Germany

Overview 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 dark and mysterious forests. It is also a place of fairytales, where minstrels first regaled audiences with such fantastical tales 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, 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.

map of Germany

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 (i) onward or return tickets, (ii) the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and (iii) sufficient funds to support themselves while in Germany. Note that 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 your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your 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.

Travel to Germany

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 the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Nationals of other countries should take out travel insurance.

Safety Notes when travelling to Germany

A visit to Germany should be trouble free, but 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 (i) onward or return tickets, (ii) the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and (iii) sufficient funds to support themselves while in Germany. Note that 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 your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your 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:

British passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar, only need to be valid for period of intended stay in Germany. All other endorsements require at least three months validity beyond the period of intended stay in Germany.

A visa is not required for passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period for holders of passports with any other endorsement.

Holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authorities, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom', do not require a visa to visit Germany.

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.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Germany

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Traveler View

Map - Germany

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

 get_vaccinated hygiene

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Germany, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

 get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

 get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Rabies

Rabies is present in bats in Germany. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
 get_vaccinated animals

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Germany, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated animals
Rabies

Rabies is present in bats in Germany. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Germany, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards in Germany are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.

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Prevent bug bites

Although Germany is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Germany include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
    • If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
  • Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Germany’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Make sure there are seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Germany, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Germany for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

Be aware of current health issues in Germany. Learn how to protect yourself.

 

Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions

  • Updated  Carnival and Mardi Gras December 06, 2017 If you plan to travel outside the United States to celebrate Carnival, you can take some simple precautions to help you stay safe and healthy. Destinations include Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Trinidad and Tobago.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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.

Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro
1.12 BMD
Bermudan Dollar 		1.12 USD
U.S. Dollar 		0.77 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling 		121.65 JPY
Japanese Yen 		1.46 CAD
Canadian Dollar 		1.10 CHF
Swiss Franc
1.54 AUD
Australian Dollar 		28.05 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia 		377.26 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge 		1,682.21 LBP
Lebanese Pound 		0.80 LYD
Libyan Dinar 		7.66 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
120.52 NPR
Nepalese Rupee 		0.43 OMR
Omani Rial 		4.07 QAR
Qatari Rial 		1.54 SGD
Singapore Dollar 		9.26 SEK
Swedish Krona 		7.41 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
11.15 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar 		51.20 DOP
Dominican Peso 		7.51 HRK
Croatian Kuna 		20.82 MXN
Mexican Peso 		654.97 XOF
West African CFA Franc 		3.54 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
1.12 BSD
Bahamian Dollar 		2.36 FJD
Fiji Dollar 		25.29 HNL
Honduran Lempira 		123.47 DZD
Algerian Dinar 		1,330.84 MMK
Myanma Kyat 		12.50 BWP
Botswana Pula
3.76 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol 		774.75 CLP
Chilean Peso 		534.10 AMD
Armenia Dram 		27.00 CZK
Czech Koruna 		22.32 MDL
Moldova Lei 		138.84 ISK
Icelandic Krona
3,282.94 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum 		4.31 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel 		0.79 JOD
Jordanian Dinar 		0.34 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar 		35.02 UYU
Uruguayan Peso 		39.68 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
31.85 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba 		9.32 NOK
Norwegian Krone 		4.38 PLN
Polish Zloty 		4.19 SAR
Saudi Riyal 		163.12 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee 		39.79 THB
Thai Baht
4.10 AED
U.A.E Dirham 		4.02 BRL
Brazilian Real 		4.52 RON
Romanian New Leu 		8.68 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar 		656.46 XAF
Central African CFA Franc 		25,106.99 VND
Vietnamese Dong
15.58 ARS
Argentine Peso 		3.01 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar 		8.75 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal 		10.92 MAD
Moroccan Dirham 		0.42 BHD
Bahrain Dinar 		1.12 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
1.67 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat 		3,482.98 COP
Colombian Peso 		76.30 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som 		312.53 HUF
Hungarian Forint 		8.79 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble 		15,285.70 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
9.92 EGP
Egyptian Pound 		1,330.60 KRW
South Korean Won 		6,333.44 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní 		4.65 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit 		601.85 CRC
Costa Rican Colón 		1.64 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
117.01 PKR
Pakistani Rupee 		74.62 RUB
Russian Rouble 		17.43 ZAR
South African Rand 		2.37 TND
Tunisian Dinar 		2.23 BBD
Barbadian Dollar 		1.96 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
3.30 TRY
Turkish Lira 		52.08 PHP
Philippine Peso 		36.44 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar 		219.51 NGN
Nigerian Naira 		119.70 XPF
CFP Franc 		4.37 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
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Berlin-Tegel Airport (TXL)
Berlin-Tegel Airport
http://www.berlin-airport.de

Location: Berlin The airport is situated five miles (8km) northwest of the centre of Berlin.

map of Berlin-Tegel Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +49 180 50 00 186.

Transfer between terminals: The airport terminals are all connected by walkways.

Getting to the city: The most convenient and cost effective way to get to and from the airport is by bus. Buses connect with the subway and overground train stations. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals on both levels.

Car rental: Vehicle hire companies represented at the airport include Budget, Avis, Hertz, Europcar, National and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside airport terminals A, C, and E. Avoid touts and unlicensed taxis. Private hotel shuttle services to and from Berlin-Tegel Airport are also available.

Facilities: Facilities include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office, business centres and baby rooms. There are several shops, including duty-free, and a selection of restaurants. Disabled facilities are good; travellers with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Parking: There are a number of parking lots at Berlin-Tegel Airport, all within easy walking distance of the terminal building. Short-term parking costs €6 for the first hour up to a maximum daily charge of €44. Long term parking is also available.

Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt Airport
http://www.frankfurt-airport.com

Location: Frankfurt The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of the centre of Frankfurt.

map of Frankfurt International Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +49 (0)69 6900-66634.

Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are connected by the Sky Line people mover.

Getting to the city: Frankfurt Airport has trains from two railway stations: the long-distance railway station is at the AIRail Terminal; and there is a local railway station for S-Bahn, regional, and local trains in Terminal 1. Both railway stations are linked to Terminal 2. Buses leave regularly for Frankfurt and other destinations from outside Terminals 1 and 2; tickets can be bought from the bus driver. Various shuttles also operate from the airport, some run by airlines.

Car rental: Car hire companies are represented in both terminals.

Airport Taxis: Taxis can be found outside either terminal and will take 20-30 minutes for the eight mile (13km) drive to the city centre. Taxis are metered.

Facilities: Frankfurt Airport is one of the best-equipped airports in the world. There are numerous restaurants, shops, bars and cafes in both terminals, and banks, bureaux de change and ATMs are in both Arrivals and Departures. A business centre offers internet, fax and secretarial facilities. Other facilities include a hairdresser, chapel and children's play areas.

Parking: Each terminal at Frankfurt International Airport has its own parking facility; 30 minutes costs between €2.50 and €5, and €15 per hour thereafter. Long-term parking starts from €29 per day and the more distant parking lots are connected to the terminals by free shuttle services.

Hamburg Airport (HAM)
Hamburg Airport
http://www.ham.airport.de

Location: Hamburg The airport is situated five miles (8km) north of central Hamburg.

map of Hamburg Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +49 (0)40 5075-0.

Transfer between terminals: The terminals are connected and both can be explored on foot.

Getting to the city: Hamburg Airport is accessible by S-Bahn which takes 25 minutes to get from the airport to central Hamburg. Buses service the city centre and other suburban areas. Taxis are readily available outside both terminals; they take around 30 minutes to get to the city centre.

Car rental: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt, among others, are represented at the airport.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside both terminals. They take around 30 minutes to get to the city centre.

Facilities: There are several restaurants, shops, bars and cafes throughout the airport, as well as banks, currency exchange and ATMs in Terminals 1 and 2. There is wifi access in all terminals. Disabled facilities are good; passengers with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Parking: Short-term parking is charged at about €2 for every 20 minutes, or €28 for a full day. Long-term parking is charged at between €55 and €100 per week.

Munich International (MUC)
Munich International Airport
http://www.munich-airport.de

Location: Munich The airport is situated 18 miles (29km) northeast of the centre of Munich.

map of Munich International

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +49 (0)89 975 00. Flight Information: +49 (0)89 975 213 13.

Transfer between terminals: The Airport Shuttle Bus travels between the two terminals.

Getting to the city: Frequent commuter trains run by day and most of the night to various Munich stations, including the main stations for connections to major European cities. The airport train station is just outside the terminals. Taxis are available, as are buses to many regional destinations and the main train station. It takes about 20 minutes by train and about 45 minutes by road to reach the city centre.

Car rental: Car hire companies represented include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Budget and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from both terminals. The journey time to the city centre is approximately 45 minutes.

Facilities: The airport has several restaurants and bars, duty-free and other shops, shower facilities and a pharmacy. ATMs and currency exchange desks are available in Arrivals and Departures.

Parking: Parking in airport lots costs between €2 and €5 for the first hour, up to about €33 per day. Long-term parking is cheapest in lots P41, P80 and P81. There are drop-off zones where parking is free for the first 10 minutes.

Dusseldorf International (DUS)
Dusseldorf International Airport
http://www.dus.com

Location: Dusseldorf The airport is situated five miles (8km) north of Dusseldorf.

map of Dusseldorf International

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +49 211 4210.

