Germany – The complete travel guide

Germany is a country in the western region of Central Europe. Its the second most populated country in Europe after Russia and its a member of the European Union. The country is famous for its beer, sausage, hiking and its spell bounding castles. Its a hugely diverse country.

Fun Facts and useful Information

Germany’s full name is  Federal Republic of Germany It is made up of 16 constituent states and has a population over 84 million. Germany is bordered by Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. Germany Capital city is Berlin and its also its most populated city. However Frankfurt is its main Fancial centre. Germany’s currency is the Euro. Germany electricity is two prong European plug 220v You can drink the tap water There are over 1500 different types of sausage in Germany

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Top Places to Visit in Germany

1. Berlin –

No visit to Germany is complete without a visit to the German capital. Once divided by the famous wall known simply as the Berlin wall separating Germany into two cities East and West Berlin. As well as two countries East and West Germany. However in 1989 when communism started to fall across Europe including in East Germany so did the wall and a United city and country rose from the ashes. You can still visit whats left of the wall. East side Gallery for example is a fantastic outdoor Gallery of street art painted on a part of the wall that’s still standing. Then there is checkpoint Charlie or checkpoint c the most famous crossing point between East and West Germany.

2. Frankfurt

– I’ve saw lots of negative comments about visiting Frankfurt saying its more a business and financial city not a tourist one. However although this is true I loved visiting Frankfurt. The Romerberg area (old town) is a beautiful area and well worth a visit. Its a beautiful square with half timber houses, museums, shops and restaurants.

3. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour –

Saschenhausen concentration for me was must do activity. However never should it be treated as a Tourist attraction. Its not its a memorial a place to remember and reflect on the crimes of the past that happened here. These crimes should never be forgotten so that they are never repeated which is why i felt it important to visit it here. My tour guide described it as a memorial of shame. However I disagree its a memorial of reflection and remembrance.

4. Hamburg Harbor and tunnel –

The harbor area is nice and you get stunning views from both the Harbor and from other side of the river. However this ones a bit of a strange one the main attraction here is Elbe tunnel. A tunnel under the river used by cyclists and Pedestrians alike. There are stairs or lifts to get you up and down to the tunnel. I just went if im totally honest to see what the fuss is about but its kind of hard to explain.

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Budgeting

ACCOMODATION

I was pleasantly surprised to find that accommodation in Germany was so affordable. Especially in comparison to some of the other countries within the Eurozone.  There are lots of Hostels and prices vary from around 17-25 Euros per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds.  With private rooms being available for as little as 40-60 Euros per night. Free wifi comes as standard in most hostels. Many also include free breakfast or low cost breakfast. 

Budget hotels prices begin around 40-70 Euros for a small double with private bathrooms and usually comes with wi-fi as standard. 

Another options are Airbnb which seem to be available all over Germany with a private room costing around 30-45 euros per night.  Entire apartments or houses are around 50-75 Euros.  Book early though as prices can change rapidly and will be more expensive in the high tourist seasons

If you wish to camp in Germany its important to note that wild camping is illegal. However there are lots of campsites throughout the country. Expect to pay 5-20 Euros for a basic plot without electricity for 1-2 people

FOOD

Food In Germany is really good and really hearty but best of all its relatively cheap.  Meat especially sausages its staples of most meals. Stews are also popular as are Saruket and potato dumplings. 

Breakfast usually consists of boiled eggs, cheese, bread and cold meat. 

You can purchase sausage and bratwurst from outdoor venders for as little as 3-5 Euros.  There are many pubs known as beer halls as they specialise in selling beer where you can purchase a meal for 9-18 Euros and is usually traditional German fair.  Premade sandwiches cost as little as 5 Euros.  Meals from a fast food restaurant such as McDonalds are 8-10 Euros for a combo meal. 

Turkish, Middle eastern and Asian food is also inexpensive with it being available for as little as 5 Euros.  If you want a nicer meal in a sit down restaurant expect to pay 20 – 30 Euros. 

Bottled water costs 1-1.50 Euros,  a coffee (latte/cappuccino) is around 3.50 Euros.  A beer costs around 4-5 Euros

If you are planning to cook your own meals expect a weeks worth of groceries to cost around 45-50 Euros.  This will get you basic staple like bread, pasta, rice, milk, some veggies and meats.  Bring your own bags  The cheapest places are Netto, Lidl, Penny and Aldi although they often have less variety of food available

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Germany- Money Saving Tips

Germany is not an expensive country to visit.  Yes it has high end restaurants and you can find high end activities if that’s what you want to do.  Also Frankfurt the countries financial capital can be expensive if your not careful how you spend your time and money.  However these are exceptions generally speaking Germany is an affordable country to visit for those on a budget.

1. Take a free walking tour.

Most of the big cities have them and all you do is tip the guide at the end dependant on your budget and enjoyment of the tour. I use guru walk to book most of my tours and ive always found them to be good and reliable.

2. Get day passes for public transport.

If your using public transport a lot get a day ticket these are much better value than single ride ticket.

3. Eating cheaply.

Outdoor vendors selling sausages for a little as a few Euros are common throughout Germany. You can also get cheap Asian food for as little as 5 Euros.

