Germany, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, has long been a popular destination for tourists around the world. With its charming cities, fairytale castles, and vibrant festivals, it offers a diverse range of experiences. But the question on many travelers’ minds is: is Germany open to tourists? The answer is a resounding yes! As of now, Germany has fully reopened its borders to international tourists, making it an ideal time to plan your visit.
Current Travel Situation
Reopening of Borders
Schengen Visa: For tourists from countries that require a visa to enter the Schengen Area (of which Germany is a part), the standard Schengen visa rules apply. The Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within the 27 – country Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180 – day period. To apply for a Schengen visa, you need to submit the following documents:
A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen area.
A completed and signed visa application form.
Two recent passport – sized photos.
Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Germany.
A detailed travel itinerary showing your planned routes and activities in Germany and other Schengen countries if applicable.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements.
Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and trip cancellation with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
Visa – Free Travel: There are also many countries whose citizens can enter Germany without a visa for short – term stays. For example, citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries can enter Germany for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180 – day period. However, it’s always important to check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip.
What to See and Do in Germany
Iconic Cities
Berlin: The capital city of Germany, Berlin, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic symbol of Germany and a reminder of the country’s past division and subsequent reunification. The Berlin Wall Memorial offers a poignant look at the Cold War era. Don’t miss the Reichstag building, which houses the German parliament and offers stunning views of the city from its glass dome. Museum Island in Berlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to several world – class museums, including the Pergamon Museum, which features ancient artifacts from Greece, Rome, and the Middle East.
Munich: Famous for its Oktoberfest, Munich is also a city full of culture and charm. The Marienplatz, the city’s main square, is always bustling with activity. Here, you can see the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and its famous Glockenspiel, which puts on a show several times a day. The Englischer Garten, one of the world’s largest urban parks, is a great place to relax, have a picnic, or even surf on the Eisbach River. Munich is also known for its beautiful architecture, such as the Frauenkirche, a Gothic – style cathedral.
Hamburg: As Germany’s second – largest city, Hamburg is a major port and a vibrant cultural hub. Explore the Speicherstadt, a historic warehouse district with canals and red – brick buildings, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Elbphilharmonie, a spectacular concert hall overlooking the Elbe River, offers not only world – class music performances but also amazing views of the city. Take a stroll along the Alster Lakes, which are located in the heart of the city, and enjoy the surrounding parks and cafes.
Historical and Cultural Sites
Neuschwanstein Castle: This fairytale – like castle in Bavaria is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. Built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, Neuschwanstein Castle is surrounded by beautiful scenery and has inspired many Disney castles. You can take a guided tour of the castle to learn about its history and admire its opulent interiors.
Cologne Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Cologne Cathedral is one of the largest and most visited cathedrals in the world. It took over 600 years to complete and features stunning stained – glass windows and intricate carvings. Climbing to the top of the cathedral’s towers rewards you with panoramic views of Cologne and the Rhine River.
Nuremberg: Nuremberg has a long and rich history. The Nuremberg Castle, located on a hilltop in the city center, offers great views of the city. The Old Town of Nuremberg is filled with half – timbered houses, narrow streets, and historical buildings. It’s also known for its Christmas markets, which are some of the most famous in Germany.
Natural Wonders
The Black Forest: Located in southwestern Germany, the Black Forest is a beautiful region known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and charming villages. It’s a great place for hiking, cycling, and enjoying nature. You can also try some of the local specialties, such as Black Forest cake and ham.
The Rhine River: The Rhine River is one of Europe’s most important waterways and a popular tourist destination in Germany. Take a river cruise along the Rhine to see the beautiful castles, vineyards, and charming towns that line its banks. The Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its dramatic landscapes and historical significance.
Bavarian Alps: For those who love mountains, the Bavarian Alps offer breathtaking scenery. You can go skiing in the winter or hiking, mountain biking, and climbing in the summer. The Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Practical Tips for Traveling in Germany
Transportation
Air Travel: Germany has several international airports, with Frankfurt Airport being one of the busiest in Europe. Other major airports include Munich Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, and Düsseldorf Airport. From these airports, you can easily reach different parts of Germany by domestic flights, trains, or buses.
Train Travel: Germany has an extensive and efficient train network. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates trains all over the country, offering different types of trains, including high – speed ICE trains for long – distance travel and regional trains for shorter trips. Train travel is a convenient and comfortable way to get around Germany, and you can often find good deals on tickets if you book in advance.
Bus Travel: Buses are also a popular and affordable way to travel in Germany. There are many long – distance bus companies, such as FlixBus, that offer connections between major cities. Buses are often cheaper than trains, but the journey may take a bit longer.
Rental Cars: If you prefer to have more flexibility and want to explore off – the – beaten – path areas, renting a car is an option. However, be aware of the traffic rules and parking regulations in Germany. Fuel prices can also be relatively high.
Accommodation
Hotels: Germany has a wide range of hotels to suit every budget. In major cities, you can find luxury hotels as well as budget – friendly options. Many hotels offer amenities such as breakfast, Wi – Fi, and fitness centers. Popular hotel chains in Germany include Hilton, Marriott, and Ibis.
Hostels: Hostels are a great option for budget travelers, especially backpackers. They offer dormitory – style rooms as well as private rooms at affordable prices. Hostels often have communal areas where you can meet other travelers and exchange travel experiences.
Holiday Apartments: Renting a holiday apartment can be a good choice if you’re traveling with a family or a group of friends. There are many websites where you can find and book holiday apartments in Germany. This option gives you more space and the ability to cook your own meals, which can save money.
Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts: Guesthouses and bed & breakfasts (B&Bs) offer a more personalized and homely accommodation experience. They are often run by local families and can provide a great opportunity to interact with the locals and get insider tips on the best places to visit.
Food and Drink
German Cuisine: German food is hearty and delicious. Some of the must – try dishes include bratwurst (a type of sausage), sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), schnitzel (breaded and fried meat), and spätzle (a type of egg noodle). Don’t forget to try the local cheeses, such as Münster and Emmental.
Beer: Germany is famous for its beer, and there are many different types to choose from. Each region has its own breweries and specialties. In Bavaria, you can enjoy a traditional Maß (a large beer mug) of beer in a beer garden. Some of the well – known German beer brands include Beck’s, Löwenbräu, and Paulaner.
Wine: Germany also produces excellent wines, especially Rieslings. The Mosel, Rhine, and Württemberg regions are known for their vineyards. You can take a wine tour and sample some of the local wines in the many wine taverns and cellars.
