Germany

Experience new things, have fun and relax. Vibrant cities with amazing architecture, fabulous shopping and pulsating nightlife. Enchanting medieval villages and traditional wine villages with friendly festivals and regional specialities. Picturesque countryside which is perfect for walking or simply relaxing in. Castles, palaces and abbeys that are the epitome of German romanticism.

Berlin
Once the capital of Prussia and leading cultural centre of the 1920s, today the new capital of Germany is characterised by its dazzling modernity and breathtaking architecture. Berlin is reinventing itself once again.

Munich
Munich, the modern metropolis on the banks of the river Isar, is a dream city come true, deep in the south of Germany. With its uniquely laid back attitude and tolerant cosmopolitan outlook, Munich is always worth a visit!

Frankfurt
Frankfurt, "city of contrasts", has the tallest building in Europe, the famous Zeil shopping street and an internationally renowned trade fair centre. The picturesque Römerberg square is lined with historical timber framed buildings.

Cologne
The cityscape of Cologne has been shaped by 2,000 years of cultural history and a combination of Roman, medieval and modern influences. The famous landmark at the heart of the city, Cologne Cathedral, is a meeting place for people from all over the world.

Hamburg
Hamburg has it all: a wonderful location on the Elbe and Alster rivers, lively nightlife in St. Pauli, captivating musicals, unforgettable theatre, the "Michel" and the harbour. Hamburg is also loved for its culture.

Dusseldorf
Düsseldorf is a vibrant, modern city on the Rhine elegant, welcoming and cosmopolitan with a typically light hearted Rhenish attitude. Fashion, culture and lifestyle are its signatures.

Activities and Tours

Cologne Cathedral
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Cologne Cathedral is one of the finest church buildings in the Christian world. Gargantuan proportions and craftsmanship of unparalled quality have made the cathedral a defining example of the Gothic style.

Brandenburg Gate
No other landmark better symbolises German history than Berlin's signature attraction. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, thousands of East and West Germans celebrated the opening of the borders and reunification of Germany in its shadow. The Brandenburg Gate has a magical appeal for all visitors to Berlin, from heads of state to tourists.

Hamburgs Port
An impressive labyrinth of canals, basins, quays and bridges, Hamburg's port is one of the foremost sea freight centres in the world, and with its harbour tours, promenade and fish market it is also the city's number one attraction.

Chalk Cliffs
The dazzling white chalk cliffs on the coast of the Jasmund peninsula are Rügen's most famous landmark towering cliffs with a sheer drop down to the sea. Their white chalky layers are a dramatic contrast with the green of the beech forests and the turquoise of the sea.

Travel Tip and useful information

Climate
The majority of Germany lies within the moderate, maritime climatic zone. Large fluctuations in temperature are rare. Rain falls throughout the year. The average winter temperature is +2°C on the North German Plain and 6°C in the mountains. Average temperatures in July range between +18°C on the North German Plain and +20°C in the sheltered valleys of the south.

Transport
Germany has an extensive rail network that covers almost every part of the country. The trains are reliable, safe and comfortable. Germany's autobahns cover a distance of approx. 11,000km and form an ultra modern and efficient transport network. More than 700 filling stations, service areas and hotels are open around the clock. Many destinations within the towns and cities and around the regions can be quickly and easily reached by underground or local suburban railway. The larger cities have night buses that run until late into the night.

Time Zone
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +1 hour

Population
More than 80 million people live in Germany, but the population is very unevenly distributed. Around one third of the inhabitants (25 million) live in 82 large towns. Around 50.5 million live in towns with populations of between 2,000 and 100,000. Some 6.4 million people live in villages of less than 2,000 inhabitants. With a population density of 230 people per square kilometre, Germany is one of the mostly densely populated countries in Europe.

Currency and credit cards
The euro has been legal tender in Europe since the beginning of 2002. Modern cash machines accept a variety of German and international debit and credit cards. The airports and major railway stations have electronic currency changing machines which can be used to exchange foreign currency for euros.

Dress Code
Without question, the American informal dress code of T shirt, jeans and tennis shoes is increasingly popular in Germany. Nevertheless, you'll find yourself dressing up a lot more in Germany. Even at informal gatherings the German emphasis on stylishness is reflected by wearing a tie or fashionable blouse with jeans (and usually leather shoes).

Safety and Security
Germany is a very safe country and the law is strictly enforced. There are no ghettos but certain city areas should be visited with care. Recent statistics show a significant drop in major crimes like murder or robbery. Pickpockets can be a problem in large cities or at events with large crowds. Big cities also have their share of beggars and punks, but they are not dangerous. Germany has one of the world's best social systems, at least keeping its inhabitants alive, so those asking for money may be "professional beggars" who want to improve their standard of living.