Backpacking Germany Travel Guide

Backpacking Germany isn’t the first thing travelers think about when it comes to visiting Europe. There are just too many touristy destinations such as Paris, London, and Rome that in some way outshadow German pretzels, majestic palaces, medieval castles, and fairy-tale forests. And the few people who decide to visit Germany mostly stick solely to the main cities, such as vibrant Berlin as well as beautiful Munich with its century-old markets and tall churches. Many still believe that Germany is over-priced and offers little in the way of thrills. In this backpacking Germany travel guide, I say to hell with these misconceptions!

You come to Germany for the nightlife, the cutting-edge architecture, for the hearty and delicious food, and for its people are some of the most interesting that you’ll meet.

Backpacking Germany can be just as enjoyable as backpacking Greece or Spain as long as travelers know where to go and look. So to truly unlock Germany, one just needs a little guidance.

Choosing to go backpacking in Germany is an awesome idea as there is so much to do and see.

Admire the impressive skyscrapers in Frankfurt Am Main from the ground or from the heavens. Explore the thriving art scene in Berlin and get lost in Germany’s Black Forest. Check out the Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig. All this and more is possible when you travel to Germany.

With this backpacking Germany travel guide, you’ll have everything that you could possibly need to start your journey.

In this backpacking Germany travel guide, I’ll cover topics ranging from “best places to visit in Germany” to “best things to do in Germany on a budget.” Everything and then some is covered here; with it, you’ll be more than prepared to go backpacking in Germany. So, let’s get to it!

Backpacking Germany Two-Week Travel Itinerary: Where to Go in Germany

Let’s face it, with only 14 days one can’t visit all the sights and see all the things Germany has to offer. I had to make sacrifices on this two-week itinerary and leave out some pretty castles and lakes. I also didn’t include my favorite Rügen island in this itinerary but going there is certainly an option if you can allocate two more days.

Looking for a Germany backpacking route? Below you’ll find my favorite itinerary that travelers can easily customize making it shorter or longer depending on their preferences. This flexible route forms a circle and will help you make the most of your time in Germany since you can start anywhere.

Backpacking Frankfurt – 1 Day

Frankfurt is one of our biggest cities in Germany and one of the cheapest places in Germany to fly to. It’s the only city in the country that boasts an impressive skyline and has more in common with New York. However, since you have only 2 weeks, I would suggest you spend a day in Frankfurt before hopping over to Munich.

If you want to learn more about Frankfurt, spend 2 days strolling through the city’s old town square, Römerberg and checking out the City Hall and Frankfurt Cathedral.

Backpacking Munich – 3 Days

Munich is an iconic and arguably the most interesting city in Germany. Obviously, no trip to Munich is complete without tasting pork knuckles and sausage with sauerkraut at the Hofbräuhaus. The most famous beer hall in the world serves its brewery’s own beer, brought to you by girls dressed in traditional German attire.

The city of Munich is filled with history, stunning architecture, and Bavarian culture. There are countless centuries-old buildings peppered around Marienplatz, but the true gem here is St. Peter’s Church. This Gothic masterpiece offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. It’s high enough to see the best of Munich, particularly if you visit early in the morning.

If you are looking for a day trip, you can visit the Dachau Concentration camp, the infamous Nazi-Germany killing factory. Nestled some 10 miles north-west of Munich. The place is massive in scale and offers quite eye-opening experience. If you’re not a history buff and looking for another nice experience, you can visit Neuschwanstein Castle or Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain.

Backpacking Nuremberg – 2 Days

Nuremberg is located in the southern part of Germany, almost near the Czech Republic, and on your way to Dresden. Hop on a bus from Munich to see this thriving city with plenty of lovely streets to stroll and amazing historic buildings to visit.

Unfortunately, the city of Nuremberg was largely destroyed in WW2. But each house was carefully restored so you can admire the old charm of the city. Weissgerbergasse is my favorite street in Nuremberg that boasts some of the best half-timbered houses in Germany.

If you want to see Nuremberg from a bit different perspective, there is an extensive labyrinth of subterranean passageways and cellar vaults just under the surface of the Old Town. These rock-cut cellars are steeped in history and date back as far as the 14th century. Citizens have been using cellars for storing red beer, as well as the shelter during the air raids of World War II. Nowadays, it is possible to visit the rock-cut cellars and the guided tour takes about one hour. It’s free with the Nuremberg card, and there is a beer tasting included in the end.

