The Complete Travel Guide to Germany
Germany, a nation steeped in history and innovation (and bratwursts and beer) - the home to the iconic Oktoberfest. Which is exactly why I ventured to Germany to cross drinking steins at the epic Oktoberfest off the bucket list. But I walked away wishing I had more time to explore what Germany has to offer. So I’ll give you the quick overview of what you need to know about Germany.
LANGUAGE
German is the official language, and the majority of the population speaks German. It is also one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. I’d learn a few German words and phrases before visiting.
CURRENCY
Germany uses the Euro (€). The Euro is the official currency of the Eurozone, which consists of 19 of the 27 European Union (EU) member states.
PLUGS
The plugs and sockets used in Germany are of the Type C and Type F.
WHEN TO GO
If you’re trying to go for Oktoberfest, you’ll want to go in September when it starts. But there really isn’t a bad time to visit Germany, it just depends on what temperature you want.
Summer: Peak tourist time when it’s warm with longer days and a lot of outdoor activities.
Fall: Best time to visit due to Oktoberfest starting mid-Sept through October. It’s also cooler temps and moderate crowds.
Winter: The temps will be colder but they are known for their famous Christmas markets.
Spring: The weather could be a little unpredictable but there will be less crowds.
WHERE TO STAY
This really depends on your interests and goal of visiting Germany. The bigger cities are Munich and Berlin - Munich being where Oktoberfest takes place. But there are other cities that are really beautiful to visit like: Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dresden.
TRANSPORTATION
Germany is known for its efficient and well-developed transportation infrastructure. The Autobahn, a network of highways, is famous for having stretches without speed limits. Public transportation is highly organized, and cities have extensive public transit systems that are amazing. It is not necessary to rent a car in Germany - the trains, trams, and buses are extremely punctual and efficient.
SAFETY
Germany is generally considered one of the safest countries in Europe with a well-developed infrastructure, effective law enforcement, and a respect for order.
CUISINE
German cuisine is diverse and varies by region. Some well-known dishes include sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels, schnitzel, and the famous German beer. Each region has its specialties, contributing to the overall rich culinary tradition. My favorite food were the many sausages, schnitzel, and kasespatzle (German mac and cheese).
WEATHER
The weather is pretty consistent with the seasons we experience in the U.S. Cooler with more precipitation in the spring and fall. Warmer temperatures in the summer and snowfall is common in the winter.
