First Trip to Germany – Best Time, Best Places & What to Wear?
Planning to enjoy your first trip to Germany? You’re at the right place. Germany is an enthralling destination featuring vibrant cities, fairytale castles and incredible experiences. These enable Germany to offer the perfect fusion of history, modernity and culture!
As you will be visiting Germany for the very first time, you’ll need to know everything to ensure an amazing and hassle-free vacation. This “First Time Venture into Germany” Guide is carefully curated to help you enjoy a wonderful first holiday in Germany. So, without any further ado, let’s dive in!
First Trip to Germany – What to Expect?
At first glance, Germany feels as a strong, democratic country with an amazing culture and an even better heritage!
Did you know? The first printed book of the world was done in Germany in 1455. The name of the book was the Gutenberg Bible.
Apart from this, Germany boasts some incredible feats like:
- Germany has over 20,000 to 25,000 castles. This is more than any other country in the world!
- The first country to adopt Daylight Saving Time (DST) was Germany!
- Germany is the 2nd largest producer and consumer of Beer. Germany boasts an astounding 5,000 different beer brands from over 1,300 breweries.
And then there’s the tourist attractions of Germany. From nature hotspots to modern cities and historical places, Germany has it all. You can easily hop on a train, bus, tram or commuter rail to effortlessly explore major attractions of Germany!
Simply adhere to the local customs and you should have an enjoyable first-time holiday in Germany. Also, book your Germany Visa Appointment in advance for a smooth visa experience!
What’s the Best Time to Go to Germany for the First Time?
Anyone who is travelling to a new destination, in this case, Germany, will most likely look for the best time to visit.
But, “BEST TIME TO VISIT” usually depends on personal preferences, travel plans and budget. However, here’s a quick breakdown of the seasons in Germany. This will allow you to choose a season that you would love to explore Germany in!
Spring Season (March to May)
Spring is an excellent time to visit Germany for the following reasons:
- You will find fewer tourists in Germany
- Fewer people mean more photos without any weird/awkward photo bombs!
- Weather is usually on the milder side. Average temperatures range from around 5°C (41°F) in March to 15°C (59°F) by May.
- Spring welcomes the time of the blooming season in Germany. Popular spots where you can enjoy a blooming time are the Southern Wine Route in the Palatinate region and Lake Constance
Also check, Top Things to Do in Berlin on a 3-Day Germany Trip
Summer Season (June to August)
Most major tourist destinations have a peak season. For Germany, it is Summer. If you are not fazed by more people, bustling tourist attractions and high prices, then Summer is the best choice for you!
- Be ready for temperatures on the higher side – 20-30°C (68-86°F).
- Looking for outdoor activities? Germany has so many. Summer is the perfect time to go cycling, hiking, swimming or enjoy water sports.
- Summer also features some interesting events and festivals like the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.
- Prefer to explore nature? Head over to scenic places like the Bavarian Alps, Black Forest or the Baltic Sea Coast.
Did you know? Germany has around 16 national parks and a plethora of natural places. These are enough to make your summer vacation a memorable one!
Autumn Season (September to November)
Autumn, just like spring is another shoulder season that is a great time to visit Germany.
- As usual, the weather is pleasantly mild. Average temperatures hover around 15°C (59°F) in September to 5°C (41°F) by November.
- Again, the crowds will be less – Great photo sessions for you!
- An interesting Autumn thing in Germany is the colours of the trees. They turn into vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red. Where to see this? Black Forest, the Bavarian Alps, the Spreewald, and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Winter Season (December to February)
Love cool weather and magical experiences? Then visit Germany during the Winter.
- Winter welcomes the beautiful Christmas season!
- Make sure to explore the charming Christmas markets full of decorated stalls that sell wine, seasonal treats and traditional handicrafts.
- Temperatures during the winter season range are on the lower side -0.4°C (32.7°F) to 2-3°C (35-37°F). So, make sure to carry warm clothes if you’re planning to visit in Winter.
For a balance of good weather and manageable crowds, plan your visit during late spring or early autumn. Keep in mind that summer can be busy and accommodation prices may be higher.
Also see, An All-In-One Guide to Visiting Cologne, Germany
Which City to Visit First in Germany?