Backpacking Dresden – 2 Days

I love my hometown of Dresden. It’s the coolest city in the former GDR that was completely reconstructed after one of the most devastating bombing campaigns of WW2. The capital of Saxony was featured in Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Now it’s a vibrant city that is home to magnificent Baroque masterpieces, lovely parks, restaurants, and museums. Florence on the Elbe will keep you busy for a few days. It’s a great stop on your way to Leipzig and Berlin.

Backpacking Leipzig – 2 Days

The smaller version of Berlin in terms of culture, Leipzig is the hidden gem that usually goes under the radar for most tourists visiting eastern Germany. This beautiful city features lush green vegetation and many offers unique experiences for backpackers who seek to get away from the common tourist traps and enjoy Germany’s rich cultural and musical heritage.

Pro Tip: Backpacking Leipzig is fun. The city is very manageable by foot or bike and you definitely can explore the Old Town in two days. Leipzig is smaller and friendlier to travelers than Berlin, but it’s big enough to keep you busy for a weekend.

You’ll find a thriving art scene and a lovely city center, which is dominated by arcades, courtyards, and trade fair palaces. Leipzig has long been known as a center for trade, culture, and learning. As a result, there are a number of passageways, such as the famous Mädler Passage or the impressive Speckhof. These arcades determined the appearance of the city. There are currently around 30 arcades. Old trading places and courtyards from the Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau allow a smooth blend between the old and the new.

Berlin – 4 Days

There is a staggering amount of attractions and things to do in Berlin! This city is saturated with action and culture; a culture that would make most cities look juvenile in comparison. Best of all: you have so many ways of seeing everything. There’s something for everybody in Berlin, be it a relaxing vacation or a thrilling hunt for hipster neighborhoods and arty enclaves. It makes sense, now, as to why so many people fall in love with this city.

Berlin has something for everyone and it’s, obviously, one of the best places to visit when backpacking in Germany. I recommend spending at least four days in Berlin because it’s a sprawling city. However, if you can allocate 7 days, be sure to do so. Pretty much all neighborhoods in Berlin have a park or two, not to mention Berlin’s infamous and brilliant beer gardens.

Probably the most enthralling part about Berlin is its history. There are just too many historical sites and amazing museums to visit in Berlin when you have only 4 days. Be sure to pick a few within a topic that interests you, like the Pergamon Museum, Topography of Terror, or the DDR Museum. If you’re a first-timer in Berlin, I recommend visiting the “Museum Island”. Among the seemingly endless variety of museums in the city, the “Museum Island” stands out as a distinct group of some of the best museums in Berlin.

When to go Backpacking in Germany

To help you find the perfect time to visit Germany during your backpacking adventure, check out my in-depth article on when to go backpacking in Germany. Give it a quick look!

Backpacker Accommodation in Germany

Since Germany is the birthplace of hostels, the Germans know a thing or two about hospitality. There are plenty of affordable hostels all over the country, so I always take this opportunity to meet other travelers and exchange stories. As a solo traveler, I used a combination of hostels and Airbnb and found that Airbnb apartments were often more affordable than hostels. However, I think staying with locals gives you a more authentic experience.

Airbnb is big in Germany, and you can find stylish and comfortable apartments for affordable prices. Follow this link for $35 free credit.

The extensive network of youth hostels in Germany (Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk) means cheap accommodation for every member of the German Youth Hostel Association. The most attractive feature is that hostels usually located in medieval castles, beautiful mansions or any other historic buildings. Domestic tourists over the age of 26 can obtain the “27 plus” membership card, while foreign travelers who are not members of an association can purchase the “International Guest Card” or a “Welcome Stamp” for every night staying at the hostel.

Camping is another great way to save on accommodation in Germany. The German campgrounds are very well maintained and the vibes here can be incredible. At the height of the tourist season, when most of the hostels are full, a lot of Germans take to these campgrounds and the camaraderie between the campers reaches its highest levels. I love camping in Germany, and so do my wallet. With more than 2800 campgrounds around the country, staying in a campsite will set you back €10-23 a person.

