DIY Travel to Germany

Our Trips to Germany

Over the years, we have made many trips to Germany. Our most recent trip was in 2023 when we sailed on a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. It was a two-week cruise. If you wish to see the details of the Danube portion of the cruise, please read our post “Best Trip To Germany, Austria and Hungary“. If you want to read more about our cruise on the Main and Rhine Rivers or other places we have visited in Germany, please continue to read on this post.

Travel to Germany -Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany by both area and population.  There are many things to do in Berlin. Here are some popular tourist attractions:

• Brandenburg Gate
• Berlin Wall Memorial
• Museum Island
• Reichstag Building
• Berlin Zoo
• Checkpoint Charlie Museum
• Pergamon Museum
• Berliner Dom

Brandenberg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin, built on the orders of Prussian king Frederick William II after the temporary restoration of order during the Batavian Revolution. It is Berlin’s most famous landmark and a must-see for all visitors. A symbol of German division during the Cold War, it is now a national symbol of peace and unity. The students are spelling out something in German.

German Parliament – Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building houses the German Parliament known as the Bundestag. It has played a significant role in German history. It was refurbished in the 1960s in preparation for the reunification of Germany in the 1990s.

Travel to Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria is a beautiful region in Germany that offers a lot of things to see and do. Here are some reasons why you might want to visit Bavaria:

• Oktoberfest: The world-famous beer festival is held annually in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. It’s a great opportunity to experience German culture and try some of the best beers in the world.
• Neuschwanstein Castle: This is a beautiful castle built by King Ludwig II. It’s located in the Bavarian Alps and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. Another Castle to visit, the smallest of Ludwig’s three Castles, is Linderhof Castle (see below for details).
• Lake Königssee: This is a beautiful lake located in Berchtesgaden National Park. It’s surrounded by mountains and is known for its crystal-clear water.
• Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest: This is an historic site located on top of a mountain near Berchtesgaden. It was built as a retreat for Adolf Hitler and is now open to visitors.
• Munich: This is the capital of Bavaria and is known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and parks. Nuremberg and Mittenwald are also interesting cities to visit. You must visit the Hofbrauhaus, the city’s most famous beerhall. Opened to the public in 1828, it quickly became the center of public and political life, including famous names like Mozart and Lenin as regular customers. Perhaps the most significant role was in 1920 when the first meeting of Hitler and the National Socialist Party occured.
• Salzburg: This city is located just across the border in Austria but is easily accessible from Bavaria. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, music festivals, and historic sites.
• Beer Halls: Bavaria is known for its beer halls where you can enjoy traditional German food and beer.

Travel to Germany – Munich

Munich is an amazing city with a vibrant and friendly atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. The city is famous for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and lively nightlife. Whether you are interested in exploring the many museums and art galleries, shopping in the bustling markets, or simply enjoying a cold beer in a traditional Bavarian beer garden, Munich has something to offer everyone. You’ll love strolling through the city’s charming streets and discovering all the hidden gems it has to offer. With friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere, Munich is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable travel experience. Here is a picture of Munich at Christmas.

Planning a Trip to Germany – Nuremberg

Travel to Germany – Mittenwald

Mittenwald is a small municipality in Bavaria. We consider it a Hidden gem. Since it is nestled in a cul-de-sac under snowcapped peaks, it is the most natural spot imaginable for a resort.

Known far and wide for its master violin makers, the citizens of this drowsy village seem almost bemused by its popularity. Being in the mountains, the air is ridiculously clean, and on the main street the loudest noise is a babbling brook.

The people of Mittenwald, and in other towns in Bavaria, love to paint scenes on the sides of their homes and on other buildings. The church in this small town is magnificent.

Cos and Robin visited Mittenwald in 2022 before venturing off to see Linderhof Castle and the Passion Play in Oberammergau.

Linderhof Castle

Travel to Oberammergau, Germany – A Real Hidden Gem

Oberammergau is the Bavarian town where every ten years they transform the town into a theatre involving almost all of the residents who perform a 5-hour passion play. It is one of the most spectacular performances that we have ever seen. More information is available in our Famous Theaters Post.

Bavaria’s Hanging Guild Signs

A wonderful sight to see are the beautiful hanging guild signs or emblems that are located on many cobblestone streets across Bavaria and the nearby German speaking regions. The signs are an historic remembrance from medieval times.

Bavaria and Germany’s Love of Innsbruck, Austria – Just Over the Mountains from Germany

Okay, while Innsbruck is in Austria it is very close to the Bavarian region in Germany. As a result, it is easy to visit from Germany and maintains many customs similar to Bavaria in Germany. Here are some of our favorite photos from Innsbruck. Note in the picture of the archway below, the ski jump slide in the distance and more of the hanging guild signs.

Travel on the Main River in Germany

The Main River runs across the south central section of Germany. It is the longest tributary of the Rhine in Germany. It originates as the White Main in the Fichtel Mountains of northeastern Bavaria and flows west through central Germany for 525 kilometers (326 miles) to meet the Rhine below Rüsselsheim, Hesse. The largest cities on the Main are Frankfurt am Main, Offenbach am Main, and Würzburg. The river is navigable for shipping from its mouth to Bamberg, and this section is known as the Main-Danube Canal.  To see more about the Main-Danube Canal please see our post Best Trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary. The Main River is a popular destination for river cruises, and it offers scenic views of vineyards, castles, and historic towns.

