Ultimate Solo Travel Guide To Germany (2024)

A solo trip to Germany is the chance to explore fairytale castles, hike through incredible national parks and forests, and taste some of the best pastries and meat dishes in the world! Did you know that I lived in Germany for a year? I spent the year based in Hamburg in Northern Germany, but road tripped all over the country. It was a rollercoaster experience with some amazing highs and challenging lows, but it’s still a country I adore today. If you're planning a solo trip, I have expert tips to make the most of your visit and plan the ultimate weekend away, or a longer trip to explore.

I squeezed as much as possible into my solo Germany trip as the country offers endless sights and opportunities for travellers. With a brutal history, Germany isn’t shy of a museum or two– in fact, there are nearly 7,000 spanning the country! Now, I’m not saying you have to visit them all, but for a deeper dive into German history and culture, I’d highly recommend the Pergamon Museum, the International Maritime Museum, the three Pinakothek Museums, and the House of History. 

For the wild-hearted traveller, Germany’s natural environment is raw, vast, and protected, allowing nature to flourish. The country boasts 16 national parks, each offering something a little different. Spruce woodland and trails frame the Harz National Park, beech forests and chalk cliffs adorn the Jasmund National Park, and the Saxon Switzerland National Park soars high with obscure mountains in the country’s east. It truly is like entering another world.

Planning a solo trip to Germany? Here's where you'll find:

1. Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Germany
2. How To Get To Germany As A Solo Traveller
3. Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Germany
4. Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Germany?
5. How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Germany?
6. How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Germany
7. Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Germany
8. SIM Cards in Germany
9. Is Germany a Good Place to Travel Solo?
10. How Much Does A Solo Trip To Germany Cost?
11. Is Germany Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?
12. Best Places For Solo Travel In Germany
13. How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Germany?

Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Germany

Before you jump on a plan to solo travel Germany, are you sure you’ve thought of everything? Making lists is my absolute way of staying organised before any trip. For Germany, this was my typical packing list along with several notepad pages of everything I wanted to see. Learning some basic German phrases was useful for interacting with locals, but this isn’t a must as so many people speak English. 

A big consideration for your German trip is the time of year you decide to travel. Spring is mild but can also be rainy before the sun arrives. Temperatures don’t typically soar higher than 30°C in summer, but the weather plummets to subzero temperatures at the end of autumn and through winter. Once you’ve chosen the type of trip and weather conditions you’d prefer, you’re ready to start booking your dream break!

How To Get To Germany As A Solo Traveller

Isn’t it so frustrating that flights take such a chunk out of your budget? What if I told you they didn’t have to? After spending a decade travelling the world on planes, trains, boats, and buses, I’ve become somewhat of a pro at finding the best deals! I always travel off-peak and remain flexible when booking to access the cheapest prices.

Direct flights from the UK to Germany are frequent but prices vary between German cities. Berlin is a popular arrival destination, and I found many one-way flights in just a few minutes for under £100. Take other cities like Hamburg, Dresden, and Munich and you’ll be looking at more expensive flights. Choose the flights that make the most sense to you. If you plan on spending most of your time in Northern Germany, flying into Hamburg makes sense and means no bus or train costs from other cities. If the south of the country is calling your name, it’s more feasible to fly into Munich. 

Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Germany

I'm a professional when it comes to scoring cheap flights and one of the ones I was most proud of was my £4.70 flights to Germany. I didn't use air miles or anything like that, there was no insider secrets from the travel industry. I simply used the tips I share below and in my in-depth guide to finding cheap flights. I’ve spent 10 years bouncing around the globe but I’m far from rounding up my travels! I seem to have an ever-growing list of places to visit but this costs money. To help make my travel dreams attainable, I have some key ways of cutting flight costs. Read some of my top tips below:

Use Comparison Websites

I cannot stress my love for comparison websites. They provide details in one easy-to-navigate place, showcasing the best deals across the web. For flights, I’ve trusted Skyscanner for years. I can input dates, locations, and price ranges in seconds and be met with countless options showing the cheapest prices available and it doesn’t cost a penny to use. It’s a no-brainer, right?

