Germany is about the size of Finland, but has more than 80 million inhabitants. Local variations in both culture and landscapes are great.
Those traveling to Germany for the first time should keep in mind that although the state and the language are common, different regions of the country live in very different realities. In Bavaria in southern Germany in particular, local culture and traditions are in full force. One who has visited Berlin once cannot say that he knows Germany, he only knows Berlin and only a small slice of it. Similarly, those who have visited Bavaria do not know the whole of Germany – he knows Bavaria. Short for DE by abbreviationfinder, Germany is a country located in western Europe according to countryaah.
Regional traditions in Germany are stronger than those common in the whole country, and religion also defines culture surprisingly much: Catholic Germans, for example, celebrate Christmas in a slightly different way than Protestants. Adding to the regional disparities is the period of divided Germany, which lasted until the Second World War until 1990 and left its strong mark on both sides of the border.
In addition to atmospheric small towns, there are also big cities in Germany with a very international atmosphere.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN GERMANY
There are diverse natural sites in Germany that allow for a variety of activities.
Versatile flight connections from Finland to Germany
The flight connections between Finland and Germany are excellent. From Finland, there are direct flights to Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart. The routes are operated by Finnair, Air Berlin, Lufthansa, Ryanair and Germania.
Most German flights depart from Helsinki, but it is also possible to get to Germany from Lapland airports on seasonal flights. Germania’s routes are seasonal routes between Berlin and Rovaniemi and between Düsseldorf and Kittilä. Lufthansa flies between Munich and Kittilä during the winter season.
On the route from Tampere to Bremen operated by the low-cost airline Ryanair, it is possible to get air tickets for up to ten, but for other routes the prices vary between about one hundred and three hundred euros, depending on the destination and time.
Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich airports are typical exchange airports and waypoints familiar to many Finns when traveling long distances.
By ship from Finland overnight
It is possible to travel from Finland to Germany by Finnlines ferry. The ship is boarded in Helsinki and at the German end the port city is Travemünde near Lübeck. The boat trip takes about 30 hours. German ships are not the same entertainment centers as ships to Tallinn or Stockholm, but they also have all the necessary wellness, restaurant and shopping services to make your trip smoother.
The ship is most typically traveled with your own car, but a motorcycle or bicycle is equally a means of transportation. Of course, you can also travel without your own vehicle, but then it is worth making a continuation from the port of Travemünde, as ships arrive from Helsinki late in the evening and the location of the port is remote from the city.
Car holidaymakers also have access to routes through Sweden and Denmark to Germany or, alternatively, driving through the Baltic countries and Poland. In terms of time, the route via Sweden and Denmark takes you as fast as a direct ferry connection without major stops, but the drive is of course heavier when you are on the move all the time. Driving through the Baltics and Poland, the journey takes a little longer.
By train to Central Europe
Riders and train adventurers cannot get from Finland to Germany completely, but at best, the connection works from Stockholm all the way to northern Germany. Train travel within Germany is efficient and affordable, as tourists can also benefit from many regional discount tickets. You can inquire about these discount tickets under the name Schönes Wochenende Ticket or Länderticket. These tickets do not allow you to travel on the fastest ICE trains, but you can get on other types of trains very cheaply.
The price level of the hotels is reasonable
The general price level of hotels in Germany is slightly cheaper than in Finland. You can pay more for luxury here, but you can usually get a basic hotel room for about 50-60 euros per night. Accommodation in city hostels is even cheaper.
Variation between rural and urban areas is reflected in prices. Of the major cities, Munich is usually the cheapest and Berlin the cheapest. Trade fairs or other major events may temporarily fluctuate hotel prices and raise prices to the clouds when the city is full.
The hostel offer in German cities is typically comprehensive and the level of cleanliness of the hostels is quite good. When traveling in the countryside, those looking for affordable accommodation should keep an eye out for Zimmer frei signs telling you about available rooms in small inns or private accommodation.
Public access is available everywhere
Many holidaymakers in Germany either drive there with their own car or rent a car on site. Car rental prices are slightly cheaper than in Finland and fuel is also about 10-15 percent cheaper.
Although Germany is one of the favorites of car holidaymakers, it is extremely easy to travel in the country even without your own means of transport.
In a populous country, a comprehensive public transport network is a necessity and will also benefit tourists. Trains run almost everywhere and city buses and metros run late into the night.