If you’re really trying to travel around Germany on a budget, then Couchsurfing will be one of your best options. This is a great way to meet some of the locals and experience a more intimate side of Germany too. If you’re backpacking Germany alone, you may even find a travel buddy or someone to backpack around the world with.

Where to Stay in Germany

Below are a few of my favourite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking Germany:

Pfefferbett Hostel Berlin
Cologne downtown Hostel, Cologne
Hostel Lollis Homestay Dresden
MEININGER Hotel Muenchen City Center
wombat´s CITY Hostel – Berlin
Hostel Multitude, Leipzig
Backpackers St. Pauli, Hamburg
Five Elements Hostel, Frankfurt am Main
Generator Berlin Mitte, Berlin
Euro Youth Hotel, Munich

Cost of Backpacking Germany

In comparison to the United States, Australia, and the UK, backpacking Germany is quite affordable but it isn’t as cheap as Thailand or Eastern Europe. Traveling in Germany doesn’t have to be expensive. With some insider backpacker tips, hopefully, you won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

This backpacking Germany travel guide also outlines some wallet-friendly budget accommodation options and other money-saving tips to help you keep your travel costs down.

Monthly Budget for Germany – If you plan on spending a good amount of backpacking Germany, then expect to pay around €1350-€1700. Of course, this all depends on how you plan out your trip and if you honor your budget you should be able to meet it. Following these tips to backpacking Germany will help you reduce your travel costs.

Daily Budget for Germany – Plan to spend from €45 anywhere near to €70 with accommodation.

Let me not forget the important detail of booking a flight. Thankfully, finding cheap airfare isn’t too difficult if you know how to find insanely cheap airline tickets.

The big question that’s on everyone’s mind is: How much is this going to cost to go backpacking Germany?

Accommodation: Munich is probably one of Germany’s most expensive cities. On average, hostels in Germany cost about €24-29 for a dorm bed. Private Airbnb apartments are around €55 in trendy neighborhoods.

Food: Groceries are especially affordable in Germany, and a great way to save money. Cafés and restaurants are generally affordable by Western standards, but I wouldn’t say they’re really cheap. An average meal may cost €8-11. Beers from the grocery stores or Späti are about €3 for 500 ml.

Transport: I recommend getting a 7 day pass in Berlin because you’ll definitely use a lot of public transport. Use public transport in general! Individual one-way tickets are about €2.80.

Activities: There are countless markets and great parks in Germany that come for free! Museum and historical site costs vary, but they’re pretty in line with other countries in Western Europe. I would expect to pay €4-€10 per entrance fee.

Germany Travel Guide to Getting Around

While backpacking Germany, I have found budget airline flights are often cheaper than train tickets. But the downside is that you have to book well in advance. This is less convenient for backpackers who want flexibility in their itineraries. Airports tend to be outside the cities, especially smaller ones where many budget airlines fly into. These can be a hassle to get to/from.

On the contrary, big cities like Berlin and Hamburg have subway systems that will take you to the center of the city.

If you’re entering Germany by plane, chances are you will fly into Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin’s international airports. Travelers from North America should appreciate the fact that Germany is one of the cheapest European destinations to fly into.

Hamburg, Cologne, Dusseldorf, and other cities have European and domestic connections as well! And if you are flying within Europe, Germany is well-connected by budget airlines, like Germanwings, Condor, and EasyJet.

Germany isn’t the biggest country in Europe. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to take a flight for every leg of your trip. But when it comes to covering a big distance (e.g. getting from a place in northern Germany such as Hamburg or Hannover to a city in the south such as Munich or Stuttgart), a cheap flight might be the best choice and it will definitely be cheaper than taking the train.

However, if you plan to travel across Europe and visit multiple countries, you may want to take advantage of Germany’s extensive rail network. It connects Germany to all of its neighboring countries. Many folks who are backpacking Europe invest in a EuRail or an Interrail pass (for EU/UK residents) to save some money on train travel.

How to Travel in Germany

Backpacking Germany is super easy since you can take advantage of wide network of long-distance buses. Flixbus offers cheap tickets and their buses have connections in 28 European countries and over 1900 destinations. Traveling by bus is the best option when it comes to getting from one city to another on a budget. To compare fares of the different bus companies, as well as with train and airline options, use an aggregating websites like Omio.

