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13 Best Germany Travel Guide Books

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• 13 Best Germany Travel Guide…

Planning on traveling to Germany? Whether it’s solo traveling, backpacking, or traveling with family, exploring Germany is going to be a wonderful travel experience. Germany is a huge, diverse, and amazing country. That’s also why you need travel guides to Germany. The country is also famous for its beer, sausages, majestic castles, and incredible hiking trails. It’s recommended to take your time and don’t rush while you’re visiting the country. Hence, you may want to have a basic plan or itinerary to make the best of your trip. To start your planning process, you can always refer to Germany travel guide books.

These travel guide books will help you figure out what to do, what to see, ways to get around, and show you everything you need to have the experience of a lifetime. Germany tour guide books also give you a little of the history of the places you visit. So, you can understand the culture better.

How To Choose The Best Germany Travel Guide Books?

Choosing the best Germany travel guide books helps you travel through Germany as seamlessly as possible. But, when you look at the shelves in the bookstore or online, it can be overwhelming. There are different aspects you should consider when selecting travel guides to Germany. Here are some of them!

Publisher/author

There’s a full range of guide book publishers. Choosing one of the known publishers or authors gives you up to date, inspiring, and trustworthy information. World-class guide books are written by expert writers that really know and familiar with the city, places, and others. Some well-known authors also write the guidebook based on their own experiences.

Paperback, hardcover, or digital version? Some travelers who look for the best Germany travel guide books may prefer physical books (either it’s paperback or hardcover). Though it may not be handy, these books are useful when you need to take notes, use the maps, or look at the photos for preferences. Most publishers also provide a digital version for travelers who prefer practicality more.

There are different kinds of Germany tour guide books you can choose from. Some books focus on relaxation, adventure travel, and traveling with children. Other books aim at travelers with different budgets. For example, if you want to visit Munich for its famous Oktoberfest, you can choose a guidebook that focuses on the festival and places you can stay near Oktoberfest itself. Are you planning to hike in the Alps? Then, choose a guidebook about Bavarian Alps with information about the mountain treks and detailed information, such as elevation, the trail, and more.

Whichever traveling style you have, the best Germany tour guide books should give you all the information you need. Some travelers may like guidebooks with stunning photos, others may like those with the history or background about the region or the places they’re visiting. If you plan to have road trips or walking tours, getting a guidebook with maps and noted sights along the way is the best choice. What’s more, good guidebooks provide you handy tips and tricks from the insiders.

What should a travel guide include?

A good guidebook should include information about everything that useful for travelers, including places (regions), sights, and activities. Other information, like restaurants and accommodation, may be outdated, but still, it helps travelers to get a recommendation. Plus, the travel guide book that contains historical and cultural information and maps of varying details will be very useful.

German Survival Guide

Traveling in Germany without speaking a word of German is possible. But, having German Survival Guide is not only giving you language and cultural information about the country but also provides a lot of vocabulary and basic instruction that all focused on travelers’ needs. This why this book is on our list of Germany travel guide books.

Knowing a few phrases helps you making friends and ensuring a rich and rewarding travel experience. You can buy last-minute tickets to the opera, how to get help in an emergency or to find things to do in Berlin including discovering a hidden bar. For every purchase, you’ll get two cassettes and a small glossary/dictionary. All these make it one of your best travel guides to Germany.

The book has three parts, including phrases and grammar. It also includes full of cultural notes, like how not to look like a tourist, why not use first names, how to tip, and how to have good table manners. So, you understand daily social expectations, know what to expect and how to deal with them. You will find German pronunciations written throughout the book. With this, you’ll always have guidance on how to pronounce new words and phrases. Besides, the book provides an extensive index to help readers find the topics they want.

Long-term travelers, backpackers, business, and student travelers

101 Amazing Things to Do in Germany

If this is your first time traveling to Germany, 101 Amazing Things to Do in Germany is one of the best Germany tour guide books to get. It offers you clear explanations about Germany and it’s compact enough to take everywhere.

This book provides the insight track on the most amazing and coolest things to see and do around the country. Whether you’re visiting popular attractions in Cologne , Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, and Bonn, or visiting incredible festivals, from electronic festivals with world-famous headliners to the Berlin International Film Festival.

It also includes good information and travel tips, like where you want to dine, the places where you can party like a local and make new friends, and where to shop for authentic souvenirs. Visiting the fairytale castles that inspired Disney movies? You can find information about the coolest historical and cultural sights that you can’t miss. What’s more, there are some recommendations for outdoor activities and destinations for nature and outdoor lovers.

Adventurers, backpackers, photographers, party-goers, art, and cultural lovers

The Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest

You can find Oktoberfest around the world, but Munich is the place where you can get an authentic experience in its original place. The book is written based on the author’s knowledge and experiences from countless visits to the festival for years, making it one of your best travel guides to Germany. It gives visitors of Oktoberfest extensive practical advice and a clear idea of things to do and see during the festival, no matter if you come as single travelers, couples, groups, or family.

You will find everything about the event in 39 pages of The Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest . There is a section about Oktoberfest’s background to give you some insight into the world’s biggest folks and beer festival. The table of contents guides you on the essential information, like How to get there, What to Wear, What to do if you don’t have a reservation, and What to eat and drink.

Some sections give you a description of each tent (14 big beer tents and more than 20 small and medium-sized tents). Get the details about The Parades, such as the Traditional Costume Parade and Opening Parade. You will also find the lyrics to few German songs. So, you can join in the singing in the beer tents.

Food travelers, photographers, party-goer travelers, groups, and family travelers

The Rough Guide to Germany

If you’re looking for Germany travel guide books in the Kindle version, The Rough Guide to Germany is your best choice. Whether you’re planning to cruise down the Rhine Valley, go wine-tasting along the Mosel Weinstrasse, or enjoy the Schauinsland cable car, it helps you discover Germany and get the most of your visit that suits every traveler’ budget.

It provides detailed regional coverage, including off the beaten track or more tourist destinations like Berlin and Brandenburg. The book also includes ideal places and attractions to visit, such as Schloss Neuschwanstein, Elbe Sandstone Mountains, and Berlin Wall Memorial along the way to help you organize your trip itineraries. Plus, recommendations to sleep, eat, drink, and shop.

Rough Guide books are written by expert authors who are passionate about both writing and travel to deliver insight and priceless information. The Rough Guide to Germany is full of a stunning and rich collection of inspiring color photography. Plus, there are full-color maps that you can use without needing to get online. There’s even essential basic pre-departure information, including getting there, local transports, and background information about history, books, film, and music. So, if you need Germany tour guide books for your traveling, this is the one.

Family or group travelers, solo travelers, backpackers, photographers

DK Eyewitness Travel: Back Roads Germany

DK Eyewitness Travel: Back Roads Germany is one of the best Germany travel guide books for travelers who want to discover the real soul and charm through the back roads of Germany. The book provides you twenty-four researched routes, each lasting one to five days. The book reveals hidden gems, breathtaking views, and authentic local experiences that you can only discover on road.

Get the unexpected experience on each tour that is burst with information and loaded with ideas for varied activities. These include cycling trips, short walks, and longer hikes to days on the beach, watersports, to wine tours. This book includes glossy color photos and a pull-out map of the entire region for easy navigation between tours and zip code information for use with a GPS device.

Plus, it has practical information you would need, including road conditions, length of the drive, parking information, and opening hours. On top of that, the authors also put the best-value hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants specializing in regional produce. All this information making it your best travel guides to Germany.

Adventurers, backpackers, family/group travelers, and photographers who want to experience Germany on a road trip

Journey Through Germany

Journey Through Germany offers you a guide from north to south Germany that offers many different natural and cultural landscapes. These include the plains of northern Germany, the midlands hills to the highest point in the land, the Zugspitze, the coastal mudflats, and the popular islands of Sylt and Rügen. Besides, there is also additional essence about Germany, like Goethe and Schiller, Ludwig II of Bavaria and his palaces, plus the castles on the Rhine and Saale.

This travel guides to Germany book has the cover picture of Neuschwanstein Castle and more famous sights presented in the book. It gives a good overview of rich and turbulent past places in Germany, from the fairytale castles of Ludwig II of Bavaria to the Romanesque cathedrals of the German emperors. You will find that the book contains 75% photos and 25% text. Plus, there is short (yet informative) information for each image.

It provides a wide variety of photos, including churches, castles, small towns, big cities, people in local costumes, landscapes, and food that can be your photos’ inspirations. The book also includes Medieval cities and modern architectural constructions that harbor many highlights of Germany’s artistic and cultural history.

Photographers and the tech-savvy travelers

Walking in the Bavarian Alps

Planning to hike the Bavarian Alps on the border of Germany and Austria? You should get Walking in the Bavarian Alps before going. This guidebook provides information on mountain walks and treks in Bavarian Alps, (southern Germany) between Lake Constance and Berchtesgaden. There are 70 routes range from half-day walks to 3-day hut-to-hut treks you can choose from, making it one of the best Germany travel guide books that all hikers and adventures need.

Some treks, including Partnach, Königssee and Breitach, and Höllental gorges are accessible from Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck. This Bavarian hiking guide in the English book helps you narrow down your hike routes. Also, it gives you detailed information, including elevation gain, what there is to see along the way, a nice description of the trail terrain, and difficulty level. Along the way, you’ll find its detailed hiking map very useful. It also includes color photos, transport advice, and good tips for accommodation and refreshment stops.

Adventurers, hikers, outdoor lovers, and photographers

National Geographic Traveler Germany (4th Edition)

If you’re looking for Germany travel guide books that mention smaller towns in Germany outside the cities, National Geographic Traveler Germany (4th Edition) is a great choice. For example, the book gives a short page of information about the city of Münster, but with quite detailed facts and interesting things to do in Münsterland and the area around Münster. It also the perfect Germany Travel Guide book for getting to know the countryside, complete with detailed background descriptions and self-guided walking and driving tours. This guidebook will satisfy your eyes with lots of fabulous photos from National Geographic.