4. Make use of free musuem days.

Most German musuems offer free admission on certain days or evenings. Look on the individual museumes website or ask in the tourist information offices.

5. Go in the Low season.

Any time is great to visit Gremany. However July and August are the most expensive months for accommodation and flights. Prices tend to be cheaper April to June and September to October are great times to visit before the weather gets to cold. November to March is cheaper except snow resorts but lot of tourist place tend to close.

6. Get yourself a railpass.

If using a lot of traings get a rail pass. I used an interail pass simply because i was travelling to mulitple countries and this was the cheapest way for me to travel. However Germany has a Deutsche Bahn rail pass.

7. Book trains in advance.

Train travel in Germany can be expensive. However Purchasing train tickets in advance can save you quite a bit of money.

8. Christmas Markets.

If your visiting Germany during the winter months you should checkout the Christmas Markets there are lots all over Germany and they are free to enter

9. Get tourism passes.

If you plan on doing a lot of paid activities in might be worth looking into a tourism pass for the cities you will be visiting they offer entry to attractions, as well as discounts on food and drinks and even free transport with some cards.

10. Make your own meals.

There is no need to eat out every meal unless you want to. I often made breakfast and sometimes dinner at the hostel using local produce from local delis and supermarkets.

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Getting around

Public Transportation

Germany has a great transportation system one of the best in Europe if not the world. The transport system that serves the cities and large towns is both reliable and efficient. In Berlin and many other cities the varies transport network are intergrated which means one ticket give access to buses, tram, subway (u-Bahn) and S-Bahn. Fares are dermined by zone and may vary slightly between towns and cities but on way fare is arond 3 Euro. A day ticket will cost around 7-9 Euros. While three day passes costing around 17-20 Euros.

Trains –

Trains are great way to get between cities and across the country. However its often not cheap. Deutsche Bahn, is Germany main railway system. They have both high-speed trains and regular trains. The high-speed trains are usually more expensive but they are a quick way to get to your destination.

Take advantage of regional group tickets that start at around 22 EUR. These regional discounted tickets are available in Bavaria, Brandenburg-Berlin, Baden-Wüttermburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westfalia, Hesse, etc. For example, the Bavarian Bayern Ticket is 58 EUR for a group of 5 tickets for any train in Bavaria from 9am to 3am.

There are regional group tickets which can make travel much cheaper. Thes discount tickets are only available in certain area such as Bavaria, Brandenburg-Berlin, Lower saxony and the price and condition of use varies depending on tickets purchased

To get the cheapest price its best to book far in advance if at all possible this could save you quite a bit of money. You can check timetables and fares on the Deutsche Bahn website.

Bus

Buses are the cheapest mode of public transport to get around Germany. The are comformtable and most have air conditioning and they do short stops and often they have free wifi. They are mostly punctual but are slow way of getting around.

I recommend Flixbus as they are usually the cheapest and the buses are comfortable. You can get from Berlin to Hamburg for as little 7 EUROS, or from Berlin to Munich for 14 EUROS. Munich to Hamburg is around 18 EUROS.

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When to Visit Germany

Germany is without a doubt a destination that can be visited at anytime.  Summer is the most popular time to visit when the tempartures are hot and everyone’s able to enjoy the nice weather.  During this time people flock to beer gardens and the lakes to go swimming.  This is also Germany Peak season.  Prices are much higher than usual.  Temperatures are aound 24 degrees but can go well into the 30s. If this is the time you plan to visit then its important that you book your accommodation and any transport needed early.

In Spring the temperatures can be variable they can be anywhere between 0C and 19C.     However the tempatures usually rise quite quickly.  By the time May comes around it warm enough to walk around in summer clothing.  If your in Germany May 1^st join the locals for live music, drinking, dancing and good fun as they celebrate workers day (labour day).

Autumn is also a popular time to visit Germany this is mainly due to the famous Okotoberfest.  Every year from end of September to early October million of people from around the world to join this world famous beer festival.  If you plan to go to Germany during this time its important that you book your accommodation well in advance. 

Generally speaking Autumn is a great time to visit.  However temperatures can be anywhere between 1c and 19c. 

In winter time Germany can be very cold with temperatures getting as low as -10c.   However it’s a great time to visit due to the Christmas markets all over the country the ones in Berlin are fantastic.  If you’re a Skier then there are some excellent slopes in Germany especially in Bavaria. 

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Staying Safe in Germany

Germany is a relatively safe place to travel to.  Although in recent years there have been a number of terrorist attacks in the country.  However the chances of you being caught up in one of these attacks is small although not possible to rule out completely. 

However that said the things you’re more likely to run into are scams and petty crime. Keep your wits about you and look out for suspicious activity exactly the same as you should be doing no matter where in the world you are as nowhere is completely safe.  General safety advice is to be careful with your valuables especially in large crowds and on public transport. Violent crime is unusual but as long as you stay aware of you surroundings and keep a check on your valuables you should be fine.

As a solo female travel I can state that I never felt unsafe in Germany.  However I took same precautions I would anywhere.  Not carrying large sums of money, or have valuables on displaying, don’t leave drinks unattended and never walk home alone at night especially if your drunk.

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If you like my German travel guide why not check out one of my other travel guides Strasbourg travel guide, Luxembourg travel guide

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