Discover Germany with iBestTravel
Germany is a perfect blend of cutting-edge cool and timeless tradition, showcasing spectacular landscapes, vibrant cities, idyllic half-timbered villages, architectural masterpieces, and fairytale castles.
Indeed, the most challenging aspect of your first-time trip to Germany may be determining your route. Its cities are modern hubs with infectious energy and dynamic cultural and dining experiences. The great outdoors offer breathtaking scenery, from wind-swept coasts to towering Alpine peaks. You can explore ancient castles and cathedrals that predate Columbus’ voyages or immerse yourself in the latest trends in street art. Wherever you venture, Germany is poised to charm, enlighten, and astonish you.
Berlin
Since the fall of the Wall in 1989, Berlin has embarked on a remarkable journey to become one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. Capture those unforgettable selfies at the iconic Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, and Checkpoint Charlie. Marvel at the impressive relics housed in the Pergamon Museum or be captivated by the timeless beauty of Queen Nefertiti at the Neues Museum. However, dive deeper into Berlin’s unique cultural scene by discovering the city’s one-of-a-kind spots.
Experience Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport now a playground for everyone from kite surfers to community gardeners. Explore the contemporary art scene at the Boros Collection, housed in a WWII-era bunker, or enjoy a concert at Silent Green, a crematorium transformed into a cultural hub. On hot summer days, few places rival the Badeschiff, a cargo barge turned beach club. Additionally, immerse yourself in Berlin’s vibrant street art on a walking tour led by a skilled spray-can artist, followed by a visit to Urban Nation, the world’s first street art museum. The entire city remains an unfinished canvas, full of surprising artistic expressions.
Weimar & Dessau
The year was 1919, a tumultuous time for Germany. However, order was restored in Weimar, a tranquil town in the Thuringian countryside. It was here that the Weimar Republic was born, Germany’s first foray into democracy. Additionally, the Bauhaus design school emerged, revolutionizing 20th-century aesthetics with its ‘less is more’ philosophy. A new museum in Weimar will soon honor this pivotal movement, particularly after its relocation to Dessau in 1925. In Dessau, you can tour the original school building and visit the Meisterhäuser, private homes of its iconic teachers, including Walter Gropius, Paul Klee, and Wassily Kandinsky. Conclude your Bauhaus journey in Berlin, where the movement faced a tragic end at the hands of the Nazis in 1932. Fortunately, many modernist buildings persist, such as Hufeisensiedlung, one of several 1920s housing estates designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hamburg
Germany’s second-largest city is ready to impress you, not just with its brisk North Sea winds. A trading powerhouse since the Middle Ages, Hamburg offers a captivating blend of contemporary culture, stunning architecture, music, and an energetic nightlife scene. Begin your exploration by capturing views of the city skyline from the stunning outdoor platform of the wave-inspired Elbphilharmonie, the new concert hall and gateway to HafenCity, a futuristic waterfront quarter developed from former docks. Take a coffee break in the canal-stitched Speicherstadt, a UNESCO-recognized area filled with red-brick warehouses, which is home to the mesmerizing Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway in the world. Treat yourself to a delicious fish sandwich at Brücke 10 in the harbor and enjoy a beer while watching container vessels from a beach chair at the trendy StrandPauli bar.
No trip to Hamburg would be complete without experiencing the vibrant energy of the Reeperbahn, famous for its nightlife and red-light district where the Beatles honed their craft. Venture through this neon-lit haven of entertainment to mingle with the locals, perhaps by enjoying live music at up-and-coming venues like the Golden Pudel Club or savoring a smooth martini at Chug Club.
Munich
The Bavarian capital consistently delivers on the clichés visitors to Germany anticipate. Yes, Munich is a city of glamorous cars, traditional dress, and lively beer halls equipped with oompah bands. However, beneath this charming exterior lies a sophisticated, proud, and prosperous city.