If you want to take a walk up to the Summit of the Brocken, you will get everything you need to know about the information on walking or taking a train. Also, there are details on how hard the walk is, what is not to be missed, and how long it will take you. Besides, the book covers the entire country region by region, from the capital city of Berlin, Rheinland-Pfalz, Thuringe, Sachsen, northern Bavaria, Munich, and the Alps, and finally Baden-Wurtemberg.

What’s more, it provides you the insider tips on favorite or little-known sites and events. These include attending the medieval festivals celebrated at many castles in the Rhine Valley, surfing and windsurfing off the northern Baltic coast, touring underground Berlin, and learning how to brew beer in Bavaria.

Backpackers, adventurers, hikers, and photographers who look for enriching and authentic experience

Kids’ Travel Guide Germany

Traveling with kids can be challenging. If you plan a family trip to Germany for the first time, Kids’ Travel Guide Germany is one of the best Germany travel guide books to give your kids. It’s a smart and fun way to keep your children interested in traveling from an early age. It focuses on four main destinations in Germany: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt/Main, and Hamburg. The book helps them (and also you or other adults) to get more familiar with the country and ready for the journey.

It includes activities before leaving, even suggestions for what to pack. Children can learn a little about the country, from flags and symbols, geography, food, history, and even some useful word in Germany.

With the help of a fun, educational, and engaging tour guide, Leonardo, kids can read relevant facts about Germany. The texts are well written and simply accompanied by big drawings and pictures. This unique travel guide and activity book in one also includes puzzles, useful tips, quizzes, coloring pages, and special tasks to keep them interested during the trip. What’s more, they can document and write about their experience in the several journey pages in the book. Not only available in paperback, but it’s also available for e-book readers.

Kids and family travelers

Fodor’s Travel Essential Germany

Whether you’re planning to visit Munich, Berlin, and the Bavarian Alps for the first time or third, Fodor’s Travel Essential Germany is a great guidebook to make the best travel experience. Fodor’s travel guides are written by local writers who know the destination better than anyone else.

It’s divided into regions to help planning your trip. From the capital city Munich, the art scene of Berlin, to the more traditional region of Bavaria. Whether you’re interested in Germany’s beautiful scenery, vibrant nightlife, and hearty food and drink, the book gives recommendations, up-to-date references, and important facts.

It also includes useful details, such as where to eat and stay, climate throughout the year, and when attractions are closed. Plus, there are full-size street maps that will help you get around confidently. Spectacular color photos give you some guides and inspirations of the ultimate places and attractions throughout Germany. What’s more, there are some sample itineraries to help you plan. These include a map with travel times by train and recommended scenic bike rides and drives. Get this full-color travel guide book on paperback and digital version, where you can get it on Kindle.

Backpacker and adventure travelers, family or group travelers, business travelers, food travelers, and party-goers who are looking for insider tips from local experts

Rick Steves Germany 2020

Rick Steves Germany 2020 is one of the most useful Germany travel guide books you can have. It helps you in preparation if you plan on visiting Germany for the first time and don’t know where to start. The book is easy to navigate, full of advice, and also focuses on details like money and transportations. So, you can create unique itineraries aligned with your interests for a multi-week trip through Germany on budget. Whether you’re visiting modern cities, alpine forests, remarkable villages, or fairytale castles, it has it!

Even before you leave, the book already helps by providing a packing checklist. It also gives historical information and how to get the most out of your time visiting top sights and hidden gems. The book is divided into some cities to help you find the destination easily. Plus, there are sections with helpful tips on finding places to sleep, eat, and see. You will also find information about transportation and travel tips to connect with local culture or self-guided walking tours. On top of that, this comprehensive travel book includes a German phrasebook and a fold-out map.

Backpackers and adventurers

Lonely Planet Best of Germany

Lonely Planet is here with one of the best Germany travel guide books. It always comes with loads of information in a short amount of time. As one of the world’s best travel guidebook brands, Lonely Planet Best of Germany provides trustworthy information for every kind of traveler. You’ll find info on several top major cities, like Berlin, Cologne, Neuschwanstein, Potsdam, and Dresden, as well as Germany’s most popular attractions. So, you can get the best cultural insights about history, art, food, and more!

The book is available on both digital (Kindle) and paperback versions. The paperback version is small and sleek, making it easy to carry around during your traveling. It also includes several suggested itineraries with some information about various aspects of the trips. You’ll find recommendations about things to see and do, places to eat, places to avoid, and how to get to and from. Though it doesn’t provide lodging recommendations, the book provides some brief information on the different areas to stay in town. Besides, our website has covered that section for you!

At the end of the book, there are two short sections about German history, food, beer, and wine. Also, the arts and architecture of Germany, the German outdoors, and Germans as a people. It has full-color pictures of Germany’s interesting places. What we love the most is that the book has several detailed maps.

Backpackers, group travelers, photographers, family travelers, and tourists who prefer short stays in different places

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Germany

Filled with information, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Germany is a book that any traveler would need. Like others DK Eyewitness Travel Guide, this book is written by their expert travel writers and researchers. This guidebook is divided into states and major cities by a color-coding on the page edge. So, you will find the best attractions easily, from its Christmas markets, festivals, popular beer halls, to beautiful castles. Also, the book provides detailed itineraries and “don’t-miss” destination highlights with insights into history and culture. This makes it great for planning your visit.

There’s a breakdown of each state into smaller cities that are filled with a Visitor Checklist, several walking tours, and a map. It includes practical information about each location, like hours of operation and a phone number. Plus, the book provides about federal holidays. What’s more, there are hotel and restaurant listings for your recommendation.

The book also includes hand-drawn illustrations and hundreds of beautiful photographs. Our favorite is the 3D image of the Castle in Heidelberg with complete tags. All show what each part is and when it was completed. Sits at the top of our list of the best Germany travel guide books, it’s the next best thing to have a personal guide at your side. It’s also available in Kindle if you prefer the digital version.

Any type of traveler, from business travelers, family or group travelers, long-term travelers, backpackers, to solo travelers, and more

Author:  Adam G

As a travel enthusiast and experienced adventurer, I have spent years exploring the world and discovering hidden gems in every corner of the globe. From backpacking through Europe to trekking in the Himalayas, I have chased my passion for travel and embraced every opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life. Now, as a travel writer, I channel my love of exploration into creating informative and inspiring content for fellow travelers. Whether you're planning a solo trip to a remote destination or seeking family-friendly activities in a bustling city, I am dedicated to providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to make the most of your journey. With a keen eye for detail and a love of storytelling, I bring each destination to life through vivid descriptions and engaging narratives, highlighting the unique experiences and attractions that make each place so special. So join me on this journey of discovery, and let's explore the world together!

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DK Eyewitness Germany (Travel Guide) Paperback – 2 Mar. 2023

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Whether you want to wander the cobblestone streets of a medieval village, seek out the coolest districts in Berlin, or check off a bucket list of iconic landmarks, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Germany has to offer. Synonymous with art and culture, Germany is bursting with world-class museums, trendy galleries and creative hubs. But travel away from the towns and cities and you'll discover some of Europe's finest lakes, no fewer than 16 national parks and a coastline ripe for outdoor adventure. Our newly-updated guide brings Germany to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the country's iconic buildings and neighbourhoods. Inside DK Eyewitness Germany you will find: - A fully-illustrated top experiences guide: our expert pick of Germany's must-sees and hidden gems. -Accessible itineraries to make the most out of each and every day. -Expert advice: honest recommendations for getting around safely, when to visit each sight, what to do before you visit, and how to save time and money. - Colour-coded chapters to every part of Germany, from Berlin to Munich, Saxony to Hesse. - Practical tips: the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay. - Detailed maps and walks to help you navigate the region country easily and confidently. - Covers: Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Thuringia, Southern Germany, Munich, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Western Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, Hesse, North Rhineland-Westphalia, Northern Germany, Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Only visiting Berlin or Munich? Try our DK Eyewitness Berlin or DK Eyewitness Munich and the Bavarian Alps. About DK Eyewitness: At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travellers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.

• Print length 512 pages
• Language English
• Publisher DK Eyewitness Travel
• Publication date 2 Mar. 2023
• Dimensions 12.7 x 3.18 x 21.74 cm
• ISBN-10 0241612802
• ISBN-13 978-0241612804
• See all details

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Experience the world with DK Eyewitness. DK Eyewitness' highly visual guides show you what others only tell you, with easy-to-read maps, tips and tours to inform and enrich your trip. Our travel writers report on what to see, eat, drink and do around the world, while the very best photographs and illustrations bring cities, regions and countries to life. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations around the world, from handy pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. DK is the world's leading illustrated reference publisher, producing beautifully designed books for adults and children in over 120 countries.

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ DK Eyewitness Travel; 1st edition (2 Mar. 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 512 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0241612802
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0241612804
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.7 x 3.18 x 21.74 cm
• 41 in Family Travel
• 158 in Tourist Destinations & Museum Guides
• 163 in Food & Travel Writing

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Dk eyewitness.

Explore the world with DK Eyewitness travel books. Our award-winning travel guides are compiled by real travellers and globe-trotting experts who provide trusted advice to over 200 global destinations. Brimming with stunning photography, detailed maps, sage advice and top tips; our highly visual guides contain everything needed for the trip of your dreams.

DK Eyewitness travel will help you live ‘Like a Local’ in new and exciting cities, or visit those ‘Top 10’ essentials, or plan that epic road trip. Whether it's a holiday of a lifetime, exploring a new continent or a city break, step into your next adventure with DK Eyewitness travel books.

Winner, Gold Award, Top Guidebook at the 2020 Wanderlust Magazine Reader Travel Awards.

Winner of the Travel Media Awards 2019 Guide of the Year for DK Eyewitness New York City.

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• Travel to Germany

Plan Your Trip to Germany- Tips and Best Travel Books Germany

As I may have mentioned before, I’m a planner and a list maker . This means that before I take a trip, anywhere, I do lots of research and get my travel plans organized. Travel is expensive, believe me, I know, so I don’t want to waste time when I get there wondering…. “what do I do now?”. Now, don’t go thinking I have every minute of my day and night scheduled, I just like to have a basic plan or outline, so I can hit the ground running! To kick-start my planning process, I always refer to guidebooks. When you look at the shelves in the bookstore, it can seem kind of overwhelming. Let me share some of my favorite Germany travel guidebooks, and how I put things all together for a smooth trip. 

