Germany is one of my favorite places to go! It could be due to my genealogy or the fact that my parents live there right now, but it never ceases to amaze me. I love the historical castles like Neuschwanstein and all the yummy food!

If you are planning to travel to Germany, there are several things you might want to know about. Yes, Germany is very modern and has been more “Americanized” over the years, but it is still in Europe and takes pride its own culture and customs, as it should.

Make sure you follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my email list to learn even more tips before heading to Germany! You will want to SAVE THIS POST in particular to remember about how to pay for things!

The list below comprises 18 facts I believe you should know before going to Germany, especially with kids. They mainly come from my American parents who live there and my husband who has only visited once. I hope you find them helpful on your next European vacation!

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Covid-19 Note: During the current conditions of Covid-19, Germany is in a strict lockdown until at least the end of February.

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#1: The Autobahn Has Rules

If you’re reading this, I assume you already know what the Autobahn is. It’s famous for being a highway with no speed limit. It was actually created by Adolf Hitler as a way for his troops to move faster. Now, it’s used as a normal highway to get from city to city.

If you read that there is no speed limit and thought that means you can finally be that racecar driver you’ve always dreamed of, you might want to rein that in a bit. The Autobahn has certain laws in place to keep everyone safe.

For instance, many areas of the Autobahn now have a speed limit. There is also a standard of changing lanes if you see someone coming up behind you that is driving faster than you.

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Pro Tip: There are speed cameras in Germany and they will catch you going just one mile (six kilometers) over the speed limit. Be careful!

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#2: Cars (& Parking) are Small

You know those funny European movies that always have tiny cars? Well, they’re not just in the movies. While we were there over Christmas 2019, my parents rented an 8-seater van. It was the biggest thing on the road and it was nothing compared to American vans!

If you plan to rent a vehicle in Germany, be aware that it might be smaller than you’re used to. That includes the trunk space. You’ll have to get creative with how you arrange your luggage and strollers, etc.

Another thing to note is that due to the small cars, parking spaces are also smaller. Most of the public parking is in garages too, so be ready to make tight turns around the place.

#3: They Prefer Manual Cars

If you don’t know how to drive a stick shift, you might want to learn now. Most of the cars in Germany (and Europe in general) are manuals.

In fact, my brother first learned how to drive a stick shift during a family vacation to Germany when we were teenagers. It might be fun for your teenagers too! Just be careful how fast you let them go on the Autobahn 🙂

If you plan to rent a car while in Germany, make sure you notice whether it is manual or not. Some companies have an automatic option, but you have to look for it.

#4: Streets are Narrow

This reason alone is why I still haven’t driven in Germany. I don’t trust myself that much! The streets in Germany are very, very, (I mean VERY) narrow. Many of them, especially in the smaller towns, have roads that would look like a one-way to us Americans. However, if there are no signs signifying otherwise, they are meant as a two-lane road.

The general rule is that if you see another car coming in the opposite direction, one of you is supposed to pull over if you can. And yes, that may mean you jump onto the sidewalk.

#5: They Don’t Use Cardinal Directions

Cardinal directions are what we are used to in the states: north, south, east, and west. In Germany, however, they simply point to the city you are heading towards.

For example, if you were on the Autobahn and you see that the road is splitting, you would see signs directing you to either Wiesbaden or Mainz, rather than North or South.

It is definitely a good idea to have your Google Maps out just in case.

#6: No Turn on Red

This one is pretty self explanatory. If there is a red light, you are not allowed to turn right. So remember, no turn on red!

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Driving Note: Although Germany has public transportation available like buses and a metro, it is much easier to travel by car. Be sure to look up all the driving rules and signs in Germany before going. Don’t forget your International Drivers License too!

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#7: You Will Walk. A Lot.

Unless you’re the type of traveler who prefers to stay in your hotel all day, be prepared to walk. You will walk to the restaurant or store because there isn’t really curb-side available. Most of the big castles and historical ruins are a bit far from roads in the first place.

If you’re planning to go to the Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, you should know that they don’t allow cars to pull up at the gates. Your only options for ascending the mountain are to walk or take a horse-drawn carriage.

#8: Take a Stroller If You Dare

In full honesty, we use strollers with our kids. And yes, we still used them in Germany. However, most of the streets are cobblestone which means it can be a rocky and bumpy road.

Additionally, because many of the buildings are old, they don’t have elevators. You will walk over a lot of cobblestone to get to your destination that you then have to climb up a lot of stairs for. On top of that, the stairs could be unlevel due to age and weather.

