Germany.
Flight from TLV
4h 10m
Best season
מאי–דצמ
Avg temp
14°
Currency
€ EUR · 1=₪3.52
Time zone
שעה אחת פחות מת״א
Language
גרמנית; אנגלית נפוצה באזורי תיירות ובקרב צעירים
Plug
C / F · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לביקור קצר של עד 90 יום בתקופה של 180 יום; יש לבדוק מראש דרישות ETIAS ועדכוני כניסה
Safety
יעד בטוח בדרך כלל, עם תחבורה מסודרת; יש להיזהר מכייסים באזורים צפופים ולהתעדכן בהנחיות לישראלים ובאירועים מקומיים
Overview
🇩🇪Germany
🇩🇪Germany
Germany is far more than a Berlin break, combining exciting cities, excellent shopping, storybook castles and Alpine scenery in one efficient trip. Israelis head to Berlin for the Brandenburg Gate, East Side Gallery, Ku'damm shopping and nightlife, while Munich offers Marienplatz, Bavarian beer gardens and day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle. Families favor the Black Forest, Europa-Park and Bavaria's lakes, while couples add the Rhine Valley, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Christmas markets. Direct flights from Tel Aviv, superb trains, Chabad centers and kosher options in the major cities make the country easy to tailor to every travel style.
Places
Islands & sub-destinations in Germany
What are you looking for?
Everything for Germany, in one place
Pick a category and dive into its dedicated page.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Germany
Each area and who it suits best.
Berlin, Mitte
This is the easiest base for Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz, and Unter den Linden, all reachable on foot or by a short U-Bahn ride. Around Hackescher Markt, you will find shops, restaurants, attractive courtyards, and well-known hotels such as Hotel de Rome and Radisson Collection. Rates are comparatively high, while streets near Alexanderplatz and Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz can be noisy at night.
Berlin, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain
This is where you will find the bars of Oranienstraße, the murals of the East Side Gallery, and clubs around Warschauer Straße and RAW-Gelände. The Michelberger Hotel opposite Warschauer Straße station is an especially convenient base for travelers who want to walk to nightlife. Value is better than in Mitte, but weekends bring noise, club queues, and a gritty atmosphere that will not suit every family.
Munich, Altstadt-Lehel
Around Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and Maximilianstraße, you get classic Munich, department stores, sought-after brands, and excellent walkability. Bayerischer Hof and Mandarin Oriental represent the luxury end, while smaller hotels near Sendlinger Straße offer a strong location. This is the city's most expensive district, and rates rise sharply during Oktoberfest, trade fairs, and the Christmas-market season.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The town is an excellent base for Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee, and Partnach Gorge, with painted façades along Ludwigstraße and hotels such as Hyperion Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Winter is about skiing, while summer brings hiking, cable cars, and lakes, making this a genuine year-round destination. Evenings are far quieter than Munich, and anyone seeking major nightlife or shopping faces a journey of roughly 75 minutes back to the city.
Baden-Baden
This is elegant Germany, centered on Lichtentaler Allee, Caracalla Spa, the Festspielhaus, and the historic casino inside the Kurhaus. Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa is the iconic address, though more moderate hotels can be found near Sophienstraße. The mood is polished and quiet, with prices to match, while young travelers seeking parties may run out of excitement after a day or two.
Cologne, Altstadt and Deutz
On the Old Town side, you stay close to the cathedral, riverfront, and Kölsch beer halls around Heumarkt; in Deutz, you get impressive skyline views and easy access to Koelnmesse and LANXESS arena. Hyatt Regency Cologne is a familiar riverfront choice, while hotels near Köln Messe/Deutz station can be cheaper than the center. Rates surge during Carnival and major exhibitions, and the Old Town becomes very loud at night.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Germany
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
5°
0°
Cool
פבר
7°
0°
Cool
מרץ
11°
2°
Cool
אפר
15°
6°
Cool
מאי
20°
10°
Recommended
יונ
24°
14°
Excellent
יול
25°
15°
Excellent
אוג
25°
15°
Excellent
ספט
22°
13°
Excellent
אוק
15°
8°
Cool
נוב
8°
3°
Cool
דצמ
5°
2°
Cool
Most pleasant weather: יונ · יול · אוג · ספט
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · דצמ. July and August are the main peak for Israeli families thanks to the school break, Europa-Park, the Black Forest and pleasant weather. May, June and September are calmer, while December is especially popular for Hanukkah trips to the Christmas markets.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Germany · Open-Meteo
This week in Germany
Measured in Germany
17°
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Things to do
Things to do in Germany
On the map
Germany on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Germany itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Historic Berlin
Start before 09:00 at Brandenburg Gate, visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and continue to the Reichstag, whose dome requires advance registration. Walk along Unter den Linden to Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island, choosing one museum rather than turning the day into a marathon. For a kosher lunch, travel to Lechaim after checking its hours. Around sunset, ascend the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz or visit Panoramapunkt at Potsdamer Platz.
