Great Germany Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?
Home to mesmerizing vineyards, diverse landscapes, and a network of trails with excellent waymarkers, Germany is one of Europe's most sought-after travel destinations. There is a lot to see in this magnificent country, from the fantasy castles of Bavaria to medieval villages along the Romantic Road and Rococo palaces in Potsdam. Explore Berlin, the country's cultural capital, has long been a popular tourist magnet and is known for its seamless blending of history with modernity and multi-cultural influences.
With panoramic hiking adventures in Altmuhltal Nature Park, cruise tours in the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, and numerous shopping destinations, a trip to Germany is never short of fun.
- Jenny
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND IN GERMANY?
A three to five-day visit to Germany is enough to cover the country's key attractions and highlights such as the Holocaust Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and the Twelve Apostles. If you want to do a little more exploration during your short stay in the country, keep it to a single destination, like Altmuhltal Nature Park or Berlin.
We suggest a Germany itinerary of at least seven to ten days to get the most out of your vacation. With extra time at hand, you can immerse yourself in the country’s unique culture, history, and tradition, while also enjoying its sublime natural beauty and a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities.
Even better, a two-week trip to Germany provides plenty of time to take in the country’s must-see sights. Besides, this duration also means that you can combine a Germany tour with a visit to nearby European countries, like Holland or Hungary. Without having to rush, you can get under the skin of Germany and make your stay in the country truly memorable.
Five days may not seem much when it comes to exploring Germany. But if you plan properly, you can indulge in an exclusive journey. Sail through two great German rivers, the Rhine and the Moselle, and discover iconic destinations of both Germany and France.
Kickstart your cruise from Cochem, taking in the stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Visit the ravishing village of Alken and discover the majestic Thurant Castle. Indulge in a wine-tasting tour in Rudesheim and explore the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments. Then enjoy a scrumptious gala dinner before winding up your tour in Strasbourg.
Alternatively, you can venture into the depths of the Black Forest, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Discover the panoramic Danube and upper-Neckar valleys, or head for the spas of Baden-Baden instead. Ski down the slopes of Todtnau or discover the region aboard a Black Forest train. Else, embark on a journey from Amsterdam to Berlin, ticking off the main attractions of both Germany and Holland along the way.
Check out our five-day Germany itineraries for more ideas and insights.
A week's tour in Germany is sure to satisfy your desires, whether you are a nature lover or art and architectural aficionado.
Having explored the Black Forest aboard a train, you can then embark on a cycling tour across the beautiful Moselle Valley, starting from the historic city of Trier. Continue your journey past the Moselle River and stop in Trittenheim for a drink of local wine. Visit the heart of Neumagen-Dhron, Germany's oldest winemaking city, before traveling to the picturesque village of Zeltingen. Pedal through vineyards to reach Zell and continue to Beilstein, home to the famous Reichsburg Castle. Unwind in the picturesque village of Koblenz and capture lifelong memories to take back home.
You might also want to travel along Lake Chiemsee, passing through Bavarian villages and monasteries along the way. Or else, travel back in time as you visit the charming medieval cities and towns between Hamburg and Berlin while soaking up the architectural marvels along the banks of the Elbe. Remember to try out local delicacies packed with a distinct flavor.
If your visit coincides with Christmas, then you can take a cruise from Berlin to Dresden, home to a festive Christmas Mass, and explore the Christmas markets of Magdeburg, Wittenberg, and Meissen.
Do not forget to browse through our list of one-week Germany itineraries or read our 1-week in Germany travel article for more inspiring travel ideas.
Having ticked off the destinations mentioned above, you can then head out to explore the famous Romantic Road. This road takes you to some of the country’s key attractions, like Checkpoint Charlie, Oberammergau Passion Play Theatre, and Miniature Wonderland, located in Hamburg’s historic Speicherstadt neighborhood. Remember to treat yourself to a stay in a 16th-century castle and visit the wine town of Wurzburg. Embark on a ‘Night Watchman’ tour while in Rothenburg and shop for the finest handcrafted Christmas ornaments.
Alternately, traverse Germany's more tranquil side. A hiking journey through Altmuhltal Nature Park will take you to Eichstatt, Kipfenberg, Riedenburg, and many other beautiful places. See ancient ramparts and ruins of forts dating back to Celtic and Roman ages on your way to Kelheim from Bavaria. Other highlights worth discovering are Prunn Castle, Willibalds Castle, and the mammoth cave located in Buchenhüller. Do not forget to take pictures of the beautiful Twelve Apostles before it is time to head home.
Check out our ten-day tours and itineraries in Germany or our 10 days in Germany travel recommendations for more bucket list-worthy travel ideas.
GERMANY IN 2 WEEKS
A chance to spend two weeks in Germany presents you with infinite opportunities to explore every nook and corner of the country. On top of the above itinerary, you might want to add the vibrant city of Treuchtlingen, popular for its thermal spas. Capture the beauty of the River Altmuhl and roam the streets of the historic village of Pappenheim. Discover the market town of Dollnstein and continue to Eichstatt, making a stop at the rock tower Burgsteinfelsen.
With 14 days to spare, you do not have to stick to just Germany. Embark on a sightseeing tour that takes you through neighboring countries, like Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia. Start from Berlin and stop by the lush farmlands of Pozna before continuing your journey to Warsaw. Do not forget to visit the Auschwitz Memorial Site, a tragic reminder of the Holocaust. Take in the sights and sounds of the enchanting streets of Krakow and visit the underground Salt Cathedral while in Poland.
Next, relax in the famous baths of Budapest, the capital of Hungary, before heading to Vienna, home to many wonders of the bygone era, like Hofburg Palace, the 18th-century Schönbrunn Palace, Stephen's Cathedral, and Vienna State Opera.
Alternatively, cast your net further afield and head out to discover Finland, Russia, and Belarus. Learn more about traditional Finnish culture at the open-air museum located on the island of Seurasaari while in Helsinki and discover the remnants of the Tsar rule during your trip to Saint Petersburg and Moscow.
PLANNING A TRIP TO GERMANY?
Looking forward to purchase a package tour or join a group? Then browse through our list of Germany tours and itineraries. If you wish to craft a personalized Germany itinerary just for yourself, contact one of our local travel experts in the country.
