Germany is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you have a taste for world-class museums, medieval castles, or scenic river valleys, this 5 days in Germany itinerary caters to all that.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the major cities- Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, and Frankfurt-for a rich experience with detailed recommendations for each stop.
If you have more or less time, we also added some alternatives for a Germany itinerary of 7 days or even a Germany itinerary of 3 days.
Key Takeaways
- 5 Days in Germany Itinerary: A comprehensive guide through major cities like Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, and Frankfurt, perfect for first-time visitors.
- Day 1 – Berlin: Visit iconic landmarks such as Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, and Museum Island. Enjoy shopping and dining at Alexanderplatz.
- Day 2 – Dresden: Explore Zwinger Palace, the Frauenkirche, and Brühl’s Terrace. Don’t miss the local Saxon delicacies in Altmarkt.
- Day 3 – Nuremberg: Dive into medieval history at Nuremberg Castle and reflect on the darker past at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
- Day 4 – Heidelberg: Discover Heidelberg Castle and enjoy strolling through the romantic Old Town and along the Neckar River.
- Day 5 – Frankfurt: Visit Römerberg, Main Tower, and Goethe House. End with a relaxing walk along the Main River.
- Alternative Itineraries: Suggestions for Germany itineraries for 3, 4, 7, and 10 days, including train travel tips and hidden gems like Neuschwanstein Castle.
5 Days in Germany Itinerary
Day 1: Berlin – Dive into History and Culture
Start your travel in Germany’s capital, Berlin, that so majestically blends modern potentialities with a wealth of historical legacy. After having breakfast visit Brandenburg Gate – probably the most iconic landmark in Germany.
Take some snaps here as it is the symbol of reunification of Germany. Then head to Berlin Wall Memorial. This historic site definitely gives you an emotional look at how Germany was divided during the Cold War.
Spend some time exploring Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses some of the world’s most important museums. Be on the lookout for Pergamon Museum and its ancient treasures, including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon.
For the art enthusiast, visit Altes Museum, where you can find an enormous collection of artworks from the classical period.
End your day at Alexanderplatz-the large shopping and entertainment district. In this place, you can attempt to eat traditional German food in one of the many restaurants or shop for souvenirs.
Day 2: Dresden – The Jewel of Baroque Architecture
After spending the night in Berlin, it’s off to Dresden, an early train or early drive that will bring you there in about two hours. As you arrive to this beautiful city, you are welcomed in one of Germany’s most important cities.
It is fairly known as the “Florence on the Elbe,” popularly recognized for its role as a home for Baroque architecture and art collections.
Start with a visit to the Zwinger Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. The beautiful palace houses a couple of museums, Old Masters Picture Gallery among them, where you will see Raphael, Rembrandt, and so on.
Don’t forget to visit the Frauenkirche: that’s the restored church, destroyed during World War II. Be sure and go all the way up to the top for a wide view over the city.
Stroll along the beautiful Brühl’s Terrace, often termed the “Balcony of Europe,” with a great view of the Elbe River. Enjoy your last evening dining in the Altmarkt (Old Market), where you sample Saxon specialties.
For example, Sauerbraten or Sächsische Quarkkeulchen (Saxon cheese pancakes).
Day 3: Nuremberg – A Step Back into Medieval Times
On Day 3, take a short journey to Nuremberg, which brings you back into medieval times. Your very first stop should be Nuremberg Castle, standing atop a hill over the city.
The views from there are truly astonishing, and the gardens surrounding the castle are fantastic for a soothing stroll.
Another darker history Nuremberg also possesses, apart from the lighter aspects, is its connection with the darkest hours of human history.
Visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Documentation Center, which tell you much about Nazi Germany. As informative as the exhibits here are, they also cast a somber light upon World War II.
In the evening go over to Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square) to enjoy some of the real Nuremberg sausages on one of the outdoor stalls. Make sure also to buy gingerbread, for which Nuremberg is also famous – a nice way to end your day.
Day 4: Heidelberg – The Romantic Heart of Germany
Visit Heidelberg on Day 4, one of Germany’s most romantic cities. The train from Nuremberg takes about 2.5 hours to get you there. Start the day by visiting Heidelberg Castle, the famous castle above the city.
The castle ruins offer a pretty sight and, at the same time, give one of the best panoramic views of Heidelberg and the Neckar River below.
From there head out to Old Town, Altstadt in German. Walk down one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, Hauptstrasse.
Here, you take time off to grab a coffee at one of the cafes, do shopping, or even order lunch at some restaurants.
View the old stone bridge, Alte Brücke, with its panoramic view over the Neckar River. If you’re in the mood for a hike, take the Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Way) trail to fabulous views of the city and the castle.
Day 5: Frankfurt – Modern with Historic Flair
Finally, culminate your 5 days in Germany in Frankfurt, that is, a modern city with a fantastic mix of old and new.
Start your day by going to Römerberg, Frankfurt’s heart of history or rather a medieval square originally constituted by wholly half-timbered houses and also a seat of Römer, that is, town hall.
Roam around the square, then go to St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, that is, from the Gothic masterpiece of architecture.
For a tour of the Main Tower-if you happen to be an architecture enthusiast-this could be a tour to take. This is a 56-story skyscraper that offers excellent panoramic views of Frankfurt’s skyline.
You may also drop by the Goethe House where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany’s greatest writers, once called home.
End your tour by strolling along the Main River or take a boat tour of the city from a different perspective. Also, on your way out, be sure to visit an old Apfelwein, or apple cider tavern to sample the local specialty drink.
Alternative Itineraries Depending on Your Time
If you have more or less time, these variations of this itinerary will work well for you:
- Germany Itinerary 7 Days: With two extra days, you could visit Munich or the Black Forest, or spend more time visiting some of the castles in the Rhine Valley.
- Germany Itinerary 10 Days: You could spend a few more days in Hamburg or Cologne, or take a day to see some of the out-of-the-way villages, mountains, and small towns, like the Harz Mountains and Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Germany Itinerary for 4 days: Dwindle to one or two towns and keep the essentials such as Berlin and Frankfurt
- Germany Itinerary for 3 days: Reduce to Berlin and another nearby town such as Potsdam for a busier version of this Germany itinerary
Germany Travel Tips
- 7 Day Germany Itinerary by Train: The rail network in Germany is very efficient and will make traveling between cities not a hassle. You can save money by buying a Eurail Pass or a German Rail Pass in case you would be taking multiple train rides.
- Rick Steves Germany itinerary: If you want to explore the German cities in more detail, Rick Steves has a solid guide that is of use for the history enthusiast as well as those looking for great sightseeing spots.
- Germany Itinerary 14 Days: With two weeks, you would make the most out of this type of experience. Spend some time south of the Bavarian Alps. Additionally, also visit the famous city called Munich, and of course, Storybook Neuschwanstein Castle.
Conclusion
5 days in Germany itinerary is just the perfect for travelers to experience a mix of history, culture, and beautiful scenery. Be it the streets of Berlin, alive with their upbeat atmosphere or the medieval charm of Nuremberg, this itinerary makes sure you get the best out of your vacation.
And if you want an extended adventure, adding a longer journey like a 7-day Germany itinerary, 10-day Germany itinerary, etc., is a piece of cake. All that’s left is to pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable German adventure!