Transfer between terminals: The airport terminals are connected by one central spine and are located in one building, each within walking distance of the others.

Getting to the city: There are plenty of transport options available at the airport, including taxis, limousines, local buses, a Skytrain Shuttle Bus, and the fast and efficient S-Bahn.

Car rental: Car rental companies at the airport include Europcar, Hertz, Budget and Avis, among others.

Airport Taxis: Designated airport taxis are available from Arrivals and Departures.

Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs and banks, dental and medical facilities, a pharmacy, laundry services, baby-changing rooms, airport hotels, a petrol station, a tax refund counter, baggage storage facilities, meeting rooms, pastoral services, VIP lounges, conference facilities, and a number of shopping and dining options.

Parking: Short-term parking is available within walking distance of the terminal, while long-term parking is serviced by a free shuttle. Short-term parking is located opposite the terminal and charges about €4.50 per hour. Long-term parking costs between €24 and €39 per day, depending on the parking lot.

Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN)
Cologne-Bonn Airport
http://www.koeln-bonn-airport.de

Location: Cologne The airport is located eight miles (12km) southeast of Cologne and 10 miles (16km) north of Bonn.

map of Cologne-Bonn Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +49 (0)22 0340 4000.

Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are linked by a walkway.

Getting to the city: There are several transport options available, including taxis, the local bus service, and the S-bahn.

Car rental: Car rental agencies at the airport include Hertz, Avis and Europcar, among others.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminal.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, left luggage, shops and restaurants.

Parking: Parking at Cologne-Bonn Airport starts at a rate of €1.50 per 15 minutes in the short-term zone (maximum two hours), while Car Park 1 charges €4.50 per hour and Car Park 3 charges €3 per hour. Car park 2 is reserved for women and disabled passengers only.

Stuttgart Airport (STR)
Stuttgart International Airport
http://www.flughafen-stuttgart.de

Location: Stuttgart The airport is located eight miles (13km) south of Stuttgart city centre.

map of Stuttgart Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: +49 (0)1805 948-4444.

Transfer between terminals: All the terminals are within easy walking distance of one another.

Getting to the city: The airport is connected to central Stuttgart by S-Bahn lines S2 and S3. In addition to the train service, there are several direct bus links to destinations in and around Stuttgart, as well as a 24-hour taxi service.

Car rental: Car hire companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the terminals and the trip to central Stuttgart takes about 30 minutes.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include banks, ATMs and bureaux de change. There are restaurants, bars and fast food outlets, a variety of shops including duty-free, and wifi access.

Parking: There are short and long-term parking options available at Stuttgart Airport and parking can be reserved in advance.

Berlin-Schonefeld Airport (SXF)
Berlin Schönefeld Airport
http://www.berlin-airport.de/EN/index2.php

Location: Berlin The airport is located 11 miles (18km) from Berlin's city centre.

map of Berlin-Schonefeld Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in April).

Contacts: +49 180 5000 186

Transfer between terminals: Although the airport has four terminals (A, B, C and D) the airside part of the concourse is all joined so the terminals are only important when checking in. Terminal C is only used on special occasions and the rest of the terminals are within easy walking distance of one another.

Getting to the city: Train: The airport express train station is a short (400 metre) walk, along a covered footpath, from Terminal A. The Airport Express train takes just half an hour to reach the main railway station in Berlin, known as Hauptbahnhof. The train tickets use the same ticketing system as the buses in Berlin. Passengers need to pick how many zones they will be travelling through and the ticket price is adjusted accordingly. A trip from Schönefeld Airport to central Berlin will cost €2.10. The Airport Express Train is the fastest train from the airport into the city. It runs every 30 minutes, from 5am until 11pm. S-bahn trains are also available from the airport station, but they are slightly slower than the express train. Taxis: Taxis can be found on both the lower and upper levels, but mainly on the lower level outside Terminal A. The trip into central Berlin takes between 20 and 30 minutes and generally costs about €15. Bus: Taking a bus from Schönefeld Airport into Berlin is the best way to get into town. Fares are determined according to the number of zones you pass through in order to arrive at your destination. There are two zones (zones A and B) between Schönefeld and central Berlin. Tickets into town cost €2.10 and they can either be bought at the ticket vending machine inside the terminal or on the bus. The express airport buses (BCG) run the most frequently and are generally the best buses to catch between the airport and central Berlin. BCG Jet Express Bus No. X9 as well as BVG Jet Express TXL Bus and BVG buses No. 109 and No. 128 all make the trip from the airport into Berlin. During the week buses tend to run between 4:30am and 12:30am at 30-minute intervals with more buses during the peak hours of the day. On weekends buses run less frequently.

Car rental: Renting a car is a great way to explore Berlin and the surrounding countryside. Car rental operators at Berlin Schönefeld Airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt; or why not hire a motor home from Motorhomes CC-Mobile? The rental operator's desks are in front of Terminal A in the pavilion.

Airport Taxis: Taxis: Taxis can be found on both the lower and upper levels, but mainly on the lower level outside Terminal A. The trip into central Berlin takes between 20 and 30 minutes and generally costs about €15.

Facilities: Money and communications: Schönefeld Airport is well equipped with ATMs, banks, a post office and money exchange facility. Luggage: The lost and found desk is easy to find and is located in Terminal A on the ground floor. A baggage storage facility is available in parking garage P4 at a cost of €2 per day for small bags and €4 per day for larger bags. Conference and business: The airport lounges, particularly the Hugo-Junkers Lounge, have fax, Internet, photocopying and printing services. For businesspeople wishing to make use of conference facilities, head to the Airport Conference Centre Berlin Schönefeld, which is located 0.6 miles (1km) from the terminal. The conference centre can also be booked via the airport's website. Other facilities: The tourist information office is a great place to start your trip to Berlin. The Schönefeld Airport also has VIP services and lounges as well as baby changing room facilities and wheelchair access. Wifi: wifi is available throughout the airport. Costs vary depending upon which service provider you prefer. Simply open your browser and the airport's wireless webpage will load and give you the service provider options. Many of the airline lounges offer free wifi access. Information: The airport's information desk is located in Terminal A on the ground floor. The staff is friendly and speaks German and English. There is also a tourist information desk located on the same floor with multilingual staff and pamphlets outlining major tourist attractions and events in Berlin. The information desk staff is also great when it comes to dispensing information about the best routes to and from the airport into central Berlin. Shopping: A well-stocked duty-free shop is not all the Schönefeld Airport has to offer in terms of shopping. The airport has a modest number of souvenir shops as well a couple of outlets selling sunglasses, clothing and fashion accessories. Food and Drink: Whether it's coffee, a burger or a pint of Guinness, the Schönefeld Airport has something to tickle all taste buds. Terminal A has the largest variety of food and drink outlets including an Irish pub, a small 24-hour bakery, a Burger King and a couple of restaurants serving German food. There is a Segafredo coffee outlet in front of Terminal D and a bistro in the departures area. Terminal B's options are slim with the only restaurant available being a small diner.

Parking: Short and long-term parking is available at the airport.

Departure Tax: None.

Dresden International Airport (DRS)
Dresden International Airport
http://www.dresden-airport.de/en/

Location: 6 miles (10km) from downtown Dresden

map of Dresden International Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in April).

Getting to the city:

Car rental:

Airport Taxis:

Facilities:

Parking: There is parking outside the entrance, however cars may only park for up to two hours. Short-term and long-term parking is available in a multilevel garage connected to the terminal via covered walkways.

Frankfurt Hahn Airport (HHN)
Frankfurt Hahn Airport
http://www.hahn-airport.de

Location: Frankfurt 75 miles (120km) from Frankfurt

map of Frankfurt Hahn Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in April).

Getting to the city:

Car rental:

Airport Taxis:

Facilities:

Parking: The Comfort lot (closest to the terminal) charges €2.50 per hour, €18 per day and €95 per week. The Quality lot is €2 per hour, €7 per day and €40 per week. The Smart lot is €2, €5.50 per day and €33 per week; while the Low-cost lot is €2 per hour, €3.50 per day or €24.50 per week. All lots are connected to the terminal via a free shuttle service.

Hannover Airport (HAJ)
Hannover-Langenhagen Airport
http://www.hannover-airport.de

Location: Hannover The airport is located seven miles (11km) north of Hannover.

map of Hannover Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Transfer between terminals: The three terminals are all connected and can be explored on foot.

Getting to the city: The S5 Hannover Airport Line runs to Hannover Central Station every 30 minutes between 3:35am and 1am. The 470 bus departs several times per hour for the Langenhagen Zentrum station from the stop between the Maritim Airport Hotel and Car Park 3. Several shuttle services are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies operating from the airport include AVIS, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: Taxi ranks are located in front of the terminal exits on the arrivals level. The trip to the city centre takes about 20 minutes.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include a lost and found, left luggage facilities, a tax-refund desk, bureaux de change, religious counselling facilities, executive lounges and VIP services, and a variety of shopping and dining options.

Parking: Parking starts at €4 for the first hour, up to €22 for the first day, €42 for two days, and €48 for three days.

Nuremberg Airport (NUE)
Nuremberg Airport
http://www.airport-nuernberg.de

Location: Nuremberg Nuremberg Airport is located about three miles (5km) from central Nuremberg.

map of Nuremberg Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: The U2 subway line runs to central Nuremburg in about 12 minutes. A bus stop is located in front of the Departures Terminal. Intercity buses run to Munich, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and Dortmund three to six times per day.

