, and if necessary change those bookings if your plans evolve.

If I'm only staying a night or two, I look for a hotel near the station to make arrival & departure easy. You can enter the station name (e.g. Berlin Hbf ) as search location. If staying longer, I look for a hotel close to the sights, entering the name of a city attraction as the search location, then using map view.

I then look for a hotel with a review score of 8.0 or over, any hotel scoring over that won't disappoint.

AirBnB: Airbnb.com

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay. AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out. It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Backpacker hostels: Hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com : If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Compare 50 different car hire companies: www.carrentals.co.uk

The award-winning www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos, meaning not only a cheapest price comparison but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer. It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit. These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here . Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list . There's no need to buy a physical SIM card! Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards. And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android . 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing. Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained . ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone. You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities? Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa. They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities. My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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How to Plan a Trip to Germany (Your Step by Step Germany Trip Planner for Traveling to Germany for the First Time!)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclaimer policy.

You’ve decided to visit Germany. Hooray! Whether you’re looking for bustling cities, sandy beaches, alpine hiking, intriguing history, fairytale castles, delicious food, fun festivals or friendly people, Germany is the perfect European vacation destination.

Not only is there a tremendous amount to do, see, eat, and experience in Germany, you can easily combine a visit to Germany with other European destinations. Germany is easy to get around in by train, bus, car or bike, and many people speak English.

You’re probably wondering…where do I even begin with planning my dream-come-true vacation to beautiful Deutschland?

Where should I go? Is it better to take the train or rent a car? What are the must-see cities and attractions? Which ones should I skip? Where’s the best place to stay? What should I eat and drink?

Join our FREE Germany Trip Planning Facebook Group!

Don’t worry! We’re here to help you narrow down your travel options, plan your itinerary , and book your trip with ease. It’s actually quite easy to plan a trip to Germany by yourself with the information in this article, on this site and with some help of some online booking engines.

To reduce overwhelm and help you plan your ideal vacation, we cover everything you need to know to get started planning your trip to Germany . And if you have any questions, you’re welcome to ask us in our free Germany travel Facebook community or send us an email .

Ok, let’s begin!

1 Meet Your Germany Travel Guides
2 Overview of Regions
3 Where to Go in Germany: Itineraries and Planning
4 Want more itinerary ideas? Are you a big city person? Check out…
5 Prefer smaller historic, picturesque cities? Check out…
6 What about cute little villages with “Fachwerk” (half-timber) architecture? There are so many! Here are a few ideas…
7 Looking forward to visiting fairytale castles?
8 Like islands and water? Take a look at…
9 What about nature, hiking, and national parks? Consider…
10 Passports & Visas
11 What’s the Best Time to Go to Germany?
12 Germany Booking Timeline
13 What’s the Weather in Germany Like?
14 What Time is it in Germany Right Now?
15 What’s the Best Way to Get to Germany?
16 Where to Stay in Germany
17 Getting Around Germany
18 What to Wear in Germany
19 My Absolute Favorite Travel Clothing Items
20 What to Eat in Germany

Meet Your Germany Travel Guides

Hi, we’re Cate and Aaron, and we love helping people plan amazing trips to Germany. While Aaron has visited Germany several times (and is our chief rental car driver!), I lived there for 4+ years, have spent nearly 30 years of my life going back and forth between the US and Germany, and have traveled to all corners of the country.

I also taught German for several years and have a PhD in German Applied Linguistics, which means I’ve gotten to know Germany from several different angles. We’re so excited to help you plan your dream trip to Deutschland!

Overview of Regions

Northern Germany – Hamburg is the largest city in this region but there are other must-visit smaller cities like Lübeck , Stade, Bremen, and Lüneburg. Northern Germany also has the beautiful beaches of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, the Wadden Sea national park, and the islands of Sylt, Flör, and Heligoland. Northern Germany is flat and great for biking. It looks so different from Bavaria! Combine a trip to Denmark with a visit to northern Germany.

Eastern Germany – Berlin is of course the feature city in this region, but Dresden, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Quedlinburg, Bautzen, Erfurt, and Weimar are smaller must-see cities. There’s also the Harz mountains, Swiss Saxony national park , Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes in Thuringia, Wernigerode castle, the Schwerin Palace, and Sansouci in Potsdam. Combine a trip to eastern Germany with a visit to Poland or the Czech Republic.

Central Germany – This region offers bustling cities like Cologne , Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt , smaller cities like Aachen, Wiesbaden, Koblenz, and plenty of cute villages. There’s also the Rhine and Mosel river areas, vineyards, the Eifel national park, castles , and beautiful rolling hills. Combine a visit to central Germany with a trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, or France.

Black Forest/Baden-Württemberg – Stuttgart is the largest city in this region, and smaller cities like Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Freiburg , Tübingen, and Ulm also warrant a visit. Vineyards and wineries, spa towns, castles (such as Hohenzollern or Lichtenstein ), waterfalls, Lake Constance, cute villages, and hiking are also features of the Black Forest /Baden-Württemberg region. Combine a trip to France or Switzerland with a visit to southwestern Germany.

Bavaria/Alps – Munich is the feature city of Bavaria ( Oktoberfest! ), along with smaller cities like Regensburg, Nuremberg, Würtzburg, Bamberg, and Passau. There’s also the famous Zugspitze, Eagle’s Nest, Neuschwanstein castle , and Chiemsee lake, as well as lovely alpine towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Berchtesgaden . Combine a trip to Bavaria with a visit to Austria, Czech Republic or Switzerland.

Click here for what to do in Munich!

Where to Go in Germany: Itineraries and Planning

There’s so much to see and do in Germany! Here’s some info to get you started on your itinerary (you can also check out this article with 10-14 day itinerary ideas ).

If you have just a few days, I recommend focusing on one city and a day trip (e.g., Hamburg with a day trip to Lübeck or Munich with a day trip to Neuschwanstein ).

If you have a week, you could visit 2 cities (plus 2 day trips) in different parts of Germany and allot one day for travel between cities (e.g., a few days in Munich with a day trip to Chiemsee, travel day to Berlin, then a few days in Berlin with a day trip to Potsdam). Or you could spend a week touring one region of Germany (e.g. the Black Forest or the Rhine and Mosel areas).

If you have two weeks, you can see a lot of Germany! You could, for example, start in Berlin, then visit Hamburg, take a day trip to Lübeck , then visit the Rhein river area, stop in the Black Forest , and end your trip in Munich. You could easily do this trip via train or car. Take a look at a couple 10-14 day itineraries we’ve outlined to give you a sense of how much you can do in that amount of time.

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

How long does it take to travel around Germany by train?

It’s quick and easy to travel around Germany by train. Here are some sample travel times to give you an idea:

Berlin to Hamburg – 1 hour 45 minutes
Berlin to Munich – 4 – 4 1/2 hours
Hamburg to Lübeck – 1 hour
Hamburg to Cologne – 4 hours
Hamburg to Munich – 5 hours 40 minutes
Frankfurt to Nuremberg – 2 hours
Stuttgart to Munich – 2 1/4 hours
Munich to Berchtesgaden – 2 hours

I use and recommend the official German rail system website to check travel times and book train tickets (point-to-point, saver tickets, and discounted regional tickets). I book all of our train tickets here!

Want more itinerary ideas? Are you a big city person? Check out…

Cologne / Düsseldorf

Prefer smaller historic, picturesque cities? Check out…

Lübeck
Würtzburg
Tübingen

What about cute little villages with “Fachwerk” (half-timber) architecture? There are so many! Here are a few ideas…

Wernigerode
Quedlinburg
Dinkelsbühl
Rothenburg Ob der Tauber
Berchtesgaden

Looking forward to visiting fairytale castles?

Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau (the “Disney castle”)
Castles near Frankfurt
Castles near Cologne
16 castles to visit in Germany

Like islands and water? Take a look at…

Husum (North Sea)
Timmendorferstrand (Baltic Sea)
Lake Constance (Bodensee)
Titisee

What about nature, hiking, and national parks? Consider…

Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park
Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park
Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park
Jasmund National Park
Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park
Müritz National Park
Lower Oder Valley National Park
Harz National Park
Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
Hainich National Park
Eifel National Park
Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Bavarian Forest National Park
Berchtesgaden National Park
Black Forest National Park

How about a road trip? Why not drive the…

German Timber-frame Road (northern to southern Germany)
Romantic Road (Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, north/south)
Castle Road (Bavaria to Baden-Württemberg, east/west)
Wine Road (Palatinate wine region, north/south)
Fairytale Route (from Hanau to Bremen, south/north)
Black Forest High Road (Baden-Württemberg, north/south)
Alpine Route (Baden-Württemberg to Bavaria, east/west)
Volcanic Route (Rhein River and Eifel mountains, north/south)

Passports & Visas

If you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, you do not need a visa to enter Germany (at the time of publishing this article). You do, however, need a valid passport with at least 3 months validity AFTER your planned departure date.

Play it safe and have MORE than 6 months validity on entrance to Germany! You also need at least 2 blank passport pages at the time of your arrival. Check your passport NOW so you have plenty of time to renew it if needed. Do not wait until the last minute to do this (been there, done that – it’s expensive and stressful)!

Germany is part of the Schengen zone, which means you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. If you visit other countries in the Schengen zone before or after Germany, that counts towards your 90 days and reduces the amount of time you can spend in Germany. While on the automatic 90-day tourist visa you may not work but you can engage in business.

What’s the Best Time to Go to Germany?

The best time to visit Germany is whenever you can get there! No, seriously! There’s no best time of year for your Deutschland tour because there’s no bad time of year to visit. I’ve traveled all over Germany in spring, summer, fall, and winter and enjoyed every single season (Cate here, writing this article, by the way).

When should you travel to Germany? Well, it just depends on what you’re looking for…

Summer is when you’re most likely to have warm (even hot) sunny weather. But it’s not guaranteed. I’ve had hot steamy summers in Germany (like last summer when we traveled during a heat wave), cold rainy summers, and everything in-between.

Fortunately, even if you encounter rain in the summer it likely won’t last more than a few hours or at most a couple days before you’ll see the sun again. The benefit of summer travel is that you’ll have nice long days for sight-seeing because the sun doesn’t fully set until about 10pm. If you’re interested in beaches or mountains, summer is a great time of year to visit.

Note, however, that not all hotels, cars, and restaurants use A/C. If you really hate hot weather, play it safe and avoid Germany in the middle of the summer. (Although, to be honest, in all of the summers I’ve spent in Germany, there have only been a few days in the summer that I’ve found truly unbearable without A/C.) If you must have A/C, be sure to confirm that your room or rental car has it.

Summer can also be a more crowded time to travel, since so many families make use of summer break. Book accommodation early for the most options and best prices!

Winter travel in Germany can be cold but beautiful. One of my favorite times of year to travel in Germany is during the four weeks of advent at Christmas.

Yes, it gets dark early (by 5pm or a bit earlier) but the lights, decorations, and Christmas markets more than make up for it. Plus, you can go skiing and enjoy other winter activities.

I was just in Germany for a couple weeks in December and the weather was perfectly fine 90% of the time. There was only one day where the weather was truly miserable and even on that day there were enough breaks in the weather to enjoy my day trip exploring a new town and a new Christmas market.

Germans don’t let winter keep them from enjoying outdoor activities, hiking to strolling through a Christmas market or enjoying a coffee at an outdoor cafe. Don’t let it stop you, either! Just bundle up, grab a mug of Glühwein, and you’ll be fine!

Fall and spring are also great times to visit Germany. In the fall you’ll enjoy crisp mornings and cool evenings and seeing the leaves change color.

In the spring you’ll experience the joy everyone feels when they can once again sit outside at cafes and restaurants. The weather can vary quite a bit day to day but if you travel late in the fall or early in the spring you can score great deals and will find smaller crowds.

Germany Booking Timeline

I’ve booked flights, accommodations , and tours and tickets a few weeks before my arrival, and I’ve booked them several months in advance. Book early if you:

Are traveling during peak summer, Christmas market or ski season
Have very specific travel dates or lodging, transportation, sight-seeing needs
Are visiting big cities
Are on a tight budget
Are visiting during a special event, such as Oktoberfest

I usually start looking at my options as early as possible so I can figure out what a good deal looks like for my travel dates. I then set up flight alerts and start earmarking AirBnB’s and hotels. I begin booking whenever I find something that meets my needs and fits my budget.

Here’s a general booking timeline to get you started:

6-12 months in advance:

Research and book your international flights
Research travel insurance
Plan your travel itinerary and dates
Research and book flights within Germany or Europe
Research travel options within Germany (rental car, train bus, etc)
Research accommodation options (book if you find great deals or if availability is limited)
Make sure your passport is up-to-date (you need at least 6 months left on it when you enter Germany) and apply for a new one if it isn’t

3 – 6 months in advance:

Book accommodation
Book trains or busses (usually 90 before your travel dates is the earliest you can book but always check if you can book earlier – the best deals go fast)
Book rental car
Book tours, events, and tickets
Book travel insurance
Review your travel wardrobe and gear and purchase the items you need

1 month in advance:

Book any remaining attractions and tours
Book airport transfers or plan how you will get to your lodging
Purchase a sim card for phone or check how you can use your current phone service in Germany (e.g., I can use my Verizon phone service for a $10/ a day fee)

1 week in advance:

Print out or ensure that you can easily access all bookings, tickets, and travel info on your phone (make sure you can access everything without data or wifi!)

1 day in advance:

What’s the Weather in Germany Like?

What will the weather be like when you visit Germany? Well, it depends on the time of year and where you are. Weather in Germany can be somewhat unpredictable no matter the time of year.

I recommend being prepared by wearing layers, packing an umbrella or rain jacket, and remembering that the weather will likely change soon. And, as I said earlier, don’t let any kind of weather stop you from enjoying Germany!

Summer. Germany comes alive in the summer with everyone and their dog (literally, there are dogs everywhere) outside enjoying the nice weather. Average high in the summer is 80F.

Be warned…it can rain in the summer but it doesn’t usually last that long. It can also be super hot in the summer…but again, scorching temperatures doesn’t usually last that long.

Fall. Such a beautiful time of year in Germany with the leaves changing colors and cool, crips mornings and evenings and warm days. One of my favorite times of year in Germany! In September, the average high is 67F and by November it’s around 47F.

