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Berlin

Official language

German

220 volt; 2-pronged round plug / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Banks

9.00 am–6.00 pm (Mon–Fri)
Opening hours may vary. Some banks close as early as 4.00 pm or during lunchtime. Certain banks also offer extended opening hours on selected weekdays, usually until 8.00 pm.

Stores

9.00 am–8.00 pm (Mon–Sat)
Supermarkets are often open throughout the day, while smaller shops may close briefly at lunchtime. Most shops are closed on Sundays, with exceptions in tourist areas or on special shopping Sundays.

• 1 January: New Year’s Day
• Variable dates: Good Friday and Easter Monday
• 1 May: Labour Day
• 39 days after Easter Sunday: Ascension Day
• 50 days after Easter Sunday: Whit Monday
• 3 October: German Unity Day
• 31 October: Reformation Day (in some federal states)
• 1 November: All Saints’ Day (in some federal states)
• 25 December: Christmas Day
• 26 December: Boxing Day

The country is part of the Schengen Area. The following information is intended for Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland.

The following documents are required to enter Germany:

• A valid Swiss identity card or Swiss passport

• No visa is required.

• Minors: A letter of consent is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without either parent.

- Information last updated in September 2025 -

Northern Germany:

• Winter (December to February): Average temperatures of 0 to 5°C.
• Summer (June to August): Average temperatures of 18 to 25°C.
• Spring and autumn: Average temperatures of 5 to 15°C.

Western Germany (Rhineland):

• Winter: Average temperatures of 0 to 6°C.
• Summer: Average temperatures of 20 to 26°C.
• Spring and autumn: Average temperatures of 5 to 15°C.

Eastern Germany:

• Winter: Average temperatures of -2 to 3°C.
• Summer: Average temperatures of 19 to 25°C.
• Spring and autumn: Average temperatures of 5 to 15°C.

Southern Germany (Alpine foothills):

• Winter: Average temperatures of -2 to 5°C.
• Summer: Average temperatures of 22 to 28°C.
• Spring and autumn: Average temperatures of 5 to 15°C.

The best time to visit Germany:

• Beach holidays: June–August (North Sea and Baltic Sea)
• City breaks: City breaks can be enjoyed all year round, but spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are considered ideal.
• Winter holidays: December–March for winter sports in Alpine regions (e.g. Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg). Christmas markets in German cities also make winter an attractive time to visit.

• Mobile phone use: Charges apply when using a mobile phone in Germany (roaming). It is advisable to check roaming charges before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a special roaming package to reduce costs.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is often available in hotels, cafés, restaurants and railway stations, sometimes following a short registration or with a password. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are common in cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, but are not available everywhere. A VPN is recommended for secure browsing, especially when using open networks.
• Prepaid SIM cards: You can buy a prepaid SIM card locally to make domestic calls and use mobile data. Telekom, Vodafone and O2 sell SIM cards in shops, kiosks and supermarkets (e.g. Aldi and Lidl). Registration with an identity document is usually required.

• Brandenburg Gate (Berlin): A symbol of German unity and one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.
• Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria): A fairytale castle, an icon of Romanticism and the inspiration for Disney’s castle.
• Cologne Cathedral (Cologne): An impressive Gothic cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sanssouci Palace (Potsdam): A magnificent palace surrounded by parkland and a masterpiece of Rococo architecture.
• Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberg): One of Europe’s oldest university cities, with an imposing castle overlooking the River Neckar.
• Zwinger Palace (Dresden): A Baroque palace complex with museums and galleries.
• The Lorelei (Rhine): A striking rock formation on the Rhine, famous for its cultural and legendary significance.
• Port of Hamburg (Hamburg): One of Europe’s largest ports, with a maritime atmosphere and modern architecture.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Bavaria): A well-preserved medieval town with picturesque lanes and half-timbered houses.
• Berlin Wall (Berlin): A historic symbol of Germany’s division, now adorned with works of art at the East Side Gallery.
• Black Forest (Baden-Württemberg): A picturesque region with dense forests, traditional villages and Black Forest gateau.
• Eltz Castle (Rhineland-Palatinate): A fairytale castle perched high in the forest and considered one of Germany’s most beautiful castles.
• Frauenkirche (Dresden): A Baroque church with an impressive dome and symbolic importance for reconciliation.
• Miniatur Wunderland (Hamburg): The world’s largest model railway and a fascinating technical attraction.
• Berlinische Galerie (Berlin): A museum of modern art, photography and architecture in Berlin.

Travel inspiration:

• Hidden gems: German destinations off the beaten track

• Unique attractions in Munich: Discover the city’s coolest places

• Hamburg attractions and highlights: Your guide to the perfect city break

• Servus Bavaria! Your guide to cities, nature and cuisine

• Holidays in the Black Forest: Attractions, routes and hotel tips

• The most beautiful attractions in Nuremberg for your city break

• The best attractions in Stuttgart: Top highlights for a city break

• Regional variety: Germany offers a wealth of culinary diversity that varies from one region to another. Each region has its own specialities and culinary traditions.

• Hearty cuisine: German cuisine is known for its hearty dishes. Popular ingredients include meat, potatoes, cabbage and sausages. Classics such as schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut and potato salad are widely available.

• Beer culture: Germany is famous for its beer culture. Beer gardens and pubs are popular places to sample local beers. The Purity Law of 1516 regulates the quality of beer.

• Baking tradition: Germany has an impressive baking tradition, with a wealth of breads and pastries. Pretzels, dark bread, rye bread and stollen are just a few examples.

• International influences: Germany’s global outlook is also reflected in its gastronomy. Restaurants serve dishes from many different parts of the world.

