Germany Travel Guide
Why go to Germany? This is the land of fairytale castles, charming towns, and cities packed with history. There is something here for everyone. For families there is Bavaria, with wonderful Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Neuschwanstein (Cinderella’s castle), and adventures at the foot of the Alps. Couples can cruise the Rhine River and drive the Romantic Road. Those in search of adventure can climb Zugspitze or go hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Germany Stats
Official Language: German
Population: 83 million
Capital City: Berlin
Currency: Euro
Power Outlet: Type C, E and F
Bavaria
10 Day Bavaria Itinerary & Road Trip Guide
With the Alps to the south and idyllic towns dotting its hillsides, Bavaria is a beautiful and romantic destination. On this Bavaria itinerary, view the Alps from Germany’s highest peak at Zugspitze, tour King Ludwig II’s storybook castle Neuschwanstein, learn about WWII history in Munich and Berchtesgaden, and even take day trips into Austria.
How to Visit Neuschwanstein Without the Crowds
Neuschwanstein is one of Germany’s most visited sites. This fairytale palace, which was Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella’s castle, is located in Bavaria, Germany. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe and people from around the world descend on Neuschwanstein between the peak season months of July and August. With the […]
A Quick Guide to Berchtesgaden, Germany
Berchtesgaden, Germany…a small corner in southern Germany, tucked away in the Alps, is surrounded on three sides by Austria. This is the land of wiener schnitzel, lederhosen, and beer. We spent three wonderful days here touring all of the big sites and taking a day trip just over the border to Salzburg, Austria. About Our […]
A Visit to Dachau Concentration Camp in Munich, Germany
Dachau Concentration Camp was the first of the Nazi concentration camps. It is located near Munich, Germany. A visit here is an incredibly moving experience and a valuable history lesson. Here are some things you should know while planning your visit. Dachau was the Nazi’s first concentration camp and was the only concentration camp to […]
How to Visit Zugspitze from Germany and Austria
Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak (2962 meters), is located in southern Germany on its border with Austria. Visiting Zugspitze is a fantastic half day excursion which can easily be accomplished from both Austria and Germany. How to Visit Zugspitze Austria or Germany? Since Zugspitze sits on the border between Austria and Germany, it can be accessed […]
How We Spent One Week in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a wonderful small town located in Bavaria, Germany, was our home base for one solid week. From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we frequently day tripped to Austria, Liechtenstein, and other destinations in Bavaria. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a great place from which to explore southern Germany. It is located in the German Alps, just a few miles from the […]
Teufelsberg: Is This the Weirdest Spot to Visit in Berlin?
If you are traveling to Berlin and want to see something weird, put Teufelsberg on your list. Teufelsberg is an abandoned listening station used during the Cold War that is now covered with graffiti. A visit here is eerie, historical, at times unnerving, and even beautiful. What is Teufelsberg? Teufelsberg is German for Devil’s Mountain. […]
Berlin Bucket List: 28 Best Things to Do in Berlin
Before traveling to Berlin, a fellow traveler told us that Berlin was the “least German city” in Germany. That had us scratching our heads, wondering what he meant. Until we got to Berlin. Berlin is not like the cities of Munich, Nuremberg, or Hamburg. Berlin is grittier, edgier, and has more of the urban vibe […]
5 Day Berlin Itinerary: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit
If you are planning a trip to Berlin, you should know that there is a lot more to see here than just the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate. Berlin is the largest city in Germany and one of the largest cities in the European Union. It’s a diverse city filled with world-class museums, beautiful […]
Saxony
Explore this picturesque corner of Germany, with fairytale bridges and beautiful cities.
