HOW TO PLAN 10 DAYS IN GERMANY – ITINERARY
Are you planning your Germany itinerary and wondering about the best places to visit in Germany in 10 days? This post will help you to do so. This 10 days in Germany itinerary will show you the most beautiful places to visit and tell you about the best things to do in 10-14 days.
Germany is the biggest country, population-wise, and one of the biggest countries geographically, in the European Union. So it’s no surprise that there is quite a lot to do and see. As a local, I still can’t claim to have seen it all.
There are still places that I have on my own Germany bucket list. However, if you only have about two weeks in Germany, you will get a very good glimpse, but it surely isn’t enough to see all the country’s main tourist attractions.
I had to leave some beautiful places out…for even more beautiful places. I had to leave out some pretty castles and lakes, fun cities, and romantic towns. But in the end, this itinerary is what I consider the country’s best in a nutshell.
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HOW TO HAVE AN AMAZING 10 DAYS IN GERMANY
ITINERARY FOR GERMANY IN 10 DAYS – WHAT TO SEE
If you have 10 days in Germany, I suggest visiting these places.
Berlin 2 – 2.5 days
Germany´s capital is bustling, hip, and trendy. Berlin is not necessarily a beauty, and it does not always make a good first impression, but you have to see Berlin at least once in your life!
BERLIN TRAVEL TIPS
If you want to rent a car, I suggest renting it after two days in Berlin because you will most likely not need a car in Berlin at all. You can get around easily by public transportation.
Berlin is not unsafe per se. However, if you stay out late, watch your surroundings and always keep your wallet and valuables close. Pickpocketing is very common.
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN BERLIN
✔️ Checkpoint Charlie (part of the Berlin Wall)
✔️ Gendarmenmarkt (Beautiful sqaure with interesting archtitecture)
✔️ Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburger Gate)
✔️ Holocaust Memorial
✔️ Reichstag (German Parliament)
✔️Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
✔️ Kurfürstendamm (main shopping street)
➡️ Check out my Berlin itinerary with more travel tips for more detailed information.
WHERE TO STAY IN BERLIN
LUXURY: Treat yourself to the ultimate 5-star luxury with a stay at Berlin’s famous Adlon Hotel. Located close to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, you won’t find better facilities anywhere else – there’s even an exquisite double Michelin star restaurant and shopping arcade for your convenience!
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL ADLON HERE
MID-RANGE: Grimm’s Hotel am Potsdamer Platz, right in the heart of bustling Berlin is just a short stroll away from the vibrant shopping and business hub surrounding the iconic Potsdamer Platz Square. It’s the perfect spot for both fitness enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT GRIMM´S HOTEL AM POSTDAMER PLATZ HERE
BUDGET: Discover the charm of Berlin at Jasper’s Boutique Hotel, located just a short stroll away from the historic Berlin Wall Memorial! Offering seamless express check-ins, cozy rooms, an in-house restaurant, and a lively bar.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT JASPER´S BOUTIQUE HOTEL HERE
FROM BERLIN TO HAMBURG
From Berlin, you should head to Hamburg, which is one of the prettiest cities in Germany. It is actually the second biggest city in the country.
🚊 The fastest train connection takes about 2.5 hours
🚘 By car, it takes about 3 – 3.5 hours
Hamburg 1 – 1.5 Days
Hamburg is the opposite of Berlin – posh, beautiful, and has a more conservative touch at first sight. While Hamburg has an old town, it also has more spacious squares and of course, it is all about the water- we are talking about the Alster River, the Elbe River or the harbor in general.
But let´s not forget that Hamburg has one of the world´s most famous red-light districts, a popular party hotspot.
Like all major cities and towns in Germany, you can easily get around by public transportation. I would actually claim it is one of Germany’s best public transportation systems, with very frequent underground trains and buses running.
The weather in Hamburg can be moody, so always bring an umbrella with you. Hamburg is also home to quite a few fancy stores, so if you want to splurge and do some luxury shopping, Hamburg is the place.
It is one of Germany’s most expensive cities – you will probably notice this when you book your accommodation. However, compared to other major cities in Europe, like London or Paris, prices are still reasonable.
Like in Berlin, be careful at night. Watch your surroundings and always keep your valuables close to you.
