Backpacking Through Germany: Tips, Tricks, and Must-Sees

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So, you decided to pick Germany as your next backpacking destination.

Smart choice, as the country’s vistas, experiences, and people more than make up for the lack of renown compared to some of its neighbors enjoy on the global tourism stage.

This guide is a primer on where to go and what to keep in mind once you embark on your adventure.

Places to Go

Germany is steeped in culture and history, not to mention home to countless natural wonders, castles, and beer varieties to discover.

You’d be doing yourself a disservice by trying to tour the entire country in ten days or less.

Rather than rush everything and end up not remembering anything, consider choosing a base of operations and getting to know the local area.

Here are some favorites.

Munich

Bavaria’s capital is the ideal springboard for your first German visit.

It’s the capital of Bavaria and embodies traditional German associations like excellent beer, national costumes, and polka music.

Tour the stunning architecture, picnic in the largest urban park in Europe, or surf along the Isar River.

Munich is also close to a plethora of worthwhile sites.

Interested in the dark side of history?

Then, visit the Dacha concentration camp.

Conversely, nature lovers will find the Alps and the Zugspitze peak more up your alley.

Nurnberg

Still in Bavaria but with a vibe of its own, Nurnberg is the place to be for history buffs.

Its historical buildings might mostly be reconstructed due to heavy Allied bombing during WWII, but that doesn’t make them less mesmerizing.

Nurnberg is also home to the infamous Nazi Rallying Grounds and one of the best museums dedicated to this tragic part of Germany’s past.

Berlin

Is one museum not enough for you?

How about a whole island-full?

Germany’s capital is bursting with culture, whether mainstream or offbeat.

It’s eclectic, lively, and offers a delicious yet surprisingly affordable gastronomic experience.

The world-famous beer halls give Munich a run for its money, too.

Cologne

Our westernmost pick seamlessly blends rich history with a vibrant contemporary urban scene.

Millions of tourists flock annually to be awed by the Kölner Dom cathedral.

Cologne’s botanical gardens are among Europe’s finest.

As if those weren’t reason enough, the perfume and chocolate museums should compel anyone to come and visit.

Rostock

Backpackers searching for coastal adventures may want to travel to the north and spend time in the picturesque university city of Rostock.

The colorful houses on the market square, stunning church architecture, and breathtaking views will want to make you stay for more than just a day.

While there, hop over to the seaside resort town of Warnamunde to soak up the sun and check out the iconic lighthouse.

Things to Consider

Backpacking through Germany can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you want it to be.

Whichever style suits you best, the comprehensive regulations and people’s openness make Germany a stress-free destination.

Here are some essential tips.

While Germany is among the safest countries in the world, you’ll want to take regular precautions before visiting.

Don’t take any unnecessary electronics or carry much cash; consider travel insurance.

Digital safety during such a trip is often overlooked but also important.

Don’t broadcast your plans on social media, and let potential thieves know you’re out of town.

Likewise, ensure all your account passwords are unique and up to date.

While still at home, set up a password manager for security and unique password generation.

You’ll also need a VPN when in Germany for an encrypted and anonymous connection, even if you’re using public Wi-Fi.

When you are selecting your cybersecurity essentials, make sure to do your research carefully.

There are many providers on the market for VPNs, for example.

Steer clear from free ones.

Likely, not all of the paid options will fit your needs the best, too.

Use sources like Reddit, Trustpilot, etc., to see what users tell about the product.

As for password managers, you want to select a provider with cross-device compatibility, in which case Nordpass could be an option you can explore.

Apart from that, know that Germany takes food and water safety seriously.

Bring a reusable water bottle; feel free to top it off with local tap water.

Likewise, street food must adhere to strict standards and is generally safe to consume.

Germans are masters of bread and pastry making, but you can easily get gluten-free alternatives in most places.

The public transport system is highly developed and efficient.

Taking the train is an efficient and inexpensive way of getting to any part of the country.

You can get excellent deals on bus fares, too.

Accommodations are relatively easy to find and not too expensive, especially if you don’t mind couch surfing and aren’t visiting during peak season.

Note that it’s illegal to camp outside of designated grounds.

The fees are such that you might be better off springing for a hostel instead unless you’re a diehard camper.

More than half of the German population speaks English, so you shouldn’t have trouble communicating.

Even so, it’s prudent and courteous to learn greetings like “Guten Tag” and some general touristy questions so the locals can give you a hand wherever you may travel.

Conclusion

The destinations and tips we touch on here hardly even scratch the surface of what Germany has to offer.

Even so, we hope this article managed to whet your appetite and will inspire you to create your own German dream itinerary.