The Best 7-Day Germany Travel Itinerary

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Looking for the best Germany travel itinerary? Do you want to explore all the important sights in Germany as efficiently as possible? Then you’re at the right place!

Germany has been my home for over 25 years with a few interruptions and I love to explore this country.

One of my favourite trips through Germany was with an old Volkswagen T3 (a Bulli) where I just marvelled at the beauty of this country.

7-Day Germany Travel Itinerary

Before heading into the actual itinerary, I’d like to answer a few common questions people have before they travel to Germany.

Is Germany safe for Solo Travellers?

Absolutely. Germany is very safe, especially if you keep to the tourist areas. There is the odd chance of pickpocketing where there are many tourists but that is a common danger in every tourist destination.

The public transport infrastructure is fairly well set up, so you can get quite easily around if you don’t have a hire car.

You should still adhere to these safety tips to avoid unsafe situations.

Is Germany good for (introverted) solo travellers?

Yes. You can do many things on your own. It offers plenty of activities like hiking and water sports.

We tend to keep personal distance even if the people in the South are a bit more open and welcoming than the more reserved people in the North.

What language is spoken in Germany?

That would be German. German and English have the same roots, so you might find that you can read some words even if you don’t speak German.

English is taught very early on in school, so a minimum level of English is common throughout the country. English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas, especially in hotels.

What currency is used in Germany?

Germany is part of the European Monetary Union. All member countries have adopted the Euro. 

This means if you travel to other European countries, there is a good chance that they’ll also use the Euro.

Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?

This depends on your home country but citizens of many countries don’t need a visa for a short-term (90-day) visit if it’s for tourist reasons.

However, check your government’s advice to be certain.

What is the best time to travel to Germany?

It depends. Germany has all four seasons but the weather differs quite widely between the North and the South.

If you like warmth, then I would suggest the summer. It’s less likely to be raining a lot then. The temperatures in the South do rise to almost 40 degrees, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. 

The temperatures in the North are usually a bit cooler due to the Baltic and North Sea.

Is there free Wi-Fi in Germany?

There is, but it’s not very reliable and not that widely available. I would always recommend a SIM card to ensure you’re reachable. 

Since Brexit, the EU is not part of the roaming area any more, so there is a good chance you have to pay extra for data and calls if you travel to Germany using a British SIM card.

I recommend an e-SIM card, so you don’t have to worry about getting one at the airport.

Can I drink tab water in Germany?

Yes, you can (and you should because it’s delicious). The water quality is very good in Germany, so you can definitely drink the tab water. 

7-Day Germany Travel Itinerary

This itinerary is based on you getting a hire car if you don’t have your own car with you. It is also a one-way rental which is a bit more expensive but allows you to take a flight back to your initial airport rather than driving over 8 hours.

Day 1 – Arrival in Munich and Exploration

Munich is one of the biggest airports in Germany which means that you have a selection of possible flights to arrive as early as possible. 

It is a beautiful city famous for the Oktoberfest which usually runs from mid/end of September to the beginning of October. 

I have never been as I don’t like to be around drunk or loud people, but if you want to schedule your itinerary for then, be aware that everything like flights, hotels, and car hire will be a lot more expensive.

Instead, I recommend the following activities for your day in Munich:

Visit the Marienplatz, the largest square in Munich, with many beautiful buildings including the New Town Hall. You should visit at 11 or 12 o’clock to hear the Glockenspiel (ringing of the bells). 

Be prepared to listen for a while, it takes 15 minutes.

You can also go up the New Town Hall to enjoy views over the city. If you’re afraid of heights like me, you can do it but stay back to the wall.

Walk around the city centre to take it all in. It’s wonderful to just walk around.

If you like cars, then I can also recommend going to the BMW Welt (world) where you can learn a lot about cars and see robots in action. It’s pretty cool if you’re interested in these kinds of things.

Another stunning building that should be visited is the Frauenkirche, the cathedral in Munich. The cathedral also offers the chance to go up the South Tower to enjoy the views over the city.

Another optional sight is the Hofbräuhaus. It’s quite famous for its Bierkeller. I stopped by but it was so loud that I quickly took a photo and then had lunch somewhere else. 

There are many cute Bavarian restaurants where you can eat in a quieter setting.

If you like football (soccer), then there is the Allianz Arena that can be visited with tours showing you around. 

For a little relaxation in a park, I recommend going to the English Garden. Plenty of peaceful and quiet spaces.

The night will be spent in Munich. And I would pick up the rental car the next day. There are several stations around, so you can just take the metro into the city.