During our 14-day river cruise in 2023 from Budapest to Amsterdam we traveled the Main and visited the towns of Bamberg, Wurzburg and Wertheim. Of the three cities we found Wurzburg to be the most interesting. Also, Bamberg was well worth the visit.

Travel to Wurzburg, Germany

Visiting Wurzburg was one of the highlights of our 2023 river cruise. Waking up in the morning and looking out at the river and the fortress provided some magnificent photos.

The Wurzburg Bishops Residenz is a UNESCO-listed site and is the highlight of any visit to the city. The Prince-Bishop, Johann Philipp Franz von Schonborn commissioned the building of his residence in 1752. He modeled it after the Versailles Palace in France. It contains the largest ceiling fresco in the world atop the grand staircase. The opulence of the imperial apartments is breathtaking. Particularly impressive is the mirror room shown below.

Travel to Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg is an historic town in Bavaria, Germany, sometimes referred to as “the Rome of Germany” due to its grandeur and position of power. The town is divided into three main areas, each with its own distinct character. The “noble” section is the highest part of the town and contains the churches, castle, and associated buildings constructed as early as the 10th century. The “urban” section is an island in the middle of the river and was founded in the 12th century as a market, residences, and businesses.  The third area is a residential area.

The cobblestoned streets and beautiful houses along the river give Bamberg its real charm today. It’s easy to explore Bamberg by foot, and if you start at the train station and head towards the cathedral, you will pass through each of the different sections.

There are many things to do in Bamberg. You can visit the impressive cathedral that dominates the layout of the “noble” section.  Inside are the tombs of at least one pope and one emperor. You can also explore the beautiful houses along the river in the “urban” section.  In addition, there are many other attractions such as museums, breweries, and more .

Planning a Trip Down the Rhine in Germany

One of the greatest river cruises in the world is traveling down the Rhine River in Germany from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland. Not only do you get to visit some great cities, but the landscapes and the Castles that you will see are magnificent. Cos and Robin made the trip in 2022 on a Viking river cruise and will again in the fall of 2023 when we travelled from Budapest in Hungary along the Danube, across the Main River and back to Amsterdam on the Rhine.

Planning a trip to Cologne, Germany

While heading south from the Netherlands, the first spectacular city that you visit in Germany is Cologne.

Cologne is a beautiful city in Germany that has a lot to offer. Here are some reasons why you might want to visit Cologne:

• Altstadt (The Old Town): The old town of Cologne is a beautiful place to explore. It has many historic buildings and narrow streets that are perfect for walking around.
• Stylish (& Cheap) Accommodation: Cologne has many stylish and affordable hotels and hostels that are perfect for budget travelers.
• Café Culture: Cologne has a thriving café culture with many great coffee shops and bakeries.
• The Cathedral: The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany. It is a beautiful Gothic cathedral that is over 700 years old.
• Thriving Cocktail Scene: Cologne has a great cocktail scene with many bars and clubs that serve delicious drinks.
• Galleries and Museums: Cologne has great galleries and museums that are perfect for art lovers.
• Independent Shops: Cologne has many independent shops that sell unique and interesting products.
• Specialty Coffee: If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll love Cologne. The city has many great coffee shops that serve specialty coffee.

The Cologne Cathedral

The pictures can’t begin to capture the beauty or the magnitude of the Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and features immense twin towers that stand 515 feet (157 meters) tall. 

Cologne’s Cafe and Pub Scene

Cologne has some wonderful places to get a nice meal and some good Kolsch beer. We had a great traditional lunch at Peter’s Bauhaus during their visit in 2022. Perhaps we overindulged a little.

Koblenz

Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the German Corner where the Rhine and Moselle converge. It is one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities. We visited Koblenz twice, once on our Rhine River cruise in 2022, and a second time on our Budapest to Amsterdam cruise in 2023. It wasn’t until our trip in 2023 when we finally grasped the magnificence of this statue when we got an up close view. We also had a wonderful tour of the Mosel wine valley, where we gained a greater appreciation for drier German wines.

Speyer

Speyer is a city in Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany with architectural gems and beautiful churches to medieval sites and culinary specialties. It is part of the pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The route is called the Way of St. James and it is a network of routes that lead to the shrine of the Apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain.

The Speyer Cathedral is a basilica with four towers and two domes. The Cathedral was founded by Conrad II in 1030 and remodeled at the end of the 11th century. It is one of the most important Romanesque monuments from the time of the Holy Roman Empire. It is the remaining largest Romanesque Cathedral in the world.

Planning a trip to Germany’s Black Forest

The last place you visit in Germany while traveling down the Rhine is the Black Forest. the Black Forest is a beautiful region in Germany that is famous for its views of the Alps, spa resorts, and shopping for one-of-a-kind items such as cuckoo clocks and other fun, hand-made finds. 

Here are some reasons why you should visit the Black Forest:

• The Black Forest is the warmest and sunniest region of Germany just minutes from Switzerland and Alsace, France.
• With mountains, lakes and vineyards, it is the ideal region for outdoor enthusiasts.
• The region is famous for delicious food, especially Black Forest Cake.
• The region likes its animal protectors as shown below,

Robin and Cos visited the Black Forest towns of Breitnau and Freiburg in 2022. They saw plenty of cuckoo clocks in Breitnau and learned to make Black Forest Cake. It looked easy, but when Robin made one for Cos’ birthday, it took her five hours over two days. Whew.

They also loved the church in Freiburg. With the Alps as background, the Black Forest is a wonderful place to visit.