Germany Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Germany?
December
Off
season
January
Off
season
Did you know?
The surface area of Germany is 137.9 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 64 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Berlin (DE) and Washington D.C. (US) is 4170 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Berlin click here
Time • Timezone
Safety
General travel safety level in Germany on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 2 • Exercise a high degree of caution.
Update: 13 Oct 2024Currency
Euro (EUR) - rate compared to selected currencies
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Germany
| Miles | Berlin | Munich | Hamburg | Cologne | Frankfurt | Düsseldorf | Dresden | Bremen |
| Berlin | - | 313 | 159 | 296 | 263 | 296 | 102 | 195 |
| Munich | 313 | - | 380 | 283 | 189 | 302 | 223 | 362 |
| Hamburg | 159 | 380 | - | 221 | 244 | 210 | 234 | 59 |
| Cologne | 296 | 283 | 221 | - | 95 | 21 | 295 | 167 |
| Frankfurt | 263 | 189 | 244 | 95 | - | 113 | 231 | 205 |
| Düsseldorf | 296 | 302 | 210 | 21 | 113 | - | 302 | 154 |
| Dresden | 102 | 223 | 234 | 295 | 231 | 302 | - | 252 |
| Bremen | 195 | 362 | 59 | 167 | 205 | 154 | 252 | - |
A Brief History of Germany
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
1800 B.C. - 400 B.C.
Bronze Age & Iron AgeDuring the late Bronze Age and the early Iron Age, Celtic people in the area become skilled metal workers.
936 A.D.
King of East FranciaOtto the Great is elected king of East Francia, which is now Germany.
1024 - 1125
German empireThe German Empire becomes powerful under kings chosen from the Salian people.
1618 - 1648
Thirty Years' WarThe Thirty Years' War is fought almost entirely in Germany. The empire is divided into small principalities.
1685
Baroque composersBaroque composers George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach are born.
1857
Grimm brothersThe Grimm Brothers write Rapunzel, Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin and many other well-known fairy tales.
1864 - 1871
Series of warsPrussian Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck unifies Germany in a series of wars. In 1871, King Wilhelm I of Prussia is named kaiser, or emperor, of Germany.
1914 - 1918
World War IGermany goes to war against Russia and France. The conflict escalates into World War I. Germany is defeated.
1933
Reign of terrorAdolf Hitler, an Austrian, takes power. Hitler and the Nazi party begin a reign of terror.
1939 - 1945
World War IIGermany invades Poland, marking the beginning of World War II.
1949
Division of GermanyGermany is divided into the Federal Republic of Germany, in the west, and the Communist German Democratic Republic, in the east.
1989 - 1991
German reunificationThe Berlin Wall, separating East and West Germany, is torn down. A unified Germany is formed with Berlin as the capital.
May 2005
Holocaust memorialGermany opens its first official Holocaust memorial dedicated to the nearly 6 million Jews that were killed between 1933 and 1945.
2005
First female chancellorGermany elects Angela Merkel as its first female chancellor.
Best Ways to Experience Germany
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreEuro (EUR)
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Germany.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Germany for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
- Residence permit for stays of longer than 90 days obtainable after arrival under certain conditions.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Germany the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, F sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type FFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 19 / 231 Ranking | 83 783 942 German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4% |
Area | 64 / 230 Ranking | 137.9 thous. mi² It is approximately 4% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 29 / 196 Ranking | 81.3 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 78.9women 83.8 |
Median age | 154 / 157 Ranking | 47.8 Average age of population expressed in years.men 46.5women 49.1 |
Population growth | 150 / 172 Ranking | -0.21% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 11 / 131 Ranking | 99% Ability to read, write and count.men 99%women 99% |
GDP | 19 / 194 Ranking | 54 264 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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