Get Round Germany
Germany is a comparatively small nation, and most cities might be simply reached inside only a few hours of one another. For that reason, touring by prepare is one quickest and most dependable choice throughout your Germany itinerary.
For those who’re reserving a high-speed prepare, it’s really helpful that you simply e book as early as doable. Ticket costs have a tendency to extend because the date will get nearer, which implies costs might double if you happen to wait too lengthy.
An extended-distance bus is an alternative choice for touring 2 weeks in Germany. Though the journey period could also be longer, coaches are less expensive than trains. And in contrast to the trains, bus tickets might be bought final minute and even the day of your journey.
Practice and bus tickets for Germany might be bought straight with omio.com as much as 6 months earlier than your departure date.
Spend 2 Weeks in Germany
Germany is one among Europe’s largest and strongest international locations. And whereas 2 weeks in Germany will provide you with a broad overview of the nation, extra time will assist you to soak within the tradition.
If in case you have extra time so as to add to your Germany itinerary, you may all the time keep longer in every metropolis. This lets you go to extra points of interest and acquire a deeper appreciation for the nation.
Day 1-3: Get Cultural in Cologne
Because the cultural middle of Germany’s Rhineland, Cologne is teeming with stunning parks, world-class museums, and stylish neighborhoods.
However as one of the bombed cities throughout WWII, Cologne’s tumultuous previous has compromised a lot of the town’s cultural panorama. Not like different locations in Germany, Cologne’s skyline is principally made up of reconstructed post-war buildings. Nonetheless, this bustling metropolis is a perfect first cease in your Germany itinerary.
Step Contained in the Cologne Cathedral
Nestled on the financial institution of the Rhine River is the town’s most iconic landmark, the Cologne Cathedral. Standing over 500 toes tall, it’s additionally the tallest twin-spired church on the earth.
Inside, you’ll see the spectacular Shrine of the Three Holy Kings: a Thirteenth-century golden sarcophagus. And on the southern aspect of the cathedral, don’t miss the fashionable stained glass window. This distinctive masterpiece was designed by German artist Gerhard Richter and is the one trendy window within the cathedral.
Drink Kölsch in Outdated City
Step again a number of hundred years as you stroll by means of the Cologne’s charming historic metropolis middle. Lined with slim, cobblestone alleys and conventional previous homes, the Outdated City is the beating coronary heart of Cologne, and one of the idyllic cities on this Germany itinerary.
Cease by a Brauhaus, or brewery, to pattern Cologne’s most well-known beverage, the Kölsch. This mild beer is served in skinny 20-centiliter glasses which protect the temperature and freshness. As soon as the Kölsch is empty (it solely takes a couple of sips), a brand new one can be routinely delivered to you.
Soar Above the Metropolis within the Cologne Cable Automotive
For sweeping views of the town, hop aboard the Cologne cable automotive. In-built 1957, the cable automotive was the primary gondola to cross a river, which makes it one of the distinctive strategies of transportation in Germany.
The scenic experience takes you over the Rhine River, the place you’ll take pleasure in panoramic views of Outdated City and the Cologne Cathedral.
Store and Dine in Ehrenfeld
The colourful neighborhood of Ehrenfeld is well the trendiest and most various neighborhood in Cologne. Full of espresso outlets, impartial boutiques and connoisseur eating places, Ehrenfeld is buzzing in any respect hours of the day.
If you wish to expertise the town like a real Kölner, spend the day wandering the full of life neighborhood of Ehrenfeld.
The place to Keep in Cologne
From the historic metropolis middle to the fashionable excessive rises in central Neustadt, Cologne is crammed with motels and hostels for each kind of traveler.
For those who’re trying to keep near most main points of interest, we advocate discovering a resort within the Outdated City. There are a number of worldwide resort chains alongside the Rhine that provide unobstructed views of the river and surrounding areas.
For a extra genuine expertise, keep in one of many smaller neighborhoods across the metropolis middle. Ehrenfeld, Belgisches Viertel, and Nippes are only a few locations the place you may see conventional day by day life.
Get from Cologne to Hamburg
The best (and quickest) solution to journey from Cologne to Hamburg is by prepare. Leaving from Cologne Fundamental Station, the high-speed prepare solely takes roughly 3.5 hours.
Then again, it’s also possible to take a one-hour nonstop flight to Hamburg. However between driving to the airport, check-in, and safety, you received’t be saving a lot time in comparison with taking the prepare.
