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Germany in April

April falls during spring, an excellent time to visit Germany. The weather gets warmer , there are spring festivals and Easter celebrations taking place.

Weather & temperatures

Even if the weather is a bit cold (still), as soon as the sun comes out, the locals go to the parks to enjoy the new season. Spring is generally a time when the weather cannot be predicted and April makes no exceptions. It can turn from sunny to rainy in no time.

The best way to prepare for this weather is to pack layers. And don’t forget an umbrella or a waterproof coat.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 12C; avg low 2C
Dusseldorf avg high 14C ; avg low 5C
Frankfurt avg high 13C ; avg low 3C
Hamburg avg high 11C; avg low 2C
Munich avg high 11C ; avg low 2C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

The prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in spring but they aren’t as high as during the summer. It’s a good idea to make the reservations some months in advance, particularly if you want to travel during Easter (when the local kids have their Spring break).

Things to do

Almost during the entire month of April , Frankfurt is home to the Spring Fair , one of the largest folk festivals in the region. It dates from the 14th century when it was a medieval market. Today it’s famous for the rides and roller coasters. The fireworks are interesting, too.

Also in Frankfurt, take advantage of the Long Night at the Museum (Apr 21) to visit the city’s museums and art galleries with a single ticket (during the night, of course).

The next week (Apr 28) it’s time for the Long Night of Music in Munich, where you can go to various concerts during the entire night using a single ticket (€15 euros).

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

For five days in April (Apr 18 to 22) , Cologne is home to the Art Cologne, the country’s leading art fair. You can see sculptures, paintings, video art, photography, etc.

You can also plan to visit Berlin an take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

Should you plan to visit Germany for the Easter 2013, plan your vacation between March 30 and April 1 (of course, longer if you have available time). Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays so expect everything to be closed (but you can certainly enjoy some time in the nature or walking in the cities).

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in June

June is the first month of summer, the most popular time to visit Germany. The weather is warm , the festivals are in full swing and the tourists aren’t avoiding the country. It’s an exciting time to plan for outdoor activities, too.

Weather & temperatures

The days are long and sunny. But summer also means the rainfall is high, so pack an umbrella if you travel in June. The warmest weather is in Southern Germany.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 21C; avg low 11C
Dusseldorf avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Frankfurt avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Hamburg avg high 19C; avg low 10C
Munich avg high 20C ; avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

June kicks off the most expensive time to visit Germany. The prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in June and won’t come down until September. To get the best rates, book the flight and accommodation some months in advance.

Things to do

In early June (until June 10, 2012), Halle an der Saale is home to the Handle Festival, which pays tribute to the German composer. You can listen to international musicians playing his work.

But while you are here, don’t miss visiting the Giebichenstein Castle, located on a hill above Saale river. There are also remains of two fortifications to see and many wonderful churches. The city is located just 177 km from the capital of Berlin.

>>book a flight to Berlin

If you prefer to visit Berlin, make sure to be here for the longest day of the year (June 21) when the Fete de la Musique takes place in the city. The festival offers every type of music you might want to hear.

Or stay longer – until the end of the month – to attend the Berlin Gay Parade. The festivities take place in the district of Schoeneberg and in Tiergarten park.

If you are looking for “tamer” activities in Berlin , take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

If you have rock music in mind, then head to the race track in Nuerburg during the first weekend of June for Rock am Ring Music Festival. It is the country’s biggest open air festival. There’s also a castle – Nürburg Castle – dating from the High Middle Ages to visit while here. The city is located 174 km from Frankfurt and 127 km from Dusseldorf.

You can plan to explore the Black Forest during June. Rent a car to have flexibility and visit the old towns within the mountain range, such as: Calw, Haslach and Altensteig. You can see the superb waterfalls or plan to hike in the mountains. There’s a picturesque wine route from Baden-Baden to Weil am Rhein, which is worth the time, too.

If you prefer to visit a city, then Munich is another good choice. Visit a beer garden, check out the museums, do some people watching or see the city from above.

