Germany Tours & Vacations

July and August are the busiest months for tourists in Europe, so outside of these times you will generally encounter fewer tourists. May, June and September are considered pleasant times to travel as there are less crowds and the climate is comfortable. During these months, beer gardens and cafes bustle at all hours, outdoor events and festivals enliven cities and villages and hiking, cycling and swimming are popular pursuits. Snow usually starts to fall in December, and winter travel to Germany is becoming increasingly popular, especially to the ski areas in the Bavarian Alps. Autumn is the optimal time to enjoy romantic Germany. The foliage is turning golden and the climate is still agreeably mild for getting out and about.

Located in Central Europe, Germany is bordered by:

• Denmark
• Poland
• Belgium
• France
• Austria
• Switzerland
• Luxembourg
•  Netherlands
• Czech Republic

The terrain found in the north of Germany is relatively flat, with the topography growing increasingly hilly moving south.

Southern Germany is characterized by mountain ranges and thick forests, with the Black Forest (on the French border) and the Bavarian Forest (on the Czech border) being the most well-known forests in the south.

Germany has small pockets of alpine terrain with the Alps being Germany's highest mountains.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

• Epiphany

• Labour Day

• Ascension Day

• Whit Sunday

• Corpus Christi

• Assumption Day

• Day of German Unity

• Reformation Day

• All Saints Day

• Repentance Day

Please note that the dates of Germany's public holidays may vary.

1. Mitte

Centrally located and well-serviced by several public transport hubs, historic Mitte is one of the easiest places to view Berlin's killer art scene. See run-down buildings that have been transformed into galleries and hotels, wander down gritty laneways full of vibrant graffiti and feel the urban buzz of Berlin.

2. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

Berlin's counter-culture is evident in the streets of this East Berlin borough, which is full of an eclectic range of hip galleries, innovative hotels, bohemian bars and vintage flea markets. This is the perfect place to gallery-hop, take snapshots and view the handiwork of some of the world's most iconic street artists.

3. Berlin Wall - East Side Gallery

After the triumphant fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 this section of the wall was adorned with colourful paintings and political murals, many reflecting the tone of this iconic time in Germany's history. A visit here reveals history in a way that no museum or book can.