Fairy-tale castles, forward-thinking cities and soul-stirring scenery await in Germany. Urban centres such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg enchant visitors with their mix of world-class museums, larger-than-life monuments and magnificent architecture. Outside the cities, you can escape to postcard-perfect villages and charm-soaked mountain towns.

Things to do

Germany is anchored by some of the most progressive cities in the world. In Berlin, you’ll find a treasure trove of bohemian cafes, vintage flea markets and contemporary galleries. The nightlife is famously hedonistic, with many clubs open until sunrise.

Venture beyond the cities and discover rugged mountains, sun-dappled forests and picturesque half-timbered villages. Head to the Bavarian Alps to explore high-altitude trails or enjoy a stroll through the vineyards of the Rhineland region.

In winter, Germany transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland. The country hosts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe featuring log cabins, twinkling lights and mountains of “pfeffernusse” gingerbread. Iconic resorts offer some of the best slopes and apres-ski scenes in Europe.

Whether you’re admiring colourful graffiti on the Berlin Wall, exploring the centuries-old Trier Imperial Baths or gazing up at magnificent Cologne Cathedral, Germany has centuries of history to discover. Sights like the Holocaust Memorial and Brandenburg Gate recall the country’s modern narrative.

The Germans are fiercely proud of their local cuisine, with local delicacies like pan-fried “bratwurst” sausages, “eintopf” beef stew and “kartoffelpuffer” potato pancakes enjoyed across the country. Wash down your meal with a full-flavoured German lager or a pint of top-fermented Weizenbier. Germany also bottles world-class wines, including aromatic Rieslings produced in the Rhineland region.

Getting around

Germany boasts one of the fastest and most efficient train networks in Europe, with connections to cities, towns and villages across the country. Most major cities are easy to get around on foot and well-serviced by public transport. Rental cars are a convenient way to explore Germany at your own pace, with excellent connections via the 13,000-kilometre-long Autobahn. Major airports are located in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Cologne.