Pack Smart

Ahh packing. On one hand, it’s a task that gets you straight into holiday mode, but on the other, it can be a PAIN trying to squeeze everything into a backpack! Before finalising your packing, weigh your bag/bags. Some airlines (particularly budget ones) have tight weight restrictions for baggage and even if you’re slightly over, the fees can be hefty. Take a look at your airline’s website for the details about baggage weight to ensure you don’t end up with a last-minute fee at the airport!

Fly At Inconvenient Times

I’m not saying you need to jump out of bed at 2 am with a big grin and bags of energy, but flying at inconvenient times can save a surprising amount. Think of early morning or late evening flights when people are less likely to book. Not only can this save you money, but it also means fewer queues and a quieter flight. 

Look At Alternative Options

Being flexible is key to sourcing the best flight deals. Check out multiple airports, airlines, dates, and locations to see the most reasonable prices for your solo trip to Germany. When planning my Montenegro trip, I was actually hoping to go to Croatia. But the prices were crazy high so I searched the surrounding countries, saved a ton of money, and had an epic Montenegrin adventure instead!

Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Germany?

You don’t need a visa to travel to Germany for tourist reasons. You need to have a valid passport with validity for at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area. Stays are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period. Staying over the limit can cause issues departing from Germany and may also incur fees. Find out more information on the UK GOV website.

How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Germany?

You may have chosen Germany as the destination for your solo trip, but have you decided what type of adventure you’d like to have? If it’s your first solo overseas venture, planning a lot of your trip beforehand can help you relax when you arrive. Maybe a group trip would suit you better– one where you can join in with other solo backpackers and explore Germany together. Or maybe nothing feels more right than spontaneity and making decisions in the moment.

Planning an Entire Trip

Arranging a whole trip including flights, accommodations, and activities can be an awesome introduction for newbie solo travellers. It means you’ll have an itinerary to follow and there’ll be no guesswork about where you’ll be staying. I prefer a bit more freedom on my travels, so I tend to plan some aspects and leave space for spontaneity too. 

Booking a Group Trip

Group trips are the answer if you want to connect with other travellers on your solo Germany trip. Solo females may feel more confident surrounded by other solo travellers, and sharing experiences can make some awesome memories. Find the group trip that suits you best. Maybe it’s a 7-day city break or castle tour around Germany– stay open-minded and hunt around!

Arranging Flights and First Night’s Accommodation

Booking only flights and one night of accommodation isn’t something I would have done at the start of my travel journey. Now with 10 years of experience under my wings, I would definitely consider it! Leaving most of your trip unplanned means you can take on last-minute opportunities and head off to various parts of Germany with little planning. 

How To Book Hostels And Hotels In Germany

If I’ve learned one thing about saving money when booking trips, it’s that comparison websites are your best friends. For accommodation, I use Hostelworld, Booking and Hotels.com to uncover the best deals across the web that would otherwise take me hours to find. Using these websites to book hostels and hotels for your solo Germany trip will save you money so you can nab a few more Currywurst and an extra pack of lebkuchen. 

Read my extensive blog on how to get cheap hotel deals for every trip. Keep reading this article for specific hotel and hostel recommendations for destinations within Germany.

Currency, Plugs, And The Best Ways To Get Around Germany

Germany uses the euro as its currency which you can carry as cash or load onto a card. Carrying a mixture of the two is a versatile safety tip as you have a backup payment method if one gets lost or stolen. Most sockets in Germany are type F, so pack adaptors to keep your laptop, camera, and other devices charged. Check out my girls’ packing guide for long-term trips here.

