Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Germany! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Germany, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Berlin • Bremen • Cologne • Frankfurt • Hamburg • Hamelin • Marburg • Munich
Latest Posts
Germany Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Germany for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Germany currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Germany need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Germany Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Germany throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | -2° / 3° | -1° / 4° | 1° / 9° | 5° / 14° | 10° / 19° | 13° / 22° |
| Hamburg | -1° / 4° | -1° / 5° | 1° / 8° | 4° / 13° | 8° / 17° | 11° / 20° |
| Munich | -4° / 3° | -3° / 4° | 0° / 9° | 3° / 13° | 8° / 18° | 11° / 21° |
| Cologne | 0° / 6° | 1° / 7° | 3° / 11° | 5° / 15° | 9° / 19° | 12° / 22° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 15° / 24° | 14° / 24° | 11° / 19° | 7° / 14° | 3° / 8° | 0° / 4° |
| Hamburg | 13° / 22° | 13° / 22° | 10° / 18° | 6° / 13° | 3° / 8° | 0° / 5° |
| Munich | 13° / 23° | 12° / 23° | 9° / 19° | 5° / 13° | 0° / 7° | -2° / 4° |
| Cologne | 14° / 24° | 13° / 23° | 11° / 20° | 7° / 15° | 4° / 10° | 2° / 6° |
When to visit
The peak time to visit Germany is between July and September, where the weather is pleasant and warm, and lots of festivals and events take place.
Visiting in the colder months can be rewarding as well, as the Autumn scenery coupled with fewer tourists can be inviting, and German Christmas markets take place all over the country in November and December.
Getting around in Germany
Public transport is very accessible in Germany, with regional trains (operated by DB), the S-Bahn (an urban-suburban rail system that serves a wider metropolitan area), U-Bahn (metro system), and numerous trams and buses.
Public transport in Germany is categorised under a zoning system. The price of your ticket is normally determined by how many zones you’ll be travelling through. Zone A is normally focused around a city centre, Zone B a little further out, Zone C beyond that, etc. You can change transports as many times as you like within the same zone as priced on your ticket.
You can purchase short trip tickets (valid for a few stops on the same form of transport), single tickets (valid for a set time period, e.g. 90 minutes), day tickets (valid for a full day or 24-hour period in a specified zone or zones), and week tickets (valid for a week in a specified zone or zones).
All tram, U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations have automated ticket machines where you can purchase your ticket. Make sure you carry coins with you, as not all of them take card payments, although it’s becoming increasingly common.
Most tickets need to be validated just after boarding a bus or tram, or just before boarding a train. You will be fined if caught without a ticket, or a validated ticket.
Children aged up to 5 travel for free, and children aged 6-14 pay reduced fares.
Taxis
Taxis in Germany are all a creamy beige colour with a yellow and black ‘Taxi’ sign. It’s best to order one in advance or go to a taxi stand rather than flag one down in the street, although this is possible. Rates are reasonable, and it’s common practice to tip 10%.
Luggage storage
You can store your luggage in the majority of train stations in Germany. Some also have a staffed luggage storage counter alongside the usual locker system where you can store your luggage yourself.
To check whether a German station has luggage lockers or not, you can go to bahnhof.de and search for a specific station. Luggage lockers will show in the features list if they are there.
You can also store your luggage at these airports:
| Airport | Location | Maximum Stay | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin Brandenburg | T1, level U1 | – | – |
| Munich | T1, T2 | 3 months | €2.80-€22 |
| Hamburg | T2 (Departures) | – | €5-€25 |
| Frankfurt | T1 (Arrivals & Departures), T2 (Arrivals) | 125 days | €6.50-€16 |
For other storage solutions, try Nannybag, LuggageHero or Radical Storage to see all of their locations and prices.
Further practical information for travelling in Germany
What language is mainly spoken in Germany?
German is the official language of Germany, and around 50% of people speak some English.
What is the main currency of Germany?
The currency of Germany is the Euro (€).
What is the emergency number in Germany?
If you need emergency services in Germany, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Germany?
You will need a Type C or F 2-pin system adapter for plugs in Germany. Germany operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Germany?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Germany.
Are public toilets free in Germany?
Generally, public toilets cost between €0.50-€1 to use in Germany, so it’s worth carrying around a little pocket change in case you cannot pay by card.
Is there free public wi-fi in Germany?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Germany, including on some public transport. Look for it in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Germany?
When tipping serving staff, it’s normal to add 5-10% on to the bill. It’s also normal to tip taxi drivers 10%.
What is the drinking age in Germany?
Depending on the alcohol, the drinking age in Germany is either 16 or 18. At age 16, beer and wine are consumable, while you must wait until age 18 to drink cocktails and spirits.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Germany?
There is some dangerous wildlife in Germany, including amphibians such as the Yellow-bellied Toad and Fire Salamander, snakes like the Asp Viper and Common European Adder, the Black Widow Spider, the Greater Weever fish, and bigger animals such as boars, lynx and brown bears. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Germany? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in Central Europe!