For your first German adventure, consider these popular cities of Germany:
1). Berlin
The capital city of Germany is a melting pot of art, culture and history. Berlin is the perfect destination for first-time visitors who prefer experiencing Germany’s:
- World-Class Museums
- Iconic Landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate
- Historic & Modern Attractions
Interesting Fact: Berlin is home to a whopping 175 Museums. It’s more than the average number of rainy days per year in the city!
2). Munich
The charming city of Munich is popular for its:
- Beer Gardens
- Proximity to the Beautiful Alps
- Bavarian Charm
Did you know? Munich has over 1,000 beer halls and breweries!
Munich typically offers a more traditional German experience, thanks to its:
- Vibrant Festivals
- Oktoberfest – The World’s Largest Beer Festival!
- Historic Architecture
3). Hamburg
Hamburg is a captivating port city that’s famous for its thriving cultural scene, maritime heritage and stunning architecture.
Did you know? Hamburg is the 2nd largest city in Germany!
- Major attractions of Hamburg to visit/explore:
- Elbphilharmonie – A stunning concert hall with world-class acoustics
- Speicherstadt – A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a network of historic warehouses
- The Miniatur Wunderland – The world’s largest model railway
4). Cologne
Cologne is a mesmerizing city that is deeply rooted in history and culture. This fascinating destination is best known for its iconic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the largest Gothic Cathedrals in the world!
Apart from the Cathedral, you can also check out some other amazing attractions like:
- Roman-Germanic Museum
- The Chocolate Museum
- The Alstadt (Old Museum)
- Hohenzollern Bridge
So, if you are wondering about “Where to Visit in Germany for the First Time?” then these are some places to consider. Choose a destination that suits your travel needs and jet off to Germany!
Do remember that Germany has excellent transportation. This allows you to visit and explore multiple cities during your stay. All you need is a Germany Visa from UK to get started on your first time German holiday!
Also check, 8 Most Amazing Places to Visit in Berlin, Germany
Best Places to See on First-Time Venture into Germany
Germany has a ton of attractions. Choosing the best out of the numerous places for your holiday might spoil you for choice. However, here are some must-visit places for your first trip to Germany:
- The Neuschwanstein Castle
The Neuschwanstein castle is a beautiful 19th-century palace. You will find this gem of an attraction located in the Bavarian Alps of Southern Germany.
Did you know? This palace was commissioned as a private retreat by King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
Major highlights of the Neuschwanstein castle:
- The construction of the castle drew inspiration from Medieval German Castles & Wagner’s Opera.
- The castle is also well-known for inspiring the Sleeping Beauty Castle of Disneyland
- It is believed that the Neuschwanstein Castle is the primary inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle of Disneyland
More than 1.3 million people visit this stunning castle every year. This makes the Neuschwanstein castle one of the must-visit places for your first trip to Germany.
- The Black Forest
You may have heard about the Black Forest Cake/Pastry. But, did you know? The actual name of the cake originates from the Black Forest in Germany!
The Black Forest is essentially a large forest mountain range that is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, southwest Germany.
Interesting Fact: The forest itself covers a whopping 6,009 sq km (2,320 sq mi) and stretches around 160 km (100 miles) from north to south.
If you are looking for some outdoor activities like skiing or hiking, then Black Forest is the ideal place. Other major attractions of Black Forest include:
- Spa town of Baden-Baden
- The Triberg Waterfalls
- Hohenzollern Castle
- Alpirsbach Monastery
- Black Forest Open Air Museum (Vogtsbauernhof)
- The Cologne Cathedral
The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. This “One of the Largest Cathedrals in the World” attracts over 6 million visitors each year!
Did you know? The construction of this beautiful cathedral began in 1248. But, it was completed almost 700 years later, in 1880!
The cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an iconic symbol of Cologne & German Catholicism. It is also considered one of the finest examples of High Gothic architecture.
These are some wonderful attractions that offer the perfect mix of natural beauty, history and culture. For a well-rounded Day Trip to Germany, add these places to your holiday itinerary. Don’t forget to apply for Germany Visa for a smooth trip to Germany!
How Much Should I Budget for A Trip to Germany?
If you are assigning a budget for your first-time visit to Germany, then here’s all the important information you should know:
- If you’re looking for accommodations, they will range between €50-€150 per night for budget to mid-range hotels.
- If you prefer to munch on some tasty delights, be ready to shell out upwards of €100. However, if you want to keep the food costs lower, then you can opt for decent restaurants/cafés with good Google reviews. This way you can bring down your food expenses to around €20-€40 per day.
