Explore the Rich Culture and History of Germany
Situated in the heart of Central Europe and bordering nine other countries, Germany is an established and rewarding tourist destination. Its sweeping land is varied, with turreted castles and medieval villages tucked below snow-capped mountains, and amid lush river valleys and mysterious forests. It is also a place of fairytales, where minstrels first regaled audiences with fantastical tales such as Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood.
Despite the beauty and romance of the German countryside, most first-time visitors head straight for one of the country’s famous cities. Each year, millions of litres of beer are consumed in Munich during the city’s Oktoberfest, where locals and visitors discover true German revelry and gemutlichkeit (cosy contentment), while Berlin promises an abundance of sightseeing opportunities, such as the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the ruins of the Berlin Wall and a truly wild and exotic nightlife. Frankfurt is Germany’s financial powerhouse, promising business opportunities and great shopping and dining experiences, while Hamburg is more of a picturesque urban experience, full of canals, parks and gardens.
Germany seldom disappoints, which can be expected from a country that gave us Beethoven and Bauhaus, Goethe and Glühwein, Lager and Lederhosen.
Key Facts
- Language:
- German is the official language. English is also widely spoken and understood.
- Passport/Visa:
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA members require proof of onward or return tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Germany. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the USA are exempt from the requirement to hold onward tickets.
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs and exchange bureaux are widely available. The major credit cards are widely accepted in large shops, hotels and restaurants. The quickest and most convenient way to change money is to obtain cash from one of the ATMs that are ubiquitous features on all German streets. Banks are closed on weekends, but exchange bureaux at airports and main railway stations are open daily.
- Electricity:
- 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Overview
Germany remains one of the world’s top sightseeing destinations by virtue of its unique and important historical attractions, charming medieval buildings, beautiful landscape and legendary cultural events. The country has played a leading role in world history and many of its sightseeing attractions – commemorating the celebrated to the infamous – are connected to this storied legacy.
The major cities such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt are attractions in themselves, each jam-packed with historical treasures and sites of interest. Dachau and Checkpoint Charlie are remnants of more tragic periods, while the magnificent Rhineland and Garmisch-Partenkirchen regions offer enough natural splendour to please even the most demanding outdoor enthusiasts. Munich is home to one of the world’s biggest parties, the legendary Oktoberfest, while the Romantic Road between Berlin and Frankfurt is a self-drive tourist classic that never fails to delight with its perfectly preserved old towns and villages.
Germany is certainly a year-round destination, although tourists should be warned that the European winters (December to February) can get bitterly cold. The best way to travel around the country is by train as the network is comprehensive, reliable and safe, and decent value for money. Another good option is to rent a car and drive between attractions on the extensive network of autobahn freeways.
Climate in Germany
Germany has very changeable weather. Extremes in temperature are rare but visitors should be aware that the weather changes fast and there can be rain at any time of year. The seasons are also slightly unpredictable in that the weather is not the same from year to year. There is a variation in climate according to region in Germany. The coastal regions have a temperate climate with warm summers and mild, cloudy winters. Inland, the climate is more continental with warmer summers and colder winters. The alpine and upland regions have cooler weather and more rain.
In spring (March to May), the weather is at its most unpredictable and can bring rain, sun or wind, but it is a pretty time of year to visit Germany. Summer (June to August), is warm and generally sunny but it is also the season with the most rainfall and humidity. Autumn (September to November), usually begins very pleasantly but becomes grey and misty later in the season. Winter (December to February), is cold and temperatures can drop well below freezing at night. Snow usually falls in December, January and February.
The best time to visit Germany really depends on what you are planning to see and do. Each season has its own charms. The peak tourist season is summer so everything tends to be a bit more expensive and crowded.
Health Notes when travelling to Germany
There are no serious health risks for visitors to Germany and no vaccinations are required. The German health service is excellent and there is a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Nationals of other countries should take out travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Germany
A visit to Germany should be trouble free, but visitors should take normal precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pick-pocketing, especially at airports, railway stations and markets in the large cities.
Customs in Germany
Visitors are not required to carry their passports with them at all times in Germany, but carrying some form of identification is advised. Smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants is illegal.
Duty Free in Germany
Passengers arriving from EU countries can enter Germany without paying duty on 800 cigarettes or 400g cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg tobacco; 90 litres of still wine; 110 litres of beer; and 10 litres of alcohol stronger than 20 percent or 20 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22 percent.
Passengers arriving from non-EU countries, over the age of 17, can enter Germany without paying duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer and 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent volume; or 2 litres of spirits under 22 percent volume. Other goods to the value of €430 for travellers arriving by air or sea, and €300 for travellers arriving by land.
Doing Business in Germany
In Germany, business is conducted in a formal manner, with a conservative and formal dress code being the norm. Punctuality is vital at all meetings and it’s considered rude to be late. Germans use titles often, with men referred to as ‘Herr’ and women as ‘Frau’, followed by their last names.
Meetings are often purely business and may not occur over lunches, which are generally more social. Shaking hands at the beginning and end of the meeting is common. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with an hour taken over lunch.
Communication in Germany
The international access code for Germany is +49. Travellers will find it easy to use a local SIM card, Skype, WhatsApp or similar apps. Free WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Tipping in Germany
German law stipulates that all prices, menus and bills include both tax and a service charge, so tipping is not necessary in restaurants. Cleaning staff, hairdressers, taxi drivers and other menial services appreciate small tips.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA members require proof of onward or return tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Germany. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the USA are exempt from the requirement to hold onward tickets.
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Germany. A visa is not required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the intended period of stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Germany. Note that Temporary passports will not be recognised.
Tourist Offices
German National Tourist Board, Frankfurt: +49 (0)69 751 903 or http://www.germany-tourism.de
Germany Embassies
- In the United States:
German Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 298 4000.
- In Canada:
German Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 1101.
- In the United Kingdom:
German Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7824 1300.
- In Australia:
German Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270 1911.
- In Ireland:
German Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 3011.
- In New Zealand:
German Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 6063.
- In South Africa:
German Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 427 8900.
Foreign Embassies in Germany
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 83050.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 203 120.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 20 4570.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 880 0880.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 220 720.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 206 210.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 220 730.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
