11 Incredible Reasons To Visit Germany

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In a country of stunning scenery, fairytale towns and where carbs are celebrated, there are so many incredible reasons to visit Germany.

This huge central European country has a lot to offer whether you’re looking for a long weekend city break, or taking an epic road trip through the Bavarian countryside.

But what makes Germany such a great destination for your next vacation? And where should you spend your time while you’re there? Keep reading to hear some of my top recommendations as well my favorite things about visiting Germany.

Where is Germany?

Germany is one of the biggest central European countries. Situated to the east of France it borders nine different nations making it a wonderful hub for exploring other parts of Europe.

Frankfurt, Germany has the number one airport in Europe for connections. Perfectly located, it’s a busy place. That means there are also a lot of direct flights here – what better reason to stop off and visit?!

Where should I visit in Germany?

Given the vast size of Germany, it’s no wonder there are so many great places to visit. The idyllic countryside of Bavaria is always a popular destination – as well as Bavaria’s largest city, Munich. Berlin and Nuremberg are historical hot spots well worth a visit, especially if you’re a history nut like me.

My first visit to Germany was when I was 14 on a school trip. We sailed into Hamburg and then spent 2 weeks in the northern city of Flensburg, staying with a family. Since that was also my very first time abroad, Germany holds a special place in my heart for travel – you might say it ignited my passion for travel.

Cologne is a great choice for anyone who loves a good Christmas market – or a spectacular cathedral. And I hear great things about Dresden and Leipzig, although I’m yet to visit myself. Trier is one of my favorite small cities in Germany, filled with Roman history.

Each year my aunt and uncle tour around Germany in their RV, which I think might be one of the best ways to see more of the country. Including some of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations. If you’re sticking to major cities, train is probably your best (and cheapest) way to get around.

My top reasons to visit Germany

I’ve done short day trips from neighboring countries, weekend breaks and longer vacations travelling around. There’s no right way to visit Germany, but you should at least make your way there once. While I have trouble narrowing down my reasons to visit Germany, there are a few that stick out a bit more than others.

THE SMALL TOWNS

Sure, cities are great – but the small towns are where it’s really at. Cute little mountain towns, traditional towns with quaint half-timbered houses, and historic towns on the banks of a winding river. Sounds idyllic doesn’t it?

Without a doubt, I believe the small towns in Bavaria are the prettiest and most picturesque. Cobble-stoned streets lined with mural adorned buildings leading up to a small stone church in the center of a village where bakery smells waft through the air almost subliminally calling you to the source. Absolute perfection.

THE BEER

Germans love their beer. And why wouldn’t they? It’s delicious. Frothy pints of lagers, pilsners and cloudy witbier (my favorite), served in solid glasses so heavy that you get a workout while drinking. Bliss!

From the country that brought you the world-renowned Oktoberfest, I dare you to visit Munich without investing in at least one gargantuan stein of beer no matter the time of year.

A cold frosty pint on a hot day, watching the world go by from a patio? Germany doesn’t get much better than this.

THE ENCHANTING CASTLES

The fairytale feeling doesn’t end in Germany’s small towns. After all, the enchanting Disney-worthy castles can often be found in more remote locations. If they aren’t one of the top reasons to visit Germany this year, I don’t know what is.

Germany has north of 20,000 castles all over the country. That’s a lot of castle to choose from to visit. Hohenzollern, Wartburg and Mespelbrunn castles should all probably go on your list.

But a visit to Germany wouldn’t be complete without seeing the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. It did, after all, inspire Disney’s fairytale castle.

THE HISTORY

Germany’s history doesn’t start and stop with the world wars. Of course if you’re a history buff like me you might not be able to resist a visit to Nuremberg where you can visit the museum and notorious rally ground, or visit the museum of the infamous trials. Why not all of the above with a Private Guided WWII Tour?

