The Germans are known for their rich cultural history, their love for beer, and for speaking a complicated language. After various months of gray and cold, now the sun is finally back in Germany. And summertime is indeed one of the best seasons to visit this magnificent country.

If you’ve been planning to visit the land of beer and pretzels, this post is just for you. Today, we’ll tell you everything about:

• Germany’s Covid travel restrictions nationwide
• What you can do in some of its major cities
• What is likely to happen after the summer

Ready? Let’s jump in.

Germany’s Covid Travel Restrictions

Starting on June 1st, visitors won’t need to prove their vaccination status nor get a Covid-19 test to enter Germany. This measure will remain in effect for 3 months, until the end of August.

Nearly all pandemic restrictions will be lifted, but the number of Covid-19 cases remains high. So, wearing a mask is still mandatory when:

• Riding public transport
• Flying
• Visiting hospitals
• Visiting nursing homes

Additionally, you’ll have to get tested before entering hospitals and community facilities. But until September 1st, most indoor spaces can be accessed without a mask, including:

• Supermarkets
• Restaurants
• Shops
• Schools
• Hairdressing salons
• Bars
• Swimming pools

Besides, access restrictions to venues or contact restrictions at private meetings no longer apply.

Yet, each German state has the authority to impose its own restrictions. Therefore, you should take a moment to consider your destination’s local measures.

Germany’s Hot Spots

Germany has a wide offer in terms of touristic destinations. The nation is filled with culture, nature, and beauty. And one thing is for sure, there’s no better time to visit than during summertime. We’ve put together some places you can’t miss, in two major German cities: Berlin and Munich

Let’s take a closer look!

Berlin

Germany’s capital is well known for its cosmopolitan scene, historical significance, and vibrant nightlife. Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Berlin:

• Visiting Berliner Fernsehturm (the Berlin Television Tower)
• Walking through the Brandenburg gate
• Contemplating the Berlin wall memorial
• Cycling around Tiergarten park
• Walking down Kurfürstendamm street (aka Ku’damm)
• Visiting a bar in Kreuzberg and Neukölln
• Going to the nearby lakes

The lakes around the city are a favorite summertime spot for locals. Berlin is surrounded by them, and generally, they are just an hour away from downtown.

When it comes to Covid-19 measures, some institutions in Berlin still require mask-wearing while indoors.

You’ll have to wear a mask to visit:

• State Opera Unter den Linden
• The German opera
• The Philharmonic
• The German theatre
• The Berlin Ensemble
• The Humboldt Forum
• Public museums

Bear in mind all public test centers have been closed. However, if you develop Covid-19 symptoms, you can get tested at pharmacies and private testing centers. And if you test positive, you’ll have to be isolated for 5 days. So, to make the most out of your trip, we recommend you take some easy preventive measures, such as maintaining social distancing.

Munich

Bavaria’s capital is full of beloved landmarks, magnificent Baroque churches, and world-class museums. Additionally, every fall, the city joins to celebrate during Oktoberfest.

Want to make the most of your stay in Munich? We suggest you:

• Experience the Alte Pinakothek, one of the world’s oldest art galleries
• Explore St. Peter’s church
• Cycle around the English garden
• Have a walk around Marienplatz
• Contemplate Asam church
• Have a beer at Hofbräuhaus
• Get a snack at Viktualienmarkt, the city’s food market

Besides, while in Munich you’re quite close to the Alps. There aren’t many better day trip destinations! Alternatively, you can also get a view of them from the top of the Rathaus and St Peter’s Church.

When it comes to Covid-19 measures, the Bavarian government mandates the use of FFP2 masks in public transport and medical face masks in healthcare facilities. Moreover, individual facilities and shops are free to implement voluntary protection measures like mask-wearing according to their own house rules.

What Will Happen in September?

What will happen from September on is not yet clear. It’s said that there will be stricter rules for those coming from “virus-variant” areas. Still, Germany hasn’t listed any countries as “high-risk” since the beginning of March.

If you may want to take other nations as a reference, Austria is taking similar measures to Germany during the summer. Their president has already stated that the masks are likely to come back during the fall. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the same happened in Germany

Key Takeaways

The Covid-19 pandemic seems to be almost over, yet the experts agree that the only way to keep an eye on how the virus develops and prevent new strains is by getting tested.

You can help health authorities keep their research up to date if you get tested as soon as you develop symptoms. Plus, they’ll know when a strain is highly contagious before it spreads widely.

Want to get tested? Find testing locations near you with our international directory.