Planning Your Germany Itinerary: 4 Days, a Week, or Longer

If you are planning a trip to Germany, you probably think of beer, lederhosen, and Neuschwanstein Castle. Maybe pretzels and sausages too. But there’s so much more to Germany than that little slice of Bavaria.

Each region has its own differences. Food, accents and dialects, traditional dress, and more vary from one part of the country to another. That’s why you can decide to explore different parts of the country on your Germany itinerary or stay in region and really get to know it. I don’t recommend trying to see the whole country in one trip, though it is possible to see a part of Germany in a week.

Simple Germany Itinerary

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Germany has lots of cities, outdoor activities, culture, history, and food just waiting to be explored. Decide what aspects of the country are important to you, and start planning your Germany itinerary.

One Week in Germany

If you only have 7 days in Germany, try to restrict yourself to two cities and a couple of day trips. Train travel between major cities is pretty fast, but will still account for half a day to switch bases.

Here are a few ideas for 7 day Germany itineraries. Each of them links to in depth guides, but you can find more overview information about certain cities and regions below in this post.

And make sure you know what to wear and what to pack for Germany.

1 Week in Germany: Berlin and Munich

This is a simple straightforward itinerary to see two faces of the country. Some of the traditional in Munich and more of the modern day in Berlin. Transport between the two is fast and flights should be accessible.

For more details, read this full itinerary for 1 week in Germany in Berlin and Munich.

3-4 days in Munich – Bavaria is probably what you think of as German: pretzels, beer, castles. Three and a half days in Munich is enough to explore the city, but also get out to Neuschwanstein to brush with the Alps.

Keep reading below for things to do in Munich, and check out our full guide to Munich. Find a late afternoon train to head to Berlin, check into your hotel there, and head out for dinner.

1 week in Germany - Munich
visit Munich on your 1 week Germany itinerary

3-4 days in Berlin – Berlin is a very different kind of city than any other in Germany. History is prevalent in the museums and the remnants of the wall. However each neighborhood is different.

It is worth spending time visiting not just the center with the Brandenburg Gate and the Museums, but also some of the Eastern neighborhoods which range from hip to deliciously grungy.

Different people, different vibe, and different food, that is Berlin. Whether you want clubs or museums, Berlin has it all. Our Berlin guide has all the info you need, and read more below about things to do in Berlin.

a week in Germany Berlin
Berlin is very different from the rest of Germany – and it’s fantastic

1 Week in Germany: Maritime Experience

Rivers and boats have defined Germany’s history and this sample itinerary shows them off.

4 days in Koblenz and the Rhine – Base yourself in Koblenz and explore the Rhein and Moselle river valleys. This is wine country and castle country, enjoy them. Koblenz is right in the middle of the area, but Cologne and Bonn are not far as bigger city bases.

There is more in this area than you can see in just a few days if you want to see every little town and sample every wine, but 3 days is pretty good as an overview. Our full guide of the Rhine area is here.

3 days in Hamburg – From the Rhine to the Elbe, head north to the Hanseatic City of Hamburg to experience a very different end of the country. Here beer is king and the architecture is very different. Sample a big harbor city that hasn’t forgotten its history, but still embraces the modern.

Don’t forget to make a day for Miniatur Wunderland, an enormous mini train museum that you could easily spend a few hours enjoying. Check out all the wonderful things to do in Hamburg.

Germany itinerary Rhine Valley
Explore the Rhine Valley on your Germany vacation

7 Days in Germany: Black Forest and Beyond

Think Germany is all about the big cities? Head down to the Black Forest and see just how attached to nature Germany can be. This is one of several areas of the country obsessed with the outdoors.

Hiking and biking options abound in the land that the Grimm Brothers found many of their stories. Explore from the famous castle town of Heidelberg through Coo-coo clock style villages, German spas known by the Romans, down to Freiburg in the southwest corner, and up into the high forest.

Check out our full guide of how to spend 1 week in the Black Forest.

Freiburg Germany itinerary Black Forest
Freiburg makes a good base for visiting the Black Forest

Two weeks in Germany… or longer

If you have 10 days or two weeks to explore Germany, you can see a lot of the country. Don’t stretch yourself too thin by moving so much that you don’t see anything. But a few days in each area can give you a glimpse of the many sides of Germany.