Car rental: Cars can be hired from the Rental Car Centre in the airport.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport. The drive to central Nuremberg takes about 20 minutes.

Facilities: The airport offers souvenir and duty-free shopping, several restaurants and bars, ATMs and currency exchange services, executive lounges, and a tax refund desk.

Parking: Parking at Nuremburg Airport costs €3 for the first 30 minutes, €4 for an hour, and about €2 for each additional hour up to €25 for one day and €45 for two days.

Bremen Airport (BRE)
Bremen Airport
http://www.airport-bremen.de

Location: Bremen Bremen Airport is located about two miles (3.5km) south of Bremen, Germany.

map of Bremen Airport

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Transfer between terminals: The terminals are all within walking distance.

Getting to the city: The No. 6 tram is a convenient way to get into Bremen as it connects the airport to the main railway and bus stations; trams operate regularly during rush hour. Buses are available to Bremen, and operate several times per day.

Car rental: Several car hire agencies operate from the airport including Enterprise, Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport. Recommended companies include Roland Taxi and Tours Bremen.

Facilities: The main terminal building features several shops and restaurants, and other facilities such as banks and ATMs, and a taxi desk.

Parking: There is a multilevel car park opposite Terminals 1-3. Section P1 offers short-term parking starting at €3.20 for the first hour, and there are a limited number of spaces for drop-offs and collections in front of each terminal for €1, with a maximum stay of 20 minutes. Long-term parking is available in section P1 starting at €49.90 for two days and €87.20 for one week; long-term rates in P2 are slightly lower. There are dedicated women's parking spaces on each level.

Overview of the Attractions in Germany

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.

Eschenheimer Turm
Frankfurt

The Eschenheimer Turm is one of the few remaining towers of Frankfurt's medieval fortifications. The 154-foot high (47m) Gothic tower was built in the 15th century, one of approximately 60 towers surrounding the city. The tower is both the oldest and the most unaltered building in the largely reconstructed city centre and is a striking Frankfurt landmark. The tower has eight levels and four smaller side-turrets, looking like something out of a fairytale. Now a popular tourist attraction in Frankfurt, there is a restaurant and bar at the base of the Eschenheimer Turm that offers a good place to relax and unwind after a day of seeing the sites.

map of Eschenheimer Turm

Address: Eschenheimer Tor 1

Brandenburg Gate
Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate is impressive and symbolic, built with sandstone in 1791 and consisting of 12 massive Doric columns. The massive gate is topped with a stunning statue of the Goddess of Victory facing east towards the city centre, which was added in 1794. The gate is closed to traffic, as is the adjacent Pariser Platz, a square at the end of the beautiful Unter den Linden Boulevard. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, new buildings have been built to designs closely following those destroyed in WWII. It's easy and worthwhile to hire a guide for the area because the Brandenburg Gate has an intriguing history and a special place in the German culture.

map of Brandenburg Gate

Checkpoint Charlie
Berlin

Opening time: Daily 9am to 10pm.

Admission: €14.50 (adults), €9.50 (students), €7.50 (under 18s), free for children under 6. Other concessions available.

The infamous border crossing point in the Berlin Wall dividing West and East Berlin has now become something of a shrine, with the addition of a museum: the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. While the original metal shed is now on display at the Allied Museum, the soldier's post can be visited and tourists can be photographed under the border sign. The museum's permanent exhibition charts the lifespan of the wall, displays objects used to get under, over or through the wall, as well as the stories of those defectors who risked their lives to win their freedom. It hosts lectures and film screenings, and also houses temporary exhibits focusing on general human rights.

map of Checkpoint Charlie

Getting there: U-Bahn - U6 (Kochstraße) or U2 (Stadtmitte); Bus - M29 (Kochstraße) or M48 (Stadtmitte)

Address: Friedrichstraße 43-45

Telephone: 030 253 7250

Website: http://www.mauermuseum.de

Berlin Wall East Side Gallery
Berlin

Admission: Free

The remains of the Berlin Wall have now become the largest open-air art gallery in the world. The longest section is given over to graffiti artists from around the world, demonstrating their skills on the 4,318 foot (1,316m) concrete canvas and turning it into a Berlin landmark. Some of the best known paintings are Dimitri Vrubel's Brotherly Kiss and Gunther Shaefer's Fatherland. The gallery is billed as an international memorial for freedom, the art reflecting the idealism and excitement of the time when the wall was pulled down in 1989.

map of Berlin Wall East Side Gallery

Address: Mühlenstraße

Website: http://www.eastsidegallery-berlin.de

Berlin Jewish Museum
Berlin

Opening time: Monday 10am to 10pm; Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 8pm.

Admission: €8 (adults); €3 (reduced).

The Berlin Jewish Museum in Lindenstrasse has gained an international reputation for its significant architecture and unique exhibitions. The bulk of the museum is housed in an intimidating windowless and doorless building situated alongside the yellow Baroque edifice of the Berlin Museum. Visitors enter through the Berlin Museum to explore exhibition rooms clustered around a main axis void, designed to signify the empty and invisible aspects of Jewish history. The museum and its displays are beautifully designed and can be emotionally overwhelming, mixing personal stories, interactive exhibits and mementos with more formal and informative history.

map of Berlin Jewish Museum

Getting there: U1, U6 to Hallesches Tor or U6 to Kochstraße

Address: Lindenstrasse 9-14

Telephone: (0)30 2599 3300

Website: http://www.juedisches-museum-berlin.de

Hamburger Bahnhof
Berlin

Opening time: Closed Mondays; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday open 10am to 6pm, Thursday open 10am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday open 11am to 6pm.

Admission: €14 adults; €7 reduced; children under 16 free

One of the most popular galleries in Berlin, the historic Hamburger Bahnhof in the central Tiergarten district, exhibits an extensive contemporary art collection. Built in 1846 but badly damaged during World War II, this former train station offers 107,639 square feet (10,000 sq metres) of space filled with works by the likes of Andy Warhol, Joseph Beuys and Roy Lichtenstein. The permanent display is the Marx private collection, but there are changing exhibitions and good examples of transavanguardia and minimalism. The gallery holds regular free guided tours for the public, with times displayed on the website.

map of Hamburger Bahnhof

Getting there: U6 to Zinnowitzer St.; tram M6, M8 or 12; S3, S5, S7, S9, S75 to Hauptbahnhof

Address: Invalidenstraße 50- 51

Telephone: (0)30 397834-11

Website: http://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/hamburger-bahnhof

Potsdamer Platz
Berlin

Potsdamer Platz is the heart and soul of the 'New Berlin', emerging with the fall of the Wall in 1989. The square now contains an exciting mix of restaurants, hotels, a casino, theatres and cinemas, drawing Berliners and tourists seeking culinary delights and memorable recreation. The focus of the square is the 22-storey Debis Haus designed by Renzo Piano, featuring an atrium with cathedral-like dimensions. The Kollhoff building features a panorama platform offering gorgeous panorama of the city, reached by Europe's fastest express elevator. The Sony Store is the most recent addition, consisting of eight buildings around a light-flooded arena, which also houses Berlin's popular Film Museum.

map of Potsdamer Platz

Website: http://www.potsdamerplatz.de

Marienplatz
Munich

The Marienplatz is the heart of Munich and the site of its most important historic buildings. The square is dominated by the Gothic Revival Town Hall featuring its famous glockenspiel, both built in the 19th century. The glockenspiel delights visitors when its 43 bells chime daily at 11am, 12pm and 5pm, accompanied by moving figures displaying vignettes from Munich's history. The centre of the square features a statue of the Virgin Mary, while visitors can also explore a toy museum and the Frauenkirche, Munich's cathedral dating from the 15th century. The square is full of great shops and pleasant outdoor eating areas to relax and refuel.

map of Marienplatz

Olympiapark
Munich

Munich's massive Olympiapark was constructed for the 1972 Olympic Games but remains a marvel of modern engineering. Its main stadium is crowned with one of the largest roofs in the world, extending 720,000 square feet (66,890 sq metres) and made of tinted acrylic glass. It's designed to collect rainwater used to fill the adjacent Olympic lake. Visitors to the site can enjoy a spectacular view from the revolving restaurant and observation terrace topping the 950-foot (290m) high Olympic Tower. Near the tower is the BMW Museum, which displays the history of Germany's famous automobile manufacturer, while Olympiapark often hosts concerts, sports events and exhibitions.

map of Olympiapark

Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21

Website: http://www.olympiapark-muenchen.de

Nymphenburg Palace
Munich

Originally a summer home for Munich aristocracy, Schloss Nymphenburg lies five miles (8km) from the city centre. The palace has been expanded, altered and fitted with various eccentricities over the centuries since its construction in 1664. There's a collection of royal coaches on display, a porcelain museum and an arcaded gallery, featuring a collection of 36 provocative paintings ordered by King Ludwig I showing the most beautiful women of his day. The surrounding park has some surprises too, with some interesting pavilions hidden among the English-style gardens. There is information provided in the palace on its history but there are also audio guides available which greatly enrich the experience.

map of Nymphenburg Palace

Address: Eingang 19

Website: http://www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/objects/ny_schl.htm

Alte Pinakothek
Munich

Opening time: 10am-6pm daily; 10am-8pm on Tuesdays; closed on Mondays

Admission: €7 regular entry. Free for children under 18.

