What to do in Germany: castles, culture and nature on a grand scale 🌏🇩🇪

Between creative cities, fairytale castles, deep forests and alpine lakes, Germany ticks all the boxes for a successful trip. Whether you come for a city break in Berlin, a jaunt in Bavaria or a road trip along the Rhine, you'll find a country that's efficient, warm and deeply endearing. To prepare your stay, you can already take a look at the data offers dedicated to mobile Internet in Germany to travel connected without hassle.

Traveling in Germany means savoring the art of living in biergärten, being moved in world-class museums, hiking on perfectly marked trails, and being surprised by a culinary scene that reinvents the classics with brilliance. Add to that reliable public transport, a keen sense of heritage and great respect for nature: you have the perfect cocktail for a smooth and memorable stay.

Modern, sustainable and focused on quality of life, Germany combines a sense of organization with a taste for creativity. The major cities – Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne – offer a density of museums, signature architecture and green spaces that make them pleasant on a daily basis... and ultra inspiring for a few days. In the countryside, tradition is very much alive: markets, local festivals, farms and vineyards beat the heart of a country deeply attached to its terroirs.

Germany is easy to explore thanks to a dense rail network, well-maintained cycle paths and scenic routes along rivers and wine valleys. From the Baltic Sea to the Alps, prepare to change atmosphere in just a few hours.

Practical tip

Very popular museums and sites (Neuschwanstein, Museum Island museums in Berlin, Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg) are often fully booked. Book your tickets online as soon as your dates are set, especially in summer and around Christmas.

Let's start with an overview of the regions and major cities that make Germany's reputation. Here, no exhaustive list, but concrete ideas to structure your itinerary according to your desires.

Berlin, creative and memorial capital

In Berlin, recent history invites itself around every street corner. The Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery tell the story of the city's division, while Museum Island concentrates exceptional collections, from the bust of Nefertiti to the treasures of Pergamon. The neighborhoods of Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Prenzlauer Berg vibrate to the rhythm of cafes, street markets, independent galleries and thrift stores.

In the evening, the culinary scene honors influences from around the world. From Levantine cuisine to Michelin-starred tables, everything is there, with a preference for sustainable and relaxed concepts. And to finish, let yourself be tempted by a walk along the Spree or in the immense Tempelhofer Feld park, emblem of the citizen reappropriation of urban spaces.

Munich and Bavaria, between urban chic and mountains

Munich seduces with its elegance, its museums (Pinakotheken, Deutsches Museum), its beautiful parks (Englischer Garten) and its biergärten with a good-natured atmosphere. It's also the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, their turquoise lakes (Eibsee, Königssee) and panoramic hikes. Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled on its rocky peak, remains a must – be patient or aim for early morning.

In the Oberland villages, painted facades, traditional festivals and generous pastries punctuate your route. And if you like driving, the alpine roads and the famous "Romantische Straße" multiply the viewpoints.

Hamburg and the maritime north

In Hamburg, water is everywhere. The brick warehouses of Speicherstadt, classified as UNESCO, dialogue with the Elbphilharmonie, majestic and futuristic. The canals, bridges and active port give the city a singular atmosphere. Add the Miniatur Wunderland – giant model that fascinates all ages – and a beautiful music scene: you have a surprising city break.

Push to the Baltic Sea or the North Sea for immense beaches, seaside resorts with Baltic architecture, and islands where you cycle between dunes and lighthouses.

Cologne, the Rhine Valley and wine castles

The Gothic silhouette of Cologne Cathedral is an unmissable landmark. Going down the Rhine Valley, castles and vineyards parade on steep hillsides. Between hiking, tastings and postcard villages (Bacharach, Rüdesheim), the region cultivates a romantic charm. In spring and autumn, the atmosphere is ideal, the light sublime.

Dresden, Leipzig and Saxony

Carefully rebuilt, Dresden unveils baroque architecture presented with delicacy, rich museums (Zwinger, Grünes Gewölbe) and banks of the Elbe conducive to walks. In Leipzig, music is queen – Bach left his mark there – and the alternative scene gives ideas for evenings.

Black Forest and Baden-Württemberg

The gentle reliefs of the Black Forest invite slow travel. Charming villages, traditional farms, "Black Forest" cakes, forest lakes and ridge trails compose a gourmet postcard. Freiburg, a solar and cyclable city, is an excellent base to radiate from, as is Baden-Baden if you like thermal baths.

Practical tip

When hiking, check the weather the day before and leave with light layers and a windbreaker, even in summer. The trails are well marked, but an offline map remains useful when the network is capricious in the mountains.