Winter. Bring your scarf, hat, and mittens because German winters can get cold! Average temps hover around freezing with warmer days in the 40s/50sF. While it can snow anywhere in Germany, you’ll find the most snow in southern Germany. Winter weather doesn’t mean everyone hides inside, though. On the contrary! Do what the Germans do – bundle up and enjoy the outdoors.

Spring. I love being in Germany on the first spring day because everyone heads outside to enjoy the sun and everyone is in such a good mood! Early spring will see a high around 47F but by late spring it’s more like 67F.

What Time is it in Germany Right Now?

Germany is in the Central European Time zone (CET) or UTC+2. It’s 6 hours ahead of the US EST, 7 hours ahead of CST, 8 hours ahead of MST, and 9 hours ahead of PST.

Daylight savings in Germany in 2020: time “falls back” on October 25 and “springs forward” on March 29. Write these dates in your calendar so you don’t accidentally miss any flights or trains (been there, done that)!

What’s the Best Way to Get to Germany?

It depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. When flying from outside Europe, many people fly into Frankfurt (FRA), the largest airport in Germany and one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe.

The benefit of flying into Frankfurt is that it has a ton of direct flights, and once you reach Germany you can easily take a commuter flight, train, bus or rental car to your final destination.

The downside? The airport is huge, busy, and I’ve noticed prices into Frankfurt have been higher than regional airports in Germany.

I used to always fly into Frankfurt , and then take a train, bus or rental car to my final destination. But recently? I’ve found that it’s easier (and sometimes cheaper) to bypass FRA and fly into other German cities, such as Munich , Hamburg , Berlin , Düsseldorf ( Cologne ) or Stuttgart .

You might even be able to find a direct flight from the US (I’ve flown direct Atlanta – Stuttgart and Washington DC – Munich, for example). Otherwise, you’ll change planes somewhere in Europe and take an easy 1-3 hour flight to Germany. We’ve changed planes in London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Paris, and Vienna, for example. You could also fly into another European city and then take a train, bus or rental car into Germany.

A Few Notes About Flying Into FRA (Frankfurt Airport) and Traveling Onwards

If you take a commuter flight from Frankfurt (FRA) to your final destination in Germany, you’ll go through passport control in FRA and then to your connecting gate. Super easy. Most flights from FRA to elsewhere in Germany are an hour or less in duration.

If you’re traveling onward by train from Frankfurt, you can transfer to the train right at the airport below Terminal 1. If your train leaves from the main station in Frankfurt, you can either take the S-bahn or a regional train from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof (main station) in about 10-15 minutes.

Important: you’ll find cheap “savings fare” train ticket prices if you book your ticket online well ahead of your arrival. Be sure to book your ticket for at least a few hours after your flight’s arrival time into FRA.

Be warned: getting through passport control, customs, picking up your checked luggage, and making your way to the train station can take longer than you think. And if your plane from the US (or elsewhere) is delayed…well, it’s easy to miss your train and have to buy a new, much more expensive ticket on the spot. Personally, I would book a saver fare train ticket for a train that leaves 3-5 hours after my international flight’s arrival time – at the minimum. And that’s still cutting it close if there’s any kind of delay!

Tip: If you want maximum flexibility and peace of mind, buy a “flex ticket.” You’ll pay more but these tickets aren’t tied to a specific train. So if your flight is five hours late, you can take a train later in the day without changing your ticket or losing money.

These tickets also you to stop somewhere en route to your final destination for a couple hours, and then get back on a different train (e.g., stop in Stuttgart for a couple hours on your way to Munich). So if you arrive on time, you can work in a short excursion on the way to your final destination (store your luggage at a locker in the train station). If your flight is late, just go directly to your destination. These tickets are also refundable before the first day of travel.

For ultimate flexibility and peace of mind, spend the night in or around Frankfurt and book a saver fare train for early the next morning.

You can also easily pick up a rental car at FRA and drive to your final destination. Aaron and I have done this a few times and never had any problems.

The one problem we do have? Staying awake long enough to drive to our destination! We usually keep the driving distance to an hour or two on the day of our arrival and drink a lot of coffee. Sometimes we pull over at rest area and take a nap.

If you want to rent a car at the airport and are concerned about driving while jet lagged, consider picking up the car and then spending the night in nearby town, such as Wiesbaden (I spent an enjoyable few days there before catching my flight home a few years ago).

If you’re catching a bus from the city center to travel onwards, S-bahn 8 or 9 will zip you into town quickly and cheaply in about 10-15 minutes. Buy tickets at any of the ticket machines before you board the S-bahn.

You can also catch busses into Frankfurt and elsewhere in front of Terminal 1 (arrivals level) and Terminal 2 (level 2).

You’ll find taxis in the same general area. It takes about 20 minutes to get into downtown Frankfurt by taxi.

Flying to Germany from Elsewhere in Europe

These days it’s super easy and generally inexpensive to fly to Germany from all over Europe. Here are a couple tips:

When booking your international flight, you might be able to include a stop-over in the city where you’ll transfer to your Germany flight. I used to do stopovers in London, and a couple years ago I did an awesome stopover in Iceland. TAP also offers free stopovers in Lisbon or Porto.

I highly recommend looking into both flying and taking a train (or bus) into Germany, especially if you’re arriving from a neighboring country and not on a stopover. Of course, if you’re flying from cities like London, Barcelona, Rome or Oslo, flying is the best option. But if you’re traveling from Paris, Vienna, Copenhagen or Prague, for example, a train might be the better way to go.

Even if the actual flight is only an hour, you have to factor in the time it takes to travel to the airport, go through security, potential flight delays, and then traveling to your lodging once you land. A 5- or 6-hour train ride might actually take less time than a 1-hour flight when you total it all up!

Traveling to Germany By Train, Bus or Car

Traveling to Germany from other European countries by train, bus or car is easy. Train travel is generally simple, comfortable, and quick. Most train stations in Germany are located in the city center, so it’s easy to get to your lodging via taxi or public transportation.

If renting a car in another country, just double check that you’re authorized to take the car out of the rental country. If you are, you’ll have no problems crossing the boarder and driving around Germany.

Busses tend to cost less than trains, and you can find some amazing deals, but to be honest, I still prefer taking trains over busses. Trains are more comfortable, you can get up and walk around, and they’re almost always faster than busses. Plus, they don’t get stuck in traffic.

Tips for Booking the Best Flights with Cash or Miles:

Start looking for flights early, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. I booked our mid-June flights in late January. While we found low mileage flights for very specific weekend travel dates, we could have found better flight times had we booked even earlier.
Track flights through google or look at options in Hopper so you’ll know a good deal when you see one.
Look for last-minute deals. When I decided to go to Germany in December I didn’t start looking for flights until early November (the trip was a last-minute decision). Because I was flexible on travel dates and went early in the month, I found excellent tickets using miles. This doesn’t always happen, but it never hurts to look for deals, even if your travel dates are right around the corner.
Fly in or out of smaller regional airports (e.g., Berlin , Hamburg , Stuttgart , Munich , Düsseldorf). When I booked our flights for mid-June I couldn’t find anything into Frankfurt using miles. But I did find flights into Berlin and out of Stuttgart, and that actually worked even better for that trip ! For my recent December trip , I found that flying in and out of Stuttgart used the lowest amount of miles and had the best schedule. I’ve also flown into Hamburg and Munich airports.

Where to Stay in Germany

Germany has so many options for lodging:

Vacation rentals (e.g., VBRO, AirBnB)
Hip boutique hotels
Quirky hostels
More traditional HI hostels
Large hotel chains
American-styles hotels (Hilton, Marriott, etc)
Family-run Pensionen (bed and breakfast)
Camping (RV and tent)

When we’re in Germany we typically opt for AirBnB (I like having a kitchen to make breakfast) or a smaller family-run Pension or boutique hotel. We used to stay in hostels when we was younger (they’re pretty nice in Germany) but even then I found Pensionen to be very affordable – sometimes more affordable than hostels – especially when traveling with one or two other people. If we’re spending the night near an airport or train station and want convenience and ease we’ll stay at a larger chain hotel .

Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget accommodations, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Germany! To help you get started, check out our Germany hotel guides.

Breakfast is often included with lodging in Germany (but not always). Sometimes breakfast will feature fresh bread or Brötchen (delicious German rolls), cold cuts and cheese, butter and jam, and tea and coffee. Other times there will be an extensive breakfast buffet that includes things like yogurt, museli, a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, and even hard-boiled eggs. You’re unlikely to find things like omelets, bacon, pancakes, waffles, and hot oatmeal.

If you’re looking to save money on lodging, book rooms with a shared bathroom. (This is typically only an option in smaller or older hotels and not an option I come across as often anymore.) Sometimes that will mean sharing a full bathroom with other guests on your floor, and other times you’ll have a sink and/or shower in your room and will share a toilet located in the hallway. Shared bathrooms are more common in smaller Pensionen than in hotels.

These days I prefer the convenience of having a full bathroom in my room but I’m not averse to sharing a hall bathroom when needed (takes me back to my younger backpacking days – ha!). I’ve never had to wait to use a shared bathroom or had any trouble with them. Sometimes there are two or more bathrooms per floor. If you do opt for a shared bathroom, bring flip-flops!

Hostels can be a great option for families, as many offer family rooms. Hostels typically offer a simple breakfast and sometimes dinner. While accommodations are simple, some hostels can be in spectacular locations. The hostel in Bacharach, for example, is in an old castle on a hill and offers a gorgeous view of the town below and the Rhine river!

Getting Around Germany

One of the benefits of traveling in Germany is that it’s super easy to get around the entire country. You have so many transportation options.

You can rent a car and drive from place to place. Or you can stick to trains and busses. Or ride a bike – there are tons of bike paths throughout Germany.

If I’m primarily visiting big cities I prefer taking the train or a bus to get from one city to another. When I spend more time in smaller cities or want to take day trips to harder to reach places, I prefer having a car.

For our recent summer trip to Germany, we rented a car at the Berlin airport and returned it to the Stuttgart airport. We didn’t take trains or busses at all. We got a car so we could go to places that aren’t as easily (or quickly) accessible by train. We didn’t use the car every day, though. We walked and used public transportation when exploring cities.

Speaking of public transportation, Germany’s is one of the best! It’s super easy to get everywhere you want to go via the S-bahn (above ground metro), U-bahn (underground metro), Strassenbahn (street car), and city bus. Taxis (and Uber/Lyft, where available) are also convenient options, though more expensive than public transport.

There are also car-share programs that you can look into. I haven’t used any of them and don’t know how convenient they are for travelers but it doesn’t hurt to check them out.

German cities are very walkable, so it’s easy to get around by foot. And, if you’d like to bike around like a local, there are lots of places to rent bikes (or scooters!) around town or maybe even at your hotel or AirBnB. If you’re more interested in just one afternoon of biking, try a city bike tour!

A few transportation tips:

For the best train ticket prices book your ticket via the official German rail system website in well in advance. I book all of our tickets there. Note: if you pre-purchase your ticket at the lowest price you have to take the specific train you booked. If you miss that train, you have to buy another ticket.
If you don’t mind taking slower regional trains you can get some really cheap tickets and regional day tickets. You may not want to use these tickets to go from Munich to Hamburg, but they’re great for day trips, whether traveling solo or with others.
Busses are often less expensive than the train (though not quite as comfortable and often slower).
There are Eurail options for Germany, and they’re a great choice if you value flexibility and ease or if you want to make stops while traveling (eg., stop in Cologne for a couple hours while traveling from Hamburg to Munich).
If you plan to rely on public transportation in the cities you visit, buy a day pass (or perhaps a multi-day or week pass) rather than individual tickets. Also check to see if there are group day tickets or if young kids can ride free. Note: there’s often a small additional fee to bring a bike or a large amount of luggage on public transportation. There are often less expensive day passes for travel starting after 9am.

What to Wear in Germany

Check out my packing list for Germany!

Layer, layer, layer! The weather in Germany is often unpredictable so your best bet is to bring layers so you can customize your wardrobe on the fly. Since rain is a possibility any time of year, you may want to bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella.

Bring comfortable shoes. You’ll no doubt walk all day long (often on cobblestone), so bring your most comfortable, supportive shoes. Be sure to break in your shoes before you travel. There’s nothing worse than realizing a day into your trip that your shoes pinch your toes or give you huge blisters. (Bring along moleskin, just in case. I always have this kind in my day bag!) I typically bring a good pair of walking shoes appropriate for the season (e.g., boots in the winter) and a nicer pair of flats (sandals in the summer).

You can wear jeans. Some people say never travel with jeans but I’m not one of those people. I love traveling with jeans! They’re comfortable, I can wear them a few times without having to wash them, and I feel less like a tourist wearing them because everyone wears them. If you like jeans, wear jeans.

Scarf, hat, gloves. If you’re traveling in the winter or even late fall or early spring, definitely bring a warm scarf, hat, and gloves or mittens. Or buy them in Germany and take them home as a souvenir! Almost all of my winter accessories are from Germany. Even if you’re not traveling in colder weather, I recommend a travel scarf with a hidden pocket for ease and security.

You can wear shorts in the summer. Shorts are more popular in Germany than they used to be, so if you like them and are comfortable in them, wear them. That said, do also bring summer dresses or skirts and or lightweight pants to wear when shorts are too informal.

Bring a comfortable day bag or purse. When you’re out and about all day you want a comfortable bag or purse to hold your travel essentials – wallet, phone, camera, ipad/kindle/book, umbrella, journal, etc. For peace of mind, you may even want one with special security features. Click here to read my guide for buying the best travel purse.

My Absolute Favorite Travel Clothing Items

Merino wool camisole/tank – These camisoles are the BEST for travel! They’re soft, comfortable, easy to hand wash, and they never stink. This might be TMI but a few years ago, when I was traveling solo around Europe, I wore the same merino wool tank each day for 14 days in warm spring weather. It never smelled bad! Since that experiment I don’t typically go that long without washing my tanks, but I like knowing that I could! Click here to read more reviews and buy a merino wool camisole/tank.