How I Plan my Trip to Germany

My last trip to Germany needed a lot more planning. My parents, my husband, and I spent four weeks on a journey to visit family … but also to visit the places my parents came from. Basically, we were crisscrossing Germany (and beyond) with a big list of “things we wanted to see and do”. Reservations, maps, tickets, hotels. All of this needed to be organized so that things didn’t go sideways, or get forgotten. I have a habit of using a portable accordion file (just a slim 6-pocket one) for each trip I take. Information about different cities goes in each file, along with the reservations I will need along the way. Receipts and ticket stubs, brochures, and business cards go back inside.

But this trip needed something more.

In the initial planning stages, I used a planning tool that I found on Etsy. I downloaded this Google Sheets based Travel planner template and used it to input reservations (with the links). I could also use it to make wish lists of “things to see”, or restaurants. It helped keep track of itinerary, and timing. (It also calculated the budget). In the past, I’ve always used a spiral binder for this process, but it was interesting to see how things slotted together when it was all in one program. I could print out an itinerary for everyone in the group (I could also access it online if needed). If you are interested in trying something like this, you’ll find it here->

My Personal Travel Guide

I fully admit, I’m an over planner, a belt and suspenders person.  I also admit that I don’t always trust that I will be able to access tickets or reservations online due to wifi or power issues (I once had to walk blocks to get a signal so I could retrieve the key code for an Airbnb). Basically, I like to have everything printed and in my hand when I go somewhere. Obviously, that means a big pile of paper when taking a longer trip.

I came up with a plan. (Now, I know, most of you will say… WHAT THE HECK! THAT’S NUTS!) but hear me out). I made my own travel guide.

I took a simple lined journal, and created a single book to carry with us. The inside cover had the itinerary…. I gave each destination a tab in the book. Inside I added reservation numbers and times (museum reservations require a time block, hotels have check-in times), important phone numbers, basic directions, and a few extra “things to do” ideas. Then I photocopied relevant pages from my travel guide books and stuck them in to the book. Each destination had a few extra pages to make notes. ( Note- for this trip, I was traveling with my parents, who are in their 80s. I can be freewheeling when I’m alone )

How did that work out? Well, it was a LOT of work. But the book proved invaluable on the trip. Addresses were handy, phone numbers were right there. Parking tips for museums (it’s not always straight forward) and even “what to look for in the museum”. This way everyone in the car could look to see what was happening next. And it fit in my purse.

What would I change? The driving directions ended up being unnecessary… our car came with a navi system (on my last trip, it wasn’t)… And I always carry a small road atlas with me. (Like I said, belt and suspenders.)

Best Travel Books Germany

What makes a good Travel Guide book … to me, it isn’t the listings of hotels or restaurants (these things will make a book dated rather quickly)… I love photos and insider tips. I am a huge fan of walking tours (with maps and noted sights along the way). I also like a guidebook to have a little history or background about the region I’m visiting.

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DK Eyewitness Travel Germany-

Hands down, my favorite Travel Guides of all time come from DK Eyewitness Travel. These guides have never let me down. The DK Eyewiness Travel Germany guide is FULL of information that any traveler would need. States and major cities are divided by a color coding on the page edge, so they are easy to find. Then within the state you get a breakdown of smaller cities, as well as maps. The smaller cities then have a Visitor Checklist, a map , and a numbered walking tour. Each location has a paragraph of information, including exact location, hours of operation, and even a phone number. For example… heading to North Rhine Westphalia? The first page is a history of the area, then comes a 2 page spread with walking information for the city of Münster, and then a driving tour of the surrounding area… as well as other cities in the state you will want to see.

Photo taken of the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Germany

The bigger the city, the more the book drills down. Heidelberg has a 3D image of the Castle, complete with tags showing what each part is, and when it was completed. The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Dresden Gallery of Old Masters) shows the layout of the museum, including the exact locations of some of the major works with a bit of information about them. And the section on Wine Growing in Germany breaks down everything you ever wanted ot know about the different types of wines, and where they come from. This book is the next best thing to having a personal all knowing guide at your side (or in your pocket).

You will also find practical information… like post office hours and federal holidays. There is a chapter on restaurants and hotels, should you be looking.

Find the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Germany Here–>

Rick Steves Germany

We all know Rick Steves from his travel show on PBS, but his books are LOADED with advice for planning your trip. You do get information about sites, but Rick focusses on the details… transportation, money, how to get as much out of your trip as possible, what to see, and what to avoid. He also updates his hotel and restaurant guides every year, so if you buy the latest book, you will be up to date on what’s available. These books are focused on the budget conscious traveler who doesn’t want to be encumbered by luggage or things (instantly, this makes it hard for me… I like packing more than 3 shirts… and I always need an extra bag for the things I buy to take home.). Still, if this is your first time in Germany (or your 5th) and you want that extra help without having to do the research yourself, these are the books for you. (I would suggest getting this book AND the DK Eyewitness Germany book to cover all bases).

National Geographic Traveler Germany

When you are looking at National Geographic, your expectation is that the book will be loaded with FABULOUS photos, and it is. With National Geographic Germany , it’s more about the experiences outside the cities. For example, the city of Münster gets a short page… but the Münsterland, and the area around Münster are quite detailed with facts and interesting things to do. This is the perfect Germany Travel Guide book for getting to know the countryside. Want to take a walk up to the Summit of the Brocken (where the witches gather at Walpurgisnacht)? You will find detailed information on walking or taking a train part of the way in either direction, along with a list of what is not to be missed, how hard the walk is, and how long it will take you. This is one of the few books to mention smaller interesting towns (like Bad Homburg) that are near the big cities. (This is why I have multiple books)

Photo taken of the National Geographic Traveler Guidebook

Again, there is also practical information. You will find some listings for hotels and restaurants by price in the blue section at the back of the book, as well as a few important vocabulary words.

Find the National Geographic Traveler Germany Guide Book here–

DK Back Roads Germany

I really just picked up this book a week ago, and I’m completely excited by it. For part of my next trip to Germany we will be renting a car and driving. Back Roads Germany is the perfect way to make the most of your time on the road! Get off the Autobahn, and take the regular roads. Get to know the countryside! Each “drive” is completely laid out for you with distances and time it takes to travel… and there are highlights to visit along the way. It’s like you have someone to hold your hand a bit, or nudge you into a direction you may not have considered. And don’t think it’s ALL about driving. The driving bit is just to get you there… walks and hikes are also described.  The book is filled with maps and pictures. It even recommends where to park (you may scoff… but it’s not always obvious where to park in some cities). This one is going in the travel bag FOR SURE (all marked up!).

Insight Guides Germany

The Insight Guides Germany book is more about history and maps. You do get a lot of background on each of the cities you might want to visit. Also, there are loads of maps showing the details of downtown areas. The book isn’t broken down as much as the other guide books. It’s almost like the story of a town or a specific area is being told… and then special names are highlighted and numbered to match the map. This book is fine for self-guided tours (especially if you are driving). For walks, it may be a little bulky, and the information travels over a few pages, instead of being all on one page. It could be a great book for reading at home, to get to know the areas you plan to visit… and find out what’s near by.

Photo taken o fInsight Guides Germany

You will find some travel tip about Germany in the back of the book, but Insight Guides do not list hotels. Some cafes or restaurants are mentioned in the description of the area, sort of as another feature.

Find the Insight Guides Germany book here–>

Berlin Walks

My daughter kept this book in her satchel at ALL times while studying in Berlin. This is the book you need when you really want to get to know a city well. There are guided walks through neighborhoods with turn by turn instructions (wonderful for exploring). Unlike the other guide books, I do appreciate the restaurant guides and suggestions, because they really know the neighborhoods (and she found some of her favorite cafes using the guide). A pull out map is included…

And, of course… I LOVE MAPS

The Michelin map of Germany is HUGE! So I spread it out across the dining room table. This way I can really see where everything is, and how far it is from the next place I want to visit. Bliss…. (And naturally, I do it with DRAMATIC FLAIR…. swoooosh, everything is swept aside, and the map is spread out.) I add those little sticky arrows to places I want to see. Then follow the roads with my finger to see what else is along the way.

While searching the map… I double check my Brown Signs along the Autobahn book . Is there something worthy of getting off for? Usually there is. This little book tells you where all the brown signs are, and what you see when you get there.

Planning can be fun

As you can see, I LOVE planning my trips to Germany. For some of you, it may sound terrible… where’s the spontaneity? Don’t panic! I always leave space (you’ll find me spending hours in a cafe, lingering with a coffee and cake)  and I’m flexible about changing things up. It’s just that my time in Germany is often too short, so I want to make sure I don’t miss something that’s just off the road…. So. Guidebooks, notes…. make lists, then GO!

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7 Best Travel Books About Germany

“The best education is found by a clever person when travelling.”

Over 150 million tourists flock to Germany each year, making it the eighth-most visited country on the planet. And it’s clear to see why. One of the most culturally vibrant destinations in the world, Germany has become renowned for its festivals, history, arts, nightlife, and cuisine. It is also one of the most picturesque tourist hotspots, with its stunning natural landscapes ranging from pristine sand beaches to dense alpine forests plucked straight out of a fairytale. With transportation to and around Germany superb and the cost of everything, from a Bratwurst to an Erdinger beer, remaining excellent value, join us at What We Reading as we guide you through the country with the best travel books for your next trip! 

Lonely Planet Germany – Lonely Planet 

Kicking off our list of the best Germany books for all travellers and nomads looking to uncover all the country has to offer is Lonely Planet’s comprehensive guide. As the world’s number one travel guide company, Lonely Planet has the expertise and the trust of the travel world. In their Germany edition, they blend practical travel trips with wanderlust-inspiring descriptions to bring together a resource that both inspires and guides readers through a visit to the country. 

