Germany – The Land of Forests, Fairytale Towns, and Castles

Germany may be at the heart of Europe, but it feels like a world all its own!

Home to more than 85 million people and roughly the size of the state of Montana, this diverse country offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, old-world cities, rich traditions, and deep history.

From the Alpine peaks of Bavaria and the dense Black Forest to river valleys lined with storybook castles, Germany’s landscapes are unbelievably varied. You can hike to panoramic mountain views, wander cobblestone old towns, cruise the Rhine past medieval fortresses, or spend your evenings sampling regional dishes and local beer in a cozy tavern.

At the core of German culture lies a blend of precision, curiosity, tradition, and genuine hospitality. Locals may seem reserved or even cold at first, but once you dive deeper, you’ll find warmth, humor, and a love of heritage — whether that’s tied to regional food, festivals, or centuries-old customs.

The national language is German and while older folks might not speak much English, most younger people will be able to easily converse with you. However we do suggest picking up some basic phrases before you go! Here is a great collection of many helpful resources.

Germany uses the Euro (€), and card payments are widely accepted in most places, especially in cities. Still, keep a bit of cash on hand for bathrooms, small bakeries, street stalls, or rural cafés. Tipping is common and appreciated – around 10-15% or just rounding up to the next 5 (25, 30, 35, etc) is great.

Curious about the tap water? It is exceptionally clean and high–quality! In fact, Bavaria — where Matze and I live — is known for having some of the purest tap water in the entire world! Almost anywhere you go, you can drink straight from the tap without worry. Just double check your exact city online, as bigger, industrial places like Berlin, might not be quite as clean or tasty.

As for weather, it varies by region but you can expect warm summers (20–30°C / 68–86°F) with increasingly frequent heat waves (reaching 38°C / 100°F or more) and the occasional summer thunderstorm, chilly and snowy winters (usually around or below freezing), and regular rain throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn.

Whether you’re visiting for a culture-packed city break, a scenic Alpine escape, a road trip through half-timbered villages, or a tour of Germany’s legendary castles, the country offers an extraordinary blend of scenery, history, food, and adventure!