Vital statistics
Capital: Berlin Population: 84 million
Languages: German; English is widely spoken
Time: GMT+2 (Nov–Mar GMT+1)
International dialling code: +49
Visas: Germany is part of the EU, so UK nationals can stay for a maximum of 90 days, visa-free.
Money: Euro (€), currently €1.18 to the UK£. Card payments are not as widespread in Germany as in most European countries, but there are plenty of ATMs for cash withdrawals.
When to go
The weather in southern Bavaria is affected by the proximity of the Alps. Ludwig’s castle-palaces open year-round, but spring and autumn are best because they’re very busy in summer. In the winter, gardens Temperatures regularly hit the 20s (°C), with averages of more than ten hours of sunshine per day, but the mountains also generate rain, with May, June and July being the wettest months. Warmish days. Lovely autumnal colours cloak the slopes, making for great hiking conditions. Sharp and cold days characterise the driest months of the year. Many places have local ski lifts for when the snow falls, although this is not a mainstream ski destination.
