Traveling to Germany means much more than just getting there in time for Oktoberfest or eating bratwurst in Berlin. Covering a total land area of 137,903 sq. mi. in Western Europe, Germany is where you can find both bustling global cities as well as vast breathtaking landscapes. With so many cultural activities, natural wonders, and historical landmarks, you’ll never run out of destinations on your Germany travel itinerary. Of course, Germany travel entails a little preparation. Knowing some useful information will surely help to make your trip memorable and hassle-free.
Germany Travel Information for a Hassle-Free Trip
1. Set the Clock to Deutschland
The time zone in Germany follows Central European Time (UTC+1:00), which is one hour ahead of the Coordinated Universal Time. During the summer, Germany, like other members of the European Union, also observes Daylight Saving Time. On the last Sunday in March, Germany switches their time zone to Central European Summer Time (UTC+2:00). This means that the clock is offset an extra hour to preserve precious sunlight. When someone asks you, “What time is it in Germany?” don’t forget to keep this in mind!
2. Know Fast Facts on Germany
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A member of the European Union, Germany uses the Euro as its currency. The country’s capital is Berlin, which is internationally renowned for its art scene, history, architecture, and high quality of living. It is home to 3.7 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the European Union. However, Germany also has other noteworthy cities, such as Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Hannover, and Nuremberg.
Apart from its towering cities, Germany is also known for its vast historical sites, art museums, and natural wonders. If city life isn’t your thing, you can go on a tour of Schloss Neuschwanstein, King Ludwig II’s fairytale castle. You can also marvel at the splendor of the Upper Danube Valley Nature Reserve, from which you have a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Danube River. For art lovers, the famous Pergamon Museum is an absolute must.
3. How to Get There
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Germany is a member of the Schengen Agreement, which is good news for any U.S. citizen. This means that obtaining a visa for Germany travel is not required if you don’t intend to stay for more than 90 days. Upon exit and arrival, visitors must abide by the currency restriction of €10,000 euros.
Once you’re in the country, public transportation is relatively easy. The U-Bahn, or the underground train, covers the city center. The S-Bahn, or the suburban express train, travels through the outskirts. For long distance train rides, making a reservation is recommended, as this can save you a lot of money. Apart from the train, buses are also a convenient mode of travel; buses are usually found by main train stations.
4. Budget Your Trip
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Believe it or not, Germany is cheaper than many European countries like the UK or France. There are many budget-friendly hotels throughout the country, with prices ranging from $15-$25 a night for a double room. Hotels, on the other hand, will cost you around $30-$50. Decent meals set you back around $10-15, and you can always pop into local bakeries for a quick snack. While public transportation is cheap and efficient, you can also try ridesharing websites, which cost around $3 per 50 km.
Learn how to tell the time in German! Watch this video for a crash course on telling time like a local:
Whether you’re gazing up at Brandenburg Gate or exploring the castles of Bavaria, you’ll never run out of sights to see in this magnificent country. Traveling to Germany is something everyone should get to experience at least once in their lives. Of course, seasoned travelers will advise you to be aware of the time at your destination. Sometimes, a few key pieces of information, such as time difference, can make or break your trip. You certainly wouldn’t want to miss a flight or a train! By staying organized and informed, your Germany travel experience will be something you’ll never forget.
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