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

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3 Days in Munich: Itinerary Ideas

Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest. Or , if you don’t visit during the fair, with large quantities of beer , pretzels and sausages. But Munich is so much than a drink and greasy food.

>>read more about the things to do in Munich

Itinerary assumptions:

  • fly directly into Munich
  • stay in a budget hotel or hostel close to the city center
  • make use of the public transportation (underground, tram, bus) ; the inner district 3 days card costs €13.80.
  • if you feel comfortable on bike, you can rent one for your stay in Munich. There are many bike paths in the city but the accidents involving bicycles are on the rise.

Sample prices

  • Return flight: London – Munich – London; Aug 10 – Aug 13, 2012; from €113 on EasyJet
  • Return flight: Paris – Munich – Paris; Aug 10 – Aug 13, 2012; from €131 on Air France
  • Accommodation: from €57 / person / 3 nights in a 12-bed dorm; from €252 / 2 persons / 3 nights in a twin room with private bathroom.

Day 1

Start the day with a free walking tour of Munich (details here ) . One of the start points is in Marienplatz at 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tour visits the Hofbräuhaus and Frauenkirche, among other important landmarks, and takes three hours.

After the tour, go back to Marienplatz and explore the city in depths. Go to the top of Frauenkirche to see the views of the city and enjoy lunch in Viktualienmarkt.

In the afternoon, explore the English Gardens , with its lake, waterfall, beer gardens and enjoy the time in nature. Pack a picnic basket if you don’t want to get back to a beer hall for dinner.

Alternative Day 1

Plan to spend the first day in Alstadt (Old Town). Start in Maxburgstrasse and visit St Michael’s Church and then explore Frauenkirche. Don’t forget to go to the top for some interesting views of the city.

Walk to Marienplatz, the heart of the Old Town. Stop to see the statues dance (during summer at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. every day for 15 min) and then visit some of the churches in the area or just do some people watching.

In Viktualienmarkt there’s a beer garden pretty well known among budget travelers. Try the food and don’t miss tasting the beer, either.

Go to Odeonsplatz and continue to the English Gardens, the continent’s largest city center park. Between an artificial lake, the Chinese Gardens – complete with beer gardens – and interesting structures, you’ll be busy for the entire afternoon.

During the evening, make your way to Landsbergerstrasse and its Augustiner Braustuben, a traditional beer hall. Try the food and meet the locals. Sure, try the beer , too but mind the quantities. You still have some sightseeing left to do in the town.

Day 2

Start your day with a visit to Deutsches Museum, Europe’s largest technology museum. It is located close to Viktualienmarkt, so after spending hours checking out the exhibits, you can enjoy lunch here, or make your way to Hofbrauhaus, Munich’s best known beer hall. It’s touristy and not exactly authentic but it’s not a bad choice for lunch.

Go back to Marienplatz and take Deinerstrasse to get to Munich Residence, where you can learn about the Bavarian history.

From Marienplatz, take U3 to get to to northern Munich with its Olympiapark. Exploring it is free, unless you want to take some guided tours (which cost few Euros).

Day 3

After enjoying Munich for two days, escape the city to visit the superb Neuschwanstein Castle on your third day. Take the train to Füssen and then the bus Hohenschwangau. In total you’ll be traveling for about 4 hours (including the 30 min walk to the castle). So, leave Munich early in the day, especially if you’ll tackle the summer crowds, too. Driving saves some time (under 2 h to get to Hohenschwangau) but you need to consider the cost of renting a car.

You might remember this castle as being very similar to Cinderella’s castle in Disney’s vision. Actually, her castle was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle, which is , indeed, a super sight. The guided tour takes only 35 min but you can spend some more time exploring the surrounding forest.

After visiting the castle which inspired Disney, take some time to explore Hohenschwangau, the castle where King Ludwig II grew up. The Romanesque style is charming.

