Germany is a beautiful country with all four seasons and each offers something unique. Fall features famous festivals such as Oktoberfest. During Christmastime, towns are filled with stalls representing local craftsmen, food, and hot wine. Summertime features beautiful hikes, great weather and scenery. The best time for you to travel to Germany will depend heavily on your preferences and what you want to do.
If you are trying to plan a trip and figure out the best time to go, see our guide below.
Summertime: Best Weather
Germany has long days in the summer and typically doesn’t have the same brutal heat that other countries in Southern Europe experience. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy beautiful hiking trails and nature. However, it is also peak tourist season in Europe, so prices will be higher.
Below are some of our recommendations for the summertime.
Go Sailing in Hamburg
Often referred to as the Little Venice of Germany, Hamburg is a beautiful place to catch a boat ride or take a stroll along the Elbe River. Our recommendation? A sailboat on the Outer Alster.
SDanck on a sail boat
Visit Neuschwanstein
Ever wonder where Walt Disney got the inspiration for his castle from? Look no further. Nestled between the mountains, you will find one of the most beautiful castles. The landscape and the surrounding area around it are also stunning, making it well worth a visit.
Experience the Schlossbeleuchtung
The Schlossbeleuchtung is a bi-annual festival in Heidelberg, where they light up the castle and have fireworks. It’s very beautiful and a fun way to enjoy the Heidelberg nightlife without needing to venture to a bar or club. Plus, you can enjoy a hike along Philosophenweg (Philsopher’s Way) during the day to catch some great views of the city below.
View from Philosphenweg (Disclaimer: This is February. I lived in Heidelberg for a year, though, and can vouch it is really nice in the summer)
Attend a Wine Festival
Germany is well known for their wines and there are numerous festivals throughout the country. If you are visiting Germany in July, check out the Freiburg Wine Festival or Würzburg Wine Festival. Both festivals feature tons of different wine to sample as well as music.
If you are visiting Germany at the end of August, you can visit the Stuttgater Weindorf. There are over 250 varieties to sample and the event lasts two weeks.
Climb the Ulm Münster
The Ulm Münster is 530 feet high and is the tallest church on earth (though it may soon be surpassed by La Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona). You can climb up the tower to experience some great views.
However, this is sometimes closed during the winter months due to ice, so summertime is a good time to visit.
Views from the Ulm Cathedral
Please note: The highest part of the tower is under construction.
Fun fact: Einstein lived in Ulm for the first year of his life and there is a stained glass window with him featured.
Fall: Famous Festivals
The most famous German festivals happen in the fall, including the legendary Oktoberfest. Below is a list of activities should you travel at this time of year.
Oktoberfest
Although the literal translation of “Oktoberfest” is “October festival”, don’t let the name fool you. Most of the festival takes place in September, with it ending in very early October.
What’s most important for Oktoberfest is to book your tent in advance. You are not allowed in unless you get there very early or without a reservation. This is one of the most iconic parts of the festival, so be sure to plan ahead.
Carnstatter Volksfest
If you are looking for something a little less touristy, the Carnstatter Volksfest is in Stuttgart. It still has the beer and festival rides, but it is less crowded than Oktoberfest with more locals.
Christmas Time: Beautiful Holiday Markets
Germany feels magical and this country has some of the best Christmas markets throughout all of Europe. Many cities even have their own custom mugs you can purchase and drink the famous Glühwein in. Below are some of our recommendations to visit:
Nuremberg Christmas Market
The Nuremberg Christmas market is perhaps one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany. Downtown Nuremberg is surrounded by castle walls, giving the vibe as if you had stepped back in time. If you are into art, you can also check out Albrecht Dürer’s house, which is near the city center.
Heidelberg Christmas Market
The Heidelberg Christmas market is stunning. You can explore vendor stands against a backdrop of the old castle and the cobblestone streets. Hallmark even decided to feature one of its Christmas movies here, due to its charm.
Pro Tip: Heidelberg does have Feuerzangenbowle. If you see the stand, you should grab a glass. It’s delicious.
Winter Time: Great Ski Trails
Germany is also popular for skiing, though it is often overlooked due to other famous destinations, such as Switzerland and Austria. However, if you are wondering how people afford to travel and ski, Germany could be a great destination for you. Famous ski resorts include Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberstdorf.
Spring: Great Weather and Festivals
You can soak in a lot of the benefits of summer, but for a cheaper price tag when visiting in the spring. There are also some fun festivals worth checking out.
We’d recommend going in late April or early May, since March can still be on the colder side. Below are our recommendations:
Go to a Frühlingsfest
Frühlingsfest (literal translation: spring festival) is similiar to Oktoberfest, since there is beer and rides. However, it tends to be less well known than Oktoberfest, so there will be fewer tourists. You can visit on in either Munich or Stuttgart.
Final Thoughts
Germany has a lot to offer, no matter the season. When you go will depend on your preferences and what you want to see and do when visiting. Be sure to also check out our guide for Americans traveling to Germany to learn more tips before planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest months to travel to Germany?
If you are looking to travel cheaply in Europe, you should visit in the shoulder seasons and winter (October-November and January-May).
Is June a good time to go to Germany?
June is a wonderful time to visit Germany. The days are long and the weather is relatively warm, making it a perfect time to explore the cities, sites, and hiking trails.
How long is a flight from the US to Germany?
How long a flight lasts from the US will depend on your point of origin. A flight from JFK (New York) typically lasts 8 hours.
Is it better to visit Germany in summer or winter?
Which season is better is entirely up to your preferences! Summertime is great for hiking, outdoor bars, and sightseeing. However, winter has skiing and the famous Christmas markets.
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