From steep castles rising out of the Bavarian forests to the vibrancy of Berlin’s art scene, Lonely Planet Germany comes with highlights, itineraries, coloured maps, high-quality photographs, a translation dictionary, cultural insights and a wealth of handy information ranging from opening hours, transport links, phone numbers and budgeting guides. From taking in the top sights to discovering the country’s best-kept secrets, Lonely Planet Germany is the ultimate travel companion.

Berlin: Imagine A City – Rory MacLean

Berlin is one of the most enigmatic, lively cities in the world. From being devastated by Allied bombs, split in half by a wall to emerging re-united and reborn as one of the most progressive and creative centres in the world, Rory MacLean’s Berlin: Imagine a City is the ultimate lens into all things that make Germany’s capital a place like no other. 

Through a cast of five Berliners living across five centuries ranging from medieval balladeers to Communist functionaries, MacLean lifts the lid on the rich, varied and unseen parts of the city’s history. As much a tour through history as it is through the city itself, Imagine a City is a beautifully constructed biography of one of Europe’s most incredible cities, and is sure to fuel the wanderlust of any traveller thinking about giving it a visit. 

The Ultimate Guide To Oktoberfest – Munich Germany Travel Guide – Marion Kummerow

What list of the best Germany books would be complete without a spotlight for Oktoberfest ? Arguably the country’s most famous holiday, Marion Kummerow gives readers the lowdown on the biggest folks and beer festival in the world in her Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest . 

Having lived in Bavaria for over two decades, Kummerow condenses all of her experiences and knowledge into one updated and revised guide to ensure readers enjoy all that Oktoberfest has to offer. From background insights on the origins and development of the festival, information on how to get to it, reserve spots in all the tents, where to stay, what to wear and, most crucially, what to eat and drink, it is the only book on Oktoberfest any beer-lover needs! 

Rick Steves Germany – Rick Steves

Rick Steves has established himself as one of the most trusted voices when it comes to European travel, and his edition on Germany remains one of the most treasured works for those looking to get the most out of their trips. 

Steves takes readers through the cobbled streets in off-beat picturesque villages, through sprawling alpine forests and into the upper reaches of fairytale castles, covering all the sights and attractions every visitor to Germany has to see. He employs a personalized approach and provides practical guides, making his travel book on Germany an invaluable resource for checking off everything on the bucket list without draining the wallet.

Ghosts On The Shore: Travels Along Germany’s Baltic Coast – Paul Scraton

Having been inspired by his wife’s collection of family photographs dating back to the 1930s and her memories of growing up in East Germany, Paul Scraton takes readers along a stunning journey across Germany’s Baltic coast in Ghosts on the Shore . 

Beginning in the gothic-filled streets of Lübeck and ending on the island of Usedom touching the Polish border, Scraton unveils a region of the country swirling in mythology and still reeling from some of the most turbulent events in Germany’s history. From gentrified fishing villages, Socialist summer camps to Hanseatic trading towns , Ghosts on the Shore is a travel memoir about Germany where stories, history, folklore, politics and lost legends all collide. 

DK Eyewitness Back Roads Germany (Eyewitness Road Trips) – DK Eyewitness

Looking for a Germany travel book that specialises in the lesser-walked parts of the country? Look no further than DK’s Germany edition of their Eyewitness Road Trips series. This guidebook comes with twenty-four uniquely-themed drives, each one lasting between one and five days. 

These stunning road trips reveal breathtaking views, hidden gems and overlooked authentic experiences. DK utilises local insider knowledge to present ideas on what to fill an itinerary with, with suggestions ranging from short and long hikes, wine tasting, spa days and watersports. With all routes and attractions hand-picked by expert authors, Back Roads Germany also comes with a host of practical tips and resources such as full-colour maps, opening times, road conditions and zip codes.  

Along The Wall And Watchtower: A Journey Down Germany’s Divide – Oliver August

The German partition profoundly impacted the social, political, and cultural fabric of the country, and people can still feel its legacy to this day. In Along the Wall and Watchtower , Oliver August traces the path of the Berlin Wall , documenting the remnants of the Iron Curtain’s border, and exploring the lasting imprint it had on Germany as a whole. 

Incorporating a variety of his observations, interviews with locals and historical insights from the watchtowers and barriers that kept Germany’s capital divided, August’s book sheds light on the experiences of those on both sides of the fortified border, and the wider-stretching consequences. A skillfully crafted travelogue, narrated from a historical perspective, awaits any traveller seeking to immerse themselves in the spirit of Berlin.

Check Out These German Books Before Your Visit

Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).

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15 Best Germany Travel Guides

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Looking for the best Germany travel guide to take on your trip? Here are 15 of the most useful options for travelers planning trips to Germany!

Germany is a world class tourist destination in the heart of Europe.

Every year, millions of people travel there to taste its many famous beers and traditional German cuisine , visit enchanting fairy tale castles , national parks, and beautiful sights, learn about its rich history and culture, and much more.

No matter whether you plan to visit busting big cities or Germany’s many thriving smaller cities, you’ll find tons of attractions and points of interest. But they can be difficult to explore effectively without a guide to help you along the way. 

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This article shows you the best Germany travel guides out in the market today (both in hard copy and Kindle) and how you can choose the best one for your trip.

Whether you plan to spend time in Berlin, the Rhine, Bavaria (or elsewhere!), want to travel by cruise, train or take a road trip, or are traveling solo, with a partner or your entire family, there’s a guide for every kind of itinerary and traveler!

• 1 Quick Guidebook Recommendations
• 2 Why Use A Travel Guide?
• 3 Germany Travel Guides Comparison Chart
• 4 How To Choose The Best Travel Guide For You
• 5 15 Best Germany Travel Guides
• 6 What To See And Do In Germany?
• 7 When Is The Best Time To Go To Germany?

Quick Guidebook Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite guide books if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

• For Insider Tips On Hidden Gems : Fodor’s Essential Germany
• For Kindle Unlimited Users : The Rough Guide to Germany
• For First-Time Travelers to Germany: Rick Steves Germany
• For multiple formats and off-line maps: Lonely Planet Germany
• For DIY Berlin Walking Tours: National Geographic: Walking Berlin
• For Visiting Munich, Bavaria & The Black Forest: Lonely Planet: Munich, Bavaria, and the Black Forest
• For Visiting Rothenburg & the Rhine: Rick Steves’ Rothenburg & the Rhine
• For Road Trips & Day Trips in Germany, Austria & Switzerland : Lonely Planet’s Guide to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
• Best City Pocket Guide s: Lonely Planet’s Pocket Guide Berlin, Hamburg, Munich
• For Roadtrips in Germany: DK Eyewitness Road Trips
• For Rail Travel in Germany: Europe by Rail
• For River Cruises: Lonely Planet Cruise Ports European Rivers
• Best Guide for Kids: Kids Travel Guide Germany
• For Quickly Learning About German Culture: Culture Smart Germany
• For Learning German Language: 1,000 German Phrases

Why Use A Travel Guide?

Germany travel guides are a great resource for planning specific aspects of your trip, especially when combined with the info we provide on this website.

You can never have too much trip planning information, and a good travel guide provides essential travel information without the need for wifi.

Travel guides are especially useful for people who don’t have a lot of experience traveling abroad or who don’t speak the language of their destination country.

The guides we highlight below can help you find good restaurants, learn about regional customs and traditions, and avoid scams in specific locations.

If you’re looking for something more specific than general travel advice, there are many specialty travel guidebooks available that cover everything from hiking trails to famous literary locations around the world!

Germany Travel Guides Comparison Chart

Here’s an overview of the best guidebooks for Germany travel. Scroll down for a more detailed review of each book!

• Perfect for insider tips
• Full-size street maps
• Sample itineraries

• Free with Kindle Unlimited (as of now)
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Full-color maps

• Perfect first timers
• Strategic advice for making the most out of your budget
• Tips on how to plan a multi-week trip to different cities in Germany

• Honest reviews of restaurants
• Free on Kindle Unlimited too
• Add notes to personalize your digital guidebook

• 15 walking tours
• Step-by-step itineraries
• Detailed maps

• Up-to-date research on travel information and what businesses are still open after light of Covid-19
• “What’s new” sections featuring cultural trends
• New, up-and-coming areas to visit

• Insider travel tips 
• How to avoid tourist traps
• Rothenburg & Rhine focused

• Germany, Austria & Switzerland
• 33 trip ideas
• Fastest travel routes & scenic detours

Small & handy

Books for Berlin, Hamburg & Munich

Expert advice on top tourist destinations & neighborhoods

• 24 well-researched driving routes.
• Discover stunning views and hidden gems off the beaten track
• Practical tips for driving in Germany

50 key routes

Tips on the best ticket deals

Fun sights to see along the routes

• Advice for first-timers
• Covers Germany & other European cruise routes

• Fun facts about Germany
• Language learning
• Coloring pages, quizzes, puzzles & journal pages

• German history
• Cultural values, traditions & etiquette
• Regional cultural differences

• 1,000 basic words, phrases, and sentences in German
• Small talk, asking for directions, finding a bank, ordering at restaurants
• Phonetic pronunciation guide!

How To Choose The Best Travel Guide For You

There are a lot of travel guides on the market, making it pretty overwhelming to find the right one. When choosing the best travel guide for your trip, there are a couple of things you should take into consideration.

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What are your travel plans?

If you’re going on a multi-week trip across Germany, visiting several cities and regions, then the best travel guide for you will be a comprehensive general country guide on Germany.

These kinds of guides usually have multiple chapters dedicated to all the big cities and regions, making it easy to flip through whichever destination you’re going to along your trip.

On the other hand, if you’re mostly staying in a specific region or a couple of cities, then it’s better to find a regional guide that really narrows in the area you’re visiting. This way you won’t be bogged down with city information that may not be applicable to your trip. 

What’s your travel style?

If you’re going on road trips, you’ll find guidebooks with specific information and helpful tips on driving in Germany, the best scenic routes, and more. Likewise, if you’re going on a river cruise, find a guide that covers that specific type of travel. There are also guides that are geared towards kids.  

What’s your preferred writing style?