>>read more about Getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Photo credits: Marienplatz ; Beer ; Castle

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do

3 Days in Berlin: Itinerary Ideas

Germany’s capital is filled with historical sites, interesting museums, good shopping and excellent bars and clubs. Seeing Berlin in only three days can be an adventure but you will be able to hit at least the most important sights.

Itinerary assumptions:

  • fly directly into Berlin
  • stay in a budget hotel or hostel located close to the main sites (main even in Alexanderplatz)
  • make use of the public transportation (underground, bus, tram) and use the trains for the day trip; a day card (€ 6.80) is valid for trips to Potsdam, too
  • if you are comfortable cycling, then you can rent a bike during your stay in Berlin and make use of the many cycling paths available

Sample prices:

  • Return flight: London – Berlin – London : Aug 10 – Aug 13 , from €120 (Ryanair, Easyjet)
  • Return flight: Paris – Berlin – Paris: Aug 10 – Aug 13 , from €131 (Lufthansa)
  • Accommodation: from €43 per person (3 nights in 8-bed dorm); from €156 / 2 persons / 3 nights in twin room with private bathroom

Day 1

Start your first day in Berlin with a free walking tour (details here ). It starts at the Brandenburg Gate, in front of Starbucks daily at 9 a.m. , 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The tour visits the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and Museum Island (among others). Get to Brandenburg Gate before the beginning of the tour so that you can visit it (it’s free).

Now that you have an idea where the main sights are located and how to get to them, it’s easier to plan the rest of your stay. Take a lunch break on Museum Island (where the tour ends) and then visit some of the museums. Pergamonmuseum features interesting collections of Greek and Roman relics and is considered the best museum in the city.

Finish the day in the Mitte district. Have dinner and try some of the clubs and bars.

Day 2

Start the day by seeing the city from above. The Reichstag has a glass dome which can be climbed. Be aware that you need to register on their website for such an experience (details here ) . There’s also a rooftop restaurant so if you don’t mind splurging a bit, you can enjoy a coffee or lunch with great views of Berlin.

Now it’s time to go to the Zoo. It’s the biggest in Europe and even if you don’t care much for seeing the animals, taking the tram to there will show some lovely sights and the time spent in the nature is a good change.

Alternatively, you can pack a picnic basket and head to Tiergarten, the largest park in Berlin. Then, for some interesting shopping head to Kurfürstendamm , which is filled with international chains.

In the evening, go to the Friedrichshain district. Have dinner and check out the bars and clubs in the area.

Day 3

Don’t leave Berlin without taking an in-depth look at the Berlin Wall… or better said at its most interesting part. In the Friedrichshain district, there’s the Eastside Gallery, named so because of the graffiti which now beautify the wall.

Head to Wannsee area for lunch and spend the afternoon here. The mad-made lake is an activities hub during summer. Soak up the sun and do some people watching.

Alternatively, you can visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe and its information center. And then visit Berliner Dom, the most impressive church in the city.

Alternative Day 3

Another option is to plan a day trip to Potsdam. Head to the train station, board the next available one and spend a day visiting this interesting city. There are walking tours available (such as this one ) . You get to see the old city palace , an interesting bridge and learn a lot about the city’s history.

>>read more about the Things to do in Berlin

Photo credits: Brandenburg Gate , Glass Dome , Berlin Wall, Potsdam

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival held annually in Munich, Germany. Despite its name, it runs from late September to early October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world’s largest fair.

The event is held in an area called Theresienwiese, close to the city’s center. While beer is the main star of the festival, local foods are also enjoyed during the fair.

The beer

All beer served at the fair must be brewed within the city limits of Munich and have about 6% alcohol. All beers served must abide to the German Beer Purity Law.

History

Prince Ludwig (later to become King Ludwig I) was married to Princess Therese of Bavaria in October 1810. To celebrate the citizens of Munich were invited to a festival held on the fields in front of the city gates (called Theresienwiese). The event was closed with horse races and the next year they decided to repeat the horse races. Hence, the festival was born.