Foldable flats – I splurged on a pair of foldable leather flats a few years ago, and after I broke them in I started really liking them. I wouldn’t recommend them for a full day of walking (especially on cobblestones) but I like to bring my foldable flats along for a change of pace or when I want the option of wearing a cute pair of shoes but don’t want them to take up much space in my suitcase.

Merino wool shoes – I bought a pair of dark grey merino wool walking/tennis shoes a couple years ago and I LOVE them! I can wear them barefoot in the summer, and not only do my feet stay relatively cool, my shoes don’t stink when I take them off at the end of the day. I can throw them in the wash if they get dirty (though mine still look great 2 years later), they pack flat and don’t take up much space in my suitcase or travel backpack, and the heel is thick and cushioned. You can also buy replacement merino wool insoles without having to buy a new pair of shoes.

What I don’t like: the pair I have doesn’t have enough arch support for me and there’s not enough padding under the ball of my foot. The first few times I wore them they were uncomfortable after walking all day and I was super disappointed! But after adding an arch support and a gel insert under the ball of my foot (I like this one ) I loved them and now wear them all the time while traveling and at home. Many people love them from the start! Click here to to read reviews and check out merino wool shoes.

What to Eat in Germany

You’ll never go hungry while traveling in Germany! While you can always find traditional items like Schnitzel, Spätzle, Rouladen, and Bratwurst, there are plenty of healthier options, including those that are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.

Many restaurants now cater to special diets and accommodate allergies, as do some specialty grocery stores. Aaron has a meat allergy and frequently eats gluten-free and has never had a problem finding delicious food in Germany.

These days Germany has a wide variety of restaurants to ft all budgets featuring cuisine from all over the world (except Mexican…I’ve yet to find good tacos in Germany). So you won’t be stuck eating Schnitzel every day – unless you want to!

We usually eat breakfast at our AirBnB or hotel, enjoy a nice lunch at a restaurant we’ve stumbled upon, and then grab a Döner, salad or pizza for dinner. We also often picnic using ingredients from the bakery and grocery store or farmer’s market.

Traditional German dishes to try: Schnitzel, Spätzle, Rouladen, Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Schweinehaxen, Maultaschen, Currywurst, Leberkäse, Flammkuchen, Sauerkruat, Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), Quark, all kinds of German breads.

Quick lunches and snacks on the go: Döner, Falafel, Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Bratwurst, Currywurst, salads, Brötchen filled with meat and/or cheese, fresh pretzels, pastries, cakes. Click here to see the best German street food!

Desserts & sweet treats: Schwarzwälderkirchtorte (Black Forest Cake), Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake), cheesecake, Stollen, Frankfurter Kranz, cake, Donauwellen cake, Berliner, Lebkuchen, Pflaumenkuchen (plum cake), all kinds of pastries and chocolate – just to name a few! Click here to see the 10 must-try German desserts and sweets.

Beer: every kind you could ever imagine! I usually just ask for the local beer unless there’s a specific one I know I want to try.

Christmas: This is the best time of year to be in Germany, partly because of the many delicious holiday treats like Lebkuchen, Stollen, Glühwein, and so much more. Click here to read more about what to eat in Germany during the Christmas season.

Want to try German food now? Click here to see where to buy delicious German food online!

Got a question about traveling in Germany? Join our free Germany trip planning community or send us an email!

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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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.

69 Comments

I enjoyed reading this information. My husband and I would like to stay in Germany for 2 to 3 months in 2022. I am interested in staying in the area of Bamberg with the plan of visiting other regions in Germany via a rental car. Either at the end or beginning of our stay we would like to visit France (especially Paris). I have so many questions. But our hope is to have basically our last trip on our own and experience more of the everyday lifestyle. Up to this point we have only traveled via being guest of Viking River Cruise and tours.

Hi Donna! 2-3 months in Germany sounds awesome! Since you’ll be there so long, you might want to consider spending 1 month in 3 different regions or 1.5 months in 2 regions. Otherwise you’ll be doing a lot of overnight or multi-night trips if you want to see other regions. Are you thinking about renting an AirBnB? If you want to experience the everyday lifestyle, I highly recommend it. Feel free to email me if you have questions as you start planning. 🙂

Hi! Thank you for this awesome post. It’s very useful. I wanted to ask you a question. I’m planning to travel to Germany as soon as the pandemic starts to be less dangerous. I want to go to Germany for 2 months, how many cities do you think is possible to visit? And also how much money do you think is possible to use everyday for food if my budget is small? Thank you very much!

Hello! Two months is a good amount of time to visit Germany, and you should be able to see and do quite a lot! Just how many cities depends on how quickly you like to travel and what you want to do in each place (e.g., just see the highlights or live like a local). If you want to stick to big cities you could spend 1-3 weeks in each and take lots of day trips to see the surrounding area.

If that’s the case, you could rent an Airbnb (or similar), which would not only save you money on lodging (they’ll often give discounts for stays of 1 week or longer) but also make it easier to make some inexpensive meals at the Airbnb (and it’s easy to make German dishes “at home”!) and maybe even do laundry for free.

If you want to be on the go the whole time, moving from city to city (big, medium, and small), it will be more expensive unless you stay at hostels (or super cheap hotels). And remember to factor in the constant packing and unpacking, time getting to/from the train station (or airport)…that gets tiring when traveling for a couple months!

I recommend coming up with a budget, then looking at what kind of lodging fits that budget (hotels, hostels, longer Airbnb stays, Couchsurfing, etc). Then think about what you most want to do in Germany (live like a local, just spontaneously explore, see specific sights, have specific experiences, etc) and what you want your daily experience to be like (e.g., do you want to feel relaxed each day and get to know fewer places or be on the go, packing and unpacking, moving from place to place). Neither is better than the other, it’s just important to get clear on what kind of experience you want!

A few ways to reduce your budget: – Eat in fewer sit-down restaurants. Eat breakfast at “home”, buy snacks and drinks at the grocery store and bring them with you each day, cook some meals each week at “home”, pick up lunch from a grocery store or bakery and eat in a park, etc. Make eating dinner in a sit-down restaurant a special occasion. Doing these things will save you money and you’ll eat healthier!

– Take busses or slower trains to travel around Germany. There are regional train passes you can purchase that allow travel in a specific area very inexpensively. Travel will be slower and there are some restrictions on when you travel (often not during rush hour) but you’ll save money and often you’ll see some out of the way sights. You can also get good deals on flights but once you factor in travel to the airport (time and cost), time to check in, waiting to board, potential delays, and then getting from the airport to your final destination, it’s often just easier to take the train.

– Buy standard train tickets in advance. You can get nice discounts on faster train tickets if you book far enough in advance.

This might be more info than you wanted but I hope that helps you start planning your trip! Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂

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Great post full of detailed information on all aspects of travel in Germany. When travel reopens in Europe we’re planning on a 2 week trip in Germany with our adult son. He’s an avid soccer fan so we’ll need to plan the trip around the soccer schedule so he can see as many games as possible. We are considering Eastern Germany with a short trip into Poland or Northern Germany with a few days in Denmark. We’d really appreciate your expertise and suggestions. Although we’ve traveled extensively in many western and eastern European countries, we have not spent a great deal of time in Germany. Thanks. J.

Hello! I’m back working on this site now and am happy to help. I’ve got more articles and resources coming but let me know if you have any specific questions!

Hi Both The Ueckermann family 9-10 adults and 2 little once to experience Germany in Oct 2023. Central G and Netherlands will be awesome. We need to do all planning and funds estimates please assist. We live in South Africa and hopefully COVID 19 not a factor any more. Plan 2-3 weeks depending on the funds regards Engela

Hi Engela! Let me know if you have any specific questions about planning your trip to Germany. Happy to help!

HI, I was having trouble with your email 🙂 so sorry I am just replying here. I was hoping you could help us and I wasn’t sure if you offer buying tickets and guidance of our specific places we would like to visit. Anxiously wanting to hear back from you, Anne

Hi Anne! I just sent you an email. 🙂

Hello Cate! Such a well written article with great info! My husband and myself would like to travel to Germany in Oct. of 2022, possibly with my then 16 year old son as well. We want to go in October so we can also experience Octoberfest. I cant have beer because I have celiac’s. IS THERE OTHER ALCOHOL DURING OCTOBERFEST OTHER THAN BEER? WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN OCTOBER AND DOES OCTOBERFEST RUN THE FULL MONTH? IS THERE A CERTAIN AREA WE SHOULD STAY TO REALLY EXPERIENCE OCTOBERFEST AND ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES TO AVOID DURING OCTOBERFEST? We are overwhelmed with planning our trip because we don’t even travel within the US and I feel like there’s so much we want to experience in such a short period. We would like to go for 2 weeks. We want to go because both our families are from Germany. My family comes from Nuremburg (sp) and my husbands family Bavaria but we are unsure which part. This trip is important for us to try to learn about our family roots. DO YOU KNOW WHERE WE COULD GO IN GERMANY TO LEARN ABOUT OUR GENEOLOGY? We would like a more of a laid back approach to experiencing Germany. I dont want to necessarily feel rushed every single day but I do understand that some events and places we would want to visit would need to be scheduled and we are ok with that. I would like to do the Air bnb but know nothing about them. I would like less stress worrying about transportation such as missing busses. We are interested in castles, picturesque views, experiencing floating on the Rhine River perhaps. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON AIR BNB’S THAT PROVIDE BREAKFAST AND ANY IDEAS ON AREA’S TO VISIT BASED ON EVERYTHING I’VE PROVIDED? P.S……our last name literally translates to “the German”. We have had so many Europeans tell us that when they hear our name…LOL

CORRECTION: This is Lisa Nemec. My hubands family is Bohemian. We believe his family crossed over from Czech.

Hi Lisa! There are plenty of other drinks at Oktoberfest, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something. The weather at that time of year can vary but in late September to early October it’ll likely be warm during the day and cooler in the evening. Oktoberfest is mostly held in late September but I believe it goes until Oct 2 in 2022. There are a lot of hotels and AirBnB’s within walking distance of Oktoberfest (also walking distance to downtown) but book early because they fill up quickly! You’ll also pay a premium at that time of year. Some people prefer not to stay near the main train station but other people don’t mind it.

As to where you could go in Germany to find out about your genealogy, I’d start by searching the genealogy sites online and get as much specific info as you can. You can then try a site like http://www.genealogienetz.de/index_en.html (I haven’t used it, just found it).

If you have 2 weeks, you could fly in and out of Munich and focus on Bavaria. While in Munich you could take a couple day trips to Salzburg, Berchtesgaden, Neuschwanstein, the Alps, etc. You could see a lot at a laid-back pace in 2 weeks!

AirBnB’s are great if you’re going to be somewhere for at least a few days, want a little extra space, a kitchen, etc. Even just being able to make breakfast, coffee/tea, and keep drinks cold for when you come home in the evening is so nice. But you don’t typically get hotel-like services like a prepared breakfast, new towels each day or linen changes. If you want to be walking distance to lots of things in Munich, a hotel near downtown could be a great option. If you’re ok with being in a neighborhood, an AirBnB could be a good choice. There are so many great neighborhoods in Munich so you really just need to look at price, amenities, and distance to the things you want to see. I’ve stayed at hotels near Marienplatz and in an AirBnB further away (maybe a 10-15 minute walk + U-bahn ride to Marienplazt) and I enjoyed both.

I hope that helps!

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HELP……I have been put in charge of coming up with an itinerary for my hubby and 4 of our friends for travel in July 2022. I truly have no idea what I am doing. What we are looking for are castles, beautiful scenery and history (although I have been told that they do not want to go to concentration camps). The following is the tentative itinerary I have come up with. We are looking also, for moderate priced Inns/quaint hotels and castle stays centrally located. Any changes/suggestions/comments would be GREATLY appreciated. We will be renting 2 cars. 1 night Munich drive to Nuremburg 3 nights Nuremburg – drive to Fussen 1 night Fussen – drive to Ettal 3 nights Ettal – drive to Unterwossen 1 night Unterwossen – drive to Salzburg Austria 3 nights Salzburg Austria drive to Munich 1 night Munich – fly home

Hi Linda! Your itinerary looks good for a 2-week trip. Here are few suggestions:

-If you’re flying into Munich, you could drive right to Nuremburg on the first day, since it’s only a couple hours drive from Munich airport. If you pick up your car, drive into Munich, settle into a hotel, and then drive to Nuremburg the next day, you’re using a lot of time for driving/checking in/unpacking/packing and you won’t get to see much of Munich. If you go right to Nuremburg on arrival day and stay for 3 nights, you could add a night to the end of your trip so you have 2 nights in Munich or add a day to Salzburg and keep Munich at 1 night.

-Fussen and Ettal are pretty close to each other so you could stay 3-4 nights in one and then take a day trip to the other. I like to reduce the number of one night stays as much as I can during 1 and 2 week trips for the reasons I mentioned above. You could also stay in Ettal and make day trips to both Fussen and Unterwossen and cut out 2 1-night stays.

-If you don’t want to see Munich, I’d keep that at 1 night and stay near the airport at the end of your trip. If you do want to see Munich, I’d give that 2 nights minimum.

I hope that helps! I think you’ll really enjoy your itinerary!

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Thankyou for all the wonderful suggestions! I’m visiting Germany closer to Christmas for two weeks.

That’s my favorite time to be in Germany! Everything is so beautiful and festive. You might be interested in my Stuttgart Christmas Market article – even if you won’t be near Stuttgart, it will give you an idea of what you can do, see, and eat at any Christmas market. I also talk about 6 other nearby Christmas markets that are super fun to visit. 🙂 Enjoy your trip!!

I had all but given up on our delayed 25 yr Wedding Anniversary(07/28/2020 delayed to Sept 2021, due to covid) trip to Germany. Then I found your website! It reinvigorated our desire to NOT CANCEL our plans! We have a son in Kaiserslautern(rhein main air force base) , and want to split a 2 week trip between seeing 7-8 days traveling in Germany( Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart) and Paris. And then 6 to 7 day visiting our son. We had all but given up, until I read your article. Thanks! I wish that there were some way to have everything planned for us in advance! But, your post at least has assured us that we can make this happen on our own. Thank you very much!!

