Central Europe

Germany

Germany is a country of stunning contrasts — the cutting-edge cultural energy of Berlin, Bavaria's fairy-tale castles rising from forested mountains, the mediev...

Plan My Germany Trip View Gallery
About Germany

Fairy-Tales, History and Modern Brilliance

Germany is a country of stunning contrasts — the cutting-edge cultural energy of Berlin, Bavaria's fairy-tale castles rising from forested mountains, the medieval half-timbered town of Rothenburg preserved almost entirely intact, the Rhine Valley's vine-covered hillsides dotted with Gothic fortresses, and the world's greatest beer festival in Munich. Germany rewards every kind of traveller.

Sixth Gear builds Germany itineraries around what matters to you. A history-focused Berlin trip with specialist guide access to Cold War sites. A Bavarian castle and Oktoberfest combination. A classic Rhine cruise from Cologne to Koblenz. Or a Romantic Road road trip through medieval Bavarian villages at your own pace — we make it exceptional.

Capital
Berlin
Best Time to Visit
May – September
ATOL Protected
All packages fully protected
Suggested Duration
7 – 12 days recommended
Flight from UK
1h 55min (Berlin)
Must-See

Top Attractions in Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle
Bavaria
Neuschwanstein Castle

King Ludwig II's fairy-tale fortress perched above a Bavarian gorge inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle. Visit at dawn before the crowds arrive, then hike to the Marienbrücke bridge for the iconic distant view.

Cologne Cathedral
North Rhine
Cologne Cathedral

Germany's most visited landmark — a Gothic masterpiece that took over 600 years to complete. Climb the 533 steps for panoramic Rhine views, then explore the medieval city centre below.

Berlin's Historic Centre
Berlin
Berlin's Historic Centre

Berlin is Europe's most historically layered city — Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Museum Island, the Reichstag dome and remnants of the Wall all within walking distance. A specialist guide brings it all to life.

Rhine Valley Wine Route
Rhine Valley
Rhine Valley Wine Route

A UNESCO World Heritage stretch of the Rhine from Bingen to Koblenz — 65km of vineyard-covered hills, Gothic castles on crags and medieval wine villages. Best explored by river cruise or cycling.

Munich & Oktoberfest
Bavaria
Munich & Oktoberfest

Bavaria's sophisticated capital — world-class museums, the English Garden, the Marienplatz Rathaus-Glockenspiel and, in October, the world's most famous beer festival. Munich is extraordinary year-round.

Black Forest
Baden-Württemberg
Black Forest

Ancient spruce forests, cuckoo-clock villages, Triberg waterfall and the thermal spa town of Baden-Baden — the Black Forest is Germany's most romantic and mysterious region, perfect for a slow travel itinerary.

Local Cuisine

What to Eat in Germany

Schweinshaxe

Bavaria's great roasted pork knuckle — slow-roasted until the skin is shatteringly crisp, served with potato dumplings and red cabbage. Best experienced in a Munich beer hall.

Bratwurst

Germany's beloved grilled sausage — each region has its own version. Nuremberg's small Rostbratwurst, Thuringia's long and garlicky, or Franconian versions grilled over beechwood charcoal.

Pretzels

The Bavarian Brezel — glossy, chewy, salt-sprinkled and torn off in satisfying hunks. Eaten as a snack with a Mass of Weissbier or as breakfast bread with butter.

Sauerbraten

Germany's signature braised pot roast — beef marinated for days in vinegar and wine, then slow-cooked until meltingly tender and served with gingersnap gravy. A Sunday centrepiece.

Flammkuchen

Alsatian-influenced flatbread from the Rhine region — thin crisp dough spread with creme fraiche, onion and lardons. Light, addictive and ideal with a glass of local Riesling.

Black Forest Cake

Germany's most famous dessert — layers of dark chocolate sponge, Kirsch-soaked cherries and whipped cream, topped with chocolate shavings. The original comes from the town of Todtnauberg.

When to Visit

Germany by Season

Spring

Bavarian Alps emerge from snow, beer gardens open, Rhine Valley flowers. May in Germany is magical — the countryside is lush and the cities are alive again.

Summer

Long evenings, Rhine cruises, open-air festivals and beer gardens in full swing. July and August are perfect for Bavaria and the Black Forest.

Autumn

Oktoberfest in September, wine harvest festivals along the Rhine, golden Bavarian forests. One of Germany's finest times to visit.

Winter

Germany's Christmas markets are among Europe's best — Nuremberg, Cologne, Dresden and Rothenburg transform into magical winter wonderlands from late November.

Ready to Explore Germany?

Our Germany specialists will create your perfect itinerary — from a Berlin history immersion to a Bavarian castles and beer halls adventure.