Things to know when driving Germany
This prosperous, diverse nation is a popular place to visit, so expect to find a very comprehensive and well-maintained road network wherever you are. And it means that hiring a car is a perfect way to get around.
Germany’s famous Autobahns are a swift, safe way of traveling across the country. Even in the remote rural and mountain areas, German roads are generally very meticulously maintained and well signed. You’ll also see that German drivers are usually well behaved and courteous. Most visitors find that driving in Germany can be a real pleasure.
You’ll notice that on maps and road signs German trunk roads have two names, like the north-south A7, which is also called the E45. The reason is because these roads cross into neighboring countries. The E-number is a Europe-wide designation, the A-number is just for Germany. The E45, for example, runs from Sweden to Italy. It can be useful to remember that the east-west roads have an even number, the north-south ones have an odd designation.
Its driving rules are very similar to the rest of Europe, with German traffic driving on the right and overtaking on the left. You’ll find that the maximum speed on motorways and dual carriageways is 80mph, although many Autobahn stretches famously have no limit at all. The speed limit is 62mph on smaller roads and 31mph in urban areas.
More About Traveling Germany
Germany may be known as the country of romantic castles, sausages, and picturesque towns but modern Germany offers so much more than the chocolate-box image. Expect to be surprised at every turn.
The capital attraction
Berlin is the capital and is a vibrant contemporary city to visit. You can see wonderfully restored national monuments, like the classic archway at the heart of the city: the Brandenburg Gate. Nearby is the Reichstag Parliament building where you can climb up to its glass dome for great views over Berlin.
It’s also fascinating to visit remnants of Berlin’s divided life during the Cold War. Experience the reality of the old Iron Curtain at Checkpoint Charlie, the border crossing that is now surrounded by displays about escape attempts over the former border. Visitors can have their photo taken with actors dressed as allied border guards. Meanwhile, the remains of the Berlin Wall, covered in graffiti, are a stern reminder of the former divisions in the city.
Today’s Berlin is full of modern architecture, shops, and restaurants. The bohemian nightlife is legendary and it is a cultural powerhouse too, with major art galleries and live music venues.
From the multi-cultural to the financial
The unofficial capital of southern Germany is Munich. It’s another enticing mix of old and new, where traditional Bavaria meets modern Europe. Look out for the amazing football stadium and ornate old buildings.
The financial center of Frankfurt boasts Germany’s most modern skyline, with glossy skyscrapers along the banks of the River Main. Meanwhile the port of Hamburg has been reborn as a clean, green city around the World Heritage Site of its historic waterside warehouses.
Add to these, the wonderful twin-spired Gothic cathedral at Cologne, once the world’s biggest building, and the meticulously rebuilt ancient heart of Dresden. Its clear German cities have plenty to offer, whether you’re visiting for work or pleasure.
Beautiful Bavaria and coastal retreats
In the Bavarian Alps you’ll find extraordinary castles, including Neuschwanstein, a fantastical 19th century fantasy built by King Ludwig. It’s not far from another major sight: Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak and the center of a popular mountain sporting area.
In the south of the country, you can visit a very different kind of attraction - The Europa-Park in Rust which is one of Europe’s most popular theme parks.
In the south-west, you’ll be able to explore the rolling wooded hills and quaint villages of the Black Forest region if you have a hire car. Visit Heidelberg to see its castle perched above the narrow medieval streets of an old town and the half-timbered houses, arched gatehouses and cobbled alleys of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which make it one of Germany’s favorite medieval towns.
Germany does have major seaside resorts along its northern Baltic coast but perhaps the best waterside resort is Lake Constance in the south. You can take boat trips here to explore beautiful islands or simply relax in the Riviera-style waterside gardens, terraces, and promenades. As the sun glistens on the clean blue water, you’ll have to keep reminding yourself you really are in Germany.
Driving in Germany follows the same rules set out across the majority of mainland Europe. Motorists must drive on the right-hand side of the road and, at all-times, the driver and passengers have to be wearing a seatbelt when the car is in motion. One of the main differences with Germany's road systems are the Autobahns used to connect the major cities. There is an advisory speed limit of 130kph/81mph implemented on the majority of the Autobahns, however, this may vary depending on the location, weather conditions and the flow of traffic during that period of the day.
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