10 Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Trip to Germany

Make sure you have your passport, as it is required for entry into Germany

Your passport will be required for entry into Germany. Make sure you have it with you to avoid any issues at the airport or train station.

You should also make a photocopy of your passport before leaving so that if something does happen, you can still access your documents without having to visit an embassy right away.

Don’t forget this important document!

Pack light – there are no limits on what can be brought back from Germany  to

While in Germany, you will likely find many German goods and gift souvenirs that you will want to bring back with you. Make sure you have enough room in your luggage to accommodate this, so be sure to pack as light as possible!

In general, you are allowed to bring back up to 400€ worth of products into the US. However, this varies from state-to-state and country-to-country so make sure you check your local regulations before traveling.

Have a plan in place before you leave home – know where you’re going and how to get there

Before going on your trip to Germany, it’s important to create a plan. Figure out where you want to go and how to get there, as well as what time of year would be best for your trip.

Keep in mind that some cities such as Berlin are very difficult to navigate via public transportation unless you know exactly which train or bus line(s) to take; the general rule is the bigger the city, the more difficult it is to get around.

Other things you want to plan for are your budget, accommodations (hotels or hostels), and any special activities you would like to take part in.

Our Suggestions and Tips

Go to a beer garden with friends

Everyone knows Germany is known for its beer. One of the best parts about visiting any city or town in the country, however, is that there are usually plenty of outdoor garden areas where you can sit and enjoy a good time with friends while enjoying some drinks as well!

If your trip to Munich happens to be during Oktoberfest (the 16-day celebration in October), this is a must. Even if you can’t make it for the festival, however, there are plenty of other places to enjoy some good times over drinks and food.

Try the most popular German dish – sausages and fries

Most people will immediately think of schnitzel when they visit Germany. While this is also a very popular dish throughout the country, one that has been widely adapted all around Europe and beyond, there are some other great German dishes to try while you’re visiting.

One such example is currywurst – sausages served with a sauce of your choice (curried, tomato-based). While it might sound odd at first, this dish was actually developed after World War II when the country’s occupying forces introduced curry to their cuisine.

Another great option is bratwurst – sausages made from pork or veal and served alongside some crispy fries.

If you’re looking for something even more special, however, another great dish to try is schweinshaxe – roasted pig knuckle with sauerkraut and potatoes. This one might be a little harder to come by in the country but if you can find it during your visit then definitely make an effort to try it!

Visit Berlin and walk along the East Side Gallery

East Berlin is a part of the city that has experienced some dramatic changes in recent years. It’s an experience in itself to walk along what was once known as the “Wall,” but even more so if you visit during your trip to Germany.

Now covered with vibrant murals and graffiti artworks, this is the longest open-air gallery in the world and a great place to see some of Germany’s culture up close.

The East Side Gallery is also conveniently located near other landmarks, such as Potsdamer Platz square or Checkpoint Charlie. These are must-sees when traveling to Berlin so make sure you add them to your list of things to do as well.

The area is also a great place for some shopping and dining so try visiting on your trip to Germany! You won’t be disappointed.

Watch a soccer game in Munich at one of their many stadiums

Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport in Germany and you will find that many cities, such as Munich or Cologne, have their own stadiums.

You can visit these when traveling to Germany and just seeing them might be enough for some people but make sure you plan on going inside at least one of them while visiting!

Walk around Cologne’s famous cathedral, or Kölner Dom

This Gothic church is one of the most well-known landmarks in Germany and it’s not just for religious reasons.

The Kölner Dom also has a great observation tower which you can take advantage of to see some amazing views over Cologne, as well as other parts of Germany such as the Rhine River Valley.

Keep in mind that this is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe so if you can, try to visit on a non-festival day when there won’t be as many people around.

You will spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying this amazing building!

Take a train through the Alps (the scenery will be breathtaking)

The Alps are one of Europe’s most beautiful natural landscapes, and while they can be found in other countries like Switzerland or Austria it is Germany that has the best train connection through them.

The journey from Munich to Innsbruck through the Alps is simply beautiful and you can get tickets for as little as $20 one-way.

Just make sure that if you do go on this route (or any other train trip in Germany) that you book your ticket far ahead of time, especially during summer!

Taste all sorts of beers at Oktoberfest, which is held annually in Munich

The world’s largest beer festival, Oktoberfest is held in Munich and can last up to 16 days. It might be a good idea to plan your visit around this time if you want the best experience possible but even if not it will still be worth going for one day at least!

You’ll have access to all of the different types of beer, food stalls and carnival rides that make this festival so popular.

If you go during spring or summer though (when it’s more likely to be held) then get ready for some great weather which will only enhance your experience!

Oktoberfest is by far one of Germany’s most famous and well known festivals so make sure you don’t miss it on your trip to Germany.

Go hiking or biking in one of Germany’s national parks

The country has an extensive system of national parks and nature preserves, which makes it a great place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’re staying in one city for a longer period of time then consider going on hikes or renting bicycles when traveling to Germany so that you can see the surrounding areas from a different perspective!

They are a great way to relax and have some fun at the same time.

You can even stay overnight in one of these national parks if you’d like so it might be a good idea to check them out!

They are also a great place for those who love bird watching as there are many different species that live here, such as cranes and storks.

Learn about German history by visiting historic landmarks

Germany has a very interesting history and you can learn all about it by going to places like castles or museums.

It’s important that when traveling to Germany you take advantage of this because many people don’t realize how much there is in terms of historic buildings, museums and landmarks here!

Some examples include the Berlin Wall, which is a great place to visit if you want to learn about Germany’s history.

There are also many castles and old churches in the country that have been preserved so it might be worthwhile going inside at least one of them when traveling to Germany!

It will give you an idea of what life was like back then and you can find some interesting stories in the museums as well.

The castles are especially special because many of them date back to medieval times. The castles also offer spectacular views of the surrounding areas. The most impressive castle in Germany is Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II, who wanted to build a castle that looked like it belonged in “A Thousand and One Nights”.

You can also go to the city of Dresden and see the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) which was rebuilt after World War II, or take a walk around Potsdam where you’ll find many beautiful palaces such as Sanssouci Palace.

Make Friends and Contacts while in Germany

Making friends is a great way to learn more about the culture and language as well as it being fun.

When traveling to Germany you can do this by going out for some drinks or simply talking with people on public transport or in parks etc.!

It’s also important that when visiting other countries make an effort to speak their language no matter how hard it is because you’ll get a lot more out of the experience.

This will also be very beneficial to those who are planning on staying longer in Germany so check out some language schools and courses if anyone wants to learn German!

You can find friends from all over the world as there are many foreign students and workers here.

It’s also a great idea to visit some international events and meet people there!

There are many pass-times like playing sports or watching movies that everyone can enjoy together regardless of what culture they come from.

Conclusion

There are many things to do in Germany so it’s important that when traveling here you get out of the city and explore different parts of the country.