Trains and buses are ideal ways to get around Germany, but renting a push bike has got to be the most fun way to get around cities. The Deutsche Bahn is Germany’s train system with IC, EC, and ICE trains travelling to more than 300 stations daily. Trains are an efficient way to get around the country but can cost considerably more than buses. 

I really recommend a road trip around Germany. It's really easy to navigate the roads over there – far easier than the trains if you ask me! Germany has beautiful countryside and there are a lot of great places to explore. Hiring a car in Germany starts from as low as £10 per day.

Can I Get Around Germany Without Knowing German?

Before setting off for Germany, I took the liberty of learning some German. Simple phrases like Guten Tag good day Bitte please, and Dankeschön thank you add warmth when getting around and speaking to German people. Many are proficient in English, so you don’t need to stress about knowing every German word, but learning a few is thoughtful and a fun challenge. I will say that I have found Germany one of the most challenging countries to travel due to the language barrier – personally I found Germany a very difficult language to learn. There were some times when I found I couldn't understand at all, or make myself understood. Don't let it put you off travelling there, just be prepared.

Read: What’s it really like to move to a country where you don’t speak the language?

Best Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Germany

I thrive on adventure, but when it comes to my well-being, I don't compromise. If you need travel insurance for a solo trip to Cyprus, SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance Essential provides coverage in 175+ countries, and you have complete control over when your policy starts and stops at any time. They've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. Think of it as your safety net, if something goes wrong its great to have back-up in case you get sick, injured or your kit gets damaged. I know how frustrating travel can be sometimes, so it's good to know that when things go wrong I've got a good insurance policy in my corner.

They also cover:

• Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
• Emergency dental care up to $1000
• Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
• Coverage for lost checked luggage
• Flights home if something bad happens
• Continued coverage for visits back home
• Coverage for motor accidents
• Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities

If you need coverage for a longer period, you might consider looking at their Complete plan - includes all Essential features, plus comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, most countries in the world, including in your home country.

Read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers

Best eSIM For Travelling To Germany

Using Holafly has changed my travelling experience. Before I converted to eSIM technology for my phone, I used to pay pricey roaming charges if I couldn’t connect to public WiFi. Not only was this not the safest option, but it also meant I couldn’t always connect when I needed or wanted to. 

That’s where Holafly eSIMs come in. Offering plans for over 200 countries and regions, the company is on a mission to connect travellers no matter where they are. The eSIM technology effortlessly lets users choose the best-fitting plan and instantly access data. It’s affordable, efficient, and easy to set up.

My number one solo travel safety hack is eSIMs – they're a lifesaver for solo female travellers who want to feel confident when travelling alone. Why does this make solo travel safer? Because the second you touch down in a new destination you have access to the internet and can text/make calls. An eSIM is invaluable for solo travellers to be able to navigate & look up directions, find their hotel, book an Uber and stay connected with friends and family. Holafly are my go-to eSIM provider and I have a special discount code ABSOLUTELYLUCY for 5% off at Holafly – get yours now to prepare for first time solo travel. 

Read my full blog post on the Best eSIM For Solo Female Travellers To Beat Roaming Charges for more information.

Is Germany A Good Place To Travel Solo?

Safety in Germany isn’t really a big issue. Yes, crime can happen anywhere but major problems aren’t regularly reported for travellers in Germany, and many solo females choose to head there each year. Practising caution is a must regardless of where you’re travelling, but in Germany, I felt like I could let my guard down a bit. 

It’s such a unique and beautiful Central European country with princess castles, quaint villages, and a vast, wild wilderness that steals the show. I loved every minute of exploring cities like Berlin and Munich where I found myself drinking authentic German beer with expats and tasting flavour-bomb dishes I would kill to be eating again right now! Even as a solo female, I didn’t feel uneasy during my time in Germany. In all honesty, I sometimes found locals to be a little frosty, but this wasn’t often and didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. 

Should I Go To Germany On My First Solo Trip?

