Germany Travel Guide: Your Exploration of Germany's Cultural Diversity

The Frankfurt airport is the main international airport in the country. This airport is the fourth busiest airport in the world. It is the main hub for Lufthansa airlines. Etihad Airways, TUIfly, Air Berlin, and Air Serbia are other main operators in this airport.

Best rates for this route is usually available when you book 6-7 months prior.

Germany has well defined seasons, each holding a treat of its own. Spring and summer are the best time to travel and enjoy the wonderful places as well as the wineries, beer fests, warm weather. April is the ideal time to visit as the winter blues blossom into pleasant exploration weather. May day is a costume-fest and the prices for travelling is highest during the summer. The weather is warm till September and the warmth continues onto October when the world famous Oktoberfest happens, though the crowds might be trouble but no Germany tour is complete without indulging in the beer culture. Culture festivals and Rhein in Flames are some of the attractions during the off-season.

You might need a visa before you come to Europe on holiday, depending on where you're from and how long you're staying. A general visitor visa (tourist visa) will normally allow you to stay in Europe for 3 months. You can apply for up to 9 months in an 18 month period, but more than 3 months will only be granted in special cases.

• Cost of visa: 7500 INR
• Processing time: Min 15 days working days
• Documents to carry
  • Passport: Original Passport with validity of minimum six months.
  • Flight Vouchers
  • Hotel Vouchers

Public transport in Germany is well defined over trains, trams, buses and taxis. It is better to purchase a full day ticket or a multi-ticket strip, as the tickets bought in bulk are economical and can be used among the local means of transport. It is important to remember that the tickets need to be validated to make them legitimate or a heavy fine similar to a ride without ticket will be levied. The fares are nominal but they are not fixed as time and zones are important factors to consider.

Taxis are not the preferred mode of transport as the public transport excels in convenience and comfort. Metered taxis is only preferred when in a hurry, even then the traffic might make it difficult. The fares are fixed but differ from city to city and the prices are altered for heavy baggages or nightly ride, so it is advisable to negotiate before boarding the cabs. It is strenuous to pin down a taxi but MyTaxiApp, TaxiRuf and UberTaxi services can be booked ahead to avoid delay to airports and back. Plenty of cab services are available throughout Germany.

There are no free tourist passes available in Germany. The transport passes are available for a rate equal to a North-South line Germany S-Bahn ticket fare and it can be used for a 4 days duration across the public transport.

Bicycles and cars can be rented if the road rules and regulations could be followed. Germans prefer bicycles as there is no danger of pollution and as they are easy to maneuver. Cars can be rented by people who hold a driver’s license or IDP and are above 21 years of age. It is important to learn the road regulations and how to drive stick shift as half the cars are not automated. It is also necessary to know if the place you will be travelling to is a green zone which requires a special pollution-friendly sticker. It is better to lease a car rather than to rent it if your stay is gonna be around 3 months.

Shaking hands is a big part of the German culture. Always shake hands when you meet someone and never keep your hands in your pocket while doing so. Punctuality is a most important principle followed by the Germans. Be well dressed and always introduce yourself with the last name. Don't be loud or lose your temper quickly. It is common in restaurants to sit with a stranger. But always ask for their wish. Say Guten Appetit when you take your seat and say Auf Wiedersehen when you leave.

The world's second-largest film festival takes place in Germany during February. Europe's largest literature festival is at March and you can visit Germany at that time if you like to witness the art and literature of Europe. The world's largest folk festival Oktober fest is held in October which is very popular in Germany.

Always keep right in Germany and overtake on the left side. Do not use headphones while driving as it is illegal. The legal age for driving is 17. Always have the driving license, insurance, car registration and ownership in the car. It is compulsory to wear seatbelts in the front seat.

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