As a downside, traveling by bus in Germany generally takes more time than taking the train. While I don’t mind going by bus and watching through window in a bus for a few hours, I certainly don’t want to spend an entire day in it either. I’d recommend using the long-distance busses for journeys up to a few hours.

Ridesharing in Germany

Another cheap alternative to trains and buses in Germany is ridesharing. Like this, people can post their trips and travel between cities with locals. When using the ridesharing system you’ll be splitting the cost between a bunch of people. It usually takes less time than the bus and it’s a nice way to get to meet like-minded backpackers.

However, you’d need to have certain flexibility since most offers only get posted a few days in advance and you’re dependent on your driver when it comes to the times. Check out services like BlaBlaCar and Carpoolworld.

Train travel in Germany

As I already mentioned backpacking Germany by train can easily get pretty expensive. However, it doesn’t mean you should completely discard this mode of transport.

If you want to score cheap tickets on German trains there is an official German Rail Pass offered by Deutsch Bahn. This prepaid rail pass offers backpackers a choice between two, three, four, five, seven, ten or fifteen days of travel in a row, either consecutively or anywhere within a one-month period. German Rail Pass can offer huge savings to travelers looking to explore Germany by rail.

The thing I love most about German Rail Pass is that there is no need to book tickets in advance, so you can adjust your itinerary as you go. Non-EU nationals can purchase a German Rail Pass online. They will send it to you by post to your home address. It makes sense to purchase your pass well before your planned departure date though.

Food in Germany

While not innovative or complex, German food is delicious and hearty. Remember, a lot of dishes are quite heavy on the meat, specifically pork, and it will be difficult to eat traditional meals as a vegetarian/vegan. That said, most restaurants and eateries have options for meatless meals and other international cuisines. If you still want to try German food, consider some of the sides, soups, and rostis.

Let’s get to know some of Germany’s tastiest foods!

One may think that German dishes were invented to accompany the beer. Heavy meat and potato entrees, sausages, schnitzel, pretzels, and a liter of heavy beer. While yes, a lot of traditional food does center around meat and potatoes, one thing’s for sure, though, is there are lots of delicious dishes to try!

No trip to Germany is complete without trying authentic local schnitzel, in chicken or veal, and some bratwurst, or currywurst, or liverwurst, or any of the wursts, which are sausages and are most definitely not the worst.

Don’t miss out and come try hearty stews, known as eintopf, or one pot. This is where meat and vegetables are introduced to sauce and flame and left to get delicious together. Also, try various noodle dishes that are anything with spaetzle in the name, and often served as an accompaniment to the meat dishes. Other sides are the sauerkrauts, pickled cabbages, and knoedel, or potato dumplings.

At the Oktoberfest, there is no better base for drinking German beer than savory Schweinshaxe. A big fat pork knuckle with the most amazing gravy dripping off it, you’ll love it!

Be Aware of Cultural Differences When Eating Out in Germany

In many ways, the way people eat out in Germany is similar to that in most parts of the globe. However, when traveling to Germany from the USA, many travelers have been surprised, or have surprised a German waiter or waitress by failing to fully understand the German way of dining out.

For some strange reason, when folks from the United States planning a trip to Germany, many of them expect a complimentary glass of water to appear at their table in a restaurant by default. Water is never free in Germany and the concept of free tap water for your meal doesn’t actually exist. If you want to order water, you’ll have to pay for it.

While tap water (“Leistungswasser”) is completely safe and good to drink in Germany, locals usually prefer to leave more room in their stomachs for wine or beer. If you want still water make sure to specify “Stilles Wasser”, as bottled “Mineralwasser” (sparkling mineral water) is normally standard in Germany. It is worth asking at the beginning of a meal if card payments are possible. Often they aren’t, but more and more eating establishments (particularly fancy restaurants) accept card payments.

How To Visit Germany on a Budget

Book Your Transportation Early

It goes without saying that budget airline flights, as well as train tickets, are much cheaper if you purchase them in advance. If you do plan on taking trains in Germany, I recommend booking your ticket at least two months in advance.

Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy point-to-point train tickets in advance rather than get a Eurail or InterRail Pass. Keep in mind that last-minute tickets are usually more expensive and some tickets and fares may have limited availability.