Germany is an awesome choice for your first solo trip. English is spoken by lots of Germans so it’s easy to ask for help or directions even if you don’t speak German. The transport infrastructure is reliable, affordable, and spans around the country, making it simple to explore. I also found it to be very safe. Even with its reputation for epic nightlife, I wasn’t nervous during any evening events and felt safe walking the streets at night with new friends. 

If I had to give one drawback of travelling to Germany it would be the unreliable weather. Germany’s weather is similar to the UK with an abundance of cloudy, rainy days and mild summers, but it gets much harsher winters. The country becomes enveloped in fluffy snow over winter so check which month’s climate you’d rather travel in! Come rain or shine, your solo Germany trip will be a dream. Just be sure to prepare ahead, cut costs as much as possible, and trust yourself.

Is Germany Cheap For Solo Travel?

I feel like European travel has become a little more expensive over the last few years, and this goes the same for Germany. It’s still notably cheaper than countries like France, but it’s surprisingly a lot pricer than eastern countries like Bulgaria. 

There are still ways to shave money off your trip by using comparison websites, booking off-peak, staying in hotels, and keeping to a budget. This way, you can set off on your dream adventure without completely emptying your bank account!

How Much Does A Solo Trip To Germany Cost?

Estimating the cost of a solo German trip is tricky as it depends on the type of break you want and the budget you have. Before any new overseas adventure, I arrange a rough budget and work out where I can cut costs or goals I may struggle to stick by. By limiting hotel stays, restaurant visits, and activities, cutting costs is easy and referring to a budget makes things clear and organised. This doesn’t mean taking the total spend to zero but instead, balances funds where it’s worth putting them.

One Month in Germany

Planning and working out the cheapest time of year to travel to Germany will save costs on flights and accommodation. This will be out of peak season, but don’t worry as there will be plenty of solo backpackers like you heading for a German adventure throughout the year. Read these blogs for more tips on saving money for travel.

Is Germany Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?

Deciding to solo travel Germany, just like any location, is a bold move! It will help you grow and evolve in new ways, while you face challenges and overcome barriers. Even as a solo female traveller, I felt safe, happy, and confident in Germany. I didn’t receive any catcalling or uncomfortable exchanges and actually ended up meeting loads of other solo travellers!

I don’t speak fluent German, but knowing essential phrases and words made things easier in more rural parts of the country. Understanding how to ask for help if I need it and rough directions always helps me feel safe, and these are key things I learned for my Germany trip. Read these solo travel tips articles before you travel.

Which Part Of Germany Is Best For Solo Female Travellers?

Germany’s capital city is famed for a vibrant nightlife scene, and although this is a perk of the city, there’s a lot more to discover. It’s one of the most welcoming cities I have visited because of the diversity of people, non-stop fun energy, and abundance of free entry landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, East Side Gallery, and various war memorials. 

Berlin

Berlin is a blend of historic buildings and outstanding modern architecture that’s a marvel to admire. I could spend hours in local coffee shops taking everything in, and it’s something I made sure to spend a couple of afternoons doing! As the sun begins to drop, the vibe picks up and streets are adorned with revellers ready to hit the dance floor. The best part? Even when I went clubbing in a country where I couldn’t speak the language, I felt safe and respected. 

• Best Hotel: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Berlin
• Best Hostel: Sunflower Hostel
• Best things to do in Berlin

Where Are The Best Places For Solo Travel In Germany?

I rate the best places for solo travel on things to do, safety and security, and affordability. I could recommend everywhere in Germany, but a few spots took centre stage during my trip. I wish I’d had more time to explore the country’s national parks, and if I were to return, I would head to the trees in a heartbeat! But for now, here are my top spots to travel in Germany:

Hamburg

Having lived in Hamburg for a while, I am kinda biased when I say it’s simply a must-visit city! With so many green areas, music practically dancing through the air, and more modern quirks compared to other German cities, it’s perfect for your solo Germany trip! A few years ago, I attended the Hamburg festival MS Dockville which was a blast. It usually happens at the height of summer so if you’re planning your trip in mid-August, try and carve out some funds to attend the festival– you won’t regret it!