Do you prefer matter-of-fact, objective, no-frills writing? Or do you gain more value from reading personal guides filled with the author’s own anecdotes and experience of the city?

There are also guides that focus heavily on history, others on beautiful travel photography. Make sure to read reviews to get a gist of the style and content of the guide!

Fodor’s Essential Germany is the perfect guide for those who want insider tips on how to experience Germany like a local.

Fodor’s Travel Guides are all written and researched by local experts, who can offer you unique insights you might not find in other guides. 

In this guide you’ll find fully updated information on all of Germany’s main attractions and hidden gems, which includes restaurants, hotels, and even outdoor activities.

As well as full-size street maps and beautiful photographs, you’ll also have access to multiple sample itineraries to help you make the most out of your travel time.

The Rough Guide to Germany is one of the best options   for those who want a guidebook on their Kindle – it’s free with Kindle Unlimited (as of now)!

You’ll have rundowns of must-see landmarks, carefully planned itineraries, and full-color maps to navigate the streets of Berlin or Munich without the need to go online.

This guide covers a vast majority of areas in Germany, not just the major cities . If you’re spending more time in a certain region, then the detailed regional coverage will be very useful. 

Rick Steves is one of the most well known travel writers from the United States. His mission is to empower Americans to go on fun and culturally enriching trips to Europe and his guidebook to Germany reflects that.

People who are traveling to Germany for the first time will find this guide very useful. It has strategic advice on how to make the most out of your budget and time with tips on how to plan a multi-week trip to different cities in Germany.

Other handy features include self-guided walking tours, a packing checklist, and a German phrasebook. This edition also has up to date detailed information reflecting the changes brought about Covid-19.

Lonely Planet has some of the best guidebooks in the market and the Lonely Planet’s Germany is no exception - it's currently the #1 best seller on Amazon.

They provide comprehensive and trustworthy information on everything you need to know about Germany, from the most visited tourist areas to less well known historic cities.

This guide makes sure to provide itineraries and honest reviews of restaurants, shops, landmarks that cater to every kind of travel style and budget.

The book is available in both digital (it’s free on Kindle Unlimited too!) and paperback versions. The digital version comes with downloadable PDF and offline maps that are great for preventing extra roaming charges, embedded links to recommendations with websites.

You can even add notes to personalize your guidebook. The paperback version is small and sleek, making it easy to bring around while traveling.

If you’re staying in Berlin for some time, then you’ll probably be spending a good amount of time walking (alongside using their excellent public transport).

And there’s no better way of getting to know a city than by walking! National Geographic Walking Berlin is the best guidebook for this.

This book contains 15 walking tours with step-by-step itineraries and detailed maps that will have you roaming and exploring Berlin like a true local in no time.

Lonely Planet just came out with their newest guide on Munich, Bavaria, and the Black Forest.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect spa town to relax along the Black Forest or celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, this guidebook will have you covered.

Since it was just recently published, you’ll be able to find up-to-date research on travel information and what businesses are still open after light of Covid-19.

Aside from all the essential reading, there are also “what’s new” sections that feature cultural trends and new, up-and-coming areas to visit. 

From wandering around quaint villages, going back in time exploring ancient castles ruins, or dining in good restaurants by scenic vineyards, the Rhine Valley is a must-visit.

It’s particularly known as a romantic destination, but every kind of traveler can enjoy it. Rick Steves’ guide to the Rhine is a great place to start planning your trip.

It includes insider travel tips on how to beat crowds and avoid tourist traps. The selective coverage also includes information on Rothenburg, a picturesque well-restored medieval city. 

Lonely Planet’s Guide to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is perfect for those whose travel plans always include day trips or road trips.

Especially if you’ve planned your itinerary with the goal of visiting neighboring countries like Austria or Switzerland, then this guide is for you.

This guide covers everything from the Romantic Road, Lake Bodensee, the Swiss Alps, Zurich, Lake Geneva, Vienna, Salzburg, and more! It features over 33 trips to take with useful advice on breaks to stretch your legs along the way, the fastest travel routes, and scenic detours.

The Lonely Planet’s Pocket Guide series are perfect for those taking shorter trips over a weekend or maybe those who have limited leisure time during business trips.

These guides are small and handy, getting down to the basics of each German city. It’s easy to use and concise, with expert advice on the top tourist destinations, neighborhood chapters, and day planners.

Click here for more information on Pocket Berlin, Pocket Hamburg , and Pocket Munich

DK Eyewitness Road Trips is ideal for those who want to explore Germany through road trips.

This guide contains 24 well-researched, easy to follow driving routes. Each lasts from 1 to 5 days, so you can choose any depending on your time and preference.

You’ll get to learn about stunning views and hidden gems off the beaten track that you can only discover on the road. It’s full of practical tips like road conditions, detours, parking info, and navigation details for GPS use.

Plus, each tour includes ideas for activities and sights along the way.

Europe by Rail is the definitive guide for planning your European trail travel journey using Interrail or Eurail.

This guide includes 50 key routes that you can follow or incorporate into your Germany itinerary.

It also contains tips on the best ticket deals, where to stay, and fun sights to see along the routes. It covers popular routes such as Glacier Express, the Rhine Valley, French Riviera, and the Scottish Highlands with information on new routes to Slovakia, Greece, and more.

River cruises have been gaining popularity, with many tourists loving the different perspective you get as you travel by water through scenic riverfront views.

Riverboats are usually much smaller than Mediterranean cruises, making for a more social experience and more frequent stops and onshore activities. 

This Lonely Planet guide is perfect for those going on a European cruise through a number of different countries but who do not want to buy a guide book for each country.

It covers the following routes: Northern Rhine, Southern Rhine (France, Germany, Switzerland), Western Danube (Austria and Germany), Eastern Danube (Hungary and Serbia), the Seine (France), and the Elbe (Czech Republic and Germany).

Traveling with children to Germany for the first time can be intimidating. Kids Travel Guide Germany is here to help ease your worries!

This guide is a fun gift to give your kids as a way to cultivate their interest in traveling from a young age. Leonardo, the cute cartoon tour guide, will teach your kids fun facts about Germany and even basic German words.

It also comes with an activity book full of coloring pages, quizzes, puzzles, and journal pages to document their trip.

Nothing enriches travel experiences like immersing yourself in the country’s local culture. Culture Smart Germany shows you everything you need to know about German culture and way of life.

You’ll find chapters discussing history, values, cultural differences between regions, cultural traditions, and common etiquette to follow.

It’s great for navigating day to day life while you travel and even for more formal business trips.

This German phrase book is the ideal companion for your trip to Germany.

With more than 1,000 basic words, phrases, and sentences in German it covers every travel situation you could think of from small talk, asking for directions, finding a bank, and ordering at restaurants.

Easy to use and straight to the point, this guide will help you familiarize yourself with the German language and navigate social situations with locals. It also comes with a phonetic pronunciation guide!

What To See And Do In Germany?

If you’re not sure which guidebook will work best for you, consider where you most want to spend your time.

Germany is filled with tons of historic places to learn from, beautiful landscapes to admire, and fun cultural activities to experience. To get a gist of what awaits you in your Germany trip, let’s break it down to some of the main travel destinations in the country.

Berlin, the capital of Germany (and the largest city), is where you’ll find some of the most iconic landmarks of German history. You won’t run out of things to see from the Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, the Holocaust Memorial, the German Parliament Building (Reichstag), and many more.

For more information on the top historic places to visit in Berlin, read our guide to planning the ultimate Berlin itinerary.

This dynamic city has also undergone a lot of changes in the past decades, growing into one of the most interesting cities to visit in central Europe. Many people are drawn to the vibrant Berlin arts scene and music scene.

After all, the capital city is home to world-class museums (including some that give you a glimpse into what life was like in East Germany) and some of the best nightlife in Europe. 

Plus, it’s the gateway to rugged Rügen island to the north on the Baltic Sea, historic Dresden to the south, as well as “Swiss Saxon” national park area.

Hamburg, located on the Elbe river in northern Germany, is one of the most unique German cities. Famous for its ports, lakes, canals, and rivers running throughout the city, Hamburg shows you a different side of Germany.

Whether you canoe through the canals (super fun!) or try delicious fresh seafood after a harbor cruise, you won’t run out of fun activities to do in Hamburg. It’s one of my favorite cities in Germany!

The Black Forest is a region worth visiting for its spectacular scenery, small towns, and close proximity to France and Switzerland. It’s one of the best places to visit for those who love outdoor activities. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore and lakes and waterfalls to admire.

In-between immersing yourself in nature, you can explore picturesque smaller towns like Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, or Freiburg, and villages like Titisee-Neustadt, Triberg, and Gengenbach. You can also spend an afternoon seeing how people used to live at the Black Forest Open Air Museum.

Making your way to southern Germany, you’ll find the Bavarian Alps. For a scenic drive that makes the most out of your experience, we recommend driving south down the Romantic Road.

This route connects storybook castles , medieval towns, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s also one of the best ways to get to Neuschwanstein, the fairy tale castle that’s undoubtedly one of Germany’s most popular attractions.

A staple in all Germany itineraries is, of course Munich, the biggest city in Bavaria. It’s a popular destination for good reason – it’s a beautiful city rich with history far beyond the famous Oktoberfest. Munich (and Bavaria in general) is what most people envision when they think of Germany.

From Munich’s beer gardens, lush urban parks, and historic plazas, you won’t run out of things to see! Check out our guide on how to plan the perfect Munich weekend itinerary here.

Before leaving southern Germany, make sure to stop by Lake Constance (Bodensee in German). Found along the country’s border of Austria and Switzerland, this region with its lakeside small towns is a great place for sunny summer holidays. 

In Central Germany, you’ll find the Rhine Valley which holds great historical and cultural importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a popular romantic destination where you can do activities like wine tasting in hillside vineyards and going on a cruise on the Rhine river. We recommend exploring the area on a boat tour to bring you to quaint villages and ancient castles.

Cologne is a great gateway city to the Rhine Valley. The city’s old town is home to the famous Cologne Cathedral and it’s a great walkable area with lots to see.

