Germany is a country that embraces its seasons, with events and celebrations spread across the calendar.
With a balmy south west, a cool northern coast and a mountainous south, the weather is by no means uniform between the states, so check the region you plan to visit for more detailed information; including which festival is next. This seasonal guide can help you plan the perfect time for your visit to Germany.
Germany’s warmest period is sandwiched between cherry blossoms in the spring and golden leaves in the autumn. July and August normally see the highest temperatures, but can also bring moody thunderstorms, sudden downpours and even hail.
Those heading for the cooler coast should still aim for these hottest months (despite the crowds), while those planning on hiking or other outdoor activities might want to plan something during the more stable conditions either side. School holidays are staggered by state in Germany but run from June through to September.
Munich’s Oktoberfest kicks off in late September and runs until the start of October. During this time, hotel prices rise steeply and places are booked up months in advance. If you’re not interested in the event, then this is not the best time to visit the city. To experience something similar, with fewer people, there’s the Starkbierfest (strong beer festival) in spring or a number of other folk festivals throughout the year.
Elsewhere in the country, late summer is the peak season for wine-related celebrations such as the Stuttgart Wine Festival, the Rheingau Wine Festival in Frankfurt and the Wurstmarkt in Dürkheim.
Opening towards the end of November and running all the way up to Christmas, Germany’s markets bring hot mulled wine and smoky sausage grills to towns, villages and cities up and down the country.
A trip during this time will help get you in the festive mood and might even offer some snow, but you won't be the only one with the idea. Popular with locals and international visitors alike, this time could see an increased demand for accommodation, especially in hot spots such as Nuremberg and Dresden.
The skiing season starts in earnest after Christmas, with the Alps and resorts such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen between a one to two hour drive from Munich airport. In places without a good covering of snow, this time of year can feel cold and dark. The cafe culture in cities such as Berlin can help take the edge off with cozy candle-lit hangouts, but beware of the icy streets outside. Pack a heavy-duty jacket.
In some parts of the country, including cities such as Mainz, Dusseldorf and Cologne, the start of the year sees the build up and culmination of Fasching or carnival ahead of Lent. Expect colorful processions and a party atmosphere –
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Germany and curry make for an unlikely pair. This is a country most famous for colossal cuts of pork served with salted potatoes in every variety — boiled, pan-fried or shaped into cricket-ball-sized dumplings. Black pepper, to many here, is considered a spicy flavour. And yet, currywurst — sliced sausage topped with a tomato sauce flavoured by spices including yellow curry powder, paprika and potentially a few secret ingredients too — has been a German favourite for over half a century. It can be eaten at almost any time of day, and at any level of intoxication. You’ll find versions sold for €4 (£3.40) from shabby stands and haute interpretations costing €25 (£21) and paired with Champagne. It’s the fuel served in factory canteens and there are pop songs dedicated to it, politicians have even posed with it and there are festivals celebrating the best of the wurst. So how did it come to be?
Germany, birthplace of the autobahn, is a wonderful country for driving tours. It’s big and varied enough to allow longer, more ambitious trips, yet has plenty of small, distinctive regions begging for in-depth exploration. Throw in a superb road network (including over 13,000km of autobahnen), an orderly and predictable driving culture and a wealth of rental options, and you’ve got everything you need for a driving holiday.
Berlin is a place that makes boredom impossible. Discovering Germany’s capital, and its true depth of historical and cultural richness, gifts you jam-packed days and sprints between attractions. And that’s just the sightseeing! There is also so much cool stuff to do.
According to research from Germany-based Cruisewatch: “Booking the respective cruise destination at the right time can realistically save you up to 71 percent reductions off your cruise.”
Getting old has few benefits, but the occasional senior travel discount is one of them. Senior travelers can enjoy a wide range of discounts, but both availability and value vary substantially among different travel sectors and in different parts of the globe.
With rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft taking over, you might be wondering where in the world it’s still possible to take a cheap taxi. Cabs aren’t dead, yet: These countries still heavily rely on them.
When it comes to exceptional escapes, the South African province of Limpopo is ahead of the game. Just a few hours drive or a short flight north of Johannesburg, Limpopo offers visitors the unique opportunity of combining safari and first-rate golf. It's home to both one of the largest game parks in the world, the prestigious Kruger National Park, and a wealth of word class golf courses.
If you've got wheels, wanderlust and a spot of time, a road trip in Europe offers the chance to see the continent at a more relaxed pace. From the sunny shores of Portugal to the dungeons of Dracula's castle in Transylvania in Romania, the following itineraries can be easily combined, shortened or altered to suit your wayfaring tastes. Here are 9 of the best road trips in Europe, a clutch of which also feature in our run-down of the best countries for summer in Europe.