German Car Rental

 

Known for beer, pork knuckles and punctual efficiency, Germany boasts roads that are a car enthusiast's dreams come true. The famous Autobahn is prime terrain for putting the pedal to the metal and safety standards are among the highest in the world. From the capital Berlin to Hamburg in the north and Munich in the south, Germany offers plenty of sights away from the big cities.

Berlin is the old and new capital, famous for its historic landmarks and lively nightlife. The former eastern part of the city is slowly merging with the more developed western part, both home to varied cultures and ethnicities. The many lakes and forests on the outskirts can easily be reached by car, while touring the hinterland lets you explore first-hand areas formerly under communist control.

Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city and an important trading port, offering plenty of cultural attractions to match its natural setting by the Elbe River. From here, it's easy to explore northern Germany by car, with the Autobahn shortening distances considerably.

The historic port city of Bremen is home to fine hanseatic architecture and Lubeck is famous for its Old Town and lebkuchen (spice cake). The Christmas Market here is also a long-standing favourite for avid shoppers. The beaches on the northern shore facing the Baltic Sea are well visited in summer, but late autumn is still a good time to cuddle up in a strandkorb, or beach basket, sheltering you from the cold winds.

Bypassing the industrial Ruhrgebiet region, southern Germany awaits with plenty of nature and gourmet food. The old spa town of Baden-Baden is popular with the jet-set and high rolling gamblers who flock to its historic casino. Cruising along the shores of the Bodensee Lake is a popular pastime in summer, and you can stop off frequently to take a dip in its inviting blue waters. Munich is best known for its Oktoberfest, but it's probably best to leave the car at your hotel if indulging in the liberal beer drinking rituals here.

If you want to see a different side of Germany, tour the former East Germany to get a glimpse of life under communist rule. However, nowadays you have to scratch the surface, as infrastructure and the attitudes of young people are quickly catching up with the west. Dresden is home to many historical ruins left over after WWII, while Leipzig features a highly regarded classical music scene as well as other cultural attractions.

Though public transport is generally good, driving a hire car will let you enjoy the pleasures of the highly developed road network and give you more flexibility in the countryside, where not many people speak English.