What to pack for Germany
Germany has warm summers and cold winters, with frost and snow more likely in the south and east and in the mountains. Rain is spread across the year, and spring and autumn can be cool.
That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.
Pack with Germany in mind
- A warm coat, hat and gloves in winter, especially for Christmas markets
- A light rain jacket in every season
- Comfortable shoes for city walking
- Some cash — card acceptance has grown, but small places may still prefer cash
Start from a full checklist
Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:
- City break packing list · 48 items
- Business trip packing list · 49 items
- Music festival packing list · 57 items
What to eat in Germany
These are dishes most visitors to Germany will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.
Bratwurst
Grilled sausage, usually pork, in a roll with mustard.
Contains pork
Schnitzel
Breaded, fried cutlet; in Germany usually pork.
Contains porkGlutenEgg
Currywurst
Sliced sausage with curry ketchup, often with fries.
Contains pork
Brezel
Soft pretzel with coarse salt.
Vegetarian-friendlyGluten
Käsespätzle
Egg noodles baked with cheese and fried onions.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenEggDairy
Sauerbraten
Pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices, often with red wine.
Contains alcohol
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
Black Forest cake with cherries, cream and kirsch.
Vegetarian-friendlyContains alcoholGlutenDairyEgg
Avoiding pork? In this list, Bratwurst, Schnitzel and Currywurst usually contain pork.
Meal times, tipping and water
| Breakfast | 07:00–10:00 |
|---|---|
| Lunch | 12:00–14:00 |
| Dinner | 18:00–20:30 |
| Tipping | Round up or add about 5–10%. Tell the server the total you want to pay rather than leaving money on the table. |
| Tap water | Generally safe to drink |
| Halal food | Moderate |
| Vegetarian food | Easy to find |
Local chains you will see
Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:
- Nordsee — Seafood sandwiches and fish dishes.
- BackWerk — Self-service bakery.
- Hans im Glück — Burger restaurants.
- L'Osteria — Pizza and pasta restaurants.
- dean&david — Salads and bowls.
General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.
Entry rules for US and UK passport holders
A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for Germany. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.
US passport holders
- Passport valid 3 months beyond departure. Check the expiry date on every passport in your group before you book — airlines can refuse boarding if a passport does not meet the rule. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- Up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Short stays for tourism or business are visa-free for your passport. Days in all Schengen countries count together. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- ETIAS — not required yet. The EU travel authorisation (€20, valid 3 years) is not live yet; launch is now expected in 2027. We will remind you when it starts. European Union — ETIAS (opens in a new tab)
- Entry/Exit System at the border. Your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry. Allow extra time at passport control. European Union — Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
UK passport holders
- Passport valid 3 months beyond departure. Check the expiry date on every passport in your group before you book — airlines can refuse boarding if a passport does not meet the rule. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- Up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Short stays for tourism or business are visa-free for your passport. Days in all Schengen countries count together. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- ETIAS — not required yet. The EU travel authorisation (€20, valid 3 years) is not live yet; launch is now expected in 2027. We will remind you when it starts. European Union — ETIAS (opens in a new tab)
- Entry/Exit System at the border. Your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry. Allow extra time at passport control. European Union — Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Germany?
Generally safe to drink. Tap water is generally treated to a safe standard, though some travellers prefer bottled water for taste. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.
Do you tip in Germany?
Round up or add about 5–10%. Tell the server the total you want to pay rather than leaving money on the table.
Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in Germany?
Halal food: moderate. Vegetarian food: easy to find. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Brezel, Käsespätzle and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.