Germany Travel Insights

2 Weeks in Germany - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Germany, you can take advantage of its excellent train network to hop between the country's beautiful cities or stick to Southern Germany and explore historic towns and castles on a self-drive itinerary. Other options include a World War II-focused trip featuring Berlin, Nuremberg, Munich, and Prague, a summer road trip split between Germany's Romantic Road and Switzerland's mountain-backed towns, and a fast-paced Central Europe tour that combines five countries and seven cities.

10 Days in Germany - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Given Germany's size, you can visit at least four regions in 10 days. Active travelers will enjoy standup paddleboarding on Lake Constance and biking around Berlin, while history buffs will appreciate a Nuremberg World War II tour. Those keen on culinary experiences can take a Bavarian food and beer tour in Munich and sip riesling in Rudesheim. Travelers eager to embark on a multicountry trip can include an e-bike tour in the Czech Republic, an orchestra concert in Austria, or hiking in Switzerland.

Southern Germany Road Trip: Bavaria, the Black Forest & Lake Constance - 14 Days

Southern Germany has abundant cultural highlights within easy driving distance—scripting a perfect two-week road trip. Explore Munich, then head to Dachau for an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on World War II. From here, you'll drive to picturesque Rothenburg, live the high life in spa-town Baden-Baden, and discover Lake Constance's shoreside villages. Delight in Alpine resort towns Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Berchtesgaden before finishing with a culinary tour of Munich.

Highlights of Central Europe: Berlin to Budapest - 14 Days

Five countries, seven cities— one terrific two-week road trip. Starting in Berlin, you'll drive south to Dresden, hop over the Czech border to visit Prague and Brno, then enter Austria to explore Vienna and the quaint Alpine town of Hallstatt. Dip into Slovakia for a night, then finish in Budapest, Hungary. Along the way, you'll cruise, hike, and bike to many of Europe's cultural and natural highlights—and have ample time to relax over local fine dining, wines, and beer.

World War II History Tour of Germany - 10 Days

History buffs will love this 10-day journey through Germany, which covers many key places affected by World War II. Begin in Berlin, where the Third Reich's impact comes to light at the Reichstag and the Soviet War Memorial. Witness wartime destruction and rebirth in Dresden, gain insight into the Nazi regime and subsequent trials in Nuremberg, and end in Munich, where you'll learn about the courageous students of the White Rose and visit Dachau, the harrowing site of the concentration camp.

Germany & Switzerland Active Road Trip: Munich to Geneva - 10 Days

This 10-day tour of southern Germany and Switzerland is perfect for travelers wanting the freedom of driving while experiencing outdoor activities along the way. Kick off the trip with a Bavarian beer tour in Munich, then set off along the Romantic Road, stopping to cycle to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle and paddleboard on Lake Constance. More adventure awaits as you cross the border into Switzerland, where you'll kayak on Lake Brienz and e-bike through the Valley of 72 Waterfalls.

Highlights of Central Europe: Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Brno, Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest - 10 Days

Visit a whopping five countries in 10 days during this exciting self-drive tour across Central Europe. Learn about the Cold War and German beer in Berlin before driving south to Dresden for a relaxing riverboat cruise. Next, enjoy winetasting and an e-bike tour of Prague, and then explore the Czech city of Brno on a walking tour. You'll be treated to museums and live music in Vienna—and more beer in Bratislava—before the tour ends in Budapest with a cooking class and dinner cruise.

5 Days in Germany - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days in Germany is enough time to visit two to four destinations. You can train to Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, and Munich to see highlights like the Berlin Wall and picturesque old towns. Discover Berlin and Dresden's World War II history or tour them from a culinary and craft beer perspective. Those wanting relaxation in spa towns will enjoy Lake Constance and Baden-Baden, while travelers seeking a festive Christmas market experience should visit Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Dresden, and Berlin.

