Germany

(Federal Republic of Germany)

Capital:  Berlin

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Population:  82 million

Language:  German

Size of Country:  137,903 sq miles

Popular Destinations in Germany

Germany: The Heart of Europe

Germany’s combination of historic significance, natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern attractions makes it a top European destination that caters to a variety of interests, ensuring every traveller finds something memorable.

It is a diverse and captivating country, drawing millions of tourists annually with its blend of historic sites, cultural attractions, natural landscapes, and vibrant cities.

Places to explore include:

  • The Black Forest with its dense woods, charming villages, and cuckoo clocks – perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring.
  • The Bavarian Alps: Ideal for skiing in winter and hiking in summer,
  • The Rhine Valley: (a UNESCO World Heritage site) famous for its romantic scenery, medieval castles, vineyards & River cruises
  • The Baltic Sea Coast: featuring sandy beaches, charming seaside resorts, and historic towns, and
  • The Harz Mountains: A region rich in fairy-tale landscapes.

Berlin

Berlin’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern energy makes it a city that appeals to a wide range of traveller, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Vibrant, steeped in history, culture, and modernity, Berlin is now one of Europe’s top tourist destinations.

There are plenty of Museums and Galleries, Parks and Outdoor Spaces, Cultural Experiences and famous landmarks.  An efficient public transport system, (subway, commuter trains, trams, and buses) help you to get around.

The Berlin WelcomeCard offers unlimited travel on public transport & discounts to various attractions. While German is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

The Weather

While the weather can vary in Germany from north to south, the country generally enjoys slightly warmer summers and slightly colder winters than the UK.  Areas in the north, like Hamburg, Rostock and Bremen, experience cooling winds in the summer from the North and Baltic Seas. In the south and west, it’s usually a little warmer and more humid, with a few more showers. Berlin, in the east, often has higher temperatures than nearby rural towns because its cityscape helps to keep it warm.

Less windy than in Britain, Germany experiences less the moderating effect of the Atlantic.

Bavarian Alps in Winter

Fine Dining

Dining in Germany offers a flavourful experience, from the hearty comfort foods of the countryside to sophisticated dishes in urban restaurants. Each region brings its own twist, making German cuisine both diverse and deeply rooted in tradition.

German food is often a blend of traditional hearty dishes, regional specialties, and contemporary European cuisine. The country’s food culture celebrates a mix of meat-heavy meals, fresh bread, pastries, and high-quality beer and wine.

Germans value punctuality, so arrive on time for a meal.  The German custom is to keep your hands (but not your elbows) on the table. It is customary to round up the bill or tip about 5-10%, often handed directly to the waiter.

German Wines and Beers

Germany is famous for its beer culture, with different regions known for their specialties:

  • Pilsner: A light, crisp beer popular nationwide.
  • Weissbier: A Bavarian wheat beer that is cloudy and has a light, yeasty flavor.
  • Kölsch: A specialty of Cologne, known for its clear, light taste.
  • Altbier: A darker, top-fermented beer, particularly popular in Düsseldorf.

Germany also produces excellent white wines, especially Riesling from the Rhine and Moselle regions. Other varieties include Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Gewürztraminer.

Skiing

Bavaria’s combination of well-maintained slopes, stunning Alpine scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for both casual skiers and winter sports enthusiasts.

Top Ski Resorts include Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden, Oberstdorf, Mittenwald: and Reit im Wink.

The area offers slopes for all skill levels and beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Public Transport in Germany

Germany’s public transport system is comprehensive and user-friendly, making it easy for residents and visitors to explore the country efficiently.

The country is renowned for its efficient, punctual, and extensive public transport system, which serves as a reliable way to navigate the country’s cities and to connect its regions.

Trains (Deutsche Bahn) are the backbone of long-distance and regional travel. Many regional trains allow bicycles, though specific rules and ticket fees may apply. 

FlixBus (& other operators) provide budget-friendly travel options between cities and internationally. Buses are equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi.