Category: Things to Do

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Sweden Things to Do

Sweden in July

Summer is the most popular time to visit Sweden, thanks to the warm temperatures. Early summer – including July – is famous for the natural phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun, the reason for which both locals and travelers visit Northern Sweden. You can also plan to do some sightseeing in the cities, explore nature or try your luck at various sports.

Weather

Sweden’s climate is hard to classify because it is influenced by the Gulf Stream. The country has a lot of sunny days but it never gets hot in the summer. July is the warmest month , making summer – June to August – the best time to visit the country.

The cafes, most attractions and museums are open. However, the major cultural venues are closed during summer, unless there’s a festival or special event. Most locals and tourists flock to the north of Sweden to see the Midnight Sun. It is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights – known also as Polar Days – and they only occur in early summer (May to July). Even in the South, daylight can last until 11 p.m. and the sun rises around 3 a.m. Although the daylight lasts almost through the night, it’s not as warm as during midday, so bring a sweater.

Sample temperatures

Gothenburg avg high 19C/67F; avg low 12/55F
Kiruna – excellent to see the Polar Days: avg high 17C/63F; avg low 7C/46F
Malmo avg high 20C/68F; avg low 12C/55F
Stockholm avg high 21C/70C; avg low 12C/54F
Uppsala avg temp 16C/60F

>>read more about Weather in Sweden

Flights and accommodation

Summer – and July makes no exception – is the most expensive time to fly to Sweden. It’s high season and finding an affordable flight is impossible. To compensate, hotels have some discounts now. Do make sure to book the flights and accommodation in advance.

Things to do

Summer is the time when locals abandon the cities and go to the countryside to relax and reconnect with nature (at least for a week). If you don’t like crowds , now it’s the time to visit the cities. However, certain cultural venues might be closed unless there’s a festival or special event taking place.

The things to do in Stockholm include exploring the Old Town , watching the changing of the guard and spending time in nature. You can also plan a day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago or enjoy the two city beaches.

But the reason travelers come to Sweden in early summer is the Midnight Sun. Also known as Polar Days, the natural phenomenon is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights. The further north you go, the shorter the nights are and in some places the sun never sets (for up to 6 weeks). Even in the south part of Sweden, the suns sets around 11 p.m. only to rise again at 3 a.m. In early July, head to Bjoürkliden, Abisko, Kiruna or Gällivare to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon. All these places can be easily reached by public transportation.

You can take a scenic ride on the Lapland train , which runs from Malmö in Sweden to Narvik in Norway. It takes you across the Arctic Circle so you can experience the Midnight Sun. The single fare for the entire length of the journey is 799 SEK / €90. Youth (under 26) and pensioners get 15% discount. Interrail and Eurail cards are valid for travel on the Lapland train.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy nature and participate in activities such as: fishing, hiking, diving, biking, golfing, scenic train or boat trips , horse riding or trying water sports. Camping in one of the national parks is a lovely way to experience nature.

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in May

In Europe, May is probably the most beautiful month of Spring. Sure, the weather is not reliable, but the warm and sunny days are gorgeous, allowing for outdoor activities and exploring the cities.

Weather & temperatures

May falls during spring, which is know for being pretty unreliable when it comes to the weather. But , the flowers are in bloom, the parks are green and the days are warmer and longer.

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 18C; avg low 7C
Dusseldorf avg high 18C ; avg low 8C
Frankfurt avg high 18C ; avg low 8C
Hamburg avg high 16C; avg low 7C
Munich avg high 17C ; avg low 6C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

May falls during spring when the prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in spring although they aren’t as high as during the summer. It’s still a good idea to make the reservations some months in advance.

Things to do

Kick off the start of the grilling season in Europe with Labor Day (May 1), a public holiday when everyone loves to spend time in nature. You can pack a picnic basket or just enjoy a day at the beer hall with friends.

Or, you can put on your walking shoes and explore Munich at your own pace. Do some people watching, visiting some churches and soak up the atmosphere.

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

Head to Bonn on May 5 for Rhine in Flames, a festival during which the Rhine valley is illuminated by fireworks.

Or go to Hamburg for the annual celebration of the harbor (3 days festival in mid-May). The festival features dragon boat races and a parade of historic ships.

By the end of the month make sure to be Berlin for the Carnival of Cultures , a four day street fair with exotic food and drinks and of course, parties. The highlight is the parade on Sunday when you can see colorful costumes.

And while here you can 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

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

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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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do

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

Categories
Sweden Things to Do

Things to do in Stockholm

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is made up of 14 islands connected by about 50 bridges. The lively city offers an amazing Old Town (Gamla Stan), alongside modern architecture and a lot of green space. It probably offers the freshest air in the entire Europe thanks to its waterways and green spaces.

Despite its location, Stockholm has a fairly mild climate but the sunlight varies a lot from season to season. Unless you like to venture in the night – since in December there are only 6 hours of sunlight per day -, it’s best to plan your visit during late spring to early fall.

Explore the Old Town (Gamla Stan)

The beautifully preserved hear of the city, the Old Town offers narrow medieval alleys, small and picturesque squares, interesting old churches and lively taverns. Sure, it can get incredibly crowded during the high season, so plan your visit accordingly.

See the changing of the guards

You can watch the 40 minute event in front of the residence of the King of Sweden. At about midday (12:15 p.m.) daily during summer (May to August) you can see a Military Band and sometimes the guards on horses, too. In the winter, the event is not as big (and of course there aren’t as many tourists either) and takes place Wed and Sat at 12:00 p.m. and on Sun at 1 p.m. In April, September and October it takes place on Wed & Sat at 12:15 p.m. and on Sun at 1:15 p.m.

And by the way, this is one of the free things to do in Stockholm.

Visit the Nobel Museum

It opened in 2001 to commemorate the centenary of the Nobel Prizes. The museum is not large but can keep you entertained (and educate you) for a while. You can listen to acceptance speeches and see short films about the laureates. Admission is 60 kr.

>>read more about the Museums in Stockholm

Visit the Vasa Museum

It is the most visited museum in Scandinavia. The warship Vasa sunk on her maiden voyage but has been salvaged and now is a museum.

>>read about the Top 10 Museums in Stockholm

Have a drink on a boat

Several pontoons and boats are now bars and restaurants, extremely popular among both locals and visitors. At the edge of the Old Town you can find an old steamboat which is actually a pontoon turned into a posh restaurant (admission is 50 kr)

See the City Hall (Stadshuset)

It is the most well known landmark in Stockholm, home to the Nobel Prize banquet, held annually here in the Blue Hall. You can visit the City Hall during a guided tour , which includes the Golden Hall and the Council Chamber. There’s a fantastic view from the tower.

Taste the local food

Meatballs, herring platter, cheese and many traditional Swedish dishes await those ready to taste the local fare. Go to a Swedish beer hall for some traditional eating and schnapps.

Enjoy the nature on Djurgården

The royal grounds are a perfect place to enjoy a day in nature. Pack a picnic basket and head to this superb island in the middle of Stockholm. Walk, bike and enjoy the views.

Drink coffee

Locals love their coffee with someone sweet alongside, so don’t be surprised to find amazing cafes for your caffeine fix . By the way: some of the most popular cafes also come with a great view.

ABBA

We aren’t exactly suggesting you to become an ABBA fan (if you love them just as much as Anthony Bourdain does) , but you can indulge in some good music while you are in Stockholm. Folk, pop, rock, salsa…you name it, there’s a club where you can find it.

Day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago

Stockholm Archipelago can be easily reached by ferry from the city . It covers 140 km and has plenty of islands to explore. The scenery differs from the island to island but during summer it’s typically warmer than in the city.

Take the kids to Junibacken

Junibacken is a mini indoor theme park devoted to Pipi Longstocking (a character created by Astrid Lindgren). You and the kids can ride a fairytale train through fictional landscape.

Swim

Långholmsbadet and Smedsuddsbadet are the city’s two swimming beaches, very popular during summer among both locals and tourists. And both are public beaches so swimming here is free.

Photo credits: Old Town , Changing of the guards , Nobel Museum , Vasa Museum , City Hall , Food , Royal grounds , Coffee , Stockholm Archipelago , Junibacken , Beach

Categories
Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Getting from Frankfurt to Berlin

Frankfurt is the business and financial center of Germany and an important travel hub in the country, offering connections to the rest of the world. The downtown area is very popular among travelers and its off the beaten track neighborhoods still retain the old charm.

Berlin is a city filled with history, known for the remains of the Wall and home to Branderburg gate.

Both are important and interesting cities and traveling between them is an absolute delight. And there are plenty of choices , depending on your budget.

Summary

The cheapest option for traveling between Frankfurt and Berlin is the bus. The fares start at €33 one way (but they can be higher if you don’t book in advance) and the travel time is 9 h. A more expensive, but much faster – 4 to 5 h – option is the train. Book in advance and you can pay just €59 one way.

Flights from Frankfurt to Berlin

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is a major international hub , located 12 km from the city center. It is hub for Condor Flugdienst and Lufthansa and is the busiest airport by passenger traffic in Germany.

Berlin is served by three airports: Tegel International Airport (TXL), Schönefeld (SXF) and Brandenburg (scheduled to open in June 2012). When the airport opens, Schönefeld is scheduled to close (as of August 2012).

Tegel International Airport (TXL) is the main airport serving Berlin and is located 8 km from the capital city. The airport is hub for Air Berlin and Germania and is the fourth biggest airport in Germany. It is also a focus city for Lufthansa.

Flights between Frankfurt and Berlin are operated by: Air Berlin (Tegel) and Lufthansa (Branderburg, Tegel). The flight time is 1h 15 min.

In mid-June 2012, expect to pay from €71 one way on Air Berlin. Lufthansa charges a slight higher price (€74 one way). Return flights during the same period start at €122 on Lufthansa. By mid-October, expect to pay from €53 one way on Air Berlin and from €102 for a return flight on the same carrier.

>>book a cheap flight to Berlin

Trains from Frankfurt to Berlin

Bahn.de operates trains (ICE and IC) between Frankfurt and Berlin. The travel time is between 4 h and 5 h. Book in advance (about 1 month) and you can find the cheapest fare of €59 one way (savings fares) rather than the standard fare of €118. The fares do depend on the hour of departure and route. Some trains connecting the two cities are direct, while some require a change in Hannover.

>>read more about Train Travel in Germany

Buses from Frankfurt to Berlin

Berlin Linien Bus operates buses between Frankfurt and Berlin and offers the possibility to book the ticket online. Book in advance and you pay only €33 one way between the two cities. The bus leaves Berlin at 7:06 a.m and arrives in Frankfurt 9 hr later. On the way back, catch the bus in Frankfurt at 8 a.m. and by 5 p.m. you’ll be in Berlin. The schedule and prices are here (pdf).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Germany

Driving from Frankfurt to Berlin

Driving in Germany is an absolute delight. The roads are in excellent condition and the drivers obey the rules. Especially if you are not traveling alone, renting a car here can be an excellent way to get from one city to another.

There are several routes to choose from when getting from Frankfurt to Berlin and, if you use Google Maps, you can get accurate traffic information. On the shortest route – 547 km on A4 and A9 – you can cover the distance in about 6 h.

View Larger Map

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Germany Things to Do

What to Eat in Germany: Famous German Foods

The German cuisine has evolved through the centuries, responding to the political and cultural changes. The southern regions share many dishes and you can find similar ones across the border , in Austria, too. The Pretzels and the beer are probably the best known items belonging to the German cuisine.

The German cuisine is not exactly vegetarian friendly, although many vegetables are included in side dishes. Asparagus gets its days of fame in late spring.

Beer

Beer is considered food all over Europe (and wine is, too, by the way) so we can safely say that this is the most famous German food. The world’s oldest brewery is in Bavaria and Pils is the most popular type of beer produced in the country.

Sausages

Another staple of the German cuisine is the sausage, which comes in many forms…and tastes. In the Rhine region it is flavored with raisins , while in Berlin they cook it with spices. Some of the types of sausages are: bauernwurst – the farmer’s sausage, made with pork – , blutwurst – blood sausage -, bratwurst – roast sausage made from pork meat – , weisswurst – a lighter variety, made with veal – and leberwurst – liver sausage. They are typically served with sauerkraut (sour cabbage).

Potatoes

These have always been a staple of the German cuisine. In some regions, the potatoes are eaten with bacon and beans, while in other with spicy sausage and bacon. Try the Kartoffelsalat – which is a potato salad , made with olive oil and vinegar – and the Kartoffelsuppe – a soup made from cubed potatoes, onion and bacon. Potato pancakes, served with smoked salmon and cream cheese , are excellent choices if you are on the run (or plan to eat something at a fair).

Noodles

Thicker than Italian pasta, the German noodles are a very popular side dish. The Spätzle variety is used in the south-west region and contains a lot of yolk.

Dumplings

The dumplings are a side dish served with many dishes and they vary in form depending on the region. You can try the Kartoffelknödeln (potato dumplings).

Sauerbraten

It is a pot roast, usually made with beef or pork (horse was used in the past). The meat is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, water, spices and seasonings before it’s cooked. It’s served with red cabbage, kartoffelknödeln (potato dumplings), boiled potatoes or noodles.

Pretzels and other pastries

Germans love to eat bread with every meal and they enjoy various pastries, too, including soft pretzels. Pastries are usually prepared with fresh local fruits , such as plums, apples and berries. The Black Forest cake is very popular in the country. The German chocolate cake is not of German origin.

Hasenpfeffer

This is a traditional stew made from marinated rabbit (or hare). The meat is braised with onions and wine. The animal’s blood is added to thicken the stew.

Goulasch

Those who visited Hungary already know about this spicy stew which can be made with pork, beef, chicken or fish. Germans make it with beef and pork , which are stewed with pepper (red or green) and served with potatoes or noodles.

Photo credits: Beer , Sausage , Kartoffelsalat , Spätzle , Potato dumplings , Sauerbraten , Pretzel , Goulasch