Located in western Europe and the seventh-largest country on the continent, Germany has a lot to offer tourists of Europe.
With a wealth of complex history and home to incredible cities like Berlin and Munich, a trip to Germany can offer you many delights.
While the cities in Germany are impressive and brimming with culture, good food, and mesmerizing art, there are also lots of tourist attractions outside of the cities, like skiing resorts and spas that can make your trip even more special.
With a temperate climate, packing for Germany should be easy and there are hundreds of guides to the best places to see in Germany online.
In this article, we’re going to go over the kinds of things you need to prepare before going to Germany, including travel documents, itinerary, and the kind of budget you will need.
What travel documents should I prepare for a trip to Germany?
When it comes to traveling to Germany, the rules are similar for UK citizens traveling to Germany as they are for traveling to other EU countries.
The majority of visitors to Germany need no further travel authorization than an ETIAS, though some may require a visa depending on which country they hold a passport in and the length of their stay.
The ETIAS scheme was launched in 2022 and will be mandatory by the end of the year for all visitors from visa-waiver countries to countries in the Schengen Zone.
The ETIAS provides extra security for these countries by providing additional security checks on visitors who do not need a visa.
The ETIAS covers 90 days of travel in a 180-day period across the whole of the Schengen Zone.
The days are counted as a group and the ETIAS, electronically linked to your passport, is valid for three years.
The application for an ETIAS is short and requires only a passport and an email address.
It can be done online and will ask a series of security questions.
Most people will be granted an ETIAS but you may appeal if you are denied one.
It is recommended you get your ETIAS in advance of traveling to ensure there is time to process your application.
For travellers from non-visa-waiver countries traveling to Germany for tourism, a visa is required.
The kind of visa you need depends on your trip, though most tourists opt for a Schengen Visa.
For any visitors from visa-waiver countries who intend on staying in Germany for longer than the 90-day limit of an ETIAS, a visa will also be required.
It is recommended that you take out insurance for any trip to Germany to cover the cost of trip cancellations or medical treatment that may be required while abroad.
It is obligatory for both German nationals and tourists to hold health insurance.
How do I plan a trip to Germany?
When it comes to planning a trip to Germany there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, how long do you have in the country as this will determine how much you can see?
Secondly, what kind of trip are you looking for? Do you want to relax, be active, or soak up some history?
And lastly, how much moving from place to place do you want to do?
Below we’ve listed our favourite places for each kind of trip to help you to narrow down your search.
For a relaxing trip to Germany
Located in the south west corner of Germany is a spa-town called Baden-Baden.
With historic spas and mineral-rich, heated water, there are many places you can relax in this town.
Aside from spas, you may also want to visit Brahms House, to get a glimpse into the life of the German composer or head to the Casino Baden-Baden for a luxurious night out.
For an active trip to Germany
For a more active trip, a tour of the ski resorts overlooking the Bavarian Alps may be more up your street.
With Arber offering a child-friendly skiing holiday and Oberjoch being one of the highest skiing places in Germany, there is enough diversity to suit everyone’s needs.
For a historical trip to Germany
If you’re looking to learn about Germany while on your trip then you should definitely make a stop in Berlin.
Rammed full of history, from the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall Memorial and Museum Island, you can pack in all the learning possible.
Berlin is a great place to stop off for history buffs but it can also satisfy those who love art, culture, music, and good food too.
Berlin is well worth a visit on any trip to Germany.
Conclusion: Preparing for a trip to Germany
A trip to Germany can mean a long tour of all parts of the country or a short break in one of the country’s incredible cities.
Whatever trip you’re planning, there are a few travel documents you will definitely need along with a plan of what you plan to do and where you plan to head.
Check out our recommendations to make your trip planning easier now.
Featured image credit: Govisity/Tip na Trip/kosice.guide via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 license