Look at the one week itinerary ideas above and put two together or mix them with some of the cities and regions detailed below.

4 days to a week in Berlin

Berlin is a wonderful addition to any Germany itinerary. Germany’s capital is packed with culture, history, and delicious international food. Explore the history of World War II, the Cold War, and the Berlin Wall era, try food from the different cultures that shape the city, and learn what makes it so unique in Germany.

A week isn’t even long enough to see it all, but it’s a good start. Four days gives you enough time to see a few different neighborhoods and the big sights while still enough downtime to relax like a Berliner.

Plan on exploring a lot of Berlin in a few days? Consider getting a Berlin city pass, which gives you transportation as well as entry to dozens of museums and other attractions.

Berlin Brandenburg Gate 1 week in Germany itinerary
Berlin is a big city – take your time exploring its many sides
Here are some of the best things to do in Berlin:

  • East Side Gallery – When the Berlin Wall came down, this section was left standing and is now covered in paintings with strong messages. Words can’t describe it. Take your time and admire the art.
  • Bernauer Strasse – One section of the wall divided a street and a neighborhood. People were moved from their homes, and even an entire cemetery was moved to accommodate the wall. The open air museum/memorial that stands here today is one of the best places to learn about the history of the Berlin Wall Era. The visitor’s center shows two free 15 minute films, in English and German, about the wall that are well worth watching.
  • Mauer Park – Literally translated as Wall Park, the Berlin Wall once ran through this area. Today the park is a popular place to hang out on Sundays where you’ll find a huge flea market as well as food and drink stalls.
  • Reichstag building – This glass-domed building houses the Germany government. Take an audio tour inside the dome itself for some great views and interesting information. You must register ahead of time to take the tour, so click here for more info.
  • Checkpoint Charlie Museum – Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin. The museum explores the history of the Berlin Wall as well as freedom and human rights issues. Info here.
  • DDR Museum – This interactive museum shows what life was like in former East Germany. Info here.
  • Stasi Museum – This museum is all about the actions of the authorities in East Germany against those who dared to disagree and refused to conform. Info here.
  • Holocaust Memorial – A major part of Germany’s history, this memorial honors the Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. Be sure to visit both the inside and outside sections. Info here.
  • Museum Island – Five museums are located on an island in the Spree River: Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Neues Museum, Altes Museum, and Alte Nationalgalerie. These house art and artifacts from different periods in history. The Pergamon Museum receives more visitors than any other museum in Berlin.
  • Berliner Dom – This is Berlin’s most famous cathedral, and it’s quite impressive to see. You can climb to the top as well for great views of the city.
  • Brandenburg Gate – One of the old city gates, the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor in German) has become the symbol of the city.
  • Charlottenburg Palace – This is the largest palace in Berlin, and the only surviving royal residence in the city. It was built in 1699.

See here for more things to do in Berlin.

Berliner Dom Germany itinerary 2 weeks
The Berliner Dom is one of the iconic things to see in Berlin

Explore Leipzig and Dresden

To really limit the amount of time you spend in transit, consider spending a week in eastern Germany by giving yourself 3 to 4 days in Berlin plus a day or so each in Leipzig and Dresden. Leipzig is just over an hour by train from Berlin, and Dresden is about 2 hours by train.

1 day in Leipzig: Leipzig is the largest city in the state of Saxony, and one of the largest cities in eastern Germany. The city played a big roll in the fall of the Wall between East and West Germany in 1989. Visit St. Nicholas Church, the center for many of the demonstrations that occurred in the lead-up to the collapse of the Wall.

Leipzig is known for being the former home to composer Johann Sebastian Bach from 1723 until his death. It’s a great city to explore if you enjoy music history.

The old town is really pretty, and there’s a big market square in the center worth checking out. The old city hall building sits on the main square and now houses a museum of the city’s history.

1 week in Germany Leipzig
Consider adding Leipzig to your Germany itinerary

1 day in Dresden: Dresden is the capital of Saxony, and it sits along the Elbe River, with parts of the city on each side of the river. Like Leipzig, Dresden is a beautiful city to wander through and enjoy the old town and the city’s green spaces.

Check out the gorgeous Frauenkirche church and the main square in the old town. Make sure to wander from the old town to the new town and on both sides of the river to get a good view of both sides of the city and its skyline.

