Book a Bus in Germany

Bordered by nine countries, Germany has the largest economy in Europe. Officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, the country has many attractions and ranks 3rd in terms of the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can easily board a bus in Germany to go in and around the country.

About Germany

• Key Facts: Situated in the Central region of Europe
• Population: 81 million
• Languages: German
• Currency: Euro
• Geographical area: 357,582 Sq. Km

History and Culture of Germany

Germany has a long history of being ruled by Romans and Austrians. It stayed separated by the Berlin Wall for around 40 years before it came to be the unified Germany that we now know of today. The native citizens call their land Deutschland. Most people in the country speak German though some also speak English.

The first-ever magazine was printed in Germany in 1663. The country also holds the world's largest book fair - the International Frankfurt Book Fair.

Weather and Geography

Germany experiences both marine and temperate climates. Cold and cloudy winters with warmer summers are normal here. The predominant climate is humid. Though mostly unpredictable, there are distinct seasons throughout the year.

Geographically, the country is located between 9 countries with the North Sea and Baltic Sea on the Northwest and North coast. Here, you will find varied landscapes with mountain peaks, lowlands, several rivers, etc.

Popular Cities to Visit in Germany

• Berlin

Berlin, the largest and the capital, is a cosmopolitan city. The famous spots here are Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz tower, the German parliament building, and the East Side Gallery of the Old Berlin Wall. People can reach the city from other cities by any mode of transportation, including buses.

• Hamburg

This second-largest city in Germany, Hamburg, has the third-largest port in Europe. The City Hall, Miniatur Wunderland, and other ancient architecture from the Roman Era are the famous tourist places here.

• Munich

Munich is a quiet city in Germany, famous for its beer. People come here from other cities or other countries. Here, you can see the Peterskirche church, Frauenkirche cathedral, Michaelskirche, etc. A popular way to reach the city is by the Berlin to Munich bus.

• Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a historic city known for its old buildings. Römerberg, the olden city square, medieval houses, galleries, and other buildings, including the Old Town Hall, are the famous attractions here. It is also the business centre of the country. You can board a bus in Germany to reach here.

• Cologne

Built by the Romans, Cologne has preserved much of its heritage and has also made some marvellous modern buildings. Cologne Cathedral is one of the 12 famous classical churches. Museums, galleries, Roman ruins, Rhine River Cruise, Baroque palaces, etc., are a few famous tourist locations here.

• Stuttgart

The city is the headquarters of Mercedes Benz and Porsche. It is the leading automobile centre. The mineral springs here are the largest source of mineral water in Europe. The largest wine-producing commune is also situated in this city.

• Leipzig

Leipzig is a paradise for art lovers. The city flaunts several museums, galleries, and concert halls to devour art in all forms. In addition, the other side of the city preserves the ancient remains such as the Romanesque churches, cellars from the 16th century, the Art Nouveau buildings, etc.

Transportation in Germany

The German public transportation system is highly efficient, offering commuters all kinds of transport facilities. Public transport has smoothly and extensively been operating in the leading cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, etc.

The various travel modes available in the country are -

• Buses

Bus services in Germany are available for domestic and international trips. Travelling by this mode is comfortable, and people can access basic to luxurious amenities. The German bus company Flixbus is one of the leading bus operators in Europe. You can find bus services by this and other operators for intercity and cross border travel such as Munich to Prague or Berlin to Munich. Bus tickets are available online on redBus for both luxury and standard buses.

• Trains

Germany has a privatized national railway service called the Deutsche Bahn. This superfast intercity express connects the major cities. Unlike bus tickets in Germany, train tickets are available as annual tickets at a discounted rate. They may still be more expensive than the buses.

• Flights

All major cities in Germany have an airport. Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, etc., have international airports. You can board buses in Germany to travel from airports to city centres.

Accommodation in Germany

Accommodation in Germany is available in many types, from luxurious hotels to affordable options such as hostels. Youth hostels are available in all the popular cities for budget stays. Farmstays are more favourable for the country living. You will also find many city folks offering private rooms on rent for tourists.

Many people prefer rented apartments for an extended vacation with basic furniture and kitchen facilities. However, for mountainous locations, camping is a popular option.

Food in Germany

• Schnitzel

Schnitzel is a simple meat dish. The German version uses pork in thin slices, later breaded and then fried. As a result, the exterior stays crispy while the interior is juicy and tender.

• Spaetzle

It is a German version of pasta or a variety of noodles or dumplings. Made of flour, eggs, and milk, this is served with meat gravy. It can taste sweet or savoury.

• Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a sausage dish made of veal, pork, or beef. The word Brat and Wurst means chopped meat and sausage, respectively. Later, brat became more associated with braten, which means to fry in a pan or roast. The dish is seasoned with ginger, coriander, nutmeg, and caraway seeds.

• Stollen

Stollen is a cake made of candied orange peels. It is the most common dish during Christmas in Germany and one of the traditional dishes one must try.

• Kartoffelpuffer

It is otherwise called potato pancake made using grated potatoes. This savoury is served as a crispy dish or an appetizer with any meal.

Shopping in Germany

Germany may very well be a fashionista's dreamworld. There are several options from departmental stores to malls for shopping. Below are a few suggestions for things to buy in Germany as a souvenir -

• The cuckoo clock should be first on the list as Germany is its birthplace.
• There are chocolates such as the Cologne chocolates.
• Traditional clothes and accessories called the Tracht
• Christmas ornaments (because even Britain's traditional Christmas ornaments originated from Germany)
• Perfumes,
• Manicure accessories (Germany is the leading manufacturer of quality manicure accessories)

Germany Visa and Passport Requirements

Tourists from most countries require a valid visa to enter Germany. Since this nation is part of the Schengen countries, a Schengen visa is needed for tourism. The maximum period it allows is 90 days.

US citizens, citizens of the UK and a few other countries are exempted from a German tourist visa. They can stay for a shorter period without a prior visa. People from EU countries also don't need a visa to visit Germany.

To get a valid visa, people must submit an application form and a copy of their passports with relevant pages. They must also include documents such as -

• Travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Germany
• Proof of sufficient funds to help the tourist sustain during their intended stay in the country.