In 1811, an agricultural show was also added to the festival. The horse races ended in 1960, but the agricultural show still takes place every four years. In 1816, carnival booths appear. Since 1850 the annual parade became tradition and an important component of the festival.

In 1854 the festival was cancelled due to a cholera epidemic, while in 1866 and 1870 it wasn’t held due to wars. In 1873, it was canceled again due to cholera epidemic. In 1881 the first bratwurst (sausage) were sold at the festival and in 1892 the beer was first served in glass mugs. By the end of the 19th century, the booths became beer halls as the organizers wanted more room for the musicians and the guests.

From 1914 to 1918 the festival was canceled due to World War I. Then in 1923 and 1924 it didn’t take place because of inflation. From 1939 to 1945 , World War II canceled the festival.

Since 1950 there has been a traditional festival opening : a twelve gun salute and the tapping of the first keg at midday.

In 2005, the concept of “quiet Oktoberfest” was introduced to keep the festival family-friendly. Until 6 p.m. only quiet music is played, leaving the partying music for later in the day.

Tents

There are currently 14 large tents at Oktoberfest. Here is a list of some of these tents :

  • Hippodrom is of the favorite tent among youngsters and also serves sparkling wine.
  • Armbrustschützenzelt is home to the crossbow competition. Try the food, too.
  • Hofbräu-Festzelt is very popular among Americans and Australians.
  • Schottenhamel is where the first keg is open and the party starts. It is a favorite of the local younger crowds.
  • Winzerer Fähndl is decorated with authentic Bavarian details.
  • Weinzelt also serves more than 15 different wines, as well as sparkling wine and champagne.

How to get to Munich

Munich is served by the second busiest airport in Germany. But during Oktoberfest this only means that a lot of people choose to fly here and the fares skyrocket. Even low-cost carriers aren’t that cheap during this time of the year.

Expect to pay from €112 one way on Air Berlin should you choose to fly from London in late September. Fly from Paris and the fare is €169 one way on Niki. But you can do something to lower the price: fly into another city and travel by train to Munich. Train travel in Germany is well organized and there are connections all over the country. Book your ticket up to 92 days in advance to get the discounts.

>>book a cheap flight to Munich

Where to stay

I’d start with the obvious: unless you somehow managed to score a very good deal way ahead of time, don’t stay in Munich. The city is expensive anyway but during Oktoberfest the prices skyrocket.

Since the festival takes place in late September (Sept 22 to Oct 7, 2012 to be exact), don’t count on warm enough weather for camping. Although in a dorm you can pay from €10 per night for a bed (within a campsite). And remember that some budget hotels have a 3-night minimum stay policy.

Where to stay then?

In Salzburg (Austria), beds in hostels start from €19 per night. Take the train (from €19 one way , 1h 45 min) to Munich.

In Regensburg, beds start at €16.57 per night. The train ticket is €25.20 one way and takes 1 ½ h to get to Munich.

In Nuremberg, you can find hostel beds at €16 per night. But the train to Munich is more expensive (€44 one way, 1h 15 min).

However, in order to save some more money and if you travel with a group of friends, consider buying group train tickets.

Read more about:
>>How to Enjoy Oktoberfest on a Beer Budget
>>Guide to Munich’s Oktoberfest
>>Oktoberfest in Munich

Photo credits:Official poster , Beer

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Frankfurt to Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a very important travel destination in Germany and is located in the Neckar River valley. It is home to the oldest university in the country. After World War II the city came out almost untouched by the bombs, so it retains the baroque charm of narrow streets and castle ruins.

Frankfurt is the business and financial center of Germany, home to the country’s largest airport. It’s where you’ll most likely land, especially if you arrive from another continent. Frankfurt is a transportation hub, the place where roads and railways meet. The old city center, the Dom and the Iron Bridge are only some of the city’s landmarks.