Day 3-6: Discover Hamburg Like a Native
With winding canals and a glowing trendy skyline, Hamburg is a singular metropolis to go to in your Germany itinerary. Because the nation’s second-largest metropolis, this port-side city is crammed with centuries of maritime historical past. Identified for its spectacular harbor, Hamburg has remodeled from a sleepy fisherman’s city to a busy financial and industrial hub.
Marvel on the Elbphilharmonie
Situated on the peninsula of the Elbe River, Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie live performance corridor is likely one of the tallest and most spectacular buildings within the metropolis. The fashionable glass construction is constructed on high of a mid-century brick warehouse and resembles a ship crusing by means of the ocean waves.
Elphie’s distinctive structure is value visiting by itself. Nonetheless, it’s the inside acoustics that has made this live performance corridor world well-known. Constructed with 10,000 sound dispersing drywall plates, the live performance corridor can match over 2,000 guests.
Celebration within the Reeperbahn
As the center of Hamburg’s nightlife scene, the colourful Reeperbahn district is bustling late into the night time.
As you stroll by means of the streets, you’ll see why locals have nicknamed Reeperbahn “essentially the most sinful mile.” Not solely is the neighborhood overflowing with bars and nightclubs, nevertheless it’s additionally residence to a number of strip golf equipment and brothels.
However regardless of its as soon as seedy popularity, Reeperbahn remains to be one of many coolest leisure districts in Hamburg.
Eat Your Approach By means of the Hamburger Fischmarkt
Each Sunday morning, the Hamburger Fischmarkt involves life as farmers, fishers and meals distributors arrange store. This outside market has been a German establishment since 1703 and continues to draw guests all through the whole yr.
Right here, you may store for domestically caught salmon, dine on recent oysters, and even take heed to reside jazz music. In addition to seafood, you’ll additionally discover stalls promoting fruits, greens, garments, and naturally, conventional souvenirs.
Stroll By means of Speicherstadt
No journey to Hamburg could be full with out a go to to the UNESCO World Heritage website of Speicherstadt. Related by canals, bridges, and slim streets, Speicherstadt is 260,000 sq. meters of harborside brick warehouses. Contained in the previous warehouses, you’ll discover museums, eating places, and occasional outlets to maintain you entertained.
Whether or not you’re exploring the Hamburg Dungeon, taking a experience on the miniature railway, or indulging in connoisseur gastronomy, you’ll discover one thing enjoyable to do in Speicherstadt.
The place to Keep in Hamburg
Because the second-largest metropolis in Germany, Hamburg is in no scarcity of lodging. Yow will discover every thing from charming Airbnbs to luxurious boutiques and every thing in between.
For historic structure and tradition, take into account staying within the Altstadt (Outdated City). For those who’d relatively mingle with hipsters and artists, try the quirky neighborhood of Schanzenviertel. And if you wish to social gathering till the solar comes up, then look no additional than the bustling St. Pauli district.
- Luxurious Accommodations: GINN Hotel Hamburg Elbspeicher, Ruby Lotti Hotel Hamburg, Scandic Hamburg Emporio, Steigenberger Hotel Hamburg,
- Boutique Accommodations: Volksshule, Hotel Alsterblick, Hotel Europäischer Hof Hamburg, Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg Speicherstadt
- Mid-Vary Accommodations: Best Western Plaza Hotel Hamburg, Apricot Hotel, IntercityHotel Hamburg Dammtor-Messe, Novum Hotel City Apart Hamburg
- Hostels: MEININGER Hamburg City Center , Backpackers St. Pauli , a&o Hamburg City , Instant Sleep Backpacker Hostel
Get from Hamburg to Berlin
After spending a couple of days in Hamburg, your subsequent cease in your Germany itinerary is Berlin. For those who take the high-speed prepare, you’ll arrive on the Berlin central station in simply two hours. From there, you may simply make your solution to the totally different neighborhoods across the metropolis.
If value is an element, then touring by bus can be doable. FlixBus provides nonstop routes from Hamburg to Berlin for only a few euros per particular person. Better of all, the whole journey solely takes three hours.
Day 6-9: See Berlin’s Different Facet
There’s no place fairly like Berlin. In truth, Berlin is so distinctive that many individuals don’t even take into account it to be a part of Germany. This progressive, edgy metropolis oozes coolness out of each pore and welcomes guests and vacationers from all around the world.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, inventive artist or late-night social gathering goer, you’ll discover what you’re on the lookout for in mesmerizing Berlin.
Admire the Avenue Artwork
Berlin is a inventive metropolis, and colourful avenue artwork is a testomony to its distinctive and different way of life. Though you will discover these larger-than-life masterpieces on most avenue corners, some locations are extra well-known than others.
