Germany
Fairy-tale castles, the romantic Rhine, historic cities and Europe's most beloved Christmas markets

About Germany

Overview

Germany is a land of fairy-tale castles, storied rivers and warm-hearted traditions at the heart of Europe. Bavaria offers the dreamlike castle of Neuschwanstein and the alpine storybook towns of the Romantic Road, while the Rhine and Moselle wind past vineyard slopes and clifftop fortresses. Historic cities such as Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Dresden combine great art, music and architecture with lively squares and hospitable inns. In winter, Germany hosts some of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, filling medieval squares with light, spice and song.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through Germany, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    Neuschwanstein CastleThe fairy-tale hilltop castle of King Ludwig II in the Bavarian Alps, an inspiration for storybook palaces.
  • 2
    Brandenburg Gate, BerlinThe neoclassical triumphal gate that has become the symbol of Berlin and a reunited Germany.
  • 3
    Cologne CathedralA colossal Gothic cathedral by the Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage site and pilgrimage church.
  • 4
    Marienplatz & the Old Town, MunichThe heart of Munich, with its ornate town hall, glockenspiel and famous beer halls.
  • 5
    Rothenburg ob der TauberA perfectly preserved medieval walled town, a highlight of the Romantic Road.
  • 6
    Rhine Valley & LoreleiThe Upper Middle Rhine gorge of vineyards and castles, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
  • 7
    Dresden Old TownThe baroque city of the Frauenkirche and Zwinger, rebuilt in splendour on the Elbe.
  • 8
    Nuremberg Old TownA historic imperial city famed for its castle and its Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world's most famous Christmas markets.
  • 9
    Moselle Valley, CochemA winding river valley of steep vineyards and hilltop castles, celebrated for its Riesling wines.
Best time to travel

May to September, plus the Christmas market season

Germany is a rewarding destination in every season, with the warmest and brightest weather from May to September. Late spring and summer are ideal for the Rhine and Moselle valleys, Bavaria's castles and the historic cities. Early autumn brings the grape harvest to the wine regions and golden colour to the countryside. From late November to late December, medieval squares across Germany host some of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, a magical winter reason to visit.

May–JunMild, bright spring days, ideal for the Rhine, Bavaria and the historic cities
Jul–AugPeak summer, warm and lively, best for the castles, rivers and alpine scenery
Sep–OctGolden autumn with the wine harvest along the Rhine and Moselle
Nov–DecWorld-famous Christmas markets in medieval squares from late November to late December
Good to know

Germany at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelMay to September offers the warmest, brightest weather. For festive atmosphere, the Christmas markets run from late November to late December in cities such as Nuremberg, Dresden and Cologne.
CapitalBerlin
LanguageGerman; English is widely spoken in tourism and the main cities.
CurrencyEuro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, though Germany remains fond of cash, so carry some for small cafes, markets and tips.
Entry / visaGermany is in the Schengen area, so many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From late 2026, visa-exempt travelers will need an approved ETIAS travel authorisation before arrival.
Getting aroundFast and reliable trains connect Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Cologne in a few hours, while a car or private transfer is best for the Romantic Road, Bavaria's castles and the Rhine and Moselle.
What to book

Best tours in Germany

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Cultural

German Christmas Markets

A festive journey through the world-famous Christmas markets of Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne and Munich.

Classic & Cultural

Classic Germany

Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Dresden in one journey of great art, history and living tradition.

Cultural

Romantic Road & Bavaria's Castles

The storybook towns of the Romantic Road and the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein in the Bavarian Alps.

Wine & Gastronomy

Rhine & Moselle Wine and Castles

A journey along the vineyard-lined Rhine and Moselle valleys, with clifftop castles, river cruising and Riesling tastings.

See all Germany programs
Why Germany

The specials

Germany's world-famous Christmas markets

From late November to late December, medieval squares in Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne and Munich glow with wooden stalls, mulled wine and handcrafted gifts, hosting some of the oldest and most beloved Christmas markets in the world.

Neuschwanstein and Bavaria's castles

Rising from a wooded crag in the Bavarian Alps, King Ludwig II's fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein inspired storybook palaces the world over and anchors a region of alpine lakes and romantic towns.

The Rhine and Moselle valleys

The Upper Middle Rhine gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, and the winding Moselle are lined with terraced vineyards and clifftop castles, best savoured by river cruise with tastings of crisp Riesling wines.

Questions about Germany?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Read the FAQ Plan a Trip

Travel facts verified from Germany Travel, official Germany tourism website, GOV.UK, Germany entry requirements, UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Germany, European Union, official ETIAS website, Neuschwanstein Castle, official website. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.