Germany is often considered a pleasure to travel in, with
fast efficient and relatively inexpensive public transport,
an excellent hostel and hotel network and the lure of festivals
such as the Berlin Love Parade and the much celebrated
Oktoberfest.
Climate
Germany's size and variety of landscapes mean that the weather
pattern across the country as a whole is inconsistent. The
North Eastern corner, though milder than it's bordering neighbours
has strong cold winters with the temperature barely rising
above 30F. The winter in Southern Germany tends to be less
severe with temperatures around 35F. Summer temperatures in
the north range up to 65F with 70F being a summer average
in the south. Of course Germany has a considerable winter
snowfall especially in Northern Germany, the Bohemian Forest,
Black Forest and the Bavarian Alps - which has
allowed some exceptional winter sports centres to develop
like Garmisch. Away from the ski-resorts the high tourist
season is between May and October when the weather is most
reliable, booking accommodation and some travel arrangements
in advance is recommended during the high season.
Dress
There are no dress restrictions, however it is important
to dress accordingly weather wise. Germany can easily be very
cold and wet the further north you head. Layers are considered
the wisest option to allow for the weather changes. It is
important to consider all eventualities when hiking or skiing
in the Alps as changes can occur unexpectedly and quickly.
It is always advised to carry a skiing mask both on and off-piste
to allow navigation even in driving snow.
Should you wish to buy 'distinctive' German clothing Bavaria
is the place to head, look out for the men's Leder-hosen,
leather shorts warn traditionally.
Food
Germany prides itself on its selection of fantastic meats
and sausages. With a huge variety of 'wursts (sausages)
made from a range of meats including beef, venison and veal.
Of course Germany has made an international name for itself
through its lager brewing and Oktoberfest in
Munich is the opportunity to reinforce the status. Germany
also has a considerable wine export industry of sweet white
wines like Liebfraumilsch. Internationally cuisine
such as Turkish, India, Italian and Chinese food is widespread
in urban areas.
People
Germans are renowned amongst the world as being strict, austere
and lacking in humour. Whilst some of the cliches can be seen
in the majority of Germans (this is a country, after all,
with only one comedy club to serve its 80 million citizens),
the futility and immeasurable guilt of the Nazi years and
the Holocaust go along way to explaining the Germans need
to be serious and Germans love nothing more than intense and
passionate conversation and tend to err on the conservative
in their drinking and social habits (although come Oktoberfest
the rules are different!). Germany now has a high level of
immigrants and asylum seekers to curb its low birth rates,
particularly Sorbs and Turks who live in the
major cities of Hamburg and Berlin.
Language
The national language is German, a language which
tends to be harsh on the ear and difficult to learn. No fear
as the majority of educated Germans speak between basic and
fluent English and tend to be only too keen to speak to you
(unlike their French neighbours!). The further east you head
into former East Germany, the less likely you are to meet
fluent English speakers. Learn a few polite words and phrases
like 'danke schon' (thank you very much) will earn you a few
more favours.
You may encounter minority languages like Sorbian,
a Slavic language spoken by the Sorbs of the North-East, or
Turkish and other Middle Eastern or Eastern European
language being spoken by Germany large immigrant population.
Cash
The Euro is used in Germany, since conversion in 2002,
prices have increased substantially for American and British
tourists. As with all countries, you budget will stretch a
little further away from major cities, it is always important
to budget extra when staying overnight in tourist areas or
larger towns - with the most expensive accommodation being
in Hamburg, Munich and Berlin (especially during the Love
Parade when prices rocket). To cushion the blow, street food
vendors are considered by many tourists a way to save money
in the capital, most offer large pretzels, wursts and coffees
and are reasonably priced.
Visas
Visas are not needed by citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel,
Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the U.S. For Citizens of
the E.U. Switzerland and Poland it is possible to enter with
I.D cards. A three month visa is called a 'Schengen' and must
be obtained by citizen's not listen above before visiting
Germany.
Travel
Getting around is part of the enjoyment of Germany, the world
class transportation system is one of the most admirable things
about the country. The rail system comprises of over
25,000 miles of track and serves over 7000 cities, towns and
villages within Germany. Trains are incredibly clean efficient
and travel is cheap. It is possible to include Germany within
a Euro-rail travel pass. The carriages and seats are so comfortable
there is often no need to upgrade to sleeper coaches when
travelling overnight.
Buses are a considerably less popular way to travel
across Germany, but still offer impeccable service and are
an excellent way to see regional areas not served by train.
Most towns and cities have a central bus station from which
national buses leave.
The fantastic autobahns in Germany make driving a pleasure,
often tourists consider hiring a car in Germany just to sample
the 'unlimited' speed restrictions. A word of warning though:
Not all areas of the autobahn are un-restricted and fines
are high. Fuel prices in Germany are also amongst the highest
in Europe. When hiring a car or bike a European or International
driving permit tends to make the process a little easier -
most tourists are reminded about the dangers of travelling
at 'high' speeds before the hire car is signed over.
Health
Germany is a very healthy country with no major diseases or
risks. If you are from an EEC member country, simply bring
your E111 form with your passport, outside of here, travel
insurance is recommended for any emergency illness.
Where to stay
The accommodation net-work in Germany is well organised,
well priced and easy to understand. Most prices include a
continental breakfast. There are over 2000 organised campsites
throughout Germany and in the summer months are excellent
budget alternatives. The best way to reach each site is by
car as they tend to be poorly served by public transport.
Budget hotel rooms are becoming harder to find, expect
to share facilities in the cheapest rooms. A good way of staying
for a longer period of time is to rent an apartment on a short
lease, this tends to cut the cost of staying within a city
- the best deals are usually obtained if organised in advanced
so it is worth finding the appropriate apartment before arrival.
It is possible to save money when travelling through German
by staying within a family, residential stay lists
can be found in tourist offices, while being slightly out
of the town centres residential stays are considered by most
tourists as an excellent way to sample German culture.
The Youth Hostel Network in Germany is considered the
best in the world, though not the cheapest! There are over
600 hostels in the Deutschesjugendherbergswerk (German
Youth Hostel) network, most hostels are comfortable, whilst
some are luxurious with heated indoor swimming pools. The
hostels book up in the summer months and around Oktoberfest
and Love Parade incredibly quickly - it is strongly
advisable not just to turn up and expect a place as you might
find yourself in one of Germany's expensive higher-end business
hotels. |
