10-Day Germany Itinerary

Germany is a country rich in history, culture and cuisine – it’s a powerhouse in Europe that makes a perfect holiday destination no matter where in the country you visit. From the capital of Berlin to southern cities like Munich, you’ll find hundreds of years of fascinating history, architecture and monuments. But you’ll also find dramatic mountain scenery in Bavaria, rolling vineyards in the west of the country, and even beaches in the north. Germany is most famous for its incredible castles, such as Neuschwanstein, which tower over the landscapes and are usually decorated with beautiful interiors. They sit in rolling countryside, making it a perfect place for a road trip.

Equally, Germany is home to adorable tiny towns with medieval houses and cobbled streets, which bloom in summer and are dusted with snow in winter, when the Christmas markets fill every town and city. No matter what you’re searching for on your German holiday, the country has plenty to offer and many people are surprised at its size. Luckily, 10 days is the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in Germany and the country has a fantastic transport network, so you can get around with ease.

Germany Itinerary

When to Visit

It sounds cliche, but Germany really does have something to offer throughout the year.

Summer is a beautiful time to visit all regions when the sun is shining and the vineyards blossom with grapes in the west, blue skies shine over the castles and mountains in Bavaria, and locals hang out at bars and cafes in the cities.

In winter, it’s just as charming, with cute Christmas markets filling every town centre and most areas blanketed in snow, which is particularly stunning in little villages and on castles which look straight out of a fairytale.

Germans are extremely efficient, so yearly snow rarely stops transport or causes any delays, meaning you’ll have no trouble getting around.

Spring and autumn bring average weather and more chance of rain, but you’ll also find fewer crowds and lower prices in popular areas unless you coincide with popular events like Oktoberfest, which runs annually from the end of September to the start of October and Karneval, which normally lasts for a week in February.

Getting There and Around

Arriving in Germany is simple, with direct flights to many major cities such as Berlin, Cologne, Munich and more from around the world.

Getting around is also fairly straightforward thanks to the efficient train system, run by Deutsche Bahn and the high-speed ICE trains, which connect areas within each state and states to each other.

Consider purchasing a German Rail Pass if you plan to travel extensively by train, as it offers flexibility and cost savings for multiple journeys within a specific period.

For shorter distances within cities, Germany has well-developed public transportation systems, including buses, trams, and metro (U-Bahn and S-Bahn) networks.

Most German cities are also bike-friendly, with bikes you can rent or e-bikes if you’re feeling lazy!

Where to Stay

Germany offers accommodation to suit everyone.

You can go big at famous, historic hotels like the Hotel Adler in Berlin or other famous chains throughout the country.

Equally, smaller hotels, B&Bs and Airbnb are all on offer and come at all price points.

However, during certain peak times, such as Christmas or Oktoberfest, prices can be at a premium and hotels should be booked well in advance.

For more specific trips, or if you’re happy to splash out, you can find fun accommodation options such as castle and vineyard hotels, which are a unique way to combine the sights with a place to stay.

Germany Itinerary 1 – German Fairytale Castles

Days 1 – 3 – Romantic Road

Begin your fairytale German adventure in the Bavarian city of Würzburg.

In Würzburg, you can tick off the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has dazzling interiors and manicured gardens.

Next, you’ll pass through the famous town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, made popular on social media thanks to its incredible cobbled streets and brightly coloured medieval houses which are perfectly preserved.

As a final stop, make a beeline for the city of Augsburg, Bavaria’s oldest city.

Here, check out the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex and stroll through Maximilianstrasse, lined with some of the city’s best shops for some retail therapy.

Days 4 – 6 – Munich and Neuschwanstein

The pretty and sometimes expensive city of Munich is one of the country’s major hubs and is unmissable on any itinerary.

Marienplatz is the city’s main square in the heart of town, from where you can spot the striking Town Hall and watch the Glockenspiel chime at 11 am.

For a dose of history, don’t miss visiting the Munich Residenz, Bavaria’s historic royal palace, before sampling delicious local cuisine at a traditional Brauhaus such as the Hofbräuhaus, which serves sausages, pretzels and German beer.

Your first castle of the trip is also the most famous, Neuschwanstein, built by King Ludwig II, which you can visit on a day trip or self-drive from Munich.

Tickets are easy to purchase so that you can do a tour of the castle, but for incredible views of the castle itself, walk up to nearby Marienbrücke.

Before the next leg, there are lots of places to enjoy local food in the nearby town of Füssen.

Days 7 – 10 – Zugspitze and Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Heading almost as far south as you can go towards Germany’s border with Austria, you’ll soon see the dramatic peak of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, on the horizon.

You can get to the top via cable car or train, which is an easy way to enjoy breathtaking views over the mountainous landscape or join an organised tour.

Close by is the charming town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a traditional Bavarian town which is surrounded by mountains and also has a beautiful hike past waterfalls at Partnach Gorge.