One of the oldest galleries on the planet, the Alte Pinakothek houses two of the most important collections in Europe. Roughly 700 paintings are on display, featuring the work of many Old Masters from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Highlights include works by Dutch and Flemish masters, as well as Italian giants such as Botticelli, Raphael and Titian. Famous masterpieces in the permanent collection include Rembrandt's Self-Portrait (1629), Raphael's The Canigiani Holy Family (1505), Guido Reni's The Assumption of the Virgin (1642) and François Boucher's Portrait of the Marquise de Pompadour (1756). There are actually three art museums in this beautiful neoclassical building and discounted rates are available to see all three in one day.

map of Alte Pinakothek

Getting there: Tram - No 27 to Pinakotheken; U-Bahn - U2: to Königsplatz or Theresienstrasse; Bus - No 154 to Schellingstraße

Address: Barerstrasse 27

Website: http://www.pinakothek.de

Neuschwanstein Castle
The Romantic Road

Neuschwanstein Castle was built by Mad King Ludwig II and has become a Bavarian trademark, with its pale Gothic facade rising from a green hill. Day tours from Munich travel to the castle and visitors also drive from Garmisch. From the parking lot there is a steep half-mile (1km) climb to the fairytale fortress, with indulgent guests preferring a horse-drawn carriage ride to the gates. The interior is extravagant, particularly the king's apartments, which are decorated entirely with hand-embroidered silk, carvings and elaborate wall and ceiling paintings. The rooms can only be visited as part of a guided tour and no photography or filming is allowed in the castle.

map of Neuschwanstein Castle

Website: http://www.neuschwanstein.com

Berchtesgaden
Munich

A popular excursion from Munich, Berchtesgaden is perhaps best known for the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), the mountaintop fortress commissioned as a 50th birthday present for Adolf Hitler. It's now an excellent Bavarian eatery, offering breathtaking mountain views. The town itself is a delightful alpine village of winding streets, medieval markets and 16-century architecture. There are a couple of woodcarving museums, with one housed in an old Augustinian monastery. Visitors are enticed to the nearby salt mines of 1517, where they ride on wagons, explore on foot or enjoy the salt lake ferry trip. Berchtesgarten also boasts a world-class ice-skating rink sought after by winter sports enthusiasts, along with plenty of skiing opportunities in the surrounding areas.

map of Berchtesgaden

Website: http://www.berchtesgaden.com

Dachau Memorial Site
Munich

Opening time: Memorial/Museum open daily 9am-5pm; Library and Archive available by appointment only between 9am-5pm Tuesday to Friday.

Admission: Free. Small charges apply for audio guides and guided tours.

Dachau is the site of the first notorious Nazi death camp, where thousands were imprisoned, starved and killed between 1933 and 1945. The camp has now been turned into a museum, containing three memorial chapels. The main camp road still exists, lined with poplar trees. But only two of the original 32 barracks remain, having been rebuilt to illustrate the horrific conditions. The original kitchen, laundry and shower block now contains exhibits, photographs and documents depicting the persecution of Jews and other enemies of the Third Reich. The exhibitions are often personal and include the accounts and stories of prisoners. The memorial is a sobering, sombre experience and may not be suitable for young children.

map of Dachau Memorial Site

Getting there: From Dachau train station take bus 726 to the main entrance of the Memorial Site. S2 train from Munich

Address: Alte Römerstraße 75, Dachau

Telephone: (0)81 3166 9970

Website: http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de

Chiemsee
Munich

One of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps, Chiemsee boasts two islands and is lined with resorts. A popular weekend excursion in Germany, it can be reached by train from Munich in an hour, or by road via the A8 Autobahn. Visitors can take a steamer cruise around the lake from Prien on the west shore to explore the islands in the lake. The scenery is breathtaking and in summer there is great swimming and sailing to enjoy. Frauenchiemsee is the smaller island and the site of a quaint fishing village with some colourful traditional customs, and a Benedictine nunnery known for its liqueur. The larger island, Herrenchiemsee, bears one of King Ludwig's famous fairytale castles intended to replicate the Palace of Versailles. The centre of the palace still stands, complete with a splendid hall of mirrors and surrounded by gardens and woodland.

map of Chiemsee

Website: http://www.chiemsee.de

Goethe-Haus
Frankfurt

Opening time: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11am to 5pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm. Library open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.

Admission: €7 adults; €3 reduced; free for children under 6.

The birthplace of Germany's iconic poet and writer, Goethe-Haus is now a shrine to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's memory and preserved as an example of how the well-to-do lived in Frankfurt in the late Baroque era. The house, which is a reconstruction because the original was destroyed during World War II, consists of two neighbouring half-timbered houses in Grosser Hirschgraben and is situated next to the Goethe Museum, which contains a huge library of books, documents and graphics. Even if you aren't particularly interested in the writer, Goethe-Haus provides welcome insight into 18th-century Frankfurt. All the rooms are beautifully decorated and furnished, and many of the artefacts have recorded stories and associations from the Goethe family.

map of Goethe-Haus

Getting there: U- and S-Bahn to Hauptwache and Willy-Brandt-Platz

Address: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25

Telephone: (0)69 138 800

Website: http://www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de

Frankfurt Botanical Gardens
Frankfurt

Opening time: 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday, 9am-1pm Sundays and holidays, between February and October. Hours are reduced in winter.

Admission: Free

The well-ordered and interesting Botanical Garden in Frankfurt is administered by the university and is a beautiful place to while away a few hours. The gardens are designed to take visitors on a journey through different areas of the plant kingdom, from the hardwood forests of North America to the vast savannahs of Africa. The gardens cover more than eight hectares (20 acres) and contain more than 6,000 different botanical species, from exotic rainforest flowers to European weeds. There is a playground in the gardens to amuse little ones, as well as miniature golf and a cafe.

map of Frankfurt Botanical Gardens

Getting there: Entrance Palmengartenstraße: trains U6, U7 or buses 32, 33, 50 to Station Bockenheimer Warte

Address: Siesmayerstraße 72

Telephone: 069 2123 9058

Website: http://www.botanischergarten-frankfurt.de

St Bartholomew Cathedral
Frankfurt

Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm

Admission: Free

St Bartholomew's Cathedral dominates the Frankfurt skyline with its imposing 311-foot (95m) spire, contrasting sharply with the modern skyscrapers in the downtown area. The cathedral was built in the 14th and 15th centuries, and has seen the crowning of kings and emperors. The architecture is traditional Gothic, with an interior boasting artistic treasures and striking carvings. The winding spiral stairs leading to the tower bells make for some spectacular views, with informative booklets educating guests on its history and the artefacts down below. As the cathedral is still an active place of worship, it's partially closed to tourists at times for services.

map of St Bartholomew Cathedral

Getting there: U4 from Central-Station, Stop Römer

Address: Domplatz 14

Telephone: 069 2970 320

Website: http://www.dom-frankfurt.de

Trier
The Rhineland

Tourists are drawn to Germany's oldest city of Trier for a taste of ancient Rome, founded as a colonial capital under Emperor Augustus in 16 BC. The city became an important political and cultural centre, and many Roman buildings and monuments remain to be explored by visitors. The city has at least five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: St Peter's Cathedral, a remarkable 11th-century church holding several significant tombs; The Black Gate, dating back to around 180 AD; 2,000-year-old ruins of an Imperial Roman bath complex once frequented by Constantine; the Church of Our Lady, another beautiful church adjacent to the cathedral; and the Amphitheatre, dating back to the 2nd century. Nearby, the Mosel Valley is Germany's main wine region, filled with vineyards and cellars, while many love to embark on cruises down the scenic Mosel River.

map of Trier

Website: http://www.trier.de

The Romantic Road
Munich

A popular route for holidays in Germany, the Romantic Road is a modern concept encapsulating the region's typically Bavarian atmosphere and culture. Guided by multilingual signposts, it's an ideal route for seeing fairytale castles and charming German villages, with the route so popular that the best sites tend to be overrun with tourists in peak summer months. It starts in Wurzburg, a town famous for its wineries and gourmet restaurants. Visitors should be sure to see the Residence Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, the road goes to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbühl, two of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany, and the 1,000-year-old Castle Hotel Colmberg. The 2,000-year-old town of Augsburg features beautiful buildings and traditional Bavarian eateries. Pfaffenwinkel and Neuschwanstein are key stops on the route, famous for their churches, castles and pretty rolling countryside.

Heidelberg
Frankfurt

The historic university town of Heidelberg is a city of music and romance along the Neckar River. One of the few German cities that escaped relatively unscathed from World War II, it boasts numerous Medieval and Renaissance buildings, including some beautiful historical churches and university structures from 1386. A good way to enjoy scenic views of Heidelberg is along the Philosopher's Walk, a path alongside the Heiligenberg. A vibrant atmosphere permeates Heidelberg, particularly in the student quarter with its narrow streets and lively pubs. The weather in Heidelberg is famously sunny and warm compared to much of Germany, and this is a major draw for the millions of tourists who visit each year.

map of Heidelberg

Website: http://www.heidelberg.de

Hamburg Warehouse Complex
Hamburg

The world's oldest warehouse complex, built of red brick with Gothic gables and turrets, is a century old and still in use for storing exotic goods from around the world, like tea, cocoa, silk and oriental carpets. Known as the Speicherstadt in German, this historic section of the Free Port between the Deichtorhallen and Baumwall has been turned into a tourist attraction by the addition of an open air theatre, spice museum, miniature exhibition and an old Russian submarine open for exploration as well as a few other little museums and some regular art exhibitions. Another popular attraction in Speicherstadt is the 'Hamburg Dungeon', an interactive museum showcasing the more unpleasant and gory aspects of the city's history.

