Why visit
Germany mixes Berlin's history and counter-culture, Bavaria's Alps and beer halls, the Rhine Valley's castles, and Hamburg's harbor. ICE trains link everything.
Country · Europe
Germany
culturehistoryfoodcity
At a glance
Location
51.0°, 9.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
357,114 km²
137,882 mi²
Country population
83.3 million
233/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+49
Language
German
Demonym
German
Internet
.de
UN
Member state
ISO code
DE / DEU
Where in the world
51.0° · 9.0°
Germany
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Did you know
- Germany has over 1,500 different beers and nearly 1,300 breweries.
- Berlin is 9× the size of Paris by area, with a quarter of the population.
- There is no speed limit on 70% of German autobahns: just an advisory of 130 km/h.
- Germany is home to the world's narrowest street: Spreuerhofstraße in Reutlingen, 31 cm wide at its narrowest.
Bordering Germany
Traveler notes
- Berlin + Munich + Cologne covers most travel styles
- Schengen visa
- Oktoberfest late-September; Christmas markets late-November
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Berlin, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Signature travel cities in Germany
Munich
Munich is Bavarian capital. Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, English Garden (larger than Central Park), Oktoberfest, and BMW Welt. Alpine day-trips to Neuschwanstein or Zugspitze.
Cologne
Cologne's Gothic cathedral is Germany's most visited landmark, the Rhine's busiest riverfront for beer gardens, and a carnival that rivals Rio's in intensity.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Germany
What is the capital of Germany?
Berlin is the capital of Germany.
What currency does Germany use?
Germany uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Germany?
The primary language is German.
Is Germany landlocked?
No, Germany has a coastline.
What countries border Germany?
Germany borders Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland.
What is the international calling code for Germany?
The calling code is +49.
When is the best time to visit Germany?
May–Sep, Nov–Dec for Christmas markets. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Europe destinations
Denmark
Denmark delivers Copenhagen's design and food (world's best restaurant list regular), Aarhus's ARoS art museum, and the Jutland dunes.
Estonia
Estonia is a destination in Europe known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Finland
Finland is a destination in Europe where the landscape is the point. National parks, coastlines, forests, or mountain travel anchor most itineraries.
France
France is the most-visited country on earth for good reason. Paris's museums, Loire châteaux, Provence lavender, Alpine skiing, Normandy beaches, and the Riviera, all linked by the TGV.
Greece
Greece pairs Athens's Acropolis with island-hopping. Santorini's caldera, Crete's gorges, Mykonos nightlife, Naxos beaches, and Corfu's Ionian green.
Hungary
Hungary is Budapest's Danube panorama, thermal baths, ruin bars, and the most underrated food scene in Central Europe. Countryside wine regions add a Tokaj detour.