The ultimate itinerary for one month in Germany

I found Germany to be a country of many contrasts.

It has both historic and ultra-modern architecture. It has forest-filled countryside and concrete cityscapes. It holds fairytale-like towns as well as locations with a dark and depressing history. These contrasts are what I believe makes Germany so intriguing.

I’ve spent about 8 weeks in total as a tourist in Germany. Based on my travel experiences, I’ve put together an itinerary that will allow you to see some of the best spots in Germany in a one month itinerary.

You can shorten this itinerary but cutting out a few stops, or lengthen it by adding in some more, so feel free to adjust it in a way that suits your trip!

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How to get around Germany

I found trains in Germany to be fairly straightforward. The intercity rail network is very good (especially in comparison to what we have in Australia!) and it’s not overly difficult for tourists to navigate. High speed ICE trains transport passengers between most major cities.

There are also a number of intercity buses in Germany that are usually cheaper than trains. The seating is usually fairly comfortable and they often have WiFi on board, though they can take longer to travel between cities.

I have used both trains and buses for intercity travel in Germany and I wouldn’t say that one option is better than the other – it really all depends on your budget and preferred departure times.

🎟️ Tickets for Germany trains and buses are best purchased ahead of time, at least a few days in advance. You can use booking sites like Omio to type in your destinations and plan your routes between cities.

Germany itinerary overview:

1. Berlin
2. Leipzig
3. Nuremberg
4. Munich
5. Heidelberg
6. Cologne
7. Hamburg

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Germany destinations:

Berlin

Berlin is a great place to start any trip to Germany as it’s easy to access via international flight, domestic train, or intercity bus.

Germany’s capital is edgy, eclectic, and always ready to surprise you. In Berlin you can walk along historic remnants of the Berlin Wall, stand in awe at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, or dive headfirst into a whirlwind of museums, galleries, buzzing nightlife.

👉 Read more: 10 essential activities for a weekend in Berlin

Leipzig

Leipzig doesn’t usually top the list of top Germany destinations, but I think it’s an underrated city. It’s got this incredible mix of history, culture, and cool vibes that are guaranteed to win you over.

Leipzig’s got a rich history to explore. Visit the iconic St. Thomas Church where Bach once played, or stroll through charming old town streets lined with stunning architecture. Pop into quirky cafes and boutiques or wander through the exceptional Christmas markets throughout December.

👉 Read more: 8 fun and fascinating things to do in Leipzig

Nuremberg

Nuremberg has that perfect mix of old-world charm and modern vibes. Wandering through its medieval Old Town, every corner feels like a step back in time with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.

The legendary Nuremberg Castle stands tall and proud, offering killer views of the city below. Fascinating spots like the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam or the Nazi Rally Grounds is where you’ll get a real sense of its role in World War II history.

👉 Read more: 10 top attractions to visit in Nuremberg

Munich

Munich is the place to visit for Bavarian charm with the majestic Alps as a backdrop. At Marienplatz, you can watch the Glockenspiel chime and soak in the lively atmosphere of the city center, or dive into Munich’s rich history at spots like the Residenz palace.

And let’s not forget about the beer – from traditional beer gardens to lively beer halls, Munich’s beer culture is legendary with the world-famous Oktoberfest happening in the city each Autumn.

👉 Read more: 10 activities you really must do in Munich

Don’t forget to take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, too, where you can visit the fairytale castle that inspired Disney!

Heidelburg

Heidelberg is so adorable that it doesn’t even seem real! The medieval architecture gives it a romantic vibe, and the iconic Heidelberg Castle, perched majestically on the hilltop, offers breathtaking views of the city below.

If you like the idea of indulging in traditional German fare at quaint taverns, you’ll can do this in Heidelberg. The quaint city’s charm will capture your heart from the moment you arrive.

Cologne

In the happening city of Cologne, you can stroll along the scenic banks of the Rhine River with the towering spires of Cologne Cathedral dominating the skyline. Stepping inside this UNESCO World Heritage site is an absolute must – the sheer grandeur and beauty of its Gothic architecture will leave you speechless.

Cologne also has an incredible arts scene, with world-class museums like the Museum Ludwig showcasing everything from contemporary art to classic masterpieces. If food is your thing, then you can savour traditional Kölsch beer at cozy brewpubs or indulge in mouthwatering local delicacies like kölsche Kaviar (blood sausage).

Hamburg

Hamburg has an interesting mix of urban cool and seaside charm. Hip neighborhoods like St. Pauli are where street art meets historic architecture in the most unexpected ways.

👉 Read more: An essential guide to 48 hours in Hamburg

The harbour is like the heartbeat of the city, bustling with activity and lined with trendy bars and cafes where you can chill out and watch the ships go by. Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall is a must-see landmark, or dive into Hamburg’s rich maritime history at spots like the International Maritime Museum, where you can geek out over vintage ship models and nautical artifacts.