1 Week in Germany - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in Germany is enough time to visit three destinations at a comfortable pace. History buffs will appreciate tours of Nuremberg's World War II sites, while travelers keen on culinary experiences can sample local food and wine on tasting tours in Berlin and the Rhine Valley. Arts enthusiasts will enjoy a concert at Schloss Nymphenburg and a visit to Alte Pinakothek in Munich, and those seeking a rejuvenating journey can cruise around Reichenau Island by bike and soak in thermal pools in Baden-Baden.

Best German Christmas Markets : Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Dresden & Berlin - 5 Days

Germany's winters may be snowy and dark—but that's just the right setting for its famous Christmas markets, where the cheerful lights and decorations, gingerbread, and mulled wine will soon warm you to your toes. Starting with Frankfurt, your tour takes you to Nuremberg, Dresden, and Berlin, ensuring you experience some of Germany's oldest and most authentic Christmas markets. Savor each city's specialties as you discover them at their festive best.

Germany Nature & Relaxation: Konstanz, Baden-Baden, Rothenburg ob der Tauber & Frankfurt - 7 Days

Combine nature, relaxation, and culture on this week-long tour of Germany. Start in Konstanz, a lakeside city where you can stroll along the waterfront and cycle around the idyllic Reichenau Island. Float above the countryside in a hot-air balloon, soak your stress away in the luxurious hot springs of Baden-Baden, and drive between medieval towns along the Romantic Road. End your trip with wine tasting in the Rhine Valley before departing from Frankfurt.

Relaxing Getaway in Germany's Spa Towns - 5 Days

This five-day self-drive tour is ideal for travelers who want a leisurely and refreshing getaway. Arrive at Zürich Airport and make the short drive across the German border to picturesque Konstanz. Discover its charms at your own pace, then go standup paddleboarding on Lake Constance. After an easy hike to the spectacular Rhine Falls, continue to Germany's luxury spa town, Baden-Baden. Round off your holiday with leisurely strolls and spoil yourself with a full-day spa experience.

German Culture Tour: Berlin, Dresden & Munich - 7 Days

German culture spans everything from medieval castles to contemporary street art, traditional Bavarian fare, to cuisine influenced by Germany's immigrants. On this week-long tour of Berlin, Dresden, and Munich, you'll enjoy a fascinating overview of three very different cities that highlight different parts of German culture. Explore the hip inner-city neighborhoods of Berlin, visit a Gothic fortress in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, enjoy a concert in a Baroque palace in Munich, and much more.

World War II History Tour of Germany - 7 Days

Travelers interested in World War II history will benefit from guided excursions through some of Germany's most interesting and infamous cities and sites. This weeklong itinerary starts in Berlin, where you'll learn how the Third Reich made their mark. From here, take a train to Dresden, a city rebuilt from destruction, and Nuremberg, full of medieval charm and 20th-century horror. Finish with a trip to the Eagle's Nest and the Dachau Concentration Camp to complete this fascinating tour.

Explore Germany's Best Christmas Markets - 7 Days

Get in the festive spirit on a fun-filled weeklong tour of some of Germany's finest Christmas markets and winter attractions. Starting in Frankfurt, you'll pick up a rental car and take a scenic drive through Rothenburg, Nuremberg, and Dresden before ending in Berlin. In addition to authentic shopping and tasty treats, you'll also have time to see UNESCO-listed attractions of Weimar, learn about World War II history, and join a private beer tasting.

Highlights of Germany's Cities - 7 Days

Travelers with a week to spare in Germany can check off some of the country's best sights and tastes on this self-guided road trip. Starting in Frankfurt, you'll visit a new city every day, experiencing highlights with local experts, such as top-notch wineries in the Rhine Valley, street art in Cologne, and hip neighborhoods in Berlin. You'll also take a scenic cruise past Dresden's reconstructed landmarks and kick back at one or more of Munich's beer gardens to finish the adventure.

