Is Germany Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

“Is Germany worth visiting?” is probably the question I get asked the most, likely because I’m German, and people assume I should know. Fair enough. So I figured it’s time to finally answer it properly.

Now, I can’t give you the answer, but I can give you my answer, based on growing up here, traveling all over the country, and still coming back regularly. Yes, I might be a little biased, but I’ll do my best to keep it honest and balanced.

Germany has a lot going for it: castles, history, nature, culture, and of course the food. But it’s not perfect either, so in this review I’ll walk you through what I love about visiting Germany, what I don’t like so much, and the major things you should know before you plan a trip. Spoiler: I do think it’s worth visiting.

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Is Germany Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

Is Germany Worth Visiting – My Experience & Quick Answer

The quick answer? Yes, absolutely. I grew up in Germany, lived there until I was 25, and even though I’ve been traveling full-time and living abroad ever since, I still come back regularly, usually for Christmas to see family, drink way too much mulled wine, and squeeze in a few city trips or road trips.

Now, of course, whether Germany is worth it depends a little on what kind of trip you’re looking for. If you want to flop on a beach, get a tan, and sip piña coladas, then no, Germany isn’t your spot.

But if you’re after castles, history, palaces, culture, hearty food, scenic hikes, and old towns that look like they came straight out of a fairytale, then it’s a big yes.

Personally, I’ve been revisiting places like Munich and Berlin quite a lot. Berlin is fantastic for its history and world-class museums (and honestly, it’s impossible to walk five steps without stumbling over some WWII history). Munich, on the other hand, is everything people imagine Germany to be, beer gardens, Bavarian food, lederhosen, and of course day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Because I grew up here, it’s hard not to be biased, I really do think Germany has something for everyone. But in the rest of this guide, I’ll break it down for you: what I love, what I don’t love quite as much, and the highlights worth putting on your list. That way you’ll know whether a Germany trip is a fit for the kind of travel you enjoy.

What is Visiting Germany Like?

So what is Germany actually like? I’ve had a lot of chats with friends from the U.S. or Australia, and honestly, most of them still picture Germany in a way that’s only half right. You know the image, everyone drinking beer all day, wearing lederhosen, eating sausages, surrounded by castles, Oktoberfest tents, and Christmas markets. And yes, that version of Germany does exist… but it’s basically just Bavaria. All of those stereotypes? That’s Munich and its surroundings.

The rest of Germany looks very different. I grew up in the west, which is much more industrial, not as polished when it comes to architecture, and definitely less fairy-tale-like.

Berlin has its own vibe too, kind of gritty, edgy, and not the prettiest city at first glance, but absolutely packed with history and culture. Then in the north, places like Hamburg and Bremen have a coastal, port-city feel with amazing history and architecture.

And outside the big cities, you’ll find some of the real gems. Amazing castles like Burg Eltz, Cochem, or Schwerin Castle, vineyards along the Mosel Valley, mountain regions, and tiny villages that look like something out of a storybook.

I just wanted to make that clear for anyone planning a trip, Germany is way more than just lederhosen and bratwurst in Munich. And honestly, some of the most authentic and beautiful parts of the country are the small towns and regions tucked between the big cities.

What I Really Love About Visiting Germany

Culture in Germany

Since I grew up in Germany, I have a soft spot for the culture here. And by culture I don’t just mean the museums (though there are plenty of those), but also the traditions and festivities that pop up all year round.

Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets are the obvious big ones, but there are also wine festivals in the fall, Karneval in Cologne, and countless smaller local traditions depending on the region. I’ve been taking part in these since I was little, and they’re a huge part of why Germany feels so alive and worth visiting.

Traditional German Food

I love German food and trust me, there’s a lot more variety than just sausages and pretzels (though those are great too).

My personal favorites are hearty dishes like German dumplings, pork knuckles, and sauerkraut, and of course the beer deserves its own mention. On my recent trip to Munich, I made a point to try as many traditional restaurants as I could, and it was heaven. If you’re curious, I even wrote a whole article about food in Munich that you can check out.

Castles and Palaces in Germany

It’s almost embarrassing, but it took me a while to fully appreciate Germany’s castles and palaces. I think I only realized how special they were after spending time in places like Australia, Canada, and the USA where castles simply don’t exist.

Now, whenever I’m back, I see them with new eyes. Neuschwanstein Castle, Burg Eltz, Cochem Castle, and Schwerin Castle are just a few that are absolutely stunning and well worth visiting.

