Germany travel guide
With fairytale castles such as Neuschwanstein, timber-framed medieval towns like Münster and outstanding areas of natural beauty, Germany is a romantic’s dream.
Aside from beer, lederhosen and other stereotypical images associated with Germany, Bavaria offers a wealth of beautiful scenery from crystal-clear lakes to dramatic Alpine peaks – get an eyeful of the Zugspitze, at 2,962m Germany’s tallest peak. Here, hikers, canoeists, paragliders and other adventurers are well-catered for.
And after a busy day they can relax in one of the region’s many spas. For a gentler pace, head to the Black Forest for leisurely cycles and strolls or take a cruise down the Rhine past postcard-pretty towns and vineyard-covered hills.
Then there are the cities – Berlin stands out, with its mix of grand culture and gritty recent history, plus buzzing nightlightlife and possibly Europe’s friendliest capital citizens.
Wanderlust Recommends
- Cycle Berlin’s Mauerweg route for fallen-wall nostalgia, historical insight and surprisingly idyllic countryside.
- Visit Schwansee (Swan Lake) – a nature reserve near Hohenschwangau, with fantastic views of Ludwig II’s fairytale castle, Schloss Neuschwanstein.
- Recreate the romantic age of steam on the Black Forest’s scenic Wutachtalbahn line.
- Hike in the Bavarian alps for Germany’s most striking views.
- Maroon yourself on Rügen – Germany’s largest island – a haven of sand beaches, chalk cliffs and art nouveau hotels on the Baltic Sea.
- Ride the Schwebebahn – and upside-down suspended monorail above the River Wupper in Wuppertal; in nearby Solingen you can ride the rails over the Müngsten Bridge, Germany’s highest railway bridge
Wanderlust tips
German punctuality is not a myth. Take care to arrive on time at restaurants and well in advance at bus stops. Since most Germans arrive at least 5-10 minutes early, buses in Germany are allowed to run ahead of schedule and often do if they have few passengers to pick up.