GERMANY

Germany has four distinct seasons, and the best time to visit depends on your interests:

• April–June (Spring): Best for mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer tourists.
• July–August (Summer & Peak Season): Ideal for festivals, outdoor activities, and warm weather.
• September–November (Fall): Great for Oktoberfest, autumn foliage, and wine festivals.
• December–February (Winter): Best for Christmas markets, skiing in the Alps, and cozy cafés.

• Brandenburg Gate (Berlin) – A symbol of German unity and history.
• Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria) – The fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle.
• Berlin Wall & East Side Gallery – A historic site featuring murals and street art.
• Cologne Cathedral – A UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece.
• Romantic Road – A scenic route passing through charming medieval towns and castles.
• Oktoberfest (Munich) – The world-famous beer festival, held every September-October.
• Black Forest – A stunning region filled with hiking trails, cuckoo clocks, and spa towns.
• Heidelberg Castle – A beautifully preserved medieval castle overlooking the Neckar River.
• Miniatur Wunderland (Hamburg) – The largest model railway in the world.
• Dresden’s Old Town – A Baroque gem filled with historical landmarks.

• Bratwurst – Germany’s famous grilled sausages, best enjoyed with mustard.
• Pretzels (Brezn) – Soft, salty, and often paired with beer or cheese dip.
• Schnitzel – A breaded and fried meat dish, usually served with potato salad.
• Sauerkraut & Bratkartoffeln – Fermented cabbage and crispy fried potatoes.
• Currywurst – A popular Berlin street food featuring sausage in curry ketchup sauce.
• Kartoffelsalat (Potato Salad) – A staple side dish, served warm or cold.
• Eisbein (Pork Knuckle) – A hearty Bavarian dish, often slow-cooked and served with sauerkraut.
• Käsespätzle – Germany’s answer to mac and cheese, made with egg noodles and melted cheese.
• Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake) – A delicious chocolate cake layered with cherries and whipped cream.
• German Beer & Glühwein – Enjoy a cold pint of Pilsner or a warm cup of mulled wine in winter.

• Flights: Arrive at major airports like Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Berlin Brandenburg (BER).
• Trains: Germany has one of the best rail networks in Europe—Deutsche Bahn connects major cities quickly.
• Public Transport: U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (commuter trains) operate in major cities.
• Car Rentals & Autobahn: Perfect for road trips through Bavaria or the Romantic Road.
• Biking: Many cities, like Berlin and Munich, are extremely bike-friendly.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps: Available, but public transport is usually more efficient.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 90 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check Germany’s Schengen visa requirements based on nationality.
• EU Travelers: Can enter freely with a valid national ID or passport.

• Currency: Euro (€ EUR).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for smaller businesses and rural areas.
• ATMs are available throughout the country, offering good exchange rates.
• Currency exchange is available at airports, train stations, and exchange offices.

• German is the official language.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Learning basic German phrases like “Danke” (Thank you) or “Guten Tag” (Good day) is appreciated.

• Be punctual – Germans value timeliness in both social and business settings.
• Tipping is expected – Unlike in many European countries, service staff rely on tips.
• Recycling is serious business – Follow Germany’s strict waste sorting rules.
• Quiet hours are observed – Avoid making loud noise in residential areas after 10 PM.
• Handshakes are the standard greeting – A firm handshake is seen as polite and professional.
• Follow pedestrian and cycling rules – Jaywalking is frowned upon, and bike lanes should not be blocked.

• Restaurants: 5–10% tip is standard, but always hand it to the server rather than leaving it on the table.
• Bars & Cafés: Rounding up the bill is common.
• Hotels: €1–2 per bag for bellhops, €2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Tipping is not required, but rounding up is polite.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: €5–10 per person for excellent service.

• For peak season (June–September & December Christmas markets): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and flights.
• For off-season travel (January–May & October–November): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For Oktoberfest: Book at least a year in advance for accommodations.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Public transport in some cities requires validation—always validate your ticket before boarding.
• Germany has strict speed limits in many areas, even on the Autobahn.

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