Germany

Castles, Culture, Cities & Captivating Scenery

Holidays in Germany

Your Guide to Germany

Imagine exploring poignant Cold War history at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, raising a stein in a bustling Munich beer garden, gazing up at the dreamy spires of Neuschwanstein Castle nestled in the Alps, or cruising down the Rhine past vine-clad hills topped with medieval fortresses. Germany offers this incredible blend of deep, often complex, history alongside vibrant modern culture, stunningly diverse landscapes, and a well-earned reputation for quality and organisation. It’s a country that rewards curiosity and offers experiences far beyond the clichés.


For first-time visitors, Germany might mean exploring the dynamic capital, Berlin, experiencing Bavarian traditions in Munich, or perhaps taking a scenic drive along the Romantic Road. But Germany's regional diversity offers endless possibilities for returners: delve into the Hanseatic port cities of the north like Hamburg, hike the mythical Black Forest, explore the wine regions of the Moselle Valley, discover the industrial heritage of the Ruhrgebiet, or immerse yourself in the festive magic of the country's famous Christmas markets.

Getting to Germany

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Flights: The quickest way, with numerous airlines including British Airways, Lufthansa (Germany's flag carrier), EasyJet, Ryanair, and Eurowings connecting many UK airports (London and regional) to airports across Germany. Key gateways include:


  • Frankfurt (FRA): Germany's busiest airport, a major global hub with excellent onward train connections via its integrated stations.
  • Munich (MUC): Serves Bavaria and Southern Germany, another major Lufthansa hub with good onward transport.
  • Berlin Brandenburg (BER): The modern airport serving the capital city.
  • Düsseldorf (DUS) & Cologne Bonn (CGN): Serve the large Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area.
  • Hamburg (HAM): Main airport for Northern Germany.
  • Stuttgart (STR), Nuremberg (NUE), Hanover (HAJ) and many other regional airports also receive direct UK flights.


Train: A comfortable and increasingly popular option. Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels-Midi, then connect seamlessly onto high-speed ICE (Intercity-Express) trains to German cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Berlin. City centre to city centre convenience.

Transport options in Germany

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Trains (DB - Deutsche Bahn), Driving (Autobahn), Buses/Coaches, City Public Transport.

Official Spoken Languages

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The official language is German. While regional dialects exist (like Bavarian), Standard German (Hochdeutsch) is understood everywhere. English is widely spoken and understood throughout Germany, especially in cities, tourist areas, and by younger generations. Germans generally have a high level of English proficiency, making communication easy for UK visitors.


Weather & Climate

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The period from late Spring to early Autumn (May to September) offers the most pleasant weather across most of Germany for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and enjoying beer gardens. December is magical for its renowned Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte). If skiing is your aim, January-March in the Alps is key.

Must-Do Expereinces in Germany

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Berlin's History & Buzz

Dive into Germany's complex and captivating capital. Stand at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, visit the Reichstag Building (book ahead for dome tour), reflect at the Berlin Wall Memorial and see remnants at the East Side Gallery. Explore world-class museums on Museum Island (UNESCO site). Feel the city's unique creative energy, diverse neighbourhoods, poignant historical sites (like the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe), and vibrant nightlife. A truly essential German experience.

A panoramic view of a Bavarian city with a lake and a tower.

Bavarian Fairy-tales

Experience the charm and beauty of Southern Germany. Explore Munich, the Bavarian capital: enjoy the atmosphere in traditional beer gardens (like the huge Englischer Garten), watch the figures dance on the Marienplatz Glockenspiel, visit excellent museums, and maybe experience the world-famous Oktoberfest (late Sept/early Oct). Then, take a day trip to marvel at King Ludwig II's dreamlike Neuschwanstein Castle, the ultimate fairytale castle nestled in the stunning Alpine foothills (book tickets months in advance!).

A bridge over a river with a castle in the background in Rhine Valley

Romantic Rhine & Moselle Valleys

Take a scenic journey through these picturesque river valleys, famed for their vineyards and castles. Cruise or drive along the Rhine River between Bingen and Koblenz (UNESCO World Heritage section), admiring countless medieval castles perched dramatically on hillsides and sampling local Riesling wines in charming towns like Rüdesheim or Bacharach. Alternatively, explore the winding Moselle Valley with its incredibly steep vineyards and picturesque villages like Cochem (with its imperial castle) or Bernkastel-Kues.

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Medieval Towns & Scenic Routes

Discover Germany's charming Gemütlichkeit (cosiness). Wander through incredibly well-preserved medieval towns with half-timbered houses and fortified walls, such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the Romantic Road, or UNESCO-listed Quedlinburg in the Harz Mountains. Explore other scenic driving routes like the Castle Road or the Black Forest High Road. Visit historic university cities like Heidelberg, dominated by its romantic castle ruins. These offer a wonderful contrast to the major cities.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

While card payments are increasing, Germany remains surprisingly cash-centric compared to the UK. Smaller shops, bakeries (Bäckerei), local pubs (Kneipe), market stalls, and even some traditional restaurants may prefer or only accept Euro (€) cash. Always carry some cash with you. While supermarkets and larger stores accept cards (EC/Maestro debit cards widely, credit cards increasingly), don't assume plastic is accepted everywhere. ATMs ('Geldautomat') are common.

Cash is Often King

Plan ahead for Sundays! Almost all shops, supermarkets, and department stores are legally required to close on Sundays and public holidays across Germany. Exceptions are usually limited to shops within major train stations, airports, small bakeries, and sometimes shops in designated tourist areas. Restaurants, cafes, museums, and attractions generally remain open, but retail therapy is off the menu!

Sunday Still Means Closed

Like the Netherlands, Germany has a deposit system (Pfand) on most single-use plastic bottles, glass bottles (beer), and cans. You'll pay a deposit (€0.08 - €0.25) when buying drinks. Look for the DPG symbol. Return your empty containers to a reverse vending machine ('Pfandautomat'), usually found inside or just outside supermarkets, to get a voucher which you can redeem against your shopping or get back in cash at the till. Don't just bin them!

Get Your Pfand Back - Bottle Deposits

Remember to drive on the RIGHT! On the Autobahn, the left lane is strictly for overtaking. Pull back into the right lane(s) as soon as it is safe – lingering in the left lane when not overtaking is illegal and dangerous, especially on unrestricted sections where cars approach very quickly. Pay close attention to speed limit signs (many sections do have limits, often variable). Ensure you have an Umweltplakette (environmental sticker) if driving into designated low-emission zones in city centres (order online before your trip if taking your own car).

Autobahn Rules & Driving on the Right

Germany: Rich History, Vibrant Culture, Endless Discovery

Germany offers UK visitors a compelling mix of fascinating history, dynamic cities, beautiful and varied landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and renowned efficiency, all within easy reach. From the poignant historical layers of Berlin and the fairytale castles of Bavaria to the scenic beauty of the Rhine Valley and the festive cheer of Christmas markets, it's a country with immense depth and regional character.


With excellent transport links both from the UK and within Germany itself, exploring this powerhouse of Europe is straightforward and rewarding. Whether you're seeking urban adventures, cultural immersion, outdoor activities, or simply want to enjoy good beer and hearty food in a welcoming atmosphere, Germany provides countless opportunities for a memorable trip. Gute Reise! (Have a good trip!)