Germany

Fairytale castles, the Black Forest, Berlin's creative energy, and Bavarian charm. Germany combines efficiency with deep cultural heritage.

Overview

Germany confounds stereotypes. Yes, the trains run on time and the beer is excellent, but this country also harbors romantic castles, cutting-edge contemporary art, dense forests that inspired fairy tales, and cities that party from Thursday to Monday. From the Baltic Sea to the Alps, Germany's regions are fiercely distinct. Bavaria feels like a different country from Berlin, which feels galaxies away from the Rhineland. The country's dark history is confronted with remarkable honesty at memorials and museums, while its future is being built by one of Europe's most innovative economies.

Top Attractions

Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps
Berlin Wall Memorial and Museum Island
The Rhine Valley and its castle-dotted vineyards
Black Forest driving routes and hiking trails
Dresden's rebuilt Frauenkirche and art collections

Food & Drink

Currywurst and döner kebab in Berlin
Pretzels and weisswurst at a Munich beer garden
Riesling wine tasting along the Mosel River
Black Forest cake in its namesake region
Craft beer in Hamburg and Cologne

Getting Around

Germany's Deutsche Bahn rail network is excellent (if occasionally delayed). Autobahns make driving efficient. Cities have superb public transit. Bike infrastructure is world-class — rent a bike for the best city exploration. Long-distance buses (FlixBus) are budget alternatives.

Where to Stay

Berlin's Mitte is central; Kreuzberg and Neukölln are edgy. Munich's Altstadt is charming but pricey — consider across the river. The Romantic Road has fairy-tale guesthouses. For unique stays, look for Schlosshotels (castle hotels) and Bauernhöfe (farm stays).

Practical Tips