History, culture, and natural beauty perhaps best describe the essence of vacationing in Germany. With its many historic cities and small towns, along with an abundance of forests and mountains, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a unique place to visit. Those wanting to sightsee or experience the arts should head to the metropolitan areas such as Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, while those looking for recreational activities should visit places such as the Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, or the Rhine Valley.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for 3 months beyond the intended period of stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Germany. All visa applications will be processed through TLS Contact.
Note: Temporary passports will not be recognised.
Visa Cost: 80€ plus a mandatory service fee of ZAR 334.40 ex vat
Compulsory Vaccinations Required: N/A
Please note: Visa and vaccination information is correct at time of publish and are subject to change
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Spring (March – May), Summer (June – August) and Autumn (September – November)
AREAS TO VISIT AND THEIR MAIN ATTRACTIONS
THE BLACK FOREST
The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in all of Europe. Situated in the southwestern corner of Germany and extending 160 kilometres from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, it’s a hiker’s heaven.
THE ULTIMATE FAIRYTALE CASTLE
Neuschwanstein. The quaint old town of Füssen, situated between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps and a popular alpine resort and winter sports centre, is a good base from which to explore nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Europe’s most famous (and picturesque) royal castles.
BERLIN
Germany’s capital, dates to the 13th century. Reminders of the city’s turbulent 20th-century history include its Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall’s graffitied remains.
MUNICH
Bavaria’s capital, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. In the Altstadt (Old Town), central Marienplatz square contains landmarks such as Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall), with a popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century.
FRANKFURT
A central German city on the river Main, is a major financial hub that’s home to the European Central Bank. It’s the birthplace of famed writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whose former home is now the Goethe House Museum. Like much of the city, it was damaged during World War II and later rebuilt. The reconstructed Altstadt (Old Town) is the site of Römerberg, a square that hosts an annual Christmas market.
HAMBURG
A major port city in northern Germany, is connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River. It’s crossed by hundreds of canals, and also contains large areas of parkland. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city’s central Jungfernstieg boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town), home to landmarks like 18th-century St. Michael’s Church.
NUREMBURG
A city in northern Bavaria, is distinguished by medieval architecture such as the fortifications and stone towers of its Altstadt (Old Town). At the northern edge of the Altstadt, surrounded by red-roofed buildings, stands Kaiserburg Castle. The Hauptmarkt (central square) contains the Schöner Brunnen, the gilded “beautiful fountain” with tiers of figures, and Frauenkirche, a 14th-century Gothic church. The products most associated with the city are gingerbread and handcrafted toys.
