Germany
Discover Germany, both old and new.
To say that Germany has a historical legacy is an understatement—this is a European nation with more than 2,000 years of upheaval under its belt, from the Saxon Dynasty through the global wars of the 20th century. In the past few decades, Germany has reemerged as a progressive, industrious nation and cultural powerhouse, with one of the best-loved capital cities in the world.
When is the best time to visit?
Like most nations in Europe, Germany’s high season is in the summer. Beat the crowds in spring when the weather is pleasant and the cherry blossoms are at their prettiest (the blooms are best seen in the city of Bonn). Throughout Germany, spring is also the time to enjoy music, dance, and beer festivals—in Hamburg, there's even a celebration of the aforementioned cherry blossoms each May.
Late September and early October coincide with Germany’s world-famous Oktoberfest beer fest in Munich and throughout Bavaria. And if you visit during the snowy holiday months, you'll enjoy the quintessential Christmas markets of Hamburg, Dresden, Cologne, and Berlin.
Where should you go?
Start your trip in Berlin, and stay for a while—it's a city filled with culture and history. This is where you'll find great restaurants, incredible nightlife in the Kreuzberg district, sites of interest like the Reichstag building and Brandenburg Gate, and important memorials and museums related to the Holocaust. For museums and medieval history, visit the historic Old Town districts of Cologne, Munich, and Hamburg. Outside the capital, travelers can encounter WWII-era history in Nuremberg, the Eagle’s Nest (Hitler’s bunker complex in the Bavarian Alps), and at the concentration camp at the town of Dachau.
How many days do you need?
You can see the major sites of Berlin in a day or two, though you can spend much more time getting to know its many distinct neighborhoods and attractions. If you have at least a week, you can pair the capital with another major city: eat and drink your way through Munich, see the tony Elbe River port town of Hamburg, or visit the cathedrals and bridges of charming Cologne. Spend two weeks and add some time in the Rhine Valley, or road trip through the forests of Bavaria.
