Where is Germany?

Germany is located on the European continent. The country has 83 million inhabitants. Germany's capital city is Berlin with over 3.5 million inhabitants. The country has a coastline in the North and mountains in the South.

Which language do people speak in Germany?

German. But most young people also can understand and speak English as it is taught in schools. There are various dialects spoken from Bavaria and Swabian in the South to Plattdeutsch (Low German) in the North.

Best time to visit?

Of course, you can visit all year round! If you love the outdoors, then spring and autumn are best! The famous festivals in spring (Frühlingsfest) and Oktoberfest in autumn are lots of fun. The climate is continental and mild along the coast. Winter in Germany usually brings rain and snow, mainly in the South. Germany's sunniest city is Freiburg im Breisgau. 

Do you need a visa for Germany?

Germany is a Schengen state, which means that all non-European visitors to Germany need a Schengen Visa which has to be applied for before travels. Travellers with European passports do not need a visa. However, the passport must be at least valid for 6-months beyond your travels! Read more about the Schengen Visa here.

What is the currency of Germany?

In Germany, you pay in Euro as the country is part of the European monetary union. There are ATMs (Geldautomat) everywhere. Before 2002, the country's currency was the German Mark 'Deutsche Mark' (1 DM equaled 100 Pfenning.) The Euro is amongst the world's ten strongest currencies.

How much does a trip to Germany cost?

Germany travel costs vary widely depending on your style of travel. Book a room in a youth hostel or Jugendherberge and opt for self-catering to save some money. Due to the strong Euro travelling in Germany is not the cheapest but so worth it! Read more on Germany travel expenses here.

Berlin 

The Brandenburg Gate is Germany's most famous landmark along with the partly preserved Berlin Wall and the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Memorial church) which all are striking reminders of Germany's troubled past.  

Bavarian Alps

The highest peak in Germany is called Zugspitze. Germany's tallest mountain stands at the German-Austrian border and is 2,963 metres/ 9,721 ft high. Here you can experience snow also in summer!

Castles of Germany

The Wartburg castle is as prominent in German history books as the Bavarian castles of the 'Mad King' Ludwig II. Make sure to explore several of the castles to learn about German history and culture. More about German castles here.

Christmas in Germany

The festive season is celebrated in Germany with many markets and Christmas decorations adorn the towns and cities. Did you know that the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree originates from Germany? More about Christmas in Germany.

Rhine Valley 

This region in western Germany is a must for history fans as well as for lovers of nature walks. Hike or ride your bike through pristine forests, sunny vineyards or along the river promenades. Landmarks include the Loreley Rock and the Germania statue. Fireworks at the 'Rhine in Flames' festival from 3 May 2025 in Bonn and other locations. 

Theme Parks in Germany

In Germany there is not only Europe's second biggest theme park Europapark, after Disneyland Paris, but also the shows and rides at Phantasialand near Cologne and Legoland in Bavaria (or a smaller indoor Legoland venue next to Germany's biggest shopping centre in Oberhausen) are well worth a visit. Find out more about Europapark here.

Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany is probably the most famous castle in the world as it was used as a blueprint by Walt Disney when the Cinderella Castle of the Magic Kingdom was designed.

Rügen

Germany's biggest island Rügen is located in  northeastern Germany in the Baltic Sea. The chalk cliffs on the island have been awarded UNESCO world heritage status. Read more here.

Get a BahnCard

The German rail network (Deutsche Bahn) will help you reach the main tourist destinations in Germany. With the BahnCard rail pass you will get discounts and save on your travels. Get more info on routes and ticket prices here.

Oktoberfest

The world's biggest beer festival and fun fair will take place again from 21 September to 6 October in 2024. Octoberfest is not all about beer and huge beer tents, children will enjoy the numerous fun activities, rides, carousels and shows as well. Read more here.

Mahlzeit - Guten Appetit

Enjoy the typical German food such as Brezeln (pretzels), sourdough bread, Schweinshaxen (pork knuckles), Bratwurst or Currywurst (sausages), Swabian Käse Spätzle (egg noodles with cheese) or Apfelkuchen (apple cake). Read more about typical German food here.

Fairy tales galore!

Read up on the German fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm before your trip and enjoy a trip along the famous Märchenstrasse (fairy tale route) even more. Maybe visit Lohr am Main which claims to be the home town of Schneewittchen (Snow White) or Hanau, the birth place of the Brothers Grimm. Both places are an easy day trip from Frankfurt! Read more.