Another nearby major city is Frankfurt. Though you may only know Frankfurt as Germany’s financial capital or home to one of the world’s busiest airports, the city is fun to explore for its modern architecture, the contrasting historic old town, and interesting museums. Read our guide to spending a day in Frankfurt here or how to day trip to the many castles in the area.

We hope this gives you a good idea of all the exciting things to see and do in Germany. We know there’s a lot to take into consideration. That’s why we also prepared a step-by-step guide on how to plan the perfect Germany vacation that answers everything from where to stay, what cities to visit, and how to get around!

When Is The Best Time To Go To Germany?

We get this question a lot! The best time to go to Germany totally depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. There’s really no bad time to visit because each season has something great and unique to offer!

During summer, you’ll get to enjoy warm and sunny weather. The long days are perfect for sightseeing since the sun sets as late as 10:00-10:30 pm. Be aware that you won’t always be guaranteed clear, blue skies, though. Some days can be rainy or windy but that kind of weather usually doesn’t last longer than a couple of days.

On the flip-side, it can also get really hot during heat waves, and you won’t find A/C in all restaurants and hotels.

Another downside is that since it’s peak season, streets and tourist attractions can be much more crowded with families from all over the world traveling during summer break. Prices for tickets and accommodations are also at their highest so we recommend booking reservations as early as possible.  

Winter can also be a beautiful time to visit, but you’ll obviously have a very different experience. Snow, cold weather, and short days with the sun setting as early as 5 pm are just some of the things that you can expect.

Luckily, you’ll have the festive bright lights and cozy atmosphere of Christmas markets to make up for it. It’s also an ideal time to visit if you love winter activities like skiing or sledding.

Fall can be a good time to visit, especially if you want to participate in Oktoberfest festivities which take place late September to early October. The autumn weather means it’s still pleasantly enough for strolls, though you’ll have colder nights as you approach winter. 

Weather during spring can be a bit of a toss-up. Some days can bring light breezes and warmth but other days can be gloomy and rainy. But you’ll get to see cities come alive and locals spend more time in parks or beer gardens as flowers bloom and outdoor activities kick into gear.

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

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The Best Berlin Guide Books for Every Traveler [2024 Update]

Although I visited Berlin last summer, I didn’t get to explore the city as much as I’d wanted, and I’m looking forward to re-visiting the German capital this summer.  So, I recently sat on my balcony with a can (or two…) of German radler and a pile (or two!) of Berlin travel guide books for a marathon trip-planning session.

In addition to learning a lot about Berlin and discovering some amazing “must-see” attractions in Berlin, I quickly became an expert on Berlin guide books.  I learned exactly which book had the best walking tours, the best photos, the best budget travel advice and the best background information.

If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, don’t just wing it!  Berlin is too big, too exciting, too diverse and too interesting to be explored and enjoyed without a plan.  Instead, invest in one, two or three of these Berlin guide books, which will help you maximize every minute of your time in Berlin.

I’ve noted exactly which Berlin travel guide books you should buy, borrow (from the library) and skip , so you can find the perfect book for your travel style.  Read on for the complete guide!

( Wondering about radler ? Radler is the German word for cyclist, or the English word for “delicious beverage”.  Okay, that’s a lie.  Radler does mean “cyclist”, but it is actually only one specific kind of delicious beverage – a fifty-fifty blend of beer and lemonade or lemon soda.  If you’ve ever had a shandy, it’s the same thing, but more German.  I’ve been told it goes by the “cyclist” moniker because it’s perfect for hydrating after a long bike ride.)

Lonely Planet Germany – The Best Berlin Guide Book for Trips Across Germany

The Lonely Planet Germany is a massive, countrywide guidebook clocking in at 848 pages.  The guidebook’s Berlin section spans seventy pages at the front of the book.  Coverage begins with two detailed maps of the city, and then segues into comprehensive listings of sights, hotels, dining options, nightlife, shopping and general tourist information.

One-, two-, and three-day itineraries are suggested, and there are two-page spreads dedicated especially to the Berlin Wall and Museum Island.  There is also an additional twenty-page guide to destinations around Berlin, like Potsdam, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Spreewald.

The Lonely Planet Germany would be my top choice of guidebook for anyone visiting Berlin and then going on to explore other parts of Germany, because it is the most thorough Germany travel guide book on the market.  However, it is also thick and heavy, so consider buying the Kindle edition rather than the cumbersome paper copy.

Buy, borrow or skip?  Buy it, but consider the electronic version.  I bought the Kindle edition, which I can read on my phone as I’m out and about in Berlin.

National Geographic Walking Berlin – The Best Berlin Guide Book toCarry Around the City

I didn’t expect much from this little Berlin travel guide book.  However, in the end, National Geographic Walking Berlin – The Best of the City turned out to be my favorite Berlin travel guide!

Unlike the hulking Lonely Planet, this guidebook is five inches wide, seven inches tall and less than two hundred pages.  It slips easily into a small purse or daypack without adding much weight.

I loved this book because it’s organized into thirteen different walking tours, each with an easy-to-follow, full-color map, lots of color photos, and interesting information about the things you can expect to see along the way.

This book completely aligns with my travel style, which is heavy on the wandering around and exploring at a leisurely pace, and light on the rushing from tourist attraction to tourist attraction.  With this book in my purse, I can quickly learn about the things I stumble upon and the lesser-known places nearby that I might otherwise miss.

Buy, borrow or skip?   I bought this book and brought it with me to Europe!

Insight Guides Explore Berlin – Best Berlin Travel Guide Book for People Who Are Too Cheap to Buy the eBook

At first, I had a hard time finding anything that differentiated this book from some of the other Berlin travel guide books.  However, as I was skimming through a second time, I noticed that the Insight Guides Explore Berlin guidebook has one very unique feature: a free eBook !

By downloading the Insight Guides app (available from the App Store and Google Play), scanning a QR code from inside the physical book and registering with Insight guides, you can access a free digital travel guide to Berlin.  The process of downloading the book was a little bit confusing, but once I’d figured it out I was pleased to discover that you literally get the entire book for free!  The electronic version is effectively organized (hyperlinks help you navigate between references to the same things) and contains all the same full-color photos.

Buy, borrow or skip?   Borrow, obviously!  Sign this book out of your local public library, scan the code inside and use the digital version for free!  (I clearly don’t have a future in book sales…)

Interlink Cultural Guides Berlin – The Best Berlin Travel Guide for Readers

I was not expecting this!  The Interlink Cultural Guides Berlin travel guide book reads more like a first-year college textbook than a typical travel guide.

This Berlin guide book contains almost 240 pages of dense text, supplemented with only a handful of photos (in fact, the first photo doesn’t appear until page 26).  The book is divided into chapters including Geography & Topography, Landmarks, Leisure & Pleasure and Spending Power.  Each chapter then includes several sub-chapters focusing on a very specific aspect of Berlin.  For example, the Geography & Topography chapter is further divided into Water: Rivers, Water: Canals, Water: Lakes, Green Spaces: Forest and Hills, and Green Spaces: Parks.

Similar to a textbook, this Berlin travel guide also features a short glossary of common German terms that you’ll read throughout the book (from alt to Westen) and a reference list of books and websites that can provide more information for inquisitive readers.

Buy, borrow or skip?  Voracious readers and academic travelers should definitely buy this one, while others should borrow it and just read the sub-chapters pique their interest.

Eyewitness Travel Berlin – The Best Berlin Guide Book for Visual Travelers

The motto at Eyewitness is “the guides that show you what others will only tell you”, and that’s especially true in the case of their Berlin travel guide book.

Eyewitness Travel Berlin was updated in spring 2023.  The new edition contains almost 300 pages of full-color photographs, annotated diagrams and easy-to-follow maps.  These stunning images are supplemented with text, but it’s clear that visuals are the focus in this book.

This is a fantastic book to rifle through in the days leading up to your trip.  It’s impossible not to be inspired by the images inside, from the double-page photograph of the illuminated Brandenburg Gate to the illustrated cross-section of the Marienkirche church.  However, the book is weighty and wouldn’t be great for carrying around Berlin during a day of sight-seeing.

Buy, borrow or skip?   Borrow this one from the library if you’re considering booking a trip to Berlin.  By page ten you’ll have whipped out your credit card and you’ll be comparing flights online!

The Rough Guide to Berlin – The Best Berlin Guide Book for Budget Travelers

I’ve always had a soft spot for Rough Guides.  Sometimes, they feel like the neglected younger sibling of the Lonely Planet series. However, when you actually crack one open, you realize that Rough Guides have stayed true to their budget travel roots (unlike some “other” travel guide book series…).

The Rough Guide Berlin is an excellent example of a guide book that really caters to budget travelers.  It has more than three hundred pages of affordable travel advice, including a full-color guide to seventeen “can’t miss” spots in Berlin, customized itineraries (including one focused on budget travel, and another on the city’s nightlife) and well-curated directories of affordable accommodation and restaurant options.

Although the full edition was last updated in 2016, a brand new pocket edition was released in March 2020.  Check it out if you want a smaller, more current publication from this great series!

In my opinion, the only downside of The Rough Guide to Berlin is the editors’ choice to put all of the maps at the back of the book.  This makes it harder to visualize which attractions are close together, or what would be the best walking route between different sights.

Buy, borrow or skip?  Budget travelers should buy this one. By following the tips for smart, inexpensive travel in Berlin, you could easily save the equivalent of the price of the book in your first few hours in Berlin.

Rick Steves Germany – The Best Germany Travel Guide Book for Your Grandmother

The latest version of this Germany guidebook was published in December, 2022.  Click here to order the latest edition.

Rick Steves is a pretty cool guy.  He’s dedicated his life to encouraging Americans to explore Europe in a way that embraces and shows respect for the local people and culture.  So, I always feel a bit sad that I can’t personally get behind his guidebooks.

First, the good stuff. The Rick Steves Germany guidebook is updated every year, so you never have to worry about outdated information.  As well, it’s even longer than the Lonely Planet Germany guidebook (it’s more than 1050 pages long!) but, thanks to its tissue-thin paper, is smaller and lighter than its counterpart.  The Berlin section in this book is about 130 pages long.

