Welcome to Germany as a holiday country!
Quite close, yet still a completely new experience - Germany is always worth a trip. The question you have to ask is: "What do I want to discover? Nature, culture or history?" Germany is extremely diverse - and an exciting place to be, in the summer as well as in the winter.
And Germany's landscape is multifaceted. In the north, there is the coast of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, and in the south there are the high peaks of the Alps. In-between these extremes are a variety of landscapes: agricultural plains, extensive rivers and lakelands, richly forested regions, urban centres and undulating highlands. Climb Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, to a dizzy height of 2,963 metres, go with the flow along Germany's longest river, the Rhine, which flows 865 kilometres through the German countryside. Visit Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city.
The decision is yours, even though you may be spoilt for choice. Choose between a short break or a longer time out from everyday life and take a holiday in Germany.
Here are a few tips and some background information to help you prepare for a great holiday in Germany:
General information on Germany as a holiday destination
Entry requirements/visa: Please find out about the current entry requirements before going on your holiday, for example visit the website of the Foreign Office (http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/Uebersicht_node.html)
Currency: Euro = approx. 1.34 US dollars (as at 27.02.12),
1 euro = 100 cents,
A few tips on changing money:
- You will generally get a better rate in the banks than in the hotel or exchange offices.
- ATMs are available
Local language: German, but English is widely understood
Time difference: +1 hour to UTC
Climate and clothing: Please note that the climate is subject to regional and seasonal fluctuations.It is recommended to check the weather report. Weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes are essential for active holidays and when you are out and about.
Photographing and filming: Please remember that filming and taking photographs is not allowed in many religious facilities. If you would like to photograph people, be respectful. The best thing is to ask for permission first.
Illness on holiday: Even though Germany has very good medical care, please find out about any specific vaccinations and precautionary measures that may be necessary.
Sunday and holidays: Sunday is a day of rest in Germany, so that with only a few exceptions (bakeries, busy tourist locations, exceptional Sunday shopping) shops are closed on that day. Please note that during the school holidays and on long weekends resulting from a bank holiday many people take a short holiday so that everything may be somewhat fuller and tail-backs may occur on the motorways.
Beach, sea and lakes: Please observe warning signs and do not leave your children unattended. Due to global warming, there is an increased presence of blue-green algae and sometimes large numbers of jellyfish so that swimming is prohibited owing to the risk of injury.
Public transportation: Germany has a very good public transport
network, which is particularly advantageous when visiting large cities.
Power: 230 volts AC. Remember, you may need an adapter!
Drinking water: Tap water is subject to strict regulations so that on the whole it is of drinking water standard. Where water is not meant for drinking (e.g. on trains, in public toilets) signs will indicate this (“Kein Trinkwasser”).
Tipping: It is generally up to you, but 5-10% is a rough guideline.
Visit http://www.germany.travel/de/ for more information.
Iberotel Boltenhagen
Iberotel Fleesensee
