Book cheap flights to Germany

The best time to visit Germany is between May and September, when the weather is at its finest and the country’s outdoor attractions, beer gardens and festivals are in full swing. If you don’t mind crowded attractions, book flights and accommodation well in advance. A highlight of late summer is Oktoberfest, Munich’s legendary beer festival, which typically runs from mid-September to the first weekend of October — one of the largest folk festivals in the world and a bucket-list experience for South African travellers. Between May and September, the Rhine in Flames (Rhein in Flammen) festival series lights up the Rhine Valley on five separate dates with spectacular fireworks displays over the river. Prefer to beat the crowds? Visit during spring (March to May) or autumn (late October to November). The weather can be cool but hotel rates drop and tourist volumes thin out considerably. Major spring events include Maifest celebrations across the country in May. Germany’s Christmas markets (late November to December) are world-famous and well worth a winter visit — Nuremberg, Cologne and Rothenburg ob der Tauber host some of the most spectacular. For the cheapest flights to Germany from South Africa, consider travelling between November and February, excluding the Christmas and New Year period.

South African passport holders require a Schengen visa to visit Germany. A Schengen visa grants access to all Schengen Area countries, making it ideal if you plan to combine Germany with neighbouring destinations such as Austria, Switzerland or the Netherlands.

Applications can be submitted at the German Visa Application Centres in Pretoria (phone: 27 12 427 8900) and Cape Town (phone: 27 21 405 3000). Required documentation includes confirmed flight bookings, proof of accommodation, travel insurance and recent bank statements.

Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, contain at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. Apply well in advance, as processing times may vary.

The South African Embassy is located in Berlin.

Address: Tiergartenstrasse 18, 10785 Berlin, Germany

Phone: 49 30 22073 0

Email: berlin.info@dirco.gov.za

Make sure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Germany. Depending on your itinerary, vaccinations for the following may also be advisable:

• Hepatitis A — transmitted through contaminated food and water

• Hepatitis B — transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated needles and blood products

• Rabies — transmitted through bites from infected bats, dogs and other mammals

Germany is a very safe destination for South African travellers. Violent crime is rare; however, petty theft and pickpocketing are concerns in busy tourist areas and on public transport in cities like Berlin, Munich and Cologne. Keep valuables secure and out of sight, and be alert to distraction techniques used by opportunistic thieves.

Berlin and Hamburg occasionally experience protests around 1 May (International Workers’ Day). While most demonstrations are peaceful, it is advisable to avoid large gatherings and monitor local news during this period.

Avoid walking alone through unlit parks after dark, and you will have a thoroughly safe and enjoyable trip to Germany.

Accommodation in Germany spans the full spectrum — from budget hostels and cosy family-run guesthouses to boutique design hotels and grand five-star landmarks, with options to suit every traveller and budget.

In Berlin, Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg are popular areas for mid-range hotels and trendy boutique stays, while Charlottenburg offers more upscale options close to the Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard. Budget travellers are well served by the city’s excellent hostel scene. In Munich, staying near Marienplatz or the English Garden puts you within easy reach of the city’s best attractions. During Oktoberfest, book well in advance as accommodation fills up months ahead.

For a more characterful experience, consider staying in a traditional Gasthof (inn) in the Bavarian countryside, a boutique hotel in Hamburg’s HafenCity waterfront district, or a vineyard guesthouse along the romantic Rhine Valley.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Germany at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Germany has one of the best public transport networks in the world, making it easy and enjoyable to get around — whether you’re hopping between cities or exploring the countryside.

The Deutsche Bahn (DB) rail network is the backbone of intercity travel. High-speed ICE trains connect major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Cologne at speeds of up to 300km/h, making train travel between cities fast and scenic. Book tickets in advance online for the best fares.

Within cities, U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (suburban rail), trams and buses are efficient, affordable and easy to navigate. Day tickets and weekly passes offer excellent value for frequent travellers. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and FREE NOW are readily available across major cities.

For those wanting to explore Germany at their own pace — particularly the scenic Black Forest, Bavarian Alps, Rhine Valley or the famous Romantic Road — a hire car is the ideal option. Germany’s motorway network (the Autobahn) is extensive, well-maintained and — famously — has no general speed limit on many sections. It is one of the great road trip destinations in Europe.

Planning a self-drive adventure through Germany? Search, compare and book a car hire in Germany at Travelstart and find the best rate for your trip.