Germany travel advice
Cultural tips
”Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions or even suggestions about what to do. Most Germans are pretty clued up, friendly, and will – more often than not – speak English. They’re generally polite and very well-behaved, and tradition is still something which plays a part in everyday life. They are also often quite proud of their village/town/country and will most likely know where the best points of interest are.”
Heather Godbert also from our supplier Headwater Holidays:
“Germans by reputation are thought to be quite cold but I have found the reverse to be true, with the locals keen for you to experience the best in German hospitality. That’s not to say that they aren’t direct: German is a very direct language. ‘Would you mind passing me the salt please’ in English would always be ‘Pass the salt’ when directly translated from the German! If you chat to them, you may even be surprised to find that many have quite an ironic sense of humour.”
Martin Holborow and Margaret Leach from our supplier Bavarian Forest Holidays:
“For cultural events, I recommend Dragon Fest in Furth in Wald, the mediaeval event in Regen which also has a town wide music festival. “
Our Germany Holidays
Bavaria holidays, self catering apartments
Luxury village apartments by Bavarian Forest National Park
Danube cycling holiday, Germany and Austria
Follow the winding route of the Danube
Germany and Austria walking holiday, self guided
Circular trek around Mount Hochkönig and Königssee
Germany and Austria self guided walking tours
Circumnavigate Germany's highest mountain!
Lake Constance cycling holiday in Austria and Germany
A unique jewel in the crown of central Europe
Passau to Vienna cycling holiday in Austria and Germany
One of the most popular cycle paths in Europe
Holland to Denmark cycling holiday
11 day cycling holiday from the Netherlands to Denmark.
Two tall ship sailing festivals, Delfzijl to Kiel
Delf Sail festival and Kiel’s Week 2021
Danube cycling holiday, self guided
Discove the compelling history of the Danube
Scandinavia small group tour
Soak up a little Scandinavian minimalism
Berlin to Venice small group holiday
Adventure-filled Central Europe tour from Germany to Italy.
Germany walking holiday
Walk the Rhine Trail and discover Germany on foot
The Baltic experience tour
Experience the diverse delights of the Baltic states
London to Isanbul via Kathmandu overland tour
Exploratory overland Asia tour
Eastern europe by train, the Iron Curtain tour
Whizz around Europe's lesser-visited cities by rail!
Prague to Meissen cycling holiday
Cycle along attractive riverside paths
Eastern Europe tour by rail
Cities, scenery & coasts: Travel from Berlin to the Balkans!
European rail tour, 29 days
Tour Europe's best cities on this 29-day adventure!
Walking holiday in the German Alps
Enjoy sparkling winter walking in the German Alps
Cycling holiday in the Netherlands, Germany & Austria
European cycling at its best
Eifel hiking and culinary tour in Germany
Combine hiking and delicious regional dishes in the Eifel
London to St Petersburg sailing tour
Classic sailing from London to St Petersburg via Gdansk
Christmas markets holiday, Central Europe
Indulge the senses by exploring the best of the festive market scene
Berlin to Oslo small group holiday
Discover stylish Scandinavia and bohemian Germany
Central Europe rail tour, 15 days
An exciting trip around the continent's fairytale cities
Food tips
“If you find yourself in a beerhalle (the traditional German beer hall to be found at most breweries) or festival, go for the schweinshaxe. It’s a piece of slow roasted pork that would make any Teutonic knight proud; vegetarians need not apply!”
“Try a recommended local restaurant early in your stay as you may not then wish to cook for the rest of the trip.”
Weather tips
“Be wary of biking in the snow. And also for spectacular thunderstorms some evenings in the mountains – stay indoors but watch the light shows.”
Itinerary tips
“As a hiking enthusiast, Bavaria ticks all the boxes for me – it’s home to masses of hiking trails to suit all abilities – and they are all waymarked so it’s impossible to get lost.”
Adam Jarvis also from Headwater Holidays:
“Favourite activities of my own would have to be either walking or cycling. In the North, along the coast (as well as on some of the larger southern lakes like the Bodensee, Starnberger See or Chiemsee), kayaking and other water sports are great activities to engage in, and in the Central and South you’ll find a number of natural hot-springs to relax in. If the town has Bad in the title that’s normally a hint, for example: Bad Dürrheim, Bad Bevensen and Bad Elster. Just be aware that most saunas operate a “no clothes, no problem” policy and there are certain things you can’t un-see!”
Our top Germany Holiday
Bavaria holidays, self catering apartments
Luxury village apartments by Bavarian Forest National Park
Health & safety
HEALTH
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Responsible Travel would like to thank the German National Tourist Board for their sponsorship of this guide.