Fortunately, there are many places (like Neuschwanstein or Porta Nigra in Trier) that are used to tourists and have special places to set aside your stroller before entering. From that point on though, you will have to carry your babies.

#9: Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

I believe this rule applies if you are visiting any place that doesn’t speak English. Learn their language!

You obviously don’t need to be fluent in it, but it would be very helpful to know certain phrases like “Where’s the bathroom” (Wo ist die Toilette?) and “How much does this cost” (Wieviel kostet das?) Hopefully you can understand their reply!

There are many resources to help you learn a language, but finding a good app and having a mini dictionary on hand are my favorites.

#10: German Isn’t All the Same

Just because you are learning some German, doesn’t mean that you will get by everywhere you go. Germany has its own dialects as does America (pop vs soda anyone?).

Not only does it sound better to the German locals, but you would show them that you cared enough to do your research. Trust me, they will love it!

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Pro Tip: If you know you will stay in the more mainland or northern part of Germany, you can say “Guten Tag” (Good day) and you will be fine. However, if you will be in the southern part of Germany, aka Bavaria, you should use their terminology and say “Grüss Gott” instead.

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#11: Currency Exchange Rate

Again, this is one that you should know before visiting any different country. In Germany, they use Euros.

It’s very helpful to know when you’re in a store and want to buy something. I don’t want you to be shocked when you see your bank account later and realize it was more expensive than you thought!

We also like to give Parker, our two year old, cash to pay for a little something himself. Make sure it’s the right amount!

#12: Don’t Buy Souvenirs Right Away

Souvenirs are something I think everyone should grab whenever they’re on vacation. I personally like to collect playing cards when I’m in a new place. We also bought a Christmas ornament and mug.

I don’t know how you are with traveling, but you may have a tendency to buy the first (and all) souvenirs you see. And yes, I’m well aware that Germany has some awesome souvenirs like beer steins (for root beer!), lederhosens for the kids, and chocolate 🙂

What I recommend is to wait until you’ve been to several different shops before purchasing. That will give you a feel for how the pricing is and how good the quality can be.

#13: Business Hours

This is very important to look up ahead of time, especially if you’re in a rush and want to stop by somewhere quickly.

Many businesses in Germany take a lunch break for an hour or two. They also might not be open on weekends – Sundays are very rarely open.

You may think you already know how it is if you’ve been to another country in Europe. Germany has the most restrictive hours in all of Europe though so you should still be cautious.

#14: Holidays

As you would imagine, Germany has their own set of holidays. In fact, they have a lot more holidays. Before booking your trip to the country of poets and thinkers, find out if there are any coinciding holidays during that timeframe.

You may luck out and there will be lots of parades and celebrations. Most German holidays include closed businesses as well though.

During our Christmas vacation there, we forgot that the day after Christmas is considered a holiday. We only found one restaurant (other than McDonald’s) that was open to eat lunch at. Not to mention there was nobody on the streets. And I mean nobody!

#15: Beds are Not Always as They Seem

It is normal in Germany to push two mattresses together to make one big bed rather than have one big mattress. That’s how my parents’ bed is, but Germany makes their mattresses so well that you can’t tell at all.

If you opt for a more authentic German hotel, you will probably have two mattresses as we did at Hotel Weinbauer. If you don’t want that though, just make sure you book at an American chain or call ahead and ask.

#16: A Smile is More Than a Smile

Germans have a stereotype, right? They are friendly and all, but they are known for being straight to the point. Hence where smiling comes in.

A simple smile in Germany can be interpreted as flirting. So unless you are purposely wanting to flirt, try to avoid giving a big cheesy smile to the store clerk.

#17: Skin is Not Censored

As you may have heard before, Europeans can be very “open” with their bodies. Germany is no exception.

This is especially important for you parents!! Pornography or X-rated magazines may not covered in the stores. Pools and beaches can include being in the nude. And women will breastfeed in public without a cover.

If you plan to hit up a beach while you’re in the country, try to do your research to see if being nude is allowed.

#18: Be Respectful of History

Obviously, Germany has a sketchy past. It doesn’t take away its greatness, but it is something you should be aware of and sensitive to. Germans don’t necessarily want to talk about the Holocaust or any negative aspect of their history. I don’t blame them!

This would be a great time to talk with your children about Germany and its history as well.

Part of being sensitive to their past includes not doing the Hitler sign (arm raised, you know what I mean). If you are caught doing it in public, you could be fined or arrested.

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Other than that, I really hope you enjoy your stay in Germany! And remember to check out my Instagram post about how to pay for things when you get there!

 

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