From the fairy-tale castles of Bavaria and the medieval lanes of Rothenburg to the cutting-edge art scene of Berlin and the vineyard-lined banks of the Rhine — Germany is one of Europe's richest, most diverse travel destinations. This complete guide gives you everything you need to explore it with confidence, practicality, and genuine depth.
Covering every dimension of German travel — from Schengen entry rules and the country's famously cash-oriented culture to regional attractions, dining, and a month-by-month travel calendar — this is the one guide you need for any German trip.
Inside, you'll find:
Schengen visa-free rules for 60+ nationalities, visa application guidance, and customs allowances
Travel insurance recommendations including winter sports coverage for the Alps, plus EHIC/GHIC guidance for EU and UK citizens
Euro management, ATM strategies, and a frank warning about Germany's surprising love of cash — where many restaurants and shops remain card-free
Complete transportation guide: Deutsche Bahn rail network, ICE high-speed trains, regional transport, and driving on the Autobahn
Health, safety, and emergency services across the country
German laws, cultural norms, and the social etiquette visitors frequently get wrong
Comprehensive regional attractions guide: Berlin, Munich, Bavaria, the Rhine Valley, Hamburg, Dresden, the Black Forest, Cologne, and beyond
Restaurant and dining guide: from Bavarian beer halls and Christmas market bratwurst to modern German cuisine and regional specialties
Accommodation guide across all budgets — from youth hostels to historic castle hotels
Shopping guide: Christmas markets, Meissen porcelain, German engineering goods, and the best regional products
Detailed budget breakdown for every travel style
Month-by-month travel calendar covering Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, ski season, and summer festivals
The most comprehensive English-language guide to Germany — for every kind of traveler, every corner of the country.