Just wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets and exploring the small waterways lined by old warehouses is fun, and taking a boat out into the harbour is also a treat. The Speicherstadt is illuminated at night by light shows which create an enchanting spectacle, particularly viewed from a boat on a harbour night tour. The harbour has played a huge role in Hamburg's identity and history and exploring this area is insightful.

map of Hamburg Warehouse Complex

Hamburger Kunsthalle
Hamburg

Hamburg's premier art gallery offers the chance to view works from the Middle Ages through to the present day. The Kunsthalle's main aim is to educate the public rather than showcase particular art treasures, with exhibitions constantly changing to introduce new art forms. The museum now actually occupies two buildings: the Galerie der Gegenwart, a modern structure exhibiting contemporary art, while the famous old building showcases the older works, most dating back to the 14th, 16th and 17th centuries.

map of Hamburger Kunsthalle

Website: http://www.hamburger-kunsthalle.de

Blankenese
Hamburg

The quaint and affluent town of Blankenese sits upon the banks of the Elbe River, adored for its pre-war villas, gorgeous hotels and stunning views. Visitors explore narrow alleys between picturesque houses, enjoying an abundance of cafes and restaurants from where patrons can gaze down at the ships cruising in and out of the harbour. Pedestrian streets and nearly 5,000 stairs crisscross the charming hillside, while there is also a Roman garden, two lighthouses and more than half a dozen peaceful parks and walking trails.

map of Blankenese

The Hamburg Museum
Hamburg

The Hamburg Museum gives a detailed description of the city of Hamburg from the 8th through to the 20th centuries. Scale models have been used to illustrate the changing shape of the city's famous harbour. Exhibits include reconstructions of various typical rooms, such as the hall of a 17th-century merchant's home to an air raid shelter from World War II. Actual features from old buildings have been moved into the museum creating an exciting architectural space. The museum is crowned by a tower designed to look like a lighthouse and dating back to 1922 when the museum opened. The gorgeous central courtyard is covered with a glass ceiling and the space is now used for exhibitions and concerts.

map of The Hamburg Museum

Website: http://www.hamburgmuseum.de

Sylt
Hamburg

The island of Sylt boasts some lovely sandy beaches and stunning views, and its main town, Westerland, has become a popular seaside resort. In recent years, it has become the seaside destination of choice for the rich and famous of Germany, with celebrities regularly spotted on its shores. Sylt offers plenty of entertainment for tourists, including shops, spas and exclusive restaurants, with miles of bicycle paths in pine forests, horse riding trails and golf courses. The Ellenbogen Nature Reserve is lovely for walks, with two lighthouses set against wonderful dunes. Although most visitors come to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities, other popular attractions include the Sylt Aquarium, and the small but historically interesting Lutheran Church of St Severin. Sylt is easy to get to and trains arrive several times a day from Hamburg, with the island connected to the mainland by the six-mile (10km) Hindenburgdamm Bridge.

map of Sylt

Hameln
Hamburg

Hameln is the setting of the Pied Piper fairytale, the old town centre filled with reconstructed Renaissance buildings and wood-frame houses bringing the legend to life. Set beside the River Wester in amid beautiful mountain scenery, it's a popular tourist destination in northern Germany. Most of the tourist attractions in Hameln are close together, so it's easy to see everything on foot, before enjoying a meal at one of the town's many cafes and beer gardens. Hameln also hosts a popular Christmas market from late November through December which is a great place to do some shopping for those back home.

map of Hameln

Website: http://www.hameln.de

Lübeck
Hamburg

Not only was Lübeck home to Nobel Prize winners Willy Brandt and Thomas Mann, it's also a living monument to the wealthy Hanseatic merchants of the 13th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lübeck's architecture consists one of steeples, spires and high-gabled houses, strong towers, massive gates and a lovely Old Town. The town is also popular for its marzipan, with locals adamant that their hometown is where the delightful confection was first devised. Samples are freely available in Lübeck, along with the tastes of the region's fine wines. There are also some great cafes and restaurants to enjoy in this beautiful town which feels quite unlike any other.

map of Lübeck

Website: http://www.luebeck-tourism.de

Legoland Discovery Centre
Berlin

Opening time: Open daily 10am to 7pm (last admission 5pm).

Admission: €19.50; children under two are free

The Legoland Discovery Centre is the first indoor Legoland in the world and provides an interactive journey through a land of creativity, learning and play. Kids will love themed areas ranging from dinosaurs to ninjas. There is a fun factory where Lego bricks are made, a 4D cinema show and even miniature Berlin sights made from Lego. Consistently rated as one of the best family attractions in Berlin, it's also a great place to celebrate birthdays as there are special party rooms for hire and all sorts of exciting perks. The park is designed mainly for kids aged between three and 10.

map of Legoland Discovery Centre

Getting there: Bus M41 to Potsdamer Platz, or M48, 200, 357 to Varian-Fry-Str. U-Bahn U2, S1, S2, S25, RE3, RE4, RE5 to Potsdamer Platz station

Address: Sony Centre, 4 Potsdamer Platz

Website: http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.de

Freiburg
The Black Forest

Known for its Black Forest cake and cuckoo clocks, the gorgeous city of Freiburg has plenty to offer. The recommended way to explore the town and surrounds is on two wheels along the more than 93 miles (150km) of bicycle paths. More of a large town, Freiburg is known for its university, magnificent cathedral and medieval treasures, and a somewhat bohemian vibe with street musicians and pavement artists. The Altstadt (Old City) features canals and dozens of historic buildings. A cable car carries passengers on scenic trips up the Schauinsland Mountain from the Stadtgarten, affording views from the mountaintop restaurant.

The local Black Forest cuisine is usually a big hit, as is the local wine. The weather in Freiburg is sunny and warm compared to other parts of Germany, and the city takes full advantage of this to host several festivals throughout the year, including a music festival in mid-June each year, a wine festival at the end of June and another in mid-August.

map of Freiburg

The Story of Berlin
Berlin

Opening time: Currently under renovation. Open daily 10am to 8pm. No entry after 6pm, which is when the last guided tour starts.

Admission: €12 (adults), €9 (reduced). Other concessions available.

The Story of Berlin is an interactive exhibition recounting the history of the German capital from its foundation until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. It's divided into 25 themed rooms and pays attention to the feelings, thoughts and living conditions of common Berliners, excelling in recreating the atmosphere, mood and aesthetic of different periods. The museum is modern and impressively designed, with a compelling mix of historical analysis and more personal, anecdotal material. One of its main attractions is the nuclear bunker built during the Cold War in the 1970s, and admission price includes an audio tour of it.

map of The Story of Berlin

Getting there: Subway to Uhlandstrasse or Kurfürstendamm, S-Bahn to Savignyplatz or Zoologischer Garten, or bus to Uhlandstrasse

Address: Kurfürstendamm 207-208

Telephone: (0)30 887 20 100

Website: http://www.story-of-berlin.de

Pforzheim
The Black Forest

Pforzheim is today the centre for traditional jewellery and clock-making in Germany. The town is home to the fascinating Technisches Museum, commemorating the important role time-keeping has played in Pforzheim's history, and featuring a reconstruction of a clock-making studio in the 19th century, among other things. Jewellery is important too, and the Schmuckmuseum collection features pieces dating back to the 3rd century BC. There's also an interesting Alpine Garden which has 100,000 or more varieties of high-altitude plants growing in a natural setting beside the Wurm River. Up to 80 percent of Pforzheim's buildings were destroyed in World War II, meaning it looks much more modern than one would expect for a settlement founded by the ancient Roman.

map of Pforzheim

Triberg
The Black Forest

Triberg is a charming village in the Black Forest, with the region's true spirit brought to life in the Schwarzwald-Museum of Triberg. It documents the old traditions and lifestyle of this unique area with exhibits of costumes, handcrafts and furnishings. Another of Triberg's more intriguing attractions is the Baroque pilgrimage church called Maria in the Fir from the 18th century. Nearby Gutach contains original Black Forest homes up to four centuries old, while one of Germany's highest waterfalls runs down the mountainside in seven stages, accessible by a lovely walking trail. Further south, a huge variety of elaborate clocks are on display at the German Clock Museum in Furtwangen, while the Baden Black Forest Railway runs through spectacular mountain and forest scenery.

map of Triberg

Gendarmenmarkt
Berlin

Said to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin was created as a marketplace in the 17th century. During World War II most of the buildings surrounding the square were destroyed, but have since been reconstructed and returned to their former glory. The square is dominated by the beautiful concert house, a special place to catch a performance and home to the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, while other notable buildings are the twin churches of Deutscher Dom and Franzosischer Dom, identical German and French cathedrals. The Gendarmenmarkt stays busy even in winter, playing host to Berlin's best Christmas market and various concerts.

map of Gendarmenmarkt

Getting there: Bus N6 or U-bahn U2 and U6

Charlottenburg Palace
Berlin

Opening time: 10am-6pm (April to October) and 10am-5pm (November to March); closed Mondays.

