 With its outstanding landscape—from the seas in the north and mountains in the south—Germany offers almost unlimited choices to the traveller. It is also a country rich in history and culture, with attractions and activities to appeal to kids and adults alike.
Capital
Berlin became the German capital in 1990 when East and West Germany were unified. At this same time the old city centre was redeveloped around the Friedrichstrass, and the construction of the new government offices in the Potsdamer Platz began. The city’s best-known landmarks are the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Memorial Church at the Kurfürstendamm, and the TV Tower (Germany’s largest) at the Alexanderplatz.
Berlin is famous for its many theatres and museums, its vibrant “pub scene” and its verdant surroundings of woodlands and water. Since re-unification Berlin is once again a key factor, the link between Western and Eastern Europe.
Map of Germany
The Federal Republic of Germany lies in the centre of Europe. It bridges Europe’s maritime west and continental east, its warmer south and cooler north. Germany’s landscape is a three-part harmony of lowlands, low mountain ranges, and high mountains, extending from the German section of the Alps in the South across the low-lying “Mittelgebirge” mountains in the centre of the country to the coastlines of the North Sea and the Baltic. The country’s 16 states cover 362,721 square km.
Where is it and how do I get there?
Germany is approximately a 22-hour flight from the east coast of Australia. Several airlines regularly fly from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Germany so you should be able to get a flight any day of the week.
When to go/Weather
Germany is an attractive travel destination all year round, with a typical four season climate. Summer months are generally warm and seldom oppressively hot, with an average daytime temperature of 24°C. From December to March, snow falls in the highland areas and the average winter temperature is 0°C.
 Where to stay
There’s no shortage of family-friendly accommodation options anywhere in Germany, from budget motels to charming guesthouses and luxury hotels. If you want absolute freedom to travel around the country, a terrific option is a motorhome holiday.
Some sites to try for additional information about regional accommodation and events:
www.kinderland.by
www.KiEZ.com/eng
www.tmbw.de
Food and Drink
In Germany you can find food to suit even the most particular tastes. There is a broad selection of European and international cuisine or local specialties. The selection of bread, wine, beer and sausages is second to none. There are restaurants to suit every pocket—from snack bars to 5-stars.
Shopping
Shops are generally open for business from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, though there are no uniform business hours for the entire Federal Republic of Germany. On the last four Saturdays before Christmas they can open until 8 p.m.
Airports
There are two major International Airports in Germany – Frankfurt and Munich. Both airports offer duty-free shopping, eateries, ATMs, car hire and 24-hour taxis.
 Transfer from Airport
Several transport options are available from airports in Germany. Some of them can already be booked in advance or at the airport. Depending on the arrival city there are either shuttle busses, taxis or train connections available. You are can also rent a car at most airports.
Getting around for families
If you decide to rent a car, Germany’s Autobahn system—together with an excellent network of federal and state highways—makes it possible for motorists to reach any destination in the country quickly and comfortably. With around 11,000 toll-free kilometers, the Autobahn system is one of the world’s most advanced motorway networks. Tourist information boards are posted in all the modern motorway service areas. If you choose not to drive, family rail passes are available and provide value and convenience on the train networks.
What to wear
How you dress in Germany will largely depend on the time of the year. In summer you should be prepared for temperatures over 25°C, but take clothes suitable for less than 18°C. Depending on the region, winter temperatures can drop below freezing during the day.
Population
Germany has a population of 82.5 million, more than 5 million of which are people of other nationalities
Culture/Religion
Approximately 50% of the population are Protestants and 50% are Catholics. Germany offers more than 500 theatres and opera houses, over 200 large orchestras and over 2,300 museums.
Language
German, though English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas. Here are a few basics in German:
| Hello |
Guten Tag |
Gooten Tahg |
| Goodbye |
Auf Wiedersehen |
Owf Veeder Zane |
| Please |
Bitte |
Bee Tah |
| Thank you |
Danke |
Dahn Kah |
| Yes |
Ja |
Yah |
| No |
Nein |
Nine |
| Do you speak English? |
Sprechen sie Englisch? |
Sprecken see English? |
| What time is it? |
Wieviel Uhr ist es? |
Veefeel oor ist es? |
| How much is that? |
Was kostet das? |
Vas kostet das? |
| Where is/are...? |
Wo ist / sind...? |
Vo ist / sint... ? |
| Excuse me |
Entschuldigung |
Entshool-digoong |
Time
Clocks in Germany are set to Central European Time (CMT + 1), and they are put forward by one hour from the end of March to the end of October (daylight saving time). Click here for more on time zones.
 Currency
The local currency unit is the Euro, divided into 100 cents. One Euro is equivalent to roughly $1.70AU. For and up-to-date currency conversion, click here.
Tipping
Service charges as well as VAT are included in the prices. Extra tipping in Germany is therefore purely voluntary (up to 10 % of the total bill) and expresses satisfaction with services received.
Electricity
The power supply in Germany used to be 220 V but this is currently being changed to 230 V to comply with European standards. This has no effect on the vast majority of 220-240 V appliances. Plugs are of the two-pin variety, so an adapter is needed.
Health precautions
No immunisations are currently required for visits to Germany.
Tap water
It is safe to drink local tap water. It is not routinely served in restaurants, unless requested.
Passport and Visa Requirements
When entering Germany you must have a valid passport or equivalent papers. For members of most West European states a valid identity card will suffice. Children must be entered in their parents’ passport or have their own passport or ID. Visas are required for citizens of some countries. Currently, citizens of Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to visit Germany for up to three months with a valid passport. | 
