When writing about the positive aspects of Germany, the first thing that strikes any seasoned traveler is the incredible organization and efficiency that underlies daily life. Things in Germany generally work. The trains (mostly) run on time, the streets are remarkably clean, and there is a profound sense of public safety that allows travelers to explore with peace of mind. For bloggers, this provides a wonderful theme: the luxury of a stress-free travel environment. You can walk through the Tiergarten in Berlin or along the Alster in Hamburg at midnight and feel completely secure. The infrastructure is a triumph of engineering—from the seamless U-Bahn networks in the cities to the world-famous Autobahn, moving around the country is a pleasure rather than a chore.
The environmental consciousness and green spaces are another major draw. Germany is one of the "greenest" nations on earth, both in terms of policy and physical landscape. Cities are meticulously planned around parks; the English Garden in Munich is larger than Central Park, and the "Green Belt" in Cologne offers miles of forest within the city limits. Beyond the urban centers, Germany is a nature-lover’s paradise. You have the ancient, mysterious Black Forest, the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Saxon Switzerland, and the windswept dunes of the Baltic Sea islands. Bloggers often highlight the "Bio" culture—the German obsession with organic food, sustainable materials, and the "Pfand" recycling system, which makes the country feel forward-thinking and responsible.
The Beer and Bread culture serves as the heart of social life in Germany. A German bakery (Bäckerei) is a sensory delight, offering over 3,000 types of bread and thousands of pastries. The ritual of Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) is a cherished afternoon pause that brings families and friends together. The beer culture, specifically in Bavaria, is not just about the drink but about Gemütlichkeit—a word that doesn't have a direct English translation but implies coziness, social acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Sitting at a communal wooden table in a shaded beer garden under chestnut trees is perhaps the most iconic and positive experience a visitor can have, transcending language barriers through a shared "Prost!"
Lastly, the intellectual and artistic legacy of Germany is staggering. This is the land of "Poets and Thinkers" (Dichter und Denker). You can visit the homes of Goethe and Schiller in Weimar, stand where Beethoven was born in Bonn, or explore the revolutionary design schools of the Bauhaus in Dessau. The sheer number of world-class museums—many of which are clustered on Berlin’s Museum Island—ensures that there is always a deep well of inspiration for travelers. Writing about Germany reveals a country that cherishes its past, confronts its history with honesty, and embraces the future with a relentless creative energy.
One of the most valuable insider tips for anyone visiting Germany is to master the "Pfand" (Deposit) system. When you buy a plastic bottle, glass bottle, or can of soda or beer, you pay a small deposit (usually €0.08 to €0.25). Don't throw these away! Every supermarket has a "Pfandautomat" machine where you return the empty containers in exchange for a voucher that can be used at the checkout. It is a fantastic way to support the environment and save enough for a free pretzel every few days. Also, embrace the Sunday closure. In Germany, Sunday is legally a "day of rest" (Ruhetag). Almost all supermarkets, pharmacies, and shops are closed. Use this day for museums, hiking, or long brunches, but make sure you buy your groceries by Saturday evening.
Another critical tip concerns German directness and social etiquette. Germans are famous for being direct, which can sometimes be mistaken for rudeness by visitors from more "polite" cultures. In reality, it is a sign of honesty and efficiency. If you are standing on the wrong side of an escalator (always stand on the right, walk on the left), or if you cross the street when the "Ampelmann" is red, someone might correct you. Don't take it personally! Also, understand the Cash culture. While this is slowly changing, Germany is surprisingly cash-dependent. Many traditional Gasthäuser, bakeries, and small boutiques still only accept cash or a German "Girocard." Always carry at least €50 in cash to avoid the "No cards" sign at dinner.
Finally, understand the Water and Dining norms. In many countries, tap water is served for free. In Germany, if you ask for water, you will be served bottled water, and it will often cost more than a beer. It will also be "sprudel" (sparkling) by default. If you want still water, you must specify "Stilles Wasser." Regarding tipping, it is not mandatory like in the US, but it is expected to round up the bill. For example, if the bill is €18.20, you should tell the waiter "Twenty" as you pay. You do not leave the money on the table; you tell the total amount you want to pay before they process the payment. By following these local rhythms, you will find yourself navigating German society with the grace of a local.
Exploring food in Germany is an exercise in discovering regional diversity and seasonal perfection. While the world knows Schnitzel and Bratwurst, the real culinary magic is in the regional specialties. In the south (Bavaria and Swabia), you must try Käsespätzle—freshly made egg noodles smothered in mountain cheese and topped with crispy fried onions. It is the ultimate German comfort food. In the north, specifically Hamburg, the focus shifts to the sea; try a Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich) with Bismarck herring or shrimp from a stall at the historic Fish Market.
The Currywurst is the king of German street food, especially in Berlin. It is a steamed, then fried sausage sliced and covered in a spiced tomato ketchup and curry powder. For a more formal meal, look for Sauerbraten—a pot roast that is marinated for days in wine and vinegar, resulting in meat that melts in your mouth, traditionally served with red cabbage and potato dumplings (Klöße). In the spring, the entire country goes into a frenzy for Spargelzeit (White Asparagus season). It is served with hollandaise sauce and ham, and it is a culinary event not to be missed.
No journey through German food would be complete without the sweets. Black Forest Gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) is a masterpiece of chocolate, cream, and cherries soaked in Kirsch brandy. The Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) served warm with vanilla sauce is the perfect companion to an afternoon coffee. And don't forget the Pretzel (Brezel)—look for those with a thick, soft "belly" and thin, crispy "arms," ideally spread with cold alpine butter. In Germany, food is about quality, tradition, and the seasons; eating here is a way to taste the history of the land itself.
Choosing where to stay in Germany offers a mix of functional efficiency and historical charm. Business Hotels in Germany are among the best in the world, particularly in trade fair hubs like Frankfurt, Hanover, and Cologne. When booking for business (B2B), look for hotels near the "Messe" (Trade Fair grounds). These areas are designed for high-volume corporate travel, with seamless transport links and excellent Wi-Fi. However, be aware that during major fairs, hotel prices can quadruple, and rooms must be booked six months in advance.
For a more traditional experience, look for a Pension or a Gasthof. These are often smaller, family-run establishments that offer a cozy, "home-like" atmosphere and a legendary German breakfast buffet. A typical breakfast includes a vast array of fresh rolls (Brötchen), cold cuts of meat, regional cheeses, soft-boiled eggs, and various jams. It is designed to fuel you for a whole day of work or exploration. For luxury seekers, Germany’s Castle Hotels (Schlosshotels) along the Rhine or in Bavaria allow you to sleep in four-poster beds surrounded by armor and centuries of history.
When booking, keep two things in mind: Double beds in Germany are often two single mattresses pushed together on one frame, each with its own individual duvet. This is the standard cultural way of sleeping and prevents the "tug-of-war" over the blanket. Secondly, check for Air Conditioning. Many historic hotels and even some mid-range modern ones do not have AC, as German summers were historically mild. If you are traveling in July or August, specifically search for "Klimaanlage" in the amenities list. B2B travelers should also download the DB Navigator app; it is the most efficient way to manage train tickets and expense receipts for business travel in Germany.