Admission: Combined ticket for Charlottenburg: €25 (adults)

Schloss Charlottenburg is the largest and oldest palace in Berlin. The 18th-century Baroque structure was originally constructed as the summer home for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Elector Frederick III who became the first Prussian king. The splendid interiors are festooned with masterpieces of art, including the largest collection of 18th-century French paintings anywhere outside of France. The surrounding gardens contain a mausoleum, pavilion and the Belvedere, which houses the porcelain museum. For centuries the best artists, architects and landscapers were commissioned to improve and enrich the palace, while the gardens are also lovely.

map of Charlottenburg Palace

Getting there: U2 or bus 309 to Sophie-Charlotte-Platz

Address: Spandauer Damm 10-22

Telephone: (0)3 319 694 200

Website: http://www.spsg.de

Berliner Dom
Berlin

Opening time: Opening times vary day to day and the church is sometimes closed for services or events - check the website for opening times.

Admission: €7 (adults), free (children)

The magnificent basilica of the Berlin Cathedral was finished in 1905, standing on the site of several earlier structures. The largest church in the city, the structure holds active services, concerts and tours. Visitors love the organ, the stained glass windows and the intricate mosaics decorating the dome. The cathedral's crypt contains over 80 sarcophagi of Purssian royals, with both tours and audio guides on offer.

map of Berliner Dom

Getting there: S-bahn and U-bahn to Alexanderplatz; bus 100, 157 or 348; tram 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 15 or 53

Address: Am Lustgarten, Museum Island

Website: http://www.berlinerdom.de

Pergamon Museum
Berlin

Opening time: Daily 10am-6pm; Thursday 10am-8pm

Admission: €12 adults; €6 reduced

Considered one of the best attractions in Berlin, the huge Pergamon Museum has three main departments: the Antiquity Collection, the Islamic Art Museum and the Middle East Museum. They house parts or replicas of reconstructed monumental buildings transported from excavation sites in foreign lands. The Antiquity Collection contains the Pergamon Altar from the second century BC, as well as the Market Gate of Miletus from Roman antiquity. The main attraction in the Islamic Art Museum is the Mshatta façade originating from a Jordanian desert palace. The Middle East Museum houses the Ishtar Gate and the Procession Way of Babylon, as well as the throne room façade of Nebuchadnezzar II.

map of Pergamon Museum

Getting there: U-Bahn and S-Bahn to Friedrichstrasse; tram M1, M4, M5, M6, or 12; bus 100, 200 or 147

Address: Am Kupfergraben 5, Museum Island

Website: http://www.smb.spk-berlin.de

Liebieghaus
Frankfurt

Opening time: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm; Thursday 10am-9pm; closed Mondays.

Admission: €10 (adults); children under 12 are free

Built for a baron in 1896, the Liebieghaus is today home to Frankfurt's Museum of Sculpture. It almost looks like a castle, with its beauty and majesty adding to a medieval atmosphere. Exhibits cover ancient times from Sumeria and Egypt to Greece and Rome, as well as Baroque, Rococo and Renaissance periods. There are some 5,000 pieces in the collection, but the museum somehow still feels intimate and is usually less crowded than other big art institutions in Frankfurt. The Liebieghaus also puts up some great temporary exhibits showcasing modern sculptors, while tours and audio guides are both available.

map of Liebieghaus

Getting there: Tram 15 or 16 to Otto Hahn Square; U1, 2, 3 to Swiss Square

Address: Schaumainkai 71

Website: http://www.liebieghaus.de

Historical Museum (Historisches Museum)
Frankfurt

Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm, Wednesday 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-7pm, closed Mondays

Admission: €12 (adults); concessions available

The Historical Museum has many permanent exhibitions featuring objects and works of art ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum's changing exhibitions cover a range of themes such as cultural history, art history and general history. Collections feature examples of gold and silver crockery and jewellery; pottery and porcelain; paintings and photographs; and scaled-down models of the Altstadt (Frankfurt old town) at various periods of development. The museum is useful for giving visitors an idea of how different Frankfurt looked before the damage of World War II. The Children's Museum, which lies adjacent to the Historical Museum, features a variety of special offers and exhibitions for youngsters of all ages.

map of Historical Museum (Historisches Museum)

Getting there: U-bahn to Römer

Address: Saalgasse 19

Website: http://www.historisches-museum.frankfurt.de

Städel Gallery
Frankfurt

Opening time: Thursday 10am-9pm; Tuesday to Sunday 6pm; closed Mondays.

Admission: €14 adults; concessions available

Frankfurt's most important art gallery is the Städel Gallery, which contains a fantastic collection of many European schools of painting and a revolving calendar of high-quality temporary exhibitions. The first floor features the works of German painters of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as famous French Impressionists such as Renoir and Monet. The second floor offers an outstanding collection of Flemish Primitives, 17th-century Dutch artists and 16th-century German masters such as Dürer, Grünewald, Memling and Elsheimer, with one of the most prized paintings being Jan van Eyck's Madonna (1433).

map of Städel Gallery

Getting there: U1, 2, 3 to Schweizer Platz; trams 15 and 16 to Otto-Hahn-Platz

Address: Schaumainkai 63

Telephone: (0)69 605 0980

Website: http://www.staedelmuseum.de

Frankfurt Zoo
Frankfurt

Opening time: Open daily 9am-7pm in summer, and 9am-5pm in winter.

Admission: €12 adults, €6 children 6-17. Concessions available.

Located in Ostend and almost completely destroyed in World War II, the Frankfurt Zoo has grown to become one of the most popular in Europe. It's home to more than 3,200 animals from about 600 species, and is renowned for keeping them in environments that closely resemble their own natural habitats. A major drawcard for the zoo and one of its most unique features is Grzimek House, which is home to nocturnal animals. Other popular animals include tigers, penguins, rhinos, lions, crocodiles and hippos, as well as a vast collection of fish, insects and reptiles.

map of Frankfurt Zoo

Getting there: U6 or U7

Address: Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16

Website: http://www.zoo-frankfurt.de

Palace Square (Schlossplatz)
Stuttgart

The Palace Square is the symbolic heart of Stuttgart, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Baroque New Palace. Once the residence of kings, it was built between 1746 and 1806 and is now a base for the state government. If the New Palace feels a bit French it's because the Duke Carl Eugen of Wurttemberg wanted to create a Versailles in Stuttgart. The striking König Wilhelm Jubilee Column was erected in 1841 to honour King Wilhelm's silver jubilee, while the statue of Concordia, the Roman goddess of harmony, was added in 1863. The two fountains were built at the same time, with the eight cherubs each representing one of Wurttemberg's rivers. It's possible to catch the hop-on hop-off tour bus from the square, which is a popular starting point for explorations of the city.

map of Palace Square (Schlossplatz)

Old and New State Gallery
Stuttgart

Built between 1838 and 1843 under King Wilhelm I of Wuerttemberg, the Old State Gallery in Stuttgart features a prestigious range of paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints from the 14th to the 19th centuries, with Ratgeb, Canaletto, Memling and Rembrandt taking centre stage. On the same floor is the New State Gallery, dedicated to the art of the 20th century. Looking at important schools within various art movements such as Fauvism, German Expressionism, Die Brucke and Cubism, the New State Gallery includes works by masters such as Picasso, Beckmann, Beuys, Kiefer and Klee.

map of Old and New State Gallery

Website: http://www.staatsgalerie.de

Kunstmuseum Stuttgart
Stuttgart

Centrally located, Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is a work of art in itself. Its modern cuboid design transforms from a glass hexahedron during the day to reveal a colourful skeletal interior when lit up at night. Opened in 2005, the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is renowned for its prestigious collection of work by Otto Dix, the famous German artist remembered for his ruthless depictions of Weimar society and brutality of war. The colourful and abstract art of Willi Baumeister and the mixed media work of contemporary artist Dieter Roth are also on display, along with ever-changing international exhibitions.

map of Kunstmuseum Stuttgart

Website: http://www.kunstmuseum-stuttgart.de

Mercedes-Benz Museum
Stuttgart

Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 9am-6pm. Closed on Monday.

Admission: €9.75 adults; €4.90 reduced; free for children aged 14 and under

The impressive Mercedes-Benz Museum is housed in a slick, contemporary building, an icon of modern architecture. With an exhibition space filling seven storeys, it takes visitors on a chronological journey through the history of the Mercedes automobile; combining world events occurring at the same time as Karl Benz's breakthroughs and displaying more than 160 different vehicles, from racers and concept cars to aircraft engines and the popemobile. Automobile aficionados will be in heaven but even non-petrolheads will be intrigued. Visitors take the elevator to the top of the building and then wind their way down chronologically on a spiral until they reach the ground and the present day.

map of Mercedes-Benz Museum

Getting there: S-Bahn - line S1 (Neckarpark); Bus line 56

Address: Mercedesstrasse 100

Website: http://www.mercedes-benz-classic.com

Wilhelma Zoo
Stuttgart

Opening time: 8.15am-6.30pm

Admission: €19 for adults; €8 for children aged 6 to 17; other concessions available

Initially a 19th-century Moorish garden for King Wilhelm I, the beauty of the Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden never fails to leave a lasting impression. It has a concerted dedication to conservation and teaching, supporting initiatives to reintroduce animals back into the wild and holding regular educational tours to inform and enthuse. There are countless exotic plants, a range of biospheres in magnificent greenhouses and an aquarium, all interspersed with lovely historic buildings. The zoo takes care of some 8,000 animals, including crocodiles, apes, polar bears and even elephants, all living among 5,000 different plant species. It survives as Europe's only combined zoological and botanical garden.

map of Wilhelma Zoo

Getting there: Stadtbahn/Metropolitan Railway, route U 14: Wilhelma Station

Address: Neckartalstrasse Road

Website: http://www.wilhelma.de

Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Munich

Germany's top winter sports destination, Garmisch-Partenkirchen retains the charm of the older Partenkirchen. The pride of the city is the still-running Olympic Ice Stadium and the larger Olympic Ski Stadium. Picturesque and scenic, it's also popular in warmer seasons for hiking and mountain climbing.

