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Car hire in Germany

Hiring a car in Germany

Famed for its beer and sausages, Germany’s blend of the modern and traditionalmakes it an ideal destination for business or pleasure. With scenery that varies from the Bavarian Alps in the south to the beach resorts in the north and cities like Berlin, Munich and Dusseldorf, there is something to interest everyone.

For those who enjoy visiting cities, Berlin, the county’s capital, is renowned for its history, culture and nightlife. Munich boasts the Allianz Arena, home of the mighty Bayern Munich, while Dusseldorf has one of the longest bars in the world.

If the outdoor life is more your thing, then the vast forests and numerous lakes will have much to offer.

With so much to explore, it is little wonder that Germany is one of the world’s top ten tourist destinations.

What you need to know

Germany is the largest economy in Europe and most of its airports, cities and towns offer a choice of car hire companies. This means plenty of choice for the traveller, as well as ensuring a competitive price.

Using our booking engine, you’ll be able to get the best deals for the car you want, where you want it. In most cases, you will even be able to pick up and drop off the vehicle at different places, giving you an even better chance to see everything that Germany has to offer.

Where to pick up your car

To make the most of your visit, you’ll need to pick a hire car supplier that suits you. There is a choice of companies at most of the airports. You can even pick up a car from the nearest city if that’s what you’d prefer.

Although you can select your car supplier when you arrive, booking in advance is always a good idea to secure the vehicle you want at the price you want. Holiday Autos also offer 24/7 support and will resolve any problems quickly.

Best Car Rental Companies Germany

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Car Rental Reviews Germany

  • “The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.”
    Diane T

Where to go

Germany is a big place, so you would need a long visit to see its best attractions, however, even those on a short break can still get a flavour of the local culture.

One of Germany's best-known features is its forests, with the Black Forest being the most famous. Within a couple of hours’ drive of Stuttgart, the Forest has of course gateaux, plus hiking, skiing, lakes and museums.

Cologne Cathedral is the county’s most visited landmark, and the city offers a host of museums, parks and its old town. Berlin meanwhile is known for its architecture, culture and nightlife.

For car lovers, there is a huge choice to visit, including Stuttgart’s Porsche factory, Munich’s BMW factory and Volkswagen’s Transparent Factory in Dresden. If racing is more your thing, then there’s the Hockenheim racing circuit and, of course, the famous Nordschleife or Nürburgring.

Driving in Germany

While Germany is known for having autobahns with no speed limit, this actually only applies to around half of the network. You will also need to make sure that you are carrying your driving licence with you if you are driving. The German police have powers to ask foreign motorists to deposit a sum of money when they enter the country. If they refuse or are unable to pay, their vehicle can be confiscated, so be careful and, like in many other European countries, you need to remember to drive on the right!

Immortalised by synth-pioneers Kraftwerk there is an extensive motorway (or autobahn) network linking the larger towns. In fact, there are more than 8,000 miles of autobahn. As long as you are not driving a truck, there are no motorway tolls to worry about.

Longer drives

Germany is a land of contrasts - with countryside, villages, cities, woods, mountains and lakes. The Alps offer skiing, walking and breathtaking views, while the more urban areas are known for their architecture, museums, parks and culture. There is plenty to see, but you may also want to visit some neighbouring countries, like Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Southern Germany is famous for its many lakes fringed by sandy beaches, whose clear waters are perfect for fishing, swimming and watersports. If you are a Disney fan, you may recognise Neuschwanstein Castle near to Füssen in south-west Bavaria, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The castle also features in a number of movies, including the Great Escape and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Motorway service areas are also well appointed if you need to stop, with fuel, restaurants, toilets and shops. Some of the larger ones benefit from hotels, showers, playgrounds and even chapels.

Top attractions in Germany

Germany really does have a lot to offer, but here are some of the highlights of the central European country.

Berlin

Berlin - Germany’s capital city lies in the north-east of the country. Once divided by the Berlin Wall, the city is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Attractions include the majestic Brandenburg Gate, the heavily modernised Reichstag, UNESCO World Heritage Site Museum Island and the 1960s Berlin Television Tower.

Munich

The capital of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany, Munich is famed for its Englischer Garten (English Garden), the biggest city park in the country.

For beer lovers, Oktoberfest is the place to be, attracting nearly six million visitors who work their way through 7.3 million litres of beer.

If exotic animals are more your thing, then give the 89 acre, Hellabrunn Zoo a try. With over 750 species of animal, the zoo also boasts footpaths, playgrounds, and picnic spots.

Cologne

Straddling the River Rhine, Cologne has a twin-spired cathedral that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

If you have the stamina, then climbing the 509 steps to the top takes nearly an hour. If that’s not enough for you, then there are also 36 museums and more than 100 galleries in the city.

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