Visit Germany

Following in the footsteps of Bach

Bronze statue of Bach next to the St.Thomas church in Leipzig

Johann Sebastian Bach wrote musical history and continues to delight people today. We take you on a tour of locations that are, even today, strongly conected to the composer.

Official page Bach Museum, Eisenach

A safari in the Bavarian Forest

The mountainous regions of southern Germany are an idyllic place to ski in winter. But few realize that the Bavarian Forest National Park is also home to some large and intriguing animals.

Travel guide: getting around

Whether you want to get around Germany by train, plane, bus, tram, subway, car or bike, read on for some important tips.

Travel guide: eating and drinking

Enjoying local dishes, treats and beverages of all kinds can be the highlight of any trip. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when dining in Germany.

Travel guide: social etiquette

Old woman pointing her finger at someone

When in Rome, do as the Romans and when in Germany... you get the point. Here are some ways to avoid committing a faux pas while in Germany.

Travel guide: money and shopping

Money makes the world go 'round - or at least money makes it easier to get around. Read on for tips on spending money in Germany.

Travel guide: gadgets and communication

These days, traveling abroad doesn't mean you can't stay connected with home or the office. Whether you're in Germany on business or pleasure, here are some tips for everything in your suitcase with a plug.

Travel guide: public holidays

Germany has many public holidays, some of which vary from state to state. Since most things are closed then, it's best to check dates before you make any plans.

Talking Germany

This week's guest: Peter Maffay, one of Germany’s most popular musicians

Discover Germany

Join tourists from all over the world as they discover Germany.

Discover Germany - the travel magazine

Cold spell in Germany

Sunrise over the River Oder

The sun rises on the an ice flows on the Oder river marking the German-Polish border where temperatures have gone down to minus 20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit).
Cold spell in Germany

Heating Leipzig

After a night when temperatures hit minus 20 degrees Celsius, the chimneys of Leipzig show how much houses need to heat to ward off the cold.
Cold spell in Germany

Out in the cold

In the severe cold, waiting for a bus becomes a challenge to stay warm.
Cold spell in Germany

Snowploughs on duty

Clearing the roads under harsh winter conditions can be a Sisyphean task.
Cold spell in Germany

The big freeze

Hamburg harbor is partially frozen due to the icy temperatures, making it inaccessible for many ships. Those that do enter the harbor, like this container ship, need to be accompanied by ice breakers and pilot boats.
Cold spell in Germany

Cologne on the rocks

Even the Rhineland, which usually enjoys mild winters, has been hit by the cold spell with temperatures dropping to minus 15 degrees Celsius.
Cold spell in Germany

Homeless left out in the cold

The icy temperatures make it dangerous for people who are forced to sleep outdoors.
Cold spell in Germany

The luxury of warmth

City authorities have scrambled to provide extra beds in the warmth for hundreds of homeless people, like this emergency shelter in Berlin. Phone numbers for 'cold bus' services have also been made public so that people can call if they see someone camping outdoors who may need help finding shelter.
Cold spell in Germany

Iced trees

The temperatures might be low but they create some beautiful sights, like these frozen trees in Berlin
Cold spell in Germany

Art by Jack Frost

Freezing temperatures mean that Germany is treated to some natural works of art - like these "ice flowers."
Cold spell in Germany

On display

Snow and ice at Lake Constance turn it into a still and quiet outdoor exhibition.
Cold spell in Germany

Freezing fans

Football fans have to wrap up when they go to watch their teams play. So far, no Bundesliga games have been cancelled, but referees can postpone the match if the temperature falls to minus 15 degrees Celsius or below.
Cold spell in Germany

Carnival in icy waters

Ice swimmers from the Rostock See Lion Club ventured into the freezing cold waters of the Baltic Sea by Warnemünde to mark the beginning of the third winter carnival.
Cold spell in Germany

Black Forest icing

The cold spell has turned the Black Forest into an ice palace with branches frozen and the ground covered in snow.
Cold spell in Germany

Winter walking

Despite the freezing temperatures, many people are tempted outdoors by the bright sunshine and a walk through a winter wonderland, like here at the Plöner Lake in Schleswig-Holstein.
Cold spell in Germany

Slip, sliding

The freezing temperatures have some advantages: Here in Bremen, an ice skater enjoys a run over flooded fields, which have formed a natural outdoor ice rink.