Definitely don’t cancel your plans, even if you have to postpone! (We had to postpone our anniversary trip, too – such a bummer!) You can definitely make your trip to Germany happen. Here are a few ideas for you…

You could fly into Paris, then travel to Kaiserslautern to see your son and do a day trip to Stuttgart (visit the Christmas market if you’re there in December or nearby Esslingen any time of year) and then either visit Munich and the area around there (fly out of Munich) or travel up to Cologne and over to Berlin (fly out of Berlin).

It’ll be a lot to try to see Paris, spend several days in Kaiserslautern, and also see Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, and Berlin but if you can combine things – like if your son can go with you to visit Stuttgart and Munich or Cologne and Berlin, you could see a lot of the places you’re interested in. Flying into one city and out of another will help a lot, too.

You could also fly into Munich, then go to Kaiserslautern via Stuttgart, take a short trip to Paris, then go to Berlin via Cologne and fly out of Berlin. Or do the same but start in Berlin and fly out of Munich.

You’ll have a great time no matter your itinerary! 🙂

Your website is a such a great resource! I have a ton of questions about planning a trip, I’m just going to send you an email.

Thank you Komal

Got it and replied 🙂

What is a good budget for 2 adults in Germany for two weeks?

It’s nearly impossible to give a guideline because it depends on so many things – your travel style, what kind of transportation you want to use, your accommodation & restaurant preferences, etc. I know that’s not very helpful in the short-term but it would be less helpful for me to give you a specific budget not knowing any specifics about you or your trip plans. Plus, most travelers like to splurge in one area and cut back in another but that’s so different for each traveler.

What I recommend is this: start looking at flights, transportation, and accommodations well before you want to book them in order to get an idea of what each costs for your travel dates. Add everything up for 2 weeks and then decide if you’re ok with that amount so far, keeping in mind you’ll still need to add on food, souvenirs, tickets/tours, insurance, and anything you need to get before you leave (clothes, luggage, passport, etc). I like to do this research before I book flights/transport/accommodations. That way I get an idea of what will be my splurge and where I will need to reduce costs to keep within the budget that’s right for me. Everyone’s ideal budget is so different!

hi i am planning to travail to Germany in December 2021 with my family , any idea

My big tip for Germany in December: visit the Christmas markets (if they’re open this year)! You’ll find one in nearly every German city, town and even small villages. They’re outdoors so dress warmly and enjoy the food, drink, and stalls. They’re a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts, too.

Days are short in December, and some touristy sites do shut down in winter, so keep that in mind. But you’ll still find plenty to do after dark, especially if you’re in bigger cities. As long as you take these two things into consideration, you’ll have a great visit no matter where you go!

Hi, my partner and I are wanting to visit Germany in January 2022. I have previously stayed in Wurzburg for 3 weeks and dream of taking my partner there.Seeing as I went with school a few years ago we didn’t really have a chance to look around other parts of local Germany. Where would you recommend us to go whilst in that area? We like architecture (but not too much…) we’re in our 20’s so we also want to have fun 🙂 we’ll either be driving (we live in France) or we’ll be going by train. Will the Christmas markets still be on? I doubt it but you never know… Thanks

Also, we are wanting to go with our dog. Would that be possible or too complicated?

You could easily go to Munich and spend a few days there – lots to see and lots of places to have fun. (I had a great time there in my 20s!) There are also a lot of day trip options – Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, Neuschwanstein, Passau, Regensburg, etc. You could also stop in Nuremberg on your way to Munich. All of that is easy by car or by train – and if you go by train, you could probably do those day trips using a regional train pass. Or you could do guided day trips and not have to plan anything! I’ve got some listed in my Munich guide – https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/munich-travel-guide/

It looks like the Christmas markets are on for 2021 but they could always get canceled in the coming weeks. Most have their last day on Dec. 24 so unfortunately, you won’t get to see them if you visit in January. That just means planning another trip to Germany for December 2022! 🙂

Germany is pretty dog-friendly so it’s probably do-able. But there are likely museums and other sites that might not allow dogs inside. If you mostly want to spend time outdoors, and your dog is ok with possibly very cold/wet/windy weather, or if you can leave the dog at your lodging for part of the day, it might work ok.

Hope that helps!

Hi Cate, you have put together a terrific planning guide. Thanks. Our 4 children just gave us a trip back to Germany in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. We lived in Erlangen from Aug 1972 – 1973. We are excited to go back but we are debating between a Rhine river cruise or going on our own. We’ll probably go sometime in May/June or Sept/Oct 2022.

How exciting!! It’s so fun to go back and revisit where you used to live in Germany. Aaron and I did that in 2019 and had such a good time seeing what had/had not changed. I’m excited for you!

I’ve heard people say great things about Rhine river cruises. If you don’t have time to or don’t want to do much trip planning, that’s a great option. The downside is that you’re more limited to what you can do and see. If you have time and interest in planning your own trip, you can definitely do it. And since travel is coming back, I’ll be focusing on this site a lot more in the coming months and helping people plan their trips, so I’ll be here to help you, too. 🙂

Hi Cate, We have wanted to visit Germany (from the US) for a few years now and have finally decided to make it happen, but had no idea where or how to start. Your article is full of valuable information. Thank you. At least we now have a starting point. Our trip isn’t for another year, but it will go quickly. So excited and thank you for all the information.

You’re welcome! I’m so excited for you already. 🙂 The next year will fly by and you’ll be on a plane bound for Germany before you know it. Now that travel is coming back, I’ll be focusing on this site a lot more so be sure to come back when you’re ready to plan your trip. I’m working on lots of guides and helpful resources! 🙂

Hello. My grandfather expressed interest in going to Germany in 2022. More specifically, he wants to go to ‘The Battle of the Bulge’ where his older brother passed away in World War II. We would also like to go to the Holocaust Memorial. I have been trying to research/plan this trip but would be open to suggestions. We are from the US and could spend about a week out there. I am grateful that I stumbled across your blog as it is very informative and interesting! 🙂

Hello! That sounds like it will be a wonderful trip for your grandfather! If you’re talking about visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin (highly recommended), you could fly right into Berlin (their new airport!) and spend half of your time seeing the city, then head to Brussels and take a Battle of the Bulge day tour! I found one here that you can look at (aff link): https://www.getyourguide.com/bastogne-war-museum-l35043/bastogne-battle-of-the-bulge-tour-from-brussels-t169657/?partner_id_Y5UOFLS It looks like it also goes into Luxembourg so you could get 3 countries in one trip. 🙂 If you have enough time, you could take a day trip to Brugges or Ghent – both are 30-60 minutes from Brussels. You could then fly out of Brussels back to the US. To get from Berlin to Brussels you’d probably want to fly but it’s a short flight and you could probably get an early morning or a late afternoon flight so it wouldn’t take up your whole day. Hope that helps with your planning!

Hi, your site is wonderful and has some great information! I am traveling (solo) to Germany in late April and will be there for one month. I have been to Munich/Bavaria/Salzburg before so I’d planned on focusing my trip on the rest of Germany. I’m flying into Berlin and was planning on staying there 4-5 nights, then I’m not sure where to go. I was thinking of spending a week in an area and going on day trips; for example, the Black Forest, the middle Rhine area, maybe Harz Mountain. But I also want to see some cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Trier, and Hamburg. So maybe a bit of both cities and countryside? Do you have any thoughts? Thanks!

I definitely recommend choosing 3-4 locations where you can stay for a week or so and then take day trips. You could do longer stays in Berlin and Hamburg – there’s tons to do and see in each city, as well as lots of day trip options. You could also do Cologne or try a smaller town on the Rhein or Mosel and explore that area in more depth. For the Black Forest you could stay in the university town of Freiburg and day trip to towns/hiking in the Black Forest, as well as Basel and Colmar/Strassbourg). You could also choose 3 locations for longer stays (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg and Freiburg) and then do a couple of 2 or 3-night stays as you travel between cities, e.g., a short stay in Wernigerode or Quedlinburg (Harz mountains), Trier, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, or Tübingen on your way to Freiburg. Tip: if you want to do a lot of day trips, make sure you stay where it’s fairly quick and easy to get to the train/bus station! Since you’ll be there for a month you have lots of flexibility and plenty of time to do and see a lot of the areas you mentioned!

@Cate, Thank you so much! I’m really enjoying going through your site, too!

Looking for a good travel guide book for Germany any recommendations?

Rick Steve’s is always a good one! I’ve used his guidebooks a ton. You can get his Germany guidebook on Kindle or as a hard copy (aff link): https://amzn.to/33z7d59

@Cate, Thanks

So excited to find your site! My husband and I will travel from Texas to Bavaria for 7-10 days in September. I am in charge of all the planning. I’m thinking Munich & surrounding area and Salzburg. Do you have any suggestions? I’m also pondering some organized day tours..

Munich is a wonderful home base for seeing lots of great sites in Bavaria! You could easily spend 1-3 days in Munich (especially if you’re there during Oktoberfest) and then take day trips to places like Neuschwanstein, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Salzburg, Linderhof, Chiemsee, Berchtesgaden, Nuremberg…just to name a few! You can easily do all of that by train and mix it up with some organized day tours here and there. I’ve been working on a Munich guide that will have ideas for day trips and tours so keep an eye out for that!

Hello Cate, Your blog is very helpful. Like to seek your help and guidance. I am from Singapore and not familiar with Germany. Both me and my wife intend to fly to Amsterdam where my daughter is attending university and spend 18 days vacation with her in Europe during her break. Am planning 7 days touring Germany. Tentatively looking tourist site at hamburg, Berlin, Stuttgart and then off to another country eg. france, switzerland or Italy for another 7 days. then travel back to Amsterdam to fly home. Any advise how we can optimize the traveling as we are not familiar with these region? Appreciate your kind assistance. regards, Perry

It will be so much fun to travel with your daughter! It might be difficult to fit Hamburg, Berlin and Stuttgart into 7 days. On the train it takes about 6 hours from Amsterdam to Hamburg, 3 hours from Hamburg to Berlin, and over 8 hours from Berlin to Stuttgart. While all three of those cities are amazing, I recommend choosing either northern or southwestern Germany, rather than trying to hit all three (or make the Germany part of your trip 10 days).

You could, for example, travel from Amsterdam to Hamburg, then to Berlin, and fly from Berlin to France or Italy. That would give you plenty of time for travel, city exploring and day trips.

Or take the train from Amsterdam to Stuttgart and explore that area. Stuttgart is close to France, so you could spend several days seeing both southwestern Germany (Stuttgart, villages in the Black Forest, Freiburg, Baden-Baden, etc) and French cities like Strassbourg, Colmar and Mullouse. You could also very easily go to Basel in Switzerland! It’s a long train ride from Amsterdam to Stuttgart so I’d look into flights. Stuttgart is a great airport to fly into!

Hi, my family and I would like to visit Germany this summer. My husband and I have two teenagers (15 and 13), and one of them is reads a lot and it is very interested in history. We would like to visit german cities but also, some concentration camps. Our plans is to spend two weeks there. Any suggestions?

You’re going to have so much fun in Germany! Everywhere you go there’s so much history, so it just depends on what kind of history you’re looking for. For a 2-week stay you could easily visit 2 (maybe 3) different parts of Germany without feeling like you’re spending your whole vacation on the train or in the car. You could, for example, fly into Munich, visit the city and Dachau concentration camp, take a few day trips to Salzburg, the Alps, Neuschwanstein, Nuremburg, etc – there are so many options!…then visit the Black Forest area, the Rhein/Mosel area, the Hamburg area or the Berlin area and fly out of that second city (Stuttgart, Cologne/Düsseldorf, Hamburg or Berlin). If you want to focus on 2 main areas, say Munich and Berlin, you could do a 1-2 night stopover in a city in-between. Hope that helps you get started on your planning! 🙂

@Cate, We are from USA planning on attending next years NfL game if possible. We are a large group 10-15people who would also like to see the culture and history. Open to staying in Berlin, munich, or anywhere else as long as accessible to get to game. We want to fly out wed night from BOS be there Th F S Su (game in Frankfurt) leave M. Anything you would recommend?

Hi! I just now saw your question. If you’re flying into FRA and have Th, F, and S to do some sight-seeing, I’d stick to the Frankfurt area and do day trips. If you go to Berlin or Munich you’ll spend most of your time in transit and checking in/out of hotels. We’ve got a Frankfurt guide on our website and also a castles guide – so you could spend a day exploring FRA, then a day visiting a castle, and then 1 day visiting a nearby city like Heidelberg, Nürnberg or Rothernburg ob der Tauber. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. We’ve also got a Germany Trip Planner and one-on-one travel consults, too. And lots of info on this website. We’re happy to help!

I just found your great website! We have just drafted a 3 week trip plan to Germany and Austria and I would love your thoughts about it!. Is late May better than June? (I really can’t do heat without AC!)

– [ ] 2. Land in Vienna- 2 nights… – [ ] 3. Take tour or just Spend a day in the sprawling Schönbrunn Palace, – [x] 4. Rental car to Take KM 29 for about an hour to Burg Liechtenstein drive an hour to Melk Abbey Then Steyr From Melk, Steyr 1 night stay – [x] 5. Spend a little time, touring the Steyr Mannlicher! – [x] 6. Wake up early and bike 15 minutes to spend the morning exploring more of Halstatt before the day-trippers.. Sky Walk salt mine – [x] 7. After lunch, enjoy more the beauty of Salzkammergut area! on to Salzburg in time to return the rental car. we will stay in the old town (Salzburg 3 nights) – [ ] 8. See Salzburg – [ ] 9. Take guided tour to Eagles nest – [ ] 10: To Munich by 2 hour train.. taxi to hotel, Sleep Munich 2 nights … – [ ] 11. Guided tour all day— Dachau and Munich sites – [x] 12 Slow morning to rest, checkout, cab, 1.5 hour train to Oberarmagau for lunch and stroll. Rent car in Garmish and Drive another hour to Sleep in Hohenschwangau 2 nights Maybe take 30 minute Schloss Hornschwangau Castle tour before closing if time – [x] 13 Visit Neuschwanstein! (Hohenschwangau castle first if not last evening) then rent a bike and go a mile -7 minutes to Tegelberg luge ride – [x] 14 drive 2.5-4 hours but first stop for lunch and see Ulm Cathedral. Going Opposite the crowds arrive in afternoon to stay in nearby Rothenburg 3 nights. See stunning Rothenburg – [x] 15 After coffee and quiet streets, walk the medieval wall. If crowds arrive, leave and drive a short way and tour the Bad Weinsheim Frankonian Open Air Museum – [x] 16 Drive 30 min to Ansbach, park and Take 30 min train and10 min cab into Neuremburgfor day. – [x] 17. leave in early morning and drive 3-5 hours through To St Goar take B9 along the Rhine from Bingen arrive in time to tour Burg Eltz and then maybe return car in Emmelshausen this day or next. Take cab back down to nearby St Goar for 3 nights. – [ ] 18 See Burg Eltz castle if not seen yesterday and then see Marksburg castle – [ ] 19 REST maybe just board a boat for a relaxing Rhine River cruise from Sant Goar. We will disembark to visit small Bacharach and back again by train. – [ ] 20 Depart by 70minute train to Frankfurt airport Or would it be better to do the trip in reverse, starting with Germany first? Thank you!!

