*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.
Germany had been on our travel bucket list for years, and when we finally planned a fall trip, it quickly became one of our favorite European adventures!
We intentionally timed our visit around Oktoberfest in Munich, which also happened to align with my boyfriend Tim’s birthday, making the trip even more special.
Over the course of a week, Tim and I, along with our friends, Abby and Deep, explored vibrant cities like Frankfurt and Munich, cruised through the fairytale landscapes of the Rhine Valley, visited the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, and experienced the unforgettable energy of Oktoberfest.
What surprised us most was how diverse Germany felt. One day we were wandering historic old towns and medieval castles, and the next we were relaxing in lively beer gardens or watching vineyard-covered hills drift by along the Rhine River.
If you’re planning your own trip, this Germany travel guide brings together all of my blog posts, itineraries, and travel tips in one place to help you plan an unforgettable visit.
Below you’ll find everything you need to get started, from city guides and day trips to travel tips and packing advice.
Quick Germany Facts
First things first, here’s some basic information about Germany to get you started.
🇩🇪 Capital: Berlin
🗣️ Language: German
💶 Currency: Euro (€)
🌤️ Best time to visit: May–June and September–October
📍 Top destinations: Munich, Rhine Valley, Frankfurt, Neuschwanstein Castle
🍺 Famous for: Castles, beer culture, Christmas markets, scenic countryside
Map of Germany Destinations
Best Places to Visit in Germany
Germany is packed with historic cities, charming towns, scenic castles, and vibrant festivals.
Here’s a quick overview of our favorite stops.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is often seen as just a gateway city, but it’s actually full of charm.
Between its reconstructed Old Town, riverfront views, and cozy apple wine taverns, it’s a perfect place to start or end your trip.
👉 Read more: One Day in Frankfurt: Great Things To Do in Frankfurt
Munich
Munich is one of Germany’s most beloved cities, known for its beautiful architecture, lively beer gardens, and rich Bavarian culture.
It’s also the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest celebration, and if you visit in late September, you can experience this bucket list event firsthand.
👉 Read more: 3 Days in Munich: The Ultimate Itinerary (Oktoberfest, Castles & Day Trips)
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is easily one of the most famous castles in the world and looks like something straight out of a fairytale (it even inspired the castle from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty!).
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle was one of the highlights of our Bavaria trip, and a guided tour makes it easy to skip lines and learn all the fascinating history, without having to worry about any of the logistics.
👉 Read more: Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip from Munich: Honest Tour Review + What to Expect
Rhine Valley
The Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles, and charming towns.
Cruising the Rhine was another one of our most memorable experiences. We booked a 7-hour Rhine Valley day trip from Frankfurt, which included a scenic river cruise, lunch, and wine tasting.
👉 Rhine Valley River Cruise from Frankfurt (coming soon)
Cologne
Cologne is famous for its massive Gothic cathedral and lively riverside atmosphere.
It’s an easy stop if you’re traveling between Frankfurt and other western Germany destinations.
👉 Cologne guide coming soon.
Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany and feels like stepping straight into a storybook.
It’s an easy day trip from Frankfurt and well worth adding to your Germany itinerary.
👉 Eltz Castle guide coming soon.
Germany Itineraries
Germany is well-connected by trains and highways, making it easy to visit several destinations in one trip.
Our 7-day Germany itinerary covers some of the country’s most iconic destinations, including Frankfurt, the Rhine Valley, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Oktoberfest.
Here’s the exact route we followed on our 7-day trip:
Frankfurt → Rhine Valley → Cologne → Munich → Neuschwanstein Castle → Eltz Castle
👉 Read my Full 7-day Itinerary: 7 Days in Germany + Optional Salzburg Day Trip
Best Time to Visit Germany
Germany is a year-round destination, but each season offers something unique:
- May–June: Mild weather, lush countryside, fewer crowds
- July–August: Warm temperatures, long daylight, peak festivals
- September: Comfortable weather, Rhine Valley wine harvests, Oktoberfest in Munich
- October: Beautiful fall foliage, smaller crowds
- November–March: Colder weather, lower prices (except Christmas markets)
We visited in September, which gave us perfect weather for sightseeing, vineyards, and Oktoberfest fun.
How to Get Around Germany
Germany has an excellent rail network connecting major cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Cologne.
- Stations are centrally located and easy to navigate.
- Trains are fast, comfortable, and reliable.
Most travelers do not need a car unless you want extra flexibility to explore castles in the Rhine Valley.
Germany Travel Tips
Here are a few things that helped make our trip to Germany run smoothly.
- Book castle visits early: Neuschwanstein Castle tickets sell out quickly.
- Trains make travel easy: Skip the car rental unless you want more flexibility.
- Plan ahead for Oktoberfest: Munich hotels fill fast during festival season.
- Carry some cash: Small shops and local restaurants sometimes prefer it.
Germany Packing Tips
Packing depends on the season, but for a fall trip:
- Comfortable walking shoes (I wore my waterproof Vessis every day)
- Lightweight sweater or jacket for layers
- Crossbody bag for city days
- European power adapter
- Light rain layer
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
👉 My full Germany packing guide is coming soon.
My Germany Blog Posts
Germany Itineraries
- 7 Days in Germany: The Perfect First-Timer Itinerary + An Optional Salzburg Day Trip
- 3 Days in Munich: The Ultimate Itinerary (Oktoberfest, Castles & Day Trips)
City Guides
- One Day in Frankfurt: Great Things To Do in Frankfurt
- Cologne travel guide (coming soon)
Castles & Day Trips
- Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip from Munich
- 5 Unforgettable & Easy Day Trips from Frankfurt
- Rhine Valley River Cruise (coming soon)
- Eltz Castle guide (coming soon)
Experiences
Final Thoughts on Visiting Germany
Germany exceeded our expectations in so many ways!
From storybook castles and scenic river valleys to lively beer gardens and historic cities, every stop on our trip offered something unique.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer European adventure, Germany is a destination that’s easy to fall in love with.
If you’re currently planning your own trip, I hope these guides help you feel prepared and excited for everything this incredible country has to offer.
And if you’ve already visited Germany, I’d love to hear your favorite places and travel tips!
👉 Check out more of my travel tips here.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads