16 reasons NOT to visit Germany
Germany. It’s my #1 favorite destination on planet earth! It’s where I spent my formative years, and it calls me back over and over again. But is Germany for everyone? Maybe not! Let’s talk about reasons not to visit Germany.
In this article you’ll find 16 reasons why you might want to think twice before booking that flight.
Here are the top reasons why tourists should avoid Germany, and why it may not be for you.
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Table of Contents
1. You don’t like castles.
With over 20,000 castles in Germany, you might suffer from “castle fatigue” or “castle overload.” Just how many fairy-tale palaces can one person handle? Now I’m kind of a castle junkie. If there’s one in the area, it’s probably on my itinerary! It’s a bit bewildering to me that someone might not be interested but to each their own!
The fix, there are hundreds of thousands of other wonderful things to see and do in Germany without having to step through the threshold of a single castle door!
More Funny Germany Memes
I’ve got an entire article with funny things about Germany that might just give you a laugh or two!
2. You find yourself being late a lot
Germans are famously punctual. If you’re late, expect some serious side-eye and a scolding or two isn’t out of the question! Interestingly enough, the German rail services do an abysmal job of upholding this standard! Expect delays and cancellations, which very well may make you quite LATE.
What Not To Do in Germany
Check out this list of Rooking Mistakes People Make when traveling to Germany.
3. You aren’t environmentally conscious
Germans are very environmentally conscious and when you visit, you should be too! Get on board with using their efficient recycling system, when you leave your room be sure to turn off the lights and/or the heating/air, and make your shower on the shorter, rather than the longer, side. If you choose to rent a car and would like an environmentally friendly option, you’ll find plenty of electric car rentals, and plenty of charging stations around the country too.
4. You’re a rule breaker
Germans value rules and order, which might feel a bit rigid for some free spirits. Germans adhere to strict rules and regulations and as a visitor they’ll expect you to adhere to those rules and regulations too! It’s a funny thing but I grew up in Germany AND in the military. Both the military and Germany really don’t give you much of a choice when it comes to obeying rules, either obey them or suffer the consequences.
PLEASE do not go to another country and ignore their rules. If you can’t obey the rules in Germany, then please stay home. Germany may not be the right destination for you.
What should I definitely not do in Germany to avoid getting into trouble? Some of the biggest ones for travelers to note are, make sure you pay for parking when required, do not jaywalk, do not try to ride the train for free, and when it comes to speeding, well meet the traffic cameras. You’ll find them mounted on posts all over the place. And don’t even think about being loud during quiet times (Ruhezeit)!
Breaking these rules may mean that you may be subject to fines or worse, and at the very least you may lose favor with those stringent Germans!
5. You don’t speak German
While many Germans speak English, navigating rural areas or interacting with older generations might be challenging for non-German speakers. While cities often have English translations and signs, many places still use only German, which can be intimidating for some.
The fix, stay in popular tourist destinations and hot spots where most workers speak English! Alternatively, you could learn to use your Google Translate to travel like a pro!
That being said, some people just can’t be bothered with any sort of language barrier. If you are one of these people, then Germany, where the official language is German or Deutsch, may not be for you.
Learn a Language for Travel
Check out my article on how to learn a language for travel. If nothing else, try and learn the basics like “hello” “goodbye” “please” and “thank you.”
6. You are a bit of a cheapskate
Major Cities like Munich, Cologne, Dresden, and Berlin can be expensive, especially for accommodation and dining. The fix, explore the smaller towns and rural areas of Germany where prices tend to be lower. I have a complete guide on how to travel Germany on a budget, and find out what you can buy in Germany Cheap!
7. You avoid crowds
Some of Germany’s most popular attractions like Neuschwanstein Castle and most popular festivals like Oktoberfest and the German Christmas Markets, and most popular villages like Rothenburg can be terribly crowded. I don’t know about you, but for me this really puts a damper on the experience.
I tend to avoid crowds at all costs, but some things are simply worth fighting the crowds for. The fix, the most tried and true crowd beating tips include
- arriving early or late in the day
- choosing to visit on weekdays rather than weekends
- visiting in the off season or shoulder seasons.
It also helps me to get into that head space before I head out. I know it will be crowded, but I am determined to enjoy myself regardless. Another option, explore some of Germany’s hidden gems!
8. You’re looking for all out Fahrvergnügen on the German autobahn
If you’ve never been on the German autobahn, you may have dreams of speeding down the autobahn at dizzying speeds. I’m here to put a damper on that dream.
While there are indeed sections of the autobahn that have speed limits, many parts actually do have posted speed limits. And then there’s the traffic and construction… My experiences with driving on the autobahn have definitely resembled this later scenario.
My husband usually sits in the passenger seat and sleeps. I once asked him why he was always asleep and he said it felt like he was in a rocking boat with me weaving in and out of traffic, so much traffic. Then there’s the seemingly nonstop construction. Mind you, the roads are in impressive condition but there’s just so much construction! It may just have you going from 100 mph to a complete stand still! OVER and OVER and OVER again!
The lack of a speed limit on certain stretches of the Autobahn can be intimidating for drivers.
This was me at one time. I was a wreck thinking about having to drive on the autobahn and intended to avoid it at all costs. Well, my GPS had other ideas in mind and shot me right out onto the autobahn as I left the airport in Frankfurt. Guess what? It was fine, not scary at all. It was no different than driving on any freeway, interstate, or motorway.
9. You expect snappy service
Service in Germany is professional but not particularly friendly by some tourists’ standards. Don’t expect much small talk or pampering in restaurants or shops. Servers in restaurants aren’t ignoring you. It’s just considered impolite for them to “bug” you about paying your bill.
The fix, carve out time in your schedule for leisurely dinners. Sit back, relax, and savor Germany’s amazing food! And when you’re ready to pay, expect to politely wave down your server and ask for your bill.
10. You’re looking for unending sunny days
If you’re looking for unending sunny days, head for the Caribbean. While rain and cloudy days aren’t as bad as in say the UK, Germany isn’t the sunniest place on earth either.
Especially in the fall and winter, the weather can be gray, rainy, and chilly — not ideal for travelers looking for sunny vacations. The fix, consider a visit in spring or summer when there’s more of a chance of sun.
11. You have an aversion to cigarette smoke
While the inside most buildings are smoke free, smoking is still common in outdoor restaurants, beer gardens, and public areas, which might be a turn-off for non-smokers. Ahhh, I must admit, it is kind of disappointing when you find the perfect little street side cafe only to find that you’ll have to share it with the smoking crowd.
If you just can’t tolerate it, you’ll unfortunately just have to eat inside where smoking is prohibited. (Surprisingly, this is a common situation in Europe. I’ve experienced this issue in France, Austria, Slovenia, it’s just common to allow smoking on patios)
12. You’re sensitive to reminders of World War II
For some, Germany’s complex and dark history—especially around World War II—can feel heavy or emotionally intense to confront during a holiday. I am one of those people. There are many memorials and reminders in Germany of this dark time in history. The fix, I tend to avoid these, otherwise they are likely to stick with me the remainder of the day.
13. You’re from the southern or midwestern region of the US 😂
Why you ask? People from these regions of the United States are notoriously friendly. People often greet one another with big smiles, drivers wave as they pass one another on the road, and cashiers and waitresses greet customers with a big hello. I’m here to tell you, this isn’t the case in Germany.
Germans are more reserved, and many people wrongfully think they are rude or cold. That’s not the case, it’s just how they are. Learn to love them anyway!
If it helps, I can tell you that I rode the train in once from a neighboring country and felt so welcomed in Germany. I won’t put anyone on blast but believe me, German’s definitely aren’t the rudest Europeans. 😂
14. You can’t get in legally
Not everyone can legally enter Germany without some sort of prior authorization. The best way to determine if you are eligible is to check your country’s official government website. If you are a US citizen, check the Department of State.
15. You have safety concerns
You may have safety concerns about traveling to Germany. Is it safe? Should I bring my family? Overall, I feel very safe traveling in Germany, even as a single female traveling alone (take customary precautions.)
You can get more information from your government website, who are likely to issue travel warnings, or simply check the US Department of State website to assess current risk potential in Germany.
Take these warnings with a grain of salt. For instance, if you are from the United States you should be aware that the US is often listed as “increased risk for travel” from countries around the world.
16. You’re ultra conservative
If you’re ultra conservative and have trouble “looking the other way” then Germany may not be the destination for you. Like most of Europe, Germany can be very liberal.
In many of the larger towns, you’ll find a red light district, you may see nudity at the beach, the pool, or at the magazine stand, and I’ve actually sat next to a person who lit up a little hash right in the bar we were sitting in.
Conclusion
Germany is one of the most beautiful and wonderful places to visit in the entire world. Even so, not every destination fits every traveler, and maybe there are some who in all seriousness should not see Germany!
Most of these “roadblocks” can be overcome, but in the end, only you can determine if Germany is the right destination for you. I hope I’ve given you some things to think about before you plan your first trip to Deutschland!
Reasons Not to Visit Germany FAQ
Answeres to your Frequently Asked Questions!
Why should I never visit Germany?
Reasons why you should never visit Germany include: you aren’t legally eligible to enter, or that you can’t obey Germany’s laws and regulations.
What are the disadvantages of visiting Germany?
Honestly, I don’t believe there are any legitimate disadvantages of visiting Germany. As you can see from this article, if you are flexible you should be able to overcome any reasons why you may not want to visit this wonderful country.
Why do foreigners not want to go to Germany again after visiting once?
Honestly, I think I’ve only ever spoken to one person that didn’t like Germany and didn’t care to go back. It was my aunt who lived there and my guess is that she spent more time on a depressing military installation instead of exploring the amazing German towns and villages.
As an American visiting Germany what should I not do?
One complaint that I hear over and over in international travel discussions is that Americans are loud. Try to tone it down a few decibels. Learn to say please and thank you, don’t be demanding, and don’t break any rules. You should be fine!
Headed to Germany? Don’t miss these articles!
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