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The most helpful backpacking books on the planet, Germany

The stereotype of Germany as the great monolith of western Europe has always been a long way from the truth, and is especially inaccurate now that the postwar division of the country has been reversed. Regional characteristics are a strong feature of German life, and there are many hangovers from the days when the country was a patchwork of independent states. To travel from the ancient ports of the north, across the open fields of the German plain, down through the Ruhr valley and on to the forests, mountains and cosmopolitan cities of the south is to experience a variety as great as any European country can offer.

Youth Hostels and student accomodation

In Germany, you're never far away from a youth hostel (Jugendherberge), but at any time of the year (especially summer weekends) they're liable to be block-booked by school groups, so book as far in advance as possible. You can use our Hostel Booking form to book your hostel. Most staff are courteous and helpful, but an unfortunate minority insist on rigid regimentation. Hostels divide into categories according to facilities and size of rooms, ranging from Grade I (very basic, charging DM8.50-10) up to Grade VI, also known as youth guesthouses (DM20-40). HI members over 27 pay DM2.50-4 more per night; non-members, if admitted at all, will be charged an extra DM4 per night. Over-27s can't use the hostels in Bavaria at all, unless accompanying children.

This is a great site for Youth Hostels throughout Germany. Text is in both English and German.
German Youth Hostelling Association Berlin

This is a great hostel in central Berlin, it has it's own internet access and bar, is close to many other great bars and restaurants, plenty of great nightlife what more do you want or need? The site also lots of info on Berlin.
Tell them Youtrek.com sent you.
Globetrotter Hostel Odyssee Berlin

Places to see

This is my favorite European country. I especially like the old East Germany. Many of the towns and villages are still like they were pre war and even after the war (full of bullet holes), the architecture is superb and many of the roads are still cobbled, actually when we was in Meissen they were in the process of re-laying the old patterned cobblestones (so much nicer than tarmac, but a pig to ride a bike on) :-) . When we went the wall had only been down three months and it was very hard to get anything but now it is so much easier. If you get there be sure to try Meissen and and take in the Baroque splendour of Dresden, a really fantastic place is Warren near Berlin, (Berlin the center of the turmoil of reunification, has an atmosphere at times electrifying is a magic city it buzzes). If you want quiet go to the island of Hiddensee near Rugen, up in the Baltic sea, there are no cars allowed here, it is a lovely picturesque place. Be sure to stop at many villages some of them are beautiful.

Several of Germany's cities have the air of national capitals. Cologne, though enmeshed in one of Europe's most intensively industrialized regions, is one of the most characterful cities in the country, rich in historic monuments. Bavaria's capital, Munich, is another star attraction, boasting the best the country has to offer, whether in museums and galleries, beer, fashion or sport, while Nürnberg retains more than a trace of its bygone glory. Hamburg, burned to the ground by a firestorm in 1943, is now a pleasant city whose nightlife is comparable to that of Berlin. Frankfurt, the economic dynamo of postwar reconstruction, looks on itself as the "real" capital of the country, but Stuttgart and Düsseldorf contest the title of champion of German success, with their corporate skyscrapers and consumerist buzz, it also has a great city center full of cafes and bars, However, because all these cities suffered considerable damage in World War II and have been subjected to some heavy-handed redevelopment, the smaller towns of Germany in many respects offer a richer experience. There's nowhere as well-loved in Germany as the university city of Heidelberg, guiding light of the Romantic movement, and major University town, while Trier, Bamberg, Regensburg, Rothenburg and Marburg in the west and Potsdam, Meissen and Dresden in the east are among the most attractive places in Europe.
Among the scenic highlights are the Bavarian Alps (on Munich's doorstep), the Bodensee (Lake Constance), the Schwarzwald (Black Forest, be sure to visit the numerous small picturesque towns and villages around here), there is also the Rhine Valley, whose majestic sweep has spawned a rich fund of legends and folklore.
There is so much to see and so little time. In fact me and my wife almost emigrated to Germany we love this country and its people so much.

Click here for information on German Rail passes