Discover Tailor-Made Germany Vacations

One of the best times to vacation in Germany is autumn, when fall foliage emerges throughout the country and it’s also the season for local wine and beer festivals. Prices tend to be reasonable during this period, except for Oktoberfest in Munich, which sees large crowds of revellers converge on the city, filling hotels and beer halls.

Winter in Germany can be cold, especially in certain regions, but the country comes alive during the holidays. Christmas markets are in full swing in November and December. Skiers also take to the Alps, where it’s the high season for winter sports enthusiasts.

The most affordable time for a trip to Germany is generally spring (April to May). The summer crowds have not yet descended upon cities, meaning there are fewer lineups at cultural institutions and cheaper prices for accommodation across the majority of the country.

Summer (June to September) is generally the busiest time for tourism. During this season, towns and cities across Germany come alive with numerous festivals and events, drawing crowds from far and wide. Given the lovely weather, parks and hiking trails tend to be used more as well.

Check out our full guide to the best time to visit Germany and let us help you choose the ideal time to book your trip.

It is best known for its turbulent history (dating from the Prussians to World War II), its late-20th-century reunification following the fall of the Berlin Wall, its enormous automotive industry (Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and Porsche), and so much more.

Some of history's greatest thinkers, such as Einstein and Kant, have been German, as have some of the world’s greatest composers (see Beethoven, Bach, Handel, and Wagner, to name just a few).

Renowned for its rich folklore and fairytales, Germany boasts some of Europe's most beautiful and awe-inspiring castles, from the the Hogwarts-esque Burg Eltz in western Germany to the castle that inspired Walt Disney, majestic Schloss Neuschwanstein, which can be visited during a day trip from Munich.

German beer has also rightfully gained a reputation as some of the very best in the world, partly due to the 1516 law, known as the Rheinheitsgebot, which decreed that that beer can only contain four ingredients: water, malt, hops and yeast.

But this only scratches the surface. Explore our guide to German culture for more on the country’s traditions, habits, and etiquette.

"German cuisine is diverse and delicious and they maintain high standards. Different regions have different specialties. The city of Munich in Bavaria is my favorite. Munich has several hidden gem restaurants. One suggestion is Zum Alten Markt, a restaurant with a cozy, authentic atmosphere and delicious Bavarian dishes, located on the edge of the Viktualienmarkt" - Destination Specialist Allan Birkett

Among the most synonymous with the country are schnitzel, sausages, sauerbraten, and käsespätzle. Many dishes vary from region to region, giving foodies a good excuse to embark on a culinary tour the country in search of distinctive local specialties, such as gingerbread in Nuremberg or potato dumplings in Rothenburg. Additionally, Germany is renowned for its bread and bakers, whose gifts to the world range from dense ryes to soft rolls known as brotchen.

For Germans, beer is more than just a drink—it’s a way of life, with public consumption allowed in parks, open beer halls, and markets. There are countless varieties of regional beer, the most common being lagers, pilseners, and weissbiers. The radler, a beer and lemonade mix, is also a popular libation, especially during the summer.

Riesling and Gewürztraminer have long been the backbone of German wine culture, which is concentrated in the Rhine Valley. There has also been a notable rise in the production of fine red wines of late.

Liqueurs such as Jagermeister or schnapps are typically served as a compliment to meals or as toasts, during which “Prost!” (“Cheers!”) is exclaimed.

Contact one of our Destination Specialists to create your own German itinerary focused on food and drink.

Tipping in Germany is not mandatory, but is generally appreciated when very good service is provided. There are no percentage guidelines, although 10 to 15 percent is adequate for servers, hotel employees, and guides .

While tap water is safe to drink throughout Germany, most Germans prefer to drink bottled sparkling water. If you ask for water at a restaurant, you should therefore specify tap water, which will be free; otherwise, most restaurants in Germany will serve sparkling water by default.

Although English is widely spoken throughout the country, Germans do appreciate visitors who attempt to learn a few simple phrases, such as “Danke” (“thank you”), “Bitte” (“please”), and “Entschuldigung” (“excuse me”).

For more practical tips on visiting Germany, check out our guide to Things to Know Before You Go.