https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Germany in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed Around six million people visit Germany's Kölner Dom or Cologne Cathedral every year. Admission has so far been free – but from July this will change. https://www.thelocal.de/20260603/cologne-cathedral-to-charge-tourists-e12-for-entry Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:02:28 +0200 cologne-cathedral-to-charge-tourists-e12-for-entry New initiative BerlinPay offers free drinks, boat trips and other watery experiences to anyone who acts responsibly around the German capital’s waterways. We look at the perks on offer to residents and visitors. https://www.thelocal.de/20260515/free-drinks-for-good-deeds-berlin-residents-to-be-rewarded-for-cleaning-up-city Fri, 15 May 2026 12:40:28 +0200 free-drinks-for-good-deeds-berlin-residents-to-be-rewarded-for-cleaning-up-city Berlin pulls in millions of visitors each year, but new figures and growing complaints raise an awkward question: Is the German capital loosing its draw as a travel destination? https://www.thelocal.de/20260513/is-berlin-losing-its-appeal-as-a-tourist-destination Wed, 13 May 2026 13:36:24 +0200 is-berlin-losing-its-appeal-as-a-tourist-destination A German holidaymaker has won almost €1,000 in compensation after lodging a legal complaint about other tourists reserving all the sun loungers at his hotel with towels, a court said Thursday. https://www.thelocal.de/20260507/german-tourist-wins-damages-after-sun-lounger-court-battle Thu, 07 May 2026 15:51:02 +0200 german-tourist-wins-damages-after-sun-lounger-court-battle Camping can be a great way to explore Germany, spend some time with the country’s natural wonders and save a bit on accommodation. Here are some tips for organising a camping trip that won't break the bank. https://www.thelocal.de/20250506/tips-for-camping-on-a-budget-in-germany Tue, 06 May 2025 17:34:26 +0200 tips-for-camping-on-a-budget-in-germany In most German states visitors can expect to pay a local tax for overnight stays at hotels. But a recent court ruling in Bavaria confirmed that hotel taxes may not be collected in the southern 'Free State'. https://www.thelocal.de/20251124/where-in-germany-youll-pay-hotel-tax-and-why-you-wont-in-bavaria Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:17:05 +0100 where-in-germany-youll-pay-hotel-tax-and-why-you-wont-in-bavaria Mallorca has long been the favourite place in Spain for German tourists, residents and second homeowners, but recent data suggest that the Mediterranean island is losing its appeal among its main tourism market. https://www.thelocal.de/20250829/why-germans-are-falling-out-of-love-with-mallorca Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:36:47 +0200 why-germans-are-falling-out-of-love-with-mallorca A picture-perfect Alpine mountain lake in Germany draws so many visitors every summer that the first thing they see is crowded busses, traffic jams and a packed-out carpark. https://www.thelocal.de/20250823/summer-brings-overtourism-fears-for-bavarian-caribbean Sat, 23 Aug 2025 11:57:13 +0200 summer-brings-overtourism-fears-for-bavarian-caribbean Germany is not particularly well known for suffering from mass tourism but parts of Bavaria – including the stunning Eibsee – are struggling with overcrowding. How much of a problem is it and how should communities respond? https://www.thelocal.de/20250820/chaos-for-us-how-much-of-a-problem-is-mass-tourism-in-germany Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:15:02 +0200 chaos-for-us-how-much-of-a-problem-is-mass-tourism-in-germany Just over 20 percent of German households can't afford a week long vacation, according to a recent report, with that number rising considerably high in some states. https://www.thelocal.de/20250728/one-in-five-in-germany-cant-afford-a-weeklong-holiday Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:04:10 +0200 one-in-five-in-germany-cant-afford-a-weeklong-holiday With thousands of years of history in Germany to explore, you’re never going to run out of museums to scratch the itch to learn about and fully experience the world of the past. https://www.thelocal.de/20240405/eight-amazing-german-museums-to-explore-this-spring Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:46:55 +0200 eight-amazing-german-museums-to-explore-this-spring Stuck in the city with the temperature rising? Here’s our list of the best city beaches to visit in Germany this summer. https://www.thelocal.de/20250626/ranked-the-best-urban-beaches-in-cities-around-germany Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:05:24 +0200 ranked-the-best-urban-beaches-in-cities-around-germany From transport to accommodation to the cost of food and drink, taking a holiday in Germany is set to get more expensive this summer. https://www.thelocal.de/20250620/hotels-transport-and-food-how-the-cost-of-travel-in-germany-is-rising-this-summer Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:38:55 +0200 hotels-transport-and-food-how-the-cost-of-travel-in-germany-is-rising-this-summer If you want to embrace Germany's nature and holiday like a local, look no further than these camping spots, which are ideal for visiting in the springtime. https://www.thelocal.de/20210823/holiday-like-a-local-five-of-the-best-camping-regions-in-germany Mon, 23 Aug 2021 17:06:55 +0200 holiday-like-a-local-five-of-the-best-camping-regions-in-germany Germany's northern coastline is one of the most beloved holiday destinations in the country. Here are the most popular summer beaches in 2024 - and some alternative options for steering clear of crowds. https://www.thelocal.de/20240717/germanys-most-popular-beaches-in-2024-and-some-less-crowded-alternatives Wed, 17 Jul 2024 17:43:27 +0200 germanys-most-popular-beaches-in-2024-and-some-less-crowded-alternatives If you're looking to explore Germany and get fit at the same time, the five most popular bike routes in the country - compiled by members of the German Cycling Club - are bound to get you inspired. https://www.thelocal.de/20240607/revealed-germanys-most-popular-cycling-routes-for-summer Fri, 07 Jun 2024 17:27:49 +0200 revealed-germanys-most-popular-cycling-routes-for-summer This summer is set to be a busy one in Germany as the country gets ready to stage the Euro 2024 Championship. With millions of tourists set to arrive, we look at what to expect, from public transport to weather. https://www.thelocal.de/20240529/euro-2024-six-things-to-know-about-visiting-germany-this-summer Wed, 29 May 2024 15:02:01 +0200 euro-2024-six-things-to-know-about-visiting-germany-this-summer Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, with a history stretching back just over 2,000 years. It’s a past full of old Roman bones, Gothic architecture and world-famous fine fragrances. But it's possible to explore without breaking the bank. https://www.thelocal.de/20240405/what-to-do-see-and-eat-on-a-budget-friendly-trip-to-cologne Fri, 05 Apr 2024 16:40:46 +0200 what-to-do-see-and-eat-on-a-budget-friendly-trip-to-cologne Camping in Germany has never been more popular, according to a new report by the statistical office. The Local takes a look at camping trends and the nation’s most popular outdoor destinations. https://www.thelocal.de/20240506/revealed-the-most-popular-camping-destinations-in-germany Mon, 06 May 2024 15:05:18 +0200 revealed-the-most-popular-camping-destinations-in-germany Tourist hotspots around Europe are on a crusade to deal with surging visitor numbers. Is it the end of mass tourism in Europe? https://www.thelocal.de/20240425/stay-away-how-europes-most-popular-spots-are-fighting-overtourism Thu, 25 Apr 2024 14:59:15 +0200 stay-away-how-europes-most-popular-spots-are-fighting-overtourism