Useful tips for those who are going to go to Germany.
1. Where to go in Germany?
If you decide to travel to Germany, it's better to decide in advance which region to visit. The country is divided into sixteen states, and each one is noteworthy in its own way. For example, it is worth heading to the capital and its surroundings if you plan to combine active nightlife and cultural activities. Berlin is a true treasure in this sense. Its nightclubs and discos will satisfy the demands of even the most discerning partygoers, and thanks to the abundance of museums and rich architectural heritage, the city has long earned a reputation as a cultural treasure trove. It is worth paying attention to both classical museums (Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, National Gallery, Historical Museum) and more modern and unusual ones (Berlin Gallery, Bauhaus, Stasi Museum). And don't miss the magnificent palaces of Potsdam!
Germany for Tourists
For lovers of beauty, it is worth visiting Saxony: the beautiful city of Dresden, Leipzig, where Wagner and Schumann worked, the stunning architecture, and rich culture of the region. It will take more than a day to appreciate all of this.
And of course, we can't forget about famous Bavaria! Beer and sausages, Oktoberfest, as well as charming medieval villages, museums, magnificent architecture, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
If you love active leisure and hiking, no problem! The Black Forest is the perfect place for conquering peaks. This mountain range is abundant in valleys, hills, and forests, while mountain waterfalls and forest lakes will leave you with unforgettable impressions of your journey.
2. Transportation in Germany
Germany is very convenient for those who plan to travel extensively within the country. The transportation network is well-developed, both for intercity and interregional travel. The fastest and most convenient way is by train. In Germany, there are several types of trains, which can initially be overwhelming for inexperienced travelers.
To be well-prepared, it's worth remembering a simple scheme: the train system is divided into City Night Line (CNL) for night high-speed trains that connect major cities in Germany and Europe, Intercity-Express (ICE) which is the same as CNL but operates during the day. There are also EuroCity (EC) and InterCity (IC) trains, which are regular high-speed trains. The latter operate only within Germany, while the former can cross the country's borders.
Traveling in Germany
There are also regional trains: Regional-Express (RE) that connect both large and small cities, Regionalbahn (RB) which are regular regional trains stopping at all towns and villages, and S-Bahn (S) which are suburban trains connecting major cities with their surrounding suburbs.
There are also some nuances regarding tickets. For example, it's important to remember that when traveling on high-speed trains, the conductor may ask you to present the credit card used for purchasing the ticket. It's also advisable to buy tickets as early as possible (sales begin three months before the train departure) to have a higher chance of getting them at the lowest price.
If you're buying a ticket for a regional train, keep in mind that it is valid only for second class travel on regional trains. If you're traveling in a group, German tickets are usually valid for a maximum of five people, and it's not possible to change the composition or size of the group after purchasing the tickets.
In Germany, there are also several passes that can significantly facilitate your travel. For example, you can purchase a "weekday ticket" (Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket), which provides unlimited travel on regional trains throughout Germany. Alternatively, you can use a weekend ticket (Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket) to travel on regional trains in Germany and on certain lines in neighboring Poland. Another convenient option is the "Länder-Ticket," which allows you to use all local and intercity transport (except high-speed trains) within one state.
You can find more information about these passes here and here.
Travel between major cities is mainly done by air (budget tickets can be purchased from companies like AirBerlin and Germanwings), while the most affordable traditional means of transportation for short distances is by bus.
The urban transport network consists of familiar buses, subways, and trams. In Germany, there is a unified fare system, so, for example, if you buy a ticket for the subway, you can use it later for a bus ride (if it is still valid, of course).
3. What to see, where to go, what to try in Germany
Germany is a country that can offer its guests a multitude of experiences. Where to start getting to know it? First and foremost, with its traditional cuisine and famous sausages. Each region has its unique varieties: white sausages with sweet mustard in Bavaria, currywurst (fried sausages in curry sauce) in Berlin, bratwurst (grilled sausages served with sauerkraut) in Nuremberg and Thuringia, as well as volkswagen (sausages made with veal and pork), and this is just the beginning.