Enjoy an artistic feast at the renowned Pinakothek museums or visit the exquisite Lenbachhaus, which features a new design by Foster. Join the fervor for Germany’s soccer culture by securing tickets to a home game of FC Bayern München, the country’s superstar team that competes in the breathtaking Allianz Arena. Automotive enthusiasts should head straight to the BMW Museum, showcasing innovative designs and technology, while royal admirers can explore the expansive Munich Residenz. Thrill-seekers can surf the icy Eisbach wave or zip above the Olympic Stadium on an exhilarating zip line ride.
Moselle Valley
German wines deserve greater recognition, and if you appreciate the nectar of the gods, a journey along the winding Moselle River will surely transform you into a devotee. Interestingly, it was the Romans who first cultivated grapes here over 2,000 years ago, founding the city of Trier—Germany’s oldest city. Here, you can explore ancient amphitheaters, therapeutic baths, and the renowned Porta Nigra town gate. Trier perfectly serves as the starting point for a scenic driving or cycling excursion along the river. As you progress toward Koblenz, stunning sights await, including Europe’s steepest vineyard, medieval castles steeped in legend, and historic wine cellars. Quaint villages like Bernkastel-Kues, Belle-Epoque-inspired Traben-Trarbach, and charming Beilstein present inviting spots to relax and taste exquisite Rieslings and classic German wines.
Bavarian Alps
Like Atlas bearing the weight of the world, the Bavarian Alps elevate Germany. A harmonious landscape of dense forests, meandering brooks, and picturesque meadows draped in colorful wildflowers unfolds at the foot of these majestic mountains, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Topping the list of must-see sights is Schloss Neuschwanstein, renowned as the world’s most iconic palace. Its fairy-tale magic truly radiates at night when the day-trippers have departed. Bavaria also offers a plethora of charming churches; even non-religious visitors will relish the exuberant rococo architecture at Wieskirche, set gracefully amidst an Alpine meadow. Ski aficionados are drawn to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, known for its world-class ski slopes and captivating cogwheel-train ride to the top of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. If dark tourism intrigues you, confront the country’s intense past in Berchtesgaden, home to the infamous Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain retreat, and the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, an exhibit detailing the town’s role as the Nazi party’s southern hub.
Black Forest
Steeped in timeless mystique, the Black Forest is a verdant enclave where the woods are so dark and dense that one might anticipate encountering the witch’s house from the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale.
Stretching east of the Rhine between the Swiss border and the elegant town of Baden-Baden, renowned for its luxurious thermal baths and opulent casino, this region serves as a gourmet paradise boasting more than two dozen Michelin-starred restaurants. Additionally, it is the birthplace of the famous Black Forest cake, a delectable treat soaked in kirsch; Cafe Schäfer in Triberg serves some of the finest. Remarkably, Triberg is also home to Germany’s cuckoo clock capital, featuring gigantic clocks and the nation’s highest waterfalls. A short distance away, you’ll find Freiburg, a charming university town with a grand cathedral and lively, café-lined squares.
Make it Happen
Frankfurt and Munich are the primary airports in Germany, but numerous other options exist, many serviced by budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and Eurowings.
Germany boasts an efficient train network connecting nearly all towns, large and small, with schedules and tickets available at www.bahn.de.
Traveling by car offers flexibility and allows you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, particularly in rural areas. All major international car rental companies have offices in the main cities. You can plan your routes, as well as toll and fuel costs, at www.michelin.com.
The most economical way to get around is by long-distance bus. For operator details on destinations and fares, check www.busradar.com.
While it is feasible to travel in Germany without knowing German, grasping a few basic phrases can be advantageous. In major cities, the western regions, and tourist hotspots, English is more commonly spoken.
Peak tourist season occurs in July and August; however, certain holiday weekends in May and June can also attract crowds. Check www.publicholidays.de for specific dates and consider making arrangements in advance during busy periods.
Make sure to pack an umbrella, a warm coat, and closed shoes—rain can be a possibility at any time of the year.