Summary

Unless you plan to travel from Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg – where you can catch a bus -, the option for traveling between the two cities is the train. Train tickets are the cheapest option. On the slower trains (1h 45 min) the fare is €16.40 one way. High speed trains are a bit more expensive (€19 one way).

Trains from Frankfurt to Heidelberg

Deutsche Bahn operates various types of trains on the Frankfurt to Heidelberg route. The IC and ICE trains take 55min and the savings fare is €19 one way (standard fare €20 on IC and €27 on ICE). The slower RB trains take 1h 45 min and the standard fare is €16.40 one way. Trains leave Frankfurt about every hour.

>>read more about Train Travel in Germany

Buses from Frankfurt to Heidelberg

If you land at Frankfurt Airport , you can take the Lufthansa Shuttle Bus to Heidelberg. There are departures from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily, every half an hour to two hours, depending on the time of the day. The single fare is €22.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Germany

Driving from Frankfurt to Heidelberg

You can rent a car in Frankfurt and drive the 94km to Heidelberg is about 1h (depends on the traffic) on A5.

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Getting from Dusseldorf to Cologne

Dusseldorf is located on the River Rhine and is famous for its nightlife, shopping and events. It is also home to Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS), the third largest airport in Germany. Also, Airport Weeze (NRN) serves the city and is used by European low cost carriers. Many travelers choose to fly here and then connect to the rest of Germany rather than flying into the larger Frankfurt or Munich airports

Cologne is also located on the River Rhine and is the fourth largest city in Germany. It is a very popular city among travelers, well known for the Kölner Dom, the traditional neighborhoods, the Hohenzollern Bridge, the parks and the churches. Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is an important hub for low-cost carriers TUIFly and Germanwings , offering excellent connections to the rest of Europe and other continents.

>>read more about the Airports in Germany

Summary

If you don’t want to rent a car to travel between Dusseldorf and Cologne, then the other option is the train. There are fast and slow trains on this route running every half an hour and the fares start at €10 one way.

Trains from Dusseldorf to Cologne

Deutsche Bahn operates trains between the two cities. The standard fare is €11.50 on the IC trains and €17 on the ICE trains. However, the travel time is the same. There are also slow trains which take 51min but are not operated by Deutsche Bahn (and the fare is not available on the site). Depending on the time of the day, fast trains run every half an hour to three hours.

>>read more about Train Travel in Germany

Driving from Dusseldorf to Cologne

You can rent a car in Dusseldorf and drive the 44 km (on A57) to Cologne in about 40 min. If you want to stop by Leverkusen, choose either A3 or A59 with similar driving time.

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Getting from Berlin to Warsaw

Berlin is best known for its history and nightlife. Tourists come here to see what’s left of Berlin Wall and explore the museums and other sites.

Warsaw is the capital of Poland and is located on the Vistula River. It is an excellent start point for planning to visit both the Baltic Sea coast and the Carpathian Mountains. Most of the major sites area located in the city center and include the Royal Castle, the Royal Palace and the Poster Museum.

Summary

The cheapest and easiest way to travel between Berlin and Warsaw is by train. Buses are not much more expensive but take 9 hours and run only 3 times a week.

Flights from Berlin to Warsaw

Berlin is served by two airports, but right now only Tegel International Airport (TXL) handles the international flights to/from Warsaw. It is the main international airport serving Berlin and is hub for Air Berlin and Germania. It is also focus city for Lufthansa.

Starting with June 2012, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is scheduled to open and it will handle flights to/from Warsaw. However, the opening has been postponed indefinitely. When eventually opened it would be hub for Air Berlin, EasyJet, Germania, Germanwings and Lufthansa.

Warsaw is also served by two airports, but the one operating flights to/from Berlin is Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW). It is located about 10 km from the city center. It is hub for LOT Polish Airlines, OLT Express, EuroLOT, Enter Air and Wizz Air (until Jul 17).

