By air: Most large and many smaller German cities have their own airports and numerous carriers operate domestic flights within Germany. Lufthansa, of course, has the most dense route network. Other airlines offering domestic flights include Air Berlin, Cirrus Air and Germanwings.

Unless you’re flying from one end of the country to the other, say Berlin to Munich or Hamburg to Munich, planes are only marginally quicker than trains if you factor in the time it takes to get to and from the airports. Even the big carriers often have some very attractive fares, finally making domestic air travel a viable option

By rail: The train system in Germany (Deutsche Bahn, DB) is reliable and efficient. Getting around and away to the neighboring countries is very convenient. The extensive rail network extends into almost all of Europe. Special offers are also available, including the Weekend Ticket (Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket) which offers cheap traveling for up to 5 people on a weekend.

By road: Traffic drives on the right. No tolls are charged on any public roads. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers and there’s a €30 fine if you get caught not wearing one. If you’re in an accident, not wearing a seatbelt may invalidate your insurance. Parking in city centres is usually limited to lots and garages charging between €0.50 and €2 per hour. Many cities have electronic parking guidance systems directing you to the nearest garage and indicating the number of available spaces. Street parking usually works on the pay-and-display system and tends to be short-term (one or two hours) only. For long-term and overnight parking, consider leaving your car outside the centre in a Park & Ride (P+R) lot, which are free or low-cost.

Buses: Basically, wherever there is a train, take it. Buses are generally much slower and less dependable, but in some rural areas they may be your only option for getting around without your own vehicle. This is especially true of the Harz Mountains, sections of the Bavarian Forest and the Alpine foothills. Separate bus companies operate in the different regions, each with their own tariffs and schedules.

The frequency of service varies from ‘rarely’ to ‘constantly’. Commuter-geared routes offer limited or no service in the evenings and at weekends. If you depend on buses to get around, always keep this in mind or risk finding yourself stuck in a remote place on a Saturday night

Car-hire: All major international car-rental companies maintain branches at airports and major train stations, and in towns. Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz

Public Transport : Upon matriculation, most exchange students will receive a “Semester Ticket” which allows them to travel on the trains and buses to school. Many students prefer to cycle to school and in the vicinity, which can be convenient and offers a taste of the local student life. Bicycle theft can be a problem, however.

Some recommended dishes:

• Pretzels (German Snack)
• Bratwurst (German sausage)
• Königsberger Klopse (meatballs)
• Sauerbraten (Beef pot roas)
• Pfannkuchen (German pancake)

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Romantic Road
• Lake Constance
• Potsdamer Platz
• Renaissance World of Discovery
• Semper Opera House
• Zoological Gardens in Berlin
• Pergamom Museum
• Brandenburg Gate
• Under the Lime Trees Avenue

• German embassy
• Tourist guide
• Lonely Planet Germany