Hard to resist the diversity of landscapes. In the south, the Alps offer accessible hikes, via ferrata for the more athletic and breathtaking viewpoints. The Bavarian lakes, of a surreal blue, lend themselves perfectly to stand-up paddle and summer swimming.

Further north, natural parks alternate rocky valleys and dense forests. Cyclists love the routes along rivers, such as the Elbe or the Danube. On the sea side, the Baltic unfolds long beaches and a family atmosphere, when the North Sea promises great horizons swept by the wind and superb sunsets.

Autumn is an exceptional season for hiking and cycling in the vineyards, when the leaves turn golden and the grape harvest animates the villages. In winter, Christmas markets transform the squares into fairy-tale settings, and some medium mountain resorts offer cross-country skiing and gentle slopes.

Impossible to mention Germany without talking about its festivals. The Oktoberfest in Munich – which starts in mid-September, despite its name – is the most famous, but each region has its traditions, its brass bands, its parades. Christmas markets, from late November to late December, are an enchantment: smells of spices, waffles, crafts, mulled wine, regional specialties... Berlin, Nuremberg, Cologne, Dresden, all offer distinctive markets.

On the culture side, you'll find major institutions (Berlinale, operas, flagship museums) and ultra lively alternative scenes. Berlin is a nocturnal capital, Cologne a city of arts and design, Hamburg a musical port, Munich an elegant cultural capital.

Practical tip

For major events (Oktoberfest, popular Christmas markets, fairs), book accommodation and trains very early. Prices and availability evolve rapidly as dates approach.

Sausages and pretzels, yes, but not only. Everywhere, young chefs revisit local products with a sustainable approach. You'll find inventive vegetarian restaurants, bistronomic tables, and very good specialty cafes. In biergärten, the atmosphere is convivial, the large table is queen and people share willingly.

Wine lovers will be delighted on the Moselle and Rhine (elegant rieslings, pinot noir on the rise). Craft beers play diversity: impeccable lagers, aromatic IPAs, refreshing hefeweizen. All at often reasonable prices for Western Europe.

Practical tip

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Generally round up the bill or add 5 to 10% depending on the quality of service, indicating the total to the waiter at the time of payment.

Germany is a public transport paradise. Long-distance trains efficiently connect major cities, and regional trains serve the countryside very well. To optimize the budget, think of advance fares on intercity connections, and regional passes to explore an area for a day. In cities, metro, tram and bus are frequent and punctual, and the bicycle is often the most pleasant way to get around.

For those who want to discover the Alps or the remote corners of the Black Forest, renting a car can offer flexibility, especially with several people. Driving remains pleasant, but keep a comfortable margin for parking in historic centers.

Practical tip

Always keep your proof of purchase (ticket or e-ticket) at hand for inspections. On popular routes, long-distance seat reservation is often a good idea, even if it's not mandatory.

Traveling connected is simpler, more serene and more economical. GoMoWorld offers a single eSIM for more than 200 destinations, valid worldwide. Once installed, you buy and activate your data plans with one click according to your needs, without having to reinstall anything.

Concretely, you download the iOS or Android app, you buy your plan (on the site or in the app), then you install the eSIM directly from the application – without QR code. The plan activation is done manually in the app, when you decide to start. As long as a plan is not activated, it does not expire. And if you travel with family, all plans allow hotspot connection sharing.

Another appreciable asset for travelers: the app integrates a VPN, convenient to secure your connections, especially on public Wi-Fi. The entire service is data only (no calls or SMS), with customer support based in Europe to help you if needed.

GoMoWorld pricing for Germany

Here are the data offers available for Germany. Choose according to the duration of your stay and your data consumption:

These plans are purchased on the site or directly in the GoMoWorld app. Then install your eSIM via the app and activate your plan on the day. You can also buy in advance: as long as the plan is not activated, it remains available in your account.

Practical tip

Activate your plan once on site or just before leaving to avoid triggering the duration too early. If you travel with several people, use your phone's hotspot to share data. And think about the integrated VPN to secure your connections.

Germany likes clarity and punctuality. Arrive on time for your guided tours and keep an eye on connections. Card payments are widely accepted in major cities, but keep some cash for small shops, markets and public toilets that sometimes ask for a small contribution.

On Sundays, many shops are closed, especially outside tourist areas. Restaurants and attractions generally remain open, but anticipate for your purchases. In terms of eco-responsibility, the deposit system (Pfand) applies to many bottles: you recover a few cents by returning them to the supermarket.

