Germany itinerary 7 days: 7-Day Germany Travel Itinerary to Explore from North to South

Which city should you choose and where to visit when traveling to Germany for the first time? Find out about the 7-day Germany travel itinerary (Germany itinerary 7 days) designed specifically for the independent travel group!

Germany is always one of the most attractive European destinations with a perfect blend of history, nature and modern culture. Each place in Germany always has its own beauty such as the bustling cities of Berlin, Munich or the peaceful ancient villages along the Rhine River. If you are dreaming of fully exploring Germany, a 7-day itinerary from North to South will be a great suggestion.

So where to go, what to eat, what to experience to make the most of each day in this country? Let’s explore the detailed Germany travel itinerary with us below!

Germany itinerary 7 days — Day 1: Depart from Vietnam to Berlin – Brandenburg Gate – Berlin Wall

The first day of the trip to Germany begins from Vietnam with a flight to Berlin. You can choose Vietnam Airlines, Lufthansa or Qatar Airways depending on your schedule. Reference tickets from Hanoi to Berlin range from 13,351,000 VND (~450 EUR), and from Saigon around 14,920,000 VND (~505 EUR). After 12 – 15 hours of flight, you will land at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).

From the airport, you can take the S-Bahn train line S9, the ticket price is about 3.60 EUR (about 106,000 VND), it takes about 30 – 35 minutes to get to the center. Remember to buy the Berlin Welcome Card or EasyCityPass Berlin in advance to save money. Or if you want to travel more conveniently, you can take a taxi, use the airport shuttle service, or rent a car with a driver to go straight to the hotel.

After checking in to the hotel, you should take some time to rest to recover your energy after the long flight. You should also take advantage of this time to adjust to the time difference and get used to the new environment. At noon, try Zur letzten Instanz (Waisenstraße 14-16). This is the oldest restaurant in Berlin with authentic German dishes. A meal here usually costs around 20 – 30 EUR (591,000 – 886,500 VND) per person.

In the afternoon, start your journey to explore Berlin at Alexanderplatz square. This is where many famous buildings and bustling shopping areas converge, ideal for you to stroll and feel the rhythm of the city. From Alexanderplatz, you walk to the Brandenburg Gate, a historical symbol that cannot be missed in Berlin.

Continuing your journey, visit the East Side Gallery, which preserves the most vivid remaining part of the Berlin Wall. To get there, take the S-Bahn to Ostbahnhof station, then walk for about 5 minutes.

When it gets dark, end your first day in Berlin with a cozy dinner in the Prenzlauer Berg area. You should try Sasaya (Lychener Str. 50), a very popular Japanese restaurant, or consider other notable names such as Kanaan (Schliemannstraße 15), or Takumi Nine (Pappelallee 19).

Day 2: Discover Berlin’s Culture and History – Museum Island – Charlottenburg Palace

Your second day in Berlin is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s unique cultural and historical values. In the morning, start your journey at Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is home to five famous museums including Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode-Museum and Pergamon Museum
You should buy a Museum Island Ticket for 24 EUR (about 561,450 VND) to visit all the museums in a day. The museums are open from 10:00 to 18:00 and are closed on Mondays, so remember to arrange your time appropriately.

After exploring Museum Island, you continue to Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg), one of Berlin’s splendid and ancient palaces. This palace bears the mark of royal history, especially the baroque art gallery. To get here, you just need to take the S-Bahn train from Museum Island, which takes about 20 minutes. The entrance fee to the palace is 12 EUR (about 355,000 VND) for adults.

After a long day of exploring, the Schöneberg area is the ideal place to enjoy dinner. This area is famous for its rich cuisine, from traditional German dishes to international dishes. You can go to Brasserie Colette Tim Raue for dinner, stop by Sironi for a coffee, or “chill” at Sardinen Bar.

Day 3: Leipzig and Dresden – Ancient and Artistic City

Early in the morning, you depart from Berlin to Leipzig by train. The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from 20 – 40 EUR (about 591,000 – 1,182,000 VND), depending on the type of train and the time of booking.

Once in Leipzig, you will start to explore the historic city center. You should visit the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), which holds many interesting stories about the city. Then, visit the Thomaskirche Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach was the conductor. Both of these spots are located close to each other so you can easily walk around and visit them.

After a morning of exploring, enjoy lunch at Auerbachs Keller, a famous restaurant serving traditional German food, located right in the heart of Leipzig. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Dresden by train, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the same ticket price as the previous trip.

In Dresden, you will admire the impressive Baroque architecture. Don’t miss the Zwinger Palace, which has a beautiful museum. You should also visit the Frauenkirche Church, a work that was meticulously restored after the war. Finally, take some time to walk around the Semperoper Theater to feel the splendor of Dresden.

