

Germany Unpacked: Trains, Castles & Cultural Deep Dives
Your Guide to the Land of Beer & Bratwurst
Germany offered us a mix of history, structure, and everyday life that felt distinctly its own. We explored cities like Hamburg and Cologne, spending time along waterways, historic streets, and cultural landmarks, before visiting Schwerin and its striking lakeside setting. From modern urban spaces to quieter historic towns, this page brings together our firsthand experiences, destination highlights, and practical insights from traveling through Germany.
Quick Navigation
Share This Guide
Highlights from Our Journey
A visual snapshot of the places, culture, and experiences that shaped our travels across Germany.


Top Activities in Germany, Worth Booking Ahead
Some experiences in Germany are better booked in advance, especially iconic sites like Nuremberg or experiences like Oktoberfest. These are a few trusted tours we’d personally recommend.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Interesting Facts
Here are 15 interesting facts about Germany. Some may just surprise you!
1. Germany Has Over 1,500 Types of Sausages: From bratwurst to currywurst, Germany’s sausage culture is rich, regional, and a delicious part of daily life.
2. Berlin Has More Bridges Than Venice: With over 1,700 bridges, the German capital is surprisingly watery, crisscrossed by rivers, lakes, and canals.
3. Germany is known as "Das Land der Dichter und Denker," Meaning “The Land of Poets and Thinkers.” It's home to Goethe, Schiller, Kant, Nietzsche, and many more intellectual heavyweights.
4. The Autobahn Has No Speed Limit in Some Sections: While safety rules still apply, parts of Germany’s famed highway system allow for unrestricted speeds — a dream for car lovers.
5. Oktoberfest Isn’t in October: Munich’s legendary beer festival actually starts in late September and ends in early October.
6. Germany is the EU’s Most Populous Country: With over 83 million residents, Germany is the largest country in the EU by population.
7. Germany is a Federal Republic with 16 States: Each "Bundesland" has its own parliament, culture, and in some cases, even dialects.
8. Christmas Markets Originated in Germany: The tradition dates back to the 14th century and continues to spread worldwide. Dresden and Nuremberg host two of the most famous.
9. Recycling Is an Art Form: Germany’s Pfand system rewards you for returning bottles and cans, and separates waste into multiple color-coded categories.
10. The Hamburger Originated in Hamburg: Though the American burger took it global, its name traces back to Germany’s northern port city.
11. Beer is Legally Protected by the Reinheitsgebot: The 1516 Beer Purity Law limited ingredients to water, hops, and barley — a standard still celebrated in many German breweries.
12. Germany Has the Most Zoos in the World: With more than 400 registered zoos, wildlife parks, and aquariums, it’s a surprisingly animal-loving nation.
13. You Can Ride Double-Decker Regional Trains: The DB Regio trains are not only efficient — they’re a fun and scenic way to travel the country in style.
14. The Berlin Wall Fell in 1989: It's a fall marked the end of the Cold War and the reunification of East and West Germany — a moment that changed Europe forever.
15. Castles Are Everywhere: With over 20,000 castles, palaces, and ruins, Germany offers a castle for every mood — romantic, dramatic, or fairy-tale perfect like Schwerin.
ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs & Guides
Thoughtful travel stories, practical guides, and real experiences from the road.
Travel Essentials
Travel Information for Germany: Practical Tips & Things to Know Before You Go.
Information About Germany
POPULATION
Germany is the most populous country in the European Union, with over 84 million residents.
CURRENCY
Euro (EUR / €).
Most places accept card payments, but cash is still common—especially in smaller towns or at local bakeries and kiosks.
CAPITAL
Berlin (3.5 million) is the capital and largest city, known for its arts scene, history, and landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate.
SPEED / DISTANCES
Urban areas: 50 km/h
Rural roads: 100 km/h
Autobahn: No universal limit, but 130 km/h is recommended. Many cars flash their lights before overtaking on the Autobahn—stay to the right unless overtaking.
TIME ZONES
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1. Daylight saving time (late March to late October) shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2).
DRIVING
Drive on the right-hand side. Seat belts are mandatory. Children under 12 must use car seats. A valid license from the EU, UK, U.S., Canada, Australia, and many others is accepted for short visits.
ALCOHOL AGE
Beer & wine: Legal from age 16
Spirits & hard liquor: Legal from age 18
SMOKING AGE
Legal from 18. Smoking is banned indoors in most public places, though many venues have designated smoking areas.
Travel Resources
We rely on a set of trusted tools for transport, connectivity, insurance, and bookings while traveling full-time and living location-independent.
Over our many years of full-time travel, we've booked countless accommodations, flights, and activities while also navigating the world of earning online.
These are the tools we rely on to plan and book our adventures, and now, you can too!
YouTube
Discover the world with us. Join the Jenn & Leon YouTube channel.

Germany’s Most Beautiful City? 🇩🇪 Exploring Schwerin & Its Fairytale Castle
As entrepreneurs and full-time slow travelers, our goal is to see as much of this beautiful planet as we can!
By subscribing to our channel, you will get notified of our latest videos, so you will never miss out!
Country Guides
Essential travel tips, practical planning, and real experiences from the road.
Check out other comprehensive Country Guides with all you need to know before you go, including our latest posts, must-see places, fascinating facts, and key information about health & safety, transport, local customs, cuisine, connectivity, visa information, useful links, and much more!

Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives
Closer Lives was created to bring people, places, and stories closer together. Through travel, culture, history, poetry, and personal experience, we share the moments that shape how we see the world, and ourselves.
If you enjoy thoughtful travel guides, real experiences, and creative storytelling, you’re in the right place. You can also explore our Travel & Lifestyle Emporium, featuring inspirational travel pieces designed by us and shipped worldwide.















































