It’s not usually super hot in May but it can be hot in mid-late June. The last time we were there in June (2019) it was incredibly hot and there isn’t as much a/c there…but you never know, I’ve had cold and rainy June visits, too. If you want to be more sure of not-super-hot weather, I’d go in mid-late May or early to mid-June — as long as you’re ok with the possibility of some not-so-warm days. If you go in mid-late June and don’t love hot weather, book hotels with a/c, rent a car with a/c, and plan to buy a lot of cold drinks. No matter the weather, it’s always fun to travel around Germany! 🙂

You could easily do your itinerary either way so I’d just look at whether flights are better into Vienna/out of FRA or vice-versa. Check the hotels you want to stay in to make sure they have availability — I’ve actually reversed my itinerary before due to hotel availability!

You’re planning to cover a lot of ground in 3 weeks and be on the go go go, which some people find more tiring than expected…but if you know your travel style, then go for it! 🙂 3 nights in one place gives you 2 full days, which is a good amount of time for most places. 2 nights means 1 full day, which can be enough in some locations but if you do many in a row, it can feel like you’re constantly checking in/unpacking/packing/checking out, and can get super tiring if you’re doing a lot of day trips.

Be sure to plan in time for getting ready, eating breakfast, packing, checking out of the hotel, getting to the train station/car rental – it often takes up more time than you’d expect. Trains aren’t as punctual as they used to be, so keep that in mind for what you plan on arrival after a train trip.

An idea — instead of taking a train to Oberammergau, then to Garmisch to rent a car, then driving to Hohenschwangau, I’d rent a car in Munich and drive to each place. It will probably be less expensive to rent in Munich and easier than doing the train and car pick-up (especially with luggage!).

For the longer drives, plan on them taking longer than what’s estimated in google maps because there’s often traffic! If you miss the traffic and arrive early, it’ll be a nice bonus!

Your idea to add in some guided day tours is a good one – it’s a nice change from having to figure everything out yourself and can feel like a mini vacation from your vacation.

Overall, you’ve got a really fun trip planned!

Hi Cate! I love your clear way of describing and explaining. My husband and I are invited to a wedding outside of Berlin the last weekend in April. From there we would love to head to the spas in Baden-Baden .. what else would you suggest to see in the Baden-Baden area and without driving the best transportation option? We can stay up to about 10 days. Thank you!

Thank you for your nice comment! 🙂 I’d take the train from Berlin to Baden-Baden. It’s about 6 hours and you can relax and see the sights along the way. You could fly from Berlin to Stuttgart but by the time you travel to the airport in Berlin (the new one is further out than Tegel was), check in, wait to board, fly, and then take the train from Stuttgart to Baden-Baden, it’s at least as long as – if not longer – then taking the train.

When in Baden-Baden you could visit Gengenbach, the Black Forest, Triberg (cuckoo clocks & waterfalls), Tübingen, Stuttgart/Esslingen, Lichtenstein Castle, Hohenzollern Castle, Freiburg, Basel (Switzerland), Strassbourg (France), Colmar (France) — just to name a few! You should be able to reach all of these places via train/bus. The Black Forest Open Air Museum is also a lot of fun! I’m working on guides to several of these locations – and some are already on the site – so check back soon for new ones. 🙂

You should be able to get a free KONUS train pass, which enables you to travel throughout the Black Forest region for free. I don’t think it works for every place I listed but it will get you to several of them. Here’s more info about the KONUS card: https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/planen-buchen/konus-gaestekarte (you can switch to English if it’s in German).

You could fly out of Stuttgart airport or travel up to Frankfurt and fly out of there. Strassbourg or Basel might work, too.

@Cate, that really does! Thanks again,

You’re very welcome!

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I am planning a trip with my husband, 18 year old daughter, mother in law and myself. We will have 8 nights total flying Munich to Amsterdam or vice versa. Interested in the Christmas markets, of course, castles (would love if we could stay the night in a castle if that’s possible), and just getting an authentic German experience. My mother in law found family ancestry in Stuttgart, so she would like to stop there. The other areas that we have an interest in are Frankfurt, Cologne (wonder if there is such thing as a day cruise on the Rhine River), and maybe Hamburg (for the canals, but I’m not sure December is the best time of year for that). Although, I’m not sure we’ll be able to see all those cities in just 8 nights, as we would also like 1-2 nights in Amsterdam.

We plan to rent a car and I will be doing the driving. We live in Colorado so I’m familiar with winter driving, but wonder if I can use Google maps while traveling through Germany.

Would love your thoughts or suggestions on this.

Thank you, Lea Ann

Hi Lea Ann, you’ve got the makings of a magical winter trip! All of the places you mentioned will be beautiful in December because of the Christmas markets. Stuttgart, for example, has a huge, old Christmas market (plus there are 2 other really beautiful ones nearby) and there are 2 nearby castles you can visit. Hamburg and Cologne and also wonderful cities (Frankfurt too but I’d skip it on a short trip unless you have a specific reason to go there).Amsterdam is also a lot of fun and a great place to fly in or out of.

It’s a lot to fit into 8 nights so you’ll definitely need to hone in on just a few places, otherwise you’ll spend your entire trip packing/unpacking/driving. 🙂

You can use google maps in Germany and that’ll make getting from place to place easy. But unless you want to stop at specific sights between cities, you could easily take the train, since you’re going to big cities (you don’t need a car in any of the cities you want to visit). If you don’t mind parking the car at each hotel in the city, a car can give you more flexibility.

You can also stay in a castle in Germany! We’ve got a guide for that right here so you can see which one you like best.

It’s hard to get more specific about an itinerary here in the comments without taking to you and getting a better sense of your interests and needs but we’ve got lots of resources to help you — Christmas market guides (definitely take a look at the Stuttgart one!), city and hotel guides , and we’ve also got a Germany Travel Bundle with an interactive Germany Travel Map, City Cheatsheets, and other resources, and I do one-on-one trip planning consults .

And be sure to join our travel planning Facebook group !

@Cate, thank you for your quick response and feedback! I’ll check out the links you shared and I’ve joined your Facebook group.

You’re welcome! Glad you joined the group! 🙂

Hi Cate , I have visited Germany but only Düsseldorf for my sugery. I will like to take my wife and kids with me this time I have an appointment in December might use the opportunity to take them for Christmas holiday . I have 12’night in total . 5 night in Düsseldorf can you please advise which city we can visit for the rest days and we are not leaving Germany until 26th. So I want them To enjoy the Christmas but I don’t know which city to choose .I will you to please give me where the kids can enjoy the trip age 8 ,6 and 3 . Do we fly back from Düsseldorf or from Another city ? Thanks for your help.

If you’d like to fly out of the Düsseldorf airport, you could spend the second part of your trip in Cologne so you could visit the markets there, in Bonn, and surrounding area (e.g. a day trip to Aachen).

If you’re ok with flying out of a different airport, you could go to Stuttgart (good Christmas markets in the area and a couple castles), Munich (good markets and day trips) or Berlin (good markets and day trips) and fly out of any of those airports.

Most everything will be closed on Dec 25 and the latter half of Dec 24 so keep that in mind when doing your daily planning.

Hope that helps with your planning!

Hi, Thank you for the detail page. I and my family will be visiting to watch a NFL game in Frankfurt and had some travel ideas outside of the city that I have not found solutions for. First, are US citizens allowed to rent cars without a permit? We want to travel to Stuttgart and Munich for some museums and possibly Berlin, but I’ve yet to figure how time and distances for the trip as these do seem to be quite a distance from each other. Then, we would end the trip back in Frankfurt to travel back to the US, unless we find an airline in Berlin. Do you have suggestions? This would be a 7-14 day trip, depending on cost. Thank you

Hi Marco! Yes, you can rent a car with just your US driver’s license. While not required, an int’l driver’s license can be helpful if you get pulled over or in an accident (you can get on at AAA). You can check distance between those cities via google maps (it’ll show you both driving and trains). I always add 25% to the times they suggest because there’s a good chance you’ll encounter traffic somewhere. We use google maps for all of our road trips in Germany. You could definitely do Frankfurt – Stuttgart – Munich – Berlin – Frankfurt (stay near airport on the last night) in 14 days. If you don’t want to drive from Munich – Berlin – Frankfurt, you could return the car in Munich and then take the train to Berlin and back to Frankfurt. Hope that helps you get started on your trip planning!

Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a German Tourist Visa from UK

germany tourist visa from uk , germany travel , how to get german visa , News

Why Visit Germany

Germany continues to be a popular destination for tourists from all across the globe. Irrespective of your area of interest, Germany’s diversity of regional identities offers a plethora of unique experiences to satisfy even the most discerning tastes and any expectations. Moreover, as Germany is one of the Schengen Nations, you can enter here as well as the other 25 European nations that make up the Schengen area with a Germany tourist visa from UK .

If you’re planning a trip to Germany, getting a visa appointment is essential and require a visa to enter the country. This blog will outline the process for getting a Germany visa appointment from UK . You’ll be well on your way to starting your thrilling vacation to Germany if you follow this guide.

Germany has it all and more: stunning landscapes, fantastic architecture, vibrant festivals, fashionable events, fascinating nightlife, incredible food, and the finest beer ever.

When you go, you’ll see a lot more of Germany, which is a dynamic nation with plenty to offer to its tourists. This fascinating destination in Europe is renowned for its beautiful scenery and extensive history. As you explore its modern towns, it will take you to back to the medieval periods. The diversified location delivers so much more than you anticipate in addition to the festivities and amazing attractions. So without any further ado let’s begin with the details of applying for a German tourist visa UK .

What is Germany Tourist Visa?

A Schengen short-stay visa for Germany is known as a Germany tourist visa . It enables the holders to visit Germany for sightseeing, and cultural immersion. It has a maximum 90-day validity within a 180-day window that it can be issued.

How to Apply for Germany Tourist Visa from UK?

The process of obtaining a Germany visa online might be challenging. Before beginning the Germany visa application process, there are many details to pay attention to, such as the different visa types, paperwork needed, eligibility criteria, and visa fees. We have thus listed below a step-by-step guide for applying for a Germany visa:

The steps for applying a German Schengen Tourist Visa is as follows:

Step 1. Check Before Applying

Check whether you need a visa to Germany or not before applying. If you are not the citizen of the UK and hold residence permit, you definitely will need a visa to enter this country and then find out where to apply for the visa.

Step 2. Collect all necessary paperwork.

In order to apply for Germany visa online , you must have certain papers. What you require depends on the sort of visa you have or the reason for your trip.

Step 2. Schedule an appointment

Once you have all the necessary paperwork with you for your Germany tourist visa from UK application, you may schedule the German Schengen Visa appointment . You may apply for your visa up to six months in advance of your travel.

It is strongly advised to submit your application no later than 45 days before your trip to avoid any last minute hassle.

Step 4. Attend Appointment

To prevent any hassles, show up for the Schengen visa appointment and bring all your documents with you. All you have to do when you show up for your appointment is:

Submit your passport along with the documents on your checklist.
Provide your fingerprints.
Satisfy all the queries asked related to your trip.
Make sure you answer all inquiries about your trip.
Pay the visa application fees.
Specify if you want your passport and Germany visa sent to your postal address or whether you’ll pick them up in person.
Write down the tracking number to check the status of your visa application.

Step 5. Receive Visa

You will receive an email after your application for Germany tourist visa from UK has been approved. The email you receive won’t specify the outcome of your application. You may pick up or have your passport delivered to your address. If your application is approved, a passport page will be affixed with the visa.

During your Germany Schengen visa appointment if you opt to collect your passport personally instead of being sent it to you, you can send someone else as well to collect your passport on your behalf.

If you choose to pick up your passport personally, remember to bring the following with you:

Proof of Payment

The following must be brought along if someone else collects your passport on your behalf:

Proof of payment
A signed authorization letter from you approving the pick-up of your passport.

Step 6. Check Visa Information

Check that the data on your visa is accurate such as the validity period of the visa and your name. If any of the information is incorrect or if you are unable to use the visa, for example because the validity period expires before the dates of the flight tickets you submitted, get in touch with the nearest embassy immediately.

Step7. Get ready for your trip

Prepare with all the necessary documents in advance with the important items you will need during the trip in order to enjoy your holidays in Germany without any worries.

Germany Visa Document Requirement for UK Residents

Following documents are required in order to apply for a Germany visa in the UK:

A valid current passport and other necessary travel documentation. Make sure that:
Your passport was issued no more than 10 years ago.
It has two blank pages, one of which is reserved for the visa stamp.
Your passport will remain valid for a minimum of three months following your departure from the Schengen Zone.
A valid UK resident permit or other form of identification. Your residence permit must be attested to your passport.
A duly signed and completed Germany tourist visa UK application form.
Passport-sized photo of the applicant that clearly shows all of their facial features against a light background.
Applications containing stapled photographs won’t be considered.
A cover letter explaining why you are travelling to Germany.
If you are planning to visit other Schengen member nations as well apart from Germany, travel arrangements proof including flight tickets for round trip or reservations for travel must be submitted.
Travel insurance for the Schengen Area with minimum coverage of €30.000 and provides coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation.
Hotel reservations or proof of participation in a group trip.
Recent UK bank or traveler’s checks showing at least £55 per person each day spent in the Schengen area. Along with photocopies, the original papers must be presented. It shouldn’t be more than a month old.

