Germany Travel Guide
 |
Germany is a long time provider of innovation to the world and an experience like no other to those who spend time within its borders. In very few other places across the world can you encounter looming castles that date back to the Middle Ages in such proximity to progressive cuisine and the rich diversity of their cultural kaleidoscope. Then again, you might find the most memorable part of your Germany vacation to be its vast natural beauty. From the coasts of the north, splendid forests and intimate river valleys of the central regions, to the near out of this world (atmospherically-speaking) majesty of the Alps in the south, you could very easily become consumed simply watching the various landscapes unfold.
As far as accessibility goes, there isn’t really a bad time to go on a Germany vacation; it ultimately comes down to what you’re hoping to do/see, and which part of the country you’ll be visiting. The majority of tourists arrive from May through September, leading to slower road travel, larger crowds, and accommodations that come at a premium. This is with good reason of course, as German summers are incredible – between ideal weather, festivals in full swing, outdoor activities at their peak, and let’s not forget about those beer gardens, it’s easy to see why it’s the most popular time to visit. That being said, there is still a great deal of fun to be had in those wonderful “shoulder seasons” (March to May and October to early November). The weather is still pleasant, the burgeoning displays and waning artifacts of summer remain very much available for the educated traveler, and maybe most importantly, discount airfare to Germany is up for grabs.
As you might expect from a country of its size, Germany provides the full run of standard options for accommodation, including hotels, B&B’s, and hostels. Almost all international hotel chains have franchises in the major German cities, with a large variety of local hotels represented as well. Ibis Hotels are a convenient and inexpensive choice, and are usually adjacent to major railway stations. If you’re travelling by car, Etap Hotels are generally on the outskirts of cities and near the autobahns. Bed and Breakfasts typically offer less of the comforts and privacy of hotels for cheaper prices, however, here you’ll find it easier to connect with Germans and get a taste of the way locals live. Hostels are your best choice for budget accommodations. Primarily in shared rooms, they are the perfect place to get to know your fellow travelers.
The German tourism authority isn’t joking when they refer to their country as “a land of a thousand possibilities.” The sheer amount of influence Germany has contributed to world history is overwhelming. This is the birthplace of Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, The Brothers Grimm and Beethoven. Medieval villages enchant the spirit and friendly festivals help forge connections with regional traditions. Culturally rich cities are at every turn throughout the country, with fascinating architecture on display, world-class shopping, and a vibrant nightlife. The picturesque countryside is perfect for both intense play and relaxation, dotted with castles and abbeys which speak to the very the heart of German romanticism. Regardless of whether you’re after an adrenaline-addled tear down the autobahn, or a laid-back ride on its next generation super trains, the key to a successful Germany vacation is an open mind and a sense of exploration.
German ingenuity and efficiency have had an obvious influence over the country’s numerous transportation options, making travel through the country extremely easy. However, you’ll have to shell out top dollar to cover the cost of top speed. By far, the most popular options are to rent a car or take the train. For travel by car, you’ll want to take advantage of the country’s world-famous network of excellent roads and Autobahn motorways. On these motorways, German drivers drive faster and more aggressively than most are probably used to, especially on the parts of the motorway without a speed limit, which is taken quite literally. Make sure you always look far behind your shoulder when changing lanes. Travel by train is accomplished via the excellent, reliable and affordable railway system, Deutsche Bahn, which reaches almost every part of the country. For most the train will be the major mode of transportation. Crossing Germany from north to south will take 6 hours on these trains, while navigating the sometimes circuitous motorway system by car would take a little over 8 hours, and that’s with factoring in break-neck Autobahn speeds!