FAQs

Question

Which airport(s) can we fly into?

Answer

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is about 60 miles north of Bad Dürkheim; approximately 1 hour by car. If you are travelling within Europe, Stuttgart Airport is about 90 miles south of Bad Dürkheim; approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car; MUC- Munich Airport is about 4 hours South East of Bad Dürkheim or 230 miles

Question

Do I need a visa to go to Germany?

Answer

With a U.S. and EU passport, you can visit Germany without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period if you're traveling as a tourist, visiting friends or family, attending a cultural or sports event, or for short-term studies or training.

Question

What about public transportation?

Answer

Public transportation is THE BEST in Germany :) You can catch a train (fast or slow) from any big city into Bad Dürkheim; you may have to change trains to get to your final destination. You can catch a fast train from any big city into Mannheim. Mannheim train station has rental cars nearby if you wish to rent a vehicle. Mannheim is a 25 minutes drive to Bad Dürkheim.

Question

How do I navigate public transportation?

Answer

To navigate public transportation in Germany, you can use apps, maps, and tickets to find the best routes and pay for your trip: Transit apps: Use apps like DB Navigator, BVG, or MVV to find routes, get real-time updates, and plan your trip. Google Maps: Use Google Maps to get real-time directions and compare routes based on time and cost. Transit maps: Find transit maps at station platforms, online, or in mobile apps. Ticket machines: Use ticket machines to enter your destination and find out the price. You can pay with cash or an EC card. Buy tickets online: Buy tickets for the train online in advance. Buy tickets on the bus: Buy tickets on the bus directly from the bus driver. You can pay with German girocards, major credit cards, Apple or Google Pay, or the rechargeable BVG credit card. Check the number of zones: The number of zones you travel through determines how many zones you need on your ticket. You can input your start and end points into a mobile app or ticket machine to see how many zones you need.

Question

Is there Uber in Germany?

Answer

Yes, Uber is available in Germany in pretty much all bigger cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf. Bad Dürkheim does have Uber service as well.

Question

What currency should I bring?

Answer

The Germany currency is the Euro which is used by many other EU countries. It is custom in many small towns and venues to use cash rather than credit. We recommend to always have a minimum of 150 - 200 Euros cash on hand. Even nearby countries with separate currencies may still accept euros. Some helpful tips: 2.50€ can score you a currywurst The € sign is behind the amount; decimal are indicated with a comma (2,50€) Displayed prices include all applicable taxes Locals prefer cash to cards Train tickets are cheaper online Tip porters €1 per bag Try to round up your taxi fare

Question

Which credit cards are most widely accepted in Europe?

Answer

When Europeans buy something with plastic, they insert their card, then type in their PIN. Despite some differences between European and US cards, there's little to worry about. US-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, along with familiar payment apps, typically work fine in Europe.

Question

How does tipping work in Germany/ Europe?

Answer

It is very uncommon to leave a gratuity of 15- 20%. You can simply round up to the nearest Euro or add 1€ or 1,50€ to your total amount due. For a total bill of 43,80 Euros, it is not frowned upon to give 44,50 Euros or simply round up to 45 Euros. Minimum wage in Germany is 12.50€ making the gratuity truly a gratuity for having gone above and beyond. Germans typically leave between 0,50€ and 2€ tip

Question

What are the best places in Germany to visit for a first-time traveler?

Answer

For a first-time traveler in Germany, the best places to visit include: Berlin (rich history and culture, great for first-time European travelers), Munich (famous for its beer gardens, ornate architecture, and proximity to the Alps), Cologne (iconic Gothic cathedral and unique museums), Heidelberg (historic university town with castle ruins), Black Forest (lush forests, valleys, and villages), and Rothenburg ob der Tauber (well-preserved medieval village). Other notable options: Rhine Valley: Beautiful scenery with historic castles along the Rhine River Frankfurt: Easy access point with a large airport and train station Hamburg: Charming harbor area and rich history Berchtesgaden: Stunning Bavarian Alps scenery

Question

What are the best places in Europe to visit for a first-time traveler?