Self Employed

A recently (within three months) written letter which describes:

Registration of Business
Date of Commencement
Professional Activity
VAT Certificate
Income from accountant, lawyer, bank manager, or local chamber of commerce

UK Employees

A letter of recommendation from a British company attesting to the following details:

Date of Joining
Remuneration
Designation

If they have been working for less than three months, a letter from the employer indicating the commencement date is necessary.

The most recent pension statement of previous six months.

International Students

An official letter stating the following from their school, college, or institution in the UK:

Study Types
Course Details
Attendance Record

Married or Unemployed UK Citizen

A recent (older than three months) letter from the spouse’s employer attesting to their employment, stating:

Date of joining
Spouse’s valid passport
A marriage certificate that has officially translated. The translation may be completed by the Legalization Bureau of the UK’s Foreign Office in either English or the official language of the country where the marriage took place.
If the marriage certificate was issued outside of the European Union, it must be stamped by the foreign ministry of that nation or by its embassy in the United Kingdom.

How long does it take in the UK to obtain a Schengen visa?

Applications for Germany tourist visa from UK process within 15 days of the day they were submitted to the relevant British embassy or consulate.

This time period may be extended by up to 30 days, particularly if the applicant needs to provide any additional details.

The consulate suggests applying well in advance of your anticipated travel to avoid any last minute complications.

Holders of multiple-entry visa may apply six months prior to the expiry of their existing visa.

However, in some specific situations, you can acquire Germany visa online more quickly by using expedited process:

Extreme Medical Emergencies
Candidates who have an EU or EEA citizen family member

Is Passport Needed If I am traveling from UK to Europe?

As of now, UK citizens do not need a Germany tourist visa to enter any EU country. However, you need a valid passport and residency permit in order to enter any of the EU countries.

You’ll probably need a passport and a Schengen tourist visa if you’re a non-EU national going from the UK to Europe. The passport must not be older than 10 years. It must be valid for a minimum of three months from the day you depart the Schengen region.

A letter of authorization to travel is also required for children going from the UK to the EU alone, with a legal guardian, or with just one parent. It must be signed by either both parents, the guardian, and the second parent.

Germany is a wonderful destination for tourists who want to experience the diversity and beauty of Europe. Whether you are interested in exploring the scenic landscapes, admiring the historic architecture, enjoying the lively festivals, or tasting the delicious food and beer, Germany has something for everyone.

To visit Germany you need to apply for a Schengen tourist visa from UK, which allows you to enter Germany and other 25 European countries for up to 90 days.

The process of applying for a visa is simple as long as you follow the above mentioned steps and prepare the required documents as listed by us. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the amazing attractions and experiences that Germany has to offer. Apply for your Germany tourist visa from UK today and escape to this paradise in Europe.

What is The Best Time to Visit Germany?

The ideal time to visit Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg in Germany is typically in the autumn when you can walk around and enjoy the changing foliage. However, if you don’t like crowds, keep in mind that Oktoberfest occurs in late September.

What documents are required to apply for a Germany Tourist Visa from the UK?

Need valid passport, UK residence permit, Passport-sized photo, Hotel reservations, round trip flight ticket, travel insurance are primary requirements. You may be required to provide additional documents depending on your specific situation.

How Do I Apply For a Germany Visa Online?

Applying for a German Tourist visa from the UK involves the following steps:

Verify that you are eligible to apply for a Schengen tourist visa for Germany and choose the right category for your intended travel (Holiday, school, employment, family, or business).
Fill out the application form for visa.
Collect all the necessary paperwork.
Schedule an appointment for your German visa.
When visiting the consulate, pay the necessary visa fees and carry a copy of the receipt with you.
At the time of the visa appointment, provide your visa application along with all the necessary Germany visa paperwork.
As soon as your application for a visa to Germany has been processed, you will get email notification of the status of your visa appointment.

Will I Need To Attend a Visa Interview To Get My Germany Tourist Visa?

Yes, you must attend the interview to get the Germany tourist visa from UK. Bring along all the required documents to avoid any hassle
What Kind of Support Does Germany Visas Offer When Applying For a Germany Visa?
Germany visas is an authorized and licensed travel agency providing one stop solution for all your Schengen tourist visa application.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

Flights from the us and canada, flights from australia and new zealand, car and motorbike, tailor-made travel itineraries for germany, created by local experts.

9 days / from 2221 USD

A self drive exploration of UNESCO Sites in Southern Germany

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across different German states. This self drive trip allows you to design your own days with recommendations stated for each day.

7 days / from 2851 USD

Explore Berlin and Potsdam in depth

The German capital Berlin has plenty to offer: from historical sites to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife. Enjoy this private tour to explore a wide range of activities in Berlin and Potsdam, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

8 days / from 1473 USD

Explore Northern Germany on Your Own

From Bremen to Stralsund - Northern Germany offers plenty of gems to explore. With well-developed public transportation links, this itinerary is suited for everyone wanting to explore on their own - getting lost on the cobble-stoned streets of many UNESCO World Heritage Highlights.

Tailor-made trips for Germany

The principal hub for international long-haul flights is Frankfurt – whose airport has its own major train station for onward connections – followed by Munich and Düsseldorf. Prices vary considerably by season , with the highest being around June to August. Fares drop during “shoulder” seasons – September, October, April and May – and you’ll get the best prices during the low season: November to March, excluding Christmas and New Year when prices are hiked up. As ever, early bookers snatch the best deals. Note too, that midweek prices are the cheapest.

Most points of arrival are well linked to the city centre via a cheap and efficient public transport system. If you plan to use public transport throughout a city stay, then multi-day tickets that cover your journey from the airport are available, the only exceptions being the remote airports used by budget airlines, although even these are always linked to a major destination by bus services.

Numerous airlines fly daily to destinations throughout Germany from UK and Irish airports. The two major players are British Airways and Lufthansa, though budget flights by the likes of Ryanair, easyJet, Air Berlin and Germanwings have significantly expanded the route network. Low-cost operators have also slashed the price of getting to the country. While a published single from the UK with the major carriers can be around £300, you can usually pick up similar flights with the budget carriers for around £50, or from as little as £20 if you book a couple of months in advance. Competition and tight margins mean that flight routes are particularly vulnerable to change, which makes search engines such as w skyscanner.net, w kayak.co.uk or w momondo.com invaluable for researching the best connections and prices.

Thanks to competition between carriers, prices have reduced from the US and Canada in recent years. Most major North American gateways have direct flights and many others offer convenient connecting flights. Lufthansa has the most extensive network, but other major carriers include Continental, Delta, Singapore Airways and United. Meanwhile budget carriers such as Air India, Air Berlin, and Condor tend to concentrate on direct services to smaller regional airports; the latter two only operate in summer.

Most transatlantic flights are bound for Frankfurt , with a handful to Munich and Düsseldorf . However, domestic connections are cheap and plentiful, by air or train.

East-coast flights are marginally cheaper than those from the west coast. As an idea of prices , the lowest discounted scheduled return flight to Frankfurt you’re likely to find in low/high season, flying midweek, is US$450/600 from New York, US$550/850 from Chicago and US$650/1000 from Los Angeles.

There are fewer direct-flight options from Canada. The widest selection of flights, operated by Air Canada, Air Transat, LTU and Lufthansa, are out of Toronto, followed by Vancouver and a handful of flights from Ottawa and Calgary. Again, Frankfurt is the premier destination, then Munich. You are unlikely to make major savings by flying to the US first: low/high season fares to Frankfurt from Toronto are Can$700/1000; from Vancouver expect to pay from Can$900/1500.

Nearly all “direct” flights from Australia take around 22 hours to travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Perth to Frankfurt, via Singapore. Qantas, British Airways and Singapore Airlines command the bulk of flights, with other carriers providing routes that require a transit and change of planes in the operators’ hub city – usually in Asia or the Middle East – before continuing to Germany, though these cheaper fares can bump up journey times by a good ten hours – reputable agents such as STA come into their own here. Other stopover possibilities include the US and Canada, though North American routes tend to be more expensive.

The lowest prices from Sydney or Melbourne to Frankfurt in (European) high/low season are A$2100/1300, with those from Perth generally around A$200 cheaper, and those from Adelaide more expensive by the same margin. From New Zealand, low-season scheduled fares from Auckland start at around NZ$2300 and rise to NZ$2500 and up in high season. Again Qantas, British Airways and Singapore Airlines are the big three, with most flights stopping at Singapore. Consequently round-the-world tickets often offer good-value fares compared with a standard return, not to mention a chance to break up the journey for some travel en route. For roughly the price of a long-haul return, you can buy multi-stopover or round-the-world tickets. A good agent such as STA is able to devise a travel plan pieced together from various airlines, with Germany just one destination on a ticket that is generally valid for a year. Prices for the basic Australia–Asia–Europe–US–Australia itinerary start from as little as A$1300. It’s also possible to route overland segments into the journey.

The high-speed rail links of Eurostar (eurostar.com) run from St Pancras International, London, to Germany rail gateways Aachen and Cologne in around six hours, or seven hours for Frankfurt. Passengers must change at Brussels (1hr 50min from London) to join French-run Thalys or InterCity Express (ICE) express trains to Germany. Like air travel, prices vary according to the season, day and time, class of travel and also how far in advance tickets are booked. However train travel is rarely cheaper than flying, especially if you start from outside London and want to travel far beyond Cologne. The environmental benefits of train travel are nevertheless huge, especially since Eurostar services are now carbon neutral. Sleeper carriages ( Schlafwagen ) also appeal for overnight journeys, permitting the romance of waking up at your destination and saving on a hotel overnight.

London–Cologne returns start at around £100; but can easily rise above £300 for a standard-class return. Long-distance train advice website seat61.com is invaluable for planning. When arriving by train, you’ll find that the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) of almost every city is an easy walk from the centre, and generally preceded by a string of outlying stations which might be more convenient for your accommodation.

Rail passes

If you plan to use the train extensively, look into rail passes. Since, with some planning, travel by train within Germany can be very good value, it’s worth doing the sums via the website (bahn.com) of national operator Deutsche Bahn to ensure a pass that gets you to Germany from abroad as well as provides travel within the country, is cheaper than an international flight to Germany plus a national rail pass. Where the Eurail Pass scores is on a transcontinental trip – available to those living outside of Europe, it comes in a variety of forms: the Global Pass (from US$518) permits unlimited travel within twenty-two countries from fifteen days to three months; the Select Pass (from US$327) allows three to fifteen days’ travel within a two-month period; the Regional Pass (from US$186) provides four to ten days’ travel within two countries; a One Country Pass, valid for three to ten days (from US$51). Under-26s are eligible for “Youth” passes, which are cheaper by about a third and only valid for second-class seats. Group passes are also available.

An alternative is the time-honoured InterRail pass – available to residents of a European country. Again, the pass comes in formats that are either valid continuously or only for specified days within a set period. Prices start at €259 for five days’ second-class travel within a ten-day period and rise to €619 for a month’s continuous travel. First-class passes cost around half as much again, while under-26s pay a third less and all passes require supplement payments for high-speed trains and couchettes.

Compared with low-cost airlines, travelling to Germany by bus is not particularly cheap and will involve a long and uncomfortable journey. The only real advantages are the smaller carbon footprint; the chance to buy an open return at no extra cost; and that passes to roam around Germany are a good bit cheaper than the rail equivalents. Services to all major cities in Germany are run by Eurolines from Victoria Coach Station in London, and are bookable through most travel agents and through any National Express agent. As an idea of times and advance prices, London–Cologne takes thirteen hours and costs around £60 one way, London–Berlin twenty hours and £80. Eurolines Passes, priced by season, cost £205–345 for 15 days’ travel and £310–455 for 30 days. Under-26 passes are £30–75 cheaper. You may be able to pick up a faster ride – and often a cheaper one – via the German Mitfahrzentralen car-share system.

Another option for a European tour is backpacker-friendly bus service Busabout , which operates a hop-on, hop-off network of routes throughout the continent. Berlin, Dresden, Munich and Stuttgart are on the North Loop of its three designated circuits – it intersects with the South Loop into Italy and West Loop to the French Riviera and Spain. A one-loop pass costs £379. The Flexitrip Pass, £329, allows more freedom, with six stops anywhere on the network and additional “flexistops” available at extra cost. All passes are valid for a season that lasts from May to October.

There are no longer any direct ferry services from the UK to Germany, but various services travel to France, Belgium or the Netherlands (see Car and motorbike). Year-round sea links to the German Baltic coast also exist from Scandinavia, notably Sweden and Denmark, and Baltic nations such as Lithuania.

To enter Germany by car from the UK you have to slice through continental Europe via France, Belgium or the Netherlands; which one depends largely upon your start point and final destination. You might travel to France (Calais, Dunkerque or Le Havre) or Belgium (Zeebrugge) for the Ruhrgebiet and east and south Germany; the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Hoek van Holland or Rotterdam) for north Germany. Wherever you enter, you’ll be on toll-free motorways all the way into Germany. As a guide of driving times from Calais, allow eight hours to Hamburg (6hr from Hoek van Holland), six hours to Frankfurt, ten hours to Berlin and ten hours to Munich.

Departures across the Channel are roughly every hour by ferry from Dover to Calais and every two hours via the car-carrying Eurotunnel train from Folkestone. From the north or centre of England, longer routes across the North Sea are: Harwich to Hoek van Holland (Stena Line); Hull to Rotterdam and Zeebrugge (both P&O Ferries); and Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS). From Ireland, Cherbourg and Roscoff, in northwest France, are as close as it gets to Germany, both accessed from Dublin and Rosslare respectively and served by P&O Ferries. Fast it is not.

The Rough Guides to Germany and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

The Rough Guide to Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Places in Europe

Travel advice for Germany

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Germany

Eating and drinking in Germany
Travel Tips Germany for planning and on the go
Culture and Etiquette in Germany
Getting around Germany: Transportation Tips
Shopping tips for Germany
Sports and Outdoor activities in Germany
Travelling with children in Germany
Best time to visit Germany

Find even more inspiration here

Aerial view of Berlin cityline with TV tower, Germany © canadastock/Shutterstock

Travel Tips

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 27.04.2021

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Information on entering germany, covid-19-related restrictions for entry into germany lifted with effect as of saturday, 11 june 2022.

