Germany

Germany is a country of rich history, timeless culture, and breathtaking landscapes—often called the land of poets and thinkers, as well as castles and fairytales. From vibrant cities like Berlin and Munich to the storybook villages of Bavaria and the scenic Rhine Valley, Germany offers a blend of tradition and modern flair. Travelers can explore medieval fortresses, wander through lush forests that inspired the Brothers Grimm, and experience world-famous festivals, cuisine, and warm hospitality.

Germany

Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts, where fire and ice coexist in breathtaking harmony. Known for its otherworldly landscapes, from towering glaciers and thundering waterfalls to active volcanoes and black sand beaches, the country offers a truly unique escape into nature’s raw beauty. Rich in Norse heritage and folklore, Iceland also captivates with its vibrant culture, geothermal hot springs, and warm hospitality, making it a destination that feels both adventurous and deeply welcoming.

Why Germany?

Germany captivates travelers with its perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore lively cities filled with art, music, and architecture, then step into a world of castles, medieval towns, and storybook landscapes. From the scenic Rhine and Black Forest to the Bavarian Alps, the country offers endless opportunities for exploration. Add in world-class festivals like Oktoberfest, renowned cuisine and beer culture, and efficient travel connections, and Germany stands out as a destination that truly has something for everyone.

Duck on a rock at Lake Eibsee with mountains, trees, and a building, misty day in Bavaria, Germany.

Land of Castles and Forests.

Germany’s landscapes are dotted with thousands of castles, palaces, and fortresses, each with its own story to tell. From the fairytale beauty of Neuschwanstein in Bavaria to the hilltop strongholds overlooking the Rhine, these historic treasures transport visitors back in time. Equally enchanting are Germany’s vast forests, which cover nearly a third of the country. The Black Forest, with its dense woodlands and charming villages, has inspired countless legends and fairy tales, while other regions offer scenic trails, hidden lakes, and peaceful retreats into nature.

Why Germany?

Germany captivates travelers with its perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore lively cities filled with art, music, and architecture, then step into a world of castles, medieval towns, and storybook landscapes. From the scenic Rhine and Black Forest to the Bavarian Alps, the country offers endless opportunities for exploration. Add in world-class festivals like Oktoberfest, renowned cuisine and beer culture, and efficient travel connections, and Germany stands out as a destination that truly has something for everyone.

Duck on a rock at Lake Eibsee with mountains, trees, and a building, misty day in Bavaria, Germany.

Land of Castles and Forests.

Germany’s landscapes are dotted with thousands of castles, palaces, and fortresses, each with its own story to tell. From the fairytale beauty of Neuschwanstein in Bavaria to the hilltop strongholds overlooking the Rhine, these historic treasures transport visitors back in time. Equally enchanting are Germany’s vast forests, which cover nearly a third of the country. The Black Forest, with its dense woodlands and charming villages, has inspired countless legends and fairy tales, while other regions offer scenic trails, hidden lakes, and peaceful retreats into nature.

Featured Itineraries

Panoramic view of the Moselle Valley and the Moselle River winding through a town and vineyards in Germany.
Stone Bridge and fortress atop a hill in Würzburg, Germany, over the Rhine River.

Castles Along The Rhine

Uniworld River Cruise

Learn more
Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary at sunset, with cars and buildings along the Danube River.
A festive scene at a Christmas market with bright lights and a large building in the background in Germany.

Featured Itineraries

Panoramic view of the Moselle Valley and the Moselle River winding through a town and vineyards in Germany.
Stone bridge and fortress atop a hill in Würzburg, Germany, over the Rhine River.

Castles Along The Rhine

Uniworld River Cruise

Learn more
Chain Bridge in Budapest with traffic, sunset sky, and buildings along the Danube River.
A festive scene at a Christmas market with bright lights and a large building in the background in Germany.

The German Culture

Germany’s culture is as diverse as its regions, shaped by centuries of history, innovation, and tradition. Known as the land of poets and thinkers, it has given the world great philosophers, composers, and writers whose influence is still felt today. Festivals like Oktoberfest showcase Germany’s lively spirit, while local traditions, from Christmas markets to folk music, bring warmth and charm. Visitors can also experience world-class museums, theaters, and modern design, alongside timeless crafts, regional foods, and a deep appreciation for community life. German culture blends old-world heritage with contemporary creativity, offering travelers a rich and authentic experience.

People in traditional Bavarian attire on a float, waving, at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

Music & Festivals

Germany’s cultural calendar is filled with lively festivals and a deep love of music that spans centuries. World-famous events like Oktoberfest showcase Bavarian traditions with folk songs, dancing, and spirited celebrations, while enchanting Christmas markets bring towns to life with lights, choirs, and seasonal melodies. Germany also holds a proud musical heritage, being the birthplace of classical masters such as Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner, whose works still resonate in concert halls today. From vibrant street festivals to world-class opera houses and modern music scenes in cities like Berlin, Germany offers experiences where tradition and creativity harmonize beautifully.

