Compare Car Hire in Germany

• Birthplace of Einstein, the bratwurst and gummy bears, Germany is a country of invention and discovery. With around 230,000 kilometres of roads, ranging from motorway (autobahn) to national and regional roads, you can explore all it has to offer easily and efficiently.

• From fairy-tale castles to majestic mountains, there is a romance to the scenery of Germany, and the country boasts some spectacular road journeys. One of the most beautiful routes is the Alpine Road from Lake Constance to Lake Königssee. Don't get lost! Be sure to add a sat-nav to your car hire booking.

• Although there is no universal speed limit on many German roads, it's important to understand this does not apply to all roads, even all motorways/autobahns. Cars travelling on motorways and dual carriageways shouldn't exceed the recommended 130 km/h. This reduces to 100 km/h on other roads outside of built-up areas. There is a limit of 50 km/h for built-up areas. Remember this is only a rough guide — it's important to take notice of relevant signage as you drive.

• UK driving licences are currently accepted for visitors driving in Germany, so a full valid licence from home is all most drivers will need.

Guide to Germany

Geography

Germany sits at the heart of Central Europe, bordered by nine countries including France, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands, with coastlines on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Its landscape ranges from the flat northern lowlands to the rolling hills of central Germany and the dramatic Bavarian Alps in the south, with the Rhine, Danube and Elbe among its major rivers.

Climate

Germany has a temperate seasonal climate, with warm summers and cold winters that bring snow to much of the country, particularly in the south and in upland areas. Spring and autumn are generally mild, making them popular times for road trips and sightseeing before the summer crowds arrive.

Culture

Germany's cultural footprint spans classical music, philosophy and engineering, home to figures like Beethoven, Goethe and Einstein. Regional identity runs deep, from Bavaria's beer halls and Oktoberfest traditions to the Rhineland's carnival season, and the country's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect centuries of architectural and artistic history.

Things to Do in Germany

• Brandenburg Gate, Berlin: This 18th-century neoclassical monument is one of Germany's most recognisable landmarks and a powerful symbol of the country's reunification. It sits at the heart of Berlin, within easy reach of the Reichstag, the Holocaust Memorial, and the historic Unter den Linden boulevard.

• Neuschwanstein Castle: Perched on a hilltop in the Bavarian Alps, this fairy-tale castle commissioned by King Ludwig II is said to have inspired Disney's own castle designs. Guided tours take visitors through its opulent interiors, while the surrounding countryside offers some of Germany's finest hiking and photo opportunities.

• The Black Forest: This dense, mountainous forest region in the southwest is famous for its cuckoo clocks, cherry cake, and storybook villages. Having your own car is the best way to explore the winding roads, waterfalls, and spa towns like Baden-Baden scattered throughout the region.

• Cologne Cathedral: This towering Gothic cathedral took more than 600 years to complete and remains one of the tallest twin-spired churches in the world. Climb the south tower for panoramic views over the Rhine and the city of Cologne below.

Eating Out in Germany

German cuisine varies considerably by region, but hearty, comforting dishes are a common thread throughout the country. Bratwurst and other sausages are a national institution, often served with sauerkraut and a dollop of mustard, while pretzels, schnitzel and spätzle (a soft egg noodle popular in the south) are staples on menus nationwide. Beer culture runs deep here too — Germany has over a thousand breweries, and regional specialities like Bavarian weissbier and Cologne's kölsch are well worth seeking out. For something sweet, Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) takes its name from the region it hails from, layering chocolate sponge, cherries and cream.

Germany Transport

Airport

Germany is served by a number of major international airports, with Frankfurt Airport (FRA) the busiest and best connected, alongside large hubs in Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. Most major cities have their own airport, making it easy to pick up a hire car close to wherever your trip begins.

Getting Around Germany

Germany's extensive road network, including its famous autobahn system, makes self-drive travel fast and convenient, and having a car gives you the flexibility to explore smaller towns and countryside that aren't always well served by public transport. Deutsche Bahn operates an extensive and efficient rail network connecting major cities for those who prefer not to drive, but for exploring regions like the Black Forest, Bavaria, or the Romantic Road at your own pace, a hire car is hard to beat.