Dresden is located close to Saxon Switzerland, a gorgeous national park worth visiting if you want to get out into nature.

1 week in Germany Dresden
A visit to Dresden will round out an eastern Germany itinerary

4 to 5 days in Munich

Each region of Germany has its own traditional clothing, but the images you’ve seen are most likely from Munich and Bavaria. More people here still wear the traditional clothing than anywhere else in the country.

You’ll also find giant pretzels and beers here more often than in other parts of the country. Include Munich on your Germany itinerary for a completely different view of German culture than what you’ll experience anywhere else.

things to do in Munich Germany itinerary
Climb the tower at St. Peter’s Church for fantastic views of Munich from above

Four days is plenty to see the big sights of the city and take a day trip out to Neuschwanstein Castle. There are plenty of places to see in Bavaria and Munich well connected to Austria, so it makes a nice stop on a longer route.

  • Rathaus – Munich’s Rathaus (city hall) is a detailed and gorgeous building located in Marienplatz. Its famous Glockenspiel chimes one to three times a day depending on the time of year.
  • St. Peter’s Church – This church is opposite the Rathaus, and you can climb the stairs in the tower for some amazing views of the Rathaus and the rest of Munich.
  • Frauenkirche – The two towers of the most well-known cathedral in Munich shape the city’s skyline.
  • Beer gardens and markets – There are markets and beer gardens throughout the city, which are very enjoyable on a sunny day. Right near Marienplatz is a big market and a rare city-owned beer garden (most are owned by individual breweries) that has different beer each month. Have a beer and soak up the atmosphere. Or visit the famous Hofbrauhaus, the most well-known brewery in Munich.
  • Day trip to Dachau – The mistakes of the past should not be forgotten. Visit Dachau on a day trip from Munich for a somber look at one of the most well-known concentration camps.
  • Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle – This is the most famous castle in Germany, and it’s the one you most often see on postcards. You can’t go in without paying for their 35 minute guided tour. It’s possible to get to the castle on your own, but it’s much easier with a day tour from Munich.

Spending longer in Munich? Check out how to spend a week in Munich.

Germany itinerary Neuschwanstein Castle day trip from Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s most famous castle, makes for a good day trip from Munich

Bavaria itinerary

Bavaria is a huge region of Germany with lots of wonderful cities and nature. You could easily spend a week in Bavaria alone if you wanted. If you are interested in spending one week in Germany in this region, here are a few cities and other areas to consider adding to your itinerary. Some can be visited as a day trip from Munich, but some are a bit farther or deserve a little more time:

  • Nuremberg: Nuremberg has a gorgeous old town, and parts of the old city walls still stand in places. It was the host of Nazi rallies in the 20s and 30s and is a great place to learn about WWII history.
  • Bamberg: Bamberg is a cute smaller town not far from Nuremberg. It’s known for its smoky Rauchbier and the picturesque old town hall building that sits in the middle of the river.
  • Regensburg: Regensburg’s medieval center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out the Gothic cathedral, the 12th century stone bridge, and the Arched Gate (Porta Praetoria) which was built in 179 AD.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Romantic Road: The Romantic Road is a region in Northern Bavaria known for quaint little towns, and Rothenburg is one of the most famous towns on this route. While most of Germany is easy to explore by train, this is one area that might be fun to explore with a car.
  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen: If you want more nature, go south of Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for a German Alpine experience. This is a great spot for skiing in the winter. But all year round, you can check out Partnach Gorge, Zugspitze (the highest mountain in Germany), and many other outdoor activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
1 week in Germany Rothenburg Romantic Road
It’s no wonder Rothenburg is so popular on itineraries in Bavaria

Hamburg – 3 to 4 days

Hamburg doesn’t receive as many tourists as Berlin and Munich, but it’s worth including on your Germany itinerary. The city is located close to the sea, and as a result Hamburg has its own unique maritime history. The city also has quite a few interesting museums, a variety of architecture styles, and quite a vibrant music scene.

