Germany

Germany – A Fascinating Travel Destination

Germany is a captivating country that blends history, culture, and modern dynamism. From vibrant cities to picturesque landscapes, it offers something for every traveler.

Highlights

• Berlin: A must-see with the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and the Reichstag.
• Munich: Famous for Oktoberfest and close to the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle.
• Hamburg: Known for the Speicherstadt warehouse district and the lively St. Pauli neighborhood.
• The Romantic Road: A scenic route through charming towns such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
• The Black Forest (Schwarzwald): Perfect for nature lovers.
• Cologne: Home to the impressive Cologne Cathedral.
• Dresden: Renowned for its beautifully reconstructed old town.

Tipping

In Germany, tipping 10–15% is common in restaurants but not obligatory. In cafés and bars, people usually round up to the nearest euro. For taxis, a 10% tip is considered reasonable. Tips are typically given directly when paying, not left on the table.

Traffic Rules

• Autobahn (highway): Some sections have no speed limit; recommended speed is 130 km/h.
• Country roads: 100 km/h.
• Urban areas: 50 km/h.
• Shared “play streets” (Spielstraßen): Walking speed only.

Important: Many cities have low-emission zones that require an environmental sticker.
Alcohol limits: 0.5 ‰ for experienced drivers, 0.0 ‰ for novice drivers.

Currency & Payments

Germany uses the Euro (€). Card payments are widely accepted, but cash is still common, especially in smaller shops and traditional restaurants. Contactless payment is standard, and ATMs are available everywhere.

Tip: Many beer gardens and traditional restaurants still prefer cash payments.

Important Phone Numbers

• Emergency (fire/ambulance): 112
• Police: 110
• Medical on-call service: 116 117
• Roadside assistance (ADAC): 01802 22 22 22

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