Be sure to try the German pretzel, known as Bretzel. It is traditionally served with beer, often with butter. Germany is truly a paradise for bread lovers, as it is baked here in large quantities and in a wide variety of types: bread with nuts, carrots, dried fruits, seeds, whole wheat, and more. The main thing is not to get overwhelmed!
Don't miss out on the fish and meat dishes: Steckerlfisch (grilled fish skewers), Schweinebraten (roast pork with dumplings and sauce), and Eintopf (meat and vegetable stew cooked in a pot) must be on your list! For desserts, be sure to try the famous Black Forest cherry cake, Rote Grütze (a mix of red berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, served with cream and vanilla ice cream), apple strudel, and gingerbread Nuremberg pryaniki with nuts, chocolate, or dried fruits.
After satisfying your taste buds, it's time to explore the spiritual nourishment and embark on a "pilgrimage" to museums and cultural landmarks. And there is plenty to choose from! Whether you want to have an active rest, prefer solitude in nature, or cannot imagine relaxation without intellectual stimulation, Germany will satisfy your every desire.
Architecture enthusiasts will be captivated by the magnificent cathedrals and palaces (Cologne Cathedral, Neuschwanstein Castle, Heidelberg Castle, Frauenkirche in Dresden, Sanssouci Palace, and Hohenzollern Castle). Those who seek solitude away from the city noise will appreciate the beauty and charm of German villages (Quedlinburg, Lindau, Monschau, Schiltach, Celle, Göttingen, and more). The capital city is a cultural and educational hub with an abundance of museums to explore. If you're an adventure seeker, head to the Black Forest, Spreewald, or the Ruppertsklamm Gorge (in Rhineland-Palatinate) to conquer the wild nature with a backpack on your shoulders. You can also go skiing in Oberhof (Thuringia) or go kayaking on the Main River. You can even go surfing on the island of Norderney (Frisian Islands), Sylt, or in the Peene Strait (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern).
4. What You Need to Know about Germany
Germans are very particular when it comes to etiquette and good manners. Therefore, tourists should keep in mind some simple rules to avoid being perceived as rude or ignorant.
For example, it is customary in Germany to shake hands when meeting someone (even if your counterpart is a woman). When invited to someone's home, it is polite to bring a small gift, such as a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers. If the hosts have children, a small toy or sweets would be appropriate.
It is also not common to disturb anyone after 9:00 PM (regarding phone calls or visits) as it is considered impolite. However, on weekdays, you can confidently make phone calls as early as 7:00 AM, as the working day starts early in Germany.
Engaging in conversations about migrants (especially from Turkey) is not advisable, as it is a sensitive topic in the country.
When it comes to communicating with foreigners, there are usually no issues. Germans generally have a good command of English, but in rural areas or smaller towns, the chances of encountering English-speaking locals are limited. Therefore, it would be helpful to learn a few basic phrases to be able to communicate politely.
5. What Not to Do as a Tourist in Germany
Germans are sociable and responsive people, but despite this, there are a few prohibitions that tourists should not violate in order to avoid spoiling their vacation.
For example, it is not acceptable to make jokes about the Third Reich in Germany. The use of swastikas or Nazi greetings (even in jest) is punishable by law.
It is also advisable to refrain from making thoughtless jokes at customs or when interacting with local law enforcement authorities (such as mentioning that you are carrying weapons or drugs). Such statements will be taken literally, so it's best to avoid any problems.
Laws in Germany for Tourists
Any offensive actions or discussions towards law enforcement officers are strictly prohibited.
Always pay for public transportation. Even if there are no ticket inspectors in sight, it is better not to test your luck. The subsequent fine is certainly not worth saving a few euros.
Another serious prohibition is driving under the influence. In Germany, if you are under 21 years old and have a driver's license for less than two years, you are not allowed to drive even with the slightest hint of alcohol intoxication (while the permissible maximum is 0.5 per mille). The punishment for this offense includes a fine and inclusion in the so-called "blacklist" of the immigration authorities.