Practical tip

Download offline maps and keep your transport tickets in an accessible folder on your phone. With GoMoWorld, your eSIM remains the same from country to country: convenient if you chain destinations during a road trip in Europe.

One week "urban essentials and nature"

Start with three days in Berlin. Explore the historic center around Unter den Linden, Museum Island, the Holocaust Memorial and the lively neighborhoods of Kreuzberg and Neukölln. Add an excursion to Potsdam if you like castles and gardens.

Then head to Dresden for a day of baroque architecture and museums, before joining Munich for three days between culture, biergärten and alpine escapades. On the program: Pinakotheken, Englischer Garten, and a day to Neuschwanstein or the lakes near Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

If you prefer the north, replace Munich with Hamburg and finish on the Baltic to breathe the sea air, admire the Elbphilharmonie and stroll in the Speicherstadt warehouses.

Ten to twelve days "from north to south"

Land in Hamburg, then descend the Elbe valley to Berlin for four days mixing museums, memories and nightlife. Continue to Leipzig and Dresden for two days of architecture and music, then head to Nuremberg and romantic Bavaria. Finish in Munich, with a day in nature to stretch your legs.

Want to close the loop through the Rhine valley? Chain Cologne, then a cruise or a "panoramic" train between castles, vines and villages. It's the perfect itinerary in autumn, when the hillsides redden and the cellars come alive.

Practical tip

If you travel during peak season (summer, Christmas markets), first block your nights and your main trains, then fill your days with flexible activities. You'll keep spontaneity without sacrificing serenity.

Extensions to other countries

Germany is at the heart of Europe: perfect for combining several destinations. From Munich, trains to Austria are frequent: a weekend in Vienna or Salzburg is easily organized, with the same eSIM active in Austria. From the Black Forest, cross the border for a nature and mountain break in Switzerland. To the west, the border quickly leads you to France, ideal for a stopover in Strasbourg or Colmar. To the east, Berlin is only a few hours from Poland, perfect to extend with Krakow or Gdańsk. And for a large European loop towards the sun, head to Italy: from the northern lakes to the art cities, your eSIM works just as well in Italy.

With GoMoWorld, you keep the same eSIM in all these countries. Just buy and activate a compatible plan from the app, without reinstallation or QR code. Your hotspot remains active to share the connection with your loved ones, and the integrated VPN secures your uses on the road.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures, magnificent colors and more reasonable crowds. Summer is ideal for lakes, northern coasts and evenings on terraces, but plan to book early. In winter, the atmosphere of Christmas markets is incomparable, and cities light up in a warm atmosphere.

For Oktoberfest, note that it generally starts in mid-September and ends in early October. Accommodation in Munich fills up very quickly. For Christmas markets, from late November to late December, weekends are the busiest: if you can, aim for weekdays.

To travel with peace of mind, install your GoMoWorld eSIM before departure. Download the app, log in with the email used during purchase (site or app), and let yourself be guided: installation is done in the application, without QR code. On the day, open the app and press Start to activate the chosen plan. Your eSIM remains the same in more than 200 destinations: perfect if you chain Germany and an escapade to France or Austria, for example.

Plans for Germany:

• 75GB for €29.99 (30 days)
• 50GB for €19.99 (30 days)
• 15GB for €10.99 (30 days)
• 5GB for €3.99 (7 days)

All plans allow connection sharing (hotspot). Unactivated plans never expire. The service is data only and customer support is based in Europe.

Practical tip

Download your playlists and offline maps on Wi-Fi before leaving. You'll save data for navigation, translations and on-site bookings. And if you work on the go, activate the integrated VPN in the app to secure your sessions.

Book one of the plans below and activate it when you decide in the app:

• 30-day plan: 75GB for €29.99
• 30-day plan: 50GB for €19.99
• 30-day plan: 15GB for €10.99
• 7-day plan: 5GB for €3.99

These plans are prepaid, with no surprises, valid only for data, and all allow connection sharing.

Germany is to be savored at your own pace: browse its creative neighborhoods, climb to its high-altitude lakes, stroll through its markets, visit its museums, share a table in the sun. You'll find discreet hospitality, remarkable service quality and a real passion for culture and nature.

With GoMoWorld, stay connected everywhere, simply. A single eSIM for more than 200 destinations, a data plan at a clear price, a convenient hotspot for everyone and an integrated VPN for peace of mind. From Berlin to Bavaria, from the Baltic Sea to the Rhine Valley, tell yourself: "It's good, I have GoMoWorld, I'm covered." Have a great trip to Germany!