Germany is an economic powerhouse, a model of forward planning and efficiency, not to mention the fifth largest economy in the world. Everything runs like clockwork and the lasting sentiment of many visitors is ‘why can’t we do things like that?’
For lovers of city life Germany is also a traveller’s delight. From top class bars and restaurants to lively underground subcultures to a rich and vibrant music scene, there’s something for everybody. Choose from a fantastic range of beers or wines as you sit down to your meal of game, bread and cheese and take in the city life.
You might start with Berlin, packed with enough museums, galleries, theatres and clubs to keep you busy for years. Then head to the media capital, Hamburg, for eclectic nightlife in a pulsing, multicultural port. See German sophistication meet Bavarian provincialism in Munich, home of the world famous Oktoberfest, and take some gothic architecture in Cologne.
If cities aren’t your thing then head out to the chalk cliffs and sweeping beaches of Rügen Island or travel the long Romantic Road. Get some world class German cuisine at Residenz Heinz Wilkner, or experience the enchanting summer music festivals at Schleswig-Holstein or Beyreuth if you can time your trip. If you’re driving, perhaps the best thing to do is pick a direction and start driving – it is a country both beautiful and full of surprises.
Getting there
Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Munich are the main international airports, though there are numerous others across the country. Trains connect Germany with a number of surrounding countries, as do long distance bus routes through Eurolines.
Getting around
The German public transport system is a wonder unto itself. Trains are the most efficient form of transport, though internal air, bus and even boat routes exist. German highways are also extensive but driving can be expensive.
Local information
Language: German
Time: UTC+1
Climate: Temperate. Warm summers, cold winters, rain throughout the year. Temperature: Max 25°C (July), Min -4°C (January). Rainfall: Max 60mm (August), Min 30mm (March).
Currency: Euro
Business etiquette: Dress smartly and make appointments well in advance. Formal titles should be used. A quick handshake is a customary greeting. Germans are more interested in experience and credentials than personal relationships for doing business. Expect potential business partners to be sharp, methodical and thorough.
Tipping: Service is included in bills, but rounding up is common.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of spirits or 2l of beers, wines or cider; 50g of perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee; 100g of tea; medication for personal use.
Safety: Germany has a very low incidence of crime. There are however occasional attacks on racial grounds by extremist groups.
Laws: Use or display of Nazi symbols or memorabilia is illegal. It is advisable to carry identification at all times.
Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Travellers from beyond the EU may be charged and are advised to take out health insurance.
Socket type: Type E