Answer

For a first-time European traveler, some of the best places to visit include: London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Prague, Berlin, Budapest, Florence, and Copenhagen, as they offer a mix of iconic landmarks, rich history, vibrant culture, and easy accessibility. Key reasons to visit each city: London: World-famous attractions like Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and the West End theater district. Paris: Romantic atmosphere with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. Rome: Rich Roman history with historical sites like the Colosseum and Vatican City. Barcelona: Lively city with stunning architecture by Gaudi, beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Amsterdam: Beautiful canals, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to other European cities. Prague: Charming medieval architecture and a beautiful old town. Berlin: Diverse cultural scene, historical sites related to the Berlin Wall, and a friendly atmosphere. Budapest: Thermal baths, stunning architecture, and a good mix of culture and nightlife. Florence: Renaissance art and architecture with renowned museums like the Uffizi Gallery. Copenhagen: Modern and charming city with a focus on design and sustainability.

Question

What do i need to know when driving a car in Germany?

Answer

When driving in Germany from the USA, you need to know that you drive on the right side of the road, overtaking is ONLY allowed on the left, and must have a valid US driver's license which is accepted for up to six months. Each car should be equipped with registration, insurance documents, a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective vest in your car. *Using a cell phone while driving is only permitted hands-free. *Right turns on red lights are generally not allowed unless indicated by a specific sign. If you do not see a sigh, no right turn on red! *Adhere to speed limits posted; Germans love their speed cameras or "Blitzer". *Be aware of the "Autobahn" where there may be no posted speed limit but you should still drive with caution and stay in the right lane unless passing. All rental cars are equipped with a "Umweltplakette" (a green environmental sticker) which allows you to drive said car in certain city zones with restricted emissions. Posted signs will help with that. Key points to remember: Driving side: Right side of the road Adhere to speed limits; especially inner-city; every city has posted Blitzer (speed traps); speed traps camouflaged as trash cans are VERY common in Germany. Overtaking: Overtake on the left ONLY- if you pass someone, you must move back over to the right hand lane after passing; especially on the Autobahn! Driver's license: Valid US driver's license accepted for up to 6 months Required documents: Vehicle registration, insurance documents Mandatory equipment: First aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest Cell phone usage: Hands-free only - there are hefty fines if caught. Right turns on red: Usually not allowed without a dedicated signal Autobahn: Be aware of high speeds and keep to the right lanes unless while passing; when done passing, move back over to the right. Environmental sticker: Check if you need an "Umweltplakette" for certain areas

Question

Are there tolls in Germany? Or Europe?

Answer

Germany's roads are toll free- for the most part. Ask your rental car company to ensure you are set for all roads. Tolls are required on some roads in Austria and Switzerland, and are paid for with vignettes or other methods: Austria All motorways and expressways in Austria require a toll, which can be paid with a vignette or a lorry toll (GO-Box). Vignettes are available in different types and lengths, including 1 day, 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year. You can buy vignettes at petrol stations, tobacconists, motorists' clubs, and at borders in neighboring countries. You can also purchase a digital vignette online or at ASFINAG toll stations. Vignettes are placed on the top left of your windshield. Switzerland: All motorways in Switzerland require a vignette, which is a fixed-term vignette for 1 year or 14 months. You can buy a reusable ID card at any border point to pay for tolls Ask your rental car company for more information.

Question

What are some popular summer drinks?

Answer

Bad Dürkheim, Germany is known for its Riesling wines, which are produced in the warm, dry climate of the Pfalz wine region. These wines are known for their complexity and flavor, and are available in a range of sweetness levels. Sekt: Germany's sparkling wine, which is consumed for everyday drinking. Weinschorle: A German wine spritzer made with wine and sparkling water or a lemon-flavored soft drink. The type of wine used to make a Weinschorle can vary, with popular choices including Riesling, Blauer Portugieser, vin gris, Müller-Thurgau, and Silvaner. The type of mixer can also vary, with carbonated water making a "sour" Weinschorle, carbonated lemonade making a "sweet" Weinschorle, and a combination of both making a "sweet and sour" Weinschorle. Radler: A radler is usually made with half beer and half lemonade or grapefruit juice. The beer is typically a light beer like a pilsner or wheat beer.