Literature & Philosophy

Germany has long been celebrated as the land of poets and thinkers, producing some of the most influential writers and philosophers in history. Literary giants such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller shaped the nation’s cultural identity with works that continue to inspire. In philosophy, names like Immanuel Kant, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and Friedrich Nietzsche left profound legacies that influenced thought across the globe. Today, their ideas and writings remain deeply woven into Germany’s cultural heritage, making the country a place where art, intellect, and creativity have flourished for centuries.

Nature & Outdoors

Germany’s landscapes are as varied as they are breathtaking, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike through the dense Black Forest, explore the dramatic peaks of the Bavarian Alps, or wander along the picturesque Rhine Valley with its vineyards and castles. National parks and nature reserves showcase pristine lakes, rolling meadows, and wildlife, while cycling paths and scenic drives make it easy to discover the countryside. Whether it’s skiing in winter, hiking in summer, or simply enjoying the fresh air of a mountain village, Germany’s great outdoors is an open invitation to explore.

The German Culture

Germany’s culture is as diverse as its regions, shaped by centuries of history, innovation, and tradition. Known as the land of poets and thinkers, it has given the world great philosophers, composers, and writers whose influence is still felt today. Festivals like Oktoberfest showcase Germany’s lively spirit, while local traditions, from Christmas markets to folk music, bring warmth and charm. Visitors can also experience world-class museums, theaters, and modern design, alongside timeless crafts, regional foods, and a deep appreciation for community life. German culture blends old-world heritage with contemporary creativity, offering travelers a rich and authentic experience.

People in traditional Bavarian attire on a float, waving, at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

Music & Festivals

Germany’s cultural calendar is filled with lively festivals and a deep love of music that spans centuries. World-famous events like Oktoberfest showcase Bavarian traditions with folk songs, dancing, and spirited celebrations, while enchanting Christmas markets bring towns to life with lights, choirs, and seasonal melodies. Germany also holds a proud musical heritage, being the birthplace of classical masters such as Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner, whose works still resonate in concert halls today. From vibrant street festivals to world-class opera houses and modern music scenes in cities like Berlin, Germany offers experiences where tradition and creativity harmonize beautifully.

Literature & Philosophy

Germany has long been celebrated as the land of poets and thinkers, producing some of the most influential writers and philosophers in history. Literary giants such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller shaped the nation’s cultural identity with works that continue to inspire. In philosophy, names like Immanuel Kant, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and Friedrich Nietzsche left profound legacies that influenced thought across the globe. Today, their ideas and writings remain deeply woven into Germany’s cultural heritage, making the country a place where art, intellect, and creativity have flourished for centuries.

Nature & Outdoors

Germany’s landscapes are as varied as they are breathtaking, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike through the dense Black Forest, explore the dramatic peaks of the Bavarian Alps, or wander along the picturesque Rhine Valley with its vineyards and castles. National parks and nature reserves showcase pristine lakes, rolling meadows, and wildlife, while cycling paths and scenic drives make it easy to discover the countryside. Whether it’s skiing in winter, hiking in summer, or simply enjoying the fresh air of a mountain village, Germany’s great outdoors is an open invitation to explore.

The German Culture

Germany’s culture is as diverse as its regions, shaped by centuries of history, innovation, and tradition. Known as the land of poets and thinkers, it has given the world great philosophers, composers, and writers whose influence is still felt today. Festivals like Oktoberfest showcase Germany’s lively spirit, while local traditions, from Christmas markets to folk music, bring warmth and charm. Visitors can also experience world-class museums, theaters, and modern design, alongside timeless crafts, regional foods, and a deep appreciation for community life. German culture blends old-world heritage with contemporary creativity, offering travelers a rich and authentic experience.

People in traditional Bavarian attire on a float, waving, at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

Music & Festivals

Germany’s cultural calendar is filled with lively festivals and a deep love of music that spans centuries. World-famous events like Oktoberfest showcase Bavarian traditions with folk songs, dancing, and spirited celebrations, while enchanting Christmas markets bring towns to life with lights, choirs, and seasonal melodies. Germany also holds a proud musical heritage, being the birthplace of classical masters such as Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner, whose works still resonate in concert halls today. From vibrant street festivals to world-class opera houses and modern music scenes in cities like Berlin, Germany offers experiences where tradition and creativity harmonize beautifully.

