Germany Travel Guide

Germany

Germany is not as obvious of a destination as England, France or Italy, but that doesn't make it any less rewarding for the visitor. Having Europe's largest economy, Germany is impressive nearly everywhere you look. From the lush Rhine River Valley along the western part of the country to surprisingly-opulent Hamburg in the north to the ultra-hip music and arts scenes developing in the former East down to Germany's most livable city of Munich, there is no shortage of things to keep a visitor busy.

What to do

Many first-time visitors imagine a country full of lederhosen and huge beer steins, but that image is only accurate for the southern (and partly Alpine) state of Bavaria. The huge beer steins are there year-round, but the lederhosen is something you'll most likely see during Munich's enormous Oktoberfest celebration, which actually ends in early October by the way, so check the calendar.

Berlin is by far Germany's largest city and its most vibrant as well. Since reunification with the East in 1989 formerly West Berlin has remained fairly posh and pleasant, but the far-larger former East Berlin has exploded with an amazing arts, music, and nightlife scene as ramshackle and affordable shop fronts and apartments are transformed into ultra-hip galleries, clubs, and lofts.

You can experience what the state marketing department is now calling the Romantic Road that stretches from near Munich to near Frankfurt. In spite of the slightly silly name, the incredibly scenic route is well worth a visit, by car or by bus, and nearby Rhine River cruises are also well worth checking out to see the collection of castles and fortresses that once controlled the river traffic.

Getting there

When you book your flight into Germany you'll probably find that the cheapest airfares are into the country's largest airport in Frankfurt, but the city itself is really not a highlight so you might consider a slightly higher fare into a city you actually plan on visiting. Of course, the country's train system is fast and efficient so getting from one city to another is often faster by train than by plane.

As a hub in central Europe, Germany is a perfect place to use a Eurail Pass. There are passes available for only Germany as well as others that include some surrounding countries, so shop for passes carefully before buying one that may be more than you need.

Where to stay

Hotels in Germany are plentiful but during much of the year the better ones can be booked up well in advance so you need to think ahead. Germany is the birthplace of the modern hostel movement so it's no surprise that there are many from which to choose, but they can get booked up quickly just as with the hotels.

Our Community Message Board for Europe is a great place to ask for advice and read about experiences from people who've recently been to Germany. And for even further insight be sure to check out some Germany travel stories that our members have shared with us.

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For more Germany travel information, be sure to check out BootsnAll's Germany Travel Guide.

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