So, why don’t I love this Germany travel guide book?  Well, there are two huge reasons.

First, Rick Steves books have the worst maps of any guidebook I’ve ever seen.  Each map is hand-drawn in a simple style, and they often leave out smaller streets and lesser-known landmarks.  There have been several occasions where I’ve planned a walking trip based on a Rick Steves map, thinking my destination is only five or ten blocks away, and later discovered that the map didn’t include dozens of smaller streets along the way.  His maps are so confusing!

Second, I find that the travel tips in Rick Steves guidebooks cater more to older, less-able or less-experienced travelers. For an experienced traveler the tone can be a bit patronizing, and for a younger traveler, trendy or up-and-coming attractions are only ever mentioned in passing.

Buy, borrow or skip?  Borrow this Germany travel guide book from the library before your trip, or buy it as a gift for your grandparents if they’re heading to Germany.

Frommer’s Berlin Day by Day – The Best Berlin Travel Guide Book for Short City Breaks

Another pleasantly purse-sized Berlin travel guide book, Frommer’s Berlin Day by Day is a good option for travelers taking a short city break in Berlin.

The book opens with one-, two- and three-day itineraries, each with a full-color map, descriptions of the highlights you can expect to see, recommendations for where to eat and some color photographs.  Next, there are recommendations based on particular interests (including beer, art and East German history) and six easy-to-follow neighborhood walking tours.

The last half of the book is a typical travel directory of hotels, restaurants, nightlife, day trips and travel directories.  There’s also a quick list of useful German expressions at the back of the book.

Overall, Frommers Day by Day Berlin is a solid Berlin travel guide book.  However, I still prefer the National Geographic Walking Berlin, mainly because its maps have more details and it contains significantly more color photographs.

Buy, borrow or skip?   I’d recommend borrowing this Berlin guide book from your local public library.

Eyewitness Top 10 Berlin – The Best Berlin Travel Guide Book for Travelers with a Short Attention Span

TikTokers take note – The Eyewitness Top 10 Berlin is the Berlin guidebook of your dreams, and it was just updated in late 2023!

Unlike Eyewitness’ comprehensive Berlin city guide (discussed above), this unique book has fewer than 200 pages, divided into almost 100 “Best of Berlin” lists.  The book begins with one hundred fascinating facts, divided into the top ten things to know about each of Berlin’s top ten tourist attractions.  The next section is more topical, featuring two-page spreads like the Top 10 Historic Buildings in Berlin and the Top 10 Festivals and Fairs in Berlin. Finally, it closes with the Top 10 highlights in each of Berlin’s ten most interesting districts.

Buy, borrow or skip?   This is a great Berlin travel book to gift to the non-reader in your life who needs to be convinced to join you on a trip to Berlin.  It’s as breezy and skimmable as a gossip magazine, so buy it as a gift for them!  If you’re already sold on a trip to Berlin, borrow this from the library and flip through it on your coffee break at work.

Fodor’s Berlin – The Best Berlin Travel Guide Book for People Who Hate Trip Planning

Where some other Berlin travel guides have attempted to include everything under the sun (or should I say, everything under the Reichstag dome?), Fodor’s Berlin offers a much more curated look at Germany’s capital city.

This short Berlin travel book opens with a “Best of Berlin” section before transitioning into a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the city.  This content makes up the first third of the book, and the latter two thirds are a typical travel directory. Fodors’ correspondents often give their highest ratings to expensive service providers.  For example, one of their recommended restaurants has prices starting at € 115 for dinner (!) and the ultra-expensive Hotel Adlon is one of their top picks for accommodation in the city.

Buy, borrow or skip?   I think that most readers of my blog can skip this Berlin guide book.  It doesn’t offer anything unique compared to the other Berlin travel guide books I’ve recommended, and constantly reading about experiences that are out of your price range isn’t very much fun!

Heading to Berlin? Check out my list of the 25 Best Things to Do in Berlin (no Berlin guide book required!).

There are lots of cool hotels in Berlin, but there’s one in particular that strikes the perfect balance of design, affordability, comfort and luxury.  Read about my stay at Casa Camper Berlin .

Traveling on a tighter budget?  I know a central Berlin hotel with comfortable private rooms at hostel prices!  Read about my six-night stay at Hotel 38 Berlin . 

There is an alternative to expensive hop-on, hop-off bus tours of Berlin that still lets you see the city from the second floor of a double-decker bus.  Read about the secret €3 Berlin sightseeing bus tour .

Then, check out my guide to finding the best vegetarian food in Berlin (and the rest of Germany too!).

Browsing for Berlin guidebooks later?  Pin this post to your trip-planning board!

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The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

While most commonly associated with beers, bratwursts and tight leather pants, Germany is a country full of delightful finds that extend far beyond the stereotypes.

From dreamy castles and fairytale towns to awe-inspiring nature and sprawling cities, Deutschland has a little something for every kind of traveler… although I’ll admit the leather pants are also great.

I first visited Germany on a 6 week backpacking trip across Europe, and as I sipped my comically large beer under the toasty Berlin sun, I felt a strange sense of calm and belonging.

Spurred by this hunch, I moved to Munich. One study abroad, and 5 years later, I’m still here, with so much giddy enthusiasm for this country that I’ve become a thoroughly insufferable dinner guest.

But my social life’s loss is your gain, my friend… because today, I’ve decided to channel all my Deutschland fangirl tendencies into this concise Germany travel guide filled with all my top tips, itineraries, and recommendations.

Save this Germany travel guide for later!

I promise it’ll come in handy!

I hope you find it helpful, and of course, feel free to ask any more questions in the comments section or on Instagram here.

Traveling to Germany Basics

Currency: Euro

Language: German, although accents and dialects vary wildly! In larger cities and tourist hotspots, most Germans also speak excellent English.

Getting Around: Trains, buses and flights are plentiful and affordable in Germany – my best tip is to use Omio to compare options easily. Having a car is ideal for visiting smaller towns, more remote locations and numerous destinations in a short amount of time, but is otherwise not needed for big cities.

Germany Highlights (By the Season)

• Winter: Christmas markets, skiing & alpine sports, Karneval and Fasching season (Carnival), Starkbier (Strong beer) season
• Spring: Cherry blossoms in Bonn , Frühlingsfest (Springfest) in Munich
• Summer: Hiking, Beer Garden season, summer festivals/celebrations
• Fall: Oktoberfest and other Volksfests, the world’s biggest pumpkin festival in Ludwigsburg, the Wurstmarkt (world’s largest wine festival)

My Favourite Places in Germany

Let’s get my mega-biased opinion out of the way first – Munich is the city I now call home, and I couldn’t recommend it more… especially if you’re obsessed with beer like I am. This is the birthplace of Oktoberfest after all!

There are lots of fun things to do in Munich , like hopping around the city’s sprawling museum district (many only cost 1 euro on Sundays!), eating up the best Bavarian food that Munich has to offer or soaking in the wealth of historical sites scatered around the city.

It’s also an ideal base for many epic day trips. Going from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle (AKA the real life Sleeping Beauty castle) takes only 2.5 hours. Or, if you want to visit glorious Salzburg from Munich (AKA the birthplace of Mozart and setting of Sound of Music), that’s only 1 hour by train.

Why visit Munich when you travel Germany:

• Amazing beer & beer festivals
• The English Garden – one of the largest city parks in the world
• Beautiful palaces and museums
• Easy base for amazing day trips to the Alps

Berchtesgaden National Park

If it’s natural beauty you’re after, Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park (near the border to Austria) is a must-visit.

Everything here is breathtaking – from the shimmering turquoise lakes and snow-flecked mountains to the adorable Berchtesgaden town center.

And, if you’re up for it, this is the ideal place to enjoy a typically Bavarian wellness weekend.

Why visit Berchtesgaden National Park when you travel Germany:

• Stunning hikes and scenery
• The glorious boat ride on Königssee to see the equally stunning Obersee
• Historic sights like Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest

Hands down one of my favourite places to visit time and time again is Berlin.

This endlessly fascinating city is home to incredible museums, delicious food, and a unique culture that makes it distinct from the rest of the country, despite its status as capital!

Whether you’re a history nerd, an avid partyer, or a famished foodie, Berlin has plenty to offer.

Why visit Berlin when you travel Germany:

• Fascinating history
• World-class museums and attractions
• A thriving nightlife and food scene

Franconia is a glorious region in northern Bavaria that is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Franconia.

To me, it’s one of the most underrated regions in Germany for international visitors, with an abundance of fairytale half-timbered houses, amazing beer, and unique natural landscapes.

Here are some places in Franconia that are absolutely worth visiting:

• Franconian Switzerland
• Würzburg (still haven’t been yet!)

Perhaps the most idyllic entry of this list is Monschau, a sleepy but gorgeous village found near the border to Belgium.

I was lucky enough to come here for Christmas markets a few years ago, and I loved it so much, I skipped the train I’d pre-booked just so I could spend a few more hours there. 

Picturesque half-timbered houses clustered around a roaring central river… oh, and a castle on a hill. Because of course they have one.

Why visit Monschau when you travel Germany:

• Super friendly locals
• Picture-perfect scenes at every turn
• Christina might cry if you don’t

Hamburg is an amazing city I’ve had the chance to visit a few times now. It’s a lifestyle city that reminds me a lot of my hometown, Vancouver.

Home to a mix of classic and modern architecture (including the coolest opera house in the world!), as well as Germany’s #1 attraction – the adorable Miniatur Wonderland, Hamburg has a lot to offer tourists, but perhaps the best way to enjoy it is with a nice beer and sunset along the Elbe.

Why visit Hamburg when you travel Germany :

• Amazing architecture like the Elbphilharmonie
• Fresh and tasty seafood (and a booming foodie scene!)
• A fun, vibrant vibe

Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, and its beauty is all the more astounding when we consider that much of the city was destroyed completely in WWII.

After decades of reconstruction however, Dresden once again shines with its former glory, establishing itself as one of the most important cultural hotspots in Germany.

… and all only a stone’s throw from Saxon Switzerland, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country!

