Germany Travel Guide: All you need to know to visit Germany in 2022

Germany is a classic destination for anybody traveling to Europe. It offers modern cities and an extraordinary art scene. Also, you can enjoy historical landmarks and fascinating museums, as well as castles outside the main cities and majestic natural wonders.

Read about the most relevant travel tips for your next trip to Germany. Check the ultimate Germany travel guide and have an enjoyable journey.

Travel Requirements Checklist

• ETIAS or Schengen Visa.

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of three months after leaving Germany.

Before You Go

• Currency - Euro (€). USD 1 is approx. €0.99. currencey exchange calculator tool

• Daily budget for 1 person - You will spend €121 (USD 117).

• Language - German.

• Top 3 cities to visit - Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt.

• Top 3 landmarks/monuments - Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Cologne Cathedral.

• Socket type - Types C and F. 230V supply voltage and 50 Hz.

• Time zone - Germany is Central European Summer Time (UTC +2).

Remember to check the entry and exit requirements for better trip planning. Don’t worry, we have all the travel advice you need.

Visa Information for Germany

Germany is part of the European Union and the Schengen zone, which means the country complies with the travel requirements mandated by the EU. Most nationals residents of the EU or living in the Schengen zone can enter Germany without a visa. There is a free transit rule within this area.

Some nationalities will need a Schengen Visa to enter Germany for tourism or business reasons. The Schengen Visa gives access to 26 countries in Europe. You will only need one procedure to obtain total entry to most of Europe. If you’re exempt from this visa, you will need the ETIAS, a travel authorization. This travel document will become mandatory from May 2023 onwards. US citizens don’t need a visa to enter Germany; still, they will need to have the ETIAS once it becomes available. Always keep up to date information about the entry requirements dictated by the German government., you can look for more information about entry regulations on our pages.

ETIAS explained

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a mandatory document for all travelers currently exempt from visas to the Schengen zone. It will help German immigration services have better control over their borders. It provides free transit within the 26 countries in the Schengen area. From May 2023, ETIAS will become available for US citizens.

Schengen Visa explained

If your nationality requires a visa to Germany, you will need a Schengen Visa. It provides access to all the countries within the Schengen zone and multiple entries. Get the Germany Schengen Visa soon.

Typical Costs and Budget

Check the costs of the most relevant aspects of your trip:

• Daily spending per person - €121 (USD 117) per person/per day on a budget vacation.

• Meals - €32 (USD 31).

• Transport - €19 (USD 19) per day.

• Hotel - €119 (USD 117), for two people per night.

Two people traveling to Germany for a one-week vacation will spend around €1,697 (USD 1,673).

Transport and Ways to Travel around Germany

Germany is the perfect place to use public transport thanks to its safety, accessibility, and readiness. Check the railway network, which can get you a fast train ticket from the Deutsche Bahn. It’s the ideal mode of transport when you want to move around provinces. You can take trams, metros, suburban trains, and ferries at a local level. There is no reason to drive in Germany. Every day, 30 million people in Germany use public transport. This is your chance to try it out. In case you decide to rent a car and start exploring the country, keep in mind speed limits and the tourist attractions with parking lots for your car.

Safety in Germany

Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe. You will feel safe at all times in every city. Still, take some precautions againts pickpocketing and bag snatching. Keep your personal belongings at your hostel and keep an eye on crowded places. If you’re a victim of theft, head to the nearest police station. Local police offer a smooth service, and you will hopefully recover your things. Most people know English, so you will feel safe wherever you go.

Weather in Germany

Germany offers warm summers and cold winters. Don’t worry about long periods of frost or snow, as they are rare. During the year, you will find rainfall in most cities. The coldest month (January) will reach 3 degrees Celsius (38 degrees Fahrenheit), and the hottest month (July) will reach 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). There could be a variation according to the destinations you choose within Germany. For further information, keep updated with local media for the latest news about the weather.

Popular Cities and Towns in Germany - Germany Travel

Germany offers modern cities, castle towns, and fantastic natural wonders. Explore the most popular ones:

• Berlin - The capital was divided into West and East Germany and reunited in 1990.

• Munich - It’s the famous gateway to the Alps.

• Frankfurt - The financial center of Germany.

• Hamburg - It has more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined.

• Cologne - Explore the fantastic Cologne Cathedral.

Don’t forget about the Christmas markets you will find in every city. It’s a unique experience.

Must Do and See in Germany

If you’re already in Germany, you must put these activities in your itinerary:

1. Visit World War II memorials and landmarks and learn how Germans cope with their complicated past. Be respectful at these sites and take your time to take it all in.

2. Take a day to visit Heidelberg Castle in the middle of the forest and learn more about Medieval times on this side of Europe. Germany offers thousands of castles that look like they were taken out of a Disney movie.

3. Visit Museum Island in Berlin and enjoy five museums in a single place. Germany has exquisite museums, from historical pieces to entire Arab cities, including an artifact of Nefertiti’s head from Egypt.

4. Bike along what is left of the Berlin Wall and enjoy the street art. You will find the famous painting of two recognized politicians kissing.

5. Enjoy the Brandenburg Gate and imagine the luxurious past of Germany. Take as many pictures as you like and enjoy the scenery.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the most relevant European cities, like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.

Typical German Food to Try

• Bratwurst - If you’re in Germany, you must try the sausages. Bratwurst is a sausage made with pork, veal, or beef. They are pan-fried and roasted.

• Schnitzel - The preparation is simple. You take a thin piece of meat and bread it before frying it. You can choose between deep-fried or pan-fried. Most restaurants serve pork.

• Brezeln - The famous “pretzel” in English is a pastry made with wheat bread in a knot shape. It usually has salt on top, but you can also try it with sugar and nuts. It’s delicious.

• Rouladen - This main German dish is made of pickles and bacon wrapped in beef slices. It’s served with gravy, mashed potatoes, cabbage, and dumplings. It’s a family meal most Germans enjoy during the holidays.

• Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte - You may know it as the Black Forest gateaux. The layers of chocolate sponge have cherries, jam, and cream. Its origin is in southwest Germany, where you can find the real Black Forest. It’s perfect as an afternoon dessert with coffee or “Kaffee” in German.

Vaccine Details - Up-to-date Information

According to local authorities, you no longer need to follow entry restrictions in Germany. It’s no longer mandatory to show a COVID-19 vaccine certificate. In addition, you don’t need to take a pre-departure test or go into quarantine upon arrival. Still, you should consider getting travel insurance in case you get sick during your trip. For safety, it could cover your overseas medical costs and even medical evacuation.

Comply with the indications of local authorities for a smooth trip. Rules could change anytime, so monitor local media for more details.

German Food and Drinks

Did you know that Germany produces more than 1,000 types of sausages? It combines different spices and flavors to make them unique. The most popular sausages are: Bratwurst, blutwurst, weisswurst, knackwurst and currywurst. Also, in Bavaria, beer is considered food. The region takes beer seriously, and it is part of its lifestyle. An average adult in Bavaria will drink 150 liters of beer per year. Make a stop in Munich and enjoy the breweries and over 1,500 beer types.

Fun Facts about Germany

Germany has so much to offer. Check some facts that will make you want to visit it soon.

Germans love bread, and it’s part of their daily meals. Try one of the 17,000 bakeries creating over 300 types of bread.

Soccer is a big part of German recreation. The country has over 26,000 soccer clubs with 6 million members. The national team has won 4 World Cups.

Germany is the biggest economy in the European Union, with a 3.73 trillion GDP.

College education is free for local and international students. Try your chances and build a future in Germany.

If we didn’t say it before, beer is important in Germany. Have one as soon as you land there.