  • Speicherstadt – Due to Hamburg’s rich maritime background, there is an area of warehouses called Speicherstadt that now houses museums and and is full of history about the city. Canals run between sections of the warehouses. This is an interesting area to explore on a tour to get a feel for what Hamburg was once like.
  • Miniatur Wunderland – This is the world’s largest model railway exhibit, although it’s so much more than model trains. The displays include entire cities and even a fully functional airport all made to scale. The details are impressive, and it’s well worth spending a few hours here. I’ve been there twice and spent about 4 hours each time. It’s a good idea to book your tickets ahead of time. See their site here for more info.
  • Harbor – Explore the harbor area that has had such a strong influence on the city, and take a boat tour for a closer look.
  • Beatles history – The Beatles played in Hamburg early in their career and have left their mark. Go see the clubs they played at in the Reeperbahn neighborhood. If clubs aren’t really your thing, check out Beatles Platz, a square in St. Pauli with life-sized siloutte statues of the Beatles.
  • Rathaus – Hamburg’s Rathaus, or city hall, is an impressive building in the center of the old town.
  • St. Michael’s Cathedral – This cathedral offers amazing views of Hamburg from its tower.
  • Art museums – Hamburg has quite a collection of art museums. The most famous is Kunsthalle because of its large collection of permanent art as well as special exhibits that come and go throughout the year.
  • Fish market – Fish plays a big role in Hamburg’s cuisine due to its location on the water. Visit the fish market early on Sunday morning and take in the lively atmosphere, and try a fish sandwich almost anywhere in the city.

See here for more things to do in Hamburg.

visit Hamburg Germany itinerary
Visiting Hamburg will show you yet another side of Germany you might not have known about

Day trip to Lübeck

If you’re spending a few days in Hamburg and want to venture out a bit farther, visit Lübeck. It’s also a former Hanseatic city with a rich maritime history. Lübeck was the capital of the Hanseatic League and is now home to the Hansemuseum.

See the impressive Holstentor, the Gothic city gate at the edge of the old town that greets you on the short walk from the train station into the center. Then wander through the old town and admire the architecture. Check out the town hall building, St. Mary’s Church, and the Lübeck Cathedral. Climb the tower at St. Peter’s Church for a view of Lübeck from above.

Lübeck is a very walkable city, and we’ve never had to use public transportation here. It is well connected to Hamburg and other parts of Germany, and makes for an easy side trip from Hamburg or even an overnight trip from Berlin.

Hotel Tip: We’ve stayed at the Atlantic Hotel in Lübeck twice, and it’s fantastic. It’s centrally located, they have a great buffet breakfast, helpful staff, and the shower was really nice. Not only do they have a pillow menu, but you can also request a mattress topper to make the bed a little more cushy.
Lübeck day trip from Hamburg
Take a day trip to Lübeck from Hamburg, or consider spending the night

Black Forest and nearby – 3 days to a week

The Black Forest is famous for its dense trees, ham, cake, cuckoo clocks, hiking, and as the setting of the Grimm fairy tales. Explore some of the smaller cities in this area as well as Germany’s outdoors.

Nearby, but not quite in the Black Forest, is the popular city of Heidelberg with its impressive castle. How long you spend here really depends on how much of the area you’re interested in seeing.

A few days is enough for a single city and some hiking up in the forest. A dedicated week could get you to both Heidelberg and Freiburg as well as some tastes of the outdoors.

France and Switzerland are nearby Freiburg, so if you have more time feel free to explore beyond Germany’s borders. If this interests you, check out Colmar or Strasbourg in France, or the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.

  • Baden Baden – This is a smaller city that was once a Roman bath town. Today it’s popular with tourists who want to enjoy thermal baths and spas.
  • Freiburg – At the south end of the Black Forest, this city has a youthful atmosphere due to its university. Wander through the old town, and use Freiburg as a base to explore the surrounding nature.
  • Mountains and lakes – Feldberg and Schauinsland are two of the highest peaks in the Black Forest. Titisee and Schluchsee (“see” means lake in German) are two popular lakes for swimming and other water activities.
  • Heidelberg – While not actually part of the Black Forest, Heidelberg is just a little ways north of the forest and well worth a visit. The remains of its castle are impressive, and you can get wonderful views of the city and the river from the castle.

See here for more on how to spend a week in the Black Forest.

Germany itinerary Heidelberg
Heidelberg isn’t technically in the Black Forest, but it’s close and worth a visit

Rhine and Moselle Valley – 2 days to 1 week

The Rhine is Germany’s longest river and the focus of the country’s wine country. It is also home of a high concentration of castles. You could spend just a few days seeing the highlights or a whole week to just deeply explore the area with a glass (or two) of wine every night.

