Germany is like that friend who always has a good story to tell, and you can spend a whole week discovering just how fascinating it can be. Grab your backpack and maybe a pretzel or two, as this itinerary will take you from bustling cities to charming towns, all while indulging in local dishes that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone who just enjoys a good beer, there’s something here for you.
Day 1: Explore Berlin
Morning: Arrive in Berlin, and after checking into your hotel, kick off your adventure with a breakfast of currywurst. Yes, it’s a thing. Head to the Brandenburg Gate, where you can pretend you’re in a spy movie as you snap photos.
Afternoon: Walk over to the Berlin Wall Memorial. Take your time to absorb the history while feeling a little existential. A quick lunch at a nearby café will fuel you for the next stop. Then, visit the Museum Island, where you can choose between several museums. If you’re indecisive, just pick the Pergamon Museum; it has ancient artifacts and is pretty impressive.
Evening: Wrap up your day with a visit to the East Side Gallery, where you can see vibrant murals painted on the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Dinner? Try a local beer garden and savor some schnitzel. Your stomach will thank you.
Day 2: Day trip to Potsdam
Morning: Take a short train ride (about 30 minutes) to Potsdam. First stop? Sanssouci Palace, where you can pretend you’re royalty for a few hours. Don’t forget to explore the gardens; they’re Instagram gold.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Dutch Quarter, where you can have lunch at one of the charming cafés. Afterward, stroll through the beautiful parks or visit the Cecilienhof Palace, famous for the Potsdam Conference. Who doesn’t like a little history with their afternoon walk?
Evening: Head back to Berlin and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Berliner Pfannkuchen (that’s a jelly-filled doughnut, by the way). You deserve a sweet treat after all that walking.
Day 3: Munich’s heart and soul
Morning: Take a morning train (about 4 hours) to Munich. Start with a hearty Bavarian breakfast. You can’t go wrong with Weisswurst and sweet mustard. Visit Marienplatz and watch the Glockenspiel show; it’s like a little musical performance you never knew you needed.
Afternoon: Next, head to the English Garden for a leisurely walk. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a bike or try your hand at surfing on the Eisbach wave. Seriously, it’s a thing—just don’t wipe out too spectacularly.
Evening: Explore the Hofbräuhaus, where you can enjoy traditional food and a stein of beer. If you’re brave, join in on the singing. If you’re not, just stick to your food and pretend you know the lyrics.
Day 4: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Morning: Rise early and take a train from Munich to Füssen (about 2 hours). From there, take a bus or a hike to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Yes, it looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, and no, you can’t actually move in.
Afternoon: Explore the castle and the surrounding area. The views are breathtaking. Grab some lunch at a nearby café before heading back to Füssen. If you have time, wander through the charming streets of the town.
Evening: Return to Munich and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant. Try some pretzels because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good pretzel?
Day 5: Heidelberg and its charm
Morning: Take a train to Heidelberg (about 3 hours). Stroll through the old town and enjoy a coffee while watching the world go by. Visit the Heidelberg Castle for stunning views of the Neckar River.
Afternoon: After lunch at a traditional German restaurant, walk along the Philosopher’s Walk. It’s a scenic route that’s perfect for pondering life. Or just take selfies. Either works.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local tavern and try the local wine. You’ll feel fancy, and you might even find a new favorite.
Day 6: Wine and charm in the Rhine Valley
Morning: Travel to the Rhine Valley (about 1.5 hours). Start your day with a river cruise. Trust me; it’s more relaxing than it sounds. You’ll see castles dotting the hillsides.
Afternoon: Stop in Rüdesheim for lunch and wander around the quaint streets. Don’t miss out on trying some local Riesling. It’s practically a crime if you don’t. After lunch, visit the Niederwald Monument for great views.
Evening: Dinner in a cozy restaurant along the Rhine. Savor the flavors of the region while watching the sunset over the river. It’s a postcard moment.
Day 7: Back to Berlin for a final day
Morning: Travel back to Berlin (about 5 hours). Once there, visit the Jewish Museum. It’s a profound experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Afternoon: Take a stroll through Kreuzberg, a neighborhood filled with street art and international cuisine. Grab lunch at a street food market. You’ll find everything from curry to falafel.
Evening: Wrap up your week with a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Enjoy the city skyline and reflect on your adventure. Hopefully, you have some stories to tell your friends that don’t involve a blurry photo of you trying to surf in the English Garden.
Your week in Germany will leave you with memories, new friendships, and the realization that you can never have too many pretzels. So go ahead, indulge a little, and embrace the adventure!
