Backpacking in GermanyWith the largest economy and as the manufacturing powerhouse of Europe, Germany has a reputation for seriousness and efficiency. This is, in part, an accurate description of Western Europe’s most populous country, but Germany is also one of Europe’s most culturally engaging countries. From medieval towns and villages to cosmopolitan cities at the cutting-edge of European culture, Germany has plenty to attract backpackers, and is a friendly and accommodating country that will welcome you and be keen to show you what Germany is all about. Plus, with beer playing a very serious role at the heart of German culture (including plenty of beer and wine festivals), and with over 1300 breweries throughout the country, there’s plenty of entertainment for backpackers too! Where is it and what’s there?Taking up much of the middle of the European map, Germany is bordered by Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, to Austria and Switzerland to the south, and by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands to the west. To the north Germany is tagged on to Scandinavia via Denmark, and it also has coastal regions in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.Germany has alpine regions to the south, and – in broad terms – the southern half of the country is more elevated than the northern half. The Rhine, one of Europe’s largest rivers, runs from north to south through much of the country. It has played a significant historical role in the development of Germany, and is a striking geographic feature of the country. ClimateGermany has a fairly standard seasonal climate. Winters (Oct-Feb) can be cold, and summers (May – Sept) warm. You can expect rain at any time of year, but the weather is rarely extreme or uncomfortable. The Alpine region has snow throughout the winter and, although not as established as the neighbouring Austrian scene, does have some great ski resorts.There are beaches which, during summer time, can be hot and busy — but this is the exception rather than the rule! Getting thereGermany has plenty of international airports which all have comprehensive links with other European countries. Germany is a great place to begin your backpacking trip – it is centrally located, a good place to acclimatise, and easy to branch out from. The primary international airports are Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg. There are also plenty of smaller airports well served by Europe’s numerous ‘budget’ airlines.Arriving by train is possible from pretty much all of Germany’s neighbours, many of which are served by ‘Euro City’ trains which are quick and reasonable priced. Similarly, Germany has road links with all of its neighbours so arriving by car or bus is also straightforward. Getting aroundAs with Germany as a whole, you can expect getting around to be an efficient and rarely stressful experience. The rail network is about as comprehensive as you could realistically expect, and is reasonable priced, which makes travelling by bus generally unnecessary.For longer train journeys you can travel by ICE (InterCity Express). These are capable of travelling at up to 330km/h and, although not reaching these speeds, do get you from city to city very quickly and, when you factor in checking in and out time, are often a quicker option than flying around the country. Germany’s ‘autobahn’ (motorway) network is famous for having very few speed limits. There is an ‘advisory limit’, but it is not uncommon to see cars travelling, quite legally, at 150+ mph. The network is extensive and is a good and relatively cheap way of getting around if you’re travelling by car. Things to doGermany has numerous historical sites and interesting places to visit and, this being Germany, you can expect both value for money, and an informative and interesting experience. Aside from hosting Europe’s largest festival (Oktoberfest) and having one of the most dynamic capitals on the continent, there is also some stunning scenery and equally staggering medieval architecture. Try to see at least a bit of both of these sides of the country on your backpacking travels to truly experience Germany.Berlin. Germany’s previously segregated city is now one of Europe’s most cultural diverse and engaging capitals. There are museums, churches, theatres and gallery’s aplenty, and you could spend a few weeks here if history and culture is your thing. If not, then Berlin also has an extraordinary number of bars and clubs so you should find plenty to do! Nature. Germany has some massive forests and there are plenty of ways to visit and to stay in or around them. They’re huge and can be quite dark and eerie – hence the brothers Grimm took much of their inspiration from here. A few days spent in or around the forests and it’s easy to forget that you’re in one of Europe’s most populous countries. Recent history. It is impossible to visit Germany without being reminded of the horrors perpetrated by the Nazi regime in the early 20th Century. Germans themselves are often keen to discuss this dark period and to show how the county has changed. You can visit the sites of concentration camps and there are memorials in most towns. Neuschwanstein. Built by the reclusive Kink Ludwig II in the 19th Century, Neuschwanstein truly is a ‘fairytale castle’, built in the authentic style of ‘old German knights’ castles’. A staggering creation in a breathtaking location. Oktoberfest. Europe's most visited festival and the world's largest fair, Oktoberfest is primarily about one thing: beer. It is a 16 day celebration of the Bavarian brew, and of traditional food, including plenty of German sausage. If you’re in Germany when it is held – at the start of October – then Oktoberfest is a great chance to see traditional German culture in action — and to have a few drinks! Germany is one of Europe’s most curious countries. It packs a lot of cultural and regional nuances into its borders, and you could stay for a few months and still not completely understand the place. It really is a fascinating backpacking stop though, with amazing transport systems, friendly people and some amazing sites and cities. Return from Backpacking Germany to Backpacking Europe Return from Backpacking Germany to the Home Page
|