If all you want to see is cute castles perched on the top of steep cliffs, you could do this area in a day or two. Take a river cruise and then get up close to at least one castle. If you like small towns and wine tasting, you can easily spend a week in this area.

  • Rhine Cruise – The stretch of the river between Bingen and Koblenz takes about 3 hours to see on a boat and has a large concentration of castles perched on the steep cliffs. If you want this highlights, this is the tour to take.
  • Koblenz – Koblenz is a small town, but is a perfect base to explore the area. It is at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers, the end of the castle tour (with a castle of its own) and a decent transport hub.
  • Moselle River – The Moselle river runs west from the Luxembourg border to meet the Rhine at Koblenz. Some of the most famous wines in Germany come from this region and although not as dense with castles, is not barren. Check out Burg Eltz for a cool looking castle.
  • Trier – Trier was once a far northern outpost of the Roman empire and the ruins of a Roman gate still stand in the city.
  • Cologne – If you want to see a big city and a huge cathedral, take a train to Cologne. It is mostly a big city, but has some nice churches and museums as well as more restaurant and shopping options than the smaller towns. Also check out the local Kolsch beer.

If you are interested in this area, check out our in depth guide on how to spend a week in the Rhine Valley.

Cologne Germany 1 week itinerary
Start or end your Rhine Valley Germany itinerary in Cologne

Transport

Getting To Germany

If you are in central Europe already, trains to Germany should be easy to find. If you are flying, Germany is pretty well connected.

Internationally, Frankfurt is the biggest airport, though Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg are reasonably well connected. There are several smaller airports scattered across the country, but check times and compare with the trains. Sometimes it can be faster to take the train.

Getting Around

Transport in Germany is nearly synonymous with the train system. Deutsche Bahn runs trains to nearly every nook and cranny of the country. If you buy tickets ahead of time you can get some good deals.

Check out the Regional Tickets too. Each State has its own ticket so they vary in price, but mostly you can buy them for a group of up to 5 for fairly cheap and they cover public transport and regional trains in a wide region for the whole day. They are a great deal for a family doing day trips from a city base. Just remember you can’t use the fast trains (IC/ICE).

If you want super cheap and have time to spend, look into the buses well. They can take a lot longer and are not as comfortable, but you can sometimes find seats for 19 Euros or less, depending on the route. FlixBus is a great bus option in Germany, and many other parts of Europe.

Within cities, public transport is common. A combination of trains, trams, and buses cross every large German city and many small ones. You may not need it though. Most of the historical centers are small and totally walkable.

Transport is on the honor system with big penalties if you are caught without a ticket, so make sure you buy one before getting on a tram or bus.

Check out a full in depth post on transport in Germany.

transportation in Germany Berlin Sbahn
Transportation in Germany is really good, from long distance and regional trains to city public transport

Germany travel planning and inspiration

Hopefully our Germany itinerary and ideas for planning one week in Germany have been helpful. The following posts provide more in-depth information about Germany travel, tours in Germany, and specific cities and regions. And if you’re looking for a little inspiration, be sure to check out the books and movies recommended below.

Germany reading, guidebooks, and movies

  • Lonely Planet Germany
  • Rick Steves Germany
  • German Men Sit Down to Pee and Other Insights into German Culture: A humorous, though often accurate, look at German culture for anyone moving to or even just visiting Germany.
  • Good Bye, Lenin!: A touching, humorous, and at times emotional story of a woman and her son when the Berlin Wall came down. She has just fallen into a coma, and when she wakes up months later, the wall has come down. But since she was loyal to the East, her son shields her from the shock of the new world outside by pretending nothing has changed. In German with English subtitles, but really worth it.
When planning your Germany itinerary, pick a few of the highlights and don't rush. Take in Germany's scenery, food, culture and history one piece at a time. Here are some ideas for how to spend 1 or 2 weeks in Germany. #germany #germanyitinerary #germanytravelplanning #travelplanning #berlin #hamburg #munich
When planning your Germany itinerary, pick a few of the highlights and don't rush. Take in Germany's scenery, food, culture and history one piece at a time. Here are some ideas for how to spend one week in Germany. #germany #germanyitinerary #germanytravelplanning #travelplanning #berlin #hamburg #munich