Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Germany! I lived in Germany for several years, and I have returned many times with my wife and kids. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Germany.
Hate #1: German People
German people come across as cold and serious, and they are also cheap when it comes to spending money. If you like to joke around with new people, Germany is not the place to do it. At least not with people you are meeting for the first time. This can definitely make it feel like Germany is an unfriendly place, but it’s not necessarily. They do warm up, eventually. But on your first trip to Germany, it takes some getting used to.
Hate #2: Pay Toilets
If you want to use a public toilet in Germany, it will cost you. Sometimes it’s a machine, in which case you need to have some coins on you. Other times, there is a bathroom attendant that you pay upon entering. On the bright side, public toilets in Germany are usually kept very clean.
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Hate #3: Prices in Germany
Germany is expensive, especially when compared to countries like Italy, Spain or Portugal. Going out to eat, train passes and hotel rates are higher than other European countries.
Hate #4: Service in Germany
Service in Germany is not very friendly. They’re very formal and stilted in Germany, very straightforward. If you ask if they have an English menu, you will be told yes or no, but they won’t bring you one unless you specifically ask for the menu.
Hate #5: Sundays in Germany
Everything in Germany closes on Sundays. So if you want to do some shopping for souvenirs or even groceries, you’ll find a lot of places are not open. If you really need something, the shops in the train station, or gas stations, usually stay open through the weekend.
Love #1: Germany is Clean and Organized
You will be amazed at how clean Germany is. Sitting in a major square, and there is no dog poop, no trash blowing around. Germans like things to be in order and clean, so that’s one thing that makes travel in Germany easier. When you visit Germany attractions, you’ll find the lines orderly and the ticket process very organized.
Love #2: German People
I know this was listed as a “hate” also, but once you get to know Germans and start to make friends, they are great. Germans are friends for life. It’s just the cold outer shell that you have to get past in order to make friends.
Love #3: Public Transportation in Germany
You can get anywhere in Germany using public transportation. No matter how small the town, there is a bus or a train that will go there. Using public transportation in Germany is a great way to see the country and explore different regions and towns.
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Love #4: Things to Do in Germany
There is so much history in Germany and you can see that in the number of palaces and castles scattered throughout the country. They have amazing museums in Berlin, Munich, and Cologne. Germany has amazing outdoor scenery as well, from the Alps and the lakes, there are tons of outdoor things to do in Germany, too.
Love #5: Beer & Festivals
Of course, Oktoberfest is world-famous, but Germany has beer festivals all the time in tons of locations throughout the country. There are also wine festivals, chocolate festivals, Christmas markets, carnivals.
Germany is a great country and we love visiting over and over again. The “hates” are really just a few things to keep a head’s up on rather than a reason not to visit Germany. Want more information on travel in Germany? Check out these other blog posts: