Oktoberfest 2020 Munich: The Insider’s Guide

December is one of the most exciting months to visit Germany. It is the festival season. Colorful decorations and Christmas markets line the streets. While the chilly weather and shorter days may limit outdoor adventure options, you will still find more than enough things to do and places to visit in Germany in December. There is no better time to visit the stunning ski resorts in the Bavarian Alps, which are in their most welcoming state.

As the brisk autumn air sets in and the leaves turn into vibrant red, orange, and yellow, a sense of calm and coziness sweeps across Germany. The summer crowds are thinning out, and the major attraction sites are largely unencumbered by tourists. A trip to Germany in September offers a perfect condition for visitors to explore the country’s world-class museums and galleries, and enjoy the beautiful autumnal landscapes. There are also cultural events such as Oktoberfest, Rheingau Musik Festival, and Berlin International Film Festival to look forward to.

Germany has so much to offer its visitors: sprawling alps, winding rivers, lush valleys, and about 20,000 elegant castles. The country also has an incredibly complicated history, reflected in its many monuments and museums. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to decide what truly deserves a place on your German bucket list! Here are what we consider to be the top 12 tourist attractions in Germany, in no particular order.

Germany is a land blessed with an abundance of varied landscapes perfect for hiking and the country now boasts over 53,000 trails for hikers of all abilities. Many of the most famous and rewarding trails for hiking in Germany stretch over several hundred kilometers and are tackled in stages, usually including overnights in traditional guesthouses along the way. However, not everyone has the time to complete such time-consuming excursions, and rewarding shorter walks can be undertaken by simply selecting one or more sections of the following longer routes according to one’s preferences. An overview map of the best hiking trails in Germany

Spending 4 days in Germany offers a range of attractions and activities that can be experienced in one incredible location or across several captivating destinations. Whether you wish to immerse yourself in Berlin's vibrant culture, explore the Bavarian Alps' scenic beauty, or cruise through the Rhine river on a romantic cruise, the options are endless. Check out some of our favorite four-day Germany trip itineraries below.

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 which are seemlessly integrated in our Germany itineraries. Explore Berlin, the country's cultural capital, which 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.

October heralds one of the shoulder seasons in Germany, as the summer heat gives way to the cool weather and changing colors of autumn. If you come early enough, you may be lucky to attend Oktoberfest, the world’s biggest drinking festival. But even if you miss it, a trip to Germany in October still holds a lot of promise for maximum outdoor fun and beautiful sites amid great weather. And the reduced tourist crowds of the shoulder season mean you will get to fully savor all the sights and attractions. Germany in October will ensure that you will be doing less queuing and more of exploring.

Winter slowly transitions to spring in Germany in March. This is an ideal time to explore the cities of Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich. For outdoor enthusiasts, there is still much to do in the Bavarian Alps, where the ski season lasts well into April. And since March is still a low season to travel to Germany, you could also benefit from low tourist crowds and discounted prices on airfare and accommodation.

Spring weather, clear blue skies, and flowers blooming everywhere—what is not to like about Germany in April? The whole country perks up after the lull of winter and gets ready for the incoming tourist season, which does not quite start until May. This is a great time to travel to Germany for a spring getaway while avoiding crowds. Visit some festivals and events in Stuttgart, Munich, and Frankfurt. Head over to Bonn to view the beautiful cherry blossoms or explore the urban attractions of Berlin. No place is off-limits in Germany in April.

An authentic experience awaits you in Germany in January. With the days getting shorter and the temperature colder, this is just the perfect time to visit Germany with the cultural attractions, enjoy skiing in the Alps, and try out some warm Gluhwein. Alternatively, you can also unwind at one of the hot baths scattered across the country, from the spa town close to the French border to the historic city of Cologne.

Scenic snow-capped woodlands, traditional Christmas markets popping up in every city, and people of all ages enjoying some seasonal skating—Germany in November is nothing short of an extravaganza. The dipping temperatures, longer nights, and shorter daylight hours will only encourage you to explore Germany, as the month promises uncrowded attractions. The weather is perfect for enjoying a warm mug of gluhwein in Berlin, taking a scenic drive down the German Wine Road, and discovering many exciting destinations. Just remember to layer up.

June marks the start of the summer festival season in Germany, with events celebrating music, art, and local traditions taking place across the country. The weather in Germany in June is typically warm and sunny, making it a great time to explore the country’s outdoor attractions. Hike the picturesque trails in the Bavarian Alps, tour the popular attractions in the cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt, or enjoy your day at one of many beer gardens. A vacation in Germany during June guarantees plenty of sights and activities for travelers.