- 2
Day 2
Jewish and Creative Berlin
Begin at the powerful Jewish Museum in Kreuzberg and allow at least two hours, then continue to the Topography of Terror and nearby Checkpoint Charlie. In the afternoon, head to the East Side Gallery, walk along the wall, and explore the courtyards of RAW-Gelände or the shops around Boxhagener Platz. Eat around Hackescher Markt in the evening or reserve a kosher restaurant in advance. Younger travelers can continue to the bars of Oranienstraße, while families may prefer a relaxed evening cruise on the Spree.
- 3
Day 3
Dresden and the Elbe Valley
Take an early train from Berlin to Dresden, a journey of roughly two hours, and begin at the Frauenkirche before day groups fill Neumarkt. Continue to the Zwinger Palace, the Procession of Princes mural, and Brühl's Terrace overlooking the Elbe. Bring a packed kosher lunch from Berlin because Dresden's kosher selection is extremely limited. Before the return train, cross Augustusbrücke into Neustadt for the finest golden-hour view of the skyline.
- 4
Day 4
Classic Munich
Take an early ICE train to Munich, leave your luggage at the hotel, and reach Marienplatz for the 11:00 Glockenspiel performance. Continue on foot to Viktualienmarkt, St. Peter's Church, and the shops of Kaufingerstraße, or choose Maximilianstraße for luxury brands. Reserve a kosher meal at Einstein on Jakobsplatz and carry a passport for security. In the evening, stroll through the Hofgarten and Odeonsplatz, or attend a Bayern Munich match if the schedule permits and tickets were secured in advance.
- 5
Day 5
Neuschwanstein and the Bavarian Alps
Leave Munich by 07:00 by car or train for Füssen and reserve a timed entry to Neuschwanstein in advance, as summer tickets sell out. Take the shuttle or walk to Marienbrücke for the iconic view, then tour the castle and nearby Hohenschwangau if your pace allows. Pack kosher food for a picnic beside Alpsee because there is no reliable kosher venue in the area. On the return journey, stop at Wieskirche or Oberammergau, but do not attempt both during a short winter day.
- 6
Day 6
Zugspitze and Lake Eibsee
Check live weather cameras before departing, and travel early to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and onward to Eibsee only on a clear day. Ride the Zugspitze cable car to Germany's highest summit; winter offers snow and skiing, while summer is ideal for panoramas and an easy lakeside walk. Bring a packed meal to eat by the water, or limit yourself to coffee and sealed products at the mountain stations according to your kosher requirements. Return to Munich in the evening; in poor weather, replace this outing with the Deutsches Museum and Nymphenburg Palace.
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Budget
How much does Germany cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Tel Aviv return flight
₪750-1,800 (peak: ₪2,500+)
4-5-night package
₪2,400-5,200 (per person)
Mid-range hotel night
₪430-850 (per room)
Five-star hotel night
₪950-2,400 (per room)
Restaurant meal
₪65-140 (per person)
Local beer
₪18-30
Coffee
₪12-20
Short taxi ride
₪45-90
Rental car per day
₪170-360 (excluding fuel)
Intercity train
₪80-350 (one way)
Admission or experience
₪45-280 (museum-Zugspitze)
Daily budget per person
₪420-850 (excluding hotel)
Family, five nights
₪12,000-22,000 (family of four)
Good to know
Good to know before Germany
Getting around
From the airport
From BER Airport to Berlin, FEX and RE trains reach Hauptbahnhof in about 30-40 minutes, generally for ₪18-22 per person; S-Bahn trains cost roughly the same but are slower for some districts. An official taxi or Uber/Bolt to Mitte usually takes 35-55 minutes and costs about ₪190-300, depending on traffic. From Munich Airport, S1 and S8 trains reach the center in around 40-50 minutes for roughly ₪55-65 per person, while a taxi or app-booked ride usually costs ₪340-450. Private shuttles suit families with substantial luggage and cost approximately ₪280-420 in Berlin or ₪380-550 in Munich.
Need a car?
You do not need a car in Berlin, Munich, Cologne, or Hamburg: U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and trains are more efficient, while parking is expensive and inconvenient. Families exploring the Black Forest, the Castle Road, Bavarian lakes, or Alpine villages benefit from a car, especially with children and luggage. Couples linking only major cities are better off using ICE trains, but should book Sparpreis fares early and reserve seats.
