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Germany

Germany is one of those countries that is perfect for family travel. It’s easy to get around, full of variety, and packed with experiences that both kids and adults will love.

You’ll find everything from fairy tale castles and colourful half-timbered towns to festive traditions, and outdoor adventures. Trains make it simple to explore, and the mix of culture, history, and nature means you can go from climbing church towers to hiking to a castle — all in the same trip.

The food helps too. There are bakeries everywhere, hearty kid-friendly dishes like schnitzel and käsespätzle, and of course, giant pretzels. And if you’re visiting in December, the Christmas markets are reason enough to go — Germany turns into a festive wonderland.

Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets, exploring big-name cities like Frankfurt and Munich, or visiting smaller gems like Ulm or Trier, Germany offers so many easy ways to explore as a family.

The illuminated wooden Christmas pyramid stands tall at the center of the Trier Christmas market, surrounded by festive lights and half-timbered buildings.
Christmas Market in trier
Two boys stand at the base of Ulm Minster, a towering Gothic cathedral with intricate spires and scaffolding on one tower, set against a partly cloudy summer sky.
Ulm, Germany

Language


The official language is German, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few German phrases is always appreciated, especially in smaller towns.
Some Common Phrases
Hello – Hallo (HAH-loh)
Thank you – Danke (DAHN-kuh)
Please – Bitte (BIT-tuh)
Do you speak English? – Sprechen Sie Englisch? (SHPREH-khen zee ENG-lish?)

currency

Germany uses the Euro (EUR, €) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most places, but some smaller restaurants and markets may still prefer cash, so it’s a good idea to carry a bit with you.

Best Time to Visit

Germany is a year-round destination, but your experience will vary depending on the season.
December is pure magic with Christmas markets in almost every town and city.
Spring and fall are great for city exploring, castle visits, and avoiding the summer crowds.
Summer is perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, or cruising along the Rhine or Moselle Rivers.
Winter also brings snow to the mountains if you’re interested in skiing or sledding — or just cozying up in a half-timbered village with mulled wine and twinkling lights.

Charming riverside view of Ulm’s Altstadt with rows of red-roofed historic buildings and church towers reflected in the calm water under a bright summer sky.
At a glance

Our experience in Germany

Germany wasn’t at the top of my travel list originally, but after several visits, it’s become one of the places I’m always looking for an excuse to go back to. We’ve explored both in summer and winter, and every trip has been a little different. What surprised me most is how much there is for families — and how easy it is to explore.

Some of our favourite memories have been simple things: wandering through cobblestone streets, spotting fountains and quirky statues tucked into quiet corners, and walking past rows of fairy tale houses that look like they belong in a Grimm Brothers story. In Ulm, the kids had a blast climbing the spiral steps of the Berblinger Tower — and the view over the Danube was well worth it.

Germany is also where I fell in love with Christmas markets, and we’ve now visited a few — from big-name ones in Stuttgart and Cologne to smaller ones in towns like Heidelberg and Trier. 

We’re already planning another trip for this winter, and our list of places to visit just keeps getting longer. Germany has a way of drawing you back in.

  • Transportation Tip:
    Germany is well connected by train, and it’s one of the easiest countries in Europe to get around without a car.
    But if you’re planning to explore smaller towns or more rural areas (like parts of Bavaria or the Moselle Valley), renting a car can give you more flexibility. We’ve used Discover Cars for our rentals and had great experiences every time.
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Germany