COVID Travel Restrictions: Germany | Travel DW

Entrance regulations

As a general rule, anyone arriving in Germany – whether by plane, car, train or boat – must present either a negative test result, proof of vaccination or documents proving their recovery from COVID-19.

Main article: What are the COVID entry rules for travelers to European countries?

COVID rules for everyday life

Although the number of cases remains high, most hygiene and social distancing rules have been lifted. However, masks must always be worn on public transport, in hospitals and nursing homes.

Individual federal states may decide to extend the measures. As such, please familiarize yourself with the respective region of Germany you are visiting.

More information here

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Do not miss: The Berlin Wall

Be sure to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, a 1.4 kilometer long (0.86 mile) strip between what was once East Berlin and West Berlin. And don’t forget to visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a 19,000 square meter site covered in more than 2,000 concrete blocks arranged in a grid pattern. An underground museum lists the names of millions of Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Must-see museum: The Humboldt Forum

Berlin’s Humboldt Forum is definitely worth a visit. The building is a reconstruction of the old baroque palace in Berlin, but with a decidedly modern interior. Thousands of ethnological artifacts are exhibited here. The Jewish Museum Berlin is another must-see, showcasing the history of Jews in Germany from the Middle Ages to the present day. Don’t miss a visit to the newly rebuilt synagogue.

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Don’t miss Museum Island and Unter den Linden

Don’t forget to visit Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the River Spree. Here you will find several world-class art, history and ethnography museums, including the brand new James Simon Gallery. Also consider strolling along nearby Unter den Linden boulevard, past the German Historical Museum and Humboldt University to the famous Brandenburg Gate.

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Visit Berlin’s oldest district

Would you like to know more about the history of Berlin? Next, explore the charming Nikolai Quarter in Berlin’s Mitte district. Merchants and traders began settling in this small riverside neighborhood in the Middle Ages. Two cities – Berlin and Cölln – emerged and eventually joined to become what is now Berlin.

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Explore green spaces

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin, consider flying to Tempelhof Field, a now defunct city airport. The vast space is perfect for jogging, long walks and cycling. Nature lovers will also enjoy Tiergarten, a lush, well-maintained park in central Berlin modeled after an English garden. Covering an area of over two square kilometres, it’s big enough to get lost in.

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Berlin offers a wide culinary variety

Foodies should definitely visit Berlin’s lively Kreuzberg district, where an abundance of restaurants and indoor and outdoor markets can be found, including the Marheineke market (pictured). For a taste of typical Berlin fast food inspired by Turkish cuisine, treat yourself to a doner kebab. Also be sure to sample Berlin’s famous currywurst.

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Best place to enjoy music: Mauerpark

It’s common to find musicians playing at Mauerpark, a narrow park in Berlin’s northern Prenzlauer Berg district, which also houses a Sunday flea market. Donate money if you enjoy music. For a truly unique experience, visit Berlin’s Funkhaus Concert Hall, a former East German broadcast center from the 1950s. Silent Green, a crematorium turned concert hall, is also worth a visit.

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Best views of Berlin

The seat of Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, has a publicly accessible glass dome on its roof, offering stunning views of the city center; free entry. The surrounding area also includes many elegant government buildings, such as the German Chancellery. Other great views can be enjoyed from Berlin’s 19th century Victory Column and the famous 368 meter high TV Tower.

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Must-see neighborhoods

Berlin has a variety of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character. Charlottenburg is sophisticated and chic, Kreuzberg and Neukölln are dynamic and multicultural. In Mitte (photo) you will find the major sights and museums. If you really want to experience the different neighborhoods, it’s best to wander the streets, people watch and make your way through the many bars and cafes.

Iconic European cities: Berlin

Insider tip to avoid the crowds

Do you feel fearless? Head to Natur-Park Südgelände, a former marshalling yard transformed into a nature reserve. In the middle of lush and wild vegetation, you will find railway infrastructures and artistic installations. Want to exercise? Hire a bike and cycle along the Berlin Wall Trail, which follows the route of the former East German border surrounding West Berlin.

Author: Benjamin Restlé