But there’s more to Germany than just the history of the Third Reich. Take a trip to Berlin and stand in front of the historic Berlin Wall. Or tour the Würzburg Residence, a magnificent palace that I thoroughly enjoyed seeing.

There are also numerous cathedrals and other historic sites around the country all worthy of your time and attention.

THE CARB-HEAVY DELICIOUS FOOD

Fatty sausages, fried breaded schnitzel, salty doughy pretzels and ooey gooey cheese on practically everything. If Germany isn’t Europe’s best for calorific cuisine I don’t know where is. And that’s before you even think about dessert. But the food is one of my favorite reasons to visit Germany.

Germany’s traditional dishes are comfort food at its finest. You might need a walk after a big meal, but you definitely won’t go hungry. As a vegetarian I also found there were a number of just-as-yummy options.

Spätzle is one of my favorite things. A cross between pasta noodles and dumpling, it’s typically slathered in strong cheese and baked to perfection topped with crispy onions. Yum!!

THE SCENERY

From green fields to lush forests to soaring snow-topped mountains. Germany is breathtaking in a way that I struggle to describe. The cities are spectacularly beautiful too, but getting out of the city and visiting the German countryside is simply a must.

While there are a lot of convenient ways to get around Germany – train being one of the best – it’s almost impossible to not recommend renting a car at some point.

First, you’ll have easier access to the small towns, less connected to the larger cities. But also, because driving along the scenic roads is enjoyable in itself.

In my opinion, the areas around the Alps and the Austrian/Swiss borders, are the most remarkable. Huge mountains coming at you from every direction as you wind down narrow roads into almost hidden villages – magnificent.

THE CULTURE

As a lover of classical music, it’s difficult to not appreciate the talent of German composers – Bach, Beethoven and Brahms to name a few. If you have the opportunity to attend an orchestral concert it would be a well spent fancy evening out.

But just as, if not more, fun is being able to listen to some German folk music while dining on some traditional German food. You’re never far away from a lively accordion ensemble, likely played by lederhosen-wearing musicians.

Of course many of Germany’s larger cities have some incredible art museums to visit. Frankfurt’s Städel Museum, or Ludwig Museum in Cologne. But what about the iconic murals along the Berlin Wall? Or my personal favorite: the artwork adorning the houses and buildings of Bavaria. Often depicting everything from rural life to religious scenes they are so beautiful.

THE EVENING SOCIALIZATION

Nearly every place I’ve been in Germany seems to have some sort of meeting place, outside on a lovely summer evening. Whether it be a spot by the river, in the town square, or spilling out of a bar onto the pavement, you can find locals and tourists alike gathering to share a glass of wine or a beer.

The evening socialization away from restaurants and pubs is something that is inherently European, however I’ve seen it most in Germany. It’s not belligerent drunks getting rowdy, but rather responsible grown ups enjoying some quality time with friends and an adult beverage.

THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS

European Christmas Market season is my favorite time of year. Each year I try to visit at least two or three different cities for the markets. I love Christmas, and whether I’m enjoying a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) or buying festive ornaments, markets are where I’m the happiest. Germany, however, has some of the best.

One of the top reasons to visit Germany in the winter is to attend one of its famous Christmas markets. Nuremburg, Cologne, Munich and Trier are all fantastic cities to visit – but they’re even better around the holidays.

Eat all the festive food, experience all the Christmas music and enjoy wandering the busy markets, stalls decorated in bright twinkling lights, with a warm drink.

THE FUN LANGUAGE

German has to be one of the most intimidating languages to learn, but man are the words fun to say. If, of course, you can pronounce some of the longest words in existence.

I took German classes at School, and before my last big trip to Germany I spent about 3 months on Duolingo. But nothing prepared me for reading the first signs in the airport, or having to decipher a menu.

Still, it’s always fun to try a new language, right? And I like to think locals appreciate tourists more when they do.

Just as fun to say are the names of some of the German towns we visited. Oberammergau or Garmisch-Partenkirchen, anyone?

