AP Photo/Christof Stache
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle
Germany Travel
Welcome, or Willkommen, to the land of Oktoberfest, the Berlin Wall, and lederhosen (knee-breeches). Although relatively small in size, this European nation boasts the second-largest population on the continent, making it a lively and bustling place to visit. Known to natives as Deutschland, Germany has a plethora of tourist attractions, museums, festivals, art galleries, and architectural sites. This Web guide offers resources to help you plan a German holiday.
Expand All Guide SectionsGermany Travel Basics
Germany has much to offer visitors, so it will help to get a broad overview before you decide which specific cities, sites, and attractions to include in your itinerary. This section includes Web sites to give you a better grasp of Germany, and to help you begin planning your getaway.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many Web sites offered in this guide are German in origin. The links we've included should take you straight to the English versions of those sites, but if you ever find yourself staring at German text, simply look for a British or American flag at the top on the main page. Clicking on the flags or an "English" link will take you to the site's English version.
- Using the word "Germany" in a search engine can result in many travel Web sites that don't necessarily specialize in German vacations, but just want to sell you a travel package. Be cautious and cross-check information with multiple Web sites. We recommend sticking with the sites in this guide.
- In Germany, they have mastered the use of the Internet in much the same manner as we have in the United States. As you navigate the recommended Web sites, those ending with the distinction ".de" signify a site whose home base is Germany. The ".de" comes from the first two letters in the word Deutsch.
- Check out general travel Web sites like Frommers.com or Fodors.com for travel tips that are specific to German destinations.
- Most travel Web sites provide info on transportation and accommodations but for more exhaustive information, breeze through the "How will I get to Germany?" section of this guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of Germany ...
The German National Tourist Board
runs the quintessential Web site for discovering Germany. The site offers top-10 lists, cultural events, an interactive map of the country, and a personalized travel planner. Spend some time at their "Info Center" and you'll feel better prepared for your trip.
About Germany
helps a traveler get acquainted with the country before departure. This incredibly well-rounded Web site boasts first-rate facts on Deutsch culture, cities and regions, and living and traveling in Germany. Click on the "Learn German" link to discover how well you speak the language before you travel to the country.
CountryReports.org
is one of the best Web sites for thorough information on a particular country or region of the world. From the main page, find the "What Country Do You Want To Learn About?" section, then select Germany from the drop-down menu. Here you will find history, a photo gallery, national symbols, "Did You Know" facts, a current events page, and even a glossary of German terms.
For Germany's best spots ...
Concierge.com
is a good place to start for Germany's best spots. The site highlights three of the most-visited Deutsch cities with "Insider Guides" on Berlin, Dresden, and Hamburg. The simplistic map is great for getting your bearings, and the slideshow will whet your appetite for German destinations. Click on the "Maps" link for editors' picks.
Muenchen.de
, Munich's official Web site, will get any traveler excited about visiting this capital city of Bavaria. The site is offered in eight languages and has extensive info on city life, sightseeing tours, and general Munich tourism. Check out the sections on "Oktoberfest," "Public Transportation," and "Eating Out."
Newseum
is a tech-savvy interactive news site that hosts a fantastic Web site for learning about the most famous of German destinations, the Berlin Wall. Before you book your trip, see "The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall" to make your visit to this historic site even more meaningful.
Koeln.de
plays host to the official Web site of Koeln, or the better-known English translation, Cologne. This well-organized site is packed with info on festivals, museums, and architecture in Germany's oldest city. (Beware: it's also packed with lots of ads.) Be sure to click on the red "Tourism" link on the left-hand side of the main page, and cast a glance at their brand new Cologne international news link.
Oktoberfest.de
is the official Web site of one of the most famous festivals of all time, Oktoberfest. A fun and colorful site, its pages include FAQs, photo galleries, and a running countdown until the next festival. Don't miss the "Dictionary" link, which familiarizes non-natives with important Oktoberfest terms.
Hamburg Tourismus
needs to be translated by clicking on the British flag in the upper right corner but once converted, this site offers plenty of information on tourism in the fashionable destination of Hamburg. This site does a nice job of blending travel information with fast facts for the curious vacationer. Utilize their "Accommodation" section on the main page to search through hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartment rentals, youth hostels, and camping.
Berlin.de
is home to information on nearly 200 art galleries and museums, as well as an A-Z index of popular places in Berlin. While the notorious Berlin Wall garners most of the attention, the "Most Visited Museums" section is worth a visit to see where fellow travelers have been treading. This Web site is also great for general travel info on Berlin.
The Romantic Road
was a popular trade route in medieval Germany and remains a well-traveled path by historians, tourists, and families. This vibrant and somewhat overwhelming Web site presents history, information, and pop-up pictures of The Romantic Road. Pass your mouse over the map for a glimpse of each city along the Road.
Who knew?
Panorama-Cities.net
provides an amazing collection of panoramic and 360-degree views of German cities. Click on any city in the left-hand column for a brilliant and colorful way to get acquainted with Germany.
Travel Requirements for Germany
Before you book your flight and make a decision on motels, spend some time getting to know ... read more »
Getting to Germany
Due to Germany's land-locked position in Central Europe, most travelers fly or drive to Germany. Of ... read more »
Germany Hotels
Germany is home to dozens of hostels, hundreds of bed and breakfasts, and thousands of hotels. The ... read more »
Getting Around in Germany
German public transportation has a great reputation. The subway systems are reliable, the trains ... read more »
Germany Travel Blogs and Forums
The country of Germany is well-traveled by families, tour groups, historians, and students. This, ... read more »
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