This entire area is filled with lakes, mountains and forests, meaning in summer, you can bike and hike or ski in winter.

Equally, you can simply enjoy some traditional food, which often crosses over with Swiss cuisine here, enjoying the views and the chance to relax.

Germany Itinerary 2 – Nature and Wine

Days 1 – 3 – Mosel Valley

Begin your journey through Germany’s wine country in Cochem, a picturesque town on the pretty hillside on the Moselle River.

Spend the first day exploring Cochem’s medieval streets and visiting the iconic Reichsburg Castle, which offers panoramic views of the river valley and town below.

On day two, wander over to nearby Bernkastel-Kues, another charming town famous for its timbered houses and vineyards.

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Mosel River, stopping at local wineries or buy some bottles to take home.

If you haven’t had enough of wine, Traben-Trarbach is a beautiful town with underground wine cellars, where you can take a relaxing boat cruise along the river after a possible stop at yet another vineyard.

Days 4 – 6 – Rhein Valley

Next, head for the Rhein Valley, which runs along the River Rhine and is filled with more rolling hills, vineyards and castles.

The best way to see it all is on a Rhine cruise, whether you opt for a multi-night option or just hop on various boats from the cities along the way.

Make Bacharach the first port of call, not just for its vineyards but also the hiking trails which wind through them for some outdoor adventure – you can follow it up with a winery visit for a tasting.

To escape the countryside, visit the city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Mosel rivers meet.

The city’s most famous spot is the Deutsches Eck, right on the riverside, and you can hop in a cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for sweeping views over the area.

Days 7 – 10 – Rheinland Pfalz

Rheinland Pfalz is next on the journey and is a German state in itself, so there’s a lot to pack in.

In the bustling city of Mainz, also on the river, you can wander around the pretty Old Town which has impressive architectural sights like Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum.

Not far away is the town of Bad Dürkheim, which holds the world’s biggest wine festival each year in September.

Should you miss it, there are still lots of opportunities to go wine tasting here or visit one of the many thermal spas and saunas in the area.

Round off the trip with a day trip out to Pfälzerwald, a verdant forest which has dozens of walking trails, scenic viewpoints and a castle or two, where you can spend the day hiking, exploring, or even take a picnic and just enjoy the views over the forest.

Germany Itinerary 3 – German Cities

Days 1 – 3 – Berlin

Germany has so many exciting cities that it’s hard to know where to start, but the lively capital of Berlin is a good taster.

Filled with alternative art, hundreds of years of history and lots of beautiful attractions, it’s easy to navigate – make sure to see the most famous spots, like the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial and the Reichstag, Germany’s parliament.

To delve into the city’s complex history, you can also stop at the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery to understand more about the city when it was divided.

For a slice of culture, Berlin’s Museum Island has a range of museums and galleries to choose from, and you’ll still have time to explore popular neighbourhoods like Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg, which are filled with cool galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Recommended tours:

• Berlin: 1-Hour City Tour by Boat with Guaranteed Seating
• Berlin: Sights and Highlights Bike Tour with a Local Guide
• Berlin Reichstag and Glass Dome Private Tour

Days 4 – 6 – Hamburg

Over to Germany’s most famous northern city, Hamburg, which has its own unique charm.

The city is famous for its harbour, with lots of buildings on the water, and you’ll find a variety of lively restaurants, bars and shops in the HafenCity district, including lots of excellent seafood restaurants.

It has history too, in the Speicherstadt neighbourhood, or you can admire the architecture of Hambuarg’s impressive Town Hall.

The best way to take everything in is on a harbour cruise, which passes by landmarks like the Landungsbrücken and gives you enough time to hop off and discover the Planten un Blomen, one of the city’s major parks with beautiful walking trails and lakes.

On any given evening, the district you shouldn’t miss is St. Pauli, home to Beatles Platz and lots of bars and clubs on Reeperbahn, which are perfect for having a night of live music and entertainment with the locals.

Days 7 – 10 – Cologne

Many people consider Oologne to be an industrial city, but it’s one of Germany’s prettiest and most historic cities.

Standing tall in the heart of the city is the Kölner Dom, or Cologne Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent churches in the country.

You can climb to the top for great views of the city, or cross the nearby bridge, which is covered in cute lockets, for a snap with the Cathedral in the background.

Next, explore the Altstadt, Cologne’s cobblestone Old Town which is a mix of historic buildings and museums, and more modern shops and restaurants.

If you have a sweet tooth, plan a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum, where you can discover the history of chocolate making, taste a few samples and stock up in their very well-stocked gift shop, or visit the chocolate cafe.

Like other German cities, taking a short boat trip along the Rhine here is a great way to see the main sights, and they normally include commentaries so you can learn about the area.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in winter, Cologne also holds around seven major Christmas markets with various themes across the city, transforming it into a magical chocolate box city for the holidays.

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