Literature & Philosophy

Germany has long been celebrated as the land of poets and thinkers, producing some of the most influential writers and philosophers in history. Literary giants such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller shaped the nation’s cultural identity with works that continue to inspire. In philosophy, names like Immanuel Kant, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and Friedrich Nietzsche left profound legacies that influenced thought across the globe. Today, their ideas and writings remain deeply woven into Germany’s cultural heritage, making the country a place where art, intellect, and creativity have flourished for centuries.

Nature & Outdoors

Germany’s landscapes are as varied as they are breathtaking, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hike through the dense Black Forest, explore the dramatic peaks of the Bavarian Alps, or wander along the picturesque Rhine Valley with its vineyards and castles. National parks and nature reserves showcase pristine lakes, rolling meadows, and wildlife, while cycling paths and scenic drives make it easy to discover the countryside. Whether it’s skiing in winter, hiking in summer, or simply enjoying the fresh air of a mountain village, Germany’s great outdoors is an open invitation to explore.

Featured Destinations

The Rhine & Moselle River

Flowing through some of Germany’s most scenic landscapes, the Rhine and Moselle Rivers are steeped in history and legend. The Rhine, one of Europe’s great waterways, has long been a vital trade route and a source of inspiration for poets, painters, and composers. Its banks are lined with vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles, and charming towns that bring Germany’s romantic past to life. The Moselle, a tributary of the Rhine, winds more gently through picturesque valleys and is famous for producing some of the world’s finest Riesling wines. Together, these rivers have shaped the culture, economy, and folklore of the region for centuries, making them perfect to explore on a river cruise or scenic journey.

Castle on a hill overlooking the Moselle River and colorful houses, autumn trees in Germany
The Moselle River winding through green hills, with a road along its edge and a town on the right bank in Germany
The Rhine River scene with hills, village, and blue sky with clouds in Germany.

Featured Destinations

The Rhine & Moselle River

Flowing through some of Germany’s most scenic landscapes, the Rhine and Moselle Rivers are steeped in history and legend. The Rhine, one of Europe’s great waterways, has long been a vital trade route and a source of inspiration for poets, painters, and composers. Its banks are lined with vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles, and charming towns that bring Germany’s romantic past to life. The Moselle, a tributary of the Rhine, winds more gently through picturesque valleys and is famous for producing some of the world’s finest Riesling wines. Together, these rivers have shaped the culture, economy, and folklore of the region for centuries, making them perfect to explore on a river cruise or scenic journey.

Castle on a hill overlooking the Moselle River and colorful houses, autumn trees in Germany
The Moselle River winding through green hills, with a road along its edge and a town on the right bank in Germany
The Rhine River scene with hills, village, and blue sky with clouds in Germany.
Outdoor cafe table with a basket of pretzels, beer, and condiments, and a green checkered tablecloth in Germany.
Outdoor cafe table with a basket of pretzels, beer, and condiments, and a green checkered tablecloth in Germany.

Traditional Dishes

  • Schnitzel

    A beloved classic of German cuisine, schnitzel is a thin, tender cutlet of meat—traditionally veal or pork—that is breaded and fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside yet juicy within, it’s often served with potato salad, fries, or a wedge of lemon to brighten the flavors. This hearty dish is a staple in restaurants and home kitchens alike, celebrated for its comforting simplicity and satisfying crunch.

  • Kartoffelsalat

    German potato salad, or Kartoffelsalat, is a versatile side dish that varies by region. In southern Germany, it’s often made with a tangy vinegar and broth dressing, while in the north, a creamy version with mayonnaise is more common. Served warm or cold, it pairs perfectly with schnitzel, sausages, or grilled meats, making it a beloved comfort food across the country.

  • Käsespätzle

    Käsespätzle is a beloved German comfort dish made with Spätzle, a soft, chewy egg pasta popular in southern Germany. The noodles are layered with melted cheese and finished with golden fried onions, creating a rich and hearty meal. Often compared to macaroni and cheese, this dish is especially popular in Swabia and Bavaria, where it’s served in cozy taverns and alpine lodges.

  • Sauerbraten

    Known as one of Germany’s national dishes, Sauerbraten is a pot roast, usually made with beef, that’s marinated for several days in a mixture of vinegar, wine, herbs, and spices before being slow-cooked to tender perfection. The long marinating process gives the meat its signature tangy-sweet flavor, often balanced with raisins or a rich gravy. Traditionally served with red cabbage, potato dumplings, or boiled potatoes, Sauerbraten is a hearty centerpiece of German cuisine.

  • Bratwurst & Currywurst

    Bratwurst

    Bratwurst is one of Germany’s most famous sausages, made from finely ground pork, beef, or veal and seasoned with a blend of spices that vary by region. Grilled or pan-fried until juicy and flavorful, it’s typically served with mustard, sauerkraut, or fresh bread rolls. Found everywhere from backyard barbecues to beer gardens, bratwurst is a true staple of German cuisine.