Since Saturday, 11 June 2022, all COVID-19-related restrictions on entry into Germany have provisionally been lifted. Since that date, travel from the United Kingdom to Germany is permitted for all purposes (including tourism and visits). For entry into Germany proof of vaccination, recovery or testing is no longer required.

Information for visa applicants

Visa information

These pages provide comprehensive information on our visa services. We invite you to read carefully all information provided.

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Living in Germany

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Visa & Permits

Visa for germany when traveling from the uk.

Germany and the UK enjoy a cordial relationship, but this doesn't mean that they don't have rules that govern their citizens' interactions. A major distinction is that Germany does not require visas for British nationals, but the UK does. The visa restrictions were set to prevent fraud and system abuse.

Therefore, you will need a visa to visit Germany from the UK. If it's your first time visiting the country, you must apply for a tourist visa. Thankfully, there are various forms of tourist visas readily available for you.

For first-time visitors, you should apply for the EU Blue Card or an EU Long-term Residence Permit (LTRP). The two documents are similar in the sense that they allow non-German individuals from abroad to live and work in Germany . The only difference comes in depending on the period you can stay.

The EU Blue Card is the same as a Temporary Residence Permit , but it's meant for certain people who are highly skilled in their profession and would like to work in Germany . On the other hand, the LTRP is meant for people intending to stay much longer in Germany: at least a minimum of 5 years.

Germany Visa Application Requirements for UK Residents

Anyone from the UK who visits Germany must apply for a Visa as per the requirements. Germany is a member of the Schengen region , so no extra documentation is necessary if you have a current passport and can demonstrate that you will have enough money to support yourself while there. There are a few exceptions to this rule, though:

• Australian, Canadian, and Japanese nationals are required to have an onward ticket that includes enough money to cover their stay in Germany. Depending on how long you intend to stay, this cost varies, typically between 300 and 1000 euros per person. Note that some airlines may want extra documentation, such as credit card receipts or bank statements detailing recent activity from these accounts.

• Any South African citizen can't enter without a visa. However, there is an exception: if you're employed by an international company or currently enrolled as a university student abroad. In such cases, you'll need an official letter as proof.

How About Brexit and Travelling to Germany

Even that the United Kingdom left the EU, you can still travel and work in Europe as a citizen of that country. An agreement known as "The SPMR" (Status of People Moving to or Residing in a Member State) between the UK Government and the EU Member States outlines the rights of British residents residing in the EU. In addition to describing how people can travel inside Europe, this article also describes how you can obtain medical care and educational resources in Germany .

Making travel plans to Germany

You must complete a few tasks before travelling to Germany . For starters, ensure you possess an EU health insurance card , also known as a European Health Insurance Card or EHIC. Thanks to this card, you can receive medical care in Germany at a discounted fee or even for free.

The next plan should be purchasing travel insurance, protecting you from trip cancellations and other potential problems. Be careful as you make your purchase and only buy from a dependable vendor to avoid inconveniences.

After completing the above steps successfully, you should get a German address. Without a German mailing address moving around can be challenging since you might encounter certain there may be barriers if people think they can't get in touch with you at your home via mail or phone call. If you can't get your own house, you can explore alternatives such as renting an apartment through Airbnb or a friend's address. Note that if you use any of these options, the person you work with must be willing to do it and be a German citizen staying around.

German Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

You're free to apply for a German visa from anywhere in the United Kingdom. For a short-stay visa application, you will have to visit the embassy and bring along these documents: • A Valid Passport - you should present a passport that's valid for about three months after the trip and should have two blank pages (one for the visa stamp and an additional spare page). It should also be valid when you travel to Germany. • Fee payment receipt - this verifies that you paid the visa fee when you submitted your online application or that it was mailed to you. Embassies do not accept cash payments; before applying, please make sure your bank account has enough money. • A record of your travel plans - will show that you have reserved a reservation for a flight, train, lodging, and return transport. In short, it's an itinerary. • Proof of residence in the UK - shown by documents such as tax returns, utility bills or bank statements.

Note that your passport should contain a photo of yourself and relevant information. Such information for entry visa application includes if you had previously visited Germany and other countries. Include the exact dates. For an exit visa, include a list of all the places you plan to visit.

Requirements for Short Trips in EU Countries

The requirements for this are quite simple. All you need is: 1. A valid passport or identity card. 2. A visa if you travel from one country to another by train or ferry. 3. Prove that you have adequate funds for your journey and return ticket

What Should you Know About the Germany Visa Requirements if you're from the UK

If you are travelling from the UK, you must be aware of the visa requirements for Germany. Since Brexit, there are certain groups of people who won't be allowed to travel without a visa. This doesn't mean they can't travel to Germany. They still can, only that they meet certain requirements. These requirements are: • It would help if you first determined whether your nation is a member of the Schengen Area (26 European nations make up this zone). The zone allows its inhabitants to travel freely without having to present their passports or visas each time they cross an international boundary.

Unfortunately, the UK isn't in this zone because it doesn't share borders with other Schengen member states. As a result, the UK is not part of this agreement. However, after the Brexit negotiations between UK and EU leaders, it was concluded that it should automatically become a member of the Schengen Zone once Britain leaves Europe on March 29 (until at least 2021). In the event this happens, all British citizens who currently possess valid European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) issued by NHS Digital before March 29, 2020, will keep using these cards even after the Brexit takes effect.

What About British Citizens who Resided in Germany before Brexit

At the time the Withdrawal Agreement entered into force, UK persons with British citizenship who were residing in Germany may keep doing so under their current legal status. Additionally, they will be entitled to keep living in the country with their non-EU family members. Other benefits are that they can work as long as their spouse gives them permission. Additionally, social security and health care will be available to them. It wasn't necessary to have a residence title until at least December 31, 2020. However, these rights will only be recognised if the people in question possess legitimate identification documents proving their British citizenship and their presence in Germany is authorised.

Frequently Asked Questions About a German Visa from UK

Do i need a visa to travel to germany from the uk.

If you are a British citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to Germany for short stays or tourism. This is due to the reciprocal visa-free travel arrangements between the UK and the Schengen Area, which includes Germany. However, it is essential to check the latest travel regulations and requirements before your trip, as rules may change.

Do I need a visa for Germany from the UK after Brexit?

Yes, since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU, and as a result, British citizens are considered third-country nationals. British citizens can still travel to Germany and the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, for stays longer than 90 days or other purposes, you may need to apply for a visa or a residence permit. It is crucial to verify the latest visa requirements based on your specific travel purpose and duration.

Do I need a visa when traveling to Germany?

If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the European Union (EU) or the Schengen Area, you do not need a visa for short stays or tourism purposes in Germany. However, if you are a citizen of a non-EU or non-Schengen country, you may need to obtain a visa based on the purpose and duration of your travel. It is advisable to check the visa requirements specific to your nationality and travel purpose before making travel arrangements.

Where do I get a visa for Germany from the UK?

If you are a UK resident and need a visa to travel to Germany, you can apply for a German Schengen visa through the German Embassy or Consulate in the UK. The application process typically involves submitting the required documents, including a valid passport, visa application form, proof of travel insurance, travel itinerary, and other supporting documents. It is essential to check the specific visa requirements and procedures on the official website of the German diplomatic mission in the UK before applying.

You must be conversant with a few Germany's visa requirements if you are planning to travel from the UK. Before requesting a German visa from the UK, there are a few crucial considerations that you need to bear in mind. For instance, you will require a different visa depending on whether you are travelling for business or pleasure. Additionally, when travelling abroad, you should confirm if your passport is current to avoid any issues at checkpoints in airports or other checkpoints.

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Germany or the UK? It might sound like a simple question, but it really isn’t. Germany and the UK are both massive tourist destinations and offer substantial history to discover. If you are drawn to one, you will likely be drawn to the other as well, creating a difficult decision.

The overlap isn’t just limited to history; the countries have similarly outgoing nightlife cultures as well. And, since they are both Western European countries, you can also expect roughly similar temperatures. Even locals have overlapping reputations! You can expect queues, order, and reserved locals in both – particularly avoid these things in Germany to stay in everyone’s good books. With so many similarities, how, you may wonder, are you going to choose?

Before you start pulling your hair out, we’ve compiled a comparison guide between the two. Germany or the UK? No problem. We’ll explore all the pros and cons of both destinations.

Table of Contents

Germany or the UK: Attractions

One of the most difficult comparisons when debating between Germany or the UK is their attractions.

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Germany and the UK excel at maintaining historical attractions. A major draw to both countries is the castles – the most famous being Windsor Castle or Edinburgh Castle in the UK and Neuschwanstein in Germany.

Since both countries had heavy involvement in the World Wars, you can also expect many military and political attractions.

In Germany, you’ll find the German Tanks Museum, Museum of Military History, Museum of World War 1, Berlin Wall, and Bavarian Army Museum. For an intense immersion in tragic history, you can also visit concentration camp memorial sites like the Dachau Concentration Camp.

In London, you’ll find the Churchill War Rooms, the National Army Museum, the Imperial War Museum, the National Maritime Museum, and the Royal Air Force Museum. And that is just to name a few! You can also watch the Changing of the Guards and tour the Cavalry Stables to witness the military firsthand.

The benefit of the UK for historical attractions is the sheer scale of options. These attractions are just based in London, so you can imagine the options when traveling the rest of the UK. Another benefit of the UK is that many museums and attractions are free.

Winner : It is a tough call. We’d recommend Germany to learn more about the impact of World War and the UK for more general history. Overall, the UK wins this round.

Germany or the UK: Nature

Nature is another challenging comparison point, with both countries renowned for their scenery. The UK has fifteen National Parks, and Germany has sixteen – so there is a shared value for preserving and appreciating natural scenery.

The UK has a mixture of countryside villages like the Cotswolds and bleaker wilderness like the Highlands and Yorkshire Dales. Its villages are popular for ramblers and hikers who want a romantic glimpse of country living before finishing the day with a hearty meal in a traditional pub. Whereas, in more remote areas, you’ll find more adventurous challenges like the Three Peaks, Ben Nevis, or even Mount Snowdon in Wales.

The most famous National Parks in Germany are the Black Forest, Berchtesgaden, Bavarian Forest, and Saxon Switzerland. Germany is surrounded by alpine and forest scenery rather than quaint country village scenes and miles of moorland. There is a definite sense of remoteness but a less empty atmosphere than the UK’s moorland. Of course, there are also the German Alps to explore.

Both Germany and the UK have inspired the masses through their nature. Romantic poets like Wordsworth even traveled to Germany from the UK to experience its natural scenery, writing about both destinations in his esteemed works.

However, there is a definite difference between Germany and the UK’s scenery – so consider carefully between them.

Winner : Germany wins this round for its stunning alpine scenery.

Germany or the UK: Price

Overall, while you can visit budget areas in Britain, Germany is the cheaper holiday option of the two.

While the UK has many attractions, especially in London, that are free, the overall cost is slightly higher for most factors. You can expect to pay more for meals at restaurants, beer, public transport, and rent if you choose to stay for a month or more.

There are ways to cut costs in the UK, for example traveling by National Express coach rather than the train. For example, a train from London to Manchester can cost over $130 for a single trip, while you can catch a bus for under $20. However, often on shorter trips, cost-cutting just isn’t worth it, as even in this instance, a bus would take six and a half hours compared to two on the train.

If you plan to travel the UK slowly, use hostels, and visit mostly free attractions, it can be possible to keep to a small budget. However, we’d recommend choosing Germany for a more cost-effective holiday, particularly for a short break.

I’ve compiled a comparison table of typical costs using data from Numbeo .

Winner : Germany wins this round.

Germany or the UK: Nightlife

Oof. Nightlife is a difficult aspect to compare.

The UK is known for its lively at best, rowdy at worst, nightlife culture. In the pubs, you can expect football fans every game day – donning team shirts and chanting their favorite songs as they get progressively more drunk. In the clubs, the UK takes raves very seriously. Liverpool, Manchester, and Leeds are all particularly known for their clubbing scene. Of course, there are also plenty of cocktail bars and at least one sophisticated rooftop bar per city. And, keep an eye out for touring bands and music artists, as the UK has a competitive live music scene.

In Germany, there is a larger focus on clubbing and all-night raves. You will find bars and pubs, sure. But on a Friday night, there will be more people lining up for club entry than taking a seat at the cocktail bar. However, like the UK, keep your eye out for touring artists, as there is also a strong live music scene in Germany,

Of course, you just couldn’t mention German nightlife without mentioning Berghain. The Berlin club is inside an old warehouse and looks completely abandoned during the day. However, at night, it is known as the techno hub of the city and is famed for its ridiculously strict entrance policies. What are these policies, you ask? Nobody knows. Berghain is so difficult to enter that it has become a tourist attraction to try to get past its bouncers.

Winner : While Germany gives the UK nightlife a run for its money, the UK is our winner here. Its friendly, outgoing nightlife makes it a fun partying destination.

Germany or the UK: Weather

Deciding between Germany or the UK based on weather? You can expect mostly similar temperatures, hours of sun, and rainfall. The closeness of countries means that they share an almost identical climate.

However, if you want to get really detailed, Germany is a few degrees hotter on average throughout the summer. While, in winter, the UK is quite a few degrees hotter than Germany.

Therefore, if the temperature is really important to you, Germany might be better for a warmer summer destination. While, if you want a warmer winter destination, choose the UK.

I’ve compiled a temperature comparison table using mean temperatures from Weather2Travel.

Winner : While there is a slight difference, this round is a draw as the weather in Germany and the UK is so similar.

Germany or the UK: Beaches

Since Germany is landlocked apart from its Northern coast, the UK has a clear advantage to beaches being an island.

Cornwall, Devon, North Wales, and the Scottish Isles are particularly renowned for their beaches’ beauty. Whether you visit in winter or summer, you’ll find people exploring the UK’s beaches – even in the more remote spots. The UK also has many folk tales and cultural history linked to its beaches, including Robin Hood’s Bay and Merlin’s Cave on Tintagel Haven Beach. Plus, you can spot whales, dolphins, seals , puffins , and many more marine wildlife in the surrounding ocean.

