Germany Things to Do

Dominated by the vast expanse of the Black Forest, Germany’s south-western state of Baden-Württemberg is one of the country’s most popular travel destinations, with many tourists flowing in from neighboring Bavaria.

The main attraction of the region its idyllic countryside and the Black Forest is a natural paradise of forested alcoves, glittering lakes and sloping vineyards, punctuated by pockets of free-growing wilderness. The self-proclaimed ‘green capital’ of Freiburg makes an ideal base for Black Forest treks, with abundant hiking and cycling paths, and Lake Constance, straddling the borders of Switzerland and Austria, is favorite for swimming and water sports.

Germany’s biggest port and one of Europe’s largest port cities, set on the mighty River Elbe, Hamburg is one of Germany’s most popular cruise destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. The city’s main charm lies in its effortless pairing of the old and new, with its historic old town set against a crop of modern buildings lining the new Hamburg Harbor City.

One of the country’s most modern cities, Frankfurt is the financial center and main transport hub of central Germany, boasting the third largest airport in Europe. With a vast number of international and domestic flights passing through each day, Frankfurt has become a popular stopover as well as a tourist destination in its own right. If you’re staying in town for a spot of sightseeing, here are a few tips for how to get around in Frankfurt.

Germany’s largest state is also one of its most scenic – a fairytale landscape of towering mountains, sweeping valleys and pretty mountain villages, dotted with medieval castles and idyllic beer gardens.

With its bustling port and network of waterways and transport links, Hamburg makes the perfect base from which to explore the sights of northern Germany. Here are a few ideas for day trips from Hamburg.

With 26 cities, some 25,000 medieval castles and a myriad of historic sites dotted around the country, you could spend months exploring Germany. With only one week to spare, you’ll need to plan your itinerary in advance to maximize your time. Whether you want a non-stop city sightseeing tour, a laid-back river cruise or a cultural trip around scenic Bavaria, here are 3 varied 1-week itineraries to fuel your wanderlust.