With over 100 worldwide artists, the East Facet Gallery of the Berlin Wall is the town’s most acknowledged graffiti space. Don’t overlook to additionally go to Dircksenstrasse, Manufacturing facility 23, and Lake Tegel Artwork Park for extra wonderful avenue artwork.
Cruise Down the Spree
To see Berlin from a singular perspective, hop aboard one of many many boat cruises down the Spree River. Snaking by means of Berlin Mitte, the Spree River is surrounded by the town’s most iconic buildings, together with the parliamentary quarter, Museum Island, and the Berlin Cathedral.
Select between a historic metropolis tour, metropolis lights night time cruise, or perhaps a hop-on-hop-off catamaran.
Uncover Berlin’s Historical past
Berlin’s historical past is, to say the least, complicated. Nonetheless, the town is crammed with landmarks and remnants of Germany’s separation, in addition to its unification. For those who’re trying to be taught extra about Berlin’s historical past, then there are a couple of websites you have to go to.
In fact, no journey to Berlin could be full with out a go to to the Berlin Wall (particularly on the East Facet Gallery) or the putting Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate are two different iconic locations which have left their mark on German historical past.
Dance the Evening Away
The membership scene in Berlin is, to place it gently, insane. Since most golf equipment don’t open till midnight, dancers, ravers, and party-goers arrive after 2 or 3 am. And since there aren’t any mounted closing hours, many individuals keep till the following morning.
For a high-end nightlife expertise, go to the golf equipment in Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg. However if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing extra underground and different, then go to ://about clean (sure that’s the identify) in Friedrichshain or Area Membership in Kreuzberg.
The place to Keep in Berlin
Not like most cities on the earth, Berlin doesn’t have a metropolis middle per se. That simply signifies that you will discover lodging in one of many many fashionable neighborhoods scattered across the metropolis.
For first time guests, we advocate staying within the Mitte, which is near Berlin’s fundamental points of interest. For those who’re sticking to a finances, you will discover different hostels within the funky districts of Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Hotel ZOE by AMANO Group, RIU Plaza Berlin am Kurfürstendamm, The Dude Berlin Mitte, Hotel am Wasserturm
- Boutique Accommodations: the nui HIDE, Garden Living Boutique Hotel, Honigmond Boutique Hotel, Mondrian Suites Berlin am Checkpoint Charlie
- Mid-Vary Accommodations: MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Hampton By Hilton Berlin City East Side Gallery, Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz, Crowne Plaza Berlin – Potsdamer Platz
- Hostels: St Christopher’s Berlin Alexanderplatz , Heart of Gold Hostel , PLUS Berlin , Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
Get from Berlin to Dresden
Situated simply 120 miles from Berlin, Dresden might be reached by prepare, automotive or bus. The Eurocity (EC) prepare is essentially the most environment friendly choice and takes two hours from Berlin.
You may also lease a automotive (and velocity down the world-famous Autobahn) to get from Berlin to Dresden. The drive additionally takes round two hours.
Lastly, the most cost effective choice is to take a bus. It takes barely longer than a prepare or automotive, however you may’t beat the ticket value. Some buses additionally include wifi, electrical retailers, and snacks.
Day Sep 11: Discover Historical past in Dresden
The prosperous and historic metropolis of Dresden is a hidden gem on this Germany itinerary. Though it was closely destroyed in the course of the battle, the German authorities invested money and time to rebuild the middle after the reunification. These days, Dresden’s skyline is a mixture of Baroque spires, royal palaces, and grandiose cathedrals.
However Dresden isn’t solely artwork and structure. It’s additionally residence to quirky neighborhoods and eclectic eating places which might be certain to please any traveler.
Admire the Frauenkirche Dresden
Thought-about the signature icon of Dresden, the Frauenkirche Dresden is a exceptional church positioned within the middle of the town. Though it was initially constructed within the eleventh century, WWII air-raids burned the whole church to the bottom. It was lately rebuilt in 2005 and stands as one of many metropolis’s hottest points of interest.
It’s free to enter the Frauenkirche Dresden, however we advocate spending the additional price to climb to the highest of the dome. From there, you’ll have unobstructed views of Dresden and the riverfront.
Wander Across the Neustadt
Located throughout the river from the historic metropolis middle is Neustadt, Dresden’s funkiest neighborhood. Begin your day within the Baroque Quarter, which is located within the inside a part of Neustadt. This elegant avenue is residence to cute cafes, fashionable boutiques, and impartial eating places.