There are more than 450 shops in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, including trendy boutiques, sports equipment outlets and craft stores while restaurants and bars found among charming German architecture gives an old-world atmosphere.

Apart from the majesty and beauty of some of Germany's highest mountain peaks, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also very near to the Partnach Gorge, where the Partnach River surges through a narrow gap between high limestone cliffs, and The King's House, with its alpine botanical garden.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is not the best for novices, but intermediate and advanced skiers will find plenty to enjoy with both classic and glacial runs in the area. There are about four black pistes, 25 red pistes, 10 blue pistes and three green pistes, as well as a few ski runs above 2,500 metres, meaning snow is assured throughout the season.

Mineral Baths
Stuttgart

Sitting on one of the largest mineral water reserves in Europe, the Mineral Baths of Stuttgart have been luring residents with its liquid vitality for more than two millennia. Relaxing in a hot, steamy mineral bath is a good way to spend some downtime, and the water is thought to help with skin ailments, respiratory issues and heart problems. Das Leuze, Mineralbad Cannstatt and Mineral Bath Berg all feature hot and cold mineral baths, saunas, hot tubs and swimming pools. Das Leuze is geared toward families with its playground, children's pool and bright colours, while Mineralbad Cannstatt caters more for adults looking for a haven of tranquillity. Mineral Bath Berg is a 1950s gem, its iron-rich waters recognised by the state as a heilbad for its medicinal properties.

Porsche Museum
Stuttgart

The Porsche Museum in Stuttgart covers more than 75 years of Porsche engineering and memorabilia. Extremely popular with petrolheads, it also interests those not obsessed with cars as there's loads of entertaining and informative exhibits and designs. The Porsche Museum, which has become a city landmark, displays all the historical and contemporary knowledge about the Porsche brand as well as housing a collection of about 80 cars as well as a number of smaller exhibits. They also put up regular special exhibitions and you can check for details on these temporary treats on their website.

map of Porsche Museum

Website: http://www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/porschemuseum

Natural History Museum
Berlin

Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 9.30am-6pm; Weekend and public holidays 10am-6pm. Closed Mondays.

Admission: €8 adults; €5 reduced; concessions available

Boasting more than 30 million objects throughout its geological, paleontological and zoological collections, the Museum of Natural History in Berlin is the biggest of its kind in Germany and one of the five largest in the world. Visitors enjoy discovering extensive treasures and learning while they wander the exhibition halls, which take up a massive 71,000 square feet (6,600sq/m). Apart from the ever-popular dinosaur exhibit, highlights include sections on evolution, domestic animals, the cosmos and solar systems, minerals and more. The museum is well organised, with labels in multiple languages and audio tapes available in about 10 languages.

map of Natural History Museum

Getting there: U-Bahn - U6 to U Naturkundemuseum

Address: Invalidenstr. 43

Telephone: (030) 88 9140 8591

Website: http://www.naturkundemuseum-berlin.de

Berlin Zoo-Aquarium
Berlin

Opening time: Open daily from 9am-6pm.

Admission: Aquarium only: €16 (adults); €8 (children under 15). Zoo and Aquarium combined: €22 (adults); €11 (children under 15). Concessions available.

Children and families love nothing more than trips to the zoo or the aquarium, and Berlin's stunning Zoo-Aquarium combines both with a large focus on conservation and responsible enclosures. The facility is one of the most popular in Europe, entertaining millions of visitors each year with its immense biodiversity from rhinos and pandas to sharks and penguins. Thematic tours such as South America, Asia and Africa are on offer, while there are often special events during the year celebrating Halloween, Easter and Christmas which kids will love. The world's largest inner-city park, Tiergarten adjoins the zoo and a visit is pleasantly combined with a stroll or picnic through these beautiful gardens.

map of Berlin Zoo-Aquarium

Getting there: S-Bahn - Zoologischer Garten S-Bahn stop (S5 + S7 + S75 + S9)

Address: 32 Budapester Street

Telephone: (0)30 254 010

Website: http://www.aquarium-berlin.de

Senckenberg Museum of Natural History
Frankfurt

Opening time: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pm. Wednesday 9am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm. Closed for some public holidays.

Admission: €10 adults; €7.50 pensioners; €5 children and teenagers aged 6 to 15; free for children under 6

One of the biggest natural history museums in Germany and housed in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History features extensive exhibits on the biodiversity and evolution of life on Earth. A popular attraction of the museum is the fascinating palaeontology exhibit which features fossils that date back over 50 million years. Adults and children alike will love exploring this fascinating museum, learning about the solar system and discovering the evolution of life.

map of Senckenberg Museum of Natural History

Address: Senckenberganlage 25

Telephone: 069 7542 0

Website: http://www.senckenberg.de

Mainz
The Rhineland

The capital of the Rhineland, Mainz is a bustling city with a curious but exciting mixture of medieval architecture and gleaming office blocks. The city is over 2,000 years old and mixes the old and the new with alacrity. The Dom und Diözesanmuseum dominates the skyline in the centre of town, and St Stephen's Church, with its original Chagall stained-glass windows, is a popular attraction in the Old Town, as is the Schillerplatz square. The city is compact enough to enjoy walking tours around town or along the Rhine, with the Kaiserstraße boasting an attractive pedestrian boulevard and church.

Mainz is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press, making books a popular souvenir from the city. The museum dedicated to Gutenberg is a highlight for those interested in the revolution sparked by the printed word. The museum includes a working replica of Gutenberg's printing press and is housed in a beautiful old building.

map of Mainz

Bonn
The Rhineland

The birthplace of Beethoven and one of the oldest cities in Germany, Bonn is a journey through time. There are numerous fascinating sites from the medieval to the modern, from the galleries and museums on Museum Mile to its several beautiful churches, two of which date back to the 11th century. On sunny days, visitors can enjoy spending a few hours in the Arboretum, Botanical Garden or any of the other pleasant parks in Bonn, while the adventurous love climbing the extinct volcano on the border of Wachtberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The Beethoven House owns the world's largest collection of artefacts and memorabilia, including several of his pianos, while the chamber music hall hosts regular performances of his works.

map of Bonn

Deutsches Museum
Munich

Opening time: 9am-5pm daily.

Admission: €14 adults; €4.50 students and children

The Deutsches Museum sits on a small island in the Isar River and is the world's largest technology and science museum, perfect for families exploring Munich. There are some 28,000 artefacts on display, with exhibitions dedicated to themes such as energy, transport, natural sciences communications, music instruments and technology, as well as astronomy, chemistry, electricity, hydraulic engineering and astronautics. There is also a section dedicated to children aged three to eight called Kids Kingdom, featuring hundreds of fun, interactive activities such as a playable giant guitar, enormous building blocks and a fire department. The museum is designed to be accessible and entertaining, even for those who aren't necessarily interested in technology and science.

map of Deutsches Museum

Getting there: U-Bahn - Line 1 +2, Fraunhoferstrasse; Bus - Line 132, Boschbrücke

Address: Museumsinsel 1, Munich

Telephone: (0)89 2179 333

Website: http://www.deutsches-museum.de

Allied Museum
Berlin

Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm; closed Mondays.

Admission: Free

Occupying an abandoned movie theatre, this museum displays the history of the Allied forces in Germany during World War II and their peacetime presence until 1994. The Allied Museum's collections include all kinds of military memorabilia: airplanes, motor vehicles, weapons, uniforms, documents, photos and other artefacts, including the original Checkpoint Charlie shed. One section focuses on the years 1945 to 1950, covering the end of the war and the Berlin Airlift, while another explores Germany's Cold War experience between 1951 and 1994, featuring large pieces of the Berlin Wall illustrating the history of West Berlin as an island in the Soviet zone. The museum also organises periodic events such as lectures, film screening and special exhibitions.

map of Allied Museum

Address: Clayallee 135 - Outpost

Telephone: (030) 81 81 99 0

Website: http://www.alliiertenmuseum.de

Reichstag
Berlin

Opening time: Daily 8am-midnight

Admission: Free

The Reichstag is one of Berlin's most famous buildings and the seat of Germany's parliament since 1894. Enduring a volatile history, its 1999 renovation saw the building gutted, leaving only the facade and the addition of a glass-domed atrium providing stunning panoramas of Berlin. Tours are on offer but visits are done by contacting the Reichstag beforehand. Although the office is helpful there are thousands of people making this request so advance planning is required to avoid disappointment. There are free audio tapes available in a number of languages.

