17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Germany
Germany is often perceived as an expensive destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers incredible value. By leveraging the extensive public transport network, indulging in the world-famous street food culture (hello, Döner and Currywurst!), and staying in some of Europe's highest-rated hostels, you can see the best of this historic nation for under $35 a day.
This 17-day journey takes you on a logical loop through the country's most iconic cities and natural wonders. From the gritty, creative pulse of Berlin to the majestic Bavarian Alps and the dense woods of the southwest, you'll experience the diverse regional cultures that make Germany unique without breaking your bank account.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Berlin - Arrival & Street Food Crawl
Arrival at Brandenburg Airport
Land in Germany's capital and take the FEX train or S-Bahn into the city center using a standard ABC zone ticket.
Checkpoint Charlie & Topography of Terror
Visit the site of the famous border crossing and the free outdoor exhibition detailing the history of the SS and Gestapo.
Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag
Walk through the iconic gate and view the parliament building. Pro tip: book the Reichstag dome tour weeks in advance for free!
Dinner in Kreuzberg
Head to Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap for the city's most famous (and affordable) chicken kebab, or grab a Currywurst at Curry 36.
Day 2: Berlin - History of the Wall
East Side Gallery
Walk the 1.3km section of the Berlin Wall covered in murals by international artists, including the famous 'Fraternal Kiss'.
Bernauer Straße Memorial
The most comprehensive site for understanding the Wall's impact, featuring a preserved section of the 'death strip'.
Mauerpark
Explore the flea market and, if it's Sunday, join the massive Bearpit Karaoke for free entertainment.
RAW-Gelände
Visit this former train repair yard turned cultural space for cheap drinks and a look at Berlin's industrial-cool nightlife.
Day 3: Berlin - Museum Island & Parks
Museum Island Exterior Walk
Admire the stunning architecture of the Altes Museum and the Berliner Dom. Take photos from the Lustgarten park.
Tiergarten Picnic
Buy bread, cheese, and meats from a local REWE or EDEKA supermarket and enjoy a budget lunch in Berlin's largest park.
Victory Column (Siegessäule)
Pay a small fee (one of the few you should) to climb the column for the best panoramic view of the Tiergarten and city skyline.
Hackescher Markt
Wander through the hidden courtyards (Höfe) for street art and boutique window shopping before finding a cheap noodle bar.
Day 4: Hamburg - Harbor Vibes & Canals
Bus to Hamburg
Take a 3-hour FlixBus from Berlin Alexanderplatz to Hamburg ZOB. Booking early keeps the cost under 10 Euros.
Landungsbrücken
Explore the floating piers. Use your local transport ticket to hop on the Ferry 62 for a 30-minute 'harbor cruise' for free.
Elbphilharmonie Plaza
Access the public viewing platform of this architectural marvel for free to get 360-degree views of the Elbe River.
Reeperbahn Walk
Walk through St. Pauli, the world-famous red-light and entertainment district. Grab a cheap Astra beer at a local 'Kneipe'.
Day 5: Hamburg - Warehouse District & Reeperbahn
Speicherstadt
Walk through the world's largest warehouse district, a UNESCO site known for its red-brick Gothic Revival architecture.
Chilehaus
Visit this 1920s expressionist brick building that resembles a ship's bow, another architectural highlight for photography lovers.
Planten un Blomen
Relax in this massive park. If visiting in summer, stay for the free water-light concerts held every evening.
Sternschanze Dinner
Find affordable falafel or pizza in this alternative neighborhood, a local favorite away from the tourist traps.
Day 6: Cologne - The Great Cathedral
Train to Cologne
Board a regional or IC train. Use the Deutschland-Ticket if you have it, or book a 'Sparpreis' ticket on the DB Navigator app.
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Entry to the main floor of this massive Gothic masterpiece is free. It’s located directly next to the train station.
Hohenzollern Bridge
Walk across the famous 'Love Lock' bridge for the classic postcard view of the cathedral and the river.
Altstadt Brauhaus Visit
Visit a traditional brewery like Früh am Dom. A small glass of Kölsch beer is cheap and a mandatory cultural experience.
Day 7: Cologne - Belgian Quarter & Rhine Side
Belgisches Viertel
Explore Cologne's hippest neighborhood. Window shop the boutiques and grab a coffee at Brüsseler Platz.
Rheinpark
Cross the river to the Deutz side for a stroll in the park and the best skyline views of the city.
Schildergasse
Wander the busiest shopping street in Germany for people-watching and grabbing a quick budget snack from a bakery.
Eigelstein District
Explore this historic northern gate area for affordable Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Day 8: Frankfurt - Skyscrapers & Old Town
Train to Frankfurt
A quick 1.5-hour journey by ICE or 2.5 hours by regional train brings you to Germany's financial heart.
Römerberg
Visit the historic heart of Frankfurt with its iconic half-timbered houses and the Old Town Hall.
Main River Walk
Walk along the Mainkai for views of the 'Mainhattan' skyline—the only major skyscraper cluster in Germany.
Sachsenhausen Cider
Cross to the south side to try 'Apfelwein' (apple wine) in a traditional tavern. It's one of the cheapest drinks in the city.
Day 9: Freiburg - Gateway to the Black Forest
Train to Freiburg im Breisgau
Head south toward the Swiss border. Freiburg is one of Germany’s sunniest and most eco-friendly cities.
Freiburg Minster
Admire the red sandstone cathedral and navigate the 'Bächle'—small water-filled canals running through the streets.
