Car Hire Germany

As the home of some of the world’s leading car manufacturers and pioneers of the autobahn, it will come as no surprise to learn that Germany is extremely accommodating to drivers. The road networks are intuitively designed, well-maintained and a pleasure to drive around.

If you’re city hopping, buckle up and set off on an adventure on one of the largest road systems in the world, the ‘autobahn’ network. These stretches of motorway – which carry the prefix ‘A’ – will transport you from one urban centre to another.

From Berlin, journey along the A24 to Hamburg in the north or head down the A13 to Dresden. If you’re starting your trip in Munich, the A9 can take you to Nuremberg. From there, follow the A3 to Frankfurt.

Cruise past striking forests and epic mountains as you experience some of the most amazing driving routes on the continent. Opt for the Romantische Straße, or ‘Romantic Road’, a 350km stretch through picturesque Bavaria.

Winding its way through dozens of tiny historic villages, you’ll pass castles that inspired fairy tales, charming churches and unspoilt Alpine landscapes. The Castle Route, Burgenstraße, is equally impressive. Meander through the heart of the country and discover an abundance of castles, palaces and stately homes.

While in Germany you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. Some rural stretches of Autobahn famously don’t carry speed limits, but there’s a limit of 130 km/h on more than half of them. It’s recommended to stay in the right-hand lane when using them, only moving across into the left lane to overtake.

On other roads, the speed limit is capped at 50km/h in built-up areas and 100km/h on main roads, but be sure to keep an eye out for signs indicating where these limits vary.

Futuristic cityscapes, medieval half-timbered towns, lush green forests, awe-inspiring castles and more than 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites – Germany is a treasure trove for curious travellers. You’ll quickly see why this captivating country is one of the most visited on the planet.

Idyllic islands and port cities: The north

Northern Germany boasts plenty of hidden gems such as charmingly Gothic Lübeck. With more than 1,000 historic buildings packed into its storybook centre, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

Leave the mainland behind and make for the tranquil island of Sylt. Admire pastel-hued lighthouses as you lounge on the unspoilt sandy beaches, before venturing into the quaint towns to seek out one of the award-winning eateries.

Then there’s Germany’s second biggest city and the star of the north, vibrant Hamburg. Experience the atmosphere of the port’s HafenCity quarter, including the impressive Elbphilharmonie concert hall.

There’s more glorious architecture to discover in the heart of Hamburg, including baroque St Michael’s Church and the Neo-Renaissance town hall.

The vibrant capital and festive mountains: The east

To visit Berlin is to take a journey through one of Europe’s greatest capital cities. Explore its charming and characterful neighbourhoods and enjoy coffee and cake in one of the bustling cafes.

As night falls, the capital comes alive. Tap your toes along to live music at a local gig, whether you’re a jazz fan or techno lover.

Of course, this city has a bucket load of history to its name. The Brandenburg Gate has been standing proudly at the heart of the capital since the late 18^th century and has borne witness to some of the biggest milestones in the city’s rich history.

Another icon of Berlin, the Reichstag, is home to the German parliament and a must-visit. Ride the lift to the top of its glass dome and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Last stop, the Berlin Wall Memorial. This moving monument will give you a glimpse into life in a city divided.

If the bright lights of Berlin aren’t your thing, head for the folklore-steeped Harz Mountains. Take the steam train or trek up to Brocken, its most famed peak

If you’re here in late April, fireworks and the infectious riffs of rock bands will fill the air to celebrate Walpurgis Night – part of a time-honoured ritual to ward off evil spirits on the eve of the Christian Feast of Saint Walpurga.

Magical castles and lush landscapes: The south

Deep in the south, charming Bavaria awaits. The skies of this fairy tale land are punctuated with the ornate towers of extravagant castles amid the epic Alpine landscape.

Put Schloss Neuschwanstein at the top of your itinerary. This mesmerising castle, rising out of the forested mountains, served as Walt Disney’s inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty.

When you’ve had your fix of Bavaria’s finest palaces and castles, head into the German Alps near the Austrian border and breathe in the fresh country air. Ski in the winter, hike in the spring, cycle in the summer and canoe in autumn.

Juxtapose this with a trip to Munich. The striking landscapes melt away as the pretty Bavarian capital comes into view.

Experience the warm buzz of Marienplatz, the city’s main square, admire the lavish architectural detailing of The Residenz, an eye-popping Bavarian palace, and take a gentle stroll through the enormous English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

The west

A wide array of cities can be found in the west, including Cologne, Dortmund and Düsseldorf. But the finest is arguably Frankfurt.

Unravel its true character in the picturesque Alstadt, the old city, where colourful half-timbered houses and quaint squares are part of the fabric of life.

Urban retreats aside, western Germany offers thick forests, medieval castles and vineyards as far as the eye can see. The romantic river Rhine is at its heart. Follow the beautiful waterway as it snakes its way through this part of the county, visiting medieval villages and epic cathedrals along the way.

Car hire in Germany is an ideal way to spread your wings and explore the length and breadth of the country, giving you the ability to take in more of the vastly different towns, cities and regions – all at your own pace