Accommodation in Munich

Day 2 – Schloss Neuschwanstein & Nature

Day 2 starts with the rental car pick-up and a drive to Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle). 

The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours based on traffic.

Neuschwanstein is the castle that comes up when you search for castles in Germany. The Disney Castle in Disneyland Paris is actually modelled after it.

You can park your car at the bottom of the hill. I also recommend booking the ticket in advance online. The queues for same-day visits are very long and you don’t want to waste your time standing in line.

There are some cute souvenir shops on the way to the castle. 

Be aware that the hill to the castle is quite steep. They offer horse-drawn carriages up there, but if you’re a cheapskate like me, you’ll want to walk. I was certainly out of breath when I arrived at the top.

The one thing I didn’t like about the tour (and you can only visit the castle with a guided tour) was that you aren’t allowed to take photos inside the castle.

The tour takes 30 minutes which isn’t super long but it’s still worth it for the experience and the atmosphere.

After you visit Schloss Neuschwanstein, I recommend a hike in the surrounding area. 

Komoot suggests several hikes with different durations. You can find them here.

Afterwards you can relax on a 4 hour drive to Freiburg im Breisgau in the Black Forest.

This is where I suggest staying for the night. There are several good hotels around this area.You can walk around the town in the evening and soak in the wonderful air and atmosphere.

Accommodation Freiburg im Breisgau

Day 3 – Black Forest Exploration

Another nature day, this time in the Black Forest. You need to drive around an hour to see one of the main attractions in the Black Forest, the Triberger Waterfall.

It’s a cascading waterfall over 163 m and seven major steps.

The entrance isn’t free and costs 8,00 Euro in the summer and 6,00 in the winter, but it also includes entry to two museums.

The round take takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on your speed and how many photos you want to take.

Afterwards, to break up the drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you can pass by Baden-Baden and walk around that town. 

You might even want to go to one of the thermal spas that Baden-Baden is known for. The town’s name literally translates to bathing-bathing.

The drive from the waterfall to Baden-Baden takes about 1.5 hours.

After you explore Baden-Baden a bit, you drive to your overnight stop, Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This takes about 2.5 hours.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming medieval town in Northern Bavaria. It still has many cobblestone streets and town walls and towers.

It is part of the romantic road – a tourist magnet and theme route to showcase several picturesque towns and castles.

Accommodation Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Day 3 (Alternative) – Europa-Park

I would also like to suggest an alternative if you’re maybe not so much into hiking, the amusement park Europa-Park in Rust. 

It’s only a 30-minute drive from Freiburg im Breisgau and it’s one of the best amusement parks I’ve ever been to.

One day will most likely not be enough to see / ride everything but it’s still worth a visit.

Tickets aren’t cheap. They start from 61.50 Euro plus a 10 Euro parking ticket but if you like amusement parks, Europa-Park will not disappoint. 

Another option, if you’re more into waterparks is Rulantica right next to the Europa-Park. 

Tickets start at 44.50 Euro for the day.

I have not been to the waterpark yet but the reviews are generally good.

Tickets can be bought here.

Day 4 – Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Day 4 is another day of sightseeing plus a longer drive in the afternoon / evening.

Things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber are:

Explore the town walls and enjoy the views over the town. You can walk all around the city for most parts.

If you’re into museums and legal stuff, then the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum will just be your thing. 

Tickets are a bit on the pricier side with 9.50 Euro. 

Just walking around the town you will encounter the Siebers Tower which is Rothenburg’s most famous landmark and photo motive.

Once you’ve explored all of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you will drive to Dresden. 

There are two routes to take. 

You can either go via Würzburg and do a quick stop there or via Bayreuth and look around there – if you have the time.

The drive takes around 4.5 hours without a break, so it won’t be easy to fit something else in if you were too enchanted by Rothenburg.

Accommodation in Dresden

Day 5 – Dresden

Dresden is a beautiful city where the Elbe river runs through.

It is the federal state capital of Saxony and there is an incredible number of stunning Baroc buildings. 

The panorama of the city centre is incredible.

There are many things to do in Dresden which is why 2 nights will be spent here.

So, what are the things that should be done?

I don’t always recommend it but Dresden’s hop-on-hop-off bus is amazing. You’ll be able to see so many things. This tour also includes guided tours of the Zwinger, Fürstenzug, and Frauenkirche and it’s so worth it.

Almost every stop of the bus should be explored. Don’t miss getting off at the Elbschlösser. There is a beautiful view of the Elbe.