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN HAMBURG
✔️ Town Hall in the city center
✔️ Jungfernstieg (main shopping area)
✔️ Alster River
✔️ Landungsbrücken (harbor area plus many cafes)
✔️ Red-light District & Reeperbahn
✔️ Schanze Quarter (alternative area)
WHERE TO STAY IN HAMBURG
LUXURY: Discover a luxurious oasis in the heart of Hamburg at the magnificent 5-star Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, nestled alongside the serene Alster Lake. Pamper your taste buds with exquisite gourmet delicacies and rejuvenate your senses at our opulent spa and state-of-the-art fitness club. Let us make your stay an unforgettable experience!
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT FAIRMONT HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN
MID-RANGE: Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown is just a short 5-minute stroll from the bustling Hamburg Central Train Station!
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT HENRI HOTEL HAMBURG DOWNTOWN
BUDGET: The Reeperbahn area is 4 km away from prizeotel Hamburg-City while the Rathaus Town Hall is 20 minutes on foot! If you’re looking for something closer, reach downtown’s bustling docks in no time within a 5-minute drive.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT PRIZEOTEL HAMBURG-CITY
FROM HAMBURG TO BREMEN
I would leave Hamburg late in the afternoon (or evening) and head to the next city: Bremen.
🚊 The train takes about 1-1,5 hours
🚘 By car, it takes about 1-1,5 hours
Bremen – 1 Day
Bremen is often considered a town by Americans, but actually, it is a city. And with more than 500,000 inhabitants, it is one of the bigger cities in Germany However, as a local, I admit that Bremen has the charm of a big beautiful town with many historic buildings and a lot of greenery.
BREMEN TRAVEL TIPS
Bremen is quite a compact city. Sometimes, you may want to hop on a tram, but Bremen is best explored on foot. You can easily walk to many places. Bremen´s main tourist attractions (two of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites) are on the market square, and the famous Bremen town musicians are just around the corner.
Also, Bremen is cheaper than Hamburg or Munich – and while it is less famous, it is definitely not less worthy of a visit – no biased local opinion here :).
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN BREMEN
✔️ Rathaus (town hall) & Roland Statue (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
✔️ Böttcherstrasse (a unique shopping street)
✔️ Schnoor (Old Town)
✔️ Town Musicians
✔️ Schlachte (a wonderful promenade with many cafes and restaurants)
✔️ Weserstadion (the sports stadium that also hosts concerts – located on the river with tons of options to relax and sit)
✔️ Alte Mühle (the old mill)
➡️ Check out my detailed Bremen guide to find out more about this lovely city.
Okay, now I will give you several choices and leave it up to you. You can choose which route to opt for because it gets a bit trickier from here. If you are in Germany for only 10 or 11 days, you will most likely have to skip one place on this itinerary as you will be too stressed otherwise.
WHERE TO STAY IN BREMEN
LUXURY: Discover a serene oasis in the heart of Bremen at the one and only 5-star hotel in the city, Parkhotel Bremen, nestled within the lush Bürgerpark. It is a 30-minute stroll to Old Town and or 15-minutes to the Bremen Main Train Station. You can also take a bus to the hotel.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT PARKHOTEL BREMEN
MID-RANGE: For a lovely 4-star hotel right in the heart of Bremen, pick the Radisson Blu Hotel Bremen. This hotel offers free use of its gym and sauna and it also features a stylish atrium bistro and more.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT RADISSON BLU
BUDGET: This more budget-friendly – and super modern – prizeotel Bremen-City is located between the train station (5 minutes by foot) and the city center (15-20 minutes by foot). Its convenient location makes it easy to get around.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT PRIZEOTEL BREMEN-CITY
FROM BREMEN TO ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
From Bremen to Rothenburg ob der Tauber You will spend a bit more time traveling but it will be worth it.
🚊 The train takes about 6-7 hours
🚘 By car, it takes about 6-7 hours
Rothenburg on der Tauber- 1 Day
I totally adore Rothenburg on der Tauber! It is small, and there are not millions of things to do, BUT this town has my heart. I seriously think that Rothenburg is the prettiest town in Germany.
Medieval, colorful, and pretty… just gorgeous. Rothenburg is all that, so it doesn’t surprise me that people flock there and fall in love despite its small size. So, make sure to add Rothenburg to your Germany road trip (or any Germany itinerary).
There are the old town and a newer part, but basically, it is only the old town that is really special. You can walk to all of the places, so I recommend booking your hotel inside the old town or just in front of the town walls. There is a wall separating the old town from the new town, so it really is like entering a theme park without carousels.