In the evening, you will take the night train from Dresden to Munich, departing from Dresden Hbf station and arriving in Munich Hbf the next morning. Train tickets range from 58 – 73 EUR (about 1,707,000 – 2,156,000 VND) depending on the type of seat or sleeper.

Day 4: Arrive in Munich: Enjoy German Beer Culture – Marienplatz – Munich Residence – Hofbräuhaus

On the 4th day of your journey to explore Germany, you will arrive in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, famous for its unique beer culture and impressive historical architecture. One of the first stops should be the central square Marienplatz. This place is not only an ideal meeting place in the heart of the city but also stands out with the new town hall and the famous Glockenspiel clock.

Then, from Marienplatz, you just need to walk a few minutes to the vibrant food market Viktualienmarkt. Here you can find all kinds of typical regional delicacies such as German sausages, cheese, Leberkäse sandwiches and fragrant baked potatoes.

In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the Munich Residence, the magnificent palace that was once the residence of the Bavarian kings. Here, you will admire the magnificent rooms, royal treasures and the beautiful Baroque Cuvilliés Theater. The main museum ticket costs 10 EUR (about 295,500 VND), while the all-inclusive ticket is 20 EUR (about 591,000 VND).

When night falls, don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Hofbräuhaus – Germany’s most famous traditional beer garden. The bustling atmosphere with folk music and specialties such as grilled pork knuckles or white sausages will help you end a full day with many memorable echoes.

Day 5: Munich: Admire Classical Architecture – English Garden – Nymphenburg Palace

The next day in Munich is the ideal time for you to relax and explore the city’s unique classical beauty. Early in the morning, stop by Café Frischhut on Prälat-Zistl-Straße 8 to sample a piping hot Schmalznudel, a traditional, rich fried pastry that is a local favourite.

Next, stroll through the old town to admire the impressive Baroque Asam Church. From Karlsplatz, walk along the bustling shopping street to the Frauenkirche, which features two distinctive twin towers and the legendary footprint of the devil in the church. If you like sightseeing, climb the south tower for a panoramic view of Munich from a height of 90 metres – an experience worth trying!

At lunch, refuel with a traditional meal at Andechser am Dom or Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl. Then, head to Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of the Bavarian royal family. The majestic building, lush green gardens and tranquil lake will leave you spellbound. The entrance fee to the castle is 10 EUR (about 295,500 VND), and you need to take the S-Bahn to Laim station, then catch a bus straight to the palace gate.

At the end of the day, visit the English Garden (Englischer Garten), one of the largest urban parks in the world. Here, you can take a relaxing walk or enjoy dinner at one of the famous beer halls such as Chinesischer Turm or Seehaus. The atmosphere here is very comfortable, the delicious food will give you a clear feeling of the typical German beer culture.

Day 6: Neuschwanstein Castle – A Fairy Tale in the Middle of Nature

If you are passionate about taking photos, or want to admire the fairy-tale castle scenery, then on the 6th day in Germany, don’t miss Neuschwanstein Castle. To get here, take the train from Munich to Füssen, with a travel time of about 2 hours. To save money for a whole day of traveling in Bavaria, you should buy a Bayern Ticket for 32 EUR (about 945,600 VND) for one person and 10 EUR (about 295,500 VND) for each accompanying person.

From Füssen station, you will take bus number 73 or 78 to Hohenschwangau village. To get to the castle, you need to walk about 30 – 40 minutes, take a horse-drawn carriage or shuttle bus (price 3 EUR/way up, 2 EUR/way down). Tickets to visit Neuschwanstein Castle currently cost 21 EUR (about 620,550 VND) and should be booked in advance to ensure a place to visit.

The castle is considered the “unfinished dream” of King Ludwig II, standing out among the green pine forests and majestic mountains. After visiting inside, don’t miss the Marienbrücke bridge, where you can get the best panoramic view of the castle. If you are in good health, continue walking along the trail behind the bridge to other quieter and more poetic viewing spots.

In the afternoon, if you have time, visit the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II spent his childhood. The castle is located not far from Neuschwanstein and has an entrance fee of 21 EUR. From here, you will see the poetic Alpsee Lake. At the end of the day, take a walk around the Alpsee Lake to enjoy the fresh air and peaceful natural scenery.

Day 7: Frankfurt – Financial and Shopping Center

On the last day of the 7-day, 6-night journey in Germany, you will visit Frankfurt – the most modern city and the leading financial center in Europe. From Munich, take the ICE high-speed train to Frankfurt Hauptbahnho central station, with a travel time of about 3 hours, ticket prices range from 40 to 70 EUR (about 1,182,000 – 2,068,500 VND).