The only company operating flights between Berlin and Warsaw is LOT Polish Airlines. The flight time is 1h 15 min. In mid-June 2012, the single fare is €177 but you can choose an indirect flight (via Riga) and pay €164 on Air Baltic. Return flights during the same period start at €101. By mid-October 2012, the single fare is €75 (indirect) on Air Baltic.

>>book a cheap flight to Berlin

Trains from Berlin to Warsaw

Bahn.de lists all connections between Berlin and Warsaw (Warszawa), regardless if the trains are operated by Deutsche Bahn or not. There are several types of trains running on this route, including EC and EIC. The direct trains take 5 h 35 min and the single savings fare is €39 (if paid in advance). The single standard fare starts at €49.10. There are five direct trains leaving Berlin each day (4:28 a.m., 6:40 a.m, 9:40 a.m., 2:40 p.m. and 5:40 p.m.).

Buses from Berlin to Warsaw

Berlin Linen Bus operates direct buses between Berlin and Warsaw (Warszawa) three times a week (Sat, Mon, Thu). Buses depart Berlin at 6:55 a.m. and take 9 hours to get to the destination. The single fare is €43.

On the way back, buses leave on Mon, Wed and Fri at 10:45 a.m. from Warsaw. The same fare applies.

Driving from Berlin to Warsaw

It is possible to rent a car in Berlin and drive the 590 km to Warsaw. Both Germany and Poland are part of the Schengen area, so you won’t be paying any surcharges. The travel time is about 7 h 10 min on E20 and Route 2. Please note that this rout has tolls.

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Getting from Berlin to Dresden

Berlin is the capital of Germany, known for its history and nightlife. There are plenty of things to do and places to see in the city. If you travel with the kids, don’t miss the zoo.

Dresden is the capital of Saxony and is located on the Elbe River. The places to visit include the Church of Our Lady, Zwinger Palace, the Dresden Baroque Quarter, to name just some of them.

Summary

The short distance (193km) between Berlin to Dresden doesn’t require a flight (but there are indirect flights via Dusseldorf , which start at €114 one way in mid-June 2012). The cheapest way to get between the two cities is by bus (from €9 one way).

Trains from Berlin to Dresden

Bahn.de operates direct and indirect trains between Berlin and Dresden. There are trains departing Berlin about every hour, from 4:40 a.m until 1:46 a.m.. The savings single fare (if booked in advance) is €19 and the standard fare starts at €32.90. The travel time is about 2 h (direct or 1 stop).

>>read more about Train travel in Germany

Buses from Berlin to Dresden

Berlin Linen Bus operates buses between Berlin and Dresden. The single fare is €9 or €15 one way but you must book the ticket in advance. There are departures every half hour, daily from 6:15 a.m. until 9:15 p.m. On the way back , buses depart from 4:45 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., every 15min to half an hour.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Germany

Driving from Berlin to Dresden

You can rent a car in Berlin and drive the 193 km to Dresden on A13 in about 2 h (but the time does depend on the traffic).

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Getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is located few kilometers from Füssen, an enchanting town in Bavaria. Aside from being the gateway to the famous castle, the city of Füssen is also home to Hohes Schloss , the former Benedictine monastery of St Mang and there are lovely lakes with magnificent views located near by, too.

The castle is located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau and was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat. Immediately after the king’s death, the castle was open for the public. Most tourists know this castle as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Summary

Neuschwanstein Castle is located close to Munich so visit it as a day trip is an excellent choice. Trains take about 2 hours and then you need to take a short bus ride before you walk for 30 min to get to the castle.

Trains and buses from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Bahn.de operates a variety of trains between Munich and Füssen. Direct trains start running at 7:51 a.m. and leave hourly. The single savings fare is €21 and the standard fare is €24. The travel time is 2 h.

Once in Füssen, take bus 9713 to Hohenschwangau. From here, the castle can be reached on foot (30 min walk).

Driving from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

You can rent a car in Munich and drive the 128 km to Hohenschwangau (on A96 and B17) in about 1h 45 min. From here, just walk to the castle. You can find parking in Hohenschwangau (cost: about €5).

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