Schlossberg Hill
Hike up the hill for a sunset view over the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley. There is a free staircase path.
Student District Dinner
Being a major university city, the area around the Uni has dozens of budget-friendly pasta and burger joints.
Day 10: Freiburg - Black Forest Hiking
Höllentalbahn Ride
Take the train through the 'Hell's Valley'. If your hostel provides a KONUS card, this scenic trip is completely free.
Lake Titisee
Explore this glacier-formed lake. Avoid the expensive lakeside cafes; walk the 6km loop around the lake instead.
Hike to Hochfirst Tower
A moderately steep hike from the lake leads to a tower with views extending to the Swiss Alps on clear days.
Black Forest Cake Stop
Find a small bakery in a village to try an authentic slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte for a few Euros.
Day 11: Munich - Bavarian Culture & Surfing
Bus to Munich
A longer 4.5-hour journey through the scenic foothills of the Alps. Pack a lunch to save money on the road.
Eisbachwelle Surfing
Watch local surfers tackle the standing wave in the English Garden—a free and fascinating Munich spectacle.
English Garden (Englischer Garten)
Wander through one of the world's largest urban parks. Visit the Chinese Tower and its massive beer garden.
Marienplatz & Glockenspiel
Visit the city's central square to see the New Town Hall. At night, the square is beautifully lit and perfect for a walk.
Day 12: Munich - Royal Gardens & History
Odeonsplatz & Hofgarten
Explore the Italian-style square and the serene royal gardens. Perfect for morning photos.
Viktualienmarkt
Munich’s gourmet food market. Grab a 'Leberkäsesemmel' (meatloaf roll) from a butcher stall for a very cheap, local lunch.
Hofbräuhaus (External)
Visit the world's most famous beer hall. You don't have to buy a beer to walk through and enjoy the oompah band atmosphere.
Olympic Park
Take the U-Bahn to the 1972 Olympic site. Walk up the Olympiaberg hill for a free view of the stadium and the BMW Welt.
Day 13: Munich - Dachau History
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
Take the S-Bahn to Dachau. Admission is free. This is a sobering but essential experience for understanding German history.
Nymphenburg Palace Gardens
The palace interior costs money, but the expansive, manicured Baroque gardens are free to roam.
Augustiner-Keller
Enjoy a final Bavarian evening at one of the city's most authentic beer gardens, favored more by locals than tourists.
Isar River Walk
Join the local youth on the banks of the Isar for a 'Feierabendbier' (after-work beer) under the Reichenbach Bridge.
Day 14: Dresden - Baroque Architecture
Train to Dresden
Travel from Bavaria to Saxony. This 4.5-hour journey connects you to the 'Florence on the Elbe'.
Frauenkirche
Visit the stunning church that was completely rebuilt after WWII. Entry to the sanctuary is free (check times for services).
Zwinger Palace Courtyard
Walk through the palatial complex’s gardens and galleries. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
Brühl's Terrace
Stroll along the 'Balcony of Europe' overlooking the Elbe River as the city lights up.
Day 15: Dresden - Alternative Neustadt
Kunsthofpassage
Explore these hidden courtyards in the New Town, famous for the 'singing drainpipes' building and vibrant art.
Pfunds Molkerei
Visit the 'world's most beautiful dairy shop' covered in hand-painted tiles. It's free to enter and look.
Alaunpark
Hang out with local students and artists in this park, the heart of Dresden's alternative scene.
Doner & Craft Beer
The Neustadt is packed with affordable international food. Grab a cheap bite before exploring the local pub scene.
Day 16: Saxon Switzerland - Bastei Bridge Day Trip
S-Bahn to Kurort Rathen
A 40-minute train ride from Dresden brings you to the gateway of one of Germany's most beautiful National Parks.
Hike to Bastei Bridge
The hike up to the iconic stone bridge nestled among jagged sandstone pillars is free and offers breathtaking views.
Neurathen Castle Ruins
Explore the ruins of an old rock castle (small entry fee) situated right on the cliffs for unique perspectives.
Elbe River Ferry
Take the small ferry across the river back to the train station and enjoy the view of the Lilienstein mountain.
Day 17: Berlin - Last Bites & Departure
Return to Berlin
A final 2.5-hour train or bus ride takes you back to the capital for your departure flight.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the Ampelmann shop or a local flea market to pick up a piece of Berlin history before heading to the airport.
Airport Transfer
Take the S-Bahn back to BER Airport, completing your 17-day epic budget journey through Deutschland.
Departure
End of an incredible budget backpacking journey.
Best Time to Visit Germany
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. You'll avoid the massive summer crowds and the premium prices of August, while still enjoying mild weather perfect for hiking and city walking. Winter (late November to December) is also fantastic for seeing the world-famous Christmas markets, though be prepared for cold temperatures and higher accommodation prices in popular cities like Munich.
Currency & Money
Germany uses the Euro (€). While credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in major stores and restaurants, Germany is surprisingly cash-dependent compared to its neighbors. Small bakeries, kiosks (Spätis), and local pubs often only take cash or have a minimum spend for card use. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up to the nearest Euro or adding 5-10% for good service in restaurants is common practice.
Getting Around Germany
The best way to travel between cities on a budget is via FlixBus or by booking 'Super Sparpreis' tickets on Deutsche Bahn early. If you plan to travel extensively within a single month, the 'Deutschland-Ticket' (49 Euros) is a game-changer, offering unlimited travel on all regional trains, buses, and trams across the country (note: it does not include high-speed ICE/IC trains). Within cities, use the highly efficient S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and tram networks.
