Germany Travel Guide
What You Need To Know: The Bare Bones
Population: 83.25 million
Area: 357,000 km2
Religion: Roman Catholic 34%, Protestant 38%, Unaffiliated/Other 26%.
Currency: The Euro
Passports, Visas etc.
UK and US citizens need only take a passport for stays less than three months. US citizens are restricted to this three-month period before they need to get a visa.
Passports should be used as ID but it is advisable to carry a photocopy and leave the real thing safely at your hotel.
Safety Advice
Germany is a safe place to visit overall. The main concern is crowded tourist areas that attract small time pickpockets and bag snatchers. Never openly carry anything of value and be careful of possessions at all times. Follow normal common sense rules, avoid badly lit areas, and try not to travel alone, tell someone what your itinerary is, and don't leave things on display in vehicles.
The Roads
Roads are good quality and cover the country comprehensively. Cities can be congested and parking may be a problem. Often the best solution is to park in a central car park. The auto bahns may be a lot faster than many drivers are used to.
Stay Healthy
There are no more worries here than in any other European country, no inoculations are required and the water is clean. UK citizens carrying an E111 form can get free medical help. US citizens should ensure that they have ample insurance.
Take sensible precautions against the effects of the sun. Also, take care if walking in secluded places, seek local advice and let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
Insurance
Take out adequate insurance to cover health, accident, and theft of money and possessions.
Law and Order
Do not traffic or pedal drugs of any kind.
Cash and Plastic
Traveller's cheques are easily changed, credit cards are readily accepted and ATM machines are widely available.
Climate and When to Go
Germany is caught between the icy blasts of the east and the damp of the North Sea. Despite this, the climate is generally moderate. The southerly latitude of the south doesn't improve the temperature much due to a rise in altitude. Winters can be very cold but can be just plain damp. Summer temperatures may get into the 30's and spring can be glorious. The weather can be changeable so be prepared.
So, What is it really Like?
A college tutor of mine remarked in 1989 'isn't it great to be alive in historic times'. This remark had been triggered by the fall of the Berlin Wall. This act was to mark a reunification of Germany to the same kind of position it had been in at the time of the initial unification of Germany in 1871. In the hundred plus years between the two events Germany certainly saw its fair share of 'historical times'.
Germany now is very much a 21st century country. It is famed for its industrial capabilities, the quality of its transport networks and its sound economic base. Germany may not be the economic powerhouse it has been in recent years but it is still the worlds third largest economy.
The visitor to Germany has many places of merit to choose from. Although famed as an industrial country there is glorious scenery as well. From the majesty of the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine, with all its castles, to the Black Forrest. Architecturally, huge damage was done during the war but much remains that is worth taking in. Cologne boasts one of Europes finest Gothic style cathedrals and the spire on the church at Ulm is the highest on the continent. Every small town or village can offer the visitor something of interest; there are museums of all sorts everywhere. The people are friendly and sociable with a legendary love of food and drink.
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