THE FOOTBALL

I’m talking Soccer here, the original football. Germans are mad about the glorious game – much to the dismay of this England fan. National games, well-known or small town teams: it doesn’t matter. It’s all celebrated here with lots of cheering and lots of beer.

One of my favorite experiences while on my last trip to Germany was spending the evening in a pub cheering on the local team. If you have a chance, go to a live match. The atmosphere will be electrifying.

August to May is typically the European football season, and most games fall on weekends – so plan your trip accordingly if you want to attend a match.

BONUS: THE DESSERTS

Delectable chocolate cakes, crunchy-crumbly pastries, and of course some warm Apfelstrudel. Germany’s bakeries are on par with those in France in my opinion. Although, I like that typically the desserts are a little simpler and less extravagant than French or Austrian ones.

Using local, simple ingredients, and often revolving around fruit (which I prefer in a pastry much more than chocolate), I can’t get enough when I visit Germany.

Give me everything apple-related in a dessert and I’m so happy. But rhubarb season is not to be messed with. Always leave room for dessert in Germany!

Tips for traveling around Germany

So my top reasons to visit Germany have convinced you to plan a trip? Excellent. But before you leave, I’ll share a few tips for traveling around Germany that I’ve discovered. I’m sure there are more that others would tell you but these are some of the main ones I found:

• Bring cash – Cards are great and all, but I found a number of places didn’t take them and instead preferred cash. This is also often true at Christmas markets. Smaller locally-run shops and restaurants might be looking to skirt the transaction fees cards often charge small business owners. I don’t blame them.
• Speeding is encouraged – OK, not quite. But when you’re on the autobahn (the major highways), there is often no speed limit. No matter how fast you think you might be able to go, someone will always pass you. Pay attention, get in the slow lane if you don’t feel comfortable, and observe speed limits if posted.
• Tips not required – Much like most of Europe, tipping is not really a thing. Or at least nowhere what it’s like in North America. Sure, you enjoy a nice meal, you can leave a small tip. But it’s not expected, and a couple of Euros is usually sufficient.
• Opening hours are more limited – There’s no round the clock conveniences typically in Germany. Shops have set hours that don’t start too early and don’t go too late. There are of course exceptions, like bakeries open early. But you’ll often find places closed on a Sunday, or with limited hours, especially in small towns.
• Don’t ask for tap water – At restaurants if you want water, you will typically have to buy a bottle. Not a lot of places are as ready to supply free water like they are in North America. Much of the water you will get is also sparkling. I can’t stand sparkling water, so if there’s ever a reason to brush up on some German words…
• Keep your passport handy – You’ll likely need it if you’re crossing a border, even with Europe’s easy cross-border travel. We also found we were asked for it when renting a car – a license was not enough. This led to a very lengthy process to get the car since we accidentally left our passports at the hotel.

So many reasons to visit Germany

Germany is a wonderful country to visit. There are so many places you should make time to see on your adventure, and definitely take the time to leave the cities.

If you love history, and historical buildings, and if you have a soft spot for good food and an adorable small town, Germany is the place for you.

Another one of my favorite reasons to visit Germany is that if you’re anywhere near the border, it’s so easy to visit other countries. Germany borders 9 countries, from Denmark in the north to Austria and Switzerland in the south.

Germany is also so incredibly easy to get around. The trains are fast, and plentiful, easily connecting you to major cities and smaller ones alike. We found it very easy to rent a car and to drive in Germany – once you know about the lack of speed limits.

From the modern, financial hub of Frankfurt, to the picturesque port-city of Hamburg. The small towns of rural Bavaria to the historical once-divided city of Berlin. There are so many fantastic places to visit in Germany.

Christmas markets, beer halls, outdoor parks and world-class museums. Germany is full of activities you won’t want to miss in places you will want to visit again and again.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What are your top reasons to visit Germany? Are you more about the beer, the small towns or the art?