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 ... read more »
Travel Requirements for Germany
Before you book your flight and make a decision on motels, spend some time getting to know Deutschland. Information on Germany is readily available online, and the majority of Web sites are user-friendly for travelers. In this section, findingDulcinea has filtered through the flab to find the best facts and figures on German history, German customs and traditions, and your safety and health while traveling in West-Central Europe. The wide variety of Web sources gives explorers a good idea about what to expect on their journey.
Dulcinea's Insight
- As is typical when it comes to Internet research, the four sources listed in the history portion of this section are all very different. Use them to gain a well-rounded perspective of Germany.
- Most historical Web sites offer chronological timelines accompanied by pictures. If you are limited on time before your trip, this is a more efficient way to take advantage of the valuable info on these sites.
- German Culture, a Web site included in this section, offers a long list of links categorized by subject. The best way to utilize a site like this is to pick a few links that interest you. Because history spills over into all sorts of subjects, picking a few will give you plenty of background info on Germany.
- Web sites offering information on safety, health, travel restrictions, and visa information are updated frequently. Check these sites often, and definitely stop by for a visit just before departing on your trip.
- For general tips on what you should know before traveling to Europe, visit the findingDulcinea Travel Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For a crash course in German history ...
German Culture
is a comprehensive Web site where explorers can take in everything from German recipes and wine to German politics, geography, and media. This site is a highly recommended place to start your Deutschland education-just don't mistake the Google ads for actual site content. Browse through the links in the left-hand column to pick your favorite subject.
The German Historical Institute
in Washington, DC, is a bit overwhelming at first but it is a wonderful stop for anyone looking to find in-depth information on the European country. Use the "German History in Documents and Images" link for a period-by-period guide to Germany from the 1500s to the present.
The Jewish Virtual Library
presents the Virtual Jewish History Tour, offering a unique standpoint on the history of Germany. Although the content comes from a Jewish perspective, the information can help a traveler obtain a well-rounded look at Germany. Read through the "German Jews in the Modern World" section to get an inside view on contemporary German culture.
Germany Travel Guide
presents this concise and easy-to-read Web page on Deutsch history. Don't worry about scrolling through hundreds of pages of dense historic terminology and boring scholarly works. This page has filtered the junk and prioritizes the most important details. Head here if you're in a hurry.
For German customs and traditions ...
LifeTips
is a must-see resource before heading to Germany. Their insightful section on German daily life helps a traveler know when to make phone calls, how to celebrate holidays, how to set a German table, and how to buy beer at a bar. Make sure to read the tips on how to behave at the post office.
Watzmann.net
brings you this barebones yet informative page on German customs, traditions, holidays, and "cultural oddities." Give this guide a read-through to learn about the Karneval season, Deutsch wedding traditions, and German curfews.
The German Way & More
, a jack-of-all-trades Web site, is an excellent guide for the interested explorer. Browse the main page to find the sections "Famous Germans" and "When in Germany...." There is also a free forum to which visitors can subscribe to learn more about German daily life.
NationMaster.com
is a bit cluttered with information but their categorized "Facts and Figures" on Germany are certainly helpful for vacationers. Browse through topics like crime, religion, transportation, and environment. The site is definitely worth a quick visit before packing your bags for Deutschland.
For safety, health, and politics ...
The U.S. Department of State
provides an online Consular Information Sheet with important travel tips for Germany. The highlight of this Web page is the small box outlined in gray at the top of the main page. It lists links to articles that tourists are highly encouraged to read.
Germany.co.za
gives a brief yet informative rundown of the most vital health information travelers will need when traveling to Deutschland. Scroll to the bottom of the page to read about health emergencies.
Facts About Germany
won't win any design awards but it hits on some significant details a traveler may want to know before heading overseas. For example, scroll down the page to see a summary of German politics and government, or go all the way to the bottom to read about Germany's economy.
Let's Go
, a popular travel publisher, has an instructive Germany page with information to make you a safer, more informed Germany traveler.
Travel.org
provides a great Web page on cell phone use in Germany. Read this brief article in less than five minutes and feel better informed about international communication while traveling through the country.
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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