In Germany, the islands of Sylt and Langeoog are most famous for their beaches. Since they are located just off the coast of Germany, you’ll have to catch a (worthwhile) ferry to reach them. Otherwise, there are beaches like Strand Cuxhaven, Hundestrand Gromitz, or even the nudist beach Bathe Ording North on the mainland.

Winner : The UK takes an easy win for its beaches.

Germany or the UK: Accommodation

Germany and the UK have a similar variety of accommodation options, although UK prices tend to be slightly higher. As we’ve previously established, this is particularly evident for longer stays as the monthly rent is noticeably higher in the UK than in Germany.

In a survey on shorter UK accommodation, ‘41% of respondents’ preferred an Airbnb or B&B to a hotel. So, while there may be plenty of accommodation options ( 9.8 thousand to be precise) in the UK, Airbnb and B&Bs are the more popular choices for holidays.

This may be because of the notorious UK hotels prices, which Finder’s results show to be an average of $95.77 per night outside of London and $200.73 inside London. You will find that London prices skew your budget for traveling the UK a lot.

In Germany, there were 12,829 hotels as of 2021, with an average net room price of $102.16. So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly destination, we’d advise choosing Germany. You’ll also get more for your money, as budget UK hotels can compromise more noticeably on quality and comfort.

I’ve calculated the UK’s average room price across the country and provided an average price comparison in the table below.

Winner : Germany is our winner here, as its accommodation is much cheaper on average than the UK’s.

Germany or the UK: The Conclusion

Overall, despite Germany and the UK drawing with an equal number of wins, we’d recommend choosing the UK.

The UK has more diversity, with English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish culture to discover. Plus, it has better beaches, marine wildlife spotting, and friendlier nightlife. While you will have to plan more carefully for budget-conscious travel, we believe the UK is the best choice in your ‘Germany or the UK debate’.

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Coach service offers journeys across the UK for knockdown price of £2 each way

Hundreds of cut-price, sustainable intercity journeys are on special offer this week for trips across England, Scotland and Wales

A transport company is offering £2 tickets for coach trips across the UK to be taken up to May 12. With a £1 service fee, that means travellers planning journeys can book long-distance tickets from £3 on the FlixBus website or app.

In England there is a government-backed scheme capping local bus tickets at £2 until December 2024, but this offer opens up longer routes and also applies to journeys into and around Wales and Scotland, where the £2 cap doesn’t exist. So, if you fancy a trip through the blossoming valleys from Bristol to Swansea, or from Glasgow to Inverness via the Cairngorms, now is the time to book. The deal is available until Sunday 21 April.

The international travel tech company is celebrating three years of business in the UK. It runs in partnership with local coach companies using green, branded vehicles. Earlier this year FlixBus launched the first direct electric coach service between London Victoria station and Newport in south Wales two of around 75 UK destinations currently covered by the network.

FlixBus began as a German startup in 2013 and has grown exponentially since then to cover thousands of routes in more than 40 countries, entering the UK market in 2020. Last summer it launched the first ever regular routes from several UK cities, including Leeds and Cambridge, direct to Amsterdam. The buses aim to be cheap, sustainable, easy to book and comfortable, with free wifi and charging points on board.

The lowest-priced journeys include direct routes such as Manchester to Edinburgh, London to Bridgend, Bristol to Newcastle and hundreds more intercity connections. The whole FlixBus Scottish network is part of the £2 scheme with Inverness added as a new destination this month. In Scotland, National Entitlement Card and Young Scot cardholders can get free travel.

Andreas Schörling, managing director of FlixBus UK, said the network offers affordable tickets and “comfortable, modern vehicles” and is celebrating its third anniversary with “£2 travel around the vibrant cities and towns of the UK”. The company aims to “become the best-loved coach brand in the country”, he added, offering “reliable services to as many passengers as possible”.

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Germany's Scholz calls for fair competition and warns against dumping during China visit

German chancellor olaf scholz has called for fair competition in trade relations with china while warning about dumping and overproduction while speaking to students in shanghai on monday, article bookmarked.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for fair competition in trade relations with China while warning about dumping and overproduction as he spoke to students in Shanghai on Monday.

Scholz is visiting China against the background of looming EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other trade-related tensions. The two countries are also split over how to handle Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The one thing that must always be clear is that competition must be fair,” Scholz told students at Tongji University in Shanghai, according to German news agency dpa.

“Of course we would like our companies to have no restrictions, but conversely we behave exactly how we are demanding here,” he said, adding there must be no dumping or overproduction.

The European Union is mulling tariffs to protect its producers against cheaper Chinese electrical vehicle imports, which some fear will flood the European market.

The head of Germany’s auto industry association, the VDA, expressed opposition to such tariffs ahead of Scholz’s visit. Hildegard Müller told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper in comments published Saturday the tariffs would not help the European and German auto industries and instead “could quickly have a negative effect in a trade conflict.”

“Current business with China secures a large number of jobs here in Germany ,” Müller said.

Scholz made comparisons to reservations years ago when Japanese and Korean automakers entered the German market.

“There was great agitation in the newspapers: ‘Now the Japanese cars will come and clean up’ — nonsense,” he told the Tongji University students. He said there are German cars in China that were made with Chinese manufacturers, and at some point there would also be Chinese cars in Germany and Europe.

Scholz began his three-day China trip on Sunday in the industrial hub of Chongqing, where he and his delegation of ministers and business executives visited a partially German-funded company and other sites in the vast city, which is a production base for China’s auto and other industries.

He is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday in Beijing before returning to Berlin later in the day.

Scholz is expected to question Xi about China’s support for Russia’s economy two years into Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Prior to his arrival, the German leader posted on social platform X that he had discussed the “massive” Russian air attacks on civilian energy infrastructure with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, and declared that Berlin would “stand unbreakably by Ukraine’s side.”

China has refused to criticize Russia’s aggression. Beijing maintains trade relations with Moscow, and the two nations carry out joint military drills. A U.S. intelligence report last week found China has increased equipment sales to Russia to help in its war effort against Ukraine.

Berlin is also worried about a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, a self-ruled island 130 kilometers (80 miles) off of China’s coast that Beijing claims as its own.

Scholz told students in Shanghai that borders “must not be moved by force.”

“We should not be afraid of our neighbors,” he said, emphasizing the importance of international institutions such as the World Trade Organization.

Despite the political and trade frictions, China was Germany’s top trading partner for the eighth straight year in 2023, with 254.1 billion euros ($271 billion) in goods and services exchanged between the sides, slightly more than what Germany traded with the U.S. but a 15.5% contraction from the year before.

This is Scholz’s second trip to China since he became chancellor in late 2021. His previous visit was in November 2022 and essentially was a one-day trip because of the strict COVID restrictions still in place at the time.

It is his first visit since the German government last year presented its China strategy, which met with criticism from Beijing. Premier Li and a delegation of senior officials visited Berlin in June.

Associated Press writers Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan, and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.

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In Israel, UK, Germany FMs caution against retaliation to Iran attack

A handout photo made available by the Israeli Government Office (GPO).

On a visit to Israel Wednesday, just four days after Tehran’s missile and drone attack, British Foreign Minister David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on all parties to avoid escalating tensions in the region. The call of the ministers came against the backdrop of several statements by Israeli leaders on the government’s intention to retaliate militarily after the Iranian strike.

Meeting separately today with Cameron and Baerbock, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted in a statement issued by his office that "Israel must preserve its right to self-defense." Addressing a cabinet meeting later on, Netanyahu said, "Our allies have all sorts of proposals and [advice]. I appreciate that. But I want to make it clear: We will make our own decisions, and the state of Israel will do whatever it takes to defend itself."

Tehran says the weekend attack, which involved over 300 drones and missiles fired at Israeli territory, came as retaliation for an April 1 strike on its consulate in Damascus that killed seven Iranian military officials, including two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders, and was widely attributed to Israel.

Netanyahu thanked both the UK and Germany for supporting and assisting Israel's defense. He noted that he spoke on the phone with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday, and that he intends to also speak soon with other world leaders. British fighter jets departing from Cyprus helped intercept some of the over 300 Iranian drones and missiles fired overnight Saturday, as did French military jets based in Jordan.

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Daily briefing, the takeaway, week in review, business & tech briefing, security briefing, china-middle east briefing, gulf briefing, turkey briefing, israel briefing, palestine briefing, us confrontation with iran’s proxies: live q&a with jared szuba and elizabeth hagedorn.

US confrontation with Iran’s proxies: Live Q&A with Jared Szuba and Elizabeth Hagedorn

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World Voice Day: How Germany shaped modern day opera

Thought Leadership

The inside of a theatre with a stage set for an opera performance

As part of World Voice Day, Dr Katherine Hambridge in our Music department explains how German nationalism led to the opera you know today.

What is your research about?

My research is about the idea of the German voice, and specifically the idea of the German operatic voice in the 19 th century. Germany wasn’t a unified nation until 1871; as part of the nationalist movement in the 19 th century it became really important to establish a German operatic tradition, rather than importing popular Italian and French operas, in order to make the case for unification. A lot of people have studied composers who wrote operas in German but in my project I’m looking at singers whose voices were celebrated by critics as being German, and for whom the composers wrote. Part of my research will involve working with professional singers to try and recover what these historic singers who shaped German opera sounded like.

What sparked your interest in this particular topic?

What really interests me about my project is seeing the relationship between music culture and political movements and ideas, how they influence each other – and then, in particular, how ideas that can seem not just established but very natural or essential, like how people sing, are actually constructed by discussions in the press that define who/what sounds German or not, which then influence the way composers write for ‘German’ voices.

Can you explain more about the German singing voice and how that differs from other operatic traditions?

Patriotic writers obsessed with the idea of the German voice and German opera were reacting to the long-term popularity of Italian opera in German lands, and attempting to find something that was obviously different from the Italian tradition of singing. German writers often stereotyped Italian operatic voices (particular the voice of castrati, castrated man with a high-pitched voices who had been the stars of the 18 th -century stage) as over-elaborate and effeminate, and used metaphors like trilling birds and insects, piccolos, and violins. The German voice was defined by critics against this stereotype; they favoured singers with large, loud, less flexible voices, who sang without ornamentation, more ‘naturally’– and tried out all sorts of metaphors to describe it — horns, organ pipes, clarinets — in an attempt to make it German, heroic, and masculine.

Why was gender so important to German opera?

The caricature of the female opera singer now — a ‘statuesque’ woman in armour — can actually be traced to these efforts in the early nineteenth century: many of the women whose voices were celebrated as “German” earlier in the century had a celebrity persona that was characterised by their androgyny, whether it was their height and build, or their cross-dressing. Like the national symbols Germania and Britannia —armoured women—these androgynous women combined the “feminine” virtues of naturalness and purity with “masculine” qualities such as (military) strength, thus establishing German opera, and the aspirational nation as exceptional and heroic. So when we hear voices singing German opera now, we are hearing the result of quite a complex nineteenth-century process of shaping what the German operatic voice should sound like.

Find out more:

Read about the work of Dr Katherine Hambridge.
Find out more about World Voice Day.

Ranked 6th in the Complete University Guide by Subject 2024, the Music Department has been central to the Durham University’s three-year project to become the largest All-Steinway school in the UK.

Research-led teaching supports our students to achieve their full potential as thinking, creative musicians, and scholars. What’s more Durham enjoys a rich musical life beyond the Department with numerous choirs, orchestras, opera, jazz, and early-music ensembles, in addition to our own annual concert series attracting soloists from around the World.

Feeling inspired? Visit our Music webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Durham University is a top 100 world university. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, we were ranked 78th globally.

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COMMENTS

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Your passport must be: issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue') valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ...
Germany travel advice
26 March 2024. Latest update: Information on travelling to Germany for Euro 2024 ('Euro 2024' page). The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO) provides advice about risks of ...
Germany Entry Requirements for UK Citizens
The requirements when entering Germany as a UK citizen are: You must have a valid travel document. Your passport is valid for at least three more months beyond the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen territory, You need to be able to explain the reason for your visit to Germany. You must have enough financial means to cover your stay ...
Travelling to Germany
Germany travel advice. Latest FCDO travel advice for German including on entry requirements, safety and security and local laws and customs.'.
London to Germany by train
London to Germany by train. It's easy to travel from the UK to Germany by train. Take Eurostar from London to Brussels in 2 hours and switch to a high-speed ICE train to Cologne taking 1h57, then take another luxurious ICE train to Munich, Berlin, Hamburg or anywhere in Germany. London to Brussels starts at £52 one-way or £78 return, Brussels to Cologne at €18.90 each way, Brussels to ...
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If you have a week, you could visit 2 cities (plus 2 day trips) in different parts of Germany and allot one day for travel between cities (e.g., a few days in Munich with a day trip to Chiemsee, travel day to Berlin, then a few days in Berlin with a day trip to Potsdam). Or you could spend a week touring one region of Germany (e.g. the Black ...
Travelling to Germany From UK: Rules, Visas, Brexit, Shipping
Now, however, the rules are slightly different. Germany is in the Schengen Area which does mean that travel here is relatively straightforward but there are time restrictions to stick to. Anyone visiting Germany, and travelling from the UK, can stay for 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
Germany tourist visa requirements and application process
It enables the holders to visit Germany for sightseeing, and cultural immersion. It has a maximum 90-day validity within a 180-day window that it can be issued. How to Apply for Germany Tourist Visa from UK? The process of obtaining a Germany visa online might be challenging. Before beginning the Germany visa application process, there are many ...
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Lufthansa, Air Dolomiti and three other airlines fly from Frankfurt am Main to London every 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Berlin to London via Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Köln Hbf, Bruxelles Midi, Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi, London St Pancras Intl, and King's Cross St. Pancras station in around 10h 44m. Airlines. British Airways.
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Germans and some more citizens do not need a visa to travel to the United Kingdom. To find out if you need a visa, click here. If a visa is required, a personal application (personal interview, fingerprints, etc.) must be submitted to an Application Center in Berlin, Dusseldorf or Munich. Expect a lead time of 1 to 2 weeks to get an appointment ...
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World Voice Day: How Germany shaped modern day opera
What is your research about? My research is about the idea of the German voice, and specifically the idea of the German operatic voice in the 19 th century. Germany wasn't a unified nation until 1871; as part of the nationalist movement in the 19 th century it became really important to establish a German operatic tradition, rather than importing popular Italian and French operas, in order ...