Who has been to Germany?

I was born in Germany, lived there until I moved to the US 4 years ago. Nice place you are going to. Bavaria is my favorite part of Germany. Lots of good foods to, watch out :laugh:. I am originally from Stuttgart. Try to go back at least once a year to see my family. And Salzburg is just lovely. There are lots of things to do in Munich. Dachau would not be on my list, I guess. There are plenty of nice lakes around Munich and Garmisch Partenkirchen is a nice city to vist. Check out the KOENIGSEE. It is beautiful..... ups, I could go on and on and on. ..... getting a little homesick. Sorry. Anyhow, enjoy your trip.

I've just returned after living near Munich (in Grafenwoehr) for almost four years. Germany is a great place to travel, in general, and we really enjoyed Munich, in particular. The Germans are a very polite, welcoming people, if not quite as outgoing as Americans, and as long as you are courteous (if you have an appointment, DON'T be late!), they'll be friendly, and you'll love your experience. IMHO, it is those tourists who pull the "ugly American" crap who have a terrible time in Germany.

Look for porcelain and/or crystal shops there for memorable souvenirs, and don't forget to pick up World Cup memorabilia (Bayern Munchen was in serious running last year to win it) too. German food is a lot like ours, it just has longer names (schnitzel is just a butterflied pork chop, usually fried). For German fast food, try a doner kebab. Though technically not German (it's Turkish), there are stands selling doners on every corner; they're a version of the Greek gyro, and they're delicious.

Be prepared to walk *A LOT*. Germans are a physically active people, so they tend to bike and walk more than we do, in general. They don't have the public smoking restrictions we've become accustomed to in the States, so heads up. There is also a fabulous public transportation system in Germany, so you should be able to find a bus and/or train to take you wherever you need to go. And German taxis tend to be Mercedes...and very clean

Feel free to add me, if you like, and just have a great time! Learn one or two phrases of German (at least enough to say, "I'm sorry, I don't speak German well.) and they'll be happy to help you along. Most Germans speak English, but they don't enjoy being imposed upon right off the bat to accommodate you (who can blame them?). You'll come home with unforgettable memories of Germany.

P.S. -- buy day passes for local transportation. It's cheaper and keeps your cash flow healthier. Be aware that plastic (debit or credit) isn't generally accepted in Europe (due to rampant identity theft), so keep Euro on hand.

P.S. again --- if you don't like liver, don't order anything with "leber" in the name.

We are a military family, and my son was based in Germany for a while. We visited and really enjoyed ourselves. The castle and cathedrals are amazing. Taking rails and buses are the way to tour. Having an English speaking tour guide will be a great benefit. Language can pose challenges. You will love it!

OMG, why'd you say "radler"? Now, I'm drooling! (I miss my Bavaria.)

We were able to use our debit card on the military post, in order to get Euros, but when we travelled, I made sure to have enough Euros with me, rather than relying on my debit card. You will find ATMs, too, especially in tourist areas, so it won't be a big problem to find Euros. But as far as using it at the point of sale, like we do here in the States, that probably won't be an option, nine times out of ten. It caught me by surprise on my first trip to the Rhine region.

Speaking of the Rhine, you've *got* to have some German wine.

My apologies for misunderstanding. I was excited for all the wrong reasons, it would appear There was a player from Weiden (just up the road from our post) playing that season, and I do remember all the parties, but apparently I completely missed the point. Oh, well.

I'm from Frankfurt, Hessia. It's not too bad here, you'll enjoy it.

I've been to Munich, Dachau and Salzburg. Salzburg is so beautiful, I loved it there. In regards to Dachau, I am also fascinated with WWII and could not pass up visiting such an important part of history when I was so close to it. Very moving. I was with a friend who spoke German so I let him do all the talking for me. You will have a fabulous time, I'm sure. Oh, I went back in 2001 but I took my debit card and whatever city I was in I withdrew money there (went to Paris as well). I wore a money belt and kept all my important stuff in there.