Credit card payment is not accepted in many restaurants, making sure to bring enough cash.
If you are a quick traveler, you could see all the top places in a few hours, but I love the town so much that I recommend getting here early in the day and staying overnight. This way, you can experience Rothenburg ob der Tauber without the crowds.
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
✔️ Old Town
✔️Plön (famous yellow building)
✔️ Town Walls (which you can still walk today)
✔️ Burggarten (a lovely garden with nice views)
✔️ Christmas Museum (here you have Christmas all year round)
➡️ Click here to read my Rothenburg guide with more detailed info.
WHERE TO STAY IN ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
If you stay overnight in Rothenburg, check out these hotels.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister – this is a well-rated hotel which is perfectly located in the old town of the city.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL RECIHS-KÜCHENMEISTER
BUDGET: Hotel Gasthof zur Linde – On my second visit, I stayed at this 3-star property near the gates of the old town. Within a few minutes, you are right in the heart of Rothenburg. It is a quite simple place but was good enough for me.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY GASTHOF ZUR LINDE
FROM ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER TO NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE
It is quite a long drive from Rothenburg to Neuschwanstein Castle, but it is worth it. This route is part of the Romantic Road, and there are several medieval towns and villages along the way, but with only 10 days in Germany, you might have to skip those and drive all the way to Castle Neuschwanstein.
🚊 The train takes about 6-7 hours – thus, I recommend stopping in Munich first and making Munich your base and then coming here on a day trip if you are using public transportation
🚘 By car, it takes about 3-3,5 hours
Neuschwanstein Castle – 1 Day
Visiting the most iconic castle in Germany, and probably even in Europe, is a must for many visitors. And I admit, Neuschwanstein Castle is quite impressive. You don’t even have to go inside to be impressed (I did not, as I visited with my dog, and dogs are not allowed).
TRAVEL TIPS FOR NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE
It doesn’t really matter when you visit. Neuschwanstein Castle is always busy, and people from all around the world (but especially from China it seems) come here to see the fairytale castle with their own eyes.
It’s not just the romance lovers who will enjoy their day at Neuschwanstein Castle – there is also a beautiful lake, Alpsee, that is great to walk around, and then there is another castle… and a museum. Well, as you can see, it is not only about the castle, though that is surely the highlight here.
THINGS TO DO IN NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE
✔️ Neuschwanstein Castle Hike
✔️ Neuschwanstein Castle Tour
✔️ Marienbrücke (this bridge offers some of the best views)
✔️ Alpsee
➡️ Read my Neuschwanstein Castle guide to find out more about this stunning castle and get all the info you need for your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.
FROM NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE TO EIBSEE/ZUGSPITZE
From Neuschwanstein Castle to Zugspitze and Eibsee:
🚊 The train takes about 4 hours – again, I suggest having Munich as your base in case you use public transportation and come here as a day trip instead (the it should take about 2 hours)
🚘 By car, it takes about 1-1,5 hours
Plan in about one hour or an hour and a half to get to the next destination – Zugspitze and Eibsee – where you can stay overnight. If you drive, the quickest way might be driving through Austria. This could include some tolls for the highways in Austria. You could also avoid driving through Austria and use the German roads only (might take 15 minutes longer or so).
Zugspitze & Eibsee – 1 Day
While we have mostly focused on cities and towns – because that is what Germany is really “good at“ (besides Neuschwanstein Castle) – we also do some impressive scenery, mountain peaks, and lakes. And you will find out about them on your second-to-last stop.
Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, and you can conveniently go up by cable car to enjoy some impressive views. On the day of my visit, it was extremely cloudy, so I decided not to spend the 60€ to go up, and rather spent my day at Lake Eibsee. However, you can wonderfully combine these attractions and see them both in a day.
If it were not for the clouds, I would have gone up in a heartbeat. People rave about Zugspitze, so add it to your itinerary for Germany because the views from there look incredible, especially as you can also see Eibsee Lake from there.
If the weather is a bit cloudy during your visit (or you are on a budget), you can still take an easy stroll around Lake Eibsee, one of Germany’s prettiest lakes. It is located next to the Zugspitze cable car station so that you can visit both in one day.
PLACES TO VISIT AROUND ZUGSPITZE/EIBSEE
✔️ Zugspitze (Germany´s highest mountain)
✔️ Lake Eibsee (probably Germany´s most beautiful lake)
FROM ZUGSPITZE TO MUNICH
From Eibsee/Munich, get to your last stop of this Germany itinerary – Munich.
