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Germany Holidays

Discover Germany

A hub of culture and history

From bustling cities to pristine natural landscapes, Germany holidays have much more to offer than a single trip can accommodate. As Europe’s largest economy, and with a regal history enshrined in its many castles, the nation is enterprising and welcoming – forward-looking while never forgetting its past. In the northern cities, like Hamburg, and the expansive capital, Berlin, Germany has embraced its artistic, bohemian flair – a blend of old and new emerging from post-war reconstruction.

In the more affluent south, Munich shines as a Bavarian oasis of luxury – for those who can afford it – and is a perfect stop en route to the fairytale Neuschwanstein castle. Meanwhile, a visit to Stuttgart opens the way to Germany’s picturesque landscapes. Head for the Black Forest, where hiking trails and lakes provide some extraordinary natural getaways, or lakeside Lindau, which offers views over the snow-capped German Alps. A slew of smaller cities – including Düsseldorf with its innovative cultural scene, or Cologne with its mighty cathedral – offer their own local specialities and sights.

When it comes to dining, look no further than the neighbourhood beer garden or hall for a list of brews to make any beer lover’s eyes bulge. Traditional dishes, from an impressive array of sausages to cheesy spätzle and mounds of kraut, are just the beginning of a German feast – save room for the strudels and cakes that follow. After all, you’ll need energy for the countless museums, historical sites, architectural marvels and other attractions that make holidays to Germany a must for any European escapade.

Need to know

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Capital
Berlin
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Language
German
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Currency
Euro
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Time zone
GMT +1
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Flight time
1hr 20mins

* Average time from London Gatwick to Berlin

All regions in Germany

Explore our map of Germany

Your questions answered

Most tourists visit Germany between May and September. The weather is generally warm, and the long days create ideal conditions for city sight-seeing tours or hiking adventures through the Bavarian countryside. But all those extra visitors do raise accommodation costs. Prices fall in autumn and early spring, and the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy a city break. Winters are cold and wet. But the snowfall transforms smaller German towns and mountain villages into winter wonderlands. Winter visitors can also experience Germany's famous Christmas markets, where the mulled wine and hot chocolates will keep you toasty.
Germany isn't well known as a beach holiday destination, but it does have some nice spots along and off the north coast. Langeoog Island is a perfect place for a relaxing beach day. Tall sand dunes surround this quiet beach, offering stunning views of the coastline and flower-filled meadows. To escape the tourist traps, visit Timmendorfer Strand near Lubeck. Stand-out features include a long pier stretching out into the sea and a nearby wildlife park. St Peter-Ording, on the North Sea coast is famous for rejuvenating hot springs and beachside spa resorts.
Germany has a Christian tradition, so it celebrates Christmas and Easter. It has several other religious holidays, including Three Kings Day (January 6th) and Corpus Christi (June 3rd). The most important non-religious holiday is German Unity Day. Celebrated on October 3rd, it honours the reunification of East and West Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall. Unity Day is a big deal. Everybody gets the day off so the entire country can celebrate. A different city hosts the main ceremony each year, and almost every other town and city runs its own festival or parade.
Germany is famous for its cosmopolitan cities packed with museums, historical architecture, and bohemian neighbourhoods that are some of the hippest places in Europe. Kreuzberg in Berlin is the epitome of laid-back, artisan cool. But Germany is just as well-known for its natural wonders. You could easily spend days admiring the Bavarian Alps or exploring the Black Forest, home to elk, eagles, and brown bears. And there's one annual event that attracts visitors from all over the world: Oktoberfest. The world's largest folk festival takes place in Munich, running for 16 days between late September and early October.
Berlin is a good choice for a weekend break. It has museums, art galleries, and stunning architecture for culture lovers. And there are some of Europe's best bars and nightclubs for younger travellers who like to party late. Or spend a long weekend in Hamburg. Explore the city's UNESCO heritage sites or catch a show at one of the many theatres or cabaret bars. Some shows are adults-only, so check if you're travelling with younger ones. Hamburg’s lively harbour is a vibrant area where you can enjoy lunch or an evening meal in the waterside restaurants and cafes. You'll also find laid-back wine bars and cocktail lounges.
German food might not be as refined as other European cuisines. But what it lacks in finesse, it makes up for in substance. Traditional German food is hearty and homely. Think succulent bratwurst sausages served with creamy mash and a generous dollop of sauerkraut. Stews are also popular and a great way to refuel after a day of exploring the sights. Look out for sauerbraten. It's rump beef slow-cooked with red wine, juniper berries, and herbs. For extra flavour, the meat is marinated for up to 10 days before cooking. The best way to eat sauerbraten is with potato pancakes or kartoffelkloesse dumplings.