- Germany’s excellent transportation system will help reach major destinations in no time. If it is within the city travel then, €2.50-€3.50 per person. If it is intercity travel then €50-€150 per person.
- Germany has a plethora of wonderful attractions. While some attractions are free to watch, other require an entry fee. So, the average ticket/entry fee per attraction is around €10-€20 per person.
Daily Budget:
- Budget traveler: €50-€80
- Mid-range traveler: €100-€200
- Luxury traveler: €200+
Also, remember to add in pre-trip expenses like Flights, Germany Schengen Visa and Travel Insurance. Try to get a German Rail Pass if you are planning to carry out most of your travel by train.
What to Wear in Germany for Your First Time Visit?
Packing clothes for your first visit to Germany will depend on the season you are planning the trip for. Here are some season clothes suggestions to make your packing experience quick and easy:
- For the Spring/Autumn Season
Both these seasons feature mild weather with fewer crowds. So, make sure to pack long pants and long-sleeved shirts. These will help you to easily protect yourself from the effects of cool weather. If you’re sensitive to mild weather, then also keep a sweater, light jacket or a coat. Rains can often come unannounced – keep an umbrella or a rain jacket while exploring Germany. Last but not the least – pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes!
- For Summer Season
Summer season means higher temperatures and more crowds (peak season). So, to beat the heat and enjoy your first-time Germany trip in summer, carry some lightweight and breathable clothes like T-shirts, shorts, dresses and skirts. If you are planning trips during evenings or to air-conditioned places, pack a light jacket or a cardigan. Make sure to also pack a good hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- For Winter Season
Winters and Germany usually get cold and chilly. So, you’ll need warm clothes like sweaters, heavy winter coats, a warm hat and a scarf. You may also need to pack insulated boots that are weatherproof for snowy and icy conditions.
Germans are especially known to dress smartly, more so in cities. So, try avoiding casual attire like sweatpants or flip-flops while going out for dining or visiting cultural sites.
Travel Tips for Your First Trip to Germany
These are some much-needed trips that will help smoothen your first time Germany vacation:
- Learn Basic German Phrases
Whichever country you visit, if you know some phrases of the local language, it’ll make your trip super easy. So, learn some basic phrases of the German language like Hallo (Hello), Wie geht’s? (How are you?) and Danke (Thank you). If you feel confident about these, these are some more German phrases for you – Bitte (You’re welcome), Wo ist…? (Where is…?) and Ich verstehe nicht (I don’t understand).
- Prefer Public Transport
Germany has an excellent public transport system consisting of trains, buses, trams and more. It regards punctuality highly which means most of your trips will start and end on time!
- Try Out the Local Cuisine
Germany is well-known for its delicious foods. While visiting Germany for the very first time, try out some local dishes like sausages and pork dishes like kartoffelsalat (potato salad), kassler (smoked pork chops), and eisbein (pickled pork knuckle). Apart from this, you can also try out some unique delights like the Spätzle, Sauerkraut and Black Forest Cake.
- Carry a Universal Adapter
Germany’s power outlet and electrical systems are different than the UK or the rest of the world. As you will be carrying your smartphone and other gadgets, it’s recommended to carry a universal adapter.
- Download Useful Apps on Your Smartphone
Smartphones can come quite handy during your first time holiday in Germany. Download some useful mobile applications like Deutsche Bahn (Train schedules), Google Translate (Language help) and city-specific apps (if any) for quick local information.
- Get a Germany Tourist Visa
If you are required to have a German visa then apply for it in advance. This will allow you to enjoy a smooth entry into Germany.
Conclusion
These are all the things you should know to make your first time Germany trip a memorable experience. So, why wait? Pack your bags, get a Germany Schengen Visa from UK and go on exciting first trip to Germany!
FAQs
Germany can be relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. With careful planning, you can enjoy a comfortable trip without breaking the bank.
Berlin is highly recommended for first-time visitors interested in museums and historical sites. The city boasts 175 museums, including world-class options and iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate.
Germany is generally very safe for tourists. However, as with any travel, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings and take normal precautions.
Germany has an excellent public transportation system. Trains are efficient for inter-city travel, while buses and metros are great for getting around cities.
Tipping is common in Germany, but not mandatory. In restaurants, it’s customary to round up the bill or add about 10% for good service.