World War II History Tour in Germany & the Czech Republic - 14 Days

History buffs will love this two-week tour of Germany and the Czech Republic, which covers many key places that were affected by and shaped during World War II. Start by touring Berlin's poignant sites and Dresden's glorious reconstructed landmarks. Next, venture into the Czech Republic to explore Prague's Jewish heritage and a lesser-known concentration camp at Terezín. Then return to Germany, and visit Nuremberg and Munich, where you'll learn more about the Nazi regime and Nuremberg trials.

Germany & Switzerland Summer Road Trip: Munich to Geneva - 14 Days

There's no need to choose between Germany and Switzerland because, on this two-week trip, you can have it all. Start the adventure in the Bavarian city of Munich before driving to other southern German highlights, including Neuschwanstein Castle and Lake Constance. Then cross the border into Switzerland, where the mountains and lakes will impress you with their scale. Kayak on Lake Brienz, e-bike through the Valley of 72 Waterfalls, indulge in cheese in Gruyères, and much more.

Ultimate Summer Road Trip in Southern Germany - 10 Days

This 10-day summer-themed road trip takes you through some of southern Germany's most spectacular natural landscapes and charming towns, with a mix of cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities. Start with a bike tour in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, and then make your way to the lakeside city of Konstanz, the trails of nearby Switzerland, and the forests of Schwarzwald. If that's not enough, you'll explore the Romantic Road and cruise along the Rhine River to complete the adventure.

Highlights of Germany: Berlin, Dresden, Munich & Frankfurt - 10 Days

Germany has a lot to offer, but with a well-planned 10-day itinerary, you can cover many of its cultural, culinary, and historical highlights. This exciting train tour starts in Berlin, the country's hip, multicultural capital, and travels to scenic Dresden and the Saxon Switzerland National Park. You'll then head to Munich to learn more about traditional Bavarian food and drink, and finish in Frankfurt, your jumping-off point for exploring the Rhine Valley, historic Heidelberg, and more.

Explore Germany's Best Cities by Train - 14 Days

This epic urban adventure through Germany travels by train to eight vibrant cities focusing on contemporary art, medieval architecture, World War II history, and tasty food and drink. Starting in bustling Berlin and ending in maritime Hamburg, you'll spend two fascinating weeks enjoying guided city tours, drives through the Black Forest, and even detours in the Czech Republic and France along the way.

World War II History Tour: Berlin, Dresden & Northern Bohemia - 5 Days

Whether you have a personal connection to World War II or are a history buff wanting to learn more, this five-day trip through Germany is just the ticket. Start in Berlin and explore highlights like the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and Holocaust Memorial. Continue south to Dresden to wander through the restored architectural gems that have risen from the ashes. To finish the trip, skip over the border to the Czech Republic to see more World War II sites, plus stunning rock formations in the Saxony mountains.

Germany Train Tour: Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg & Munich - 5 Days

This exciting train itinerary will take you through four of Germany's most beloved cities. Start by exploring Berlin's fascinating history and alternative culture, then head south to Dresden to sample wine surrounded by stately elegance. Next, get lost in Nuremberg's quaint, cobbled streets before you sip your way through Munich's famous beer gardens. An easy train ride between each city makes this trip low on stress and high on fun for the perfect getaway.

Taste of Germany: Culinary Tour of Berlin & Dresden - 5 Days

Spend five days exploring the gastronomic highlights of two of Germany's best-loved cities, Berlin and Dresden. Whether you're a serious foodie or just love a quality beer, the tasty delights you'll discover along the way will give you a fascinating—and fun!—introduction to German history and culture. Toast your companions in traditional beer halls, dine in fine restaurants, and grab street food on the run as you fuel your adventures in the best possible way!

How Many Days to Spend in Germany

Germany has a broad offering of experiences, from modern cities to medieval towns, fairy-tale castles and forests, and even beaches. Two weeks will allow you enough time to get to know the country well, though you can still get a lot from a shorter trip. One week allows for a German "sampler," and even in as little as five days, you can fit in a variety of sights.