• Best Hotel: meinHotel
• Best Hostel: Pauli Hostel
• Best things to do in Hamburg

Munich

Munich is a haven for eccentricity and electric energy balanced by historic sights, green parks, and my personal favourite; Munich Marienplatz. The square is a hub of energy and has stood proud since the 11th century, boasting shops, bars, restaurants and more for global travellers. I also road-tripped to Neuschwanstein Castle which only took a couple of hours from the city. 

• Best Hotel: Hotel Europa
• Best Hostel: a&o München Hackerbrücke
• Best things to do in Munich

Black Forest

Ever heard of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales? That’s what comes to most people’s minds when they think about Germany’s Black Forest. The mountainous region is famed for its evergreen forests with fir, pine, oak, birch, and more rising into the sky. I loved visiting the Triberg Waterfalls which blew me away with dramatic rocks and greenery that made me feel like I was in Bali, not Europe!

• Best Hotel: Hotel Saigerhöh
• Best Hostel: Black Forest Hostel
• Best things to do in Black Forest

Dresden

Situated on the pretty banks of the Elbe River, Dresden is often pushed aside in favour of Berlin or Munich but it was actually one of my favourite cities. Still energetic, the city had an air of joyous calm, with far fewer tourists compared to Munich! I indulged in so much culture from art, music, and theatre that I felt like a local. I would love to return in the winter months for the Christmas markets which must be a sparkling display of festivities.

• Best Hotel: Motel One Dresden - Palaisplatz
• Best Hostel: Hostel Mondpalast
• Best things to do in Dresden

Frankfurt

There’s far more to Frankfurt than the famous thin sausages! Obviously, gastronomy is a huge part of German culture, but the highlight for me was visiting the Römer. Frankfurt’s city hall is one of the city’s most visited landmarks, mesmerising tourists with a blend of architecture from a neo-Gothic facade to Venetian-inspired details. 

• Best Hotel: Hotel Concorde
• Best Hostel: Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt
• Best things to do in Frankfurt

Saxon-Switzerland

It’s easy to misjudge Germany and only focus on its cities, but the country’s wilderness is just as impressive. The Saxon-Switzerland National Park has been protected since the 90s  and is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike. Renting a car to drive to the park or arriving via a bus will give you plenty of time to hike and get some epic shots. 

• Best Hotel: Pension Villa Irene
• Best Hostel: Hinterland Hostel 
• Best things to do in Saxon Switzerland

How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling To Germany?

When you dive into the mission to solo travel Germany, you may think you’ll spend most of your trip alone. If you stay in hostels, participate in group activities and tours, and be open to interactions, I promise this won’t happen! Making friends might feel intimidating at first, but here are a few things I swear by to make it much easier:

Hang Out in Communal Areas

I think nearly every hostel I’ve ever stayed at had a communal area. Even if it’s just a TV and a couple of sofas, spending some time in this part of the building means you’re likely to bump into lots of other backpackers who could be future besties. 

Strike Up a Conversation

We all know that butterfly nervous feeling in our stomachs, but there’s no need to let it win when making a new friend! Make eye contact, smile, and strike up a conversation. If you’ve both met in a hostel, you’ve got one of the best hobbies in common; travelling! Use this to your advantage and get bonding over funny travel fails and your favourite destinations so far. 

Arrange a Group Trip

Group trips are one of the ultimate ways of bonding with new people. Tour some of Germany’s rugged woodlands, or go on a winter skiing adventure in the Steinplatte/Winklmoosalm ski area. You can learn something new together or help one another with a more familiar activity. Read these blogs for more tips on meeting people. It's easy to arrange a group trip on your own – or, if you prefer to go on an organised trip, why not check out G Adventures Germany trips?!