Germany is a country of contrasts: vibrant cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, vineyards along the Rhine and Moselle, fairytale castles in Bavaria and beaches on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. And few countries are home to so many people with roots all over the world.
Culture & way of life
Germany is colourful: every region has its own traditions, dialects and specialities. Reliability, honesty and punctuality are valued – and behind the often reserved manner lies a lot of warmth.
Dating & getting to know each other
- Honest and direct: People usually say openly what they think – which creates clarity.
- On equal footing: Who invites whom or who writes first is completely open. The bill is often split.
- Living diversity: Relationships between people of different backgrounds are completely normal here.
The most romantic spots
- The Brandenburg Gate and the Spree in Berlin at night
- Neuschwanstein Castle in the Allgäu
- The Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its castles and vineyards
- Hamburg’s Speicherstadt in the evening light
Sights that make your heart beat faster
Hidden gems off the beaten path
- Bastei in Saxon Switzerland: A stone bridge between bizarre sandstone rocks, high above the Elbe – enchanting in the morning mist.
- Bamberg: An old town full of half-timbered houses, with “Little Venice” by the river and a town hall in the middle of the water.
- Rakotzbrücke: A stone bridge in Kromlau Rhododendron Park that is reflected in the lake as a perfect circle.
Absolute must-do
A Christmas market during Advent: mulled wine, fairy lights, gingerbread and the scent of roasted almonds. Strolling hand in hand past the stalls is German romance at its purest.
Only here in the world: Germany has more than 20,000 castles and palaces – and the tradition of Christmas markets originated here. Dresden’s Striezelmarkt was first mentioned as early as 1434.
Tip for your first date
Visit a Christmas market together or, in summer, a beer garden – over mulled wine or a cool drink, conversations in Germany get going fastest.