    Currywurst

    Currywurst is a beloved German street food, created in Berlin in the late 1940s. It features sliced pork sausage topped with a tangy ketchup-based sauce seasoned with curry powder, giving it a distinctive flavor. Usually served with fries or a bread roll, currywurst is quick, hearty, and remains a favorite snack at street stands and festivals across Germany.

  • Brezeln (Pretzels)

    A classic symbol of German baking, pretzels are golden-brown knots of dough with a chewy texture and a distinctive salty crust. Traditionally made with a lye solution that gives them their unique flavor and sheen, pretzels are enjoyed fresh from bakeries, at beer gardens, and during festivals. They’re often paired with mustard, cheese spreads, or simply eaten alongside a cold German beer.

  • Kartoffelklösse

    Kartoffelklöße, also known as potato dumplings, are a traditional German side dish made from a mixture of grated or mashed potatoes, flour, and sometimes bread crumbs. Soft and hearty, they’re shaped into round dumplings and boiled until tender. Often served with rich gravies, roasts like Sauerbraten, or alongside red cabbage, these comforting dumplings are a staple of Sunday meals and festive occasions across Germany.

Outdoor cafe table with a basket of pretzels, beer, and condiments, and a green checkered tablecloth in Germany.
Traditional Harðfiskur (Dried fish heads) hanging on a blue string, close-up in Iceland.

Traditional Dishes

  • Schnitzel

    A beloved classic of German cuisine, schnitzel is a thin, tender cutlet of meat—traditionally veal or pork—that is breaded and fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside yet juicy within, it’s often served with potato salad, fries, or a wedge of lemon to brighten the flavors. This hearty dish is a staple in restaurants and home kitchens alike, celebrated for its comforting simplicity and satisfying crunch.

  • Kartoffelsalat

    German potato salad, or Kartoffelsalat, is a versatile side dish that varies by region. In southern Germany, it’s often made with a tangy vinegar and broth dressing, while in the north, a creamy version with mayonnaise is more common. Served warm or cold, it pairs perfectly with schnitzel, sausages, or grilled meats, making it a beloved comfort food across the country.

  • Käsespätzle

    Käsespätzle is a beloved German comfort dish made with Spätzle, a soft, chewy egg pasta popular in southern Germany. The noodles are layered with melted cheese and finished with golden fried onions, creating a rich and hearty meal. Often compared to macaroni and cheese, this dish is especially popular in Swabia and Bavaria, where it’s served in cozy taverns and alpine lodges.

  • Sauerbraten

    Known as one of Germany’s national dishes, Sauerbraten is a pot roast, usually made with beef, that’s marinated for several days in a mixture of vinegar, wine, herbs, and spices before being slow-cooked to tender perfection. The long marinating process gives the meat its signature tangy-sweet flavor, often balanced with raisins or a rich gravy. Traditionally served with red cabbage, potato dumplings, or boiled potatoes, Sauerbraten is a hearty centerpiece of German cuisine.

  • Bratwurst & Currywurst

    Bratwurst

    Bratwurst is one of Germany’s most famous sausages, made from finely ground pork, beef, or veal and seasoned with a blend of spices that vary by region. Grilled or pan-fried until juicy and flavorful, it’s typically served with mustard, sauerkraut, or fresh bread rolls. Found everywhere from backyard barbecues to beer gardens, bratwurst is a true staple of German cuisine.


    Currywurst

    Currywurst is a beloved German street food, created in Berlin in the late 1940s. It features sliced pork sausage topped with a tangy ketchup-based sauce seasoned with curry powder, giving it a distinctive flavor. Usually served with fries or a bread roll, currywurst is quick, hearty, and remains a favorite snack at street stands and festivals across Germany.

  • Brezeln (Pretzels)

    A classic symbol of German baking, pretzels are golden-brown knots of dough with a chewy texture and a distinctive salty crust. Traditionally made with a lye solution that gives them their unique flavor and sheen, pretzels are enjoyed fresh from bakeries, at beer gardens, and during festivals. They’re often paired with mustard, cheese spreads, or simply eaten alongside a cold German beer.

  • Kartoffelklösse

    Kartoffelklöße, also known as potato dumplings, are a traditional German side dish made from a mixture of grated or mashed potatoes, flour, and sometimes bread crumbs. Soft and hearty, they’re shaped into round dumplings and boiled until tender. Often served with rich gravies, roasts like Sauerbraten, or alongside red cabbage, these comforting dumplings are a staple of Sunday meals and festive occasions across Germany.

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