Frankfurt is the most modern city in Germany, with the Main Tower building in the center with a 200-meter high observation deck. Standing on top of the building, you will see the entire skyline and the winding Main River below.

Leaving the Main Tower, you should visit Römerberg, the most beautiful ancient square in Frankfurt. This area is famous for its colorful half-timbered houses, which used to be the political and commercial center of the Middle Ages. The space here is very suitable for taking souvenir photos or enjoying coffee at a small roadside cafe.

Before going to the airport, you spend time shopping on Zeil Street – the most vibrant shopping area in Frankfurt. MyZeil shopping center impresses with its modern architecture and a series of famous brands. Many duty-free shops and weekend deals here will help you fill your suitcase. From the center, you take the S-Bahn train line S8 or S to Frankfurt airport to return to Vietnam.

The costs of 7-Day Independent Travel Itinerary in Germany

When planning a 7-day trip to Germany, knowing the costs is very important for you to prepare well. If it is your first time traveling to Germany, please refer to the cost table below to plan accordingly:

Cost category	Detail	Cost (EUR)
Visa Schengen	German tourist visa application fee	80 EUR
Travel utilities	Travel insurance, 4G SIM Europe	50 EUR
Round trip airfare	Round trip ticket Vietnam – Germany (average price)	700 EUR
Domestic travel	High-speed train tickets, public transport between cities	150 EUR
Accommodation (7 days 6 nights)	3 star hotel, central, basic amenities	600 EUR
Eat and drink	Eat 3 meals/day at local or budget restaurants	210 EUR
Admission tickets	Tickets to attractions like Neuschwanstein Castle, palaces, museums, etc.	100 EUR
Shopping	Souvenirs, cosmetics, local fashion	200 EUR
Estimated incidental costs	Taxi, tips, small extras outside the itinerary	100 EUR
Total		2.190 EUR

Tips for Independent Travel to Germany You Need to Know

If you are planning to explore beautiful Germany in your own way, careful preparation is indispensable. Below are useful tips to help you have a smooth and memorable independent trip.

• Use public transportation effectively: Germany has a developed public transportation system. Applications such as DB Navigator will help you easily move around the city and between cities.
• Use support applications: Download useful applications such as Google Maps, DB Navigator, FlixBus to support travel and information search.
• Bring cash: Many small shops and traditional restaurants do not accept cards. Always carry some cash to avoid inconvenience.
• Respect the rules and be punctual: Germans are very punctual and follow the rules. Be there a few minutes before departure and follow the rules in public places.
• Learn some basic German phrases: Although English is widely spoken, knowing some German phrases will help you communicate more easily.
• Always bring your passport: When traveling between cities, carry your passport to avoid trouble if checked.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Germany

Is it safe to travel to Germany on your own?

Yes, Germany is a safe country with a modern transport system and friendly people. However, you should be wary of pickpockets in crowded places and follow local regulations to make your trip smoother.

Should you rent a car in Germany?

If you want to explore the countryside or small cities, renting a car is a great option. However, please note that renting a car can incur high costs and must comply with Germany’s strict traffic laws.

Where to buy German train tickets?

You can buy train tickets at the stations through ticket counters, automatic ticket machines or online via the Klook website and app.

Should you go on a tour or travel to Germany on your own?

If this is your first time in Germany or you are not confident about the language and schedule, going on a tour will be more convenient. On the contrary, independent travel is suitable for you who want to be flexible and explore in your own way.

Is it more convenient to stay in a hotel or hostel in Germany?

If you prioritize privacy and convenience, a hotel is the right choice. However, if you want to save money and interact with other travelers, a hostel will be the ideal choice.

A 7-day itinerary to explore Germany will be the ideal choice for you who want to fully experience the beauty of this country on your first visit to Europe. From modern cities to impressive historical structures, each stop offers a new experience. Hopefully this article has helped you visualize your upcoming trip more clearly and easily plan to explore Germany to the fullest!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Munich you can refer to

• Munich Travel Card
• Munich City Pass
• City Tour Card Munich
• SEA LIFE Munich Admission Ticket
• Munich Classical Concert Ticket at Old Court Chapel with Optional Bavarian Dinner
• Neuschwanstein Castle Entry Ticket in Schwangau
• Munich Grand Circle Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
• Bavarian Beer Experience in Munich
• Discover Munich Walking Tour
• From Munich: Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castle Full-Day Trip
• Munich Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: 1-Day or 2-Day Ticket
• Munich: Third Reich & WWII Tour Walking Tour
• From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip
• Munich: Old Town & Viktualienmarkt City Walk in German
• Munich 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour
• From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Premium Tour
• From Munich: Rothenburg and Nördlinger Ries Day Trip by Bus
• From Munich: Salzburg, St. Wolfgang, and the Salzkammergut

Read more Munich travel guide here.