From there, make your solution to the off-the-beaten-path Kunsthofpassage space. This complicated of courtyards is roofed in graffiti and artwork installations, which makes it one among Dresden’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
Get Cultured at Semperoper
For a style of luxurious, head to the Semperoper Opera Home. Situated on the banks of the Elbe River, the Semperoper was additionally a part of the town’s reconstruction effort. It was rebuilt within the Nineteen Eighties and is now residence to Saxon State Orchestra and the Saxon State Ballet.
Though you may e book a guided tour of the constructing, one of the best ways to go to Semperoper is by attending a reside efficiency. You’ll have the chance to stroll the identical grounds the place Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss made their debuts.
The place to Keep in Dresden
Ideally, the perfect place to remain in Dresden is both within the Altstadt or Neustadt.
For those who’re on the lookout for a luxurious boutique or high-end resort, then you definitely’ll haven’t any downside discovering lodging within the superbly restored neighborhood of the Altstadt. However if you happen to want one thing extra distinctive, then take into account a hip hostel or different resort within the Neustadt.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Hotel Indigo Dresden – Wettiner Platz, Romantik Hotel Bülow Residenz, Hotel Suitess, Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection
- Boutique Accommodations: Hotel Kipping, Heinrich Schütz Residenz, Penck Hotel Dresden, Star Inn Hotel Premium Dresden im Haus Altmarkt, by Quality
- Mid-Vary Accommodations: ibis Dresden Zentrum, Motel One Dresden – Palaisplatz, CityHotel Stadt Dresden, Hotel Am Terrassenufer, Holiday Inn Express Dresden City Centre
- Hostels: Lollis Homestay , Hostel Mondpalast , a&o Dresden Hauptbahnhof , Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
Get from Dresden to Munich
After Dresden, it’s time to make your means down south to Bavaria, your final cease in your Germany itinerary. Though prepare journey is simple and environment friendly, the common journey time is round 4 to 5 hours. You’ll additionally must switch in Leipzig, which might add time to your journey.
The quickest solution to get to Munich is by airplane. Flights are below an hour, however you’ll want to permit further time to get by means of check-in and safety.
If time isn’t a priority, then it can save you cash by taking the bus. This six or seven-hour journey solely prices a couple of dollars and goes straight from Dresden to Munich.
Day 12-14: Expertise Bavaria in Munich
Residence to lederhosen, liters of beer, and conventional Oom-pah music, Bavaria is what most individuals consider after they think about German tradition. And in its capital metropolis of Munich, you may discover centuries of fascinating German tradition and historical past.
Snack Your Approach By means of Viktualienmarkt
Situated within the coronary heart of Munich’s Altstadt, Viktualienmarkt is a foodie’s paradise and a must-see cease in your Germany itinerary. The oldest market within the metropolis is a hub of recent produce, mouth-watering meats and cheeses, and tons of traditional Bavarian snacks.
Though the market is open on daily basis, we advocate visiting within the morning or throughout lunch. Seize a pint of German lager and a scorching bratwurst and sit down within the outside beer backyard. You received’t discover a higher people-watching spot than Viktualienmarkt.
Loosen up within the English Backyard
Stretching down the banks of the Isar River is Munich’s largest park, the English Backyard. Full of dense forests, crystal clear lakes, and grassy fields, the sprawling English Backyard is one of the best ways to spend a heat day. In truth, you’ll usually discover sunbathers and picnic-goers scattered all through the park.
And for one thing totally different, head to the Eisbachwelle to catch novice {and professional} surfers. Donning moist fits, these surfers experience by means of the synthetic waves of the river on daily basis of the yr.
Drink in a Traditional Beer Backyard
Bavarians take their beer tradition very critically in Munich. And if the climate is gorgeous, there’s no higher place to take pleasure in a recent liter of beer than in one of many many beer gardens.
Serving up ice, chilly glasses of Helles (pale German lager) or Weissbier (wheat beer), the beer gardens are packed in any respect hours of the day. You possibly can carry your individual picnic, or buy conventional dishes like schnitzel, large pretzels, and sausages.
A few of our favourite beer gardens are all inside strolling distance from the town middle. Take a look at Augustiner Keller, The Chinese language Tower within the English Backyard, and naturally, the well-known Hofbräuhaus.
Discover Olympiapark
When Munich hosted the 1972 Summer time Olympics, they constructed a whole park and village that may nonetheless be visited at present. Situated on the northern finish of the town, Olympiapark is a good way to spend a free day in Munich.