Germany’s Nature

Germany’s nature is massively underrated. In the south you’ve got the Alps, lakes, and incredible hiking trails, while in the Southwest there’s the Black Forest with its waterfalls and gorges.

The Königssee, the Triberg Waterfalls, the Breitachklamm, and the Saxon Switzerland mountains are some of my personal favorites. It’s not the first thing people think of when they picture Germany, but honestly, it should be.

What I Don’t Like About Visiting Germany

German directness

I’m not sure if “mentality” is the right word here, but Germans can definitely be very straightforward. I know this from growing up here, it can sometimes come across as blunt or even rude, but usually there’s no bad intent, so don’t take it personally.

Cash is still king

In so many bars, restaurants, and small shops, cash is still the main payment method. After living overseas, I got so used to just tapping my card, and it drives me nuts that Germany is still so cash-focused.

Tap water isn’t free

I know this is super specific, but it really frustrates me that in most restaurants you don’t get free tap water. Coming from places like the USA, Canada, or Australia, I’m used to it being standard. In Germany, a bottle of water in a restaurant can cost 7 euros, honestly feels a bit over the top.

Things to Do in Germany

Germany is packed with things to do, so I’ll keep this more general and highlight some of my favorites over the years.

Christmas in Germany: The Christmas markets here are absolutely fantastic. Last Christmas, I made a point to visit as many as I could, and my favorites were definitely in Cologne and Munich. They’re cozy, charming, and a must for the festive season.
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle: This castle is iconic and an absolute must-see. I did a guided day trip from Munich, and it was stunning. Germany has so many other amazing castles too, like Burg Eltz and Schwerin Castle.
Oktoberfest: I’ve never been to the original Oktoberfest in Munich, just smaller versions in other cities, but it’s still on my bucket list. Those local festivals are fun, but Munich is the real deal.
Try German food: German food culture is incredible. I love going to beer halls or beer gardens, especially in summer, for a cold beer, German dumplings with gravy, and some sausages. It’s classic comfort food that always hits the spot.
Museums in Berlin: Berlin might not be my favorite city overall, but its museums are top-notch. From WWII history to architectural exhibits and reconstructions from around the world, the cultural experience is just amazing.

Christmas in Germany

I wanted to highlight Christmas in Germany separately because I’m a huge Christmas fan and specifically, a huge fan of German Christmas.

Sure, I also love the American version, with Santa Claus, Coca-Cola, Home Alone, and New York-style festivities, it’s fun. But there’s something about German Christmas that’s completely different.

Authentic Christmas markets, some nearly 600 years old like the one in Dresden, are full of charm, tradition, and that cozy, festive spirit I adore. I love the robustness and quaintness of German markets, the food, the mulled wine, the little stalls, the lights, it’s just magical.

So if you’re wondering whether Germany is worth visiting, yes, absolutely. But it’s even more worth visiting at Christmas. You get all the usual sights and culture, plus these incredible Christmas markets that make the experience extra special.

I’ve been to so many Christmas markets in Germany that I’ve honestly lost count, but I love every aspect of them. Wandering through the stalls, stopping for mulled wine, trying the festive foods, and just soaking up that cozy atmosphere, it’s truly reason enough to come.

FAQs About Visiting Germany

What are the best things to do in Germany?

I personally think some of the best things to do are trying the local food and visiting castles like Neuschwanstein. For first-timers, Munich is one of the best cities to start with, it’s full of culture, history, and iconic sights.

Is Germany worth visiting at Christmas?

100%! Germany might even be my number one country to visit during Christmas. I’m a sucker for Christmas markets, and honestly, Germany does them better than anywhere else in the world.

What are the best places to visit in Germany?

I’d say Berlin and Munich are top picks, especially if it’s your first visit. Both cities have a ton of culture, history, and fun things to do to keep your days packed.

What is the best Germany itinerary?

It depends on how much time you have, but I’d make sure to include at least Berlin and Munich. You could then add a less touristy city like Dresden, Hamburg, Cochem, or Konstanz, there are so many charming spots worth exploring.

Final Thoughts on Is Germany a Good Vacation Spot

I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Germany, especially on my more recent trips, and I’ve really come to appreciate it from a tourist perspective. Honestly, I kind of enjoy being a tourist in my own country. Experiencing different local cultures, foods, and traditions has given me a new perspective and made my trips so enjoyable.

Germany is one of my top destinations in Europe, particularly in the cooler months. I love coming in the fall or around Christmas to explore the beautiful castles and festive Christmas markets.

I hope this little guide on whether Germany is worth visiting gives you a good idea of what the country has to offer and what you can do while you’re there.