Tips
Use DB Navigator for national rail planning and tickets, plus the local app, such as BVG in Berlin or MVV in Munich; validate paper tickets wherever required. Free Now, Uber, and Bolt operate in major cities, though German app rides are often provided by licensed taxis and are not always cheap. If renting a car, watch for Umweltzone signs and book a hotel with parking: historic centers contain many one-way streets, and central garages can cost ₪80-160 per day.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
In Berlin, Chabad Berlin operates from the Jewish center at Münstersche Straße 6 in Wilmersdorf, convenient for travelers staying around Kurfürstendamm; it offers prayers, pre-booked Shabbat meals, and visitor services. In Munich, Chabad at Prinzregentenstraße 96 assists with prayers, Shabbat, and kosher information, but opening times and meals must be confirmed in advance. Frankfurt and Cologne also have active Chabad centers, while Black Forest and Alpine towns generally have neither a regular minyan nor readily available kosher food.
Kosher food
In Berlin, convenient options include Lechaim at the Chabad Jewish center and Milo near the Jewish community in Charlottenburg, though current certification and opening hours should be checked before arrival. In Munich, Einstein, the kosher restaurant at the Jewish community center on Jakobsplatz, is an option subject to opening times and security procedures. Israelis continuing by car typically stock up on packaged goods at Supermarkt Koscher in Berlin or marked sections in large supermarkets, and book Shabbat meals with Chabad several days ahead rather than relying on spontaneous purchases in a small town.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Germany 🇩🇪
A hospital day in Germany can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Gadgets & pre-existing conditions
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
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You get
351.8
1 EUR
₪3.52
100 EUR
₪351.8
1,000 EUR
₪3,518
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 14 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Germany 🇩🇪
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לביקור קצר של עד 90 יום בתקופה של 180 יום; יש לבדוק מראש דרישות ETIAS ועדכוני כניסה
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Germany
- 💳Do not assume Germany is cashless: bakeries, kiosks, Christmas markets and small Berlin bars may still ask for Bargeld, so carry €50–100 and confirm that Visa or Mastercard is accepted before ordering.
- 🚆The Deutschlandticket covers urban transport and regional trains but not ICE, IC or EC services, and it is generally sold as a renewing subscription that must be cancelled on time rather than as a one-off tourist pass.
- 📅Reserve the Reichstag dome free of charge on its official website and bring the passport used for registration, while summer visits to Neuschwanstein and the Zugspitze railway should also be secured before the day trip.
- 🛏️In Berlin, choose Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg for a first visit and Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain for nightlife, while in Munich Altstadt-Lehel is convenient for sights and Maxvorstadt offers more restaurants and a younger atmosphere.
- 🛍️Most shops, including Zara, Uniqlo and department stores such as KaDeWe and Galeria, close on Sundays, so shop on Saturday and reserve Sunday for museums, parks or the Mauerpark flea market.
- 🍽️For a kosher meal in Berlin, verify the current certification and opening hours of Bleibergs or Milo, and contact Chabad Berlin on Münstersche Strasse early for Shabbat or holiday meals because places fill around Israeli holiday periods.
- 🎰Spielbank Berlin at Potsdamer Platz requires a passport and a minimum age of 18, while the classic gaming rooms at Casino Baden-Baden enforce a smarter dress code and may require men to wear a jacket.
- 🍸At Berlin clubs such as Berghain, Sisyphos and Kater Blau, do not take photos in the queue, keep your group small and calm, and never argue with the door staff because even an event ticket may not guarantee entry.
- ☔Pack a light layer and rain jacket even in August, and add waterproof shoes and gloves from November through March because Berlin's wind and Munich's cold often feel sharper than the official temperature.
- 📱A European eSIM works well in the cities, but download offline Google Maps and the DB Navigator app before driving through the Black Forest or Alpine roads because mobile coverage can be inconsistent.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"To me, Germany is the surprising combination of free-spirited, gritty Berlin, elegant Bavaria and countryside that begins almost as soon as you leave the cities. Israelis fall for the ease of starting the morning in the courtyards of Hackesche Höfe, shopping along Kurfürstendamm and ending with a beer at sunset on the former Tempelhof airfield. On a longer trip, reaching the Zugspitze viewpoint or seeing Neuschwanstein Castle framed by forest reveals just how varied the country is. I love German efficiency, but I always leave room for a side street, a neighborhood bakery and a warm pretzel that were never on the itinerary."
Loves
My favorite Berlin secret is sunset at Tempelhofer Feld with bicycles, a blanket and drinks picked up from a kiosk on the way. Arrive about two hours before sunset from May through September, when the runways fill with skaters, kite flyers and local families yet still feel wonderfully spacious.
Skip
I do not recommend wasting hours at Checkpoint Charlie, which has become a commercial photo set and explains little of the Wall's real story. Spend that time at the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse, where an original border section survives and the outdoor memorial is free.