Catch a live performance in Olympic Stadium, go to the ocean creatures within the sea life middle, or experience to the highest of the Olympic Tower. For those who occur to come back in the course of the summer season, it’s also possible to attend one of many many festivals that happen within the park.
The place to Keep in Munich
Munich has quite a lot of lodging sorts for each sort of curiosity and finances. Luxurious and worldwide motels are positioned primarily within the Altstadt (Outdated City). If value is a priority, then you definitely’ll discover cheaper motels and hostels dotted across the central prepare station, Hauptbahnhof.
For a extra genuine expertise, keep in a resort or hostel in one among Munich’s different neighborhoods. Schwabing, Maxvorstadt and Haidhausen are only a few fashionable districts inside strolling distance of the town middle.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Parkhotel Rothof, Hotel im Hof, Hotel Lifestyle, Inspire Hotel
- Boutique Accommodations: Bavaria Boutique Hotel, Boutique Hotel Splendid-Dollmann, Steigenberger Hotel München, Eurostars Book Hotel
- Mid-Vary Accommodations: Holiday Inn Munich City Centre, Hotel Munich City, ArtHotel Munich, Hotel ADRIA München
- Hostels: Euro Youth Hostel , Wombats City Hostel Munich , MEININGER Munich City Center , Smart Stay Hostel Munich City
Ending Your Journey in Munich
After spending a whirlwind 2 weeks in Germany, it’s time to go again residence. This action-packed Germany itinerary took you throughout the nation and thru a few of its most wonderful sights and cities.
Munich Worldwide Airport is simply 20 miles outdoors the town and serves many direct routes again to the US. For those who’re touring internationally, be certain to reach on the airport a minimum of 2 hours earlier than your flight. The strains to check-in baggage might be lengthy and should take wherever from 15 – 45 minutes.
Your 2 weeks in Germany could have passed by within the blink of a watch, however you’ll have lasting recollections of your time in Deutschland for years to come back!
What to Pack for two Weeks in Germany
Irrespective of the place you go on the earth, you’ll need to ensure you have the most recent journey equipment. Listed below are a couple of devices that can make your 2 weeks in Germany simpler (to not point out extra enjoyable)!
Comfy Strolling Sneakers
Comfy sneakers are essential for strolling by means of the cobblestone previous cities of Germany. And there’s no higher model to rock than Germany’s personal Puma. These fashionable sneakers might be dressed up or down, which implies you may simply hit the bars after you’ve been touring the town all day.
They arrive in an entire assortment of colours and kinds too. Take your decide!
Germany Journey Adapter
When packing for two weeks in Germany, don’t overlook so as to add a German energy adaptor to your listing. The VINTAR International Power Adaptor coverts your American plugs into European Kind C retailers. Plus they arrive with USB slots for charging your further gadgets.
These would possibly look cumbersome, however they’re very mini at simply 2.8×2.6×2.3 inches! For those who don’t need to fry your electronics, these adapters are important.
Packing Cubes
Are you an over-packer? To maintain your garments and equipment organized, spend money on a sturdy set of Eagle Creek packing cubes. Nothing is extra irritating than digging round in your carry-on baggage for a clear pair of lingerie!
And if you happen to determine to select up a dirndl or lederhosen, then packing cubes will allow you to save area in your suitcase.
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Transportable Charger
Whereas touring, it’s simple to empty your telephone battery by trying up restaurant critiques or snapping pictures. That’s why it’s useful to have a transportable charger, just like the Anker PowerCore 5000. It could actually cost your smartphone as much as two full instances, so that you’ll by no means be caught with out energy throughout your 2 weeks in Germany.
This charger’s tubular ultra-compact form additionally makes it simple to slide into any pocket, bag, or purse.
Tile Tracker
Typically talking, petty theft is comparatively unusual in Germany. However if you happen to do occur to lose your pockets or digicam, you’ll be capable to observe them down with Tile. It has built-in Bluetooth in an effort to simply ring your Tile to find the final place you set it, and it’s sufficiently small to slip right into a pockets or baggage pocket.
One other enjoyable function: if you happen to’ve misplaced your keys, and your Tile passes inside vary of anybody else within the Tile neighborhood, they’ll get notified!
German Pocket Dictionary
Though English is spoken in bigger cities in Germany, it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to be taught a couple of frequent phrases. It’s additionally only a good signal of respect to aim talking fundamental German with the locals, even when the dialog rapidly switches to English.
With Rick Steves’ German Phrase Book and Dictionary, you’ll really feel snug saying “Guten Tag” to everybody you meet! It provides key phrases for on a regular basis use, full with phonetic spelling.