Now's the time to plan a trip to Germany

Matador's Ultimate Guide to Germany                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Matador's Ultimate Guide to Germany Hi , From the gothic, artistic city of Berlin to the charming, storybook villages of Bavaria, the underrated wine regions of Franconia, and the magical Christmas markets scattered across the country from late November through December, Germany offers so much when it comes to a European holiday experience — and I finally got a taste of it. Two years ago, I spent two weeks driving around Germany with my partner in December to experience our first European Christmas markets. We started in Wiesbaden, journeyed south through parts of the Black Forest to Austria (visiting Innsbruck and Salzburg), then made our way back up through Munich and Bavaria, returning to Frankfurt via the Romantic Road. Each night, wandering through the cities and small villages became a meditative ritual as we searched for lebkuchen, glühwein, and, of course, some form of bread with bratwurst among the festive booths filled with colorful holiday trinkets. Some of my favorite spots included Rüdesheim am Rhein, where we watched local schoolchildren decorate the Christmas market tree with handmade ornaments; Nuremberg, with its rich history and charming rebuilt old town; and Würzburg, where we strolled cobblestone streets, enjoying the vibrant college town energy, delicious food, and incredible local artists. With Oktoberfest starting on September 21, now’s the time to plan your fall or winter trip to Germany. Our editorial team’s guides below can help get you started. Want more personal recommendations? Email me with your questions at kelsey@matadornetwork.com. Happy travels, Kelsey Wilking Your dedicated newsletter nerd [EXPLORE GERMANY]( Before You Go: What to Pack for a Week in Northern Germany Our deputy editor, Morgane Croissant, spent a week traveling in Northern Germany and discovered which of the (many) items she packed were truly essential. [PACK THIS]( Get Inspired [Neuschwanstein Castle]( Plan Your Trip to Germany With This Interactive Travel Guide Choose one of these 8 routes (with 30 stops), and you'll be off exploring a thousand years of architecture; diving into the world of clockmaking; savoring asparagus or tasting wine; discovering ancient volcanoes and forests; or even journeying through routes dedicated entirely to fairytale castles and remnants of Roman influence. [READ MORE]( [Schwerin Castle]( This German State Has All the Castles, Lakes, and Classic Restaurants You Could Ask For Germany is more than just dirndl dresses, no-speed-limit highways, and copious amounts of beer. While southern Germany's larger cities are the most popular with tourists, there's plenty of reason to head north for your next vacation, particularly to the northern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. [READ MORE]( [Baden-Baden]( Baden-Baden Is the Best Spa Town in Germany Baden-Baden is renowned for its thermal baths and serene location at the edge of the Black Forest. Its spas made it a popular health and wellness retreat in the 19th century, and that tradition continues to thrive today. [READ MORE]( [Würzburg]( Travel Guide to Germany’s Historic Cities When it comes to history, few places weave a story as rich and complex as Germany. Roman, Celtic, French, Prussian, and countless other influences converged here, with many dating back over a thousand years. [READ MORE]( [Franconia wine]( You Know Bavaria for Beer, but You Should Be Going for the Wine, Too Unlike the rest of Bavaria, Franconians favor vineyards over beer gardens. Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner, and Bacchus are the primary grape varieties cultivated in the region. [READ MORE]( [Heligoland]( 6 Gorgeous German Islands That Are Worth Visiting Germany’s islands are among the country’s most underrated destinations. With coastlines along both the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, these offshore locations offer a unique perspective of Germany and the opportunity to explore some of its lesser-visited landscapes. [READ MORE]( [Bremen]( Bremen Is the Perfect Jumping Off Point to Explore Northern Germany Trips to Germany often spotlight the country’s beer, art, and Gothic history. While cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are popular destinations for experiencing these cultural highlights, a journey farther north to Bremen offers an entirely new perspective. Here’s what to do there. [READ MORE]( [Christmas Markets]( 15 European Christmas Markets You Need To Go To This Year There’s nothing that gets you in the holiday spirit more than walking through a Christmas market in Europe. [READ MORE]( Nature + Adventure [Bavarian Forest]( A Complete Guide to Visiting Germany's Bavarian Forest Spanning over 1,300 square miles, this lush forest is filled with towering trees, breathtaking mountain views, hidden waterfalls, and densely wooded trails that make you feel like you've stepped into the Germany from Grimm Brothers’ fairytales. [READ MORE]( [Rugen Island]( This Lesser-Known Region of Germany Is Home to a Dreamy Island Germany’s islands are among the country’s most underrated destinations. With coastlines along both the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, these offshore locations offer a unique perspective of Germany and the opportunity to explore some of its lesser-visited landscapes. [READ MORE]( [Saxon Switzerland National Park]( Guide to Hiking Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany You’d be forgiven if you thought it was in Switzerland, but you’ll actually find this forested, rocky wonderland in eastern Germany on the border with the Czech Republic. The park’s 36 square miles of land still feel relatively undiscovered by tourists. [READ MORE]( Food + Culture [beer and pretzels]( Soak Up Stunning Views, Booze, and Brats on the Bavarian Gourmet Trail Regardless of the season, you can embark on a culinary adventure, sampling cheese, wine, sausages, pretzels, and desserts—perfect for anyone who appreciates good food, along with fine beer and wine. [READ MORE]( [Berlin]( The 7 Best Historical, Artsy, and Quirky Museums in Berlin Berlin is a popular tourist destination, and its top museums showcase the city’s rich history alongside its vibrant and creative contemporary culture. [READ MORE]( [sausages]( 7 of the Best Traditional and Modern Munich Restaurants In Munich, you’ll find plenty of beer halls and places that feel like Oktoberfest 24/7. But you’ll also discover airy, bright garden cafés, several classic American burger joints, and a wide range of great options beyond sausages and schnitzel. [READ MORE]( [Rothenburg ob der Tauber]( German Wine: 5 Travel Itineraries for Sampling the Country's Best To celebrate Germany’s long, long love affair with the wine grape — German viticulture goes back some 2,000 years, and there are now 13 distinct wine regions — five wine routes have been designated across the country. 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