Overview Country

Germany
Beer, Beethoven and Bauhaus in the heart of Europe

A brass band in lederhosen marches in Germany.

As a country, Germany isn’t actually that old, but the layers of history are visible in every part of the land. From Roman arches to Prussian palaces and medieval towns to modern trains, the wealth of history and culture on offer is astounding. And it has the scenery to match, whether that’s romantic river trips or scenic drives. Plus, if you love beer and bratwurst, you’ll be in heaven. At Cosa, we know Germany inside out, so let us be your guide to our Teutonic neighbour.

The Beethoven Monument on Münsterplatz in Bonn commemorates the famous composer
where it is

Where it is

Northern Europe

When to go

When to go

All year

Why go there

Why go there

Great cities
River cruises
History & culture

what to see

What to see

Berlin
Bavaria
River Rhine

Visit the glass Reichstag dome that symbolizes the reunification of Germany.
Eddy Galeotti

The reunited capital

Visit the glass Reichstag dome that symbolizes the reunification of Germany.
Eddy Galeotti

With the Berlin Wall gone, the city has rediscovered its role as the national capital. Berlin is as lively, gritty, fun and captivating as ever.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a well preserved medieval german town
Tracy ben

Beautiful Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a well preserved medieval german town
Tracy ben

Mountains and beer (or maybe mountains of beer?) are Bavaria’s USP. Come for Oktoberfest and the Alps, stay for historic towns and rural roads.

Pedestrian bridge over canals in Hamburg's Speicherstadt warehouse district

Hamburg, the harbour city

Pedestrian bridge over canals in Hamburg's Speicherstadt warehouse district

Germany’s second city has long been a gateway to the world, and a private boat tour of the vast harbour and old warehouse district is fascinating.

Picturesque bend of the river Rhine near the town Filsen in the German Rhineland-Palatinate

Cruising along the Rhine

Picturesque bend of the river Rhine near the town Filsen in the German Rhineland-Palatinate

The best way to see one of Europe’s great rivers is on a leisurely luxury cruise from the Swiss border to the sea via vineyards and Cologne.

Famous BMW 2002 Tii in the BMW Museum in Munich
Alexey Stiop

Travel in Germany

Famous BMW 2002 Tii in the BMW Museum in Munich
Alexey Stiop

German motorways famously have no speed limits but even so we suggest taking your time to explore this varied country. Whether its cities such as Dresden and Munich or regions like the Black Forest or former East Germany, there’s plenty to keep you busy. We love using German trains, which are often an efficient and attractive way to travel, with an extensive network and easy connections. And from the southern mountains to the northern coasts, hiking is always a good option.

Germany facts

For centuries, the most populous country in the EU has played a pivotal role in European history. Yet, modern Germany was only created in 1871, uniting myriad kingdoms and states into one empire. Two world wars (with Nazi rule and Soviet division) later, this country of about 84 million people has finally found peace with itself. Its economy and industry lead the world, although its music hasn’t quite reached the former heights of Bach, Brahms and Beethoven. Just as well the cakes are good.

How to know the time zone

Time zone

UTC +1

Check the flight time

Travel time

1 hour flight from Switzerland or direct train links

local currency

Local currency

Euro

Dial code by country

Dialling code

+49

Germany