Take my advice: If you are planning to travel through a particular region, like Saxony, consider purchasing a regional day pass to visit towns outside Dresden, versus point-to-point ticket. Remember, a regional day pass is usually cheaper than a round trip ticket.

Attend Free Walking Tours

From Hamburg to Munich – pretty much all big cities in Germany have free walking tours. Explore the diversity, cultural and historical heritage of Germany on a walking tour. These tours offer a great chance to learn more about the place you’re visiting without spending a fortune. Take mind-blowing photos, hear many thrilling stories and tip your guide what you think is fair.

Refill Your Bottle

Once your bottle is empty, refill it with tap water. I figure I save a minimum of €15 every trip and even more when I visit tropical destinations. But when I saw a graphic showing that one month of bottled water can cost €110 versus just €5 for one month of tap water, I thought I might be saving even more.

Multiply that cost by the number of trips you take throughout a year, and it’s clear that refilling a water bottle is one of the easiest ways to save money, whether you visit places in your own country or head off on a solo backpacking trip.

Enjoy Freebies

Everyone wants freebies, especially in Germany. There are many free museums in Germany, while some others offer free admission on certain days. One of my favorite places in Berlin is the rooftop terrace of the Reichstag Dome with a stunning panoramic view. You just have to register online in advance for a set time. Munich and Dusseldorf provide free museum admission for kids and teenagers under 18 years old, while adults should pay just a few Euros more.

There are plenty of national parks, gardens, and hiking trails in Germany that won’t require spending money. The Tiergarten is a great park to escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin. Once an airport, now a popular public park, Tempelhofer Feld has everything for cycling, skating and jogging. In summer, the former airport is a lovely picnic spot for anyone on a budget.

Couchsurf

Most Germans are welcoming and hospitable folks and staying with them can be a rewarding experience. Check out Couchsurfing to see this amazing European country from the perspective of locals. I recommend Couchsurfing as much as you possibly can. The more you Couchsurf, the more money you can spend on beer, doner kebabs, and activities like Berliner Unterwelten or Claerchen’s Ballhaus. Pure and simple.

Best Places to Visit in Germany

The Berlin Wall

The Wall was built in 1961 and divided Berlin into the eastern and western sides. All attempts to cross the concrete Wall, moving from East to West Berlin, were brutally suppressed. In 1990, after the destruction of the Wall, only a small part of it remained as a reminder.

When you reach the symbol of the Cold War, it’s easy to understand the feelings of thousands of people who wanted to flee the communist East Germany. With the popular museum located nearby, it has an informative exhibition telling ordinary people’s stories and revealing the way the Wall had influenced people from both sides of the Iron Curtain.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Despite the fact that King Ludwig’s aspirations were not fully realized, today the Schloss Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous landmarks in Bavaria. It has never been used for defensive purposes as the castle was primarily built as an illustration or theatrical scene for Richard Wagner’s operas.

Situated in the southwest of Bavaria near the Austrian border and the Hohenschwangau castle, it embodied king Ludwig’s ideas and fantasies about the German Middle Ages and elevated this romantic image. Neuschwanstein castle is one of my favorite places in Europe. Be sure to get there as early as possible to avoid crowds.

The Romantic Road

One of the most famous tourist routes in Germany. It stretches from Wurzburg to Fussen and passes through numerous picturesque villages and towns, allowing you to discover valleys, fairytale castles, and hidden gems of Bavaria. While passing the medieval churches, rural hotels, and half-timbered houses, you’ll feel immersed in an ancient German culture. A great route to take as a couple or family.

Augsburg

When going up or down the Romantic Road you just can’t miss Augsburg. This city was founded by the Romans and named after Emperor Augustus. With so many historic sites all around like St. Anne’s Church where Martin Luther was hiding and the Town Hall of Augsburg with its Goldener Saal, Augsburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany and amazing urban destination.

Cologne

A lot less touristy city than Munich or Berlin, Cologne is big but not overwhelming. With a convenient U-Bahn system, it is quite easy to discover its hidden gems. Head to the Cologne Old City (Altstadt) to experience its vibrant nightlife.

Don’t miss out on visiting bars and clubs in the Belgian Quarter, Ehrenfeld and around Rudolfplatz and, of course, the Old Cathedral. Being Germany’s fourth-largest city, travelers usually stick to the Altstadt, while skipping unconventional places with street art and tasty cheap food. Cologne is a diverse city that certainly worth a visit.