🚊 The train takes about 2-2,5 hours
🚘 By car, it takes about 1-1,5 hours
Munich – 2,5 – 3 Days
Munich is probably one of the most interesting cities in Germany and there is a lot to do and see. However, It is lovely and also a great base for many day trips.
Getting around Munich is easy. Many attractions are within walking distance, as they are located in the city center. But even day trips by train are super easy. There are so many stunning places around that you can just take day trips, but plan in at least one day for the city center.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR MUNICH
Munich is probably the most expensive city on this itinerary. You can at least save money on water, as there are water fountains to refill your water bottles here. Other than that, I’m afraid that I do not have any budget tips to share off the top of my head.
If you are headed to Munich in winter, check out my detailed Munich winter guide.
PLACES TO VISIT IN MUNICH
✔️ Marienplatz (a central square in the city center of Munich, home to several attractions)
✔️ The old town (the medieval old town is known for its pedestrian streets)
✔️ Clock Tower
✔️ Viktualienmarkt
✔️ Munich Residence
✔️ Englischer Garten
➡️ Read my Bavaria guide with the best places to see and visit.
Some day trips you can take from Munich: Eagle´s Nest or Königsee Lake.
WHERE TO STAY IN MUNICH
LUXURY: For a luxury hotel with beautiful rooms and excellent on-site dining, stay at the Mandarin Oriental Munich. It is located right in the center of Old Town.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL MUNICH
MID-RANGE: For a mid-range option, Hotel Mercure München City Center is a popular choice. It is centrally located and offers most facilities you’ll need for a weekend stay.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT MERCURE MÜNCHEN CITY CENTER
MID-RANGE: Another good choice for mid-range accommodation would be King’s Hotel First Class. This hotel has modest rooms but is located in the city’s heart and close to the train station and city landmarks.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT KING´S HOTEL FIRST CLASS
FAQ: TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR GERMANY TRIP
Now, that you have found out how I would spend my 10 days in Germany, here are some FAQs and the answers.
How to Get Around in Germany in 10 Days
Car or public transportation? Here are my tips.
GETTING AROUND GERMANY VIA CAR
Driving in Germany is “okay” and easy. I mean, there are no tolls for cars in Germany, the streets/roads are well-paved and safe, and people drive well. But there are many construction projects on the motorways and some traffic jams during the school holidays.
There are many motorway roads without speed limits. There are also motorways that have a speed limit and you should stick to that. Speed cams are placed throughout the country.
Petrol (gas) and diesel prices vary greatly depending on the time of day and where you refuel. The cost is somewhere between about 2 – 2,20 for diesel and petrol is about 1,80- 2,10€ (per liter). Prices change many times during the day. They are the lowest in the evenings (around 7 pm according to experts).
Most petrol stations (actually, all to my knowledge) are self-service, and you can pay at the cashier. I would always advise having some cash on you, as some gas stations do not accept credit cards. In smaller villages, there might be machines you have to pay at directly.
If you rent a car, you need to know what petrol/gas your car needs. Here in Germany, there will be at least 3-5 different options. Ask in advance to avoid confusion.
Parking can be tricky in tourist areas. You will need to have some change ready as it is mostly paid for in coins at a machine.
A parking disc might be useful in some places.
If you need to rent a car, check out this site to get the best deals.
➡️ GET YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR YOUR GERMANY ITINERARY HERE
GETTING AROUND GERMANY VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Getting around via trains and buses is actually easy and, overall, okay.
The trains are not always on time, some connections get canceled, and it isn’t cheap.
However, compared to places that do not have any train service, I guess we Germans should consider ourselves lucky. Okay, this might be a bit of an exaggeration, but you can see that I am a bit frustrated – though I have arrived on time once in a while.
Tip: Buy your ticket from the ticket machine or buy them online in advance. If you buy them from the ticket counter, you have to pay – often – extra fees.
Best Time to Visit Germany For 10-14 Days
I never suggest visiting a place in Europe in the summer, but Germany in the summer isn’t too bad. Many locals travel outside of the country, and some cities are actually a bit less busy. However, this does not apply to the main tourist attractions that bring in many (!) international tourists (such as some of the places mentioned below).