map of Reichstag

Address: Platz der Republik 1

Telephone: 030 2273 2152

Website: http://www.bundestag.de/kulturundgeschichte/architektur/reichstag

Hohenzollern Castle
The Black Forest

The magnificent castle at Hohenzollern is perched on a hilltop 31 miles (50km) outside of Stuttgart. The current structure was built in the 15th century, although mention of a castle on the site dates back to 1267. The second Hohenzollern Castle was constructed in 1454 to be bigger and more heavily fortified than before. During the Thirty Years War, it was used as a fortress, changing hands between several families. The castle is incredible, with a fairytale Gothic Revival facade set against spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Black Forest countryside. It's widely acknowledged as a triumph of 19th-century military architecture and its many towers are some of its most striking features.

map of Hohenzollern Castle

Website: http://www.burg-hohenzollern.com/startpage.html

German Clock Museum
The Black Forest

The German Clock Museum's massive collection of timepieces is the most comprehensive in the world, offering over 8,000 examples of clocks which have been collected over the last 150 years. Cuckoo clocks have been made in the Black Forest since the early 18th century, with much of the region's history, culture and development mirrored in its clock-making past. Mapping the advances of clock-making is quite intriguing and while some of the pieces are beautiful, others are remarkable for their originality; there is an ingenious alarm clock designed for a deaf couple which uses a flashing light instead of a bell.

map of German Clock Museum

Address: Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1 D-78120 Furtwangen, Baden-Wurttemberg

Planten un Blomen
Hamburg

In the middle of Hamburg is an oasis of green lawns and trees, with colourful flowers and fountains providing a lovely backdrop to relax in. Visitors stroll around the Japanese garden and enjoy the tropical flower collections and teahouse, while children will enjoy its playgrounds, pony rides, miniature golf and ice skating rink. In summer, there are evening concerts and plays, with wonderful light shows at the fountains, but the park is beautiful in autumn and spring too, when the colours are spectacular. Right in the heart of Hamburg, it's easy to access and ideal for blowing off some steam and taking a break from the traditional sightseeing.

map of Planten un Blomen

Website: plantenunblomen.hamburg.de

St Michaelis Church
Hamburg

St Michaelis began as a humble church in 1647, eventually expanding to become the grand building which today is one of Hamburg's most recognisable landmarks. Visitors can take tours of the 270 foot (82m) tower; the crypt, which contains the bodies of Johann Mattheson and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach; and view an interesting presentation on the history of Hamburg. The tower has a magnificent viewing platform, reached either by elevator or by climbing the 452 steps that climb past the bells and the famous clock machinery.

map of St Michaelis Church

Website: http://www.st-michaelis.de

Miniatur Wunderland
Hamburg

Train enthusiasts will love Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg but so will almost everybody else. With more than 4,000 square metres of floor space, there is much to see with tiny models based on various regions, both local and international. The largest of its kind in the world and the most visited permanent exhibit in Northern Germany, there are 900 trains with 12,000 carriages, as well as 300,000 lights, 200,000 trees and 200,000 human figures. Sections include Southern Germany and the Austrian Alps, Hamburg, the Coast, America, Scandinavia and Switzerland.

map of Miniatur Wunderland

Address: Kehrwieder 4 Block D

Website: http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com

Freudenstadt
The Black Forest

The largest city in the Black Forest region of Germany, Freudenstadt is a popular base from which to explore the stunning surroundings. Known for its sunny weather, the city lures visitors with its many outdoor attractions, such as the largest marketplace in Germany and the Parkwald, the country's biggest nature reserve. There are also interesting historical sites, mainly the Stadtkirche, which dates back to the 17th century. Visitors to Freudenstadt also enjoy the many good restaurants serving up tasty local cuisine. But most visitors holiday in Freudenstadt to enjoy some of the best skiing, hiking and camping in the Black Forest. Freudenstadt is conveniently situated on the Schwarzwald Hochstrasse highway, which stretches to Baden-Baden and meanders past many quaint shops, cafes and popular ski slopes.

map of Freudenstadt

The Fairy Tale Road
Frankfurt

The German Fairy Tale Road follows a meandering 370-mile (595km) route through charming villages and gingerbread houses, lush forests and well-preserved medieval towns. It traces the path of the Brothers Grimm, famous storytellers who collected the folktales which inspired characters such as Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, and Hansel and Gretel.

Starting in their birthplace of Hanau, visitors explore attractions like the Brothers Grimm National Monument in the town square, the Puppet Museum at Williamsbad, the Marienkirche and the Philippsruhe Palace. Further on, the town of Kassel is home to the Brothers Grimm Museum. From there, it's on to Hameln, the famous town of the Pied Piper, and the Fairy Tale Museum in nearby Bad Oeynhausen. The road ends in the town of Bremen, home of both the mythical Little Nienburg Girl and the very real Rathaus, a vibrant marketplace filled with town musicians and the famous Ratskeller Restaurant.

map of The Fairy Tale Road

Würzburg
The Romantic Road

A popular starting point for the Romantic Road, Würzburg is nestled in a picturesque location in the heart of the Franconian wine region, with rolling hills, pretty vineyards. Famous for its 100 churches and the Residential Palace, the city's architecture is composed heavily of baroque and rococo pieces and are best viewed from the Alte Mainbrucke, an old pedestrian bridge. The 12th-century Marienburg Fortress sports lovely gardens and a museum, while travellers adore the Würzburger Cathedral, one of the largest Romanesque churches in Germany. Würzburg is far from quiet and sleepy, with a student population maintaining a vibrant nightlife, and colourful wine festivals adding to the appeal.

map of Würzburg

Rothenburg
The Romantic Road

Known as the best-preserved medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg is an absolute must see for anyone travelling on the Romantic Road. The 13th-century fortified walls are undamaged, encircling a quaint city centre with a number of charming buildings and fascinating museums. The stunning views from the top of the Town Hall tower or exploring the old walls are great ways to gauge the look and feel of this fairytale cityscape. The Medieval Crime Museum is a popular excursion with visitors, while the Lutheran church of St Jakob is also a must for those interested in medieval art and architecture, its wood carvings and stained glass windows dating back to the 14th century. After a day out on the ramparts, the town's walled garden is a lovely place to stroll, relax or picnic.

map of Rothenburg

Dinkelsbühl
The Romantic Road

A less-crowded alternative to Rothenburg, Dinkelsbühl is a scenic medieval town on the Romantic Road. Surrounded by 16 towers along fortified 10th-century walls, the town centre is lined with picturesque 16th-century houses, churches and a few enthralling historical museums. Leisurely strolls or bike rides along the perimeter of the fortified old town are great ways to get to grips with its charming secrets. One of the main highlights of Dinkelsbühl is the massive 15th-century Parish Church of Saint George, where entry is free and a quick climb up the tower affords amazing views. And lastly, no visit to Dinkelsbühl is complete without sampling the gingerbread, a local speciality.

map of Dinkelsbühl

Augsburg
The Romantic Road

The largest city along the Romantic Road, picturesque and traditional Augsburg is also among the oldest cities in Germany with a history stretching back 2,000 years. It boasts many interesting buildings, including several ornately decorated churches and Baroque houses. Some of the city's most impressive old architecture includes the 9th-century cathedral, the 1620 town hall, the Perlachturm bell tower built in 989, and the Schaezlerpalais, which is a mansion dating back to 1765. Other popular tourist attractions in Augsburg include the Puppet Theatre and Museum, the zoo and the botanical garden. Known for its traditional German restaurants, it's a popular stop both on the Romantic Road and on journeys to the Bavarian Alps in the south.

map of Augsburg

Baden-Baden
The Black Forest

The playground of Europe's royalty and aristocracy in the early 1800s, Baden-Baden sits in the heart of the Black Forest. The mineral waters of the Friedrichsbad bathhouse is perfect for those seeking rest and recuperation in its steamy marble confines. Male and female facilities remain separate, and the roughly three-hour bathing routine follows a strict regimen of hot-air blasts, steam baths and massages. Nearby are the equally famous Baths of Caracalla, which feature indoor and outdoor waterfalls, swimming pools and hot tubs, and a 2,000-year-old Roman bath. Its magnificent casino was built in the 1850s in the style of the Palace of Versailles, while the area is also home to several art museums, a concert hall and the Castle Hohenbaden.

map of Baden-Baden

Wiesbaden
Frankfurt

Situated in a valley between the Rhine River and Taunus Mountains, charming Wiesbaden is arguably Germany's favourite spa resort. Once enjoyed by the Ancient Romans, it offers 26 springs averaging around 105°F (41°C). Wiesbaden is also a cultural centre, its events focusing around the major Kurhaus concert hall complex. A walking tour is a great way to take in the historical and cultural attractions of Wiesbaden, with Wilhelmstraße replete with enticing boutiques and striking architectural landmarks. Another great activity is to catch the view from the Greek Orthodox Church on the hill, reached by the Nerobergbahn, a water-powered train which has been running since the late 1800s.

map of Wiesbaden

Public Holidays in Germany

  2020 2021
New Year's Day Wed. January 1 Wed. January 1
Good Friday Thu. April 10 Wed. April 2
Easter Monday Sun. April 13 Sat. April 5
Labour Day Thu. May 1 Thu. May 1
Ascension Day Wed. May 21 Tue. May 13
Whit Monday Sun. June 1 Sat. May 24
Day of German Unity Fri. October 3 Fri. October 3
All Saints' Day Sat. November 1 Sat. November 1
Christmas Day Thu. December 25 Thu. December 25
St Stephen's Day Fri. December 26 Fri. December 26

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