Not Your Ordinary Berlin Day Trip: Rakotzbrücke, Görlitz, and Bastei Bridge
If you are visiting Berlin, there are numerous day trips you can take. Leipzig, Potsdam, and Dresden are all within driving distance. However, if you want to go off-the-beaten-path and see several very scenic places, you’ll love this Berlin day trip. In one day, you can visit the photogenic Rakotzbrücke, walk across the fairytale Bastei […]
The Perfect Day Trip to the Bastei Bridge in Germany
The Bastei is one of Germany’s most unique landscapes. Giant pinnacles of sandstone rock tower over the Elbe River and the green countryside. Spanning these pinnacles is a stone bridge, dramatic in its appearance, as it connects these towers of rock and then seems to lead nowhere. We visited the Bastei on a day trip […]
17 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Görlitz, Germany
Germany is a country that appears on many travelers’ bucket lists. And why not? It has fairytale castles, beautiful Bavaria, Oktoberfest, and amazing cities to visit. But have you ever heard of Görlitz? We hadn’t. At least not until we planned a trip to Berlin. I “discovered” Görlitz when I was searching for unique day […]
Rakotzbrücke: A Fairytale Bridge in Saxony, Germany
Rakotzbrücke, also called the Devil’s Bridge, looks like something that belongs in a fairytale. This unique looking bridge is tucked away in a small park in Saxony, Germany. Getting here can be a challenge, since Rakotzbrücke is not located near any major city. However, if you combine a trip here with other nearby destinations, you […]
Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info
30 Popular Tourist Attractions in Europe & How to Visit Them
From world class museums and ancient archaeological sites to stunning natural wonders, Europe boasts a diverse array of attractions that attract millions of visitors every year. Here are 30 of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe and how to visit them.
One Week in Europe: 25 Epic Itineraries
Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit fairytale towns and castles, island hop in Greece, or go on an unforgettable road trip in northern Europe?
In this article we list 25 ways to spend one week in Europe.
10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip
Europe is a joy to explore. With world-class cities, medieval towns, historical sites, the snowcapped Alps, gorgeous beaches, and some of the world’s most delicious food, you have the perfect ingredients for your next vacation. If you want to spend 10 days in Europe, we have ten amazing itineraries to share with you. In this […]
12 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe
Having a car provides a lot of freedom and convenience when traveling through Europe. You can travel at your own pace, stop frequently to take in the view, and get to some places that are difficult to reach with public transportation. However, there are some things to know about renting a car in Europe. Knowing […]
30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)
It is no secret that Europe is filled with beautiful places to visit. With its grand cities, fairytale-like towns, soaring mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches, there is a seemingly endless list of gorgeous places to explore. Whether you are planning your next trip to Europe, or just trying to figure out where to travel to […]
7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe
If you are planning your first trip to Europe, it can be an overwhelming experience. Where should you go? How much will it cost? How many places can you visit? Does this sound familiar? We get emails every day from people who want advice planning their first trip to Europe. And we see the same […]
Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes
Europe is one of our favorite places to go hiking. There’s no better way to explore the dramatic and varied landscapes here, from the snow-capped Alps to coastal trails to the remote, volcanic interior of Iceland. In this guide we list 20 of the best hikes in Europe, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful […]
Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag
Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. Photography Gear Guide The […]
Top Experiences
Berlin. Berlin is the capital of Germany and its largest city. Popular places to visit are the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag Building.
Bavaria. This is one of Germany’s most popular places to visit, for good reason. Sitting at the base of the Alps, this is the place to go to tour charming towns, castles (the most famous being Neuschwanstein), and to get a view of the mighty Alps.
Munich. Munich is the capital city of Bavaria. It is a beautiful city with lots to do. Cycle through the Englischer Garden, drink beer at the Hofbrauhaus, visit Dachau Concentration Camp, or tour the BMW Museum.
Oktoberfest. This is the largest beer festival in the world. Oktoberfest takes place in Munich during the last two weeks of September. In 2019, Oktoberfest will be September 21 to October 6.
Romantic Road. The Romantic Road is a scenic drive through Bavaria. Starting in Fussen in the south, most people take several days to slowly drive north to Wurzburg, hopping from town to town along the way. Rothenburg is the most scenic and the most popular town on the route. For those with little time to spare, the entire Romantic Road can be driven in one day.
Cologne. Located on the Rhine River, many people travel here to see the Cologne Cathedral, Germany’s most visited landmark.
Rhine River Cruise. Cruising on the Rhine River is a great way to tour the towns of Germany. Many people extend their journey by starting in Amsterdam or continuing on the Danube River to Budapest.
Zugspitze. This is Germany’s highest mountain. Accessible by cable car, this is great for people of all ages. For those who love hiking and rock climbing, it is possible to take several days and climb to the peak of Zugspitze.
Black Forest. This southwestern area of Germany is covered with thick forests. The scenery is stunning but this area is also packed with natural hot springs. This is the place to come for healing waters and relaxation.
Berchtesgaden. Located in the southeastern corner of Germany, Berchtesgaden is surrounded on three sides by Austria. Visit Hitler’s Eagles Nest, gaze upon gorgeous Lake Konigsee, and take a day trip to Salzburg, Austria.