May in Germany?

Posted by New English (New England) on 08/22/22 06:27 PM

New to the forum and thanks in advance for your insights. Rick Steves puts the tourist season in Germany as May through Sept. -- I'm exploring the idea of a trip in May, hoping the travel season won't be in full swing yet. I'm looking at the south -- Munich / Bavaria, west to the Black Forest region, Romantic Road, Trier, and then a few days in Berlin.

If you have experience traveling to any of these areas in May, I'd love to get your insights as to crowd sizes, ability to book lodging as well as tickets for sites and tours, etc. I've never been and am getting excited at the prospect of exploring.

And thanks again!

Posted by Karen

Imperial, Missouri

08/22/22 07:18 PM

1002 posts

May is my favorite time to go to Germany. The weather is usually nice, warm enough but not yet too hot (that of course can vary.) The days are long. Flowers are starting to bloom. And, it’s spargel season! Don’t miss trying some spargel (asparagus) dish while you are there. There are usually a lot of strawberry treats at that time, too. I’ve been to all the places you mentioned at this time of year except Berlin. Munich and other popular tourist sites will have crowds already, but I don’t find the crowds too bad. Even in Munich you can get away from the crowds easily as they are concentrated in certain areas. I can’t speak to booking lodging on the spot, because I’ve never done that, but you won’t have any problem finding lodging even a few weeks before. I haven’t had any problem getting tickets to places I wanted to go on the spot at this time of year, but of course check for anything that might have a requirement to book in advance.

Posted by Chris

08/22/22 10:01 PM

526 posts

You're gonna be more than fine. I think that's a great time to travel. Bring lightweight layers.

Posted by Gary Mc

Salt Lake City

08/23/22 12:02 AM

1528 posts

Actually April and October are pretty nice as well. We went April-May this year and had good weather, though a light jacket was nice most of the time. Rooms were easy to reserve this year in the Bavarian towns. The restaurant industry had not fully reopened from Covid and reservations were often needed. With the warming-drying trend in Europe, folks may be looking at the shoulder season more. I would still reserve rooms early.

Posted by Dave

Southeast US

08/23/22 02:20 AM

4046 posts

I have traveled to Munich, Bavaria, the Black Forest, and Berlin in May. It's a great time to be there. I would suggest starting in Berlin and ending in the Alps. The Black Forest is better appreciated before the Alps than after the Alps. It may be kind of. a let down after the Alps. Also, some of the Bavaria stuff is more likely to be open later in May. Eagle's Nest, for example, tends to open mid to late May. The Königssee boat schedule gets an extra hour per day in mid to late May, too (May 21 this year!).

A unique event in Berlin in early May is Tulipan... the annual tulip show in Britzer Garten. It's a nice escape from the city if you have plenty of time there. https://www.britzergarten.de/en/green-oasis/flower-shows/tulipan/