How to Plan a Trip to Germany: Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: August 24, 2021

Germany is open to American travelers. Travelers aged six years and older who are fully vaccinated or fully recovered and have tested negative prior to departure can enter the country. Unvaccinated travelers must arrive with a Covid-19 PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival or a rapid antigen no more than 48 hours ahead.

Entry requirements are subject to change and your Zicasso travel specialist can provide updated information at the time of your inquiry.

Related: Countries Open to American Travelers

Alongside our Germany travel specialists, we have organized suggestions for the must-see places to visit and a list of things to do in Germany. A custom Zicasso tour designs your trip around your goals, desires, and needs, but the following list is a brief guideline for highlights to consider when planning your trip.

Berlin | Rhine Valley | Munich | Bavarian Countryside | Black Forest | Baden-Baden | Dresden | Rothenburg

• Berlin features layers of contemporary international history and a specialist guide can reveal the Cold War through an East German lens.
• Berlin has a remarkable culinary scene that reflects the contemporary cosmopolitan culture, as well as celebrated works of modern gastronomy.
• The East Side Gallery embodies Berlin’s celebrated contemporary art scene, with more than 100 murals decorating a mile-long section of the Berlin Wall.
• The EIGEN + ART museum has cutting-edge works that span mediums from painting to thought-provoking installations of film and photography.
• The seven-themed interactive galleries examine the development of the cars, motorcycles, and racecars inside a futuristic design.
• The traditions of Bavarian cuisine come to life during a private pretzel-making lesson in a working bakery.
• Munich is best-known for the Hofbraurhaus, but a beer tour of Munich highlights the drink as part of local culture and history.
• Enjoy a panoramic view of historic timber-frame houses, medieval ruins, impressive castles, and fortresses with a Rhine Valley day cruise.
• Sample the flavorful and unique wines of the UNESCO-protected lands along the enchanting Rhine Gorge.
• The Middle Rhine is renowned for flavorful and powerful white wines that are accentuated by the panoramic views of lush vineyards, ancient castles, and the rushing waters of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. The most famous wine of the Middle Rhine is Riesling.
• Mosel-Saar-Ruwer is the most famous wine producer in the country and has a wine trail that crosses the banks of the Moselle River. Slate-laden soil and months of sunlight add to the flavors of the vines. The most popular wine from the region is Riesling.
• Explore the Pinakothek Museum in Munich where art lovers can find works like Rubens’s The Great Last Judgement and 20th-century artists such as Paul Klee and Franz Marc.
• The Städel in Frankfurt hosts 3,000 European masterpieces, showcasing a 700-year timeline, with 18th-century works like Johann Heinrich’s Goethe in the Roman Campagna
• The Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery in Berlin has a marvelous niche showcasing dynamic artists and those rising up on the global art scene in various mediums
• The tallest mountain in Germany offers views across four countries on a clear day and can be reached by hiking, a cable car, or cogwheel train. The full-day experience encapsulates the beauty and drama of the Bavarian Alps.
• The scenic trails around the Black Forest offer long-distance trekking and short walks over 124 miles. A popular trail begins in Luxemburg and ends in the Black Forest.
• The trail connects the Fehmarn Island to Kiel and takes cyclists along surprisingly white beaches, steep cliffs, shallow bays, and gorgeous peninsulas.
• The Rhine Cycle trail offers marvelous views of the 40 castles and palaces that line the Rhine River. The mostly flat trail covers over 766 miles between the south of France and North Rhine Westphalia.
• Visit Faber Castell, the oldest and largest pencil manufacturer, and the family’s castle.
• Race a Porsche on the company test track with a Porsche driving instructor.
• Explore remnants of East Germany with a local guide in Berlin to find bunkers and overlooked artifacts of the Cold War.
• Discover historic castles, with behind-the-scenes access and tours for a unique look at antique and contemporary history.

Ten to 12 days is a great amount of time for a Germany trip. The country is relatively young and did not unite until the 19th century, which means each region retains a specific culture and heritage. Ten to 12 days offers enough time to visit the highlights of Berlin, Munich, the Bavarian countryside, and the Rhine Valley, while also giving you the chance to explore other destinations at your pace.

The best time to visit Germany is in April, May, and June or between September and October. However, December is also a great month to visit Germany for the Christmas markets.

April, May, June, September, and October offer lower prices, smaller crowds, and the best weather for a well-rounded Germany trip. However, the last week of September and first week of October become very crowded in Munich because of Oktoberfest.

Christmas markets around Germany are festive and take place from December 1st to December 24th. The top three take place in Munich, Rothenburg, and Nuremberg, but smaller towns host festive, colorful, and cozy Christmas markets as well.

For April to May and September to October, you should plan your trip up to three months in advance.

You should organize your trip at least six months in advance if you wish to include Oktoberfest. The event can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and draws people from around the world who wish to celebrate with the iconic music, food, and beer.

Germany is very safe for travelers. As with any destination, it is important to keep an eye on your valuables when in train stations or crowded areas, but Germany is a safe, dynamic, and comfortable country for people to visit.

You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.

For most travelers, the best airport to fly in and out of when visiting Germany is Munich International Airport (MUC). The second most accessible airport is Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA). The top active airports in Germany are:

• Munich International Airport (MUC)
• Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
• Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS)

Zicasso Flights is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation. By employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso, our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 service and support, and complimentary consultation of routing versus pricing with an expert flight specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.

Germany can feel like the heart of European culture or the perfect nature destination, a home for world-class museums or a representation of architectural charm. From folklore to delicious beers and wines, storybook towns to opulent palaces, you can uncover the wonders of culture in the beauty of the landscape. Our sample itineraries can help inspire the right trip for you with our Germany Tours & Vacation or discover helpful information for planning your trip with Zicasso’s Germany Travel Guide. Speak with a Germany travel specialist for free by filling out a Trip Request or by calling 1-888-265-9707.