Lake Constance

The Bodensee (Lake Constance) is the right place to connect with nature. Located in the country’s southwest, the largest lake in Germany has much to offer for travelers. The area around the lake has a rich culture, villages steeped in history and great opportunities to sail along the border with Switzerland and Austria.

This is an important region for fruit production. Foodies and wine enthusiasts won’t want to miss Lake Constance. Aside from a broad range of wines, the island of Reichenau is famous for vegetable farms and Benedictine abbey, while the island of Mainau is home to a butterfly house and a botanical garden with exotic plants.

Schwarzwald (The Black Forest)

Legend has it Brothers Grimm were inspired by Germany’s Black Forest to write their fairy tales. Today the Black Forest inspires everyone who hikes its numerous hiking trails. Schwarzwald got its name due to the thick canopy of evergreens that are so dense the sun can’t penetrate them.

The Black Forest brings quirky myths and legends back to life. It’s famous for cuckoo clocks and delicious Schwarzwald Torte (cake) while the entire region is especially beautiful in the fall. Located in Baden-Wurttemberg, the area around the Black Forest has many cultural traditions, historical sites, and distinctive towns.

Oktoberfest

The most famous beer festival in Germany is also one of the top cultural events in Europe. The festival takes place in Munich, in mid-September and lasts more than two weeks. Here you can enjoy German beer from giant stein, forget good behavior for a day, and get carried away by the songs, the atmosphere, and the collective hangover.

If you find yourself there, make sure to grab the delicious Bavarian sausages, sauerkrauts, pickled cabbages, and Schweinshaxe. With so many people attending Oktoberfest, capacious beer tents are built to accommodate everyone. Each tent has its own personality with unique beers from oak barrels and chefs offering snacks. Every time I visit Oktoberfest I really enjoy it and I’m already planning my next trip.

The Bastei Bridge

The mighty Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland is a truly unique tourist attraction that dates back to the early 19th century. The Bastei Bridge, only a short day trip from Dresden, is a great weekend getaway in Saxony. It’s only 50 km (31 mi) from Dresden and serves no purpose, other than letting tourists admire the scenic views of Saxon Switzerland.

The Bastei Bridge hovers at an altitude of 200 meters among the sandstone cliffs. The first wooden bridge was built here in 1826 and was replaced with a more durable one built with sandstone in 1851.

The Bastei Bridge consists of seven arches that span an impressive 40m deep ravine. From the very beginning, the bridge attracted travelers, hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Having several hiking trails, it also has an observation deck with the stunning views of the surroundings. There is also a Konigstein Fortress – the biggest castle in Saxon Switzerland – with a military and history open-air museum.

Checkpoint Charlie

Following the construction of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie became the main demarcation point between Western-occupied West Berlin and Soviet-occupied East Berlin. Located at the junction of Friedrichstraße with Zimmerstraße, this checkpoint was still one of the few places where people permitted to cross between the former American and Soviet sectors of the city could do so. Although the site of Checkpoint Charlie, with fast-food eateries in close proximity, no longer feels nearly as impressive as it did back then, this checkpoint is still a silent reminder of Berlin’s horrible past.

By the end of the Cold War, the original wooden shack was replaced with a replica and a few sandbags near it. While taking photos with cheesy dressed up guards may be overpriced, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum (Mauer Museum) has fascinating insights into the Cold War. If you have a Berlin Pass, you can get free admission to Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

Zwinger

The Dresden Zwinger Palace is to this day one of the most incredible baroque buildings in Saxony. The palace impresses with its size and splendor. It’s that type of architectural masterpiece that will leave you saying ‘WOW’, make mouths open and jaws drop. The Zwinger was built for Augustus II the Strong. After returning from a grand tour through France and Italy in 1687, he had explored King Louis XIV new court of Versaille and was eager to create a similar elaborate palace for his ever-expanding art, armor and porcelain collection.

Due to the fact that Sandstone was one of the most widely used stone materials in Saxony, Zwinger’s architecture is full of distinctive details. It is free admission to the inner courtyard gardens and exterior pavilion premises which is a very nice gesture from the Government towards international travelers. Zwinger is a great place for those exploring Germany on a budget.