Why visit Dresden when you travel Germany :

• Stunning architecture and sights
• World-class museums and culture scene
• Its jawdropping Christmas market (the oldest one in the country!)

Stuttgart (and its Surrounding Area)

Stuttgart is the biggest city (and capital) of the German state Baden-Württemburg. 

It’s perhaps best known as the ‘cradle of the automobile industry’, which explains why it’s home to not just one, but two car-centric museums: one belonging to Mercedes-Benz, and one to Porsche.

Besides cars though, the area around Stuttgart offers up some of the cutest small towns you can find in Germany, all easily reachable by public transport, meaning you get the best of all worlds during a visit here.

Why visit Stuttgart and the surrounding area when you travel Germany:

• Fairytale towns like Esslingen, Ludwigsburg, and Tübingen
• Stuttgart’s Stadtbibliothek, one of the most unique and beautiful libraries in the world
• Lots of fun events like Stuttgart’s Christmas Market and the Cannstatter Volksfest 

Thuringia is a state often overlooked by international tourists, but if you’re looking for a truly charming German escape, its capital Erfurt makes an excellent choice.

This beautiful city is famed for its unique Krämerbrücke, which is a gorgeous medieval bridge lined with residential buildings.

But that’s not all – there’s also an impressive cathedral, an imposing fortress, and surprises waiting on every corner… quite literally, because Erfurt is the HQ of the German children’s channel KiKA, and there’s plenty of fun statues of famous characters scattered around town.

Why visit Erfurt when you travel Germany:

• Krämerbrücke, the longest inhabited bridge in Europe
• Quirky and fun children’s channel sculptures all over the city

Cologne, to me, is a city synonymous with fun and celebration. While at first glance, it might not rank among the “prettiest” places to visit in Germany (much of it was destroyed in the war), it still boasts several impressive landmarks and sights, like the epic Cologne Cathedral.

Where Cologne really shines though is during special events – the Christmas markets here are some of the best I’ve been to in my entire life, and the Karneval celebrations… well, those are truly epic!

Why visit Cologne when you travel Germany:

• Bucket list events like the Cologne Christmas Market and Kölner Karneval
• The iconic Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), one of the most famous churches in the world 
• Fun-loving locals who are among the friendliest I’ve ever encountered in Germany

Last but not least, we have Hannover, a city which (in my opinion) is one of the most underrated cities in Germany where tourism is concerned.

Locally, people often joke that Hannover is one of the most boring cities in Germany, but I don’t think that’s true at all. One quick look and you’ll find a stunning palace within the city, an architecturally impressive Town Hall (with a unique elevator offering epic views), and a cool laidback vibe that many compare to what Berlin was like decades ago.

Here are some awesome things to do in Hannover.

Why visit Hannover when you travel Germany:

• Its gorgeous New Town Hall
• The stunning Herrenhausen Palace and its gardens
• A fun, laidback city vibe

Bucket List Experiences in Germany

Germany is full of incredible bucket list experiences. Here are a few of my favourites:

Christmas Markets

German Christmas markets are the stuff of bucket list dreams.

If you adore Christmas, a German Xmas market trip needs to make it on your bucket list, because nobody captures Christmas coziness and joy quite like the Germans do.

The best part (besides the droolworthy assortment of German Christmas Market foods ) is that you’ll find Christmas markets in just about every city, town, and even the smallest of villages, each with their own unique take on traditions.

Trust me, you could never get bored of visiting these.

Here are some full guides to the Christmas markets I’ve visited in Germany:

• Munich’s Christmas Markets
• Berlin’s Christmas Markets
• Cologne’s Christmas Markets
• Esslingen Christmas Market
• Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
• Karlsruhe Christmas Market
• Düsseldorf Christmas Market
• Nuremberg Christmas Market
• Essen Christmas Market

Oktoberfest

Trust me – Oktoberfest , AKA the world’s largest beer festival, is reason enough to make a trip to Germany.

Typically celebrated annually in Munich, this is one of the most incredible events in the world, with millions of people attending, millions of beer served, and a guaranteed recipe for making memories to last a lifetime.

… If you can remember anything after 5L of beer that is.

Read my full Oktoberfest guide for more details.

Visiting Fairytale Castles

If you love castles, I recommend avoiding Germany……. because you might just combust from sheer fangirl joy.

Seriously, Germany is every castle lover’s kryptonite, with elegant palaces and fairytale castles in the thousands. If you’re a Disney gal like me who grew up dreaming of happily ever afters, pack a ballgown and head to Germany ASAP.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Here are some castles that you must visit in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Nuremberg Castle

The Cherry Blossoms in Bonn

The cherry blossoms in Bonn (also the birthplace of Beethoven and gummy bear legend, Haribo) are absolutely spectacular, and 100% worth visiting in Spring time. In fact, I’d even say they’re one of the best things to see in Europe at Spring time.

Yes, you, too, can come frolic in these tunnels of pink! Here is my guide on where to find cherry blossoms in Bonn.

Karneval, Fasching, Etc.

Carnival Season is one of the best times to visit Germany if you’re looking for a party.

The grandest celebrations take place just before Lent, and are celebrated throughout the country, although the festivites in North-Rhine Westphalia are probably the best known.

My top recommendation? Go celebrate in Cologne, where the Kölner Karneval draws millions of visitors every year.

My Recommended Germany Itineraries

Germany is a huge country with a massive diversity in sights… so how can you organize your time efficiently and make the most of your trip? Here are some German trip itinerary ideas…

Germany itinerary ideas for a taste of everything:

• Southern Germany Classic: Munich, the Allgäu (for Castles!), Garmisch Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden National Park, Stuttgart & Area, Black Forest
• Eastern Germany Classic: Berlin, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland
• Western Germany Classic: Aachen, Monschau, Eifel National Park
• Northern Germany Classic: Hamburg, Bremen , Lübeck, Kiel, Sylt
• The Rhine River Classic: Mainz, Koblenz, Burg Eltz, Cochem, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Harz Mountains Experience: Harz Mountains, Goslar, Wernigerode, Quedlinburg

Germany itinerary ideas for city breakers and culture hunters:

• The Big City Tour: Berlin and Munich (a 4 hour express train connects them)
• The BaWu Special: Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Tübingen, Esslingen, Heidelberg
• The Bavaria Special: Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Bayreuth
• The Saxony Special: Leipzig, Görlitz, Dresden
• The Rhine City Hop: Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Romantic Villages Hop: Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Füssen

Germany itinerary ideas for nature lovers:

• Southern Germany Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Black Forest and Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Bavaria’s Best Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich’s Lake Region, Franconian Switzerland, Danube Gorge
• Eastern Germany Nature Itinerary: Dresden and Saxon Switzerland National Park

My Top Germany Travel Tips

• If you’re overwhelmed by transport options, Omio is a great resource for comparing trains, buses and flights in Germany at the same time.
• If travelling by train, look into group discount tickets like the Bayern Ticket which give you unlimited train travel for one day on regional trains. It can save you a TON of money.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries nearby (i.e. Switzerland), a Eurail pass might save you money.

Accommodation:

• Booking.com is a great place to search up hotels, and filtering by Free Cancellation allows you to book without paying upfront
• Airbnb can be a very affordable alternative for longer stays/bigger groups

Attractions and Tickets:

• GetYourGuide is a great site for finding tours and attraction tickets
• City passes like the Munich City Pass , Berlin Pass , and the Cologne Card can save you a LOT of money if you plan to visit many tourist attractions in a short time
• If you’re trying to find specific info about a place, try using Google Translate to search in German because German versions of sites always have more info

If you’re past the planning stage and heading to Germany soon, make sure you read this before you go:

• Hilarious must-knows before you visit Germany

More Germany Travel Reads

Feeling inspired to visit Germany after reading all that?

As you can (probably) tell, I’ve written extensively about Germany.

So, here are some more articles that might pique your interest:

• Unique Things to do in Germany (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else)
• The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
• Hilarious Must-Knows Before You Visit Germany

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

4 thoughts on “The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need”

i found myself reading almost every post in your website for days and days and i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and adore and thank you for spending so much time and effort to make it so helpful, informative and fun to read. you have helped me plan my trip to munich in december and i cant wait to visit just because of your enthusiasm 🙂

We would like to Thank you for sharing such a beautiful blog! Very informative.

This Germany Travel Guide truly captures the multifaceted beauty of Deutschland, a country that has something to offer to everyone, from culture enthusiasts to nature lovers. Your personal anecdotes from living in Munich make it come alive, making me yearn for a taste of that amazing beer you’ve mentioned, and a wander around the English Garden! The varied seasonal highlights emphasize how Germany is a year-round destination, offering uniquely charming experiences, from the festive winter Christmas markets to the lively summer festivals. It’s heartening to know that navigating around the country is convenient, making it possible to explore its picturesque small towns and vibrant cities. This guide is a treasure trove for anyone planning to travel to Germany – it gives a well-rounded view of the country, infused with personal insights, which makes it even more valuable. I’m particularly intrigued to visit Munich, the city you so passionately call home.

As a Berliner, I can’t agree more with this guide. Germany truly is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, natural beauty and urban charm, hearty cuisine and diverse cultures. Moving around in Germany is indeed quite convenient thanks to the well-organized public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. And yes, English is widely spoken in major cities, so communication shouldn’t be a problem for travelers. As for the varied dialects across regions, it just adds to the unique charm of exploring this beautiful country. Safe travels, fellow adventurers!

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Germany: Portrait of a Fascinating Country Hardcover – March 20, 2017

• Superb color photographs in landscape format
• Informative text
• Perfect gift book
• Print length 376 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Monaco Books / Kunth Verlag
• Publication date March 20, 2017
• Dimensions 7.67 x 1.2 x 12.22 inches
• ISBN-10 3955044122
• ISBN-13 978-3955044121
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Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Monaco Books / Kunth Verlag; Translation edition (March 20, 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 376 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 3955044122
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-3955044121
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.12 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.67 x 1.2 x 12.22 inches
• #286 in German Travel Guides
• #1,129 in Travel Pictorial Reference Books
• #1,751 in Travel Photography (Books)

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