Best Time of Year to Visit Germany

Steeped in history, Germany is a beautiful year-round destination that melds cutting-edge cities, outdoor adventures, and distinct festivals celebrating everything from ski jumping to classical composers. Winter is best for minimal crowds, while the summer months—along with Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt—are major draws. Then, there are the two reliable shoulder seasons with mild temperatures and off-peak prices for exploring everything from spas in the Black Forest to dunes on the Baltic Sea.

Germany in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December in Germany is that special time of year when charming outdoor markets, or Christkindelsmarkt, pop up across the country. You won't have to travel far to find gingerbread and Glühwein from Hamburg down to the Austrian border in the shadow of the mighty Zugspitze (Germany's tallest peak). While you're in the Bavarian Alps, head to the lively ski resorts, which open this month just in time for the holidays.

Germany in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is a quieter, colder time in Germany, but that doesn't deter intrepid visitors who put on an extra layer to explore uncrowded cities and historic sights on foot. By the end of the month, things start picking up again when Christmas markets open all over the country (especially Berlin) for warm mugs of Glühwein.

Germany in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Fall in Germany quiets down after Oktoberfest—a great time for scenic road trips that prioritize leaf-peeping and outdoor activities that may combine hiking and wine tasting. The cities, for their part, have plenty going on, from Berlin's festival of lights to an international book fair in Frankfurt. Read on for more on what to expect in Germany in October.

Germany in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

There's more to early autumn in Germany than liters of beer and oompah bands. September is a lovely time to explore the country's quieter natural environs once the summer crowds have dissipated, with meandering drives in the Black Forest and 13 wine regions and activities in the Alps before the snow arrives.

Germany in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is in the thick of Germany's high season when many Europeans are on holiday, putting an extra fun (and busy) spin on city activities and events, like a two-week music festival in Berlin. Or, opt for peace and quiet at any of the numerous outdoor attractions and national parks, from the Bavarian Alps to the Baltic coast.

Germany in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

In July, summer is in full force in Germany, beckoning visitors with warm sunshine and fun activities. This is a great time to plan a city break, while those looking to skip the crowds can head for smaller towns and lesser-known destinations—especially those near beaches and lakes (and there are plenty of both).

Germany in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is a spectacular time to visit Germany, with great weather and the longest days of the year—which means more time for exploring city attractions and scenery in the form of mountains, rivers, forests, and lakes. Summer tourists begin to trickle in this month, but you're still ahead of the peak crowds, especially in the first half of the month.

Germany in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Without a doubt, May is one of the very best months to travel throughout Germany, thanks to the supreme spring weather. It's also before the summer crowds arrive, leaving you perfect conditions for enjoying a wide range of popular attractions and local festivals celebrating everything from white asparagus to cherry blossoms.

Germany in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Welcome to "Frühling" (spring) in Germany, when colorful blooms take the place of dull winter landscapes. This is a great time to explore the country post-hibernation and hit April fairs and festivals in cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart. Prices will increase during the week of Easter, so it's best to book early.

Germany in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March is the hopeful transition toward spring with milder temperatures for exploring Germany's cutting-edge cities. Meanwhile, winter sports enthusiasts will still have plenty to keep them active in the Bavarian Alps, perhaps capped off with a strong beer festival in Munich.

Germany in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

With the right winter coat, February is an ideal time to visit Germany if you prefer light crowds and lower prices. Get a culture dose in one (or more) of the exciting cities and then pair the trip with activities in the Bavarian Alps, from downhill skiing to exploring castles topped with a fresh coat of powder—not a bad idea for Valentine's Day.

Germany in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

January is a quiet month to visit Germany's famous cities and cultural sites, with appealing prices and few crowds. It's also a great time to trade in the Glühwein for calorie-burning activities in the Bavarian Alps. Or, kick back at one of the thermal baths sprinkled around the country, from the medieval city of Cologne to a spa town near the border of France.