Boutique pick
I would begin my signature day at 8:30 with coffee and a pastry around Kollwitzplatz in Prenzlauer Berg, then continue at 10:00 to Museum Island and a pre-booked visit to the Reichstag dome. In the afternoon, I would cycle through Tiergarten to the Brandenburg Gate, stop for shopping at KaDeWe and along Ku'damm, then head to Monkey Bar at 19:00 for a drink overlooking the zoo. I would leave the night to Kreuzberg, with dinner, a small bar around Oranienstrasse and a spontaneous decision about whether to continue to a club.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Germany
"We started the day among the museums of Museum Island and ended with sunset cocktails at rooftop venue Klunkerkranich in Neukölln. Germany surprised us with its perfect balance of serious culture and relaxed evenings, and we were already planning another Berlin trip on the way to the airport."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 5 nights · September
"The children could not stop talking about the Voltron roller coaster at Europa-Park, and at Munich’s Deutsches Museum we had to persuade them to leave at closing time. Germany was organized and easy for a family, yet still packed with exciting moments that we genuinely enjoyed too."
Michal and Ori, Ra'anana
Family with children · 9 nights · August
"We danced until morning at Sisyphos and tried the roulette tables at Spielbank Berlin in Potsdamer Platz the following night. Germany gave us a wildly energetic weekend, though it is worth knowing that club door policies are tough and evenings do not always go according to plan."
Roy, Daniel and Maya, Haifa
Friends · 4 nights · June
"We reached Neuschwanstein Castle early before the tour groups arrived, then dressed up for an evening at the historic Casino Baden-Baden. Germany felt elegant, green and pleasant to drive through, with a pace that let us enjoy the trip without rushing from sight to sight."
Rachel and Amos, Jerusalem
Older couple · 8 nights · May
FAQ
Common questions about Germany
Do Israelis need a visa for Germany?
Israeli passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits to Germany and the Schengen Area of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Before flying, check whether ETIAS has become operational and ensure your passport meets Schengen validity requirements.
Are there direct flights to Germany, and how long is the flight from Tel Aviv?
Direct flights operate from Tel Aviv to Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich, depending on the season and airline schedules, with typical flight times to Germany of about 4 to 4.5 hours. Berlin suits a city break, Frankfurt is a convenient gateway to the Rhine Valley, and Munich is ideal for Bavaria and the Alps.
When is the best time to visit Germany, and what should I pack?
May to June and September offer the most pleasant conditions for touring Germany, while July and August are the family peak and December is popular for the Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Dresden and Cologne. Pack a warm layer and rain jacket even in summer; winter calls for a proper coat, waterproof shoes, gloves and a hat.
How many days do you need in Germany, and what suits families versus couples?
For a first trip to Germany, allow 4 to 5 nights for Berlin alone or 8 to 10 nights for Munich, Bavaria’s castles and the Black Forest. Families enjoy Europa-Park, LEGOLAND Germany and Munich’s Deutsches Museum, while couples often prefer Baden-Baden, the Moselle Valley and Berlin’s boutique hotels.
How do you get around Germany, and which nearby destinations can be combined with it?
ICE trains efficiently connect Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich, though advance booking and extra time for delays are wise; a rental car is especially useful in the Black Forest, along the Romantic Road and in the Moselle Valley. Germany combines easily with Salzburg and Austria from Munich, Strasbourg and Alsace from the Black Forest, or Prague from Dresden and Berlin.
How much does a vacation in Germany cost?
A 5-to-7-night trip to Germany typically costs about ₪4,500-₪8,500 per person sharing a double room, including flights from Tel Aviv, a good hotel, transport and attractions but excluding shopping. Munich during Oktoberfest and Berlin on weekends cost more, while Leipzig, Dresden and Nuremberg are usually easier on the budget.
Is Germany safe for Israeli travelers?
Germany is generally safe and straightforward in tourist areas, but Israelis should monitor official travel advisories and avoid political demonstrations, particularly in Berlin and other major cities. Be discreet with Israeli symbols near gatherings, watch your belongings at stations such as Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, and keep a copy of your passport.
What are the must-see attractions in Germany?
On a first trip to Germany, do not miss Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Cologne Cathedral and Munich’s Old Town. Israeli families commonly add Europa-Park near Rust, while a strong summer itinerary also includes Lake Constance or Triberg Waterfalls in the Black Forest.
Where is the best nightlife in Germany, and are there casinos?
Germany’s strongest nightlife is in Berlin, with clubs such as Berghain, Sisyphos and Watergate plus bars across Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Prenzlauer Berg; club admission is never guaranteed, even if you arrive early. Legal casinos do operate, notably Spielbank Berlin at Potsdamer Platz and Casino Baden-Baden, where smart dress and a passport are required.
Are kosher food and Chabad available in Germany?
Germany has active Chabad centers in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Cologne, and Shabbat or holiday meals should be reserved in advance. Munich’s kosher Einstein restaurant is located at the Jewish community center, while Chabad Berlin can assist with meals, prayer services and an up-to-date kosher shopping list.