Since we cannot rely on seasons and how the weather is supposed to be at a certain time, I would advise visiting from April to June or early September to October. If you are into Christmas, Christmas Markets (Germany is well known for its great Christmas markets), and winter activities, Germany is also great to visit in the winter. The markets most often start in the last week of November until Christmas Eve.
Costs of Traveling For 2 Weeks in Germany
Prices for accommodations, fuel, or food in Germany are generally higher than in Eastern Europe or Southern Europe (not including the hot spots in Italy, France, or Spain).
Still, it is much cheaper than in Switzerland or Scandinavian countries like Norway. Within Germany, Southern Germany – and Bavaria especially – and Hamburg are more expensive than Bremen, or even Berlin. Eastern Germany tends to be more affordable.
I always struggle with giving real numbers. It really depends on your travel style and if you travel solo and thus cannot split the costs of a rental car, e.g., if you cook yourself or dine out several times a day.
Either way, I think if you travel (using trains or renting a car) and are on a budget, you should plan a minimum of 80-120€ a day per person. This includes basic accommodation (hotels or very basic single rooms), food, activities, and public transportation.
Where to Stay
For each stop, I have listed a few places to stay. I suggest changing hotels every few days only. Have one place as your base and do day trips, before continuing your journey and moving hotels/locations. This way, you can avoid spending too much time on trains or the car and see more of Germany.
Language in Germany
The official language is German, but there are many different dialects of German. Though basically everyone understands High German, not everyone speaks it perfectly. Basic English is spoken in all tourist areas, and younger people often speak it quite well.
Safety Tips For Visitors in Germany
Keep your eyes open and exercise common sense, and you should be fine in Germany.
- Especially in tourist areas, it is recommended that you keep your belongings and your wallet close to you.
- Do not fall for any tricks, like when people want to dance with you on the streets, etc. This is often used as a way to steal your wallet – and you will not even notice.
- Be careful at train and underground stations and watch your surroundings – especially in the evenings/nights.
- Avoid side streets at night (especially for solo female travelers).
- If you get around by car, don’t leave valuables on display.
- Overall, I feel safe in Germany.
Food in Germany
Germans eat a lot of meat, especially pork. It might be a bit tricky as a vegetarian, but in cities where there are universities (including Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, and Munich), you will find many vegan and vegetarian options.
Also, you will find many international restaurants and snack stalls. From fast food stalls with fries and sausages to Italian, Asian (especially Chinese), and Turkish restaurants – there is something for every taste.
Compared to everything else, food in supermarkets is ridiculously cheap. So, if you want to save money, cooking your own dishes in your apartment makes a lot of sense in Germany.
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More Tips For Your Germany Trip
WATER
- Tap water is fine in many places. If you don’t like “Sparkling water,” then shy away from “Wasser mit Kohlensäure” and ask for “still” water.
- You will not get free tap water with your food (you might get a little glass of tap water if you order an espresso).
- Bring your reusable water bottle and refill it at the hotel, etc. In the southern parts of Germany, you can just refill your bottle with fresh mountain water from fountains (unless it says “KEIN TRINKWASSER“ or has a clear sign on it), but that is less common in other parts of the country.
- If you buy water bottles (or soft drinks in bottles or cans), you have to pay a deposit of about 0.25€, which you will get back when you return it to any supermarket.
MONEY
- Credit and debit cards are accepted widely, but in smaller shops and villages, that might not be the case so always have cash on you.
- American Express is, unfortunately, not as widely accepted as Visa or MasterCard.
AIRPORTS IN GERMANY
- Germany has several international airports, including one of the biggest, which is the airport in Frankfurt am Main.
- If you fly into Germany and don’t visit other countries, then I suggest flying into Flughafen Berlin-Schönefeld and Flughafen Berlin-Tegel or the Munich International Airport.
- If you “have some more traveling to do,” then you can adjust it however you wish.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING GERMANY FOR 10 DAYS
10 days in Germany will allow you to see quite a lot, but it will also be a busy time. Believe me, I am a lazy person and prefer to take it easy. Still, when I travel, I have so much power and energy that I would totally create my Germany itinerary exactly like what I’m recommending to you.
This surely is not a relaxing beach trip – but that is not what Germany is famous for. Germany is known for its exciting cities, historic old towns, and also beautiful mountain areas – and you have all that in this 10-14 day trip. Be ready to be out a lot (and on the roads/rails), and in return, you will be rewarded with the best in a nutshell with this Germany itinerary.