If you go in the summer, then the bus also runs in the evening and you should try to get on it. It’s beautiful to see everything illuminated.

In case you don’t like using a hop-on-hop-off bus, you should still check out most of the stops which are also quite walkable in the city centre:

• Frauenkirche
• Semper Opera
• Fürstenzug
• Zwinger
• Blaues Wunder Bridge
• Old Market Square

And you might want to drive to Pillnitz Castle. A lovely little castle on the outskirts of the city.

For the opera, you have to book tickets in advance to see it from the inside. I didn’t know that beforehand, I missed out on a guided tour.

Day 6 – A Day of Driving with a quick stop in the capital

Day 6 will keep your driving skills sharp again. If you were to go directly from Dresden to Hamburg, the most famous city in the North, it would take you just over 5 hours.

That is why I suggest a stop in the capital, Berlin. 

When I was there previously, I wasn’t too impressed, to be honest. That is the reason I don’t suggest staying there longer but if you don’t want to drive as long, then you can also exchange the last 1.5 days with a stop in Berlin.

Things to see in Berlin:

The Reichstag where the German politicians hang out and discuss things. You need to book your ticket in advance and it costs 16 euros.

The tour takes three hours, so you have to decide whether you want to spend most of your time here or around the city.

You can book the tour here.

Other things to see are:

• The Brandenburg Gate is the logo for Berlin. 

• The Holocaust Memorial and the Memorial of the Berlin Wall. 

• There is also the Berlin Zoo if you like to go to zoos.

After your stop in Berlin, you’ll drive to your last destination on this itinerary, Hamburg.

Accommodation in Hamburg

Day 7 – Hamburg & Return Flight to Munich

Another city along the Elbe River, and one that is close to my heart, Hamburg.

I used to live in Hamburg for two years and I really enjoyed it. Especially, the Elbphilharmonie in the HafenCity. I could spend hours there looking over the city and the port.

There are several things to do in Hamburg to fill the day:

Visit the Miniatur Wunderland. This an amazing model train exhibit where you could spend the whole day if your feet wouldn’t hurt from standing after a few hours.

It’s a must-see even if you’re not really into model trains. The exhibition is just fantastic.

Explore the HafenCity. This is the area where you can see the port on the opposite side. It’s a modern area which includes the before mentioned Elbphilharmonie which is an incredible music hall.

I have to admit that I’ve not seen a performance there yet, but the observation deck is already worth a visit. Entrance is free, so definitely make use of that.

Close to the HafenCity is the Speicherstadt – this is also where the Miniatur Wunderland is located – and it’s wonderful just to walk around there. Beautiful historic buildings can be found there.

A nice park to visit, especially in Spring and Summer, is the Planten un Blomen. It is a botanic garden with fountains and a playground.

Another building which should not be missed is the Hamburg Town Hall. Wonderful town square and a lovely historic building.

Hamburg is also known for its Red Light District, the Reeperbahn. It’s worth a stroll. If you’re not much of a partying person, I would only go during the day.

The city offers a zoo, Tierpark Hagenbeck, if you like to visit one. It’s a really nice zoo.

And this marks the end of the 7-day Germany travel itinerary.

7-Day Germany Travel Itinerary – Recap

I hope this overview will give you some inspiration for a visit to Germany. It is a beautiful country, even if that’s not necessarily what people think of first.

The South offers beautiful castles and natural beauty; there are several major cities that invite you to exploration and enjoy the historic sights.

Then this road trip to Germany brings you to the East and the North where there are even more historic buildings and unique experiences to be found.

Germany is worth a visit and hopefully, this overview confirmed that for you.

7-Day Germany Travel Itinerary – FAQ

What can I expect from a 7-day Germany travel itinerary?

An ideal itinerary for a 7-day trip to Germany includes exploring major cities like Berlin and Munich, visiting iconic landmarks such as Neuschwanstein Castle, taking a day trip to scenic locations like the Black Forest, and experiencing the rich history and culture of the country.

How is public transportation in Germany?

Germany has a well-developed public transportation system with efficient trains, regional trains, and buses connecting major cities and attractions. You can easily navigate between train stations using the reliable public transportation network. However, for this itinerary, I suggest hiring a car.

What are some must-visit cities in Germany during a 7-day itinerary?

Some essential cities in Germany to include in a 7-day itinerary are Berlin, Munich, Dresden, and Hamburg. These cities offer a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities.

Which landmarks should I not miss during my trip to Germany?

Don’t miss iconic landmarks like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag in Berlin, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavarian Alps, and the historic Town Hall in various cities across Germany.