With more German visitors to Canada than ever before, it’s time to see why Germany is a perfect travel destination for Canadians.
Germany is a beautiful country with lively North Sea beaches, breathtaking forest views, and adventurous mountaintops to climb. See the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, built for Frederick William II in the late 18th century. Drive through the local lush forests along the 44-mile (70-kilometer) Black Forest Panoramic Route. Whether you are a Canadian on business or seeking the best tourist attractions, Germany is a perfect travel destination for Canadians for four reasons.Â
How to Apply for an ETIAS
While Canadians do not need a travel visa to get into Germany, recent changes have been made to the rules, and an ETIAS Germany from Canada will be required for Canadians to enter Germany. An ETIAS is an authorization for travel that Canadians must receive to enter Germany. Canadians that can successfully apply for an ETIAS will not need a visa to enter Germany.
Essentially, the ETIAS is a travel authorization and a visa waiver. Fill out the online application with your demographics, including name, date of birth, address, telephone number, health information, and reasons for visiting Germany. If you visit for less than three months, you will only need the ETIAS for Germany and not a travel authorization.
Editor’s Note: The ETIAS application goes into effect for US citizens at the end of 2022. The application is quick and takes just a few minutes to complete online.
German Food is Divine
Germany is very much a meat and potatoes country. Berlin is best known for its currywurst. Canadians will love the taste of the meaty sausages, fresh Pommes Frites (French fries), and spicy ketchup for dipping.
Rouladen will take you into another world of flavor as you taste the beef or veal that wraps around the pickles and bacon. The dish is stewed to perfection and usually served with German-style dumplings, cabbage, or mashed potatoes. Another favorite German food is a schnitzel—thinly pounded pork or veal, breaded, fried, and served over dumplings or with crisp fries.
Schnitzel with Pommes Frites—or French Fries—is a typical German dish
Each City Brings a New Experience
Not all German cities are alike, which will be a reason for Canadians to keep heading back to Europe for a return visit.
Berlin, the capital of Germany, offers wondrous attractions that will leave you awe-struck. Reichstag is a glass dome building that has been the seat of the German government since its completion in 1894. It was the site of the reunification ceremony between East and West Germany in 1990 and underwent massive restoration over the past 20 years. Today, it is again a place for the German government to meet—and an ideal spot to get a full scenic view of the city.
The Reichstag building at sunset in Berlin, Germany. Photo by rognar via DepositPhotos.com
The Berlin Television Tower gives you a higher city view than the Reichstag. Get 25% off your Berlin Television Tower visit experience by purchasing the Berlin Welcome Card.
Berlin Television Tower by sepavone via DepositPhotos.com
When you visit Munich, we recommend biking the streets. Many bike lanes make this a haven for biking as you explore attractions such as the House of Art Museum, Olympic Park, or the Hofstatt shopping center.
In the northern city of Hamburg, explore the areas around the Inner Alster Lake (Binnenalster). Go on a boat ride for a panoramic view of the area. Stop by one of the iconic cafes nearby for coffee and cake when you’re done.
Enjoy a boat ride on Binnenalster (Inner Alster Lake) in Hamburg. Photo by Shangri-La via DepositPhotos.com
German Culture is Enjoyable
Germany has a rich history and cultural influence from famous past Germans, including Bach, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn.
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony will constantly play in your head while out and about. One of the best ways to experience Beethoven in Germany is by visiting his birthplace home Beethoven-Haus in Bonn, in the western part of the country. You can tour the museum and, most summer weekends, enjoy concerts in the museum.
When you travel to Leipzig, you can walk in the footsteps of Johann Sebastian Bach. Walk inside Thomaskirche, which was Bach’s home church. He is buried outside the church. You can also visit the Mendelssohn House in Leipzig. Felix Mendelssohn lived in Leipzig for twelve years, where he served as conductor for Gewandhaus and influenced the music world throughout the 19th century.
Thomaskriche in Leipzig. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
During your visit to German, take time to explore the sobering history of the Holocaust. You can visit many Holocaust memorials throughout the country.
Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. Photo by joyfull via DepositPhotos.com
As you wander cities across Germany, you have only to glance down to see ongoing memorials to Holocaust victims. Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) are stone squares, about 4″, embedded in sidewalks. On top is a brass plate with the names of Nazi victims and their fate engraved on it.
Stolpersteine in Lübeck are examples of ones you can find throughout Germany. Photo by aegidie via DepositPhotos.com
The culture is rich and diverse, so be on the lookout for more cultural greats as you explore Germany.
Germany Offers a Feeling of Home
Canadians will feel right at home in Germany because of the friendly nature of the Germans. Many Germans immigrated to Canada post World War I. Because of this immigration, 10% of Canadians claim they are of German descent. With such a long history, it’s a great way to go back to your roots and visit Germany.
A sidewalk café in Regensburg, Germany. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
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Why Germany is the Perfect Travel Destination for Canadians
More than half a million Canadians visit Germany annually. Many Germans also visit Canada every year. Canada and Germany continue to be close economic partners. Germany has the biggest economy out of the members of the European Union, so this exchange is not likely to change anytime soon. As the two nations share a close international relationship, Canadians will continue to see the many ways in which Germany is a perfect travel destination. What are you waiting for? Now is the time to travel to Germany. Check out Wander for more great things to see and do when you visit Germany.
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