Germany Travel Guide: A-Broad Overview

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

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 → Brühl → Cologne → Munich → Neuschwanstein Castle → Frankfurt → Eltz Castle

👉 Want the full breakdown (including logistics, timing, and exact stops)? Read my detailed 7-day Germany Itinerary here.

Germany is packed with historic cities, charming towns, scenic castles, and vibrant festivals.

Here’s a quick overview of our favorite stops.

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 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 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

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.

👉 Read more: Rhine Valley River Cruise from Frankfurt: Honest Review + Is It Worth It?

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.

👉 Read more: 1 Day in Cologne, Germany (Easy Day Trip from Frankfurt + Must-See Highlights)

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.

👉 Read more: 1 Day Trip to Eltz Castle, Germany (How to Visit Burg Eltz from Frankfurt)

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.

👉 Visiting in the fall? Don’t miss my full guide to Oktoberfest in Munich, including tips for first-timers.

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.

👉 If you’re planning to base yourself in one city, check out my guide to the best day trips from Frankfurt for easy train itineraries.

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, and you’ll want some for Oktoberfest and tipping on tours.

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!

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