• Street food and snack-bar culture: Street food and snack bars are popular in German cities. They offer a quick and inexpensive way to enjoy specialities such as currywurst, döner kebab and chips.

• Gourmet cuisine: Germany has a thriving gourmet scene with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. These offer innovative culinary experiences and focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

• Café culture: Café culture is an integral part of German gastronomy. Cafés offer a variety of coffee specialities, cakes and gateaux, such as Black Forest gateau.

• Wine culture: Winegrowing is widespread in Germany, particularly in regions such as the Rheingau. Wine taverns and seasonal wine bars offer a broad selection of German wines.

• Sustainability and regional produce: In recent years, sustainability and regional produce have become increasingly important in the culinary sector. Local products and environmentally friendly practices are gaining in significance.

From cosy inns and traditional beer gardens to modern fine-dining establishments, German gastronomy offers a wide range of culinary experiences. Traditional inns are particularly popular, serving regional specialities such as bratwurst, schnitzel and sauerkraut in a welcoming atmosphere.

• Greetings: In Germany, it is customary to greet people with a firm but not overly strong handshake. A friendly “Hallo” or “Guten Tag” accompanies the greeting.
• Saying please and thank you: Politeness is important in Germany. Say “bitte” when asking for something and “danke” to express gratitude.
• Clothing: Germans tend to dress rather conservatively. Smart clothing is appreciated in formal settings and restaurants, while casual clothing is acceptable in informal situations.
• Dining etiquette: Punctuality is appreciated when dining. Forks are held in the left hand and knives in the right. Slurping soup is avoided, and it is customary to leave the knife and fork on the plate when not eating.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in most public facilities, restaurants and on public transport. Smoking is often restricted to specially designated areas.
• Tipping: Tipping is customary in Germany, but tips are not as generous as in some other countries. Round up the bill or leave a tip of around 5–10% in restaurants.

• Drinking water quality: The quality of drinking water in Germany is generally very high and is strictly monitored. Water suppliers ensure that drinking water complies with legal standards, meaning that fresh tap water can be consumed safely almost everywhere in Germany.
• Vaccinations: As a rule, there are no specific vaccination requirements for entry into Germany. However, travellers are advised to ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. These include vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and measles.

- Information last updated in September 2025 -

• Medical care is available. The European Health Insurance Card must be presented when receiving medical treatment. Nevertheless, hospitals generally require a financial guarantee before providing treatment (credit card or advance payment).
• If you depend on specific medication, you should ensure that your travel medical kit contains an adequate supply. Please note, however, that many countries have special regulations governing the import of medication containing narcotic substances (e.g. methadone) and substances used to treat mental illnesses. If necessary, contact the relevant foreign representation (embassy or consulate) directly before departure.

- Information last updated in September 2025 -

• Before and during your trip, consult the media for information about the current situation and stay in contact with your tour operator.
• More information about the current security situation is available on the website of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
• Despite increased security measures, there is a risk of terrorist attacks.
• Be alert to pickpockets and fraudsters in large cities and tourist hotspots.

- Information last updated in September 2025 -

• Driving licence: A Swiss driving licence is recognised for six months.
• Car hire: Depending on the car hire company and vehicle category, the minimum age for drivers ranges from 18 to 25. Drivers must have held their driving licence for at least two or three years.
• Traffic regulations: Maximum speed: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h outside built-up areas and 130* km/h on motorways (*recommended).
• Vehicle equipment: CH sticker and warning triangle compulsory.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰. 0‰ for professional drivers, drivers under the age of 21 and new drivers who have held their driving licence for less than two years.

• Long-distance trains: Deutsche Bahn operates long-distance trains, including the Intercity Express (ICE), which is known for its speed and comfort. Intercity (IC) trains connect medium-sized cities, while EuroCity (EC) trains operate international routes linking Germany with other European countries.
• Regional trains: Regional Express (RE) and Regionalbahn (RB) services are available for shorter journeys and connections to rural areas. In larger cities, S-Bahn trains also provide fast connections between the suburbs and city centres.
• Buses: Long-distance coaches such as FlixBus are an inexpensive alternative for longer journeys between cities. Local buses provide comprehensive urban transport.
• Underground: Major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt have underground systems that offer an efficient and fast means of local transport.
• Tickets: Travellers can conveniently purchase tickets using the DB Navigator app or from ticket machines at railway stations. Online booking via the Deutsche Bahn website is another practical option.

• Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Direct connections from Zurich, Geneva and Basel
• Munich Airport (MUC): Direct connections from Zurich, Geneva and Basel
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS): Direct connections from Zurich and Geneva
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): Direct connections from Zurich and Geneva
• Hamburg Airport (HAM): Direct connections from Zurich and Geneva
• Stuttgart Airport (STR): Direct connections from Zurich and Geneva
• Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): Direct connections from Zurich
• Hannover Airport (HAJ): Direct connections from Zurich
• Nuremberg Airport (NUE): Direct connections from Zurich
• Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ): Direct connections from Zurich

The main airlines operating in Germany are Lufthansa, Eurowings, Condor, TUI fly, SWISS, Ryanair and easyJet.

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

• General emergency number: 112
• Police: 110
• ADAC breakdown assistance: 22 22 22

Otto-von-Bismarck-Allee 4A
10557 Berlin
Tel. +49 30 390 40 00
Email: berlin@eda.admin.ch

Special legal provisions

• Very strict laws are in place to combat drug-related offences.
• Anyone who causes parking damage must wait until the police arrive at the scene. Leaving the scene prematurely is considered a hit-and-run offence and is subject to criminal prosecution (even if contact details are left).
• Penalties for juvenile offenders are generally more severe than in Switzerland.

- Information last updated in September 2025 -