Germany is a beautiful and diverse country with rich traditions, idyllic landscapes, picturesque towns and buzzing cities. It varies quite substantially from region to region, with alternative cities such as Berlin and Leipzig in the north and the magnificent scenery of the Alps and the Black Forest in the south. It is home to some of the most beautiful castles in the world and some of the world’s best beer, as well as a stunning wine region, delicious food and countless picture-perfect medieval towns.
It is definitely worth venturing out past Berlin and Munich if you have the time, as these cities offer only a small glimpse into the real heart of the country. If not, make sure you plan some day trips from Munich or drive down the idyllic Romantic Road. Berlin’s appeal lies in its vibrant city life, but the beauty of Bavaria remains outside its capital city.
Things to See and Do in Germany
Accommodation – Accommodation is relatively cheap in Germany compared to other Western European destinations, with hostel prices starting from around €8 ($13 AUD) and hotels from around €35 ($57 AUD).
Typical Costs When Travelling
Food – Eating out will usually cost you between €8 ($13 AUD) and €20 ($33 AUD) at a nice restaurant or Biergarten, though prices vary depending on where you are (€20 is on the more expensive side, and you can usually find something for €15). Lunch menus often offer cheaper prices, and street food such as Currywurst and Döner are always an affordable option. It’s worth noting that a service tip of 10% is expected in any kind of restaurant or cafe.
Transportation – Germany’s major cities are all well connected by metro, bus and/or tram, with single fare prices usually around €3 ($4.90 AUD). Many cities also have bike sharing services (such as Nextbike) which usually charge you around €1 or €2 an hour, but be aware that you need data or wifi to use them. For domestic travel, the train system is definitely the fastest and most convenient way to get around, though it can be expensive. Deutsche Bahn offer reduced tickets (“Sparpreise”), but the best ones usually sell out if you don’t book in advance. Alternatively, Eurail or Interrail offer some different deals on train travel in Germany, and could be worth getting if you want to do a lot of travel by train (and still want a bit of flexibility). The bus system, though less efficient, is just as well connected and much more affordable. It is usually cheaper when you book ahead, though not significantly, and there is usually enough trips that you don’t have to book far in advance. Flixbus offer comprehensive services throughout Germany.
Activities – Museums, castles and art galleries in Germany usually range between €5 ($8 AUD) and €15 ($25 AUD). There are free walking tours in most cities, though tipping will typically set you back €5-10 ($8-16 AUD). Beer is usually around €3-5 ($5-8 AUD) for a half litre in a biergarten or pub, but it can be even cheaper by the bottle (in a Berlin späti, for example).
Suggested daily budget – 60-70 EUR / 100-115 AUD (This is assuming you are staying in a hostel, eating out once a day, cooking the rest of your meals and using public transport.)
Accommodation – 10-20 EUR
Food – 20 EUR
Daily activities (sightseeing, public transport, beer etc) – 20 EUR
Transportation & other costs – 10 EUR
Use this budget as a guide and tailor it to your style of travel. If you cook all of your meals, stay in the cheapest hostels and cut down on sightseeing, you could easily lower your daily budget amount. Likewise, if you want to eat out a lot or stay in nicer accommodation, expect these numbers to be higher. Keep in mind that prices can vary across Germany, so take that into consideration when planning your trip.
Money Saving Tips
Where should I travel in Germany?
In the north of the country you will find a plentitude of dynamic, lively cities that offer an intersection between old traditions and alternative, progressive modernity. Head towards the south and you will encounter some of the most idyllic and beautiful landscapes in Europe, and an embracing of regional traditions that is rarely found anywhere else.
Berlin
Germany’s capital Berlin has made a name for itself as a must-see destination in Europe, and there is a reason why. A buzzing city bursting with art, creativity and counterculture, Berlin has the feeling of a place where anything is possible. Incredible street art, quirky neighbourhoods, world-class museums, markets, op-shops, music and probably the best nightlife in the world – Berlin has it all and more. From Berlin, Spreewald is a perfect day trip into Saxony if you want to get away from the city, canoe through beautiful forest and try some world-famous gherkins.
Incredible street art in Friedrichshain, Berlin
North Germany
Continuing into Saxony, Dresden offers beautiful baroque architecture in Altstadt (old town), a stunning location on the Elbe river and some more alternative neighbourhoods in Neustadt (though it can be a little touristy in the city centre). From Dresden you can also visit Saxon Switzerland, a national park on the Czech border with some impressive rock formations. Leipzig is definitely a draw for the younger crowds, and is worth visiting to enjoy the alternative scene around Südvorstadt (or if you are a fan of classical music). In the north, the bustling port city of Hamburg offers an eclectic mix of old and new, eye-catching architecture and incredible nightlife. And to the west, Cologne is renowned for its impressive UNESCO heritage listed cathedral and Carnival celebrations in February.
Speicherstadt in Hamburg
Rhineland
Not too far south of Cologne lies the Rhine Valley, a romantic river valley abundant with castles, vineyards and pretty villages. Stretching between Koblenz and Bingen, this stretch of the Rhine (also known as the Loreley Valley or Rhine Gorge) is awe-inspiringly beautiful, and is perfect for castle-hunting, wine tasting, river cruising or simply driving along one of Germany’s most picturesque landscapes. Another river valley worth mentioning in this region is the Mosel Valley, a smaller and more quaint river cruising destination, perhaps more suited to regional wine tasting and bike riding. Highlights include Eltz Castle and the oldest Roman city in Germany, Trier.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
South Germany
In the south west of the country lies the fairytale Black Forest, home to the decadent Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake), the cuckoo clock and the medieval university town of Freiburg. East from here on the German-Austrian-Swiss border sits the beautiful Lake Constance, the largest lake in Germany (or it would be, if it wasn’t shared between three countries). Heading over to Bavaria, Munich is most known for the Oktoberfest, but it’s beer halls, beer gardens, food and history make it worth visiting at all times of the year. If you are travelling by car, the Romantic Road is a captivating 400km scenic route that stretches between Würzburg in north Bavaria and Füssen in the south, encapsulating much of what makes Bavaria so beautiful – charming medieval villages, idyllic countryside, fairytale castles and the majestic backdrop of the alps. Highlights include Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, Augsburg and Neuschwanstein, among others. In the southern region of Bavaria lies the Bavarian Alps, a quintessential part of any trip to Bavaria. You could drive along the Alpine Road, or both Garmisch-Patenkirchen and Berchtesgaden make good bases for hiking and exploring.
